Abstract A study which examines the ways in which business organizations have responded to concerns regarding the ill-effects of second-hand smoke in the workplace. Specifically, the purpose of the study is to determine how business managers perceive the problem of second-hand smoke and how they and their organizations have responded to this health concern. The paper includes a copy of the actual study used in each company.
Contents:
Statement of the Problem
Review of Literature
Methodology
Survey Instrument
References
From the Paper "From the perspective of business managers, ETS has become an issue of growing significance. A number of corporations in the United States have established policies that either limit or totally prohibit smoking in the workplace. They have done so in response to regulations issued by the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), demands expressed by employees for a smoke-free environment, the escalating cost of health insurance and health care due to cigarette induced diseases, and other concerns regarding the potential property losses from fires, work productivity decline, and increased expense in ventilation facilities and maintenance."
Tags: business, management, cigarette, employee, health, safety, environment, ventilation, company
This paper is a report of a research project that examines the role of marital status in alcoholic consumption for national probability samples aggregated over the years 1972 to 2000.
Abstract This paper reports on a research project which tests the core hypothesis: Alcoholism and heavy drinking are more prevalent among divorced individuals (independent variable) than among those who have never been divorced (dependent variable) including gender as a controlling variable. The author used the National Data Program for the Social Sciences, more commonly known as the General Social Survey (GSS), a data diffusion project and a program of social indicator research, to examine data files aggregated from 1972 to 2000. The author concluded that marital status influences drinking habits: Divorced women and women are more likely to drink and/or experience alcohol-related problems than women who have never been married.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Hypothesis
Data and Measurement
Analysis and Interpretations
Conclusions
From the Paper "According to Power, Rodgers and Hope, heavy alcohol consumption is more prevalent in divorced people than in married people, with the never married people being an intermediate group. This study also showed that heavy alcohol consumption tends to decline with age in young adulthood, falling from 21.4 percent at age 23 to 13 percent at age 33 in men and from 6 percent to 3.4 percent in women. This study showed that alcohol consumption is more prevalent in those who marry compared to those who remain single to age 33, although the difference was not large and was significant only in men. Marriage between the two ages correlated with a greater decline in consumption than remaining single, for men and women. Heavy consumption was not a major predictor of subsequent divorce but divorce between age 23 and 33 was linked with an increase in heavy drinking. Those who had separated recently showed the biggest increase in heavy drinking. The findings show that marital breakdown is a risk factor for higher consumption (with longer-term effects) and that remaining single is a risk factor for chronic heavy alcohol consumption. This study shows that marital status has a direct relationship with drinking, and suggests that gender may play a role in patterns."
This paper is a research proposal that compares the career outcomes and perceptions of the quality of mentoring experiences for racio-ethnic and male/female protege subgroups.
Abstract This research proposal will investigate formal mentor programs and protege outcomes with regard to the perceptions of proteges of their mentoring experience within the mentor relationship composition. The author will measure proteges perceptions of the quality of mentoring programs and the actual outcomes associated with mentoring experience in relation to both position promotion and compensation. The study will use variations in perceptions and in actual outcomes associated with the mentoring experience as dependent variables, which will be analyzed in relation to protege gender and protege racial/ethnic background as independent variables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Background on the Issue
Importance of the Study
Scope, Delimitations and Limitations
Definitions of Terms
Review of Literature
Introduction
Mentor Functions
Formal vs Informal Mentoring Programs
Composition of Mentoring Relationships
Career Outcomes
Related Topic ? "Glass Ceiling" Phenomenon
Summary of the Literature Review
Methods
Research Design
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Study Variables
Instrumentation
Data Collection
Population and Sample
Data Analysis
Draft Survey Instrument
Cover Letter for Participating Companies
From the Paper "The composition of the mentoring relationship is an important factor related to its success. It is theorized that perceived similarity and identification is found more in same-gender as compared to cross-gender relationships, thus the same gender mentoring relationship would yield more positive results with regard to both psychosocial and career development functions. It is also speculated that higher-ranking positions have more influence within the organization and therefore the mentoring relationship, and males tend to have this power."
