Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons^™

Research On Smart Intelligence Service System Of National Defense Science And Technology In Complex Information Environment, Yang Yang, Keping Wang, Huawei Sun

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/significance] National defense science and technology intelligence serves as a powerful guarantee for promoting national defense science and techndogy innovation and development. Exploring optimization paths for defense science and technology intelligence service systems holds practical significance in developing new quality combat capabilities and safeguarding national security and stability. [Method/process] Through literature review and summarization, this study clarifies the impact of complex information environments on intelligent defense science and technology intelligence services, as well as the core tasks of intelligent intelligence services. Based on activity theory, the study deconstructs system elements and employs systems engineering principles to construct an intelligent defense …

Digital And Intelligence Empowerment For High-Quality Development Of Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation And Transmission, Xiaoying Zhou, Yuefen Wang, Dongbo Wang, Xukan Xu, Si Shen

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/significance] To address the contemporary opportunities and practical challenges in protection and transmission of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to adopt is imperative. By employing evolving theories, technologies, and methodologies, this paper aims to address existing obstacles, there by advancing the high-quality reservation and transmission of ICH. [Method/process] From the perspective of digital empowerment in information resource management,this paper examines how the discipline can promote the high-quality development of ICH preservation and transmission，this paper analyzes the unique contributions of the information resource management discipline to ICH preservation and transmission.It discussion focuses on the collaborative developm enenabled …

Increasing Access To Rural Resources: A Spatial Exploration Of The Social Implications Of Mobility In Appalachian Kentucky., Anna Morris

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Mobility and accessibility are key predictors in the way that people navigate their communities. However, many rural areas lack holistic transportation systems that support the needs of a diverse range of users. As a result, rural residents, especially rural non-drivers, often face barriers to equitable mobility and access to necessary resources, like healthcare. This study examines the role that mobility plays in facilitating access to healthcare facilities for driving and non-driving populations in Appalachian Kentucky. The study pairs the Enhanced 2-Step Floating Catchment Area method with a demographic index to evaluate mobility equity through spatial accessibility to primary care facilities. …

12-Year Report Of The Massachusetts Community Mediation Center Grant Program (Fiscal Years 2013 – 2024), Madhawa Palihapitiya, Karina Zeferino

Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications

This report examines the development, performance, and impact of the Massachusetts Community Mediation Center Grant Program during its first 12 years, covering fiscal years 2013 through 2024. Established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 75, Section 47, the Grant Program provides operational and programmatic funding to qualified community mediation centers offering free or low-cost dispute resolution services through trained community volunteers. The Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration at the University of Massachusetts Boston administers and evaluates the program.

Over the period examined, the Commonwealth’s annual appropriation increased from $650,000 in FY2013 to approximately $3.2 million in FY2024. This investment stabilized community …

The Cobalt Curse: Cobalt’S Role And Risks, Marley Jackowitz

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper examines the hidden environmental, geopolitical, economic, and social costs of the cobalt supply chain. Fueled by the demand for battery technology and electric vehicles, cobalt has become an essential element to the green energy transition. With the largest share of global cobalt deposits, the Democratic Republic of the Congo bears a disproportionate share of the industry’s harms. Cobalt mining in the DRC is marked by environmentally degrading practices and inhumane working conditions, compromising Congolese health, safety, and well-being. Chapter 1 discusses the environmental impacts of DRC cobalt mining and its adverse effects on public health. Environmentally degrading mining …

Fatal Remedies: How France Undermined Its Own Objectives In Algeria, 1954-1962, Elizabeth Mae Tornabene

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

While much of the best-known literature on the Franco-Algerian War has emphasized insurgency, counterinsurgency, and the grievances of the colonized, this thesis takes a broader, historical and public administration approach by analyzing the relationship between the development and implementation phases of government and military policies and the unintended, sometimes fatal, outcomes that followed. Although it does this from the perspective of policymaking in the country that is trying to maintain control over its distant territory, it has implications for those interested in maximizing resistance to these policymakers.

By conducting a structured, focused comparison of a typical case across three theories …

Changing U.S. Military Force Structure: Rebuilding Confidence In Public Institutions By Bridging The Civil-Military Gap, Corri Zoli, Linda Euto

The Lender Center for Social Justice

This research brief assesses a changing U.S. military force structure in an era of waning trust in public institutions and new security pressures, both domestic and global. While many U.S. public institutions are facing declining trust, one key aspect in the case of the military is lack of understanding between U.S. veterans and nonveterans—often termed the civil-military gap. Understanding this gap is necessary to forge connections across military-connected communities and those without service experience. Bridging this gap is a timely model to restore baseline confidence in many institutions that serve all members of the public.

