Communication Commons^™

The Role Of Peer Irrigators On The Choice And Intensity Of Efficient Irrigation Techniques, Noah Hayward

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

We evaluate the use and the proportion of farmland that uses prominent irrigation practices in Arkansas, USA. A bi-variate sample selection model evaluates the determinants of the share of irrigated land in a farm that uses each practice. We evaluate the relationship between the irrigation practices peers use and the intensity that another farmer utilizes that same irrigation practice(s). So, if a peer of an Arkansas Delta farmer uses center pivot irrigation, for example, it increases the probability that the farmer him or herself will use acreage using center pivot by 66%. Conversely, a peer using surge irrigation only results …

Exploring Missional Partnership Practices Between The Littleton Church Of Christ And Her Peruvian Missionary Partners Through Dwelling In The Word, Justin L. Thompson

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This Doctor of Ministry thesis presents the results of a project in which twelve individuals from two churches on two continents (North and South America) came together via video conference to explore missional partnership practices. These two churches connected through a common missionary and utilized a spiritual discipline called Dwelling in the Word to cultivate relationships, thereby creating a pathway to shared discovery of partnership practices. The problem I identify at the beginning regards transactional partnership, which commonly propels churches toward relationships that treat the other as unequal partners through unilateral, top-down interactions. In response, I present a perichoresis-inspired …

Roli I Fotografisë Në Raportimin Gjatë Luftërave Në Ballkan, Florend Bajrami

Theses and Dissertations

Tema “Roli i fotografisë në raportimin gjatë luftërave në Ballkan” ka për qëllim trajtimin dhe shpjegimin e rolit të fotografisë në procese të ndjeshme siç janë konfliktet e ndryshme apo luftërat. Jemi dëshmitar të lajmeve të ndryshme për ndikimin që ka fotografia në vendimmarrje të rëndësishme në vende të ndryshme në botë.

Fotografitë e luftës së fundit në Kosovë konsiderohet se kanë qenë vula e ndikimit tek personat kompetent dhe tek organet të cilat kanë pasur në dorë “fatin” e Kosovës. Përgjatë kësaj teme do të analizohen dhe shpjegohen fotografi të tilla nga lufta e fundit në Kosovë, fotografi të …

Coherence, Travis Walthall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

COHERENCE is a series of oil paintings and pen drawings that explores open narratives, or different ways to read artwork. The paintings and drawings showcase harmony, or tension, between ambiguous and representational forms. The visual experience requires the viewer to create their own narrative and decipher forms to do so. COHERENCE is a psychological and aesthetic exhibition fueled from human experience— one of fragility, uncertainty, imperfection, beauty, faith and memories.

An Exploratory Study Of Fake News And The 2017 Presidential Elections In Kenya, Anthony Kuria Wanjiru

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study explored the proliferation of fake news in Kenya and sought to uncover if fake news affected the 2017 Presidential Election outcomes. Just like in the two previous elections (2007 and 2013), the 2017 presidential polls were closely contested. The use of social networking sites and other online platforms like websites for campaigns was common during the 2017 Presidential Elections. Presidential candidates did not only set up websites, but also employed bloggers, social media savvy individuals and public relations firms to manage their social media accounts and other parody accounts that they used for their online campaigns. Thus, the …

Fact-Checking In The Digital Era: A Multi-Case Study Of How Newsrooms Address Disinformation During Breaking News, Mary Nyambura Kulundu

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The role of the media is to inform its audience. This entails the supply of truthful and credible information. However, the traditional practices of ascertaining the truthfulness of news sources are now threatened by the rise of social media as a news source. The complexity arises from the fact that social media platforms lack an established means of confirming the credibility of both the source and the information. More so, the established procedures are randomly ignored in the event of breaking news, a time when the newsroom is time-bound and faces the highest risk of misinformation and disinformation. Subsequently, there …

News Media Framing Of Femicide: An Analysis Of Kenyan Newspapers’ Reports On The Killing Of Two Women, Rose Wangui Ng'ang'a

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The Kenyan media has brought to the limelight disturbing issues of women who are murdered as a result of intimate partner violence. However, the framing of the femicide stories has brought about different perspectives in their interpretation, deeming the victims responsible for murder by blaming them. The framing justifies the actions taken by the perpetrators in committing murder. It is therefore against this background that the study focused on analyzing the frames used by the Kenyan media in covering homicide. The objectives that guided the study included; (i) to examine the major frames in the coverage of femicide by Kenyan …

Drought And Food Security In Kenya: Content Analysis Of The Nation And The Standard Newspapers 2018-2019, Mark Simiyu Namaswa

