NDLTD Theses and Dissertations
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- A Descriptive-Correlational Analysis on the Relationship Between Gender Sensitivity and Service Delivery in Social Security: Insights from SSS Lapu-Lapu City, CebuAlamag, Darlene Mischa (Cebu Technological University, 2025-05)This descriptive-correlational study examined the relationship between gender sensitivity and service delivery among clients of the Social Security System (SSS) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The research aimed to assess respondents’ perceived gender sensitivity of SSS services, accessibility, satisfaction with service delivery, awareness of gender-responsive policies, and trust in the institution as inclusive. Utilizing a structured survey administered to a representative sample of SSS members, the study gathered data on demographic profiles, perceptions of gender sensitivity, and service-related experiences. Descriptive statistics revealed overall agreement among respondents that SSS services are fairly delivered regardless of gender, with high awareness of gender- responsive policies and strong trust in the institution’s inclusivity. However, regression analysis showed that among the hypothesized predictors, only gender sensitivity significantly influenced satisfaction with service delivery. Other variables such as age, gender, educational attainment, length of membership, accessibility of services, and awareness of policies did not have statistically significant effects. These findings suggest that enhancing gender sensitivity in SSS service delivery is critical to improving client satisfaction and reinforcing public trust. The study recommends strengthening gender-responsive training for staff, promoting clearer communication of gender-inclusive policies, and improving accessibility to ensure equitable service for all gender identities. This research contributes to the discourse on public service inclusivity and highlights the need for continuous gender sensitivity initiatives in government institutions to foster a more equitable social protection system.
- A System Approach to Optimizing Driver's License Processing: A Descriptive Correlational Study at LTO-7 Lapu-Lapu City, CebuAli, Norhaima U. (Cebu Technological University, 2025-05)This descriptive correlational study examined the optimization of driver’s license processing at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, through a systems approach. The study investigated clients’ perceptions of service efficiency, staff competence, system accessibility, process complexity, client satisfaction, and public trust in LTO services. Data collected from respondents revealed strong agreement on service efficiency, staff competence, and client satisfaction, indicating that clients generally perceive the LTO as providing timely and professional service. However, perceptions of system accessibility showed mixed results, with concerns about difficulties in accessing online appointment systems. Notably, public trust in LTO and government services was consistently low, highlighting a critical gap between service delivery satisfaction and institutional trust. Multiple regression analysis further revealed that demographic variables (age, gender, educational attainment, length of membership) and service-related factors did not significantly predict client satisfaction or public trust. Based on these findings, the study proposes an Enhanced Service and Trust Optimization Program (ESTOP) comprising five strategic initiatives: Client Accessibility Enhancement, Simplified Licensing Orientation, Integrity and Transparency Summit, Gender Sensitivity Training, and Public Service Ethics & Anti-Corruption Workshops. This program aims to bridge the disconnect between service satisfaction and public trust by addressing accessibility challenges, promoting transparency, and fostering ethical conduct among staff. The study underscores the importance of a holistic system approach to public service optimization, combining operational efficiency with transparency and community engagement to rebuild trust. Implications for policy and practice suggest that enhancing public trust requires continuous efforts beyond service delivery improvements emphasizing institutional integrity and client-centered governance.
- Data Privacy and Security in Digital Driver Licensing Systems: A Descriptive-Correlational Study on Public Trust and ComplianceDino, Dennis Noel G. (Cebu Technological University, 2025-05)This study investigates factors influencing data privacy compliance, public trust, and the adoption of digital driver licensing systems among Filipino motorists. With increasing reliance on digital government services, understanding citizens’ perceptions and behaviors is vital for policy development and system improvement. A descriptive-correlational design was employed, involving 116 licensed drivers who responded to a structured questionnaire measuring data protection compliance, trust in digital systems, and willingness to adopt online licensing services. Results revealed a high level of compliance with data privacy guidelines (M = 4.23), strong public trust in digital systems (M = 4.15), and a generally positive willingness to adopt digital licensing (M = 4.28). Multiple regression analysis showed that years of holding a driver's license, data security perceptions, and trust in digital systems significantly predicted compliance and willingness to adopt digital services. Demographic variables such as age, gender, and educational attainment did not significantly influence trust or compliance. Based on these findings, the study proposes the DIGILIGTAS program, an integrated policy and training framework to enhance data security, raise public awareness, and promote user-friendly digital services. Key strategies include cybersecurity training for LTO personnel, public information campaigns, and user-centered platform redesign. The study highlights the importance of secure and accessible systems in building digital trust and accelerating adoption of e-governance services in the Philippines.
