Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Anti-Lgb Hate Crimes: Political Threat Or Political Legitimization?, Johanna R. Shreve

Dissertations and Theses

While activists and others have argued that the legitimization of biased attitudes and stereotypes by political leaders foments violence against minority groups, criminological research in the U.S. has focused more on "threat" hypotheses that view hate crime as a retaliatory response to perceived gains or encroachment of targeted groups. Another view suggests that heightened public visibility of hate crimes or other bias issues, usually in the form of media coverage, increases hate crimes. This study compares the effect on anti-LGB crimes of events representing political threat (a court decision legalizing marriage equality) and political legitimization of bias (passage of a …

Reconciling The Opportunities And Obstacles Of Motherhood Following Corrections Involvement, Summer Brooke Newell

Dissertations and Theses

This mixed methods dissertation is comprised of three papers that consider interrelated ways in which social bonds, within the context of parenting, are experienced by women recently involved with the corrections system. Types of social bonds considered include agency professionals, romantic partners, and children--all previously theorized to play a role during the reentry period. These social bonds are considered within the context of the challenges experienced during this period, and how and why these social bonds may--or may not--support women as they transition back into the community.

Role Of Spouse/Partner In Fertility Preservation Decision Making By Young Women With Cancer, Aakrati Mathur

Dissertations and Theses

Partners play a critical role in making decisions about fertility preservation among young patients with cancer, yet little is known about these dyadic decisions when planning cancer treatment. Fertility preservation entails helping cancer patients preserve fertility after cancer treatment. This qualitative study investigated: 1) Heterosexual couples' responses to potential fertility loss; 2) their process in making fertility preservation decisions; 3) their ethical and legal concerns, and 4) recommendations for other couples undergoing similar treatment.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 heterosexual couples whose female partners were diagnosed with cancer and had received fertility preservation consultations within the past 5 years. …

The Dispute Over The Commons: Seed And Food Sovereignty As Decommodification In Chiapas, Mexico, Carol Frances HernáNdez RodríGuez

Dissertations and Theses

Seeds have become one of the most contested resources in our society. Control over seeds has intensified under neoliberalism, and today four large multinational corporations control approximately 70 percent of the global seed market. In response to this concentration of corporate power, an international social movement has emerged around the concept of seed sovereignty, which reclaims seeds and biodiversity as commons and public goods. This study examines the relationship between the global dynamics of commodification and enclosure of seeds, and the seed sovereignty countermovement for decommodification. I approach this analysis through an ethnographic case study of one local seed sovereignty …

Building Climate Empire: Power, Authority, And Knowledge Within Pacific Islands Climate Change Diplomacy And Governance Networks, Ashlie Denée Denton

Dissertations and Theses

Transnational networks are growing in prevalence and importance as states, nongovernmental, and intergovernmental organizations seek to meet climate change goals; yet, the organizations in these networks struggle between the global, technical and local, contextual sources of power, authority, and knowledge used to influence decision-making and governance. This dissertation analyzes these contestations in Pacific Islands climate change diplomacy and governance efforts by asking: i) What do power relations look like among the Pacific Islands' networked organizations? ii) To what authority do organizations appeal to access sources of power? iii) What sources of knowledge are produced and reproduced by these organizations? and …

Exiters Of Religious Fundamentalism: Reconstruction Of Identity, Social Relationships And Support, And Meaning Related To Well-Being, Andreea Alexandra Nica

Dissertations and Theses

Over the past decade, researchers have documented the steady growth of religious "nones," those who do not affiliate with any organized religion. There is, however, limited research examining religious disaffiliation on health outcomes--that is, how the process of religious disaffiliation or exiting contributes to mental well-being. These trends and gap in the literature make it timely and it is important to consider the impact of leaving religion on the well-being of individuals experiencing this life transition. This qualitative study investigates a particularly understudied subgroup of exiters -- individuals who have exited Christian fundamentalist religious groups.

Drawing on 24 in-depth, individual …

The Dynamic Returns Of Descriptive Representation: A Study Of Race, Politics And Policy In Urban Governments, Stephanie Taylor Hawke

Dissertations and Theses

In 2015, 78% of Detroit's city council was African American--the highest percentage in the country. For decades, there had been an assumption in the academic and activist fields that a legislative body with such a high percentage of minority presence would produce incredible policy gains for that group (i.e. African American Detroiters). Instead, the council passed no Black racial policy. In a city where there were ostensibly no barriers for passing racial policy -- there were no subsequent policy gains. Though running contrary to existing scholarship, Detroit is not an anomaly; it is an indicator of the larger trend.

