To effectively and substantively impact the realization of school improvement goals, there is a perceived need for the implementation of participatory processes that involve parents, patrons, students, and educators through decentralization of the planning, programming, and implementation phases. Related to this need is the pressing requirement of providing educational leaders with a greater understanding of what knowledge and skills they should possess to effectively guide and direct the implementation of decentralized participatory processes. An exploratory case study of a nationally recognized middle school's decentralized participatory structure was conducted. The purpose of this study was to provide the comprehensive context of an existing decentralized participatory structure from which needed knowledge and skills could be determined. The likelihood of successfully installing future partnership structures can be increased by providing educational leaders with a description, analysis, and interpretation of participatory involvements. The conclusions for the case study were arrived at through a triangulation approach of key-informant interviewing, participant observation at meetings, and an investigation of essential documents. This researcher concluded that the following skills and knowledge base are important for participatory leaders to possess to successfully implement, direct, and guide a decentralized partnership program: Skills. (1) Group dynamic skills; (2) Human relationship skills; (3) Communication skills; (4) Decision-making skills. Knowledge Base. A participatory leader must possess knowledge of (1) how to positively channel diversity, (2) motivation theory and ways to capitalize on motivation theory, (3) ways to develop participants' capacity to participate effectively, (4) how to effectively facilitate the communication and coordination between and among identifiable groups which interlace with the participatory process, (5) the school effectiveness literature, (6) how to balance high task and high relationship, (7) how people learn most effectively, (8) goal theory and ways to set goals through other people, (9) effective planning procedures, (10) change strategy and how to effectively accomplish goals through other people, (11) the benefits of participatory decision-making, (12) the benefits of decentralization, (13) a range of leadership styles, (14) effective management practices, and (15) how to model a decentralized participatory structure.

This paper presents an exploratory case study focusing on the acquisition of information, through technologically efficient systems, by the hearing impaired. The multiple-case study was conducted during one school year with seven students participating. While a central question and propositions derived from that question guide the data collection and analysis, this is a hypothesis-building study. The purpose of the study was to generate questions to focus further research of a descriptive or explanatory format. One question, and the propositions generated by it, dominated this research: How do efficient acquisition systems in the classroom effect academic and social behavior, independent activities, or student, peer, and adult expectations? Three propositions directed the data collection/analysis of this research. As knowledge increases in students: (1) the rate of academic production will increase; (2) times of independent activities will be focused on productive projects; (3) self-concept will improve as measured by students, peers and adults. Six sources (documents, physical artifacts, archival records, interviews, direct observations, participant observation) were used to gather data for the analysis of the research project. The results of this study showed that the students who had only the disability of hearing impairment had significantly different experiences throughout this study than those who evidenced intellectual impairments. Generally, their work output was greater, increased more, and reflected a qualitative change. The data gathered from the unstructured activity periods also clearly show a dissimilar experience. The hearing impaired students "grew" into increasingly more productive behaviors while the other group showed, for all practical purposes, no change at all. The analysis of the third proposition was more problematical. The findings are not as clear as the first two propositions because the reporting and recording of data was subject to more interpretation. The indicators may support the proposition that increased learning has a positive effect on self-image. The results from this study have implications for current educational practices for hearing impaired: (1) Computer and video technology need a directedness not now evident. (2) Placement decisions should be based on expectations and achievements of the various populations served. (3) More sophisticated technology should be placed at the disposal of the classroom teacher.

Technology has, without a doubt, altered the social fabric of society. Mediated forms of communication have paved the way for more efficient production, and the vast amount of information available online has given people the opportunity to be more informed than ever. However, the rise of mediated communication has also presented a number of new threats. The current study focused on one of these threats, cyberbullying, and was interested in looking at how parents talk about and understand their child's cyberbullying behavior. This study had the goal of uncovering if parents talk to their child about cyberbullying, and how they approach these conversations. The intent of this study was was grounded in the idea that parent-child communication is a valuable tool for developing belief systems, as well as making sustainable, positive and effective changes to behavior and perceptions. Ultimately, parents do not avoid conversations about cyberbullying with their children. Parents structure these conversations with the intention of positively changing their child's behavior and beliefs. Specifically, parents talk about cyberbullying with their children as an effort to decrease the perceived risk their child faces if he or she participates in cyberbullying. However, these conversations are limited because they are grounded in misrepresented media coverage of cyberbullying which intensifies cyberbullying behaviors. As such, media producers must work toward presenting more all encompassing and wide spread coverage of cyberbullying as an effort to educate parents about the variety of behaviors which relate to cyberbullying.

