In God we trust: Faith-based development, spiritual transformation, and economic change in southern Andean indigenous communities

In communities throughout the developing world, faith-based organizations (FBOs) focus on goals such as eradicating poverty, bolstering local economies, and fostering community development, while premising their activities and interaction with local communities on theological and religious understandings. Due to their pervasive interaction with participants, the religious ideologies of these FBOs impact the religious, economic, and social realities of communities. This study investigates the relationship between the international FBO, World Vision International (WVI), and changes to religious, economic, and social ideologies and practices in Andean indigenous communities in southern Peruvian. This study aims to contribute to the greater knowledge and understanding of (1) institutionalized development strategies, (2) faith-based development, and (3) how institutionalized development interacts with processes of socio-cultural change. Based on fifteen months of field research, this study involved qualitative and quantitative methods of participant-observation, interviews, surveys, and document analysis. Data were primarily collected from households from a sample of eight communities in the Pitumarca and Combapata districts, department of Canchis, province of Cusco, Peru where two WVI Area Development Programs were operating. Research findings reveal that there is a relationship between WVI’s intervention and some changes to religious, economic, and social structure (values, ideologies, and norms) and practices, demonstrating that structure and practices change when social systems are altered by new social actors. Findings also revealed that the impacts of WVI’s intervention greatly increased over the course of several years, demonstrating that changes in structure and practice occur gradually and need a period of time to take root. Finally, results showed that the impacts of WVI’s intervention were primarily limited to those most closely involved with the organization, revealing that the ability of one social actor to incite changes in the structure and practice of another actor is associated with the intensity of the relationship between the social actors. The findings of this study should be useful in ascertaining deductions and strengthening understandings of how faith-based development organizations impact aspects of religious, economic, and social life in the areas where they work.

Development of a new student evaluation instrument of instructor effectiveness in online courses

The purpose of this study was to (a) develop an evaluation instrument capable of rating students' perceptions of the instructional quality of an online course and the instructor’s performance, and (b) validate the proposed instrument with a study conducted at a major public university. The instrument was based upon the Seven Principles of Good Practice for Undergraduate Education (Chickering & Gamson, 1987). The study examined four specific questions. 1. Is the underlying factor structure of the new instrument consistent with Chickering and Gamson's Seven Principles? 2. Is the factor structure of the new instrument invariant for male and female students? 3. Are the scores on the new instrument related students’ expected grades? 4. Are the scores on the new instrument related to the students' perceived course workload? ^ The instrument was designed to measure students’ levels of satisfaction with their instruction, and also gathered information concerning the students’ sex, the expected grade in the course, and the students’ perceptions of the amount of work required by the course. A cluster sample consisting of an array of online courses across the disciplines yielded a total 297 students who responded to the online survey. The students for each course selected were asked to rate their instructors with the newly developed instrument. ^ Question 1 was answered using exploratory factor analysis, and yielded a factor structure similar to the Seven Principles.^ Question 2 was answered by separately factor-analyzing the responses of male and female students and comparing the factor structures. The resulting factor structures for men and women were different. However, 14 items could be realigned under five factors that paralleled some of the Seven Principles. When the scores of only those 14 items were entered in two principal components factor analyses using only men and only women, respectively and restricting the factor structure to five factors, the factor structures were the same for men and women.^ A weak positive relationship between students’ expected grades and their scores on the instrument was found (Question 3). There was no relationship between students’ perceived workloads for the course and their scores on the instrument (Question 4).^

Development of local homeland security networks in the state of Florida: A social network analysis approach

How do local homeland security organizations respond to catastrophic events such as hurricanes and acts of terrorism? Among the most important aspects of this response are these organizations ability to adapt to the uncertain nature of these "focusing events" (Birkland 1997). They are often behind the curve, seeing response as a linear process, when in fact it is a complex, multifaceted process that requires understanding the interactions between the fiscal pressures facing local governments, the institutional pressures of working within a new regulatory framework and the political pressures of bringing together different levels of government with different perspectives and agendas. ^ This dissertation has focused on tracing the factors affecting the individuals and institutions planning, preparing, responding and recovering from natural and man-made disasters. Using social network analysis, my study analyzes the interactions between the individuals and institutions that respond to these "focusing events." In practice, it is the combination of budgetary, institutional, and political pressures or constraints interacting with each other which resembles a Complex Adaptive System (CAS). ^ To investigate this system, my study evaluates the evolution of two separate sets of organizations composed of first responders (Fire Chiefs, Emergency Management Coordinators) and community volunteers organized in the state of Florida over the last fifteen years. Using a social network analysis approach, my dissertation analyzes the interactions between Citizen Corps Councils (CCCs) and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in the state of Florida from 1996–2011. It is the pattern of interconnections that occur over time that are the focus of this study. ^ The social network analysis revealed an increase in the amount and density of connections between these organizations over the last fifteen years. The analysis also exposed the underlying patterns in these connections; that as the networks became more complex they also became more decentralized though not in any uniform manner. The present study brings to light a story of how communities have adapted to the ever changing circumstances that are sine qua non of natural and man-made disasters.^