Using …

News Work: The Impact Of Corporate Newsroom Culture On News Workers & Community Reporting, Carey Lynne Higgins-Dobney

Dissertations and Theses

By virtue of their broadcast licenses, local television stations in the United States are bound to serve in the public interest of their community audiences. As federal regulations of those stations loosen and fewer owners increase their holdings across the country, however, local community needs are subjugated by corporate fiduciary responsibilities. Business practices reveal rampant consolidation of ownership, newsroom job description convergence, skilled human labor replaced by computer automation, and economically-driven downsizings, all in the name of profit. Even so, the people laboring under these conditions are expected to keep their communities informed with democracy- and citizenship-enhancing information.

This study …

Rates Of Developmental And Behavioral Screening Of Young Children: Implications For Health Care Policy And Practice, Shirley Berger

Dissertations and Theses

Background: The skills and capacities developed during early childhood are the foundation for a child’s future academic functioning, economic productivity, and lifelong health and mental health. When young children have developmental delays or disabilities, early identification and intervention lead to better outcomes; however, only a minority are identified before school entry. Primary care is an important setting for identification of developmental and behavioral conditions as most young children attend well-child visits regularly and parents expect developmental guidance from pediatricians. Two key pediatric preventive services are recommended: developmental monitoring/surveillance at every well-child visit and developmental screening at 9 months, 18 months, …

The Influence Of Information On Public Support For Solitary Confinement: A Test Of Belief Updating And Confirmation Bias, Kayla J. Labranche

Dissertations and Theses

There is limited research measuring public opinion about the correctional practice of solitary confinement (SC). Given that public opinion can influence policies, it is important to determine whether or not one's beliefs can be updated upon receiving information about the use and effect of SC. Prior research indicates that public opinion is malleable, and thus, may be susceptible to modification. Though, people may be more willing to update their beliefs when the information they receive confirms their existing beliefs (i.e., confirmation bias). This study used an experimental design in which participants were asked to provide their opinions on a series …

Pathways To Kindergarten Growth: Synthesizing Theories Of The Kindergarten Transition To Support Children's Development, Rita Yelverton

Dissertations and Theses

The transition into Kindergarten is a critical time for children's development--children's patterns of academic development and engagement with school often start in Kindergarten and persist throughout their academic careers. This is a developmental period that is marked by many changes in children's lives, and therefore it is not a surprise that many children struggle during this transition. These struggles are more common for children who are living in poverty, and although there have been national initiatives to address opportunity gaps in access to early education, investigations into the effectiveness of these programs in promoting children's Kindergarten development have shown mixed …

Exploring The Association Of Victimization And Alcohol And Marijuana Use Among American Indian Youth Living On Or Near Reservations: A Mixed Methods Study, Lindsay Nicole Merritt

Dissertations and Theses

Adolescent substance use research has yet to consider victimization as a potential risk factor contributing to alcohol and marijuana use among American Indian youth living on or near reservations, despite the presence of traumatic experiences, childhood adverse events, racism, and discrimination. Contribution to this lack of attention may be due to little being known about American Indian youth victimization. Even less is known about its association with alcohol and marijuana use in general and for those youth living on or near reservations in particular.

This study utilizes mixed methods with a nationally representative sample of American Indian youth living on …

Exploring District Judges' Decision Making In The Context Of Admitting Expert Testimony, Andrew Bryan Dzeguze

Dissertations and Theses

Over the last several decades, multiple schools of thought have emerged regarding what impacts judicial decision making. In contrast to the classic legal model, studies have argued alternatively that judges are policy actors who rule consistent with their political attitudes; that behavioral traits such as race, gender and socialization influence judicial conduct, both consciously and unconsciously; that whatever policy interests judges may have, these are moderated by institutional constraints and strategic considerations; and that judges are subject to some common cognitive shortcuts in decision making, although they may be moderated or present differently than in the general population in light …

India's Economic Growth: Role Of Political Performance And Gender Wage Gap, Rajeev Indira Nagaraju

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation will explore how gender wage gap and political capacity represented by relative political extraction affect change in economic growth rate of a country. The main argument of the study is that gender wage gap is affecting the labor market by discouraging productive female labor force from entering the labor market. This in turn affects the efficiency and productivity of the labor market reflected in negative economic growth or economic growth potential being compromised. Here the case of Indian economy is examined. The important policy implication of this study is that it could account for the wage differential between …

Using Archival And Archaeofaunal Records To Examine Victorian-Era Fish Use In The Pacific Northwest, Emily Celene Taber