The purpose of this case study was to explore the quality enhancement plan (QEP) process and its influence on student learning of critical thinking and the institutional environment from the perspective of key stakeholders at two community colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (the Commission). Key stakeholders were defined as faculty, staff, and administrators who had direct and continuous involvement with the development and/or implementation of the QEP. This was accomplished through document reviews and analysis of interviews. The study was guided by intertwined quality assurance systems accountability, accreditation, and assessment, and six of Deming’s (1986) total quality management principles. These principles are: (1) customer, (2) training and development, (3) teamwork, (4) measurement, (5) improvement, and (6) leadership (Bosner, 1992; Deming, 1986; Marchese, 1991; Sallis, 2002). / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The purpose of this study was to examine the voices of Latino/a Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAOs) in terms of described challenges in becoming a SSAO and how the intersection of race influences their lived experiences as SSAOs at selected public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. Latino/a SSAOs are dramatically underrepresented in American colleges and universities. The lived experiences of this unique group have been ignored in existing empirical literature. A particular focus of this research was to gain a better understanding of how Latino/a SSAOs experience and respond to what they perceive as racism, if any, and/or other forms of discrimination during this experience. The theoretical lens used in this research study was Critical Race Theory (CRT). / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong. / Bibliography: leaves 77-78.

Lee Suet-Ching, Liu Man-Hoi Helen. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1987. / Bibliography: leaf 130.

by Hui Na-na, Anna. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-122). / Text in English; Questionnaire also in Chinese. / by Hui Na-na, Anna. / LISTS OF FIGURE & TABLES V / Chapter CHAPTER 1 - --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Background of the study / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Approaches to Creativity --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Motivational Orientation and Creativity --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Relationship between Classroom Environment and Creativity --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Relationship between Classroom Environment and Motivational Orientation --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2 --- Research Questions --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3 --- Significance of the Study --- p.13 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 - --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Conception of Creativity / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Definition of Creativity --- p.15 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Factors of Creativity --- p.17 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Distinction between Creativity and Intelligence --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2 --- Approaches to Creativity / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Creative Personality --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Creative Product --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Creative Process --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Creative Press (Environment) --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- More Integrative Approaches to Creativity --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- An Approach to Studying Creativity in Writing --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3 --- Creativity and Classroom Environment / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Environmental Stimulants of Creativity in the Classroom --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Environmental Inhibitors of Creativity in the Classroom --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Teachers' and Peers' Judgment of Creativity and Social Validation of Students' Creativity in the Classroom --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4 --- Conception of Motivational Orientation / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivational Orientation --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Orientation as Trait and Involvement as State --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5 --- Motivational Orientation and Classroom Environment --- p.41 / Chapter 2.6 --- Motivational Orientation and Creativity --- p.45 / Chapter 2.7 --- Hypotheses of the Study --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 - --- METHOD / Chapter 3.1 --- Operational Definitions of Variables / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Operational Definition of Creativity --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Operational Definition of Motivational Orientation --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Operational Definition of Classroom Environment --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2 --- Subjects --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3 --- Instruments / Chapter 3.3.1 --- The Consensual Assessment of Creativity --- p.51 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Motivational Orientation Scale --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Classroom Environment Questionnaire --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Behavioral Characteristics of Students --- p.55 / Chapter 3.4 --- Procedure / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Pilot Study --- p.55 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Main Study --- p.56 / Chapter Chapter 4 - --- results / Chapter 4.1 --- Reliabilities of Instruments / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Consensual Assessment of Creativity --- p.58 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Motivational Orientation Scale --- p.61 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Classroom Environment Questionnaire --- p.62 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Behavioral Characteristics of Students --- p.65 / Chapter 4.1.5 --- Mean Scores and Standard Deviations of Instruments --- p.66 / Chapter 4.2 --- Relationships Among Product Creativity and Other Variables / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Objective and Subjective Judgment of Creativity --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- "Students' Product Creativity, Students' Behavioral Characteristics and Peer Nomination of Creativity" --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Behavioral Characteristics of Students and Students' Motivational Orientation --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Product Creativity and Students' Motivational Orientation --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Students' Behavioral Characteristics and Their Perception of Classroom Environment --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Product Creativity and Students' Perception of Classroom Environment --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Students' Motivational Orientation and Their Perception of Classroom Environment --- p.77 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Students' Perception of Classroom Environment and Others' Perceived Measures of Students' Creativity --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3 --- "Sex Effects of Variables on Behavioral Characteristics of Students, Peer Nomination of Creativity and Self-Perception of Creativity" --- p.79 / Chapter 4.4 --- Prediction of Students' Product Creativity / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Students' Product Creativity Predicted by Objective and Subjective-Creativity Variables --- p.84 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Students' Product Creativity Predicted by Students' Perception of Classroom Environment --- p.86 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Students' Product Creativity Predicted by Students' Self-Perception of Motivational Orientation and Creativity --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Students' Product Creativity Predicted by Teachers' Observation of Behavioral Characteristics and Peer Nomination of Creativity --- p.89 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Students' Product Creativity Predicted by all Independent Variables --- p.91 / Chapter 4.5 --- Summary of Findings / Chapter CHAPTER 5 - --- discussion / Chapter 5.1 --- Implications and Directions for Future Research / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Social Validity of Students' Creativity --- p.96 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- "Students' Creativity, Motivational Orientation and Behavioral Characteristics of Students" --- p.98 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Students' Creativity and Classroom Environment --- p.100 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Students' Self-Perception of Creativity --- p.102 / Chapter 5.2 --- Limitations of the Study --- p.104 / references / Appendices

