Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons^™

Research Brief: "Financial Well-Being And Post-Deployment Adjustment Among Iraq And Afghanistan War Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study highlights the financial struggles faced by readjusting service-people, particularly for those with poor mental health. However, it has been found that readjusting and money management has a decidedly negative correlation. The outcome of the study includes providing financial literacy information, as well as promoting "meaningful employment" to combat financial issues for returning veterans. This brief recommends that future research should focus on long term effects of these issues, as well as future studies with additional outlying challenges factored in to their relationship with financial issues.

Textbook Alternatives: Faculty Approaches To Reducing Student Costs For Required Course Materials, Ashley Klair Burke

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

American undergraduates spend approximately $600 per semester on required course materials, most of which are traditional textbooks. This study examines the high textbook costs placed on students and the factors contributing to cost increases. Textbook prices have increased more than twice the rate of inflation, approximately 6 percent per year since 1986. The textbook market is unlike many other economic markets within the United States, as instructors set the demand and students make the purchases.

A review of over 128 articles on textbook costs and alternatives provide information for this study. In particular, 16 studies evaluating textbook costs and alternatives …

The Impact Of Education Finance Reform On Student Achievement In Massachusetts, John Yinger

Center for Policy Research

It’s Elementary is a series of essays on topics in education and education policy. The main focus is on education finance in New York State, but general research findings in education and education policy issues in several other states are also discussed. John Yinger, Professor of Economics and Public Administration at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University is the author of most of these essays, although a few are written by or co-authored with other scholars.

Research Brief: "Teaching Post 9/11 Student Veterans With Symptoms Of Ptsd: The Influence Of Faculty Perceptions And Self-Efficacy", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study aims to understand how perceptions of veterans and their military service influence instructor self-efficacy, and is important because enrollment of veterans into higher education is expected to continue increasing. In practice, universities should encourage a collaborative understanding between student veterans and faculty members to assist in producing positive educational outcomes, and policies should consider providing more resources for veterans at universities. Future research should strive to have a larger sample size, and use more neutral words that have fewer negative connotations.

Research Brief: "When Veterans Return: The Role Of Community In Reintegration", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study examines the experiences active duty service members and military veterans face upon their return to civilian life, and reflects that many veterans desire a formal transitional period from military to civilian life in order to help them readjust. Service members should join peer mentor or support groups with other veterans who had similar experiences and feelings about their reintegration into civilian life; policy makers might work with VA administrators to create a comprehensive transitional program for service members who are leaving the military in order to facilitate a smooth re-entry into civilian life. Further exploration of the links …

Identification And Estimation Of Outcome Response With Heterogeneous Treatment Externalities, Tiziano Arduini, Eleonora Patacchini, Edoardo Rainone

Center for Policy Research

This paper studies the identification and estimation of treatment response with heterogeneous spillovers in a network model. We generalize the standard linear-in-means model to allow for multiple groups with between and within-group interactions. We provide a set of identification conditions of peer effects and consider a 2SLS estimation approach. Large sample properties of the proposed estimators are derived. Simulation experiments show that the estimators perform well in finite samples. The model is used to study the effectiveness of policies where peer effects are seen as a mechanism through which the treatments could propagate through the network. When interactions among groups …

Poverty And Proficiency In New York State, John Yinger

Center for Policy Research

It’s Elementary is a series of essays on topics in education and education policy. The main focus is on education finance in New York State, but general research findings in education and education policy issues in several other states are also discussed. John Yinger, Professor of Economics and Public Administration at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University is the author of most of these essays, although a few are written by or co-authored with other scholars.

Research Brief: "Coming Home: Attitudes Toward U.S. Veterans Returning From Iraq", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study focuses on men in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their experiences in service and reintegrating after combat. It also explores whether there is a stigma against these men made by the general public. The authors determined that in general, while the stereotypes of military personnel might be negative, the overall views of service were positive. Future research should address this paradox, as well as determine if there are factors of race and gender involved.

Research Brief: "Housing Instability And Mental Distress Among Us Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study highlights potential relationships between veteran mental health and veteran housing instability. This research shows that veterans reporting housing instability have an increased likelihood of symptoms of mental distress and mental illness, especially among female, younger, and unmarried veterans. Future researchers should conduct similar studies throughout the United States, as well as look at long-term data for the purpose of providing ways to improve quality of life for at-risk veterans.