Abstract This paper explains that the purpose of this proposed formal research study is to examine further the influence of maternal incarceration on the social, emotional and educational well-being of children. The author uses an ecological perspective to better understand the problems experienced by families and individuals by considering the larger environment and systems that impact them and are a part of their everyday experiences. The author believes that when a child's mother is incarcerated, separation between parent and child can be expected to be nothing less than distressing and painful, regardless of the disruption that may have been present in their lives prior to incarceration. The research method is a survey using a questionnaire; the population is incarcerated mothers, their children, the caretakers of children, and others involved in working with the family of children whose mothers have been incarcerated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Relevant Background Information
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Literature Review
Demographics of Incarcerated Mothers and their Children
Impact of Mother's Incarceration on Children
An Ecological Perspective of Incarcerated Mothers and their Children
Summary of the Literature Review
Methods and Procedures
Research Design
Research Hypotheses
Research Methods
Sample
Sampling Procedure
Instrumentation
External Validity
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Data Coding
Statistical Analyses
From the Paper "Special issues may also arise when children are placed with grandparents. As explained by Johnson and Smith (2000), efforts to raise children after one has already raised their own to adulthood may be particularly difficult for grandparents. Stresses increase as grandparents find themselves challenged by a number of losses, including loss of one's freedom, time, and adult friendships as well as the loss of expectations concerning the typical role assumed by most grandparents.Grandparents are faced with the experience of dealing with their own feelings about an altered lifestyle and sense of personal sacrifice as well as a child or children who may have very special needs because of their parent's incarceration. Respite care is not always available and the relationship with the incarcerated mother may become increasingly strained. These problems may be further complicated by fatigue, which has been identified by grandparents raising grandchildren as a major problem and physical and mental health may also be affected as well. According to Burton (1992), grandparents faced with raising their grandchildren have reported an increase in anxiety and depression; in their use of tobacco and alcohol; and in health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, slight strokes, and mild heart attacks."
Abstract This paper considers how research is used by the mortgage broker to analyze the business, make projections into the future, decide on services and serve the needs of customers.
Abstract This paper is a research design proposal for analyzing the issue of how improper communication taks place between IT professionals and users in a company, testing in this case the perception of each group as to how the other group communicates.
A research proposal about ways to increase employee job performance and satisfaction in the construction industry for those who do not belong to unions.
Abstract A research proposal designed to study the primary tasks and considerations that are necessary to implement an effective strategy for increasing non-union employee performance in the construction industry. Includes a statement of the problem, scope, limitations, literature review, and methodology.
From the Paper "In the construction industry, a large majority of the work that is performed is completed by members of a closely knit group of individuals that form a construction union. With a modest contribution to union membership dues, members are entitled to a variety of benefits, including competitive wages, healthcare benefits, and other incidentals. As a result, it is most feasible for construction employees to join the local union rather than to serve as independent workers, or what are commonly known as field employees."
This paper is a research proposal to document any differences that may exist in the reading skill level of children enrolled in full-time vs. children enrolled in part-time kindergarten programs in the City of New York.
Abstract This paper explains that an increasing numbers of affluent parents enroll their children in pre-school programs that include early instruction in basics like reading and math; the question arises as to whether these children are obtaining a competitive edge over their less-fortunate peers. The paper points out that many school districts have responded to the needs of working parents by establishing full-day kindergarten programs, which are expensive for the school system. The paper proposes to use ECLAS scores of the participating children to evaluate whether children enrolled in full-time kindergartens perform better than those enrolled in part-time programs on this test.
From the Paper "As for the participating students themselves, they will be the City of New York in miniature. This will rule out any differences based on race or class. A workable system will be developed that applies to each student individually and without prejudice. Next, the teachers and staff selected for Groups A and B should be chosen based on faculty and parent recommendations, and even, if possible, on the recommendations of older students who were formerly taught by these same individuals. A choice based on multiple recommendations is essential in order to ensure that the experiment reflects "typical" conditions. A well-liked teacher might motivate her students more than an unpopular teacher. An unusually intelligent or able teacher might skew the outcome. By the same token, a biased or narrow-minded educator might thwart an objective outcome."