by Tsui Hok Kan, Brian. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 53). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.v / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Background --- p.1 / Cable & Wireless : A Strategic Perspective --- p.2 / Research Objective --- p.4 / Methodology --- p.8 / Chapter II. --- CABLE & WIRELESS HISTORY --- p.11 / Chapter III. --- RELATIONS BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND INDIVIDUAL SUBSIDIARIES --- p.14 / Matrix Classification of Cable & Wireless Group's Subsidiaries --- p.14 / Case Studies : Cross-national Related Strategy --- p.15 / Cable & Wireless Business Networks --- p.16 / Cable & Wireless Mobile --- p.16 / Case Studies : Cross-national Unrelated Strategy --- p.17 / Omnes --- p.18 / Cable & Wireless (Marine) Ltd --- p.19 / PHS International Ltd --- p.20 / Case Studies : National Related Strategy --- p.21 / Hongkong Telecom ´ب --- p.21 / OPTUS --- p.23 / Case Studies : National Unrelated Strategy --- p.24 / Sembawang Cable Depot Pte Ltd --- p.24 / S.B. Submarine Systems Co. Ltd --- p.25 / Chapter IV. --- DISCUSSION --- p.27 / General Organization of Cable & Wireless Activities --- p.27 / General Observations on Relations Between Organizational Characteristics and Strategies --- p.29 / Business Diversification and Geographic Diversification --- p.30 / Concluding Remarks --- p.31 / Chapter APPENDIX 1 - --- QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HONGKONG TELECOM --- p.34 / Chapter APPENDIX 2 - --- SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS --- p.40 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.53 / Books / Periodicals / Annual Reports / Interviews

Throughout the world, weather-related and other natural phenomena claim thousands of lives and devour billions of dollars annually in recovery efforts. Destruction of life and property in the wake of disasters is devastating, and can have a dramatic impact on families and businesses around the globe. Yet, published works specifically in the field of Family Resource Management (FRM) reveal a limited understanding of how families respond when these critical events strike with little or no warning, particularly for business-owning families. This paper explores family business responses to a particular natural disaster through case study research from the FRM perspective. Essentially, its purpose is to ascertain whether the FRM description of management is useful for family business systems in the wake of a natural disaster. A review of the FRM and family business literature is offered, followed by a broad description of qualitative methods and a justification for the case study methodology for this project. In-depth information about the successful management of a natural disaster was gathered through face-to-face and phone interviews with five leaders of family-owned businesses. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed, followed by member checks and peer reviews to strengthen the trustworthiness of the findings. Based on the experiences of the five CEOs that participated in this study, it appears that the FRM conceptualization of management generally captured their experience and can perhaps be a useful tool in conceptualizing the preparation for, and recovery from, critical events. It was also found, as anticipated, that access to tangible resources (money, materials, equipment) and intangible resources (communication processes, family unity, adaptability, relationships) was a key to successful management. What was somewhat surprising, however, was the emphasis placed on the power of relationships in the management process. A discussion on how this study relates to previous work on family stress and coping models is offered, and implications for researchers, practitioners, and government agencies that interface with families in business are provided. / Graduation date: 2003