Fiscal decentralization and development: An analysis of city governments in Argentina and Mexico, 1980--2010

This dissertation examines local governments' efforts to promote economic development in Latin America. The research uses a mixed method to explore how cities make decisions to innovate, develop, and finance economic development programs. First, this study provides a comparative analysis of decentralization policies in Argentina and Mexico as a means to gain a better understanding of the degree of autonomy exercised by local governments. Then, it analyzes three local governments each within the province of Santa Fe, Argentina and the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. The principal hypothesis of this dissertation is that if local governments collect more own-source tax revenue, they are more likely to promote economic development and thus, in turn, promote growth for their region. ^ By examining six cities, three of which are in Santa Fe—Rosario, Santa Fe (capital) and Rafaela—and three in Guanajuato—Leon, Guanajuato (capital) and San Miguel de Allende, this dissertation provides a better understanding of public finances and tax collection efforts of local governments in Latin America. Specific attention is paid to each city's budget authority to raise new revenue and efforts to promote economic development. The research also includes a large statistical dataset of Mexico's 2,454 municipalities and a regression analysis that evaluates local tax efforts on economic growth, controlling for population, territorial size, and the professional development. In order to generalize these results, the research tests these discoveries by using statistical data gathered from a survey administered to Latin American municipal officials. ^ The dissertation demonstrates that cities, which experience greater fiscal autonomy measured by the collection of more own-source revenue, are better able to stimulate effective economic development programs, and ultimately, create jobs within their communities. The results are bolstered by a large number of interviews, which were conducted with over 100 finance specialists, municipal presidents, and local authorities. The dissertation also includes an in-depth literature review on fiscal federalism, decentralization, debt financing and local development. It concludes with a discussion of the findings of the study and applications for the practice of public administration.^

Feminine Concepts of Leadership and Power: A New Framework for Development Ethics and Education Development

The last twenty years have been a period of growth in education development, development ethics, and female leadership studies. Literature indicates meaningful connections between these disciplines and points towards reassessment of obstacles to systemic change. A new term enpowerment is coined to define a proposed framework for ethical development practice.

A Professional Development Model to Promote Internet Integration in P-12 Teaching Practices

This mixed-methods study examined effects of a staff development model on instructional practices and dispositions of P-12 teachers. The model design was guided by participants’ varying developmental levels and their values and beliefs about teaching and learning. The study adds to our understanding of the need for teacher-centered professional development.

Sustainable Development: The Search for the Tipping Point

The United Nations recently launched the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Literature indicates the need for an authoritative definition of sustainable development. Sustainable Human Development is analyzed through the lens of Gladwell’s The Tipping Point as a framework for guiding ethical development practice and instigating changes in human behavior.

Arts for Learning/Miami Professional Development Program: Does It Measure Up?

This paper examines the relationship between student achievement, teacher practice, and professional development programs for teachers. A theoretical program model is then created and used to evaluate the Arts for Learning/Miami program model.

Development of Innovative Load Transfer Mechanism to Reduce Hurricane-Induced Failures in New and Existing Residential Construction

Implicit in current design practice of minimum uplift capacity, is the assumption that the connection's capacity is proportional to the number of fasteners per connection joint. This assumption may overestimate the capacity of joints by a factor of two or more and maybe the cause of connection failures in extreme wind events. The current research serves to modify the current practice by proposing a realistic relationship between the number of fasteners and the capacity of the joint. The research is also aimed at further development of non-intrusive continuous load path (CLP) connection system using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and epoxy. Suitable designs were developed for stud to top plate and gable end connections and tests were performed to evaluate the ultimate load, creep and fatigue behavior. The objective was to determine the performance of the connections under simulated sustained hurricane conditions. The performance of the new connections was satisfactory.