"It's A Book You Grab And Squeeze, And Blood Comes Out.” Modernization Of The Colombian Army's Training During U.S.- Funded Plan Colombia And Security Policies: Falsos Positivos And Bodies As Merchandise (2002–2008), Maria Isabel Palacio Cano

ELIN Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

Workplace Monitoring Platforms Are Sharing Your Data: An Investigation & Roadmap To Address Data Abuses, Stephanie T. Nguyen, Levi Kaplan, David Choffnes, Alan Mislove, Seth Frotman, Erie Meyer

Center for Law and the Economy

This report investigates the data collection practices of nine widely used workplace monitoring platforms to determine the extent to which they track and analyze employee activity, behavior, or performance during work, including how these platforms transmit worker information and to which third-parties. This report finds that (1) nine out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied directly shared identifying worker data to third parties, (2) nine out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied shared information about workers’ online activities with third parties, and (3) three out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied utilize features to track workers’ precise location. This report …

National Center For Children In Poverty Releases 2025/2026 Tanf Cash Assistance Policy Series, Karen Chatfield, Sydney Elltringham

All Faculty and Staff Papers and Presentations

The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) at Bank Street Graduate School of Education has released its 2025/2026 TANF Cash Assistance Policy Series to help support policymakers and advocates in strengthening these vital supports.

Chicago Southland Work-Based Learning Report, Alexia Santiago

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

In 2025, Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University partnered with Prairie State College, South Suburban College, and local school districts to build a strong and comprehensive system of work-based learning opportunities. This report shares information collected on existing opportunities and identifies opportunities to scale work-based learning across the region.

Female Victimization In Intimate Partner Violence, Phileine Phan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a widespread issue that disproportionately affects women, causing significant physical, psychological, and economic harm. Although research has explored IPV prevalence and risk factors, fewer studies address how race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability intersect to shape women’s experiences and access to support. Generalizing survivors’ experiences often leads to overlooked services and policies for marginalized women. This study addresses that gap through a qualitative systematic review of peer-reviewed research on IPV victimization among women in the United States. A thematic analysis will be used to identify patterns related to systematic inequalities, help-seeking barriers, and the …

Factors Contributing To The Effectiveness Of Reentry Programs For Formerly Incarcerated Adults, William Lopez Jr, Falina Rose Gonzales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Reentry into society following incarceration represents a critical transition that significantly influences long-term stability and recidivism outcomes. Formerly incarcerated adults frequently encounter structural barriers related to housing, employment, behavioral health access, and social reintegration, highlighting the need for effective reentry programming. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine factors that contribute to the effectiveness of community-based reentry programs for formerly incarcerated adults and to understand how participants and service providers perceive successful reintegration outcomes. Guided by ecological systems theory and empowerment theory, this study employs a qualitative phenomenological design using semi-structured interviews with approximately 15 formerly incarcerated adults …

Deferred Dreams: Mental Health Challenges And Access To Services Among Daca Recipients, Jamie G. Ruiz, Marlene Ortiz, Denisse Salvatierra

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an administrative program that protects young immigrants from deportation while granting them access to education and employment. DACA recipients face challenges in accessing resources due to their temporary status and the unpredictability of immigration laws, leading to mental health risks from stigma, anxiety, and fear of deportation. However, little research has examined how DACA's instability and immigration politics affect psychological well-being and access to services over time. This study examines how restrictive immigration policies affect DACA and undocumented people's mental health and access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health and social services. This …

Success Rate Of Batterers Intervention Programs, Brittney Perez, Manuel Mercado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The success rate of men completing the Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIPs) using the Duluth Model remains a significant concern in domestic violence prevention. The Duluth Model, designed to challenge patriarchal beliefs and promote nonviolent behavior, has shown mixed results. Factors such as program length, financial barriers, and prior offense influence completion rates. While some research suggests reduced recidivism among program completers, high drop out rates undermine overall effectiveness. This study aims to assess the success rates of men completing BIPs using the Duluth Model, focusing on factors influencing program completion, recidivism, dropout rates, and long-term behavioral change over two to …

Creating A Gis-Based Site Suitability Index For A Major Sports Stadium In Kansas City, Theodore E. Blair

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

There are many considerations taken when siting major sports stadiums. Most literature, though, has focused on the political and economic considerations, the negative outcomes of using public money for private projects. However, geographic considerations play a major part in deciding where to site a stadium. These considerations are wide-ranging and can change with the times. This thesis determines ten modern site suitability criteria, and with them, creates a site suitability index using GIS to determine and quantify more and less suitable areas for stadium development. It applies this index to the Kansas City area, as the city is currently in …

