A confluence of business and education: Using strategic competency management as a foundation for a productive conversation

Waldmann-Williams, T. E The Union Institute 2001 해외박사(DDOD)

This research explored the commonalties and differences between what competencies businesses require in workers and what competencies the educational systems actually produce. It explored ways that each institution could collaborate or partner with the other in dimensions other than strategic competency management. The research included a minimum of three discussions with each business and educational leader, as well as a survey only given to business leaders to obtain information on required basic, technical, leadership, and other competencies. The three discussions included an individual interview with each business and educational leader and a facilitated face-to-face conversation. These were followed by an individual interview with each to obtain reflections about the conversation. Fourteen pairs of business and educational leaders from fourteen of the twenty-one counties in New Jersey participated in a specially designed Productive Conversation about strategic competency management. A productive conversation is one that facilitates changes for the benefit of those in the conversation, whether it is for the individual or his/her organization or profession. Such conversations can create synergy, support the mission of each, and cultivate organizational effectiveness in both institutions. Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics that lead to successful performance. Strategic Competency Management is the administration, development, direction, processing, and education of the competencies required today or at some future time. The results indicated that leaders gained from the interactions. About eighty percent of the participants commented that the conversations between the business and educational leaders were productive and would result in future collaborations and personal and organizational changes. Four examples of what these conversations produced were: one educational participant began thinking of teachers as leaders; a business leader completed competency models for each function in his business; another business leader supplied scientific equipment to a school district and initiated interactions between scientists and teachers and students; and finally, an educational leader provided a contact so a business leader could offer co-op experiences to high school students. Based on the findings of this research, discussions about strategic competency management can sometimes provide an opportunity for a productive conversation between business and educational leaders.

California schools preserving the integrity of a culture: Native Hawaiians in Southern California

Griener, Sharon Hicks Union Institute and University 2007 해외공개박사

This Project Demonstrating Excellence is a qualitative study employing observational research data, which results in a proposed education curriculum for California secondary students in Southern California to introduce them to some of the salient beliefs and traditions of Native Hawaiians, as determined through qualitative observational research, short term observations, and narrative inquiry methods to the data collection. The curriculum content has been designed in accordance with the California Public Schools guidelines, specifically aligning with and satisfying the California History-Social Science Framework and Standards. The purpose of the proposed curriculum is to relay to Hawaiian children living on the United States mainland the community consensus of valued traditions, practices, history, and beliefs used to preserve Hawaiian culture. It also serves as a means for all students to gain understanding about how these traditions affect not only the Hawaiian families concerned, but also the local community as a whole. Provided is insight as to the amount of time these traditions have been shared, incorporated into everyday life, and ultimately preserved as a matter of habit. The proposed curriculum offers an historical perspective of the culture through the modern day experience, as well as a survey of the beliefs, values, and traditions practiced by Native Hawaiians. Provided is an exploration of oral traditions, dance, and music, offering a thematic approach to a cultural studies curriculum. It is important for a multicultural society to become aware of the value of cultural differences. Sharing information about various cultures has proven to be an effective method for engendering understanding and creating acceptance of individual differences. By this means education is able to enhance curricula for the cultures they serve and to expand the world-and-life views of students. Educators have a responsibility to teach multicultural views in the hope that students will accept them as merely different, rather than as wrong or inferior, while learning to appreciate the underlying common humanity.

Hillbilly authentication: Investigating authentic regional identity in postmodern Appalachian culture

