VIURRSpace (Royal Roads University and Vancouver Island University)
Not a member yet
25170 research outputs found
Sort by
Breaking the silence on violence in schools: an inquiry into the prevalence of violence in the workplace, use of restraints and seclusion, and trauma-informed practices in BC schools
No full textThere is little research on the rates of violence in schools in British Columbia (BC), Canada, specifically violence in the workplace arising from student-to-educator violence. There is also little to no research on the rates of restraint and seclusion (RaS) used in BC schools and how this may be experienced by diverse students as educator-to-student violence, especially for those who experience RaS disproportionately. The silence on violence in schools must be broken. This study sought to understand the frequencies of violence in schools as experienced by BC educational leaders, educators, and students and to identify potential solutions. Research has found that trauma-informed practices can contribute to reducing violence in schools; however, there is also little research on the rates of use of trauma-informed practices in BC schools. This study used a mixed methods approach to establish a baseline of these three under-studied areas: student-to-educator violence (violence in the workplace), educator-to-student violence (restraint and seclusion), and the implementation of trauma-informed practices. The researcher specifically sought to understand how educational leaders understand and use trauma-informed practices within British Columbia. Quantitative and qualitative findings shed light on current challenges and complexities of addressing violence in schools and the implications of ongoing gaps in the implementation of trauma-informed practices and trauma-informed education systems, and presents recommendations gathered from participants
Building community: The impact of social support on discrimination, harassment, and belonging for LGBTQ+ university students
No full textPosterThis study investigated the role of perceived social support in mitigating the adverse effects of discrimination and harassment on the sense of belonging among LGBTQ+ university students. It was hypothesized that greater feelings of social support would buffer the adverse impacts of harassment and discrimination on the sense of belonging among LGBTQ+ university students
Enhancing My Leadership Skills to Support a More Connected Organization
No full text2025This action-oriented thesis explored the question: “How might I enhance my leadership to support a more interconnected and collaborative organization?” My inquiry followed the practice of first-person action research as my overall methodology. I relied on the methods of humble inquiry and appreciative inquiry and utilized daily reflexive journaling for 4 weeks as my primary data source, with input from a subject matter expert and two feedback participants: an internal colleague and an external colleague. This study found the importance of mindful leadership practices that centred on transparency, self-awareness, values, and responsiveness to feedback, which were vital in cultivating cohesive and effective organizational cultures. As a result of this self-inquiry on my leadership, I have developed four recommendations to guide myself as a leader and those looking to advance their leadership to support a more interconnected organization: (a) enhance organizational transparency, (b) cultivate self-awareness and empathy among leaders, (c) embed values-based leadership, and (d) foster continuous learning and responsive feedback culture.
Keywords: first-person action research, leadership, mindful, transparency, self-awareness, values, learning, responsive, connection, collaboration
Wellness practices for effective educational leadership
No full textEducational leaders across Canada are struggling with immense stress leading to burnout and attrition. Researchers show a relationship between administrator stress and teacher stress, which both negatively impact student stress levels and performance. The purpose of this thesis project was to create a comprehensive wellness guide for leaders in education to be able to incorporate research-based wellness practices to feel effective in their roles and counter the effects of burnout. Themes researched throughout this project centre around effective educational leadership, burnout in education, and wellness leadership. Next, different wellness practices such as mindfulness, physical fitness, and sleep were examined, before exploring each of these practices through a neuroscience lens to understand how they neurologically support leaders to be effective. This research was synthesized into a suggested wellness guide created to complement the BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association’s Leadership Planning Guide. It is composed of an Effective Educational Leader Wellness Practices Guide, a supplementary digital toolbox of wellness practices, as well as a monthly breakdown of wellness themes and practices recommended for educational leadership. This paper elaborates on effective educational leadership, burnout, suggested wellness practices, stress among administrators and teachers throughout the school year and the process of creating the final project. Limitations, implications, and concerns surrounding wellness leadership are established while providing recommendations for further research
Improving metatarsal orientation estimates with weight bearing computed tomography
No full textThis article was originally published as: Firminger, C.R., Manske, S.L., Edwards, W.B., & Asmussen, M.J. (2025). Improving metatarsal orientation estimates with weight bearing computed tomography. Footwear Science, 17(S1), S104-S105. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2025.2493282We sought to investigate the effects of shoe LBS and MTP joint dorsiflexion on 1st metatarsal orientation obtained using marker-based motion capture (ϑmocap) versus weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) (ϑWBCT).Proceedings of the 17th Footwear Biomechanics Symposium (Oslo, Norway, 2025).This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Teacher Well-Being in British Columbia Independent Schools: The Influence of Transformational Leadership and Job Resources
