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James Baldwin : Creating Vs. Inventing Oneself.
No full textWhat does it mean to transcend racial identity? This thesis explores James Baldwin's answer to such a question by examining three topics: the black American's relationship to the Western tradition, the legitimacy of protest literature, and the role of artists in society. I argue that Baldwin did not want to be confined to and limited by race. I show his drive to go beyond identities, to get at the root of things, and to reveal greater truths about what it means to be human. This thesis captures Baldwin's desire to understand the complexities of life and death, pain and sorrow, love and hate, and to live by the Western Mantra "know thyself."
A qualitative case study to investigate the barriers to educational and professional development an aging workforce faces in an evolved digital workplace.
No full textMany middle-aged workers in logistics, aged 40 to 60 years, for a multitude of reasons, are not advancing in their careers. The literature shows that age and perceived abilities impact how employers view and engage with middle-aged workers. Studies show that educational level and the relevance of that education are strong factors in how successfully workers can advance. Continued education and personal updates in emerging technology help to keep middle-aged workers relevant to the company. Socioeconomic factors and structural barriers that can and do limit middle-aged workers' success in their careers are found in the literature. This qualitative single case study builds on prior knowledge and utilizes an a priori framework to delve deeper into the issue that middle-aged workers find themselves. The framework used is worker lifespan transition, which evaluated the participants on three pillars: person, context, and career outcomes (Zacher & Froidevaux, 2021). Five current or prior employees of a logistics company participated in this case study. Using a qualitative study allowed me to obtain lived experiences from middle-aged participants within logistics to develop a deep, rich understanding that can be triangulated across multiple data sources. The triangulation provides a credible and valid study for concise pragmatic analysis. The coding and themes uncovered several points within the framework evaluation and highlighted many emerging themes. In the logistical company study, structural barriers were uncovered in the form of ageism, a lack of steady leadership, favoritism, educational limitations with relevant degrees, and many other socioeconomic factors. The findings uncovered multiple instances of those issues. The clearly articulated findings around felt discrimination, leadership concerns, and educational limitations help look for actionable results. The implication of corporate leadership is that middle-aged workers are a loyal asset to be developed. Middle-aged workers have a large amount of organizational knowledge that organizations can harness to train new workers, creating business continuity if managed correctly
Evaluating and comparing Gaussian forecasts for discrete process time series.
No full textThis dissertation is comprised of three research papers which focus on comparing a discrete time series processes to a discretized Gaussian autoregressive process and the traditional Gaussian autoregressive process. We first provide a brief introduction to relevant background information in chapter one. In the second chapter, we look specifically at the geometric integer autoregrssive process of order one. Forecasts using a geometric integer autoregressive (GINAR) model are compared to variations of Gaussian forecasts via simulation by equating relevant moments of the marginals of the GINAR to the Gaussian AR. To illustrate utility, the methods discussed are applied and compared using three discrete series with model parameters being estimated using each of conditional least squares, Yule-Walker, and maximum likelihood. We then perform similar methods and applications using the Poisson-Lindley integer autoregressive process. In chapter four we extend our work to the zero-inflated Poisson integer autoregressive process. We conclude with a brief summary and discussion in chapter five
Psychometric validation of the Collaboration Maturity Model (Col-MM) with credit union employees.
Get PDFTo meet the demands of an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment, organizations have had access to abundant information about best practices and tools needed to build effective team collaboration. However, they have not been able to determine the adequacy of their collaboration maturity efforts at the team level to guide their collaboration development. I validated the survey metrics of the only team Collaboration Maturity Model (Col-MM) that organizations can universally apply and benchmark. I evaluated the metrics presented in the Col-MM conceptual theory by Boughzala and de Vreede (2015). I considered the survey metrics, applying item and scale adjustments to improve clarity while staying true to the original conceptual theory and intent. To validate the adjustments made, I performed a Content Validity Analysis by collaborating with eleven subject matter experts to ensure adherence to the original theory, predict participant comprehension, and represent the entire team collaboration maturity construct. Following a survey of credit union employees, I performed a psychometric evaluation to affirm metric validity. I utilized an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to establish an initial factor structure by determining the fewest factors and survey items that explain the construct and structure among the survey items. Two Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) validated the initial factor and instrument structures proposed in the EFA for each factor individually and the overall construct. In concert with the EFA, the CFAs also found that statistically, survey items loaded best on three factors; collaboration characteristics, collaboration management, and collaboration processes, rather than on four factors earlier postulated in theory. Finally, I established measure reliability using Cronbach's Alpha and Pearson's r testing. The investigation revealed that the Col-MM survey metrics are valid, thus providing a valid, reliable, and benchmarkable instrument with broad applicability for organizations of all types and sizes as they evaluate team collaboration maturity
Advancing additive friction stir deposition as a repair technology through smooth particle hydrodynamic simulations.