Roberts, Mark Allen Union Institute and University 2007 해외공개박사

This dissertation examines the cultural authenticity of the hillbilly stereotype in three specific ways: (1) by analyzing the role the stereotype plays during personalized, regional identity formation, (2) by charting the evolution of the ideal of authenticity from its Romantic formulations to its Postmodern incarnations, and (3) by creating fictional stories that represent one Appalachian family's struggle to achieve an authentic sense of being and experience in a tourist-oriented environment. The study concludes that the process of Appalachian identity formation in the postmodern age is a dialectical exchange between the authentic self and inauthentic place. I argue that many Appalachians indulge in regional stereotypes and tourist sites with a genuine desire to reconnect with their regional past. I suggest that regional tourism repackages the hillbilly icon as a positive consumable relic, and thus tourists often leave these places with a redeemed and more positive notion of the hillbilly image. To advance the argument. I test the cultural authenticity of the hillbilly stereotype and examine the scholarly literature focused on the social constructionist notions of authenticity and its relationship to building cultural identity. In addition to scholarly investigations, I present a series of four interlinked short stories that creatively illustrate the struggle of regional characters as they strive to achieve a sense of authentic cultural identity in the midst of a thoroughly simulated and tourist-oriented place. My stories, then, examine and critique the ways in which Appalachians (my "group") deal with identity construction in a postmodern world. Keywords. Hillbilly Stereotype; Cultural Authenticity; Regional Identity Construction; Postmodern Self; Appalachian Identity; Self and Place.

Criterion validity of a computer-based tutorial for teaching waist circumference self-measurement

Elliott, William Leland Union Institute and University 2007 해외공개박사

Human waist circumference (WC) is strongly linked to morbidity and mortality associated with many of today's lifestyle diseases. Health organizations and lifestyle assessment programs are commonly using the WC as a predictor of health risks. Knowing one's WC is a primary step in assessing lifestyle diseases. One concern, however, is the accuracy with which WC measurements are taken. This is especially true if individuals are self-measuring their WC. This study attempted to determine the effectiveness of a computer-based tutorial (CBT) in teaching previously untrained individuals to properly measure the circumference of their waist. This is the first study to test the validity of a computer-based method of teaching WC measurement. To test the efficacy of the computer-based multimedia tutorial in teaching WC self-measurement, eighty-three subjects were recruited from the student population at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). Subjects used the CBT to learn WC self-measurement techniques. Upon completion of the tutorial, each subject attempted to perform WC self-measurement. Subjects' measurements were duplicated by a traditionally trained and experienced tester. Validity of the subjects' measurements was determined by comparing their measurements to those of the experienced tester's. Bland-Altman and box-whisker comparisons revealed an average 1.57 cm bias in the subjects' WC measurements. Bland-Altman bias plots illustrated agreement between the subjects' and experienced tester's measurements. Pearson correlation (r=0.97) showed no significant (p<0.0001) difference between the two groups of measurements. The results of this experiment suggest that the tested CBT is efficacious in teaching waist circumference self-measurement to untrained subjects, as determined by comparison of their measurement results to a traditionally trained and experienced tester's performance. The tested CBT holds the potential to teach the general population ( i.e., nonprofessionals) to properly perform WC self-measurement. The tutorial could be used in the area of health assessment, biomedical education, and scholarly research. The CBT could also be used as a standardized way of instructing individuals in learning WC self-measurement and maintaining this skill. Key Words: anthropometry, body composition, computer-based tutorial (CBT), measurement, obesity, waist circumference (WC).

Through the cultural looking glass: Considering the effects of cross-cultural immersion experiences

Leach, Shari Suzanne Union Institute and University 2006 해외공개박사

This qualitative hermeneutic study grew out of a desire to evaluate the effects of cross-cultural immersion experiences, particularly on the development of the individual's awareness of her or his cultural perspective. Twenty individuals (ten men and ten women) of diverse cultural backgrounds participated in focus groups or interviews, in addition to constructing written concept maps. All participants had lived outside of their self-identified culture of origin for a minimum of three months over the last two years; the majority for significantly more time. After transcription of the audiotaped interviews, data were analyzed for themes. Key themes of experience identified include (1) shifts in awareness of cultural self-identity as a result of feeling different, (2) an increased appreciation for the culture of origin, (3) a deepened sense of connection to others, and (4) an increased awareness of stereotypes. A few negative experiences were also noted. The discussion that follows incorporates themes that emerged from the interviews and participant feedback, exploring the effect of cross-cultural immersion experiences on the development of cultural self-identity and cultural perspective awareness. Comparisons are made showing similarities and differences among respondents. Suggestions for future research are offered. The study's findings suggest significant implications in terms of the results of cross-cultural immersion experiences.