Research Brief: "Unemployment, Earnings, And Enrollment Among Post 9/11 Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study found that Afghanistan/Iraq era veterans have a higher likelihood of unemployment than non-veterans, with female veterans faring worse than their male counterparts. In practice, female veterans of the post-9/11 era suffer from higher absolute levels of unemployment than male veterans, as well as also experiencing a higher unemployment penalty from their service relative to their civilian counterparts than male veterans do. In policy, policymakers may wish to determine ways to increase utilization of GI Bill benefits among disadvantaged populations to increase their long-term employment and earnings. Suggestions for future study include considering the surge of female veterans, and …

Research Brief: "Health Disparities Among Sexual Minority Women Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes a scholarly article of the same name. It reviews research which discusses the differences in health care between sexual minority women veterans (LGBTQ+) and their heterosexual counterparts.

Research Brief: “Clinical And Demographic Factors Associated With Employment Status In Us Military Veterans Returning From Iraq And Afghanistan”, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief focuses on the connection between employment status and veterans with or without PTSD, mild Traumatic Brain Injury, sleep issues, or pain issues. In practice, depression and those 40+ years of age were associated with the employment status in this study of a sample of post-deployment U.S. veterans. In policy, it is found that policymakers should know that veterans' adjustment issues may not be the threshold of being effective employees. Future research could target combat veterans’ motivations and the ability to pursue education, as well as a study of those who are employed and have had an mTBI and …

Research Brief: "Status Configurations, Military Service And Higher Education", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes a scholarly article of the same name. It reviews research which establishes that military service correlates with individual pursuance of higher education and provides evidence and implications for community colleges to recognize these outcomes.

Research Brief: "Melanoma Incidence Rates Among Whites In The U.S. Military", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about a comparison of melanoma incidence rates between white active-duty military members and the general population in the U.S. In policy and practice, health practitioners should promote skin cancer screenings for active duty service members, older personnel, and veterans; the DoD should look to prevent exposure to melanoma risk factors, such as retiring equipment containing harmful PCBs and providing protective clothing and sunscreen for military personnel who are at risk for developing melanoma. Suggestions for future research include analyzing the increase in melanoma incidence rates among younger male military personnel, analyzing the varying risk factors among the …

Military Spouse Employment Report, Rosalinda V. Maury, Brice Stone

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The Military Spouse Employment Report examines the economic challenges facing military spouses—primarily female spouses of active‑duty service members. Frequent PCS moves, deployments, and unstable local labor markets lead to significantly higher unemployment and underemployment compared to civilian spouses. In 2013, unemployment among active‑duty spouses reached 32%, nearly double civilian rates. Income gaps are substantial: military spouses earn about 38% less than civilian peers, with income declining further when spouses move frequently or have young children. Underemployment is widespread—over 90% report being overqualified by education or experience for their jobs. Licensing and certification barriers further complicate employment, as 35% require professional …

Research Brief: "Caregiving Experiences And Health Conditions Of Women Veteran And Non-Veteran Caregivers", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is a summary of women veteran caregivers experiencing health concerns, including sleeplessness, poor mental health, and some chronic conditions.

Research Brief: "Women Veterans' Healthcare Delivery Preferences And Use By Military Service Era: Findings From The National Survey Of Women Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes a scholarly article of the same name. It reviews research which addresses the differences in women veterans' experiences by era.

Research Brief: "The Demographics Of Military Children And Families", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study examines the the demographics of military families, which can be used to can assist in better serving their needs, reducing their stress, and increasing their happiness with military life. The diversity of these families significantly impacts their interaction with their social networks and societal institutions, and would benefit from policy that creates additional programs aimed at helping military children through critical military transition points. Additional research is needed on how younger children operate in military families, and the impact of supports available for spouses caring for younger children during deployments and separation from their spouse.

Hospital Treatment Rates And Spill-Over Effects: Does Ownership Matter?, Badi H. Baltagi, Yin -Fang Yen

Center for Policy Research

This paper studies the effect of hospital ownership on treatment rates allowing for spatial correlation among hospitals. Competition among hospitals and knowledge spillovers generate significant externalities which we try to capture using the spatial Durbin model. Using a panel of 2342 hospitals in the 48 continental states observed over the period 2005 to 2008, we find significant spatial correlation of medical service treatment rates among hospitals. We also get mixed results on the effect of hospital ownership on treatment rates that depends upon the market structure where the hospital is located and which varies by treatment type.

