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For the Fun of It: A Culture Theory Study on How Fun Informs E-scooter Experiences
No full text2024The rising popularity of shared e-scooters within urban transportation systems represent a shift towards low carbon alternatives yet there remain limited investigations into the affective dimensions, such as experiences of fun, within e-scooter consumption. By focusing on the consumptive experiences of 18 e-scooter users, this study aims to understand How do experiences of fun inform micromobility consumption in urban populations? A market-oriented ethnography was undertaken across five markets in the Pacific Northwest. Rooted in Consumer Culture Theory (CCT), the study utilized qualitative techniques including electronic transit diaries, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and video recordings. The findings informed three research outputs: i) a journal manuscript that advances a theory of consumer fun where themes of corporeality, freedom, (re)discovery through novelty, social bonds & identity, and temporality were identified and discussed in context of consumer behaviour; ii) a policy-focused manuscript exploring how nostalgia in shared e-scooter experiences promotes enjoyment; and, iii) practice-oriented insights shared with industry via conference presentation and supporting digital media. Together, this research underscores the significance of affective and emotional aspects in consumers' e-scooter experiences that is highly relevant for our understanding of consumer behaviour by providing a more complete account of how fun originates for consumers. It also helps inform the service delivery and managerial decisions in the operation of e-scooter and other businesses which have experiential consumption as part of their value offering, as well as for policymakers and planners concerned with supporting a shift towards more sustainable cities
An appreciative inquiry towards school-based mindfulness in the Comox Valley School District
No full textWellness tools that have proven to promote school-based mental health (SBMH) exist in schools, yet students continue to report a decline in mental health. Evidence illustrating how educators’ professional experiences influence students’ access to mental health resources is needed to help understand how to advance the promotion of student educational experiences. This study utilized the Inner Explorer mindfulness program as a wellness tool example that promotes SBMH. Comox Valley School District was chosen as this research’s case study considering their implementation of the Inner Explorer program as a district-wide student resource. This study applied qualitative case study as its methodology and data was collected through written and spoken interviews with six focal primary and secondary school educators from the district. The theoretical framework, Appreciative Inquiry, helped make meaning of the thematic findings that were analyzed. Insights about educators’ experiences of delivering Inner Explorer and their perceptions of the quality of student mental health because of the program were collected. Results discovered that SBMH programs that are financially accessible, user-friendly, contextually compatible for schools, and industry and student-endorsed were strengths that made these programs approachable to educators to adopt into their practices. Advancing and sustaining industry potentials and strengths in SBMH promotional efforts are ideal to support students develop their mental health quality, emotional literacy, and resiliency as self-sustainable and lifelong competencies. Embracing the Whole Child approach, supporting educator wellness, and providing educators with the knowledge to optimize the delivery of Inner Explorer was needed. Considering education’s critical ability to foster positive SBMH, this study’s findings were significant as they informed about the evolution of the Canadian education system and civic development, as well as the overarching progression of student mental health promotion.
This research study was awarded the British Columbia Graduate Scholarship
The Impact of Green Walls on Community Well-being and Environmental Quality: A Study of Relevant Professionals' Perspectives in Vancouver
No full text2024Green walls, also known as living or vertical gardens, provide diverse environmental, economic, and social benefits and have emerged as a prominent sustainable urban greening solution. In Vancouver, BC, renowned for its proactive stance on sustainable development, green building initiatives have witnessed a surge, elevating green walls as a notable feature in the urban landscape. However, a critical research gap exists concerning the specific drivers influencing the decision-making processes surrounding green wall adoption in Vancouver. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the City's key drivers shaping green wall adoption. The research methodology consists of three interrelated phases. Firstly, a thorough literature review was conducted to identify the drivers behind green wall adoption in Vancouver. Secondly, semi-structured expert interviews were carried out to gather qualitative and quantitative data insights from local professionals involved in green wall projects. A comprehensive literature review and interviews with eight experts identified 36 key green wall drivers. These drivers were then incorporated into a questionnaire survey with 100 participants in the City of Vancouver. The findings revealed that Operational Cost, Zero Emission, User Experience, Building Protection, City Support, and Maintenance were among the most influential factors shaping the adoption of green walls in Vancouver. These findings offer critical guidance for Vancouver policymakers, aiming to boost green infrastructure adoption. It contributes Vancouver-specific insights, emphasizing green infrastructure benefits for sustainable urban development and fostering resilient, aesthetically pleasing urban environments locally and globally.Keywords: Drivers, Green wall, Qualitative, Quantitative, Vancouver, Urban environmen
Sustainable Retrofitting in the 21st Century: Reviewing the Impact of Municipal Policy on Rental Property Owners
Get PDF2024The climate crisis is influenced by many factors, including energy use in residential buildings, which accounts for approximately 10% of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires that 85% of existing buildings be retrofitted to a zero-carbon-ready state. Rental properties, often less energy efficient than owner-occupied homes, must also be improved to meet these targets. This study investigates how prepared rental property operators in Regina are to meet the City's net-zero emissions goal by 2050, as outlined in the Energy and Sustainability Framework. Through interviews with rental property operators and municipal representatives and reviewing relevant literature, this research identifies the challenges and opportunities in adopting energy-efficient practices in the rental sector. The findings provide insights for policymakers, highlighting the gap between policy goals and the practical realities rental property operators face. The researcher's personal experience in the rental property industry and governmental roles enriches the study. The thesis includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices
Camping on Traditional Lands: What is the Value of Developing Campgrounds on Indigenous Land?
