Digital Commons Network^™

Protect Small Businesses: Addressing Security Threats And Insider Risks, Alan Saquella

Publications

Small businesses face unique security challenges that make them highly vulnerable compared to larger organizations. While large companies often have dedicated teams of cybersecurity experts, fraud examiners, investigators and the resources to implement robust security measures, small businesses typically operate with limited budgets and minimal staff, making them prime targets for a variety of internal and external threats.

A Phenomenological Analysis Of African American Clergy And Congregation Weight Loss Interventions, Linda Fay Carper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Houston African American clergy regarding their roles and effectiveness in leading weight loss interventions within their faith-based communities. The research addresses the gap in peer-reviewed literature on the impact of Houston-area African American faith-based leadership on the success of weight loss initiatives. Grounded in the Transtheoretical Theory, the study explores clergy perceptions of decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change to inform future health interventions. Ten purposive participants, meeting the inclusion criteria of being clergy leaders in Houston-based congregations with at least 50% African American membership, shared their insights. Data were collected …

Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions About Strategies To Teach Reading Comprehension, Carol Judd

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study examined the challenges teachers faced in teaching reading comprehension to secondary students within the study school. Reading comprehension is a key skill for academic success, yet many students struggle to understand complex texts in subjects such as history, science, and mathematics. The purpose of this research is to assess how teachers perceive the integration of reading strategies in core content areas and the impact of professional development on their teaching practices. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was the social cognitive theory of self-efficacy, which suggests that teachers' beliefs in their abilities to implement effective strategies …

Succession Planning And Situational Leadership: The Perceptions And Experiences Of Pastors At Charismatic Bahamian Churches, Kedeisha Aleicia Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental-hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore and understand the succession planning experiences for pastors at charismatic churches in New Providence, Bahamas. The central phenomenon of succession planning is a complex, intentional, continuous, and systemic organizational process that seeks to identify, develop, appoint, and transfer authority to potential leaders (Barbu, 2024; Lacey, 2003; Rothwell, 2016). The guiding theory was Hersey and Blanchard Situational Leadership II (Sbeih & Jones, 2021). The theory’s primary styles were directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating, and they were integrated with succession planning to consider the charismatic nondenominational Bahamian pastoral experiences. The method of …

Perceived Parental Narcissism: The Adult Child's Search Of Romantic Attachment Through Self-Compassion, Deanna A. Bishop

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Narcissistic personality disorder is defined by a strong desire for admiration and apathetic responses to others’ emotional needs making bonding in any relationship difficult (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Healthy bonding within a family environment can be hindered by the lack of empathetic response and agentic behaviors that are characteristic of this personality type (Shaw, 2014). By virtue of innocence and dependency, children are the most vulnerable. The literature illustrates that emotional abuse and neglect, like parental narcissistic abuse, disrupts secure attachment between the parent and the child and can also prevent the child from learning healthy coping mechanisms, such as …

Approaches In Preparing Transfer Degree Students For University Study: A Case Study Of A Community College In Rural Southwest Virginia, Melissa Suzanne Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand approaches for preparing students for their transition to a four-year university following completion of a transfer-focused associate degree at a community college. The theory guiding this study was Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory. The study followed an embedded, single case study design and included faculty members, staff, administrators, and students within the transfer division, along with general college staff at a rural community college in southwest Virginia. The study used surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data which was analyzed to identify relevant themes and unique approaches to preparing transfer …

Luke-Acts Divine Transitions: The Holy Spirit’S Role In Shaping Gentile Inclusion, Celeste Santiago

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigates the writings of Luke, specifically the book of Acts. In analyzing Luke’s writings, he transitions smoothly from one pertinent figure to another and from one significant event to another. One objective of this dissertation is to demonstrate Luke’s narrative of Peter and Paul as chosen leaders or ἐκλέγομαι found in Acts 1:2. “Until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen” (Acts 1:2). The research shows that Luke presents these early key figures, mainly Peter and Paul, in their unique way …

Predicting The Effects Of Cyberpatriot Participation, Internet Experience, Gender, And Grade Level On Cybersecurity Judgment (Intuitive And Rational) Among Middle And High School Students: A Quantitative Predictive Correlational Study, Sarah Shin Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if cybersecurity judgment (intuitive and rational) could be predicted from a linear combination of years of CyberPatriot participation, internet experience, gender, and grade level among middle and high school students. The importance of this study lies in its potential to address a critical gap in understanding factors influencing cybersecurity judgment decisions among middle and high school students. From a suburban high school in the western part of the United States, 123 middle and high school students who participated in the CyberPatriot after-school program volunteered as samples in this study. …

