Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Evaluations And Project Effectiveness : An Investigation Into The Evaluation Processes Of Development Projects In Bolivia, Kristin Saucier

Honors Theses

This study attempts to answer the question, do formalized evaluation procedures contribute to increased project effectiveness? Project effectiveness is defined as the successful attainment of project goals and objectives. According to the literature, evaluations have the potential to improve a project's success by raising awareness of problem areas and offering ways suggestions for improvement. To test this theory, the evaluation systems of seven international development organizations that are currently implementing projects in Bolivia are examined: Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE), Peace Corps, Project Concern International (pCI), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Sates Agency for International Development (USAlD), …

Pyaguapy Ita: Silencing The Singing Stone: The Impact Of Modern Technology On Indigenous People In Brazil, Caitlin Cassis

Honors Theses

The name of the world's largest hydroelectric dam, Brazil's Itaipu Binacional, comes from an Ava-Guarani word meaning "singing stone." Before Itaipu became affiliated with dams it represented a smaller, but no less significant monument: a large rock formation in the middle of the Parana River that produced song when struck by water.₂ Today, neither the rock nor the Ava-Guarani tribe remain. In their place is a gargantuan hydroelectric dam that produces sounds more like a thunderous engine than song. When the Brazilian government, in conjunction with Itaipu Binacional officials, constructed the power plant, it not only silenced the singing stone, …

Building Morocco Through Literacy: Women's Participation In Development, Elizabeth L. Holmes

Honors Theses

This thesis examines what factors are important for successful literacy provision in the case of urban Moroccan women. Literacy programs should teach participants not only to decipher symbols on paper, but should provide information relevant to the everyday context of learners' lives. As a result, newly literate individuals should perceive changes in their levels of self-esteem, empowerment, economic status, and health conditions. In Morocco, the government launched a large-scale literacy campaign in May 2003 to lower illiteracy, which currently affects about half of the population. In conjunction with this campaign, the Moroccan government is increasingly cooperating with NGOs, the principal …

A Tale Of Two Governors: The 1996 Gubernatorial Succession Crisis, Melissa Miller

Honors Theses

The state of Arkansas is no stranger to succession crises. As early as the Reconstruction era, struggles for power emerged, and controversies surrounding the appropriate use of power among acting governors have kept the issue unsettled. One such instance, the Arkansas gubernatorial succession crisis of 1996 became yet another episode in this saga. While never fully examined, the succession crisis did influence modern politics in the state. There are two sides to every story: "Well, I wanted to let you know I've decided not to resign," Jim Guy Tucker said to Mike Huckabee only five minutes before the inauguration of …

Women Leaders Combining A Career In Higher Education With Raising A Family : A Study Of Leadership, Anne Simmons Williamson

Honors Theses

Much of the research within the field of Leadership Studies focuses on whether men and women lead differently and whether women can break "the glass ceiling." This study will examine women leaders in higher education administration who have children and have already broken the glass ceiling, focusing on their work-life challenges and analyzing the structural and attitudinal issues in their organization and society that impact their leadership.

Virginia Schein (1995) identified the larger challenge for society by asking,

How can we restructure work in a society in which work and family no longer are separate, but interface?...It is when this …

From Being To Doing : The Impact Of Modernization On Cultural Values, Cultural Conceptions Of Time, And Effective Leadership, Ryan S. Babiuch

Honors Theses

The foundational constructs of modernization and time conceptions are interdependent. First, I will illustrate and argue that an important relationship exists between modernization, cultural values shifts, and societal conceptions of time. In basic terms, the process of modernization and the motivations for development stimulate shifts in both cultural values and societal understandings·oftime. Second, expounding upon the relationship between modernization, cultural values, and societal conceptions of time, this project will create two different types of interpersonal cultural ethics: an "ethic of being" and an "ethic of doing." The implications of the differences between these two cultural ethics will be explored.

Foremost …

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind? : American Citizens And The Genocide In Rwanda, Colette T. Connor

Honors Theses

As citizens of the most powerful country in today's global world, Americans can no longer make the excuse, "out of sight, out of mind." Ten years ago Americans betrayed Rwandans. Their betrayal was mild yet widespread, but had repercussions of tremendous human cost. Each individual American most likely did not feel responsible for the genocide, but the collective outcome of their bystander behavior contributed to the world's inaction. This sad truth can serve as an inspiration: this does not have to happen next time, as American citizens have the agency to influence U.S. foreign policy decisions.