Dissertations and Theses

Studies of historic fish archaeofaunas can contribute to our understanding of Victorian-era consumer choice and agency. However, most zooarchaeological work focuses on interpreting large mammal remains such as cow (Bos taurus). That fish are overlooked is particularly striking in the Pacific Northwest, where fishing was a major facet of both the bourgeoning industrial economy and local household practices. My thesis addresses this gap through study of archival records (mainly newspapers) and zooarchaeological fish records from a neighborhood in Vancouver, Washington focusing on the period between 1880 and 1910. My particular goals were to examine how fishes were acquired …

Impacts Of Mindfulness Training On Mechanisms Underlying Stress Reduction In Teachers: Results From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jaiya Rae Choles

Dissertations and Theses

A teacher's ability to foster and sustain high quality learning environments for their students relies largely on their own coping abilities and mental health. However, due to the emotionally taxing nature of their profession, teachers are at increased risk for developing elevated levels of occupational stress and burnout. To help teachers cope with their occupational stress and other negative emotions related to their occupation, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs for teachers have been introduced through schools. Evidence for the effectiveness of such programs is promising, however few studies have considered underlying mechanisms that may be driving these effects.

Using data collected …

Is Therapy Going To The Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy For Early Identified At-Risk Children, Leah Faith Brookner

Dissertations and Theses

This study explores the historical context of human-animal relationships and examines the important ways that humans benefit from various types of interactions with domesticated animals. Therapeutic approaches that incorporate animals have been shown to have multiple benefits, including improved physical and mental health. Although this area of study is still largely overlooked in scientific fields of study, including social work, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has become increasingly prevalent in various mental health settings. Despite its popularity and anecdotal support, research on the benefits of AAT with children is minimal; there are no studies examining the ways in which this approach …

Implementing Agile Methodology Techniques In Automobile Industry, Nikhil Kranthi Datrika

Dissertations and Theses

Automotive industries have continued to expand, as they cut on costs by regulating efficiency, grow and make profits. The factors that have continued to change the industry include marketplace growth, outsourcing for product development, customers demanding for improved reliability, development of human-vehicle software and have continued to change the automotive industry. As a result, companies have continued to face numerous challenges to manage the factors. The challenges include managing volatility, experiencing massive uncertainty, as well as reduced predictability of future businesses. Other challenges include handling a complex and interconnected industry and the need to form joint ventures and maintain successful …

Role Of Effective Quality Risk Management In Drug Safety Project, Bhawna Sharma

Dissertations and Theses

Identifying risk is one of the key topics of discussion in project planning and update meetings. Project managers have to identify and manage different risks at various levels of projects. These risks must be managed and eradicated in the effective and structured manner to perform effective quality risk management and thus leading to adequate project management. The research investigates the potential root cause of the quality risk management issues using tools such as the fishbone diagram (Ishikawa), 5-Whys, FTA etc. which could remedy this situation. An effectiveness check measure can also be implemented after applying corrective/preventive actions to ensure that …

Business Perspective E-Banking Systems In India, Divya Nalluri

Dissertations and Theses

The paper seeks to explore how internet or e-banking has improvised the efficiency and adequacy in the banking sector within a very short span of time, Research Design/Process in Financial Organization, Methods of Data Collection, taking into consideration the trends, challenges of E-banking, the security measures and propound a solution that can root out the fraud in e-banking.

I would like to thank my professor Dr. Stephen Onu for all the guidance he is providing me for the completion of the paper. I would also want to thank Professor Prof. John Clark for helping me out with the research with …

Reasons For Success And Failure Of Projects, Tamunogbenye Dago

Dissertations and Theses

This paper discusses information from at least ten peer-reviewed project management related articles on project success and failure. The articles provide information on the challenges faced in global projects. This paper will address the link between infrastructure, culture and project outcome.

Regardless of the chosen methodology, there are many possible reasons for project failure, partial success and total success, the articles have discussed different factors which could be a reason or a partial reason for the outcome of a project.

Agile methodology is becoming increasingly popular and utilized on large and complex projects. Large projects that lack clarity in some …

Using Iop As A Mechanism For Project Team Management, Maryam Selah Varzi

Dissertations and Theses

This project investigates the application of Industrial-Organizational Psychology (IOP) in project management. Project managers are responsible for creating effective teams and building a proper environment to communicate, collaborate, and deliver their tasks. Factors such as lack of trust, miscommunications, and personal conflicts lead to dysfunctional teams which can ultimately fail a project. Thus, understanding the behavioral characteristics of the team members and realizing the psychological principles of the interpersonal relationships in organizational settings would significantly help project managers. The purpose of this project is to find out whether project managers can exploit IOP for effective team management. By an exhaustive …

Managing Business Process Transformation Projects Using Contextual Hybrid Agile Methodology, John Tu

Dissertations and Theses

Business and business processes never cease to change, and this is especially true with today’s accelerating pace of changing business environment. Executives and project teams in both traditional and Agile organizations across industries have been increasingly motivated to find a flexible project management methodology that can work well and can be readily customized in the context of each of their own organization.