- Assessing The Role Of Organizational Justice In Enhancing Job Satisfaction And Performance Among Personnel: A Case Of Land Transportation Office In CebuTura, Siegfred (Cebu Technological University, 2025-05)This study investigates the role of organizational justice in enhancing job satisfaction and job performance among personnel at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Cebu. Recognizing that fair treatment in the workplace is pivotal to employee attitudes and outcomes, the research examines perceptions of distributive, procedural, and interactional justice, and their impact on key employee outcomes including motivation, leadership support, job satisfaction, and performance. A descriptive- correlational design was employed, gathering data from 60 LTO personnel through structured questionnaires measuring justice dimensions and related job outcomes. Findings reveal that respondents generally agree that organizational justice is present, with interactional justice receiving the highest perception scores. Statistical analyses show significant positive relationships between distributive justice and job satisfaction, procedural justice and job performance, interactional justice and employee motivation, as well as overall organizational justice and leadership support. Furthermore, job satisfaction was found to positively influence job performance. Demographic factors such as age, gender, educational attainment, employment status, and tenure also showed significant differences in perceptions of justice and related outcomes. The study concludes that fostering a fair and transparent work environment is critical for boosting employee satisfaction, motivation, and productivity at LTO Cebu. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of targeted programs focused on enhancing organizational justice practices, leadership support, and employee engagement to cultivate a positive workplace culture and improve overall organizational effectiveness. This research contributes valuable insights into the interplay of justice perceptions and employee outcomes within public service agencies.
- Streamlining Online Customer Transactions in Compliance With RA 11032 Through Assessment of Service Delivery Efficiency in LTO Lapu-Lapu CityKintanar, Ingee G. (Cebu Technological University, 2025-07)This study examines the efficiency of online customer transactions at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Lapu-Lapu City, in line with the mandates of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study assesses the demographic profile of clients, their awareness of the Citizen’s Charter, and their perceptions of service quality across key dimensions such as responsiveness, reliability, access, communication, and outcome. Data were collected from 50 respondents who used the online appointment system. Results show that prior awareness of the Citizen’s Charter is significantly associated with higher satisfaction levels in online service delivery. While most clients rated the overall service quality as satisfactory, gaps remain in areas such as communication support and access to information. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between Citizen’s Charter awareness and perceived service efficiency. These findings underscore the importance of transparency, digital accessibility, and client education in meeting the objectives of RA 11032. Based on the results, the study proposes an action plan focused on digital capacity-building, information drives, and service improvement strategies to support the continuous enhancement of online public service delivery.
- The Light of Knowledge: Bryn Mawr College Lantern Traditions as (Re)Enforcement of Community IdentityPaul, Cassandra (Bryn Mawr College, 2018-05-04)
- A Grounded Theory Exploration of Public Sector Innovation in Kuwait During and Beyond Crisis: Building Adaptability for FutureAlbous, Mohammad Rashed (Arabian Gulf University, 2024-06)The dissertation investigates the generation and implementation of administrative innovation within Kuwait's public sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, to understand how such innovation contributes to adaptability in both crisis and post-crisis periods. The research employs a grounded theory methodology, utilizing data from interviews, document analysis, and observations to develop a theoretical framework. The study identifies key characteristics of Kuwait's public sector that both enable and constrain innovation, such as the dominance of oil-fueled public sector jobs and the prevalence of bureaucratic culture. It also explores the pandemic's impact on operations and the adaptive measures taken, including the rapid adoption of digital technologies and the increased reliance on public-private partnerships. The study concludes by proposing a theoretical framework that highlights the central role of "exploring feedback" in driving administrative innovation and enhancing adaptability. The findings suggest that actively seeking and incorporating feedback from citizens, stakeholders, and data analysis fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the public sector. By analyzing the Kuwaiti experience, the research offers valuable insights into strategies for fostering innovation-driven resilience across diverse public sectors, contributing to the fields of public administration, innovation studies, and crisis management.