Wealth Effects On Consumer Spending In The Us Economy, Andriy Avramenko

Honors Theses

This paper investigates the effects of wealth on consumer spending in the United States. A traditional life-cycle model is estimated first. Although it does find a statistically significant wealth effect, its findings are unusable due to the presence of autocorrelation and non-stationarity. Variables in logarithmic forms are found to be cointegrated. Thus, a logarithmic model with the Stock-Watson adjustment and an AR(I) term is estimated instead. Three extensions to this model are offered. First, wealth is divided into stock market and non-stock market components, second into liquid and illiquid components. Finally, a new approach to the wealth division is introduced, …

Valuing Servants Ends : A New Theory Of Ethical Service, Patricia Grace Devlin

Honors Theses

Many of today's universities encourage students to develop an ethic of service. Administrators, faculty, and staff members accompany students in campus-wide service activities; a number of collegiate honor societies reward students who engage in community service; and some academic programs require students to volunteer with local non-profit organizations. At its best, service learning inspires students to make a general commitment to service. The current emphasis placed on service learning in today's educational system reveals an emerging academic perspective not only on the value service has as an educational device but also on the significant role service plays in society. For …

The Truman Doctrine Vs. The Bush Doctrine: Justifying War With Iraq, Lindsay St. Germain

Honors Theses

It is commonly thought that presidential doctrines set a precedent for the country to follow. These doctrines are intended to reflect the attitudes, and values of not only the president in power, but the best interests of the United States in general. Using public opinion surveys, historical documents, and current news articles and books, I will analyze the Truman Doctrine, enunciated in 1947, and the Bush Doctrine, put forth in 2001. In doing so, I hope to compare military actions justified using both doctrines, and point out what I see to be the flaws and triumphs of the Bush Doctrine; …

Affiliation Of Authors In Production And Operations Management Journals, Steven M. Yager

Honors Theses

This paper will represent an update of the first two POM research productivity rankings published seven years ago (Young, Baird, Pullman, 1996; Malhotra, Kher, 1996). This study will seek to rank business schools and other organizations, both internationally and within the domestic United States. Researchers in the POM field can also view the results to determine who's who and what universities or organizations are demonstrating an increased focus on POM.

An Investigation Of Gender Differences In Implicit Versus Explicit Attitudes Toward Jealousy, Laurie E. Robinette

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

A Perceptual Analysis Of Baton Rouge Media Entities: Professional Views Vs. Community Responses, Christopher Kaleel

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Michigan Township Zoning Boards Of Appeals Members' Perceptions Of Their Authority, Mark J. Magyar

Honors Theses

With the following investigation I seek to answer the questions: How aligned are the perceptions of Michigan township zoning boards of appeals (ZBAs) members' regarding their authorities with the authorities expressly and implicitly prescribed for them by state statute? If they are not aligned, do ZBA members need further education in the statute? ZBA members are not formally educated in the statute but are guided by secondary sources. While these sources are crucial to the proper administration of ZBAs' objectives, there is often an element of bias in interpretation to varying degrees. I want to determine whether or not education …

From Expression To Interpersonal: A History Of The Wmu Department Of Communication, Mercedes L. Varasteh

Honors Theses

As the Western Michigan University community celebrates its Centennial year, it is intriguing to consider not only how much the university has grown in the number of buildings or its student population, but to also recognize how the many academic disciplines have developed over the years.

Inefficient National Political Parties In Brazil And The Effects On Economic Policy, Jason Sullivan

Honors Theses

I intended to study the domestic and international issues that pushed and pulled at the government in its creation of its economic policy. I intended to focus on the executive branch of the government and the international organizations and sovereign nations that influenced the policy decisions surrounding the specific year of 1997. However, as I researched I found something that I think is as just as important if not more important in creating Brazil's economic policy. As I researched it became evident that the characteristics of the Brazilian political parties had an influence on how all policies are formulated, more …

Social Democracy And The Irish Left: An Assessment Of The Failure Of Ireland’S Left-Wing Parties And Its Consequences, Jeremiah J. Fisher

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Spaced-Retrieval Effects On Memory For A Name-Face-Detail Association In Persons With Probable Alzheimer’S Disease, Ashley A. Gray

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

American Civil Religion In The Wake Of September 11, 2001, Jonathon M. Robker

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Possible Contraction And Its Effect On 2002 Major League Baseball Attendance, Peter W. Newberry

Honors Theses

This paper creates three demand equations for baseball attendance to determine the factors that affect spring training and regular season attendance. It also examines what effect the threat of contraction had on the Montreal Expos' and Minnesota Twins' attendance. Cross sectional models using data from the 2002 spring training and regular seasons are estimated and analyzed. A third panel data set model is also formed and examined. Results from the spring training and regular season models indicate that the two teams threatened to be eliminated witnessed lower attendance compared to the rest of the league. The panel data model's results …

Effect Of Competitive Balance On Single Game Attendance In Major League Baseball, Thomas V. Richardson

Honors Theses

Many studies have looked at competitive balance in sports. A majority of the competitive balance studies have looked at panel data sets covering multiple years, however. Many of these studies have looked at the distribution of winning percentages within a league over multiple seasons, looking to see if different teams have an ability to rise to the top of the league, or if the same teams always win (Balfour and Porter 1991; Butler 1995; Quirk and Fall 1997). Schmidt and Bern (2001) use the Gini coefficient to measure competitive balance for baseball seasons since 1900. This measure of competitive balance, …

The Paradox Of Presidential Popularity, With An Emphasis On Rhetoric, Amanda Wiley

Honors Theses

This study considers how President Bill Clinton maintained consistently high levels of public support in the face of the incessant scandals that plagued his presidency. It is my assessment that it is the nature of the presidency, Clinton's political skill, the economic environment during his terms, Clinton's rhetoric, and his personality that made his survival possible. I will place special emphasis on the areas of Clinton's personality and rhetoric as the key components for this explanation, both because I feel these characteristics are most relevant to my study and the most unexplored.