This paper is a research proposal with an extensive literature review that investigates the effects that ability grouping has on students? academic achievement and other factors, especially on students with lower ability.
Abstract This paper explains that the question of the whether it is beneficial or not to separate students according to aptitude or ability level has been extensively discussed and researched, but the evidence has supported of both sides of the argument. The author plans a quantitative study of approximately 3000 students in the seventh and eighth grade, half of which are in heterogeneous learning situations, and the other half are in homogeneous learning situations according to ability level. The paper states that the research hypothesis is that ability grouping, in comparison to alternate forms of placement, will result in different levels of self-esteem, academic self-concept or efficacy for studying, test anxiety, and academic achievement for those students in the ability groups versus those who are not, as well as differences between those students in high versus low ability groups.
Table of Contents
Introduction and Literature Review
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Hypothesis
Research Method
Sample Characteristics
Data Analysis
Timetable
Limitations
Significance of the Research
From the Paper "Tracking is the most extreme form of ability grouping. This type of grouping involves sorting pupils according to a standard measure of achievement or ability, such as achievement tests, IQ, or GPA. Pupils are arranged into "tracks" ranging from the highest ability to the lowest ability, and often remain in these homogeneous groupings for the entirety of their schooling, regardless of any performance differences between subjects. Also, mobility between tracks is rarely possible, which results in students remaining in the same track throughout their education, irrespective of changes in academic, personal or social factors."
Abstract The international market offers various emerging markets, each offering the opportunity for sport shoe manufacturing company, Nike, to continue growing. One of the most significant markets is China. This paper proposes research that will investigate whether Chinese consumers view the Nike brand as high-quality and affluent and whether there are any public image issues. The paper presents possible outcomes of the research, as well as an outline of a business research process.
From the Paper "The question this raises is how the Chinese market views the brand. Answering this question is important for Nike to determine the most appropriate marketing strategy to enter the market. For example, do they need to convince consumers that the brand is affluent, or is this already assumed by most consumers? Do they need to deal with image problems related to the manufacture of products, or are most Chinese consumers unaware of any issues with Nike? Answering these questions will allow Nike to enter the market with the most appropriate marketing strategies."
Abstract The predicting factors of HIV-risk behavior in college students are assessed through a survey at a Midwestern university. One hundred and thirty-five participants (37 males, and 98 females) assess their HIV-risk behavior through a two-page, self-administered survey during the winter quarter of 2004. This paper shows how the survey assesses five areas: HIV-risk behavior, HIV-risk knowledge, HIV-risk reduction, HIV-risk reduction behavioral skill, and demographic characteristics. Through these five areas, survey administrators are able to assess the relationship between information, motivation and skills, and their risk-reduction behavior, as based on the IMB Model. The paper shows that, through statistical evaluation, it is established that participants who report greater motivation to avoid HIV infection also reported more frequent condom use. Further analysis also shows that women reported greater risk-reduction motivation, as well as better risk-reduction behavioral skills.
From the Paper "Further exploration may include the assessment of high-risk behavior through other models, such as the Health Belief Model, developed in the early 1950?s. Such a model was developed, similar to the IMB Model, to predict the likelihood of one taking preventative action against health risks (Hollar & Snizek, 1996). Future investigation might also incorporate a treatment within the study. The current study found that a greater motivation to avoid HIV infection resulted in a reported more frequent condom use. Though, perhaps with a treatment containing information on high HIV-risk behavior, the simple act of prevention through condom use, and facts and figures regarding the high AIDS rate within the college population, a follow-up survey assessment would find increased motivation to avoid HIV and a lower rate of risky behaviors within the participants."
Abstract This paper states that the author wants to test the hypothesis that the larger the unemployment rate, the larger the number of crimes that will be committed. The author proposes that reviewing the available literature provides the best method to determine the type and frequency of crimes and then tries to compare this information against employment figures. The paper explains that this mega-research offers much insight into how unemployment can affect the crime rate and why it is important that this issue be dealt with.
