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The Impact Of Media Representation Of Police Use Of Force On Minority Students' Intentions To Pursue Criminal Justice Degrees, Stacey Shawn White

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In recent years, reports of police use of force incidents have proliferated across traditional and social media. The extent and nature of the impact of these reports on the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve have received significant attention from scholars and researchers. In addition, a growing body of literature examining the impact of the media on communities of color and their relationships with and perspectives on law enforcement also exists. However, there is a gap in the research on the effect of media coverage of police use of force incidents on minority criminal justice students. In …

Developing A Presimulation Protocol For Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy, Jennifer Wieworka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inadequate preparation of prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) can damage healthy tissue and cause long-term complications. Proper setup can reduce side effects. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines to help prepare patients for prostate radiation. Guidelines will help nurses coordinate care and manage symptoms for these patients. The purpose of this doctoral project was to address the gap in practice of the lack of a standardized process for implementing presimulation interventions for patients with prostate cancer undergoing RT by developing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG). The practice question for this project focused on the best practices contributing …

Hospitality Industry Employee Turnover, Ericka Dolores Willie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee turnover is detrimental to organizational performance, productivity, and profitability. Decreasing employee turnover is important for hospitality leaders to increase employee productivity, raise customer satisfaction and increase organizational profits. Grounded in Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between employee perceptions of work experience, supervisory practices, employee compensation, and employee turnover. The participants were 100 employees who worked in the hospitality industry on the island of St. Croix. The Employee Turnover Survey was the instrument used in this study and was conducted via Survey Monkey. The results of the multiple linear regression …

Relationship Between Attending Stem Extracurricular Programs And Aspiration Toward Stem Careers, Rani Mohammad Altoum

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Enhancing students’ aspiration toward STEM-related careers is of a great importance for many communities that seeks the transformation to the knowledge-based economy. The problem this study explored was the literature gap in the relationship between Qatar students’ attendance in STEM-related extracurricular programs and their aspiration to pursue STEM-related specializations and careers. The purpose of this quantitative, pre-experimental study was to investigate the relationship between attending STEM extracurricular programs and change in students’ aspiration toward STEM careers. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate if the change in students’ aspiration depends on students’ gender and age group. Social cognitive career theory framed …

Understanding Successful Strategies Human Service First-Level Managers Utilize When Addressing Workplace Incivility, Mary Elizabeth Barlow

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The social problem of workplace incivility is a well-researched issue that impacts employees, work groups, and organizations across the nation. The purpose of this study was to understand how first-level human service managers describe employee turnover in relation to workplace incivility and what first-level human service managers view as successful strategies they have used to address workplace incivility. The theoretical framework utilized for this study was incivility spiral theory, as described by Andersson and Pearson. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to gain an understanding of successful strategies that first-level human service managers utilize when addressing workplace incivility …

The Exploration Of Clinical Supervision For Substance Abuse Social Workers In Bermuda, Steva Aria Bean

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As specialists who bridge the gap between the social work and substance abuse treatment fields, substance abuse social workers are expected to develop themselves as social workers by designation, substance abuse counselors by occupation, and deliver competent therapeutic services that align both professions seamlessly. As documented in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, their support in achieving this feat is clinical supervision. Despite this documentation, a review of the social work literature revealed an absence of information on clinical supervision between the social work and substance abuse fields, their supervisory alliance, and outcomes. Accordingly, this project was …

Cultural Appropriateness Of The Modified Checklist For Autism For Screening Autism In Ghana, Eric Amoako Darquah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in toddlers. The prevalence of this disorder continues to increase, necessitating an early screening tool to support early diagnosis and intervention. Although the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised (M-CHAT-R) has been cross-culturally effective for screening ASD, little research has been done on early screening for ASD characteristics in Ghana. In the current study, the M-CHAT-R was completed by parents (N = 90) of ASD and non-ASD children between the ages of 16 to 60 months at selected special schools and hospitals in Ghana to determine its sensitivity and specificity to …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Campus Law Enforcement Sexual Assault Response, David Alan Ferber

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexual assault violence affects many college students regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, race, or socio-economic background. There is a problem with reporting sexual assaults on college campuses to campus law enforcement officials. The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to utilize the theory of andragogy and social theory to identify the factors that contribute to effective campus law enforcement training as it relates to responding to sexual assaults. The research questions addressing the existing gap in the literature examined whether campus law enforcement officers were receiving adequate training to assist a sexual assault victim and the strategies that are …