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The study is motivated by repetitive cycles of drought and food security crises in Kenya where there seems to be no solution in dealing with cyclic but erratic weather patterns. The study focused on examining patterns of coverage and prominence of drought and food security stories in two major Kenyan newspapers, The Nation and The Standard and if these trends were event-driven or influenced by among other factors, politics or alters by humanitarian organizations or the scientific community. This study sought to explore media coverage of drought and food security in Kenya over the entire year 2018 and year 2019. …

Coverage Of Climate Change Issues In Kenyan Print Media: A Case Of Daily Nation And Standard Newspapers, Esther Wanja Mungai

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Climate change is an issue of public interest and given the adverse effects of climate change, concerted efforts are imperative as different stakeholders work on solutions. The media with its power to set and build agenda is very critical, especially in its coverage of climate change. This study sought to analyse the extent to which climate change stories are given prominence, the nature of climate change stories, and drivers of climate change stories in The Daily Nation and The Standard between 2018 and 2019. The study was anchored on the agenda setting theory to examine prominence accorded to climate change …

Viability Of Free Newspapers In The Kenyan Market: A Case Of The People Daily, Veronica Wambui Mwangi

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study sought to establish the viability of free newspapers in the Kenyan market, using the case of The People Daily. The research objectives of this study were: (i) to establish the management strategy behind The People Daily’s conversion into a free newspaper; (ii) to determine the relationship between advertising revenue and The People Daily’s viability as a news media outlet; (iii) to assess financial sustainability of The People Daily as a free newspaper; and (iv) to establish the quality control measures that The People Daily has put in place to promote quality journalism. This study was based on the …

Place Of Solutions Journalism In Coverage Of A Crisis: Examining Reporting Of Covid-19 Pandemic In Kenyan Newspapers, Rebecca Mutheu Mutiso

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya in March 2020 created an unprecedented challenge to media houses. Media coverage of the disease raised questions on the best approach that can be used for reporting the Covid-19 crisis and whether journalists should only report the reality of the social and economic impact of the pandemic or they have a duty to also tell stories on the responses to the crisis, an approach referred to as solutions journalism. The study’s objectives were: - (i) examine the major themes in the coverage of Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya’s media, (ii) to explore the …

A Content Analysis Of The Coverage Of Covid-19 In The First Seven Days, Chrystal Celestine Kerubo Onkeo

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study explored how the Kenyan print media covered Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the first seven days after the first infection was confirmed in Kenya. The was guided by the following research objectives: - (i) To find out the prominence the Kenyan media gave COVID-19 stories in the first seven days following the announcement of patient zero, (ii)To identify the frames that were predominantly used by the media in the coverage of COVID-19 following the announcement of patient zero, and (iii)To examine the extent to which COVID-19 stories published in the first seven days following the announcement of patient …

Exploring The Effects Of Digital Disruption On Radio Revenues Among Urban Radio Stations In Kenya, Baron Khamadi Shitemi

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study sought to investigate the effects of digital disruption on radio revenues among urban radio stations in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to explore the trends in radio revenues in a competitive media environment in Kenya; (ii) to examine how radio revenues have been affected by digital disruption; and (iii) to establish new revenue generation strategies adopted by radio stations in Kenya today. The study adopted qualitative approach and employed exploratory research design. Four radio stations in the country were the sample size; Capital FM, Radio Citizen, KBC Radio and Spice FM, where editors, station …

Viability Of Digital Subscription In Uganda: An Analysis Of Chimpreports’ Paywall, Alex Taremwa

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Digital Media in Uganda is experimenting with subscription-based models as an alternative to the traditional advertising model and as a recovery plan from the effects of COVID-19. The objectives for this study were: to identify critical success factors for subscription-based models in digital media platforms, to analyse audience consumption habits vis-a-vis payment for digital content on ChimpsReports, to establish the effect of paywalls on the financial bottom-line of ChimpReports, and to establish the barriers to subscription uptake among digital media in Uganda. The theoretical framework adopted the political economy of the media and the disruption of innovations theories to investigate …

The Impact Of Data Smog On Editorial Processes: An Assessment Of Journalists’ Coverage Of Covid-19 Pandemic In Kenya, Anita Chepkoech Tesot

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study examined the impact of data smog on editorial processes with a focus on how journalists’ coverage of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya was impacted by the avalanche of data against the backdrop of misinformation and disinformation. The study was guided by three objectives: (1) to assess the impact of data smog on the sourcing of Covid-9 stories, (2) to examine how journalists covering Covid-19 cope with data smog, and (3) to assess the extent to which data smog impacted the quality of Covid-19 coverage in Kenyan media. The study used two related theoretical frameworks: The …