How Irish Women Survived During The Ulster Plantation, Theresa Cartabuke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When the English implemented the Ulster Plantation, many political, social, economic, and religious changes occurred throughout Ireland. When discussing this topic, women largely have been left out of the equation. This dissertation will bring forth new evidence regarding the ways in which Irish women were able to survive during the Ulster Plantation. Many life-altering changes occurred during this time and many women had to do what was necessary to ensure their survival by adapting to new environments and the English way of life. This dissertation will discuss how women were able to utilize English law to benefit their lives and …

Improving Early Detection Of Skin Cancer Through Enhanced Screening Practices, Ashley Cline

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With an effort to enhance early detection and intervention, this research investigates the urgent need for better skin cancer screening procedures. Developing and evaluating a multicomponent intervention to improve skin cancer screening and increase skin cancer early detection rates in primary care settings was the purpose of this project. In order to assess the use of improved screening procedures for early skin cancer detection in the primary care setting at the Complete Health organization’s Ormond Beach branch, the evidence-based practice study used a quasi-experimental approach. The project focused on the clinical question of whether implementing enhanced screening practicessuch as patient …

The Influence Of Socioeconomic Status On Youth Enrolled In Public Urban High Schools: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Destiny Breanna Carrington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of low socioeconomic status (SES) students who were enrolled in a public urban high school. The theory guiding this study is the theory of social cognition, as it describes the fact that since learning happens in social environments, when students are properly supported in the classroom it can change their overall outcomes. Students of low SES may need extra motivation in the classroom, diverse types of instruction, and other positive reinforcement to help them perform better. Reciprocal determinism is at the center of the vortex for social …

The Relationship Between Workplace Bullying And Organizational Commitment: Virtual V. Traditional Working Environment, Christa Lynn Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between workplace bullying and organizational commitment in a virtual workplace compared to a traditional workplace. The importance of conducting this study was due to workplace bullying having serious implications on physical health, psychological health, family conflict, burnout, and intentional turnover which can have an effect on organizational commitment. A survey utilizing the Negative Acts Questionnaire (Einarsen et al., 1991) and the Organizational Commitment Scale (Balfour and Wechsler, 1996) was distributed to a total sample size of 83 participants. Participants in this study were between the ages of 22-65 …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study: The School Principal's Experiences With Education Law, Vanessa Calderon Donahue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to understand the school principal’s experiences with education while managing their school sites. The study applies Knowles' theory of adult learning to create relevant and practical learning and to produce continuous professional development programs on education law for school principals. The central research question guiding this study is: How prepared are principals when addressing legal issues while managing their schools? This hermeneutic phenomenology research study utilizes a constructivist approach to build an understanding of school principals' experiences with education law based on the insights of study participants. The participants comprised ten elementary, …

Exploring The Significance Of Emotional Intelligence In Organizational Effectiveness: A Case Study Of Created To Serve Ministries, Leslie Mcneill Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation addressed the critical imperative of enhancing emotional intelligence within Created 2 Serve Ministries, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering organizational health and effective leadership. The project aimed to comprehensively investigate current emotional intelligence levels within Created 2 Serve Ministries, develop tailored interventions, and implement strategies to improve emotional intelligence among members and leaders. Recognizing that emotional intelligence is essential for cultivating empathetic relationships, resolving conflicts, and navigating the complexities of pastoral care, the rationale for this endeavor was based on identified challenges within the ministry, including interpersonal conflicts, communication breakdowns, and the potential for burnout among leaders. Through …

Bridging The Governance Gap: Addressing Board Turnover And Team Building In Northern California Special Districts, Karin R. Freese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The turnover of publicly elected or appointed board members in Northern California’s special districts poses a significant challenge to effective governance, impacting these local governments' strategic capabilities and mission accomplishment. Despite extensive research on governance, there is a notable gap concerning the effects of turnover and the role of formal training in building effective governance teams in special districts. This qualitative multiple-case study addresses this gap by investigating the governance dynamics following board turnover, focusing on the perspectives of both board members and general managers. Employing a flexible design, the study integrates interviews, document analysis, and archival data to examine …

Finding A Correlation Between Emotional Intelligence And Burnout In Music Teachers In Southeastern Pennsylvania, Richard Raymond Freda

