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Evaluating Federal Agent Retirements in Northern California
Full text linkThis research paper focuses on the insufficiencies of the retirement benefits provided to retired Federal Agents in the Northern California area. The federal government started providing retirement benefits to non-military employees in 1920 and revamped the system to the current Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986. This study assesses insufficiencies in FERS for Federal Agents who retire in Northern California. Literature reviews were conducted by reviewing studies, government documents, articles, and other documents to assess FERS. The research was conducted using a mixed-method approach in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed to contrast with the hypothesis. Over 8% of all FERS retirees reside in California and while Federal Agents make up a smaller subset of these in the Northern California area, it has the potential to impact a large percentage of this group
Implementing Florida’s Guardian Program in Walnut Creek, California
Full text linkSchool shootings across the US are on the rise. This study examined Florida’s Guardian Program, an untraditional approach to combat school shootings on K-12 campuses. Moreover, it contrasted the Guardian Program with policies in California and how the two strategies affect school safety differently at the local level. This study set the stage for a quasi-experiment by comparing the two sets of policies and using a Mixed-Methods Research (MMR) approach. A total of 62 surveys were received, and five interviews were conducted at the local level in the County of Contra Costa to examine the safety concerns of schools in the City of Walnut Creek. The research findings showed that elements of the Guardian Program would enhance Walnut Creek’s K-12 campuses\u27 resilience to active shooter emergencies.
Keywords: Florida’s Guardian Program, K-12 Schools, School Shootings, Response Time, School Hardenin
The Transition to Electric Vehicles in Germany
Full text linkRising transportation-related emissions and the impacts of climate change are motivating countries around the world to transition to electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its public policy, Germany aims to have over 10 million EVs on the road by 2030. This study examines three challenges which might be limiting public support in Germany: 1) higher cost of EVs compared with gas-powered vehicles 2) lack of public charging infrastructure 3) lack of education surrounding transportation’s impact on climate change. In order to examine the validity of the theory of change related to these challenges, primary data was gathered through multiple sources with mixed data collection methodologies. The following analysis, conclusions and recommendations will provide value to German policy makers, the auto industry, climate change activists, and the German public itself
CHILD RIGHTS: THE PREVALENCE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN THE NIGERIAN FAMILY CONTEXT
Full text linkChild abuse and neglect is an international enemy of child development. Around the world, child abuse and neglect are said to account for child mortality. The warning signs of child abuse and neglect are not always obvious. Child abuse, which is multi-faceted, includes exploitation, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse. Specifically, child maltreatment constitutes neglect and all shades of abuse and exploitation, which result in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, continued existence, development, or dignity in the context of a relationship among others. Every existing society is made up of children who are seen as the present and future core members of these societies. Safety and development, through wellness, the upbringing of children, is therefore an essential aspect that is too indispensable to neglect. Simply put, child abuse refers to the mistreatment of children. It involves and is not restricted to extreme mistreatment of a child by a person in whose hands a child’s welfare lies. Child abuse in its occurrence comes in various forms. These forms include, amongst others, neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, and physical abuse. This dissertation will classify child abuse into four major groups known as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
The purpose of this dissertation is to undertake a critical exploration of the major types of child abuse in Nigerian families. It will evaluate to what extent and how the existing family and child laws are effective in combating this growing problem. This study was conceived because of the increase in child abuse and neglect in Nigerian families. Unfortunately, these children are vulnerable. They suffer the indignity of rape, sexual harassment and other humiliation arising from patriarchal mind-sets, beliefs in certain socio-religious mythologies and ancient customary practices. In Nigeria, a child is regarded as a miniature adult that is expected to carry some duties at home, in the farm and in the market beginning from about three years of age. The parents give vi out some children at age six. Others may be exposed to street hawking to raise funds for the family. Child abuse and neglect often occur in families and results in serious consequences for the safety of all family members as well as for members of the larger community. Factors associated with the occurrence of child abuse and neglect are also associated with domestic violence, and many of these are the same factors that put children at risk for youth violence and later adult violence crime.
This dissertation is therefore an analytical evaluation of the legal framework for the protection of the rights of a child in Nigeria especially with respect to domestic violence, hitting of a child, use of abuse words on a child, child emotional abuse, child neglect and physical abuse in Nigeria. Addressing and eliminating the widespread prevalence and incidence of violence against children is an obligation of States parties under the Convention. Securing and promoting children’s fundamental rights to respect for their human dignity and physical and psychological integrity, through the prevention of all forms of violence, is essential for promoting the full set of child rights in the Convention. For instance, General Comment No. 3 was issued by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to promote the realization of the human rights of children in the context of HIV/AIDS as guaranteed under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (“CRC”). Although this relates to HIV/AIDS, the promotion of the realization of the human rights of children is of utmost importance. General Comment No. 3 identifies and elaborates on several rights of children and corresponding obligations of state parties, for example, General Comment No. 3 explains that under Articles 24, 13, and 17 of the CRC. Children should have the right to access adequate information prevention and care through both formal and informal channels. It also states that accessibility of voluntary, confidential vii counseling services, with due attention to the evolving capacities of the child, is fundamental to the rights and health of children.
This dissertation will highlight certain cases of child abuse and neglect in Nigeria and will explore international law as well as transformational advances in the legal framework (constitutional, judicial, legislative and policy) governing the protection of a child from domestic violence. Valuable lessons may reasonably be applied to bridge the inherent fundamental gaps in the existing Nigerian framework. This dissertation will be confined to the legal remedies available to a child exposed to abuse, recommendations for a sustainable legal framework for the protection of abused children, and exploration of sustainable ways to fill the lacuna in the current legislation.