- Technology v. Tradition in Algebra EducationHunziker, Evan R. (Western Governors University, 2023-04-19)The topic of this capstone is the effect that calculator usage has on the learner proficiency of 15 9th grade algebra students Throughout this research, pre- and post-assessments were used to gather data which was then analyzed using quantitative research methods such as descriptive statistics. The problem that this research sought to address was that some algebra students were struggling to complete the basic arithmetic portion of the algebra content. The research question was, “How will incorporating calculator use into an algebra curriculum affect learner proficiency in algebra?” This research was an action research which resulted in an instructional intervention being developed based on the conclusion from the research that implementing calculator use into the algebra classroom positively affected learner proficiency.
- Bridging the Geospatial Education-Workforce Divide: A Case Study on How Higher Education Can Address the Emerging Geospatial Drivers and Trends of the Intelligent Web Mapping EraStout, Wendy R. (Liberty University, 2022-03-15)The purpose of this exploratory collective case study is to discover how geospatial education can meet the geospatial workforce needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the emerging intelligent web mapping era. Geospatial education uses geographic information systems (GIS) to enable student learning by increasing in-depth spatial analysis and meaning using geotechnology tools (Baker & White, 2003). Bandura’s (1977) self-efficacy theory and geography concept of spatial thinking form an integrated theoretical framework of spatial cognition for this study. Data collection included in-depth interviews of twelve geospatial stakeholders, documentation collection, and supporting Q methodology to determine the viewpoints of a total of 41 geospatial stakeholders. Q methodology is a type of data collection that when used as a qualitative method utilizes sorting by the participant to determine their preferences. Data analysis strategies included cross-case synthesis, direct interpretation, generalizations, and a correlation matrix to show similarities in participants' preferences. The results revealed four collaborative perceptions of the stakeholders, forming four themes of social education, technology early adoption, data collaboration, and urban fundamentals. Four strategies were identified for higher education to prepare students for the emerging geospatial workforce trends. These strategies are to teach fundamentals, develop agile faculty and curriculum, use an interdisciplinary approach, and collaborate. These strategies reflect the perceptions of stakeholders in this study on how higher education can meet the emerging drivers and trends of the geospatial workforce.
- Speaking The Unspoken: Silence, Language, and Form in Contemporary PoetryParetti, Marie C. (University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1997)This dissertation explores the way for late 20th century poets use form in their work as means to map, encounter, witness to, and struggle with various kinds of silences. It explores the work of Louise Glȕck, M. Nourbese Philip, Jorie Graham, and Michael Palmer.
- Los estudios hispánicos como puente: coordinación y análisis de la calidad de actividades didácticas colectivas de difusión de la narrativa oral ChinaGiménez Doblas, Nicolás (Virginia Tech, 2021-09-29)A la fragmentación de la comunidad de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de español se suma la ausencia de una metodología científica que analice la calidad de las actividades educativas y culturales que se realizan en este ámbito académico. De esta forma no se valora su margen de mejora, su impacto ni su pertinencia reales. Propongo en esta investigación un modelo de planificación, ejecución y evaluación cualitativa y cuantitativa que permita conocer el grado de excelencia en la gestión y la satisfacción de sus participantes y destinatarios. El ámbito en el que se ha llevado a cabo esta propuesta ha sido la Enseñanza Superior de la República Popular China, donde he trabajado siete años. Entre 2017 y 2020 he cofundado con mis alumnos y coordinado la iniciativa colectiva Puente con el objetivo de demostrar que los estudios hispánicos tienen el potencial de reducir el desconocimiento cultural y la falta de comunicación e integración de la comunidad educativa, y plantear una serie de objetivos en común. Las redes sociales, la difusión de la narrativa oral china y una actitud comunicativa han servido como elementos unificadores para la celebración de cinco actividades a nivel nacional con un fin didáctico, académico y divulgativo. La meta propuesta supone una innovación y un complemento a la enseñanza reglada en el análisis del complejo contexto previo local más allá del aula. Tanto la metodología utilizada como los resultados obtenidos pueden resultar de utilidad para futuros estudios vinculados con la organización de eventos de enseñanza y aprendizaje no solo de español, sino también de otras lenguas y en otros entornos educativos. Y, en especial, tienen el potencial de promover el acercamiento y el entendimiento ante el creciente clima de tensión internacional.