University Students’ Low Participation Of The Emergency Text Alert Systems, Charyl Marie Ramsey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Text alert systems can help save lives by alerting individuals to dangers in the area, allowing them to react appropriately to the threat. For example, text alerts can give an individual the time to either run, hide, or fight during an active shooter incident. Conversely, when an individual does not receive an alert, they cannot respond to a threat and may be vulnerable to potential risk. Because no research had been completed on why individuals choose not to enroll in text alert programs, this qualitative study explored why students did not enroll in the text alert programs at their higher …

A Phenomenological Study Of First-Year Elementary Teachers Managing Disruptive Behaviors, Lucina Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research consistently reflects novice teachers’ feelings of inadequacy in effectively responding to students’ disruptive classroom behaviors. Some teachers may quickly default to disciplinary write-ups or make behavior-related referrals to special education. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perspectives of first-year elementary general education teachers about their competency and their tolerance for managing problem behaviors; to identify supports that will strengthen their ability to acquire and use effective behavior management skills, and thus reduce referrals. Social constructionism was the guiding conceptual framework. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted via telephone and analyzed using Moustakas’ adaptation of the Van …

Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Impacts Bone Densitometry, And Fall Fractures In Primary Care, Ifeoma Ude-Okoro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 10 million adults 50 years and older are plagued by osteoporosis; this number has been projected to climb to 14 million by 2020. Osteoporosis is a debilitating disorder characterized by significant loss of bone mass and mineral density. Without proper screening and diagnosis, patients may not receive the appropriate medical treatments to avoid worsening of their condition and its associated complications. Nurses can help identify patients at risk for osteoporosis by administering osteoporosis screening during routine office visits. The practice-focused question asked whether the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) increased the proportion of bone …

Coaches' And Athletic Directors' Inclusion Practices For High School Student-Athletes With Disabilities, Jason Alan Carrera

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe problem that drove this study was the need to improve the inclusive practices for high school student athletes with disabilities in a large, diverse school district. The purpose of this study was to examine how high school coaches and athletic directors provide accommodations for students with disabilities (SWD) and the perceived needs of the coaches and athletic directors to improve inclusion for SWD. The conceptual framework was based on the universal design for learning, an instructional model for students of diverse learning abilities. Research questions were used to explore the perceptions and experiences of high school coaches and athletic …

Neurodiversity And Workplace Social Capital Effects On Employee Attitudes And Intentions, Alice Edwards

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Neurodivergent employees have higher turnover rates than their neurotypical peers, andmuch remains unknown about how to improve their workplace experience. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationships between neurodiversity and workplace social capital on job satisfaction and turnover intent. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) informed the study design. Working adults (N = 1,243) in the United States recruited using convenience sampling and MTurk participated through an anonymous online survey. Data analysis was conducted using three-way ANOVA and mediation. Significant three-way interactions were found between gender, job classification, and likelihood of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) …

Family-Owned Restaurant Owners' Strategies For Business Sustainability, Vickie Eileen Matson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractRestaurants are competitive, high-risk enterprises and have high failure rates. In this environment, family-owned restaurant business owners need operational strategies to sustain their businesses. Grounded in the balanced scorecard theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the operational strategies used by family-owned restaurant owners to sustain their businesses beyond five years. Five family-owned restaurant business owners from South Texas who successfully implemented sound operational strategies participated in the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and company documents, including training manuals, financial reports, business licenses, permits, press releases, and fictitious business name statements. Thematic analysis …

Implementation Of International Society For Technology In Education Standards In Elementary School Teachers’ Pedagogical Science Practices, Rochelle Anne Mccoy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study addressed the problem of whether elementary school teachers are consistently implementing the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards in their pedagogical practices of teaching science. It was evident that half of all teachers in the United States do not consistently implement technology into their instruction. The purpose of this study was to understand elementary school teachers’ perceptions about how teachers are using the three selected ISTE standards during their pedagogical practices when teaching elementary science in order to maximize learning. The technology acceptance model was the conceptual framework used in this study. The research questions focused …

