As organizations continue to grow in size, reaching global proportions, they have ever increasing impacts on their environments. Some believe that a much broader array of concerns should be brought into organizational decision-making processes, including greater consideration of social, political, ethical and aesthetic factors (Mitroff and Linstone, 1993; Courtney, 2001). Decision environments such as these are decidedly "wicked" (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Designing decision support systems in such environments where there is a high level of interconnectedness, issues are overlapping and a multiplicity of stakeholders is involved, is a very complex task. In this dissertation a methodology for the development of a DSS for wicked situations is proposed using the design theory building process suggested by Walls et al. (1992). This proposed theory is based on dialectic theory and the multiple perspective approach suggested by Linstone and Mitroff (1993). The design process consists of identifying relevant stakeholders, their respective worldviews, and conflicts in these worldviews. A design (thesis) and "counter design" (antithesis) are created, and a prototype systems based on these designs are developed. These prototypes are then presented to the different stakeholder groups who engage in a dialogue which leads to the development of a synthesized design. The process is repeated until all conflicts are resolved or resources are exhausted, and a final system is produced. Using action research and system development research methodologies, the proposed design theory was applied to zoning decision process in Orange County, Florida. The results of this study led to the following: 1. It is feasible to implement the MPDP methodology proposed in this dissertation. 2. The MPDP methodology resulted in a synthesized design that accommodates the different views of the stakeholders. 3. The MPDP methodology is suitable for contentious situations and may not be feasible for structured decisions. 4. Most of the subjects did achieve a more understanding of the decision process. These results suggest that the MPDP design theory can be effective in developing decision support systems in contentious situations.

The voices of Black male students labeled ED are seldom heard regarding their perspectives on education and their lives in general. By excluding their opinions, educators are missing an important aspect that could improve educational services for Black males with ED. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the implications of Web-based mentoring as a platform for Black male students with ED to articulate their thoughts on the factors that impact their behaviors and achievement. Mentoring as an intervention granted Black males with ED a platform to share their thoughts. Technology was used as an educational resource to academically engage students with ED. Mentoring and technology were combined in a Web-based mentoring model designed to simulate traditional mentoring. Individual mentoring was simulated using live video conferencing. Role modeling was simulated by featuring video clips of the mentor in authentic capacities and group mentoring discussions were simulated by featuring a participant blog on the web site. To determine the implication and emergent themes of Web-based mentoring, two Black males with ED in high school participated in the study. Results of the study revealed that the participant's behavior and achievement were impacted by negative school and home environments. For Student One, negative school environments, specifically poor peer relations, resulted in aggressive behaviors that interfered with his academic progress. He stated, "I thought it would be different in high school, but it is the same as middle school. Student Two expressed disappointment with his home environment stating, "With all I got going on, it is hard to focus on school." Implications of the model on attendance, achievement, and behavior did not demonstrate an appreciable impact. However, both student participants expressed satisfaction with the model and the opportunity to share their thoughts openly.

Mathematics education has gone through multiple reform efforts over the last century and continues to be the target of improvement efforts. Past changes in curriculum and goals have sometimes led to heated debates between various stakeholders. Knowing the views of different stakeholders can help determine what common ground there is between these different groups and where areas of disagreement might arise. Parents are especially important to understand because they have been influential in past reform efforts. Despite the importance of parents' opinions, little research has been conducted concerning their perspectives on the importance of mathematics teaching. Using Q-methodology, I was able to discern major beliefs about mathematics teaching held by parents including the most and least important reasons for teaching mathematics, as well as the commonalities and differences in parents' perspectives.

The purpose of this study was to develop categories of meaning regarding veteran teachers' perspectives on teacher evaluation and how veteran teachers want to be evaluated. A total of 14 teachers with 10 or more years of teaching experience were interviewed. The study relied upon a qualitative method, using grounded theory to provide an in-depth analysis on perspectives veteran teachers had on teacher evaluation and how they wanted to be evaluated. Interview data was analyzed and coded for concepts that represented teachers' perspectives. The analysis yielded data which presented two themes, Theme one: Veteran Teachers' Perspectives on Teacher Evaluation, and Theme Two: Veteran Teachers' Plan for Evaluation. Theme one revealed several categories: "evaluation career," "evaluation process," "types of evaluation processes," "evaluators," and "purpose of evaluation." Theme two presented three categories: "what to evaluate," "who evaluates," and "how to evaluate." Data analysis led to a grounded theory suggesting that teachers experienced commonalities regarding their perspectives on teacher evaluation and how they want to be evaluated. This study concluded that teachers perceive the current status of teacher evaluation as ineffective and useless. Teachers want the process to continue using principal observation as the key component, but want it done more often both formally and informally. Teachers feel that evaluators should be competent in the areas they evaluate and serve as instructional leaders. They want other data sources to be included in their evaluations. Teachers disagree with pay for performance systems or those solely dependent on student outcomes, and that student growth data should be part of a multi data driven system. Self-evaluation and professional growth are areas teachers feel should be tied to an effective evaluation system. Teachers want to receive feedback from parents, peers, and students. Teachers find the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) to be an effective and necessary tool to base teacher evaluation upon. This study presented perspectives concerning teachers' experiences with teacher evaluation and also presented data regarding how teachers wanted to be evaluated.