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite studies showing that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence report higher job satisfaction and happiness, relatively few studies have looked at the relationship between higher levels of emotional intelligence and lower levels of teacher burnout, especially among music teachers. With so many music teaching positions going unfilled and many music teachers leaving the profession, it was imperative to find a way to keep music teachers in the classroom. By making teachers aware of their emotional intelligence and how to understand their emotions, it is possible that more music teachers can be retained. In this quantitative study, music teachers …

Experiences Of Black Parents Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder In Obtaining A Timely Diagnosis And Accessing Services: A Phenomenological Study, Bridgette Carolyn Sellers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences and perceptions of Black parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in obtaining a timely diagnosis and accessing services in Texas. Dr. Murray Bowen’s family systems theory was the guiding theory used to provide relevant details to the internal stigma in the Black community which is directly correlated to the disparities surrounding a timely diagnosis and accessing services. The central research question for this study was: what are the reported experiences of Black parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder in obtaining a timely diagnosis and …

A Phenomenology Of Post-Adoption Experiences Of Adoptive Parents, Omowunmi Omotade Ehikhametalor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the post-adoption experiences of adoptive parents in Jamaica. Studies carried out in other jurisdictions are valuable but do not capture the unique experiences of adoptive parents in Jamaica; therefore, this current study sought to fill the research gap. This study's theoretical framework comprises Schlossberg’s transition theory, attachment theory, and parent effectiveness training (PET). Data were collected from a stratified purposive sample of twelve participants using a brief demographic survey, in-depth interviews, and participant journaling. The data were analyzed using Moustakas’ model, and four themes emerged, namely: the inception of adoptive parenthood, the journey …

The Necessity Of Weaknesses In Experiencing The Grace Of God: An Examination Of Paul’S Use Of Grace, Culminating In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Jason Scott Shawa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Paul’s understanding of weakness, grace, and the power of the risen Christ are all important theological truths. This dissertation’s goal is to show that within the Pauline corpus, Paul’s use of “grace” (specifically χάρις) is often inseparable from the experience of weaknesses. This necessitates the inclusion of weaknesses (e.g., distress, persecution, difficulty, pain, and suffering) for the believer to experience the “grace” God offers in and through the power of the crucified and resurrected Christ.

Paul’s understanding of grace is a subject that has far-reaching implications. Understanding his use of χάρις within his corpus is essential to theological studies and …

Exploring The Uses And Gratifications Of Higher Education Online Multimedia Instructional Tools: A Qualitative Study, Shelby Lord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study examined the communication goals that motivate California Community College (CCC) faculty to employ multimedia instructional tools in their online classes. Additionally, this study investigated the positive and negative impacts of multimedia instructional tools on faculty-to-student communication. A qualitative research method was utilized for this research study. Findings were obtained from June 2024 through August 2024 using 25 qualitative semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Participants were faculty who were currently teaching remote classes through the CCC system, faculty who approved the informed consent for the study, and faculty who agreed to participate in a semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis process …

Edification, Exhortation, And Consolation In A Prophetic Context, Drorester Ornas Alexander Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to 1 Corinthians 14 and Ephesians 4, edifying one another is necessary for building Christ’s body in love. Wayne Grudem, a notable theologian, stated that the gift of prophecy in the New Testament is “a human being reporting in merely human words something that God has brought to mind.” The researcher explored how and in what way people are affected by the words of prophecy in a New Testament context. Does the gift of prophecy in Christian music recordings from 2014 to 2024 provide consolation, edification, and exhortation to individuals identifying with Continuationists?

In examining songs containing prophetic contours, …

Racial Reconciliation In Black And White: A Qualitative Study Of Live Mississippi Blues Music Communication, Christian Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research effort is to investigate a problem regarding communication between Black and White Mississippians in live Mississippi blues music settings. The central research question for this study is as follows: Can live Mississippi blues music communication be used as a tool to strengthen race relations between Black and White Mississippians? Few studies exist regarding this matter. Understanding this phenomenon is relevant because racial reconciliation is critical to the Magnolia State’s future success, and research has proven that music can unify individuals. To facilitate comprehension, a thorough literature review describes Mississippi’s racial challenges from the …

Assessing Tolerability With The Functional Assessment Of Cancer Therapy Item Gp5: Psychometric Evidence From Libretto-531, A Phase 3 Trial Of Selpercatinib In Medullary Thyroid Cancer, Antoine Regnault, Laurine Bunod, Angely Loubert, Marcia S. Brose, Lisa M. Hess, Patricia Maeda, Yan Lin, Rebecca M. Speck, Adrienne M. Gilligan, Nalin Payakachat