Whatsapp In The Newsroom: Utilisation Of Whatsapp In Journalistic Practices In Kenya, Valerie R.A. Koga

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Over the years, technological innovations have become useful in communication and influenced the way people work (UNCTAD, 2018), with social media applications becoming more acceptable for use at work (Agur, 2019; Azeema & Nazuk, 2017; McIntyre & Sobel, 2019). Many newsrooms in Kenya have integrated the use of social media applications in news production. As a result, the social media application WhatsApp has been domesticated by journalists and is widely used as a tool for news gathering and a channel for communication and for news production as a whole. Thus, the study sought to find out what motivates journalists to …

Jr. And Sr. High At-Risk Students Within Poverty: Formation Of The Mentor-Mentee Program In Addressing Their Needs, John J. Noggle

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

In the Spring of 2015, I was driving toward Southwest Arkansas to my new appointment at Stamps First United Methodist Church. As I was driving further south on Highway 71, I began to notice how poverty-stricken South Arkansas was. Towns that were once the commercial service centers to their communities contained empty store buildings and little economic life. It was then that I knew that the majority of children in South Arkansas were At-Risk children in poverty. I felt a call in my Spirit to help those in need by developing a plan of action to help them in meeting …

Corporate Social Advocacy: Addressing Social Justice In The Age Of Black Lives Matter, Asianna Elston

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This research explores corporate advocacy and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Using organizational legitimacy theory as a theoretical framework, this research employed thematic analyses in order to study statements issued by Fortune's 50 most admired companies in response to the re-energized Black Lives Matter movement. These statements were studied using thematic content analysis in order to gauge corporate engagement with the movement, as well as indicate themes of authenticity or hypocrisy apparent in the statements. The study revealed major themes of support and authentic engagement, as well as highlighted the missing components that may indicate hypocritical stances to …

The Cognition And Enjoyment Of Transmedia Journalism Vs Print Journalism, Lea Crittenden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Transmedia journalism is a growing way to get news stories to readers with the new technology of social media platforms. This study, through surveys and a blog, measured information retention/cognition and preference of the interactive platform(s) and the print platform to see which type of transmedia journalism is preferred more to readers and easier for readers to retain more information. The sample was 31 Digital media undergraduate and graduate students concurrently enrolled in the University of Central Florida's Nicholson School of Communication and Media in the Games & Interactive Media program. All participants received at least one story platform consisting …

The End Or Beginning? Either Way, The Credits Are Not Rolling Yet!, Robert M. Capraro, Mary Margaret Capraro, Jacqueline Leonard, Chance Lewis, Melva R. Grant, Marlon James, Eduardo Mosqueda, Jamaal Young, Ali Bicer, Tarcia Hubert, Alesia Mickle Moldavan, Susan Ophelia Cannon, Hyunkyung Kwon, Michael S. Rugh, Jonas L. Chang

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) Thank you to all our reviewers, editorial board members, authors, and those who chose the Journal of Urban Mathematics Education (JUME) as their outlet of choice this past year. JUME has had many recent successes, and we in the editorial team plan to release the salient performance data for the journal. For JUME to advance its mission, we believe that accountability and transparency are essential. To this end, our readers will from now on receive an annual progress report about JUME in our first issue of each year.

Assessing Market Readiness And Uptake Of Vod Among University Students In Nairobi, Joan Wetumi Njaro

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Digital media has opened up on new opportunities for content creation, distribution and monetization. Dwindling revenues in traditional mainstream media been brought by digital influx of content producers and competitors to media for the advertising cake where media houses now have to compete with content consumers who have become content creators and distributors for digital spaces. Increased penetration of mobile phones and the internet across most parts of the country has created opportunities in media content production and consumption as modes of content consumption have also evolved and innovated with time. It is against that backdrop that innovations such as …

Laugh Until It’S No Longer A Scandal: The Use Of Humorous Apologia To Reframe Crisis Narratives On Saturday Night Live, Vanessa S. Hills

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the role of humor-based apologia as a crisis communication strategy for celebrities. Using a rhetorical method, it explicates the role that humor plays in shaping crisis narratives in response to kategoria within the context of Saturday Night Live. Four case study analyses determine whether the generic parameters of apologia include the use of a humor-based apologia or whether humorous apologiae should be classified as a unique subgenre. These findings further the body of research on apologia and highlight the need for additional research on the effectiveness of humor as a crisis communication strategy.

