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“PLENTY OF HEART AND PLENTY OF HOPE”: AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL IMPLICATIONS IN POST-WWII WESTERN MUSICAL FILMS
No full textWorld War II had a profound and significant impact on American life and culture. Hollywood and film production was one area that was notably different after the war with themes and settings that promoted patriotism and American values being seen more frequently. Film lends itself to analysis due to its recorded and preserved nature that allows audiences today to view the same thing that audiences in the early 1950s were seeing, albeit with a different worldview. Western movies made in the late 1940s and early 1950s perfectly encapsulate the feelings of most Americans during the postwar period. Additionally, a new subgenre of films, the western musical, began to emerge and gain popularity due to the fact that they appealed more widely to the female audience than traditional westerns. Annie Get Your Gun, Calamity Jane, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Oklahoma!, four of the most well-known postwar western musicals, offer substance to analyze against the cultural backdrop of 1950s America
AN EXAMINATION OF KARL BARTH’S CRITIQUE OF NATURAL THEOLOGY: THE EPISTEMOLOGICAL SHIFT POST-SALVATION
No full textThis thesis reexamines Karl Barth’s rejection of natural theology, specifically if his Christocentric framework allows for a limited, post-salvific engagement with natural revelation. While Barth is adamant in his denial of the source of knowledge of God being found solely through reason, logic, or nature, this thesis argues that Barth does not reject the possibility of natural revelation but rejects its accessibility. But, due to the effects of salvation on not just the soul but the whole of one’s being, the mind is also renewed, allowing for the noetic effects of sin to be overcome. Drawing from Church Dogmatics I/1, The Epistle to the Romans, No!, and Evangelical Theology: An Introduction, this study aims to define Barth’s rejection within his work and compare it to a direct critic in Emil Brunner. This thesis proposes that Barth opens the door for a post-salvific epistemological shift, entirely dependent on God’s self-revelation. In this framework, theology is not an autonomous pursuit of divine knowledge but a participation in the miraculous self-disclosure of God Almighty
WHAT WENT RIGHT AND WHAT WENT WRONG: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY OF FIREFIGHTERS SURVIVING LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS
No full textThe present study explored the lived experiences of firefighters who survived life-threatening situations in burning buildings, examining how these experiences unfolded and the leadership structures that shaped those experiences. Employing A. P. Giorgi and Giorgi’s (2003) scientific phenomenological analysis, the present study identified the general structure of the firefighter survival experience, which was comprised of 11 constituents, highlighting survival as a dynamic, identity-bound process shaped by adaptive behaviors, internalized beliefs, and evolving situation-specific conditions. Leadership was found to operate at the systems, organizational, and group levels, enabling or constraining firefighter readiness, adaptation, and recovery. By integrating Safety-I and Safety-II perspectives with functional leadership theory, the present study reframes firefighter safety and survival as a relational, emergent, and context-dependent phenomenon instead of a compliance-based outcome. The findings inform leadership, training, and the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program fatality investigations by emphasizing moral responsibility, interpretive capacity, and the value of subjective experience. The present study provides a foundation for enhancing firefighter safety and survival, reducing fatalities, and advancing more meaningful safety recommendations and practices
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF FOREIGN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN COLLEGES IN ASIA
No full textThis qualitative case study investigated the experiences of college-level EFL/ESL teachers in Asia. The research sought to identify the gaps in professional development experiences influencing teachers to be better educators, meeting the needs of the English language learners in Asia. Additionally, the research identified how the professional development experiences, or lack thereof, of the college-level EFL/ESL teachers impacted their pedagogical strategies and professional practices. Despite the demand for English language education across Asia, foreign English educators often face limited institutional and administrative support, as well as unequal access to professional learning opportunities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with foreign English language teachers working at colleges and universities in China, Pakistan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Data were analyzed using both deductive and inductive coding in Dedoose, guided by five research questions and twenty interview questions. Findings revealed that participants frequently engage in self-directed and self-funded PD, workshops, informal mentorship, peer collaboration, and technology-informed practices, while also expressing frustration with inconsistent institutional support, lack of voice and choice, and various systemic barriers. Teacher-participants highlighted the importance of autonomy, cultural responsiveness, and student-centered practices in shaping their professional growth. The study contributes to the literature on teacher development in international higher education by highlighting the voices of foreign English language educators and the need for more accessible, practical, and context-specific PD opportunities. Implications include enhancing institutional understanding and recognition of foreign English language teachers’ contributions to institutional success
Building Spiritual Resilience Through Generational Connections in Military Chapels