Tourism has significant economic, physical, and social impacts. Goyangyi Island, asmall island situated along the south west coast of Myanmar, has rapidly gainedpopularity among domestic travelers due to its distinct, pristine, and untouchednatural scenery. The development of tourism in the area has provided jobopportunities and increased income for the local community. However, therehas been no previous research conducted on the impact of tourism on thisdestination. Through the qualitative study, perception of local community on thesocio-economic and environmental impact of tourism on the destination wasexplored. The findings show that local people are supportive of the developmentof tourism in their area as they see that there is more benefit than cost to thecommunity. Meanwhile, prevailing political situation, which lacks effectivegovernance and management for the destination, also pose challenges for thelocal community in sustaining their tourism activities. Thestudy also suggests localcommunity to engage and work together with other stakeholders for thesustainable development of the destination.

This study examines young Jehovah’s Witnesses’ experiences of others’ conceptions of their religion in media and through real-life encounters, and how they think it affects their everyday life. To get an insight into their subjective experiences, this research applied a qualitative approach with an interpretivist epistemological standpoint and constructionism as an ontological position. The data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews through Zoom. The participants consisted of eight Jehovah’s Witnesses living in Belgium, in the age range 14 to 18. The data was analysed using thematic analysis while employing an inductive approach. Goffman’s (1990; 1967) theories of self-presentation and face-work is discussed in relation to the main the findings. Findings showed that young Jehovah’s Witnesses encountered portrayals of child abuse, blood transfusion, and negative humour, and portrayals that invoked positive emotions, and neutral and correct information, although some had never seen any kind of portrayals of their religion in the media. All of them had come across what they classed as misconceptions about non-celebrations and prohibitions, cultism, and refusal of medical treatments, which they perceived as inaccurate or partially inaccurate. Some positive conceptions they came across were that Jehovah’s Witnesses were perceived as kind, helpful, and respectful. They believed others’ conceptions of their religion to be a result of word of mouth and partially through media portrayals, rather than first-hand experiences. Furthermore, they believed that inaccurate information and misconceptions about their religion were widespread due to lack of knowledge and misguided or spiteful former Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were self-aware of how and where they express their religious beliefs in different social contexts. They employed various coping strategies, e.g., sharing their experiences with fellow believers, relying on their religious beliefs,trying to think differently about a negative situation to maintain their well-being or avoiding negative content on media.

This study examines the portrayal of refugees in BBC News reports, focusing on postcolonial perspectives in two time periods: 2015 and 2022. The analysis involves language, images, and frameworks used in representing refugees. Findings reveal that in 2015, refugees were depicted as economic migrants, whereas in 2022, Ukrainian refugees were portrayed as genuine victims of war. Factors such as race, gender, religion, and politics influenced their portrayal. This research sheds light on how BBC News represents refugees, impacting public perception. It underscores the importance of critically examining media's portrayal of refugees, considering power relations, especially in major channels claiming neutrality. The study contributes to media studies, refugee studies, and postcolonial theory.

The study investigates preschool children’s perspectives on the outdoors as a learning environment in an Irish context. The aim is to gain preschool children’s perspectives on their outdoor learning environment as too often children’s perspectives are not represented in research. The research aims to answer questions regarding how children engage with the outdoor environment, how the environment affords them different possibilities and what parts of the environment the children deem important. This study is a qualitative study using different methods to gain the children’s perspectives. The methods include participant observations, photography tours and semi-structured interviews. The research was conducted in three outdoor preschools in Ireland, a total of 45 children participated.   The findings of the research show that children are very creative in the way in which they use their preschool environments. Outdoor spaces were where the children engaged in physical activities and imaginative play in the outdoor environments, revealing the multifaceted engagement of children. The environment also afforded the children many sensory experiences which resonated differently among the children. The children also placed importance on the relationships they have formed within the preschool with friends and teachers. The connection children had with nature was also evident throughout the results and reflected their curiosity about their surroundings. Children from different preschools seem to have many similar experiences while also having individual and unique experiences of their own. It is evident while shared experiences exist among the participants each child’s experience is distinct in its own way. The study is significant as it highlights the importance and need for young children to be a part of the research process and how their opinions are important as they are the ones with first hand experiences. Ultimately this study shows the pivotal role children’s perspectives play in understanding their experiences in outdoor educational environments.

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The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in educationhas attracted considerable attention in recent years, as well as in the context ofsustainability education. This thesis examines the attitudes of Greek teachers towardsteaching sustainability with ICT. The study employs a qualitative research, utilizingsemi-structured interviews as the main method of data collection. Drawing on existingtheories and research, the study focuses on three areas: the positives of using ICT insustainability education, the challenges faced by teachers, and the combination ofanalogue and digital media in sustainability teaching.By examining these attitudes, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledgeon the effective practices of sustainability education. It emphasizes the need for trainingprograms for teachers in digital literacy and addresses the challenges related to theimplementation of ICT. In addition, it highlights the importance of the combination ofanalogue and digital media in creating an inclusive and engaging learning experiencethat strengthens students’ environmental awareness, critical thinking and actionstowards a more sustainable future.