This thesis seeks to first abstract the concept and practices of the Agile methodology by examining the hallmarks of both traditional and Agile project management through comparison. It then constructs a contextualized model by identifying key characteristics of …

Adopt Agile Methodology For Building Wealth Management Platform Building, Mandar Shripad Kulkarn

Dissertations and Theses

Agile software development is becoming very important software development methodology in the IT world because it is iterative and its agility. This research shows how the agile methodology helps to deploy the project smoothly by saving time and money. This research also shows the benefits of adopting agile than following traditional procedure. The result of the research would help to adopt and implement the agile methodology and would help to achieve the business goals.

Identification Of Right Leadership Style For Agile Teams, Aashik Sekharan

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this research is to identify trends within leadership techniques applied in agile projects that lead to project success. Certain motivation and productivity drivers need to be defined in order to understand how to evaluate key project success metrics. My research approach involved reviewing papers that studied theoretical leadership frameworks in decision-making, motivation and information sharing. The methodology applied includes creating a mock project scenario, in which two leadership styles (authoritarian vs. servant) will be tested to understand the relationship between leadership, project performance and team morale. The project will have two team leaders applying the leadership style …

Agile Adoption In Investment Banks, Jiayin Liang, Suman Shekhar

Dissertations and Theses

Many companies and organizations, regardless of industries, countries, size, and cultures, are in the process of transiting from traditional project management methods to Agile. When it comes to financial industry, today’s investment banks, face more unstable market conditions, faster changes of worldwide politics, economies and technologies, stricter regulations, and greater pressure to meet customers’ requirements and sustain revenue growth. Investment banks are usually full-service global financial institutions, which provide advisory and financing banking services, as well as sales, market making, and research on financial products. Therefore, investment banks are in great need to transform from traditional PM concepts to Agile. …

Implementing Agile Lean In Telecom Industry, Swapnil Narvekar

Dissertations and Theses

With the introduction of new technologies, there has been a huge competition in the Telecom industry to maintain the customer base and stay at the top of the competition. In order to retain the customer base, the telecom companies are required to provide a high quality of service to its customers. Agile Lean practices have been implemented in the manufacturing industries for decades and are well known for eliminating waste, reducing the delivery time of the products and services and at the same time enhance the quality of services provided to its customers. This research paper aims to study the …

Impact Of Motivation On Project Teams’ Performance In Information Technology, Ramu Karanam

Dissertations and Theses

Sufficient motivation is a critical ingredient for any organization to derive optimal performances from their workforce. Project teams are an integral part of the efficient conduction of an information and communication technology company’s core operations. This study is dictated towards the evaluation of the main factors that influence the level of motivation portrayed by team members of information technology project teams. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research was able to uncover insightful trends in motivation patterns among project team members that might be useful to project managers. The findings of this research conclude that a project team manager can …

Perceived Overqualification And Withdrawal Among Seasonal Workers: Would Work Motivation Make A Difference?, Anthony Duy Nguyen

Dissertations and Theses

Overqualification is a concern for both individuals and organizations in today's workforce. It has been shown to relate to job attitudes, performance, well-being, and withdrawal. While plenty of research has been done on overqualification in the workplace, there is still a gap in the literature when it pertains to the contingent workforce, especially seasonal workers. These workers do not have secure employment and research has shown that they have distinct outcomes compared to full-time workers. Findings from past research about the relationship between overqualification and job withdrawal have been mixed, and this study aims to further the understanding of this …

Representations Of Feminist Theory And Gender Issues In Introductory-Level Sociology Textbooks, Jena Amber Zarza

Dissertations and Theses

A review of sociological literature reveals a long history of the study of gender, and an increased popularity in the application of feminist theories and ideas to sociological research. As transmitters of the discipline, introductory-level textbooks have been heavily studied over the past quarter-century to assess the accuracy with which they portray the field of sociology. In order to update the literature available on the topic, this study analyzed the current cohort of top-selling, introductory-level sociology textbooks for coverage of feminist theory and gender issues. Each of the ten textbooks was read cover-to-cover and coded for both latent and manifest …