ScholarWorks (California State University)
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Do the Programs Work? Examining the Impact of Homeless Intervention Programs in L.A.
No full textLos Angeles is often referred to as the "homeless capital of the United States," as the number of homeless individuals continues to rise despite the large-scale investments in intervention programs, such as Measure H, the Housing First model, and the creation of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). This thesis examines whether these programs have been effective in reducing homelessness in the Los Angeles region. A systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. The search focused on studies that evaluated homeless intervention programs and policies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Seventeen peer-reviewed articles were selected from academic databases. Grey literature was also reviewed for support. Kingdon's Multiple Streams Framework was used to analyze why these programs were adopted and why they have struggled to produce lasting results. The findings revealed mixed outcomes. The Housing First approach showed success in improving housing stability and reducing substance use, but its reach is limited by structural barriers. Similarly, Measure H generated billions in funding for homelessness but has been criticized for distributing resources disproportionately. LAHSA was created to unify the county and city but has faced challenges with accountability and financial oversight. Future research should incorporate qualitative methods and lived experiences of homeless individuals to better understand which aspects of the programs are most effective
The Role of Public Managers in Mitigating the Effects of Regulatory Capture
No full textRegulatory capture, defined as the effective takeover of a regulatory agency by the industry it is tasked with overseeing, and its potential harms have been widely analyzed following the worldwide financial collapse of 2008. However, little research exists on the impact of capture on employees' job satisfaction and motivation within the captured agency. Using in-depth, semi-structured employee interviews, this study aims to address this research gap by examining the experiences of employees in a captured agency to explore how regulatory capture affects employee job satisfaction and motivation, and if transformational leadership styles may provide an effective bulwark against these impacts. The results of this study may be used for further research into the effects of agency capture on public employees on a broader scale, and to potentially assist in developing best practices for public managers to effectively lead during periods of organizational change caused by agency capture
Scalable Redesign of a B2B Demo Program
No full textA California-based irrigation technology company sought to improve its product demonstration program to reduce operational strain, increase conversions, and better track return on investment. The demo program had historically been used to build trust and educate prospective customers through in-person trials of the company's water management software and hardware. However, the existing approach was open-ended, and inconsistent, which created inefficiencies and limited the program's scalability. Our analysis included interviews with internal team members, company documents reviews, competitor benchmarking, and secondary research on best practices from B2B hardware and software companies. We found that other companies use a mix of virtual tools, clear qualification steps, and strong ROI tracking to make their demo programs more effective. In comparison, this company's demo program operates with good intentions but without a clear system in place. To address these issues, we recommend a multi-faceted redesign centered on five improvements: (1) a two-stage intake process to better qualify prospects; (2) standardized contracts with defined demo timelines and terms; (3) increased use of case studies and video content; (4) the creation of an interactive virtual demo to supplement in-person experiences; and (5) deeper use of existing CRM software to automate intake, scheduling, follow-ups, and ROI tracking. The goal is to make the program easier to manage, more consistent for customers, and more useful for the sales team. We created an implementation plan that starts with small pilots and grows over time. While we were not able to include direct customer interviews, we believe these changes can create a more effective and scalable demo experience that supports the company's growth
Watts on Water Business Analysis: Market & Competition
No full textWatts on Water is an early-stage renewable energy startup developing FluxView, a planning software for AquaPV (Waterway Solar) projects on U.S. reservoirs and canals. The platform addresses inefficiencies and the lack of standardization in Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) project development by integrating four key functions—regional analysis, site identification, project design, and economic modeling—into a single tool. While global FPV adoption is accelerating—projected to reach $27.7 billion by 2031—U.S. deployment remains limited, with fewer than 30 small-scale projects to date. Yet the technical potential is vast, with over 1,000 GW identified by federal agencies. The competitive landscape is favorable but evolving. Glint Solar, the most direct competitor, has shifted focus away from FPV, giving Watts on Water a hybrid first-/second-mover advantage. Indirect threats include land-based PV software and open-source tools like AquaPV Toolkit, which lack the technical depth and feature integration needed for FPV development. FluxView targets EPC firms, utilities, and public agencies managing water infrastructure. To succeed, the company must differentiate through advanced analytics, multi-feature integration, full technical reporting, and cost-saving capabilities—positioning FluxView as a comprehensive, standardized platform for an emerging industry Key recommendations include, primarily: finishing developing and then validating the technology. This allows the following of pursuing federal and state pilot projects, building partnerships with academic and GIS institutions to gain traction. Once established, releasing a freemium or MVP version to drive adoption. Despite some risk, low competition and growing demand for water-energy solutions make FluxView a timely and strategically positioned offering
Teachers Are Quitting: Investigating Burnout, Support, and Work-Life Balance
