Copyright (c) 2009 Texas State University All rights reserved. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp Recent documents in Applied Research Projects en-us Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:34:37 PDT 3600 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/305 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/305 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:05:12 PDT Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine factors influencing the attitudes of college students toward rehabilitation or punishment for criminal offenders. More specifically, the study will examine attitudes toward the six common crimes listed below. Method: Survey analysis was used to asses college students' attitudes toward the six common crimes (robbery, rape, molestation, burglary, drug sale, and drug possession) and potential factors that influence punitiveness. An individual's attitude toward each crime was measured on a punishment-rehabilitation continuum. A survey was given to 1,427, randomly-chosen Texas State University undergraduate and graduate students. Findings: The study found that a student's level of conservatism is one of the most influential factors influencing attitude to rehabilitate or punish criminal offenders. Also, the study found that attitudes vary by the type of crime committed. Angela A. Dozier http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/304 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/304 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:55:13 PDT This Applied Research Project is an explanatory study that evaluates the impact of Hurricane Katrina on crime rates in New Orleans. By analyzing existing data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Census, this research measures crime trends in New Orleans from January 2002 through December 2007. The findings of this research suggest that some types of crime increased after this disaster, while others decreased. In New Orleans, most crime rates increased significantly beginning in January 2006. Additionally, most crime rates appeared to be returning to pre-storm levels by December 2007. Since the reconstruction of New Orleans is projected to last for between 8 and 11 years, this research evaluates crime trends early in the reconstruction of the city Kevin L. Bailey http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/303 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/303 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:41:28 PDT Purpose: The purpose of this research was threefold. First, scholarly literature was examined to identify three major goals of affordable housing. Second, polices and policy tools used to address affordable housing were identified from the literature. Finally, policy advocates and developers in Austin, Texas, were sent a questionnaire designed to assess their attitudes and opinions regarding policy and policy tools regarding the first two goals. Methodology: This study was descriptive in nature, as the literature failed to provide a comprehensive set of policies and policy tools best suited for accomplishing the goal of affordable housing. Eighty Housing advocates and developers were surveyed to assess their attitudes and opinions in light of the three goals developed from the research to meet the goals of affordable housing. As such, this research fills the gap by connecting the major goals of affordable housing with commonly used policies and policy tools. In addition to making this connection, this research also offers a guide for increasing and preserving affordable housing units. Results: The responses for survey questions indicate that commonly used policies and policy tools aid in providing access to affordable housing for all income groups, the preservation of existing affordable housing stock and improving access to affordable housing for disadvantaged communities. However, some policy and policy tools, were identified to be more successful or favored than others for meeting particular goals Van Erick Jobe http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/302 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/302 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:36:11 PDT Purpose: The first purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of the two prevailing prison system models and three prison management models through the use of scholarly literature. The second purpose is to conduct a research study to describe which prison system model and prison management model the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is using to both operate and manage the Texas Prison System. Finally, the study will present conclusions and recommendations for future research. Methodology: The methodology used in this research study is document analysis. Documents were reviewed and retrieved from agency and division mission statements; agency and division overviews; agency budgets; an agency survey; and policy and procedure handbooks and manuals. These documents were used to operationalize the conceptual framework. Results: The results showed the TDCJ shares characteristics from the Hierarchical and Differentiated Model, as well as the Control and Responsibility Model. However, the TDCJ appears to operate under the Differentiated Model and is managed under the Control Model based on the research. The mission statements, division overviews, and policy and procedure explain the primary goal of the Texas Prison System is to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders back into society as productive law-abiding citizens. The Texas Prison System and prison administrator's primary goals are to maintain control of the prison system and the care, custody, and control of inmates following strict guidelines and policy and procedure. Gevana Lynn Salinas http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/301 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/301 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:24:29 PDT Purpose: The purpose of this research is threefold. The first purpose is to establish a practical ideal model to assess risk management practices in law enforcement agencies. Second, using case study, current risk management practices at the Austin Police Department will be assessed. The third purpose is to provide recommendations for improving the risk management practices at the Austin Police Department. A review of the literature has identified four key components of effective risk management programs. These components are program development, risk assessment, solution analysis, and program administration. Methodology: The components of an effective risk management program identified in the literature are used to construct the conceptual framework. A practical ideal type model assessment tool for law enforcement agency risk management programs is created from the framework. The assessment tool is used in a case study of the Austin Police Department to gauge for the presence of an effective risk management program. The case study uses document analysis and survey research to perform the assessment. Findings: The Austin Police Department exists in a high-risk environment. Many of the policies and procedures the Department has in place are designed to mitigate or eliminate risk. The newly formed Risk Management Bureau of the Austin Police Department has been created to formalize many of the policies and procedures into a more comprehensive policy. At this time, the major shortcomings in the program are in the areas of training and communication. There has been limited training for the managers and administrators outside the Risk Management Bureau. Likewise, even though the Department is making progress towards a professional, innovative, risk management program, the communication to those in the organization about what is being done is lacking. John C. Hutto http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/300 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/300 