Table of Contents
Problem or Objective
Subjects for Study
Ethical Considerations
Measurement
Data Collection Methods
Analysis
From the Paper "All of these variables can be defined in a very straightforward manner, and they can be discovered through information found in the research of others. Most of the research variables that this research intends to study have been studied before, but looking at so many variables in one study is not all that common. Most often, only one or two variables are examined, and while this brings clarity of focus to the particular study, it does not allow for consideration of the many other factors that may be important. This clarity of focus on only one or two things often brings confusion about the larger issue, and since it does not take into account the many other reasons that may affect someone's decision to commit a criminal act, many limitations are involved that could have been removed had the study examined more potential variables in an effort to see the whole picture, rather than just a part of it."
This paper is a dissertation proposal to determine why non-participatory behaviors are prevalent in classroom settings and to discover key strategies and techniques for reducing these behaviors and encouraging a more proactive learning environment.
Abstract This paper explains that, during the last decade, the incidence of student non-participation within the classroom, a source of constant frustration among teachers and faculty members, increased exponentially. The author points out that a large body of recent research focuses on the influence of student's thoughts, beliefs, and feelings about themselves and others related to their motivational practices and ability to participate more aggressively in the classroom; students often fail to participate because of inadequate feelings of self-worth, esteem, and achievement. The paper stresses that an important factor when assessing the behaviors of non-participatory student involves peer norms, defined as norms that are a composite of the perceptions held by the class members regarding what the other pupils feel is appropriate to do.
Table of Contents
Working Title
Terms of Reference
Problem Studied/Thesis
Content
Methodology
Literature Sources
From the Paper "This dissertation proposes use of a Likert type scale to as a means of gathering data related to the survey population. Students and teachers to be assessed will be identified as those most impacted by non-participatory behavior, which is intended to be realized during the Literature Review. For purposes of this study a broad analysis of educational practices over diverse classroom settings will be examined, as it would not be feasible to study every classroom environment within the United States. Assessment of which schools to survey will depend on accessibility, and information gained from the Literature Review which may indicate what institutions and classroom environments are best surveyed for purposes of this study. The size of the population surveyed will be approximately 200 people in 3 or more classroom environments, with an expected return of at minimum 5 to 25 surveys."
This paper outlines research to determine the ethics of marketing to children and to identify boundaries within which organizations should maintain their marketing efforts
Abstract This paper explains that, regardless of who holds responsibility for the behavior of the nation's children, direct marketing to children, online or through traditional techniques, is developing a new profitable channel for business sales. The author points out that direct marketing to children expanded to schools through the entry of vending machines and corporate-sponsored products and events. The paper outlines two research approaches: a review of current regulatory policy to identity specific guidelines and a qualitative survey of teachers to collect their perceptions of current marketing practices.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose of This Study
Literature Review
Research Methodology
Ethical Considerations
Timeline
From the Paper "The economic value of marketing to children extends beyond the amount of money in their collective pocket at any one time. Children are determining their own personal spending patterns, and developing brand identity which could influence a lifetime of buying habits. For this second reason, children are profitable targets of business marketing dollars. When a child established their own purchasing habits, businesses can have a customer for the rest of the child's life."
Abstract This paper relates that the research question is, "Does the use of behavior management improve the reading scores of adolescent students in special education with behavior rulings"? The author explores the way modifying student behavior can create an environment that is more conducive to learning. The paper outlines that the research will be conducted through a review of the relevant literature in scholarly sources, interviews with special education instructors using behavior management, and a 100-item, multiple-choice questionnaire.
Table of Contents
Background
Theoretical Framework
Research Question
Research Methodology
From the Paper "An article asserts that behavioral problems are a measure impediment to the instruction of special education students. The article stresses that in many cases behavior problems have become a prerequisite to academic problems. In addition, many studies contend that academic success is dependent upon the ability to read and comprehend. They explain that special education students with emotional behavioral disorders are often inadequate readers. The article indicates that behavioral problems can often occur as a result of biological factors, the home, the environment and socioeconomic status. All of these factors can contribute to behavioral disorders that can impede a student's ability to learn."