- Exploring the Personal Journeys of Women Leaders Serving in K-12 Christian SchoolsEdwards, Mika B. (Carolina University, 2020-12-07)This phenomenological qualitative research examined the factors that influenced seventeen women leaders in K-12 Christian schools and the pathways that lead to their achievement. The research was designed to analyze the pivotal components of their journeys to further understand and enhance training for future women educational leaders. The framework of the research was in response to the underrepresentation of women in leadership counter to those serving as teachers. The participants were acquired through the snowball sampling technique with data collected via online interviews and a discussion board forum. The data was triangulated, coded, and analyzed to result in seven themes. The themes represent consistent components shared in the narratives of the participants regarding their personal journeys to Christian education leadership positions. The themes were both intrinsic and extrinsic in nature. The themes encompassed motivations such as personal desire to serve, a calling from the Lord, a commitment to live in obedience to the Lord’s guidance and valuing the experience as a teacher. The remaining themes represented external influences within the accrediting agency, as well as spiritual and professional mentors who spoke words of encouragement as well as modeled servant leadership behaviors. Suggestions for further research are to include a deeper look into the mentor relationships and whether they are organic in nature or structured. In addition, research could expand to Christian leaders within secular schools. The conclusions of the study supported the literature on both external and internal sources of encouragement for women Christian education leaders. The underrepresentation of Christian educational leadership is not due to obstacles within the Christian educational realm but rather due to a direct correlation of guidance from the Lord.
- The Design of Online Environments (Political Hashtags) and the Quality of Democratic Discourse At-ScaleRho, Eugenia Ha Rim (University of California, Irvine, 2020-07-24)Facilitating democratic discourse, or people's ability to access factual information in service of thoughtful discussion of social issues, is critical for democracies to function properly. However, with the rise of online fake news, misinformation, and political extremism, it is becoming increasingly difficult to have civil conversations on the internet. As a first step to addressing this issue, scholars need to understand how the current design of online environments shapes people’s ability to respectfully engage across social and political differences. In this dissertation, I investigate how common social media design features, such as hashtags directly impact the quality of democratic discourse at-scale. Using natural language processing, statistics, and experimental design, I empirically demonstrate how linguistic behavior and the presence of political hashtags in online social media news articles impact the quality of discussions surrounding race, gender, and equality. Through my findings, I provide a theoretical examination of functionality and intertextuality as critical aspects of online design. Online design considerations that consider functionality alone tend to promote a digital public sphere that predominantly favors hashtag (or content) producers over non-users and passive content consumers. The sole emphasis on the functionality of design features drives frequency-driven research practices that prioritize discourse conditions for hashtag producers through volume-based definitions of discussion quality. Collectively, the research studies in this thesis are motivated by a desire to understand how online spaces can be better designed to foster interaction and discourse that can bridge rather than sharpen social differences. Results from this dissertation research strongly indicate that scholars, designers, and engineers need to rethink and evaluate how current methodological approaches that prioritize the functionality of online design choices are limiting the way we understand the quality of democratic discourse on the internet. As a step towards this direction, I evoke Kristeva’s notion of intertextuality to demonstrate how online design choices facilitate the power of language in which important social topics are discussed across networks.
- Community-based Shrimp Aquaculture in Northwestern Sri LankaGalappaththi, Eranga K. (University of Manitoba, 2013)This thesis investigates small-scale community-based shrimp aquaculture (CBSA) in northwestern Sri Lanka. The objectives are to explore: (1) community-based shrimp aquaculture; (2) commons institutions and application of commons rules; and (3) policy implications (i.e., as an alternative to large-scale operations in ensuring sustainability). Data were gathered from three communities in northwestern Sri Lanka, through participant observations; semi-structured interviews; focus group discussions; and key informant interviews. Presence of small-scale community-based institutions is evident. Arguably, commons in this context are social-ecological systems, including the interconnected natural water body. Main characteristics of the existing resource governance system are multi-level commons institutional structure; zonal crop calendar system; collaborative/participatory management approach; and better management practices. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis proves the viability of existing CBSA. This thesis recognizes CBSA as an alternative approach to large-scale aquaculture operations to ensure sustainability in the long run.