No full textThis presentation, \u27Building Spiritual Resilience Through Generational Connections in Military Chapels,\u27 explores how intentional organizational design can turn generational divides into opportunities to strengthen faith communities. This research is based on qualitative ethnographic study of three Protestant chapel services—Traditional, Gospel, and Contemporary—to evaluate how different worship styles and cultural expectations affect engagement among retired military members (Baby Boomers and Gen X) and active-duty service members (Millennials and Gen Z). Using Senge’s (2006) systems thinking, Galbraith’s (2014) Star Model, and Schein and Schein’s (2016) organizational cultural framework, the study identified four essential pillars for building resilient chapels: valuing connections, fostering mentorship, integrating technology, and practicing inclusivity. The research showed that resilience is fully achieved by embracing and balancing both tradition (favored by retirees) and innovation (preferred by active-duty military). Notable plans include cross-generational mentorship (which involves vertical and lateral communication), blended worship, utilizing technology for outreach, and inclusive practices—where all generations are valued and supported equally. The study also incorporated cross-cultural insights from Hofstede et al. (2010) on cultural dimensions and Cameron and Quinn’s (2019), highlighting how leadership should adapt to generational and cultural demands to stay relevant. Overall, this project demonstrates that generational differences are opportunities rather than obstacles, fostering a stronger connection to faith and spiritual growth. Applying the four- pillar resilience model can help chapels become a vibrant spiritual ecosystem that honors the past while embracing the future. This framework provides practical tools for military chaplains and chapel lay leaders to enhance and strengthen spiritual resilience and readiness across generations
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE HEALTH AND GROWTH OF NAZARENE CHURCHES IN THE AFRICA EAST FIELD
No full textThe transformational leadership model is associated with positive outcomes in the follower experience, as well as in educational, healthcare, and business sectors. There is limited research on the impact of transformational leadership on church health and growth (George & Sreedharan, 2023; Kouni et al., 2018; Rahmatulloh et al., 2023; Tian & Guo, 2024). The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore how transformational leadership contributes to the health and growth of Nazarene churches in the Africa East Field (comprising Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda). Eight pastoral leaders were interviewed to share their thoughts, perspectives, and experiences via Zoom. Five themes and 10 related categories emerged from the research. First, the theme of Pastor as Shepherd-Leader included the categories of Pastoral Character, Role of the Pastor, Pastoral Leadership, and Pastoral Preparation. Next, Adherence to Foundational Truths encompassed the categories of The Role of the Holy Spirit and Sound Doctrine. Interconnectedness between Church Growth and Church Health functioned both as a theme and a category. Effective Church Ministry incorporated the categories of Church Characteristics and Activity of the Church. Finally, the fifth theme, Overcoming Adversity, was also a category. Theoretical and practical implications, along with suggestions for future research, are included
Youth Mac: Exploring the Impact and Influence of Varied Youth Pastor Leadership Qualities and Practices That Lead to Efficacious Student Ministry
Get PDFCongregations across the United States are experiencing significant declines in youth and young adult engagement and retention, raising a red flag when thinking about the long-term sustainability of the church. While previous research has focused on senior pastoral leadership, there has been limited exploration of youth pastor leadership and its effects on church growth and adolescent retention. This qualitative study utilizes McGavran’s church growth theory to investigate how youth pastors’ leadership styles influence ministry effectiveness. This research used semistructured interviews with six youth pastors from diverse congregations to collect the data. After completing thematic analysis, four themes emerged: (a) the multifaceted role of youth pastors, highlighting their unique administrative and relational responsibilities; (b) leadership styles and their impact, highlighting the efficaciousness of relational, transformational, and servant leadership on student ministry; (c) vision and strategic ministry planning, emphasizing the need for clear and adaptable strategies; and (d) adaptability and digital discipleship, underscoring the significance of cultural and technological engagement with students. These findings exhibited that intentional intergenerational mentoring relationships, parental engagement, and the employment of an adaptive leadership style profoundly influence youth retention. Moreover, the study identifies youth ministry vision alignment as vital to congregational growth. Churches that prioritize relationship-driven discipleship and student leadership empowerment experience stronger engagement from students. This research contributes to the leadership literature by offering practical strategies to enhance youth ministry effectiveness and providing insights for churches aiming to cultivate thriving, intergenerational congregations
ProVision CFO: Empowering Strategic Financial Excellence for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
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ProVision CFO offers strategic financial management solutions tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and rapidly growing organizations. This project aims to equip clients with robust financial strategies and actionable insights necessary for sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term success. ProVision CFO provides comprehensive financial guidance including fractional CFO and accounting services.
Project Themes
The ProVision CFO framework encompasses three key components designed to optimize financial performance and organizational effectiveness. Component One—Strategic Clarity: Establishing clear financial goals aligned with organizational vision, mission, and values. Component Two—Financial Optimization: Providing accounting services to streamline financial processes and enhance profitability. Component Three—Fractional CFO Leadership: Delivering executive-level financial insights and decision-making support tailored specifically for small business leaders.