An analysis of relationship networks in venture capital syndication decisions

Lauf, Richard I Union Institute and University 2008 해외공개박사

The venture capital industry affects America's economy, particularly new businesses and the jobs they create. Previous studies have explored the decision process by which a venture investor decides to invest in a specific business proposal, the number of venture fund investors, and the geographical clustering of the venture industry. Despite the common use of investment syndicates of venture funds, the literature contains relatively few studies on how these syndicates are created and the network structure of the venture industry. This study used grounded theory based on an ethnographic analysis of practitioner interviews to describe their decision-making in the context of network structures around them, their objectives and the interests of other participants. Participants were selected using a modified snow-ball sampling method. Several indicators of theoretical saturation were used to assess data adequacy. The study found that among venture capitalists, networks are created and nurtured more by professional contact than social contacts among participants. A key criterion for selecting deal partners is the geographic and industry networks of ventures capitalists. Partner reputation was found to precede firm reputation in choosing syndicate partners, while firm reputation grows only over time with multiple interactions. The reputation of an individual venture capitalist rests on boardroom behavior. Comparable size among participating firms and mutual dependence reinforces "staying power," that is, the willingness to continue investing in subsequent financing rounds. Reciprocity of deal flows being offered to previous syndicate participants with a firm is weighed loosely, not tightly. Two forces dominate the syndication decision: the need for capital determines the number of partners, and the need for help in building the start-up's success leads to choosing syndicate partners with complementary expertise and networks. Creating the syndicate is a shared responsibility of the start-up CEO and the venture capitalist leading the deal. The process generally begins with one venture firm approaching other venture capitalists with which it has had good experience in past deals. The process continues to move out in a network fashion to others recommended by trusted firms and partners.

Effect of small local governments' attitudes and policies on business in Nassau County, New York

Ciuffo, Anthony F Union Institute and University 2007 해외공개박사

This research project attempts to determine the effect of small local governments' attitudes and policies on business in Nassau County, New York. This study reveals a decided schism between the small local municipalities of Nassau County and the merchants within those domains. The findings of this study are intriguing. In essence, the results confirm issues discovered in the literature review process, validate the importance of issues barely mentioned in the literature, and uncover issues not mentioned at all. For example, the literature review process did not address the fact that part-time mayors and trustees control most small villages, even though they are unable to immerse themselves in the workings of their local governments. The lack of communication between local villages and businesses was barely mentioned in the literature review process; however, this dissonance surfaced during the case study process. Burayidi (2001) mentioned that mistrust exists between local merchants and their local governments, a view this study affirms. While the results of this research may not be flattering to the small local governments studied, this researcher did not find that local businesses are mistreated by their local municipalities. Local merchants are, however, dependent on their local governments for guidance, survival, and growth. Out of sixty-four small local governments surveyed, only seven reported that they had a positive attitude towards business and economic development. It was found, however, that the positive attitude professed by these seven municipalities is inadequate. Visible, definitive actions on the part of local governments are required to convince merchants that the municipalities are truly interested in helping their businesses. The results of this project indicate that local governments, if they wish to embark upon a successful path of business growth and economic development, must relate more closely to their merchants and construct a viable strategy for developing downtown areas.

Etiology of positive and negative transitions in core assumptions in the adjustment to cancer in survivors of bone marrow transplants