The development of an online neonatal intensive care unit family education

Background: British Columbia’s Fraser Health Authority (FHA) neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) value family centered care (FCC). Nevertheless, there is limited evidence that FCC is actually incorporated into practice, as well as some concern that FHA NICU education is inaccessible, inconsistent, or disorganized. Purpose: The mission of this project is to support the principles of FCC throughout the development of an FHA online NICU family education guide by reflecting upon the needs of families throughout their NICU journey. Methods: A needs assessment was initially completed and included literature reviews, consultations, and an environmental scan. This data informed development of an online NICU family education guide which plots current education materials along key stages of the NICU journey: prenatal, admission, early days, growing and developing, discharge and at home. For the purposes of this practicum, only the prenatal stage was fully developed and will serve as a template for other stages following a formative evaluation. A pamphlet and revised FHA Neonatal Checkpoint will also be developed to augment teaching by health care professionals. Implementation and evaluation plans were adapted from the Center for Disease Control Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health. Results: The needs assessment validates and directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of the online guide illustrating an FCC approach. The online guide centralizes and organizes education by selecting education topics that relate to each stage of the NICU journey. This family-directed design enables families’ access to consistent and reliable information and offers them an opportunity to learn at their own pace. Conclusion: The process of creating, implementing, and evaluating an online family education program for FHA NICUs elucidates the intricacies and the advantages of integrating FCC into NICU practice.

The development of a learning module for youth care counsellors working with incarcerated youth

Background: A shift toward a rehabilitative model of care has prompted the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre to institute a policy restricting seclusion and restraint as a means of behavioural management. This policy has been received with skepticism by youth counsellors who use these methods to contain disruptive behaviours. Insufficient training in mental health has precipitated feelings of inadequacy as they feel ill-equipped to do their jobs. Purpose: The purpose of my practicum is to develop a mental health learning module for youth counsellors to reduce seclusion and restraint in youth corrections. Methods: A literature search illustrated what is known on the topic of seclusion and restraint in youth corrections. Consultation with stakeholders revealed staff attitudes regarding the policy and its operational impact. An environmental scan revealed the availability of other resources intended to address disruptive behaviours. Conclusion: The learning module is focused on mental illnesses to increase youth counsellors’ competency in managing disruptive behaviours while minimizing the use of seclusion and restraint.

The development of a self-directed learning module for rural emergency nurses on pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

Background: Newfoundland and Labrador has a high incidence of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of type 1 diabetes. A clinical practice guideline was developed for the treatment of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to standardize care in all Emergency Departments and improve patient outcomes. Rural emergency nurses are requires to maintain their competency and acquire new knowledge as stated by the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL). Purpose: The purpose of this practicum was to develop a self-learning module for rural emergency nurses to increase their knowledge and understanding of the clinical practise guideline to assess, treat, and prevent pediatric ketoacidosis. Methods: Two methodologies were used in this practicum. A review of the literature and consultations with key stakeholders were completed. Results: The self-learning module created was composed of three units and focused on the learning needs of rural emergency nurses in the areas of assessment, treatment, and prevention of pediatric DKA. Conclusion: The goal of the practicum was to increase rural emergency nurses’ knowledge and implementation of the clinical practice guideline when assessing and treating children and families experiencing DKA to improve patient outcomes. A planned evaluation of the self-learning module will be conducted following dissemination of the module throughout the rural Emergency Departments.

Relational restorative justice pedagogy in educator professional development

What would a professional development experience rooted in the philosophy, principles, and practices of restorative justice look and feel like? This article describes how such a professional development project was designed to implement restorative justice principles and practices into schools in a proactive, relational and sustainable manner by using a comprehensive dialogic, democratic peacebuilding pedagogy. The initiative embodied a broad, transformative approach to restorative justice, grounded in participating educators’ identifying, articulating and applying personal core values. This professional development focused on diverse educators, their relationships, and conceptual understandings, rather than on narrow techniques for enhancing student understanding or changing student behaviour. Its core practice involved facilitated critical reflexive dialogue in a circle, organized around recognizing the impact of participants’ interactions on others, using three central, recurring questions: Am I honouring? Am I measuring? What message am I sending? Situated in the context of relational theory (Llewellyn, 2012), this restorative professional development approach addresses some of the challenges in implementing and sustaining transformative citizenship and peacebuilding pedagogies in schools. A pedagogical portrait of the rationale, design, and facilitation experience illustrates the theories, practices, and insights of the initiative, called Relationships First: Implementing Restorative Justice From the Ground Up.