Contributions to the Field of Leadership
ProVision CFO enhances the capability of small business leaders by fostering a deeper understanding of financial strategy and its integration with leadership excellence. By merging strategic financial management with practical accounting and QuickBooks training, the project develops leaders capable of driving financial discipline and organizational success, thus elevating overall business performance and sustainability.
Real-world Implications
This project serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across various industries, offering essential financial expertise traditionally accessible only to larger organizations. ProVision CFO directly contributes to strengthening financial acumen, improving decision-making, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous growth among small business leaders
The Intertextuality of Father Camilo Torres Restrepo’s Academic Thinking And The Foundation Of The First Sociology Department in Colombia
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The Intertextuality of Father Camilo Torres Restrepo’s Academic Thinking And The
Foundation Of The First Sociology Department in Colombia
Catalina Honsowetz
Southeastern University
Born ten years before the start of WWII, Father Camilo Torres Restrepo entered the world in Bogotá, Colombia, at a time riddled with poverty and violence. He belonged to a politically liberal family that never shied away from public service or controversy. Desiring also to serve, Camilo surprised his family and friends with a change in career after starting university. Father Torres abandoned the law to put on priestly robes, hoping to serve his neighbors most effectively. From the moment he entered Seminary to the end of his graduate studies in Belgium, the intertextuality of his classical education led him, along with Orlando Fals Borda, to create and develop the first Sociology Department in Colombia. He began gathering tools from the start of his career, hoping to serve and love effectively. Then he seemed to identify in sociology, the vehicle he could utilize to bring about change and progress to a beautiful and hurting nation. Seeing the science behind sociology as well as its objective study as the perfect way to bring warring opinions to agreement, he created a program that outlasted him. Although his life was short, he lived it to the fullest and left a profound mark that continues to influence the lives of Colombians and Latin Americans to this day.
1 Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “intertextuality,” accessed March 19, 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intertextuality. Intertextuality: (noun) Derived from the French intertextualité, intertextuality refers to the intricate interrelationships between various texts that enhance the interpretation of a particular text. This research will explore the intertextuality between Camilo Torres’ seminary and university studies and how they relate to Father Camilo’s establishment of the first Sociology department in Colombia
Championing Change: Equipping Employees for Digital Transformation
Get PDFTitle of Project: Championing Change: Equipping Employees for Digital Transformation Defense Date: March 5, 2025 Candidate Name: Tracie Edwards Personal Email Address: [email protected] First Advisor: Dr. Bethany Peters Second Advisor: Dr. Jolene Erlacher
DSL Final Project Abstract: According to various sources, 70% or more of digital transformation initiatives fail. Some authors believe the failures are due to “people” problems and the inability of organizations to overcome resistance or a lack of skills among employees. Many organizations also choose to downsize rather than skill up existing staff. However, doing so incurs costs, including the loss of business knowledge and the need to onboard new employees. These costs might have been avoided had there been sufficient effort to prepare and upskill existing employees. This project addressed three overall questions: 1. Why do some Digital Transformation (DT) efforts succeed while others fail? 2. What is the role of the rank-and-file employee in DT? 3. Does investing in upskilling and re-skilling employees with high learnability result in an increased likelihood of DT success? To address these questions, a curriculum was developed based on current research, seeking to train rank-and-file employees in the ways of digital transformation. This curriculum covers the following topics: why organizations undertake digital transformation, readiness for
transformation, preparing for transformation, leading a transformation, sustaining a transformation, and building a culture of continual improvement. At the end of the training, employees should be prepared and capable of supporting the organization’s transformation efforts, making them more valuable to the organization and enhancing their resilience in their careers. Project Type: Curriculum Project Overview: This project is intended for organizations undergoing digital transformation. The goal is to prepare organization employees to become Change Champions prior to formally launching the transformation initiative. This preparation encompasses topics in strategy, leadership, change management, and continuous improvement, equipping employees with the tools necessary to support the change, champion it among their colleagues, and execute it effectively.
Project Themes: Digital transformation success factors, continual improvement culture, change management Contributions to the Field of Leadership: This project addresses a critical gap in digital transformation success rates and proposes a novel approach to enhance organizational readiness. The research identifies the crucial role of rank-and-file employees in digital transformation initiatives and introduces a comprehensive curriculum to upskill and prepare these employees for the challenges of digital transformation. The project focuses on employee development as a key factor in digital transformation success. By creating a curriculum that covers essential aspects of digital transformation, from organizational readiness to sustaining change, this research provides leaders with a practical tool to empower their workforce and increase the likelihood of successful digital initiatives
Real-world Implications: 1. This project has the potential to increase the success rate of digital transformation initiatives significantly. a. Improved organizational decision-making b. Enhanced agility and innovation c. Reduced turnover costs d. Increased employee engagement e. Increased organizational competitiveness
Keywords: digital transformation, continual improvement, narrative strategy, transformation readiness, transformation leadershi