2014 Military Family Lifestyle Survey: Comprehensive Report, Deborah A. Bradbard, Rosalinda V. Maury, Michele Kimball, Jennifer C.M. Wright, Cammy Elquist Lore, Kathleen Levingston, Cristin Orr Shiffer, Gail Simon-Boyd, Jennifer A. Taylor, Annamaria Mannino White

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This report summarizes the results and analysis of the fifth annual Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey. It covers military lifestyle, civilian intersections, transitioning and veteran employment, financial readiness, and military family members' about and benefits.

Snapshot Of The Ivmf: Annual Report 2014, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This report overviews the accomplishments of the IVMF during 2013-2014.

Research Brief: "Suicides In The Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran And The Hemingway Effect", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about current suicide prevention interventions within the military. In policy and practice, practitioners should monitor the wellness of aging veterans and ensure that a support system exists for their veteran patients, while veterans should participate in social events with other veterans; the VA and DoD should implement programs to ensure that veterans have feelings of belongingness and the VA should monitor veterans' well-being for 2-3 years after service during transitions. Suggestions for future research include examining the communities and veteran service organizations that produce the most useful support for veterans with mental health problems.

Applying For Vocational Rehabilitation And Employment Benefits, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

A detailed two page worksheet on eligibility and how to apply for vocational rehabilitation and unemployment benefits. Helpful for unemployed veterans with disabilities.

Research Brief: "Women Service Members And Veterans Returning To Colleges And Universities: An Exploratory Analysis", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes a scholarly article of the same name. It reviews research which analyzes the impact of being a transitioning woman veteran entering the student veteran sphere.

Research Brief: "Military Children And Families: Strengths And Challenges During Peace And War", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research describes the positive and negative affects of deployment on military families, such as resilience and depression respectively. The data shows that when military families establish strong and supportive relationships, they display more resiliency and tend to be active, optimistic, and self-reliant. These families would benefit from programs that focus on social stability and reducing the stigma associated with mental health care. Future research should focus on identifying the specific strengths and assets that help military children function well during a deployment, as well as studying these effects after deployment.

More Trouble For The New York State Education Finance System, John Yinger

Center for Policy Research

It’s Elementary is a series of essays on topics in education and education policy. The main focus is on education finance in New York State, but general research findings in education and education policy issues in several other states are also discussed. John Yinger, Professor of Economics and Public Administration at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University is the author of most of these essays, although a few are written by or co-authored with other scholars.

Hedonic Housing Prices In Paris: An Unbalanced Spatial Lag Pseudo-Panel Model With Nested Random Effects, Badi H. Baltagi, Georges Bresson, Jean-Michel Etienne

Center for Policy Research

This paper estimates a hedonic housing model based on flats sold in the city of Paris over the period 1990-2003. This is done using maximum likelihood estimation taking into account the nested structure of the data. Paris is historically divided into 20 arrondissements, each divided into four quartiers (quarters), which in turn contain between 15 and 169 blocks (îlot, in French) per quartier. This is an unbalanced pseudo-panel data containing 156,896 transactions. Despite the richness of the data, many neighborhood characteristics are not observed, and we attempt to capture these neighborhood spill-over effects using a spatial lag model. Using Likelihood …

Addressing Trans-Boundary Challenges Through Collaboration: How Organizations "Harmonize" Actions And Decisions Across Problem Landscapes, Rachel Fleishman

Dissertations - ALL

Collaborative governance- or collaboration- has become increasingly important for the design and implementation of public policy in the United States. This dissertation explores concrete and unique policy-related benefits emerging from collaboration, and the processes by which they emerge.

Collaboration is defined broadly as "any interaction between two or more organizations undertaken with the intention to cooperate." This definition is applied in the context of water quality management, where the physical nature of watersheds and the lack of regulatory authority available to policy-makers leads to a variety of collaborative arrangements.

A survey of literatures addressing collaboration from different theoretical angles revealed …

Health Information And Social Security Entitlements, Perry Singleton

Center for Policy Research

This study examines whether new health information, obtained through medical screening, affects entitlements to Social Security benefits. Random assignment of information is derived from a unique feature of the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To examine the effect of information on entitlements, the survey data are matched to administrative data from the Social Security Administration. The results suggest that new health information leads to delayed entitlements, particularly among workers near the early retirement age.

Research Brief: "Soldiers To Citizens: The Link Between Military Service And Volunteering", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research examines the relationship between military service and political engagement, such as voting and volunteering. This study found that older and married veterans were more likely to volunteer than their younger and unmarried counterparts, and therefore veterans who are suffering from depression or loss of purpose might benefit from programs that encourage volunteering. Future research should further investigate the links between individual socioeconomic characteristics, family, social support, and engagement in volunteer work.