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:47:54 PDT This paper is a preliminary assessment of compliance of Texas 4A and 4B economic development corporations against the Development Corporation Act of 1979. This research reviews scholarly literature to examine the definition, theories and process of economic development. This paper evaluates the economic development process at federal, state, and local government, focusing on local economic development to estimate compliance. A framework that links economic theory to practice of economic development is established through a review of related law. The practical focus of the research is on allowable and non-allowable projects undertaken by Texas 4A and 4B economic development corporations. Preliminary findings of a Texas 4A and 4B economic development corporations survey, suggest a level of non-compliance that merits further research and possible changes to the law to establish an oversight mechanism. Magdalena P. Blanco http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/299 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/299 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:09:36 PDT Purpose: The purpose of this research is threefold. The first purpose is to develop an ideal model of effective workplace violence prevention plan based on the findings from scholarly works. The second purpose is to examine the current workplace violence prevention program utilized by Travis County Department of Transportation and Natural Resources to determine how close their program is to the ideal model program. Finally recommendations will be provided to Travis County Department of Transportation and Natural Resources, based upon the findings of the comparison. A conceptual framework was developed that contains four essential components of an ideal workplace violence prevention model. These four components are physical/occupational risk factors, hiring/screening processes, workplace environment and professional development and resources. Methodology: The research design in this research was a case study. Methods of research data collection used were structured interview, survey, direct observation and document analysis. Findings: At this point in time, TCDTNR does not have a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program in place. Some elements of the four components of the ideal workplace model are incorporated in Travis County's general employee policies and procedures. Results of the employee survey indicated the employees' perception of some degree of organizational injustice and inadequate conflict resolution processes. Despite the minimal security features in place, employees indicated that they perceived their workplace as safe and were familiar with workplace violence policies and procedures Valerie Marie Boyce http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/298 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/298 Mon, 18 May 2009 11:26:23 PDT Research Purpose: As more organizations establish child advocacy centers, there needs to be an effective tool to measure their administrative adherence to national goals and objectives. The purpose of this research is threefold. The first purpose is to describe the ideal characteristics of a child advocacy center by examining existing literature and the nine objectives of the National Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Model. The second purpose is to use these components as a guide to evaluate the administrative operations of the Kozmetsky Center for Child Protection. Finally, this project utilizes the research results to provide recommendations for improving administrative operations at the Center for Child Protection. Methodology: An examination of the National CAC Model objectives and relevant literature reveals five primary categories of the CAC assessment model. The categories, and child-friendly facilities. The components are used to assess the administrative practices and adherence to the National CAC standards. The case study research utilized document analysis, structured interviews, and direct observation. Results: The results of the case study show that the Kozmetsky Center for Child Protection meets all the rated criteria in the forensic interview category. It exceeds the criteria in the child-friendly facility and health services categories. However, the multidisciplinary team and case management categories demonstrated room for improvement Anna Katherine Campbell http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/297 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/297 Thu, 14 May 2009 14:03:18 PDT The terrorist attack on 11 September 2001 and the United States' response resulted in the U.S. government's unwitting involvement in nation-building and counterinsurgency in Afghanistan. The historical defeat of Soviet forces, the ease of removing the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the reluctance of the Bush Administration to engage in nation-building resulted in a reluctance to commit a significant diplomatic, economic, and military effort. The U.S. military recognized that it needed a cost-effective, robust element that could assist the new Afghan government in extending its authority throughout the country. It created Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) composed of specialized military teams and civilian government experts with the mission of improving security and governance and supporting reconstruction and development in the provinces and districts. The expansion of the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) beyond the capital was initiated by member countries taking over U.S.-established PRTs. The relatively nominal cost in money and personnel, along with the positive reception of PRTs by provincial governments and the Afghan people, contributed to the U.S. and ISAF expansion of the PRT program to more provinces. The rising expectation of PRTs as a tool for nation-building and a non-kinetic weapon of counterinsurgency is diminishing as government corruption, the drug trade, terrorism, and lawlessness increase, particularly in the south and east. Knowledge of both Afghanistan and PRTs is necessary to determine the cause of problems and to develop solutions. Recommendations by official reports and by both military and non-military scholars are compiled and considered for improving PRT operations. Moses T. Ruiz http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/296 http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/296 Thu, 14 May 2009 09:24:32 PDT The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of remotely sensed data acquired for agricultural applications to assist urban planners in land use and land cover (LULC) classifications. The National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) offers local planners a high resolution (i.e. one-meter), multispectral (4 bands: red, blue, green and near infrared) dataset at little (or no) cost. NAIP imagery was selected because of its low cost and potential for small scale land use and land cover classifications similar to the success Landsat (30 meter, multispectral: 4 band) imagery has achieved with large scale classifications. The study was conducted using a subdivision in South-central Texas (i.e. El Camino Real) and the surrounding (rural) property. Supervised (parametric and non-parametric) classification procedures were conducted on the El Camino Real subset using ERDAS Imagine 9.3®. Stratified random sample points were generated for accuracy assessment via a ground based visual assessment of each point's LULC class. By using a 7 class LULC schema, a supervised classification of the NAIP imagery resulted in classification accuracy of 86%. When the schema was reduced to two broad classes (i.e. impervious and pervious cover), the classification accuracy climbed to 95%. These results suggest the need for a continued exploration of NAIP data utility for local planning purposes. William Gabe Powell