Impact Of New York State Clean Energy Policy Initiative On Renewable Energy Generation, Barry Braimahsaliu Omo-Ikirodah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The New York State renewable portfolio standard program failed to reach its successive targets and did not meet estimated percentage capacity in all program years. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between 6 predictors variables (policy standard and objective, resources and incentive, inter-organizational communication and enforcement activities, characteristics of the implementing agencies,economic,social, and political conditions and disposition of implementers) and implementation performance. Pressman and Wildavsky Implementation theory provided the framework for the study. Data were collected from 251 anonymous participants from the Qualtrics survey audience residents of New York City’s 5 counties. Multiple linear regression …

Parental Perceptions Of Inclusion Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students In The Educational Process, Robin Waltman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex biological disorder that encompasses a wide range of symptoms and varies in degree of severity. Parents and caregivers rely on programs offered by school districts that encourage parental participation in the educational process and have differing views on inclusion in educational decisions. The purpose of the current study was to ascertain the views of parents of children with ASD regarding their inclusion in the educational process. The research question addressed the lived experiences and perceptions of parents of students with and ASD regarding their inclusion in the educational process. A case study methodology …

Territoriality As A Factor In Nursing Incivility, Carolyn Wright

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIncivility and hazing in health care results in unsafe environments, not only for the nurse but also for the client, facility, and other health professionals. The project site, a privately owned medical clinic, has a high employee turnover rate with exit interviews indicating bullying and incivility from long-term nursing staff toward new employees as critical reasons for employee resignation. The literature offers minimal information regarding territoriality, a concept associated with aggressive (i.e., alpha) behaviors in animals and humans and incivility in nursing. The purpose of the project was to identify whether territoriality was a behavioral factor that may have contributed …

How Saudi Small Business Managers Increase Retail Electronic Commerce Sales, Ghasan Abdulaziz Almoamen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractSaudi policymakers developed short-and long-term plans supporting the electronic commerce of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to increase sales. Saudi SME managers who do not take advantage of these plans to increase sales may lose profits. Grounded in Rogers’s diffusion of innovations theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies SME business managers use to increase retail electronic commerce sales. The participants comprised 5 Saudi SME managers from 5 different local retail companies who effectively used strategies to increase retail electronic commerce sales. Data were collected through semistructured audio-visual interviews, company websites, and financial documents. …

Emergency Managers’ Perceptions Of Active Threat Preparedness In Higher Education, Shannon Daniel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The shooting on Virginia Tech’s campus that left 32 dead in 2007 and other incidents since then resulted in active threat preparations at institutions of higher education (IHEs) in the United States. Little is known about how emergency managers understand campus preparedness and what enhanced learning in the implementation, training, and effectiveness of policies. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand how campus emergency managers perceived the effectiveness of the design and implementation of their standard operating procedures to protect against an active threat and what the emergency managers perceived enhanced their learning in the design and …

Motivational Interviewing: A Strategy To Improve Health Professional's Communication, Lanita James

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Miscommunication between patients and healthcare professionals is common in U.S. hospitals and is considered one of the chief factors in reduced patient satisfaction with care. Collaboration with the nurse researcher who reviewed the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (HCAHPS) data for a local hospital noted that negative ratings were directly related to the miscommunication between the patient and care providers. Further identified that the nursing staff was not knowledgeable about evidenced-based strategies needed to communicate effectively with the patients. The purpose of this DNP project was to develop an education program to increase nurses' knowledge about …

Alternative Treatment Method For Dementia In The Southwest Region Of Arizona, Angela May Lynch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative professional administrative study was to explore anddevelop a new innovative method of treatment for dementia clients using reminiscence therapy (RT) in a proposed 24-hour care village in Tucson, Arizona. In this proposed 24- hour care village, patients would remain in an environment conducive to a safe and normal lifestyle. This administrative study is a qualitative study using grounded theory and sources of evidence included current research, personal interviews, and articles. Data were collected from interviews with 10 administrators of memory care facilities in Tucson, Arizona, to determine if existing administrative staff were aware of RT …

Discharge Instructions To Decrease Copd Readmissions, Randee S. Marinaro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. A 301-bed rural hospital in the Midwest had experienced excessive 30-day hospital readmissions with their COPD patients. Two gaps in practice were identified: a lack of uninterrupted time to plan and execute discharge instructions and inconsistent discharge instructions provided to these patients as. The purpose of this project was to educate staff nurses on the importance of implementing a protected time, evidence-based discharge plan for patients diagnosed with COPD. The project explored whether a discharge education program nurses would decrease the 30-day readmission rate for …