Beszállítófejlesztés és lean beszállítófejlesztés = Supplier development and lean supplier development

A tanulmány általános áttekintést ad a beszállítófejlesztésről. A szakmában elterjedt fogalmak, a meghatározó koncepcionális keretek, az ajánlott szervezeti megoldások és az eredményes megvalósítást támogató és gátló tényezők számba vétele arra szolgál, hogy tág kontextusban értelmezhessük a lean beszállítófejlesztést. A lean beszállítófejlesztés intézményesített szervezeti rutinok halmazát jelenti – a japán autóipari nagyvállalatok gyakorlata alapján. Egyszerre van jelen az ad hoc problémamegoldás és a folyamatorientált, tág és stratégiai beszállítófejlesztés. A kulcsbeszállítók állnak a középpontban. A beszállítókkal való együttműködésben a bilaterális kapcsolatok (beszerző-beszállító) és a multilaterális kapcsolatok (beszerző és beszállítók csoportja) is fontos szereppel bírnak. A tevékenységek megvalósításában több tucat alkalmazott főállásban vesz részt. Ezek az alkalmazottak a beszerző vállalat termelési rendszerének, működési filozófiájának is szakértői. A globális nagyvállalatoknál – adott régióban is – több osztály, esetenként egymástól függetlenül is foglalkozik a beszállítók fejlesztésével. A sikeres megvalósítást és részvételt, elköteleződést támogatja, hogy az ösztönzési rutinok is formalizáltak és intézményesítettek (pl. hatalmi kérdések, elért haszon megosztása, partnerek felelőssége). _____ Our study reviews supplier development (SD) and lean supplier development literature. The first part gives an overview about general SD and related definitions, conceptual frameworks, organisational settings and supporting/impeding factors influencing the success of SD efforts. The second part of the study positions lean supplier development in this general SD context. Lean SD is built on sets of institutionalized organisational routines – based on daily practice of Japanese automotive companies. Lean SD contains of different SD approaches. It is pervaded by both ad hoc problem solving activities and process-focused, wide and strategic approaches at the same time. The efforts are focused on key suppliers. The SD is organised through bilateral (purchaser firm and supplier firm) and multilateral (purchaser firm and supplier firms) relations. At global automotive companies more dozens full time employees work on SD. These employees are expert of the production system and operating philosophy of the purchaser company. Global firms – even in a particular geographical area – have usually more departments responsible for SD. Eventually these departments work independently from each other. To achieve the expected performance improvement and real involvement and commitment it is critical to formalize and institutionalize routines influencing motivation as well (eg., power, gain sharing, responsibilities).

Development and Optimization of Four-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (4D-MRI) for Radiation Therapy

A tenet of modern radiotherapy (RT) is to identify the treatment target accurately, following which the high-dose treatment volume may be expanded into the surrounding tissues in order to create the clinical and planning target volumes. Respiratory motion can induce errors in target volume delineation and dose delivery in radiation therapy for thoracic and abdominal cancers. Historically, radiotherapy treatment planning in the thoracic and abdominal regions has used 2D or 3D images acquired under uncoached free-breathing conditions, irrespective of whether the target tumor is moving or not. Once the gross target volume has been delineated, standard margins are commonly added in order to account for motion. However, the generic margins do not usually take the target motion trajectory into consideration. That may lead to under- or over-estimate motion with subsequent risk of missing the target during treatment or irradiating excessive normal tissue. That introduces systematic errors into treatment planning and delivery. In clinical practice, four-dimensional (4D) imaging has been popular in For RT motion management. It provides temporal information about tumor and organ at risk motion, and it permits patient-specific treatment planning. The most common contemporary imaging technique for identifying tumor motion is 4D computed tomography (4D-CT). However, CT has poor soft tissue contrast and it induce ionizing radiation hazard. In the last decade, 4D magnetic resonance imaging (4D-MRI) has become an emerging tool to image respiratory motion, especially in the abdomen, because of the superior soft-tissue contrast. Recently, several 4D-MRI techniques have been proposed, including prospective and retrospective approaches. Nevertheless, 4D-MRI techniques are faced with several challenges: 1) suboptimal and inconsistent tumor contrast with large inter-patient variation; 2) relatively low temporal-spatial resolution; 3) it lacks a reliable respiratory surrogate. In this research work, novel 4D-MRI techniques applying MRI weightings that was not used in existing 4D-MRI techniques, including T2/T1-weighted, T2-weighted and Diffusion-weighted MRI were investigated. A result-driven phase retrospective sorting method was proposed, and it was applied to image space as well as k-space of MR imaging. Novel image-based respiratory surrogates were developed, improved and evaluated.