Rowland, Susan J Union Institute and University 2006 해외공개박사

The cancer experience is a traumatic event leading to major adjustments in patients' core assumptions about self, life and one's relationship to others. The Social-Cognitive Transition (SCT) Model of Adjustment (Brennan, 2001) offers a unique approach to account for both positive and negative adjustment. The aim of this study was to validate Brennan's theory-driven SCT model with data that would likewise support Spranger and Schwartz' theoretically parallel Response Shift (RS) Model. Research questions for this study investigated the origins of adjustment from each portion of the Joint SCT/RS Model with instruments that operationalized both Brennan's and Spranger and Schwartz' constructs. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, The Attribution Style Questionnaire, The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36, The Mental Adjustment to Cancer and The Life Now/Life Then Questionnaire which was developed specifically for this study, were administered to ten cancer patients, five male and five female, with lymphoma or multiple myeloma who were 24-36 months post-autologous bone marrow transplant. From the results, case histories chart the course of adjustment in these cancer survivors. Results support the SCT Model and demonstrate that adjustment is the adaptive process that moderates the relationship between the cancer experience and quality of life. The crucial finding is that positive adjustment or positive changes in core assumptions result in the maintenance or enhancement of quality of life and negative adjustment had a negative impact on quality of life. For this sample, two-thirds, or 66.6% of respondents currently perceive a positive quality of life no different from the 1998 US general population. These same respondents also reported the use of Fighting Spirit as a coping strategy, experienced more posttraumatic growth, and made more positive and less negative transitions in core assumptions. In light of the high comorbidity of affective disorders among cancer patients, a better understanding of who is more likely to make changes, to what, when, why, and how has significant treatment implications. Armed with insights from these relationships, clinicians may have sharper tools with which to increase quality of life by normalizing the struggles involved in making positive adjustment and redirecting the course of adjustment for those at high risk for maladjustment.

The philosophy of place and its application in the Road Scholars educational program: A contextual essay to accompany the Road Scholars Web site (www.roadscholars.net)

Van Gelder, Leslie Gail Union Institute and University 2002 해외박사(DDOD)

“Can an educational system be designed around sense of place?” Answering this required two approaches. First, to determine what elements contributed to a sense of place; then, how to share those ideas in an educational system. Responding to the question of place required finding people who articulated a specific relationship with place as central to their personal or cultural philosophies. Through the work of Nature writers and Native American writers and the author's own experiences, the structural elements of a philosophy of place were identified. The concepts of process, creativity, community, relationship and story became key. These are outlined in a contextual essay. These ideas were incorporated into the infrastructure of an experiential learning program for college-aged students called Road Scholars. The philosophy of place became a basis for curriculum design and course structure. Over the course of a year and a half, more than thirty learners participated in twenty-four different trips. Each trip included travel, discussion, individual and communal activities. Following the trips, many learners wrote of their experiences. The author understood the philosophy of place from the activities and behavior of the members of the Road Scholars community as much as she did from her other research, because the philosophy and practice informed each other. One aspect of creating educational systems around a philosophy of place is a formal acknowledgement of the ongoing individual process of learning called coming-to-knowing. To share the coming-to-knowing processes of the participants of the program required developing a form of expression which allowed for the learners to share their stories and to add to them continually. The Road Scholars web site was developed as a venue to share the learners' stories (called situques), curricular information about trips, explications of the philosophy of place, discussions, expressions of creativity, and links to related concepts and people. Road Scholars is one attempt to design an educational system around sense of place. Many other types of programs could use the same philosophical tenets with different populations.

The rakes of George Etherege's and William Wycherley's comedies of manners: A social and dramaturgical analysis based on the experiences of elite Restoration Royalist men

Montgomery, Diane Turner Union Institute and University 2008 해외공개박사

For centuries dramatic and literary criticism described the rake characters from the plays of George Etherege and William Wycherley as stereotypical libertine playboys and sex addicts. This dissertation explores a deeper critical analysis of the rake characters in Etherege's and Wycherley's plays based on the experiences and analysis of the young royalist elites and the society from which they came. In 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne of England after ten years in exile. With his return came an awakening of the public theatre (restricted during the Interregnum) and a group of young elite Royalist men who had suffered great financial loss and displaced social standing in England. These were the libertine wits who became the models for the rake characters in a new genre of comedy---the Restoration comedy of manners. Brought back to social power, the young libertines lived with the knowledge that their fathers had experienced severe loss, some even of their lives, during the civil war and the subsequent Interregnum period. Guided by libertine and Hobbesian philosophies, the elite royalist men existed in a society where people wore masks, both figuratively and literally, to disguise fear and present an air of confidence. The court libertines' facades displayed wit and social and sexual superiority. This dissertation suggests penetrating the masks to explore the fear and insecurity that may be found deeper inside the rake characters in Etherege's and Wycherley's plays.