The Lived Experiences Of Male Educational Leaders, Natisha Myra Murphy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School systems have been faced with the attrition of male educational leaders in school districts. In particular, male educational leaders in the Maryland school district are pursuing non-educational leadership career paths instead of educational leadership career paths. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of male educational leaders in the Maryland school district who chose to pursue non-educational leadership career paths instead of educational leadership career paths. The conceptual frameworks that guided this study were Rogers’s concepts of ideal self, self-image, and self-worth and Dawis and Lofquist’s concepts of personality, need, and …

Factors Associated With Electronic Cigarette Use Among Adolescents In Texas, Christie Anuli Okonkwo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents has remained a major public health concern. Reports have shown that the adolescent brain is still growing and can be affected by nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals contained in e-cigarettes. The rising trend of e-cigarette use by adolescents has reportedly reached an epidemic, and there is a knowledge gap in the factors associated with this behavior and the provision of appropriate interventions for the at-risk population. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic factors and the tendency of Texas adolescents to use e-cigarettes. This study was a …

The Combined Impact Of Race And Education On Obesity Among U.S. Adults By Fidelis Okoye, Fidelis Chidi Okoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University

College of Health Professions

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Fidelis Okoye

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made.

Review Committee Dr. Vasileios Margaritis, Committee Chairperson, Public Health Faculty Dr. Srikanta Banerjee, Committee Member, Public Health Faculty Dr. James Rohrer, University Reviewer, Public Health Faculty

Chief Academic Officer and ProvostSue Subocz, Ph.D.

Walden University2021

AbstractThe Combined Impact of Race and Education on Obesity Among U.S. Adults by Fidelis Okoye

MA, Walden University, 2009BS, Marygrove College, 2001

Dissertation …

Smoothing Patient Flow By Improving Bed Turnover Time, Carrie Lanasha Percell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Bed Management Solutions (BMS) is a bed tracking system that provides real-time data into hospital activities, including admissions, transfers, discharges, bed turnover rates, and processing time frames. When BMS is used appropriately, it has the potential to improve bed turnover rates, reduce stress of clinical staff, improve patient satisfaction, and improve patients’ well-being. Delays in bed turnover times can create overcrowding, extended wait times, bottlenecking, delays in patient care, and significant patient flow problems. The purpose of this DNP project was to develop a staff education program to answer the question if the implementation of an educational training program could …

Understanding The Role That The Internet And Social Media Plays In Suicide Survivor Bereavement, Catherine Merle Perusse

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Every year more than 47,000 individuals die by suicide in the United States, leaving behind numerous family and friends who become suicide survivors. While there are prodigious amounts of research on suicidal behavior, little research has focused on what the surviving family members, friends, and community members need after the loss. Many suicide survivors use social media to address their grief and pain in a very public manner. A constructionist social theory of grief and existential phenomenology provided the framework for this qualitative study to examine the use of the Internet and social media as a forum for those grieving …

Addressing The Needs Of Students With Foreign Language Anxiety, Amanda Marie Romero

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Foreign language anxiety is a condition in which students of foreign languages experience test anxiety, avoidance of communication, and fear of evaluation that become so inhibiting that their social and academic progress, along with their ability to become global citizens, is significantly stunted. This sequential mixed-methods research study was conducted so that foreign language educators might be better informed about how best to address foreign language anxiety within their classrooms. Because the concept of foreign language anxiety is based upon the idea of the foreign language classroom being uniquely taxing upon students, the stress-coping theory as well as the anxiety/uncertainty …

The Preparedness Of Suffolk County’S Emergency Managers For Drinking Water Disruptions, Richard Rotanz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractFor many years, a chronic issue within Suffolk County, New York, one of the most populated counties in the country, is the deterioration of its drinking water along with its polluted beaches, lakes, and rivers, which are imperative for tourism and the fishing industry. However, little is known regarding the awareness of, and the preparedness towards, any disruptions of drinking water by the community of emergency managers. Narrowing this gap of knowledge was the purpose of this study. The research question examined the knowledge of, the attitudes, and the preparedness levels of the emergency management community of Suffolk County involving …