This thesis delves into the transformative potential of office buildings, which have traditionally functioned as private, employee-centric spaces. It confronts the challenge of reviving inactive urban areas by advocating for the reconfiguration of certain segments of these buildings into accessible public spaces. The research proposes an in-between typology, redefining office buildings into the community fabric while preserving essential privacy and security for business operations. By employing architectural strategies that enhance welcoming atmospheres, and helps bring in the street energy into the building. It advocates for the creation of vibrant, interactive zones where individuals can gather, socialize, and celebrate cultural and day-to-day events, facilitating access to the interesting parts of the building. This approach not only promises to elevate public engagement but also aid potential economic benefits for businesses by transforming underutilized spaces into active community hubs. / Master of Architecture / This thesis investigates how we can transform office buildings from private, employee-only areas into active parts of the city that welcome everyone. How parts of these buildings could be opened up to the public to help breathe new life into areas of the city that are otherwise quiet and underused. Redesigning of office buildings so that they not only serve their traditional business purposes but also become integrated parts of the urban community. This doesn't mean compromising the privacy and security necessary for business operations, instead, it's about finding a balance where both can coexist. The thesis suggests architectural designs that make these buildings feel open and inviting. For instance, incorporating elements that draw in the lively vibe from the street outside can make entering the building a more appealing experience. The goal is to create spaces within these office buildings where people can come together not just for work but also to socialize, participate in cultural events, or simply enjoy their day. This could mean designing certain floors or areas that are open to the public, with cafes, exhibition spaces, or areas for performances that attract both office workers and the general public. Making these changes could significantly enhance public interaction in these spaces, turning them into vibrant community hubs rather than just workplaces. This can increase foot traffic, which not only adds to the building's vibrancy but can also provide economic benefits. Shops, cafes, and cultural venues within these buildings could see higher customer volumes, and the businesses housed there may enjoy greater visibility and engagement from the community.

The decisions and actions of principals impact the work in schools. The purpose of this research was to investigate the decisions and actions of elementary principals who support science and then compare those to the decisions and actions of teachers and central office staff. The primary question guiding the research was, What are the decisions and actions of elementary principals that support science education? Secondary questions were (1) How are the decisions and actions of elementary principals regarding science instruction impacted by those of central office science leaders? (2) How are the decisions and actions of elementary teachers regarding science instruction impacted by those of principals? This qualitative study involved interviewing six education stakeholders: one central office staff member, two school leaders, and three teachers that represented three schools in one school division. The questions focused on six components of principal leadership: high standards for student learning, rigorous curriculum, quality instruction, culture of learning and professional behavior, connections to external communities, and systemic performance accountability. The data were analyzed to compare the decisions and actions of the principal with the decisions and actions of the central office staff and teachers. The discussion of the findings includes components involving synergy among the three stakeholder groups. Decisions by the school leaders to build time for science instruction, curriculum planning, and professional development support science instruction. Curriculum resources and professional development from the central office are supports for schools. Included are recommendations of decisions and actions that may increase the synergy among the groups and the support for science. These components and practices are not unique to science and this framework could be used to ensure a cohesive instructional program across content areas. This research could provide school and division leaders with a series of actions for addressing the components of principal leadership and increase opportunities for all stakeholders to work together to enhance student achievement in science. / Doctor of Education / Principals make a difference for student achievement in schools, but they do not work alone. Teachers and central office staff also work to increase student achievement. This research examined how decisions and actions of principals impacted the decisions and actions of the teachers and central office staff to support science instruction. The research question was, What are the decisions and actions of elementary principals that support science education? Additional questions were (1) How are the decisions and actions of elementary principals regarding science instruction impacted by those of central office science leaders? (2) How are the decisions and actions of elementary teachers regarding science instruction impacted by those of principals? Two school leaders, three teachers, and a central office science leader from three schools in the same school division were interviewed about decisions regarding standards, curriculum, instruction, professional learning, partnerships, and accountability. Their responses were analyzed to determine where the work was complementary to support science learning. This research could provide school and division leaders with a series of actions for addressing components of principal leadership and increase the opportunities for all stakeholders to work together to enhance student achievement in science.

This study aims to better understand factors associated with audit office closures and how the risk of office closure relates to audit outcomes, including audit quality and fees. Factors associated with office closure include small office size, lower office growth, proximity to regulators, unfavorable local economic changes, client losses, and lack of recent local office closures. The main analysis does not find evidence of a relationship between closure risk and audit quality but suggests that offices with a higher closure risk charge higher audit fees per client compared to offices with lower closure risk. Results also suggest that clients who change audit firms following closure of their auditor's office enjoy higher quality and lower fees compared to those clients who change offices but remain with the same firm following closure. These audit quality results cannot be explained by clients switching to Big 4 auditors, industry specialists, or to more geographically proximate offices. Instead, these results suggest a fresh look benefit by the new audit firm. Additionally, the audit fee discount enjoyed by these clients diminishes over time as the fees for these clients increase more quickly than for those clients that change offices following closure. / Doctor of Philosophy / This study aims to better understand factors associated with audit firm office closures and how the risk of closure for non-closed offices relates to audit outcomes, including audit quality and fees. Factors associated with office closure include small office size, lower office growth, proximity to regulators, unfavorable local economic changes, client losses, and lack of recent local office closures. The main analysis does not find evidence of a relationship between closure risk and audit quality but suggests that offices with a higher closure risk charge higher audit fees per client compared to offices with lower closure risk. Results also suggest that clients who change audit firms following closure of their auditor's office enjoy higher quality and lower fees compared to those clients who change offices but remain with the same firm following closure.

Because no attempt is made in this study to determine the degree of difficulty in learning to perform the various areas of clerical typewriting, no definite recommendations for revising the training schedule in the high school second-year typewriting class will be made. / Master of Science

Traditionally business education teachers have placed great emphasis on skill development. / Master of Science

A study to determine if the commercial department is providing business men with adequate training.

The purpose of the survey was to study the business organizations from the standpoint of type, number of office employees, and the type and number of office machines used, in order that the commercial courses of the Kingsville High School could be patterned to these business needs.

published_or_final_version / Economics and Finance / Master / Master of Economics

The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of comparing a learning systems approach to a lecture-demonstration-rotation approach of teaching the manipulative skills of office machines.

This study focuses on the role of the Texas Governor's Office in the development of regional councils of governments in Texas. The study, divided into six chapters, emphasizes three important points: first, that Governor Connally conceived the idea of a "Division of Planning Coordination" due to his desire to be a strong chief executive; second, that the staff he hired largely to fulfill this desire in turn convinced the Governor that regional councils of governments should be an element of the statewide planning and development system and should receive strong financial and policy support from the Governor; and third, that from January 1969 to January 1973, the statewide regional council network was completed and Texas became a recognized national leader in the use of the regional council concept.