No full textAdditive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) is a solid-state additive manufacturing (AM) process capable of generating near net shape components though layer by layer depositions. AFSD leverages frictional and plastic heat generation to plasticize material inside of a hollow, rotating tool. In addition to the manufacture of near net shape components similar to other AM methods, AFSD has also been proposed as a repair technology capable of depositing material identical to that of the component being repaired. This work investigates the relationship between process parameters, the resulting structure at multiple length scales, the material properties of the resulting structure and the performance of material repaired though AFSD. This process-structure-property-performance-relationship was investigated though a computational multi-physics framework to link the impacts of processing conditions to the performance of the manufactured material. This framework was then expanded to better capture the process-structure relationship on the resulting microstructure of the aluminum alloy 7075 after AFSD. Finally, several processing augmentations were investigated to reduce potential waste streams generated through this process by assessing the impact on repair performance of recycled feedstock material. The impacts of post deposition heat treatment as well as the impacts of Hybrid Frictional Diffusional Bonding (HFDB) on the resulting bond strength of the deposited AFSD material to the repaired substrate were also investigated. Chapter Two demonstrated the feasibility of predicting static strength and fatigue performance though a fully computational approach. Chapter Three demonstrated the existence of a relationship between resulting grain size and processing parameters and was the first publication to demonstrate the ability for a featureless tool to result in fully dense AFSD repairs. Chapter Four suggested that the waste stream of unused feedstock after an AFSD repair can be reduced though being used in subsequent AFSD repairs. The reused feedstock exhibited similar static strength performance with a small increase in variability between samples compared to pristine feedstock material. Chapter Four also demonstrated the ability for the bond strength of AFSD repairs to be increased though the implementation of HFDB recovering over 92% of the yield strength compared to the wrought control
Musical semiotics and color : contextual roles of color in Scriabin and Schoenberg.
Get PDFStemming from the larger topic of multimedia, this thesis examines the interrelation of music and color. Color will be explored as a metaphysical entity—beyond visual or aural connotations—as a symbol for inner reality beyond time and space. This analysis will be achieved through the primary case study of Alexander Scriabin's symphony Prometheus: Poem of Fire (1911), as well as an in-depth overview of Arnold Schoenberg's synesthetic music drama Die glückliche Hand (1913). With both of these case studies color takes on a unique semiotic role, applying its metaphysical potential to engender a transcendent reality. These pieces not only show potential uses of color as a symbol to demonstrate inner reality beyond time and space; they also reflect roles—in counterpoint and synthesis—illustrating the changing cultural concept of color, and, by extension, the evolution of semiotic intuition
Enactivism, the Regression of Medicalized Rhetoric and Transdiagnostic Treatment Approaches in Psychological Care.
Get PDFUnfortunately, our contemporary understanding of science has condemned psychology for being a 'soft' discipline. This perception, in part, is rooted in the historical challenges experienced by psychology as a field of study, where explanations for human behavior were frequently attributed to experiences of divine intervention and demonic possession. Consequently, to build a respectable reputation, psychology has had to overcompensate through developments of flawed transdiagnostic and biomedical treatment approaches that rely on medicalized rhetoric, limiting a client's agency in treatment decisions, and baseline frameworks that operate under the inaccurate assumption of there being a normal and abnormal functioning human brain. However, through a unique integration of the physiological, experiential, sociocultural, and existential dimension, the methodology of enactivism serves as a representation for how future adaptations in psychological treatment can successfully possess the intricacies required to navigate the depth of complexity behind the human brain. Nevertheless, modern psychology along with its 'mental' health practices stands at a crucial junction today, begging the question: will psychology reset its narrative or continue optimizing the industry it has created
Influencing new teacher retention : a qualitative single case study on K–12 teachers' experiences in their first five years of teaching.