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: This psychometric analysis generated evidence to support the use of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy item GP5 (GP5) as a measure of tolerability and confirms the appropriateness of categorizing "high side-effect burden" using a rating of 3 or 4 (score ranges 0-4) in patients with advanced/metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

METHODOLOGY: Blinded, pooled interim data from the safety population (n=290) enrolled in the phase 3 LIBRETTO-531 trial (NCT04211337) were used. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for test-retest reliability using data from cycles 1-2 post-baseline. Construct validity was evaluated by examining the correlations of GP5 ratings with …

Influence Of Social Media On Business Performance Of Small And Medium Enterprises, Annmarie Jennifer Calvert-Antoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the significant advantages of using social media marketing, an estimated 25% of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) promote products and services through social media. However, the lack of use by many convenience store managers often results in missed opportunities for increasing sales revenue and reaching a broader customer base. Grounded in the technology acceptance model, this qualitative descriptive study explored convenience store owners' social media strategies to increase brand awareness and grow sales to improve performance. The participants were eight convenience store owners in the Midwestern United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of public …

Counselors’ Lived Experiences Supporting Emerging Adults With Psychiatric Disorders Secure Competitive Employment, Cheryl Lakisha Andrews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is a challenging life experience, further intensified for individuals with psychiatric disorders. While strong social support serves as a key resilience factor, emerging adults with psychiatric disorders face unique challenges in addition to those encountered by their peers. This population is at heightened risk for adverse outcomes, including difficulty securing employment, a critical milestone for adult independence. Counselors play a pivotal role in supporting these individuals but often report feelings of inadequacy and reluctance to engage with this complex developmental stage. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology study explores the lived experiences of counselors who assist emerging …

Staff Education To Increase Confidence And Knowledge Of Workplace Violence In The Outpatient Mental Health Setting, Agnelyne Afugmeyig Ndifor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health care providers are often faced with difficult situations and frequently encounter patients that may exhibit violent or aggressive behavior. Without adequate training and knowledge to manage these situations, there is a risk of harm and a threat to safety for nurses and office staff. Many hospitals and inpatient psychiatric providers provide training and educational modules to educate staff on how to prepare for and manage these situations, but there is not much research about staff confidence in preventing and managing violent or aggressive patients in the outpatient setting. The practice gap that I analyzed in this project was …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Methods Of Elementary Special Education And General Education Co-Teachers Who Foster The Use Of Behavioral Management Strategies For Students With Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Tanekal White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the methods and strategies that special education and general education co-teachers use to foster behavioral management for students with emotional behavior disorders (EBD) in the interrelated resource, inclusive co-taught, and EBD self-contained settings. The theories guiding this study are Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (SET) and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory (SCT). Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy helped explore teachers’ effectiveness in instilling behavioral and instructional strategies, that induce success for students with EBD. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was used to examine the importance of students with EBD being educated alternative ways that ensures compensation for unwanted …

Understanding Special Education Teachers’ Perspectives On The Least Restrictive Environment: A Collective Case Study, Taylor M. Hunter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand how special education teachers interpret and navigate the concept of the least restrictive environment (LRE) standard in providing educational support for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. The guiding theories for this study were behaviorism and social cognitive theory. These theories play a vital role in highlighting teacher efficacy skills and learned behavior, which are directly correlated to decision-making. The central research question for this study was: how do special education teachers interpret and navigate the concept of the LRE in providing educational support for students with intellectual disabilities and …

The Emotional, Physical, And Mental Effects Of Physiological Entrainment And Heart Coherence In The Choral Ensemble, Nicole M. Mattfeld

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite endless studies on the benefits of music related to stress reduction and decreased anxiety, there is more in-depth research in the holistic health realm, which has yet to be applied, especially to music educators. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in the last decade, proving that music can heal the nervous system; and guide one’s body into a state of physical and emotional coherence. This study gathered existing research and applied it through the lens of the choral music educator. Guided by the founders of the HeartMath Institute and additional scientific pioneers, this mixed-method study identified methods of holistic health …

Leadership Professional Development On Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Causal-Comparative Study, Yolanda Michelle Gilyard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in self-efficacy between teachers who are in the process of receiving leadership professional development, those who have completed leadership professional development, and those who have not received leadership professional development. This study is significant because it aims to determine if self-efficacy is different between teachers who are in the process of receiving leadership professional development, those who have completed leadership professional development, and those who have not received leadership professional development. The school district is a Title 1 school with an 87.9% poverty rate. Due …