It is hereby acknowledged and welcomed the numerous initiatives developed by Nigerian Government and others to prevent and respond to abuse and neglect against the Nigerian child. In spite of these efforts, existing initiatives are in general insufficient. Legal frameworks in a majority of States still fail to prohibit all forms of abuse and neglect against children, and where laws are in place, their enforcement is often inadequate. Widespread social and cultural attitudes and practices condone abuse and neglect against of the Nigerian child. The impact of measures taken is limited by lack of knowledge, data and understanding of violence against the Nigerian child and its root causes, by reactive efforts focusing on symptoms and consequences rather than causes, and by strategies which are fragmented rather than integrated. Resources allocated to address the problem are inadequate
First-Tour Employee Retention in the State Department, North California Office, CA
Full text linkThis research paper focuses on retention issues among first-tour employees of the State Department. Every new employee in the State Department must serve an initial directed two-year tour at one of the eight (8) Field Offices in the United States. Despite a lengthy hiring and training program for State Department employees, many first-tour (entry-level) Foreign Service Specialists decide to leave the State Department for other federal agencies or the private sector before the end of their first tour. Assessing why retention is an issue after so much time and resources spent during the selection and training process will help the State Department better understand the needs of first-tour employees. It can lead to different recruitment, training, and management approaches during employees\u27 first-tour in their field office. For this paper, I used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data (Mixed-Methods Research approach). Five (5) research interviews with subject matter experts were conducted, and twenty-five (25) surveys were deployed, of which 16 were returned completed. The results confirmed that first-tour employees’ initial training, management at the field office, and lack of professional development were seen as major factors affecting retention at the State Department, while the hiring processes successfully identified candidates motivated to stay for a full career
Improving Staffing at Alameda Police Department through Leadership Development: A Study in Staffing and Retention
Full text linkA leadership development program is key to training, sustaining, and retaining officers in a police organization. This research paper focuses on leadership development at the Alameda Police Department (APD) to improve staffing levels. As of January 2023, the department is funded for 88 sworn officers. As of December 2023, the department has 66 sworn officers, which means staffing is down 28%. Professional and academic literature was used to show that the staffing crisis in law enforcement (LE) is a national issue and APD is not immune to these staffing challenges. The research used a Mixed-Methods Research (MMR) approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data, which was analyzed to accept or reject the hypothesis. The data was collected from 90 APD employees and 10 Subject Matter Experts (n = 90 quantitative, n = 10 qualitative). Collectively, there was a 96% agreement rate amongst survey respondents that validated the assumptions in this study. The input and themes provided by the Subject Matter Experts also validated the assumptions. Based on the findings of this study, it has the potential to impact staffing levels at APD
Evaluating the Effectiveness of More Public Support for Stronger E-waste Regulations
Full text linkE-waste management is a critical issue facing our society today. Fifty-three million metric tons of e-waste was produced in America alone in 2019; 17.4% of this e-waste was properly disposed of world-wide. By the year 2030, 81.6 million tons of e-waste will be produced globally (World Economic Forum, 2024). Recology San Bruno Transfer Station is the only processing center within the City of San Bruno, CA open to the public for e-waste disposal with limited operating hours. This mixed-methods research (MMR) study investigates factors influencing consumers’ intention to properly dispose of consumer-grade electronics. Specific hypotheses linked factors such as convenience, awareness, and regulations as plausible contributors (Ajzen, 1991). Quantitative data were collected from 117 San Bruno, CA residents and five Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) (n=117 quantitative; n=5 qualitative). The analyzed quantitative data tested through scalar analysis concerning convenient and transparent e-waste disposal and more public support to mitigate e-waste management through regulation revealed that 47.9% of San Bruno, CA residents are not satisfied with current e-waste management practices. Quantitative data revealed that 54.7% of residents view current e-waste management practices as inconvenient. Another 41% do not feel knowledgeable about proper e-waste disposal practices. An additional 50.4% feel that manufacturing companies are not transparent about the end-of-life disposal of their electronic products. These results could inform decision-makers on prioritizing funding to create more public awareness and the required reverse logistics infrastructure with clear communication to customers for the safe disposal of e-waste
Priority-based Budgeting – Addressing an Agency\u27s Priorities and Increasing Accountability and Transparency
Full text linkThis research paper focuses on the public agency\u27s budget process model. The budget process is a powerful tool to help policymakers make informed decisions to achieve their promised or expected results. It also enables public administrators to manage public programs and efficiently respond to community needs. Will priority-based budgeting (PBB) create positive benefits for an agency during unexpected events or emergencies, empower its administrator to swiftly allocate resources towards essential programs, and enhance transparency in financial disclosures while ensuring accountability for its actions? This research study used a mixed methodology involving qualitative and quantitative data collection methods in the form of surveys, questionnaires, interviews with subject matter experts, and participant observation. The study explores the priority-based budgeting process and its potential to assist an agency in meeting the community\u27s needs, allocating resources more effectively, and enhancing accountability based on outcomes. The analysis drawed on relevant literature to shed new light on the efficiency of priority-based budgeting in municipal governance
Evaluating Veterans Dealing with Mental Health Issues in Kings County, WA
Full text linkThis research paper focuses on evaluating veterans dealing with mental health issues, narrowing down to Kings County, Washington. Mental health issues have been a significant issue in dealing with veterans since the 1800s. Year by year, there is a constant increase in veterans coping with mental issues. While there are resources available for veterans to combat their mental health issues, there are also barriers to care. Recent studies surrounding this topic will lead to a literature review to determine the services offered to mental health and explain the barriers to care. The literature review will also explain the consequences arising from mental health issues. The research will be conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data. The data will be evaluated to either accept or reject the hypothesis