- Opportunities for Adaptation to Climate Change: A Comparative Analysis of Indigenous Fisheries Systems in the Canadian Arctic and Eastern Sri LankaGalappaththi, Eranga K. (McGill University, 2020-06)I have carried out a comparative analysis to develop a broader understanding across the case studies. This work contributes to conceptual, empirical, and methodological advancements in climate adaptation research.
- Land, Water, Infrastructure And People: Considerations Of Planning For Distributed Stormwater Management SystemsLim, Theodore C. (University of Pennsylvania, 2017)When urbanization occurs, the removal of vegetation, compaction of soil and construction of impervious surfaces—roofs, asphalt, and concrete—and drainage infrastructure result in drastic changes to the natural hydrological cycle. Stormwater runoff occurs when rain does not infiltrate into soil. Instead it ponds at the surface and forms shallow channels of overland flow. The result is increased peak flows and pollutant loads, eroded streambanks, and decreased biodiversity in aquatic habitat. In urban areas, runoff is typically directed into catch basins and underground pipe systems to prevent flooding, however such systems are also failing to meet modern environmental goals. Green infrastructure is the widely evocative idea that development practices and stormwater management infrastructure can do better to mimic the natural hydrological conditions through distributed vegetation and source control measures that prevent runoff from being produced in the first place. This dissertation uses statistics and high-resolution, coupled surfacesubsurface hydrologic simulation (ParFlow.CLM) to examine three understudied aspects of green infrastructure planning. First, I examine how development characteristics affect the runoff response in urban catchments. I find that instead of focusing on site imperviousness, planners should aim to preserve the ecosystem functions of infiltration and evapotranspiration that are lost even with low density development. Second, I look at how the spatial configuration of green infrastructure at the neighborhood scale affects runoff generation. While spatial configuration of green infrastructure does result in statistically significant differences in performance, such differences are not likely to be detectable above noise levels present in empirical monitoring data. In this study, there was no evidence of reduced hydrological effectiveness for green infrastructure located at sag points in the topography. Lastly, using six years of empirical data from a voluntary residential green infrastructure program, I show how the spread of green infrastructure depends on the demographic and physical characteristics of neighborhoods as well as spatially-dependent social processes (such as the spread of information). This dissertation advances the science of green infrastructure planning at multiple scales and in multiple sectors to improve the practice of urban water resource management and sustainable development.
- Comparative study of Web-based Services and Best Practices offered by top World University libraries and "A" grade accredited University libraries in IndiaDhamdhere, Sangeeta (Ess Ess Publication, New Delhi, 2018-07-29)In this study 64 web based services (bibliographical, patron education, patron communication and patron publication services) and best practices offered by the 70 top world university libraries and 39 top Indian University libraries were studied using different data analysis techniques like cross-tabulating for average scores and Pearson correlation coefficient and tests like Chi-Square Test and T-Test were applied to the raw data collected for final results. The library rankings as per their web-based services were correlated with their university rankings as per Webometric rankings and found that library web-based services rankings are correlating with their university rankings. Therefore, developing countries like India should improve their library web-based services rankings to improve their rankings at global level.
