Thesis, PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

This investigation assessed the utility of a selection-based instructional program in teaching relations between driving behavior and driving stimuli in addition to the emergence of topography-based responding. A selection-based instructional program was delivered to three individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or learning disabilities in order to teach participants relations of sameness between automobile operation stimuli and driving behaviors. Participants were directly taught relations between video models of vehicle operation, road sign outlines, and textual stimuli of road signs using a selection-based instructional protocol delivered via a computer program. Following mastery of the selection-based instruction the emergence of selection-based responding on symmetrical and transitive posttest probes at the mastery level was observed for all 3 participants. Furthermore, movement on posttest generalization vehicle simulator probe was observed for one participant.

Recent orders from the executive branch of the United States’ government have encouraged participation from faith-based organizations in providing human services because they are more effective in aiding impoverished citizens. This study examined the effectiveness of faith-based and non faith-based anti-poverty nonprofit organizations to find if one organization type is more effective in providing social services. the data for this study were collected through a survey-questionnaire which was administered to a convenience sample of 82 participants seeking assistance from four different nonprofit organizations (two faith-based and two non faith-based) in Dallas County and Tarrant County. the results from this study indicated that when controlling for demographic and socio-economic variables, recipients from faith-based organizations were less likely to report that they at least received services desired as compared to those who visited a non faith-based organization. Therefore, non faith-based organizations were better at meeting the needs of respondents than faith-based organizations.

This research examines the relation between incentive-based compensation and subsequent Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) performance as well as the determinants of incentive-based compensation for REITs. I propose that REITs either rely on incentive-based compensation to substitute for poor corporate governance practices or may not need to rely excessively on incentive-based compensation to align managers and shareholder interests, given their heavily regulated nature and their corporate governance practices. Using a sample of publicly traded equity, hybrid, and operating REITs for the 1999-2003 period, I find a negative relation between incentive based compensation awards and subsequent stock returns for REITs. Interestingly, this relation is not found when return on assets (ROA) is the measure of performance. These results imply that excessive incentive-based compensation negatively impact future REIT performance from a market perspective, but not an accounting perspective. With regard to the determinants of incentive based compensation, I find that CEO ownership, board of director characteristics, and institutional ownership are consistent determinants of the level of incentive based compensation awarded to REIT CEOs. Overall, the results imply that REIT corporate governance practices substitute for incentive-based compensation, but still, the level of incentive-based compensation paid to REIT CEOs is excessive up to the point that it negatively affects subsequent REIT performance.

The thesis focused on acquiring a sufficient level of understanding of how and to what extent tourism is implemented in livelihoods of the indigenous people (Maya and Garifuna) of Belize and if it truly benefits their lives. The research provided an assessment of actual and perceived economic, social and other effects of tourism on the livelihood of two communities in southern Belize - the inland community of Laguna and the coastal community of Hopkins Village. The study was approached from the pragmatic perspective and included the multiple case study framework, literature review, semi-structured interviews and observations. The research was conducted from January to February 2015. The results of the study demonstrated that the communities of Laguna and Hopkins are at different stages of integration into the tourism industry. The research revealed that the economic, social and cultural effects of tourism and its importance for local livelihoods varied between both villages and was dependant on a number of factors – geographical, cultural, social etc. The issues of preserving cultural heritage, problems of marginalization, lack of skills, exclusion and other were all identified as significant factors. A number of recommendations were made based on the results of the study. / May 2016

This thesis intends to evaluate, theoretically and quantitatively, existing studies related to the absorptive capacity of the Saudi Arabian economy. In our study, we put forward a new approach to understand the concept of absorptive capacity _ one which takes into account the special characteristics of oil-based economies in building a macro-economic model. We define absorptive capacity as "the ability of the economy to absorb, and utilize oil-revenues effectively, within a given period." Such utilization will be for consumption, investment and trade. Our approach is quite comprehensive since it considers all sectors in the economy. The Saudi economy with its unique feature represents an interesting development pattern, where the problem is not capital scarcity but capital abundance and its effective utilization. We believe that this criterion alone mandates a new development model, a task that we have tried to fulfill in this study. Our study aims to examine the success of the Saudi economy in utilizing oil revenues to expand its absorptive capacity and in accelerating the process of diversification of the economy. Accordingly, an econometric model has been formulated and the statistical results have been presented. The simulations exercises are designed to test the validity and stability of the model. The study also provides a forecast for the absorptive capacity of the Saudi economy until 2000. A comparison between our projection and the government's estimation for the Fourth Plan (1985-1990) is also presented. On the basis of the available statistical criteria, the performance of our model could be regarded as very satisfactory. We hope that the policy implications derived from this empirical investigation will be helpfull as guidelines in formulating future policies for providing sound and stable growth of the economy.

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

This thesis presents arguments for better understanding and subsequent better treatment of children, particularly in relation to their education. Autonomous education is seen as more providential in attaining greater freedom and self-determination in children than systems of education which favour authoritarian policies. It is, however, conceded that there can be no 'one right way' approach when educating children as individuals. Divisibility of intelligence is discussed with reference to Paul Hirst, Howard Gardner and R. F. Dearden. Autonomous education is seen to be 'at home' in home-based education, and autonomous education within a democratic setting sets the scene for children's enfranchisement. A post-modernist technological revolution foreshadows cultural changes which may augur notions of education policies which embody voluntary rather than compulsory elements. The Compulsory Education Act is, therefore, assessed in relation to justice. To support the argument for greater freedom and self-determination, children's competences and capabilities are evaluated within the four main areas of rationality, responsibility, moral and emotional development and experience. A 'Personal-Territory Thesis' is the corner-stone of arguments which support a belief that knowledge and morality are founded on a rational basis which is common to both children and adults. Moral and emotional developments are assessed in relation to maturity in general. Dependence and autonomy are factors which present conflicting issues. Kant's moral theory features strongly throughout the thesis with much reference to Onora O'Neill's interpretation.

No description available.