No full textThis inquiry project examines the relationship between school administrative support and teacher burnout as well as how the practices of school leaders affect a teacher's work-life balance and retention. Grounded in Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study investigates the relationship between systemic structures and the psychological needs of teachers as factors contributing to teacher well-being. The literature review identified four broad themes regarding teacher burnout: administrative support, systemic discomforts and challenges maintaining a work-life balance, institutional contributors to burnout, and opportunities for well-being and retention. Through interviews with an elementary school teacher and a school principal, the study provides grounded insights into how leadership behaviors, school culture, and systemic constraints contribute to teacher burnout. To provide a richer understanding of how school leaders', leadership behaviors, and school culture affect burnout, it was important to identify and include how systemic constraints contribute to teacher burnout. Findings revealed that positive school principal-teacher relationships based on open communication, mutual trust, ability to manage workload, and autonomy are important to alleviating burnout while increasing satisfaction for teachers. Recommendations for school leaders and policy makers included actionable, concrete recommendations to improve teacher support systems to create more sustainable educational environments
Arts Integration in Grades Transitional Kindergarten Through Third Grade
No full textThis inquiry explores the role of arts integration in Transitional Kindergarten through third grade (TK–3) classrooms, with a focus on how creative, embodied learning experiences support student engagement, academic growth, and inclusive teaching practices. Grounded in constructivist learning theory and Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, the study investigates how educators incorporate visual arts, music, drama, and movement into core academic subjects such as literacy and mathematics. Through interviews with art teachers and analysis of classroom-based practices via peer-reviewed journals, research reveals both the benefits and challenges of implementing arts integration in early education. While subjects reported increased student motivation, differentiated learning opportunities, and stronger classroom community, they also identified barriers, including limited funding, lack of training, and pressures from standardized testing.These findings point to a need for sustained professional development, institutional support, and long-term research to ensure that arts integration is not only present but meaningfully embedded in early learning environments. The paper concludes by indicating actionable steps for educators, administrators, and policymakers to advocate for and expand access to arts-rich learning in the foundational years of schooling
Teacher Burnout: Causes and Effective Mitigation Techniques to Stop a Nationwide Shortage
No full textThis is an intensive review and discussion on the impact that changes in the education realm are having on teachers in the United States and the resulting burnout and shortages that are occurring. Literature and studies on the topic are examined to look into the reasoning behind extreme teacher burnout that has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. The results found that many teachers are lacking support and assistance, and therefore leaving their jobs early in their careers, causing widespread shortages, leaving schools scrambling for educators. Findings were reciprocated upon interviewing a community partner who provided insight into their experience, both past and recent, in teaching, and what the negative implications were for them. The resulting conclusion was that schools must implement better support through mediation for teachers as well as a more positive and inviting environment if teachers are to stay long-term
Unhomely Worlds: Exploring Homi Bhabha's "Unhomeliness" in Tayari Jones's Silver Sparrow
No full textTayari Jones published her third novel, Silver Sparrow, in 2011. Her novels depict themes of race and identity, which include postcolonial elements. Silver Sparrow portrays the struggle of African Americans in Atlanta and their experience of systemic injustices. This study examines Homi K. Bhabha's "unhomeliness" concept associated with Tayari Jones's Silver Sparrow. It centers on the themes of displacement that echo the characters' experiences of postcolonial displacement. In the framework of Homi Bhabha's "unhomeliness," Silver Sparrow experiences difficulties in maintaining a balance between their family demands, social standards, and belonging. All characters suffer from psychological displacement, invisibility, and alienation. This paper analyzes Bhabha's concept of "unhomeliness" in the novel Silver Sparrow to illustrate the fractured family structure and complexities of identity formation where the characters are both insiders and outsiders within the social pattern. Through this concept of "unhomeliness," Jones expressed the multiplex dynamics of family bonding, secrecy, and displacement in Silver Sparrow
Reimagining Parental Engagement: Testimonios of Latino Single Parents in a Title I School
No full textParental involvement plays a critical role in children's academic achievement and can reduce risk factors associated with low socioeconomic communities (Araque et al., 2017; De, 2024; Jasis, 2021; Santos & Alfred, 2016; Zhang et al., 2024). However, limited research exists on the intersection of Latino single parenthood and engagement in their children's education. This qualitative study explores the experiences of five Latino single parents whose children attend a Title I school in Southern California. Guided by Yosso's (2005) Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) and testimonios as methodology, the study explores co-researchers' definitions of parental involvement, the challenges of navigating single parenthood, and their perspectives on how schools can better support single-parent families. Findings reveal that Latino single parents encounter systemic barriers to full engagement in the U.S. public school system. Recommendations include the implementation of support groups for single parents, further research on Latino single fathers and how their experiences differ from those of single mothers, and a necessary shift in mindset, from how parents can serve schools to how schools can serve and empower families and surrounding communities
Exploring Accommodation Perceptions Among College Students With Disabilities
No full textThis study aims to explore the experiences of individuals who receive disability accommodations in college. Six students participated through either Zoom interviews or Qualtrics surveys. The participants were asked about their disability accommodations, faculty perception, and school-related challenges. Hand coding was used to analyze the interview data. This study was guided by the social model of disability. Three themes emerged: accommodation effectiveness, stigma, and disability-related academic challenges. Recommendations and implications for policy and future research are also discussed