- ‘That rug really tied the room together’: Knitting Dudeism and Camusian Philosophy into a Larger TapestryCardozo, Elloit (University of Mumbai, 2017-04-15)Even though parallels between the philosophy of Albert Camus and The Big Lebowski have been drawn repeatedly, a sustained enquiry into several possible dimensions of the matter is yet to have been conducted.This dissertation makes an attempt to conduct the aforementioned enquiry in some detail. In doing this, the study will try to analytically compare Camusian philosophy and Dudeism and bring out the similarities between them. This does not imply that there are no differences between the two; but the focus of this study is the similarities and not the differences. Dudeism, for the purpose of this study, will not be restricted to The Dude and the literature written on The Dude and Dudeism. It will also be expanded to accommodate certain other parts of the larger discourse of Ethan and Joel Coen’s filmography as well as a few other parts of The Big Lebowski itself. It is crucial, however, to “draw a line in the sand” (Walter, The Big Lebowski) at the very outset. In embarking on a comparative analysis between Camusian philosophy and Dudeism, this study does not intend to propose that one of them is influenced by the other and “what-have-you” ("The Editorial Preface" 12). Instead, it simply attempts to point out some of the discursive elements that they share with each other as well as with several of the sub-discourses they comprise of. The analysis in the dissertation that follows is split into three major chapters: 1. ‘Well, I’ll tell you what I’m blathering about’: An analytical frame of reference. 2. ‘You can’t be worried about that shit, life goes on, man’: Life, Death and Absurdity in Camus and Dudeism. 3. ‘Somebody this square community won’t give a shit about’: Camus’ Absurd Man and Dudeism The first chapter, “‘Well, I’ll tell you what I’m blathering about’: An analytical frame of reference”, provides an analytical framework for the discussions that follow in the rest of the dissertation. It is further divided into three sections. The first section lays out a basic understanding of a few fundamental ideas of Dudeism for the readers. The second section discusses a few important aspects of the philosophy of Albert Camus. The third section briefly establishes the connections between Dudeism and the philosophy of Camus which are examined in greater detail later in the study. The second chapter, “‘You can’t be worried about that shit, life goes on, man’: Life, Death and Absurdity in Camus and Dudeism” looks at Camus’ takes on Life, Death and Absurdity while also pointing out the parallels they seem to strike with Dudeism. The chapter is further divided into four sections. The first section examines strands of Camusian thought, especially the Absurd in the other films of Ethan and Joel Coen before establishing a connection to The Big Lebowski. The second section explores the attitudes towards Death in Camusian philosophy and Dudeism. The third section compares the ideologies of Life in the works of Camus and Dudeism. The fourth and final section explores parallels between Camus’ novel The Stranger and The Stranger: the cowboy narrator of The Big Lebowski. The third chapter picks up on the Camusian trope of the Absurd Man and its relation to Happiness in both: the works of Camus as well as the discourses of Dudeism. It comprises of three sections. The first section explores the notion of Alienation in Camusian philosophy and Dudeism and looks at how it eventually leads to the trope of the Absurd Man in Camus. The second section explores Camus’ creation of the Absurd Man through the Cycle of the Absurd and looks at how it fits into Dudeism. The third and final section delves into a comparison of the Absurd Man’s quest for Happiness in Camus and Dudeism.
- Authentic Leadership: Relationship Between Leader Quality of Communication and Organizational CommitmentLester, Matthew Pete (Tennessee Temple University, 2014-12)This quantitative research was a descriptive, statistical analysis that answered the question: "How does authentic leadership practices and the leader's quality of communication relate to organizational commitment?"
- Prison Leadership: The Relationship Between Warden Leadership Style and Correctional Officer Job SatisfactionSchofield, Derrick D. (Piedmont International University, 2018-02-23)The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Tennessee wardens’ leadership practices and correctional officer job satisfaction. Utilizing the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), the relationship between correctional officers’ perception of the warden’s leadership practices and the LPI norms were examined. Additionally, utilizing the LPI, the relationship between self-ratings of the warden’s leadership practices and the observer rating of the LPI were assessed. Lastly, utilizing the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) and observer LPI, correlations were examined between the correctional officers’ job satisfaction and their perception of the warden’s leadership practices. Findings of this study showed lower correctional officers ratings of the wardens on the five LPI subscales than the inventory’s norms. In a comparison of the LPI wardens’ self-perception and the correctional officers’ observer perception, correctional officers rated the wardens lower than the wardens rated themselves. The overall ratings of the correctional officer Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS)were neutral. However, of the nine JSS subscales, the results identified the nature of their work and supervision as the most positive. Pay, contingent reward, and promotional opportunities were rated as the primary reasons for job dissatisfaction. Additional findings indicated a positive relationship between job satisfaction and each of the five subscales of the LPI.