Community-Based Substance Use Prevention Handbook, Rachael M. Kupper

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In Santa Cruz County, too many youth have issues with substance use and abuse. These issues extend beyond Santa Cruz County, but the county exhibits trends similar to those observed nationwide. Community members face challenges related to knowledge and the ability to organize effectively. The YEAH unit (Youth Empowerment Action for Health) and CPP (Community Prevention Partners) are working to address youth substance use, but need help from community members in the smaller jurisdictions across the county. This requires building workgroups across the county, composed of community members, parents, and professionals. The project is a roadmap handbook for forming a …

Healing Words: A Resilience Memoir By The Watsonville Women, Teresa L. Munoz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Women in Watsonville face preventable health risks exacerbated by limited access to consistent physical activity and holistic wellness practices. This capstone project was conducted in collaboration with a local non-profit organization, Growing Greatness, that provides wellness-focused programming in organized group activities. This program serves Watsonville families and primarily supports women from underserved communities who are at greater risk of chronic health conditions due to socioeconomic and environmental factors. This project developed a memoir that documents the participants' experiences in activities such as bike riding, camping trips, and retreats that include yoga, hiking, tai-chi, meditation and other restorative activities. The purpose …

Streamlining Client Information For Post-Conviction Relief In Monterey County, Selena Lopez Arizmendi

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addresses barriers to record clearing services that impact recidivism and reentry outcomes in California. Individuals with criminal records often face challenges in securing employment, housing, and stability, increasing the likelihood of continued justice system involvement. The Clean Slate Program at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office provides post-conviction relief services to help reduce these barriers. Although Proposition 47 funding ended in February 2026, program services have continued. This project identified a need for a standardized, client-friendly informational resource, as key information has historically been communicated verbally, limiting understanding and retention. To address this gap, a concise Clean …

The Impact Of Anti Lgbtqi+ Legistlation On Diplomacy And Economy In Africa: A Case Study Of Ghana, Hunvilla Agyemang

Master of Public Administration for Senior Leadership

This  research  examines  the  impact  of  anti LGBTQI+  legislation  on  diplomacy  and  economy in Africa, using Ghana as a case study. The study is motivated by the renewed wave of  anti-LGBTQI+ legislative activism across parts of Africa and the significant domestic and  international debate surrounding Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The paper  asks three central questions: what drives the rise of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation in Ghana, what  economic consequences are associated with such legislation, and what diplomatic implications  follow when a state adopts or advances laws widely perceived as discriminatory. To answer these  questions, the study employs a …

Understanding And Managing Stress In The Public Sector: A Focus On Municipal Government, Emmanuel N. Asante

Master of Public Administration for Senior Leadership

This Capstone examines workplace stress among municipal government employees, using the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, as a practical case study. Municipal employees play a critical role in delivering essential public services, yet they often work under challenging conditions, including heavy workloads, limited resources, strict rules, and high public expectations. Over time, these pressures can negatively affect employee well-being, job performance, and the quality of services provided to residents.

The purpose of this project is to understand better the causes and effects of workplace stress in local government and to identify practical ways municipalities can address it. The study uses an …

Transparency And Accessibility In State Transportation Performance Reporting: A Systematic Examination Of State Department Of Transportation Websites Under Map-21, Jack Alan Klee

Dissertations

In the United States, all 50 State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) rely on federal funding as a key revenue source for roadway preservation programs. The 2012 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act introduced a performance-based framework for transportation policy, establishing seven national goal areas that require state DOTs to report performance outcomes. As MAP-21 reaches its ten-year milestone, this dissertation investigates the extent to which state DOTs demonstrate transparency and accessibility in reporting federally mandated performance management results. Despite the centrality of performance reporting to accountability and public trust, systematic evaluations of these dimensions remain limited …

Mississippi Early Childhood Math Resource Guide: Supporting Mathematical Development From Birth Through Age Eight, Melissa Luckett, Systems Change Lab, Mississippi State University, Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University

Books

The Mississippi Early Childhood Math Resource Guide is a comprehensive, research-informed digital publication designed to support the development of foundational mathematical skills in children from birth through age eight. Developed by the Systems Change Lab at Mississippi State University's Social Science Research Center, the guide translates evidence-based early mathematics concepts into practical, accessible strategies for educators, families, and caregivers. 