Get PDFThe purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore the perceived personal, school, and external correlates that influence new teacher retention among K–12 teachers who have remained in their current position throughout their first five years of teaching. The problem this study addressed was the high attrition rates among early-career teachers, which have detrimental effects on the stability and quality of the education system. Understanding the perceived influences contributing to teacher retention is essential for developing effective strategies to support and retain teachers. Following a qualitative approach, I collected saturated details of the experiences of new teachers using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Nguyen's (2018) Teacher Attrition and Retention framework guided the alignment of the problem, purpose, and data collection protocols and procedures. By utilizing this framework, I explored personal correlates, such as teachers' backgrounds and job satisfaction; school correlates, including school leadership, and a supportive environment; external correlates, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included four teachers who shared their experiences and perspectives on teacher retention. The findings revealed several important insights. First, teachers' educational backgrounds and qualifications significantly impacted their job satisfaction and commitment to teaching. Then, a supportive school environment and positive relationships with colleagues and administrators influenced teacher retention, including collaboration among teachers and fostering positive student relationships. Last, external correlates such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, curriculum expectations, and union membership also influenced teacher retention. These findings have important implications for teachers, school administrators, and policymakers. Ongoing professional development opportunities and recognition of their contributions are essential in supporting teachers. School administrators should focus on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, valuing, and appreciating teachers' work. Policymakers should consider the impact of external influences on teacher retention while supporting teacher unions and addressing workload expectations. By addressing these correlates, educational systems can create an environment that supports and retains highly skilled and committed teachers
Elementary special education teachers' self-determination and perceptions of barriers related to the implementation of individualized education plans during the COVID-19 pandemic : a single case study.
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional educational opportunities around the world. The shift to remote learning caused regression in students and increased teacher burnout, as teachers implemented new teaching and learning modalities rapidly. These rapid changes in instructional settings had negative ramifications, as teachers experienced barriers to meeting the needs of their students. Further, teachers of students with disabilities faced unique challenges that created barriers to implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), thus affecting their self-determination in the workplace. The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the self-determination of experienced elementary special education teachers to implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic in a large school district in Alabama. I chose a single case study design as a qualitative means of focusing on a large school district in Alabama. I used a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis of teachers' professional learning plans to analyze the experiences of four elementary special education teachers who experienced teaching before, during, and after COVID-19 school closures. I selected Ryan and Deci's (1985) self-determination theory as the theoretical framework for the study. I uncovered three findings. First, elementary special education teachers perceived that they had minimal autonomy due to limited instructional choice and limited time during COVID-19 school closures. Second, elementary special education teachers experienced barriers that limited engagement and accessibility with students with disabilities, which diminished their perceived competence in the workplace during COVID-19 school closures. Third, elementary special education teachers felt related to their co-workers and parents of students with disabilities considering the rapid changes and challenges during COVID-19 school closures. Perceived barriers included low attendance, environmental distractions, lack of training and support, inaccessibility, limited time, and limited choice. I offer implications and recommendations for special education teachers, school district personnel, and instructors of preservice teachers. Special education teachers should recognize areas for continuous improvement and investigate technology-based accessibility options. School district personnel should implement an unplanned emergency team to develop an emergency plan in case of unplanned school closures. Instructors of preservice teachers should work with school districts to determine current best practices and require implementation of technology in field experiences
A qualitative case study examining leadership's influence on employees' morale, motivation, and performance during an organizational restructure.
Get PDFOrganizations in today's globalized world face challenges at unprecedented rates and magnitudes. Restructures are a valuable tool used to meet those challenges directly. Senior-level leaders spearheading restructuring need to adjust quickly to change and to be cognizant of the persuasive and biased atmosphere their actions and behaviors create for all personnel. Change is an inescapable segment of business; those unwilling to adapt will continue utilizing antiquated practices which decreases the likelihood of meeting the needs of their stakeholders. Educational institutions are particularly slow to accept change, and when they fail to acclimate to needed change, they position themselves to fall short in taking care of their employees. Most significantly, the institutions let down their students when lack of adaptiveness in administrative processes leads to poor communication and systematic errors. This qualitative single-case study focused on the influence senior-level leadership's actions and behaviors had on employees throughout an organizational restructuring in a medical educational institution. Former employees completed questionnaires relating to leadership practices observed during the restructuring. Additionally, individuals completed in-depth interviews to discuss their experiences during the period of change. The questionnaires and interview questions aimed to determine whether transformational leadership practices were present during the restructuring period. This study established a connection between transformational leadership theory and employees' levels of morale, motivation, and performance. Furthermore, the study found that leaders whose actions and behaviors lack components of transformational leadership negatively influence the working environment. This study provided implications for senior-level leadership teams and operational-level managers by demonstrating a connection between leadership's actions and behaviors and the influence those actions and behaviors have over employees' morale, motivation, and performance. The study found leadership's actions and behaviors heavily influenced employees. The implications of the study suggest that operational management and senior-level leadership must build strong, positive, connections with employees before and throughout the restructuring process for the restructuring to be successful. Without strong connections, employees fail to buy in to the restructuring and subsequently allow leaderships' actions and behaviors to influence their restructuring experience