No full text2025This study investigates the well-being of teachers in independent schools in British Columbia, Canada, with a particular focus on the role of transformational leadership and job resources. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey (MBI-ES), the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X), and open-ended questions related to teacher-wellbeing and job resources the research examines how different leadership styles and current available job resources influence teacher well-being (TWB). The findings reveal that teachers generally report moderate levels of emotional exhaustion, low levels of depersonalization, and high levels of personal accomplishment. Transformational leadership, characterized by behaviors that support job satisfaction, self-efficacy, and professional growth, was identified as a significant positive influence on teacher well-being. Teachers reported higher levels of well-being when administrators engaged in transformational leadership practices, provided adequate resources, and fostered a supportive work environment. The study also highlights the variability in resource availability and its impact on teacher well-being. Schools offering more comprehensive support, including professional development, mental health resources, and opportunities for collaboration, saw better well-being outcomes among teachers. The research highlights the importance of administrators engaging in transformational leadership that can help further support teacher wellbeing. Additionally, the study suggests the need for further research to explore the long-term effects of transformational leadership and resource availability on teacher retention and whole school outcomes. These findings contribute to the understanding of how leadership and organizational support can mitigate teacher burnout and promote a healthier, more effective educational environment
More than a path: How community-based collaborative trail planning can shape the future of British Columbia mountain communities
No full textFor millennia, trails have been a part of life in mountain communities in what is now known as British Columbia (BC). While stewards, care-takers, community groups, and volunteers have long advocated for, built, and managed these trail networks, only recently have their importance to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a place started to be realized by the broader community and governments. As a result of this, understandings of the trail planning process and the mechanisms required to support trails remain limited. Through the use of semi-structured interviews with participants directly involved in the trail planning process, this research provides an overview of the current trail planning landscape in BC mountain communities, and discusses how associations, governments, user groups, Indigenous communities, and private landowners can engage meaningfully in trail planning and development that supports, and builds, their communities. Drawing on knowledge and theory from multiple disciplines, this research argues that the pathway forward is one based in community, reimagined relationships to land, recreation, and each other, and increased collaboration amongst the many different players involved in the trail planning realm.Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Exploring the Moose Jaw Police Service Promotional Process to Address the Leadership Needs and Challenges within Modern Policing
No full text2025AbstractThis study explored the question, “How might the experiences of Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) sworn members enhance the promotional process to best address the leadership needs and challenges of 21st century policing?” Using action research methodology, this study utilized focus groups and interviews to collect data from current and former members to examine key barriers of the MJPS promotional process, including perceived inconsistencies, subjectivity, and gaps in leadership preparedness. Adhering to the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy, the study identified the need for a more structured and transparent process, emphasizing diverse and relevant experience, leadership training, and adaptive competency frameworks. Findings highlighted the importance of supportive leadership, peer evaluations, and scenario-based assessments in enhancing fairness and effectiveness. Recommendations included implementing an annual promotional schedule, formalized leadership training, and improved evaluation methods to ensure leadership roles are filled by capable and well-prepared candidates. This research contributes to scholarship on leadership development in policing and offers actionable insights for enhancing organizational practices
Amplifying Participants’ Perspectives of Beneficial Psychedelic Facilitation to Shape Future Practice
Full text link2025Understanding beneficial psychedelic facilitation requires unique inquiry methods due to the contextualized nature of psychedelic experiences. This study explored participants’ perspectives on beneficial psychedelic facilitation to inform organizational best practices at Ambio Life Sciences using decolonizing methodologies, arts-based methods, on-time journaling methods, and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (a) competence, (b) person-centred care, (c) therapeutic alliance, and (d) attending to context. Recommendations include using diverse data collection approaches, creating training materials with participant perspectives, establishing efficient knowledge-sharing practices, privileging participants’ perspectives in organizational planning, and researching ibogaine-specific psychedelic care. This research offers insights into the potential value of incorporating participants’ perspectives in refining psychedelic facilitation practices within organizational settings
Assessment of Current Oil Pipeline Disasters and Mitigation Strategies in Nigeria
Full text link2025AbstractThis study assessed the current oil pipeline disasters and mitigation strategies in Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to determine the current causes and impacts of pipeline disasters in Nigeria between the years 2000 and 2022, and to examine the current mitigation measures to stem the tide of pipeline disasters in Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the selection of respondents, where six out of the twenty-nine states affected by oil and gas pipelines were randomly selected according to the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A total of 400 copies of the questionnaire were administered and several focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted across the six states. The study revealed that vandalism, inadequate security measures and exposed pipelines due to corrosion and age were the major causes of pipeline disasters in Nigeria. The results showed that environmental devastation, adverse impact on human health and loss of lives, properties and revenue were the critical results of pipeline disasters in Nigeria. Adoption of more effective security strategies including Community-based security and international intervention were the top-ranking mitigation measures for pipeline disasters. The study recommended among others, the integration of advanced technologies like tamper-proof sensors, real-time monitoring systems, robotics, surveillance cameras, drones, and early warning systems to protect pipeline facilities. Also, the government should engage oil-bearing and pipelines right-of-way communities in the security of pipelines, establish a Ministry of Artisanal Crude Oil Refining (MACOR), and implement Environmental Impact Assessment reports, as required by Decree No. 86 of 1992