Organized by developmental stages, the guide integrates learning domains, age-appropriate math skills, and everyday instructional practices to promote the use of "math talk" and embedded learning opportunities across settings. It incorporates activities, instructional strategies, and resources aligned to support both formal …

Examining Educational Legislation In Indiana, Jason Cary

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the world of educational legislation and how it is crafted, molded, and signed into law in the state of Indiana. The study examined the key legislative players, the machinations of the Statehouse, the educational organizations and their lobbyists, the national landscape, and other factors at play. To find the answers to the research questions in this study, the researcher interviewed multiple Indiana legislators. An effort was made to sit down with elected officials from both chambers who serve on the educational committees. According to the research, state and federal legislatures are …

The Impact Of Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, And Employee Engagement On The Intent To Leave The Law Enforcement Profession For Police Officers, Veronica Lynn Dougherty-Denny

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In today’s dynamic organizational environment, worker factors such as job satisfaction, employee engagement, organizational commitment, and psychological contract fulfillment are vital for organizational success. This study examined their perceived relationship with police officers’ intent to leave the law enforcement profession. The problem addressed worked to understand factors influencing retention, including psychological contract breaches and workplace outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the perceived relationship between job satisfaction, employee engagement, organizational commitment, and intent to leave the law enforcement profession all housed within the psychological contract. Five research questions addressed these variables and demographic factors (gender, years …

Impact Of Social Worker Bias On African American Fathers With Open Children Family Services Cases, Jenna Espinosa, Cecil Perry, Jasmine Alvarado, Jennifer Garcia, Lacrietia Grate-Dixson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Systemic barriers and biases within institutions and policies affect how African American fathers engage with Children and Family Services (CFS). According to research, social worker bias, whether overt or covert, can influence case decision-making, affecting fathers' access to resources and overall involvement in their children’s lives. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of social worker bias on African American fathers' engagement by evaluating service completion rates at the .21e hearing. A quantitative research design will be utilized by implementing a validated survey to measure social worker bias and case file reviews to assess service completion. Statistical analyses, including …

Navigating Higher Education: Waves Of Success Mentorship Initiative, Roberto M. Davila

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many undocumented students and students from mixed-status backgrounds face obstacles and don’t receive enough support while navigating higher education. Undocu-Success at CSUMB orients its services to meet the needs of undocumented students and students with mixed-status backgrounds. In collaboration with Undocu-Success Center staff, the Waves of Success mentorship initiative is a new resource to increase students' preparedness during their academic journey and increase awareness of resources accessible to CSUMB students through mentor-mentee relationships. The capstone project was to create a new program which involved conducting research, recruitment, management, and building campus partnerships. Evaluation included an interview conducted with the …

Increase Of Corporate Offices In Worcester, Ma, Francisco Hernandez

Master of Public Administration for Senior Leadership

The city of Worcester currently located in the heart of Massachusetts, benefits from a strategic position with access to multiple highways connecting various states and cities. With 12 colleges in the area, the city attracts a diverse workforce with varied backgrounds and experience. However, Worcester faces a challenge in increasing its professional workforce by attracting businesses to establish headquarters within the city. While Worcester offers lower costs for setting up offices compared to Boston, businesses often still gravitate towards Boston due to its more developed infrastructure and higher income and education levels. Boston currently serves as a hub for various …

Discipline, Preparation, And Persistence: How School Environments Shape The Teacher Pipeline In Arkansas, Taylor Wilson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses administrative and survey data from Arkansas to examine how school discipline environments shape multiple stages of the teacher pipeline, including student disciplinary experiences, entry into the teaching workforce, and early career preparedness and retention. The first chapter analyzes statewide student-level data from 2017/18 through 2022/23 to document trends and racial disparities in school discipline before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. After accounting for infraction type and student characteristics, Black students remained more likely to receive exclusionary disciplinary consequences, though these disparities were substantially reduced when district fixed effects were included. The second chapter examines labor market …

Generations At Work: Examining Differences In The Nonprofit Sector, Cory J. Bergeron

Dissertations

This non-experimental quantitative dissertation examined generational differences among non-management employees in the United States nonprofit sector, where multiple generational cohorts work side by side. The problem addressed is that nonprofit leaders’ limited understanding of how distinct generational experiences shape employees’ work-related attitudes and preferences can contribute to conflict, reduced engagement, and costly turnover in already resource-constrained organizations. Grounded in Mannheim’s generational theory and Becker’s human capital theory, the study conceptualized generational cohorts as groups whose shared formative experiences influence what they value in their work context and how those values translate into human capital that affects organizational outcomes.

Using a …