No full text2024The demand for camping in British Columbia has been growing rapidly for over a decade, but with private campgrounds slowly on the decline for various reasons, such as the encroachment of urban development or park redevelopment due to owners cashing in on high real estate prices, the demand for new campgrounds has been steadily on the rise. This research investigates what value expanding the Indigenous camping industry brings to Indigenous communities and how non-Indigenous entities can offer meaningful assistance. Using a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study uses ten semi-structured interviews with members of the Indigenous tourism industry and the British Columbia camping industry. This research revealed a positive outlook for expanding and developing an Indigenous camping industry by showing the added value communities have received, such as Indigenous youth education, culture protection, and Indigenous knowledge sharing
When it just doesn’t add up: a Dyscalculia toolkit
Get PDFDyscalculia, a learning disability that affects numerical and mathematical abilities, is frequently overlooked and misunderstood, particularly in secondary education. While mathematics can be challenging for many students, those with dyscalculia face unique and significant obstacles. This research paper identifies critical gaps in teacher knowledge and the lack of resources needed to support these students, proposing a practical solution through the creation of a comprehensive, educator-focused toolkit. This paper explores the history of dyscalculia, its neurodevelopmental origins, its impact on student outcomes, and the lack of accessible, evidence-based resources and interventions in schools. Through an extensive literature review, this project developed an actionable resource tailored for secondary educators: The Dyscalculia Toolkit. Prioritizing usability and accessibility, the toolkit provides curated, evidence-based resources, professional development recommendations, and intervention activities grounded in the response-to-intervention framework. By equipping educators with effective strategies and tools, the Dyscalculia Toolkit aims to promote inclusive learning environments and improve long-term academic and personal outcomes for students with dyscalculia
Revitalization of urban voids in Nanaimo's local areas
Get PDFLike many forms of artistic expression, an urban environment is comprised of both positive and negative spaces. Positive spaces are areas that are purposefully developed, while negative spaces are unintentionally developed voids in between. As cities evolve, some negative spaces transform to become vibrant and integral parts of the urban environment, while others remain dormant, lacking a distinct purpose or identity, posing potential threats to the city and its residents.
In this study, I initially formulated criteria for a spatial audit to identify potential urban voids in Nanaimo’s Downtown area. Subsequently, through case studies, conducting interviews with a city planner and an architect, and delving into relevant literature research, I endeavoured to propose programs or design solutions as recommendations for the revitalization of these identified spaces.Major project 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
Our Voices, Our Stories: The Role of Gender in Family Business Succession in Canada
Get PDF2024This qualitative study focused on the role of gender across leadership, succession, and transition planning within family-owned businesses. With growing calls to understand the underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles and succession strategies of family-owned businesses, this research was timely and relevant. From a business education perspective, academic institutions have an opportunity to intentionally create programs designed to expand the pool of students who consider entrepreneurship a viable career alternative. Scholars and practitioners alike are exploring the environment of family enterprises as an ideal setting in which to understand entrepreneurial learning due to the embeddedness of students in both family and educational systems. Utilizing narrative inquiry and narrative interviews, this research explored the interplay of gender, leadership, and family business systems engaged in succession and transition processes. This report presents findings and key narratives drawn from 10 research participant interviews with members of women-led family businesses. The findings, which reveal the impact of gender within and across family and business systems regarding leadership and succession processes, may advance entrepreneurship education, the efficiency and connectedness of families who are in business together, and the trusted advisors who serve alongside these important family business systems
How Coaching Impacts the Well-Being of Woman Physicians in Canada
No full text2024This research used a cross-sectional study design to identify specific coach behaviours that support the well-being of woman physicians in Canada. Burnout among healthcare workers is at historic highs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians experience higher rates of burnout than the general population. Women physicians have experienced higher rates of decline in emotional well-being and higher rates of burnout than their male colleagues. Coaching interventions can improve physician well-being, however, there is little evidence to suggest which coach behaviours or interventions are specifically beneficial to physician clients. Using a sample of women who practice medicine in Canada, this research identified coach behaviours that supported improvement in their well-being through the use of surveys, interviews and synthesized member checking. This research was conducted per the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy. The research generated recommendations to support the practice of coaches who coach female physicians in Canada
Evolving the planning paradigm: A machine learning framework for efficient city planning
Get PDFIn the face of burgeoning urban populations and complex environmental challenges, traditional city planning methodologies are increasingly proving inadequate. This thesis introduces a machine learning framework designed to reshape urban planning processes by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the planning process. By automating mundane processes and accelerating the iterative nature of design work, this framework aims to educate the reader in engaging with AI technologies, present a guide on utilizing large language models (LLMs) in their workflows, and fostering the reader with a positive outlook on AI use. Through a comprehensive literature review, case studies, demonstration and creation of AI tools and a following discussion, this study demonstrates the potential of machine learning to provide planners with the tools necessary for addressing contemporary urban challenges efficiently. This thesis not only charts a course for the future of urban planning but also serves as a practical guide for incorporating AI technologies into planning practices today.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