Implementing A Food Pantry At Butler University, Brooke Blevins

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Hundreds of universities across the United States have taken steps to combat food insecurity among their students by opening an on campus food pantry. As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic brought on many new and unexpected challenges, Butler University made the decision that it was time to open a food pantry on campus to support students who may be struggling to find consistent and affordable food. Through analysis of other university pantries and determining the need of Butler students, the pantry opened in March of 2021 offering free, non-perishable food to any and all Butler students. This thesis outlines …

Love In The Time Of Cinema: A Queer Feminist Analysis Of Reviews Of Four Mainstream Queer Films, Corinne Ebner

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

From a queer-feminist media studies perspective, this paper performs a qualitative discourse analysis on a large selection of film reviews about the recent queer films Atomic Blonde (2017), Call Me by Your Name (2017), Carol (2015), and Rocketman (2019). Given the historically taboo nature of queer relationships on screen, these films stand out as productions that were widely distributed and critically acclaimed while containing explicit depictions of queer romance and sexuality. This analysis compares reviews of the two films centered around gay (male-male) couples—Call Me by Your Name and Rocketman—to those of films centered around lesbian (female-female) couples—Carol and Atomic …

Bulldogs In Crisis: How Butler University Strategically Leverages Its Live Mascot Program During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emilene Jean Smith

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study examines the utilization of higher education live mascot programs from a crisis communication perspective during the Fall 2020 semester amidst the dynamic contextual backdrop of COVID-19. Pulling from theories of relationship marketing and risk management, this research uncovers several best practices for mascot crisis communication including serving as a voice of empathy and as an ambassador for best practices. By looking specifically at Butler University’s live mascot program, this case study analyzed university social media, interviews and artifacts in order to understand how Butler utilized its live mascot program as part of its Fall 2020 semester COVID-19 communication …

Using Improvisational Theater To Evaluate Reciprocal Communication In Neurodivergent Adolescents, Mariesa Christina Larosa

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study aimed to determine the impact of improvisational theater on pragmatic language skills of verbal adolescents on the autism spectrum. Six participants from a five-day virtual improv theater program were evaluated for their abilities to engage in appropriate reciprocal communication. Caregivers of participants completed the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 prior to and after attending intervention to assess pragmatic language skills. During the improv games, participants were evaluated for appropriate reciprocal communication skills through video documentation. Participants did not demonstrate significant improvement in pragmatic language, but the study provides a novel scale to evaluate the quality of reciprocal communication in quantitative …

Equal Access To Higher Education Institutions: An Analysis Of Big East Universities' Web Accessibility, Libbie Adele Rammage

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

More than 26% of the United States nation's population lives with a disability that inhibits the way they navigate and interact with the world. Some impairments may limit the accessibility of information, especially when it comes to viewing websites, applications, and online documents, but modern web accessibility standards aim to eliminate those barriers. The accessibility of information for those with disabilities is especially pertinent when it comes to colleges and universities. While a few researchers have delved into the realm of accessibility for higher education institutions, the current study questions whether small to mid-sized, private, liberal arts university websites are …

Envisioning A New Pakistani Home: Gender, Class, And Identity In Women’S Urdu Journals, 1947-1960, Mehreen Jamal

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The women’s journals published in Urdu during the first decades of Pakistan were vital to understanding the middle-class aspirations for a new national identity, since independence raised concerns among the dutiful citizens for the reformation of the new society, particularly concerning private lives. The writers and readers of these journals belonged to a generation whose lives and ideas had been formed by the Muslim reform literature of late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. From the independence of Pakistan in 1947 to roughly the 1960s, writers in women’s journals engaged in refashioning the ideas of a new Pakistani middle-class respectability, foreseeing …

Netflix, Quarantine, And Chill: An Analysis Of Black Female Representation On 2020 Netflix Original Streaming Movies, Brier Evans

XULAneXUS

This study examines the frequency and nature of Black female representation in Netflix Original films and series released during the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020. As cinema closures drove audiences to streaming platforms, Netflix emerged as the dominant media outlet, raising important questions about how the platform depicted Black women during a year defined by both pandemic isolation and heightened calls for racial justice following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Using content analysis, the researcher coded 112 Netflix Original films and 102 Netflix Original series for the racial identity of main cast members, the frequency of Black …

An Analysis Of The Factors That Impact Medicaid Recipient Tobacco Quit Rates, Raegan Winder

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

Background and Objectives: Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disability and disease in the United States. Individuals of low socioeconomic status are more likely to use tobacco, suffer from tobacco related illness, and fail to quit or stay quit. Medicaid recipients enrolled in the South Dakota QuitLine have significantly lower quit rates than participants who aren’t enrolled in Medicaid. The purpose of this paper is to review the factors that impact Medicaid recipients’ ability to quit or stay quit.
Methods: Tobacco use and demographic data were collected at enrollment and seven months post-enrollment using standardized assessments for 16,323 …