From Maine Farms To Maine Colleges: The Symbolism And Reality Behind The Local Purchasing Efforts At Colby, Bates, And Bowdoin, Kathryn L. Spirer

Honors Theses

The idea for this thesis emerged out of my experience last summer, when I worked for an organization in Ellsworth, Maine called the Locally Grown Foods Project. The purpose of this organization is to facilitate the relationship between farmers and restaurants or other small institutions in the Bar Harbor area. After talking with one farmer at length about his experiences working with local institutions, I became curious about the growing institutional market for locally grown foods. I began to wonder what larger institutions throughout the state were doing to support local farmers and why they were interested in purchasing local …

Trusting Organizations : Organizational Structure, Trust, And The Implications For Leaders, Jeremiah Robert Winters

Honors Theses

The religious context blurs vision and judgment when looking at issues related to matters that can be construed as theological matters. Religious issues are anchored deep inside individuals and the slightest challenge or questioning of an individuals beliefs brings about defensiveness. Long standing traditions are extremely difficult to change much less do way with. The structure of the two organizations clearly has an impact on the type and style of leadership practiced.

The Presbyterian Church structure, the denominational structure that places the power in the hands of the people was a direct response to the abuses found in the Catholic …

Defining Microcredit Success In Bolivia, Kelly Miller

Honors Theses

The structure of this study is as follows: The first chapter describes the origin of microcredit and the three major lending models. This chapter also includes a description of the motivation of the study as well as the methodology used. The second chapter illustrates the changes of development strategies in Bolivia and identifies the motivation behind and significance of each development method. The third chapter discusses the informal sector, which is the targeted population of microcredit. This chapter presents several theories about the development of the informal sector and illustrates how politics shape the informal sector in Bolivia. The fourth …

The Ethics Of Service : A New Approach To Service Learning, Jonathan C. Zur

Honors Theses

The new model of service presented in this paper gives a framework for considering the possibilities for ethically grounded service. It does not solve al I of the problems with competing interests or tradeoffs in wellbeing, but is a solid foundation upon which many important discussions can be based. By examining the continuum of self-interest, the discussion of intent, preparedness, and outcome, and consideration for mandatory service, the paper has offered a comprehensive assessment of the ethics of service. The four parties - the volunteer, the client, the university, and the service site - have particular responsibilities to their own …

Leading A 'Torn Country' : Turkey's Ideological And Civilized Divide, Joshua Walker

Honors Theses

Turkey, since 1923, has proven to be a valuable case study in ideological and religious tensions and national identity crisis; however, with a newly elected government, Turkey appears ready to write a new chapter in its history. The complexity of the issues that exist within a modern state along with the diversity of traditional cultures and rich history of Turkey do not allow for a singular civilizational inclusion as Huntington advocates, nor a single ideological path to follow. The Kemalist heritage of this young country has presupposed the necessity for adopting modernity as defined by the West. but the tension …

A Blueprint For Environmental Sustainability Along The James River, Trevor S. Macdougall

Honors Theses

The paper is the result of a research project conducted through the University of Richmond, the desired end of which is to produce a Blueprint for Environmental Sustainability Along the James River, a document that provides guidelines for managing the urban riverfront in a sustainable fashion.

The first chapter is designed to outline the layout of this report. The subsequent literature review is divided into four chapters: The Ecological Model, An Overview of Sustainability, Sustainable Practices in Other Cities, and Richmond Development: Past and Present. The first pair of these chapters provide a general assessment of two important environmental paradigms, …

Branding Of Professional Service Firms, Aditi Balasubramaniam

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Don't Worry... It [Corn] Won't Kill You: The Starlink Crisis, Kelly J. Price

Honors Theses

What would you do ... if someone told you that the food you just ate was not safe for human consumption? In 1999, consumers across the nation were faced with this fear and began to second-guess the food they had been accustomed to eating for years. After Kraft Foods' Taco Bell taco shells were recalled in September for containing traces of StarLink corn, a genetically modified corn hybrid not approved for human consumption, consumer confidence in U.S. corn by-products decreased and manufacturer credibility dwindled (Aventis stops, 2000). People wanted to know who to blame for the apparent food contamination problem. …