Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2023, Educational Administration

Champion Academy teachers in this mixed methods action research case study illuminate the conditions which support or hinder the process of making collective commitments with cycles for iterative improvement. The results of the study demonstrate how closely connected process is to outcome in the work of school improvement. Since the work of school revitalization hinges on change at the classroom level, it is paramount that teachers find the processes utilized favorable in order to increase the likelihood that they will want to engage and follow through. Cycles for iterative improvement are embedded in an intricate school ecosystem spanning multiple domains, from goal setting to instructional leadership, and therefore fidelity to enacting collective commitments rests on many factors. To understand the health of the professional learning community where teachers interface with cycles for iterative improvement, the Professional Learning Community Assessment-Revised was employed. Semi-structured interviews were then utilized to gain a more complete picture of the community prior to asking interview questions about cycles for iterative improvement and the process of making collective commitments. Teachers shared that working toward a shared goal, collegial, supportive relationships, and incremental capacity building are essential to the success of cycles for iterative improvement. Teachers unanimously reported that they are more likely to change practice, using new knowledge and skills in their classrooms, when their voice is included and valued in the process. According to Champion Academy teachers, choice and bounded autonomy is fundamental to the process but insufficient. During interviews, teachers repeatedly encouraged leaders to consider how to make cycles for iterative improvement more participatory in the future. The result of this study is an action plan which purposefully integrates teacher voice at the outset of the improvement p (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2021, Engineering

Lean Management Systems (LMS) and Continuous Improvement (CI) program deployments are increasingly becoming an important strategy for many organizations for gaining competitive advantage. Such deployments promise success to organizations of any nature and size. Significant resources in the form of employee time, external consultants and training programs are spent on LMS/CI deployments by a vast number of companies every year. Yet despite the long history and evolution of CI methodology, ease of concepts and application, high amount of time and resources spent and furthermore proliferation of such deployments - the adoption and ultimately the success of such programs is highly variable. While many research papers and companies claim to have realized hundreds of millions in economic benefits from Lean deployments, just as many report to not even recover the cost of deployment. Researchers conclude that a complete systems approach to successfully deploy Lean methodology for long-term sustained gains is not widely understood or practiced. For this reason, in this research I present the design work of a new way to approach Lean/CI deployment methodology utilizing first-principles. The need for the new approach to deploying Lean/CI was engendered due to a mandate from the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the organization. The SLT desired a holistic approach that would align better to Company's Lean principles (first principles), show financial impact and bring about behavioral cultural change. This research presents the new approach - from First-Principles for the methodology, design criterion from SLT, to the design of the methodology, and then the application of the methodology to different businesses in the company. In essence, the research shows how any organization can build its own LMS utilizing first- principles to fit their own needs rather than copy pasting fragmented components offered by expensive consultants or snippets from literature – neither of w (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2020, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

Process improvements in hospitals usually focus on a single department (eg. emergency department, operating theater, specialty clinic, etc). However, actions taken in one department inevitably affect the performance of other departments. Therefore, higher efficiency improvements can be obtained by considering the patient care process as one synergetic activity involving several departments and various sets of resources. In this research we propose an integrated approach for modeling the patient lifecycle for multiple departments. First we describe a patient flow from his/her entry into the hospital through a progressive care unit until the patient has fully recovered. We use process mapping methods to address value added activities and other necessary activities in the patient lifecycle. Then, a simulation model is developed in Simio using customized objects created in previous works. Those customized objects carry their own logic and behavior. For example, the Bed object includes logic for a patient recovering while using several hospital resources (nurses, therapist) in his/her hospital stay. Those objects were used to build several configurations of an integrated model with multiple departments. Data about patient arrival patterns, their health acuity, and procedure needs were obtained from a real hospital in order to test our approach. The procedures duration data (which were different for different levels of patient acuity and for different surgical and other procedures) were used to obtain service distribution using statistical analysis methods. Modular simulation objects and data distributions from real hospitals allowed us to build an integrated simulation model with several configurations of the process flow. Simulation experiments were performed on these models and performance recorded. The recommendation for implementations in the hospitals is also reported.

Master of Science in Engineering, Youngstown State University, 2020, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The effectiveness of The Six Sigma Breakthrough Management strategy was evaluated in the oil and gas industry, specifically at Vallourec Star. Statistical and process analysis were utilized to investigate the cause and effect relationship of input and output variables during the seamless rolling process. Implementation of the Six Sigma Breakthrough Management strategy has yielded significant results in various industries but there are not many examples of successful deployments in the oil and gas industry, more specifically in a seamless tube mill. Six Sigma was studied, adapted and deployed to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry and Vallourec Star. The adaptations included piloting on a high impact, high visibility opportunity within the seamless rolling mill. The chosen approach prioritized a hybrid bottom up and top down strategy rather than the traditional top down only approach adopted by more mature industries. Six Sigma has proven as an effective problem-solving methodology for the oil and gas industry and was successfully implemented. Vallourec Star was able to reduce pipe related defects by 70% while following the Six Sigma methodology.

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2019, Social Work

Ongoing research on the Community Collaboration Model for School Improvement (CCMSI) has provided support for individual- and school-level impacts (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2008a; Anderson-Butcher 2018). However, more research is needed to further understand facilitators and barriers to implementation in relation to context and time. Mixed methods were utilized to explore progress toward adopting and implementing the CCMSI in two schools, and also explored specific facilitators and barriers impacting progress. Specifically, interviews were completed with six stakeholders at two school implementing the CCMSI. Additionally, differences in teacher/staff perceptions of school climate, school connectedness, teachers/staff commitment, student supports for basic needs and community services and supports were examined across four time-points. Overall, the findings of this study point to the successful adoption and implementation of the CCMSI in these two schools, as well as showcase key barriers and facilitators across specific points in implementation. For example, outcomes from the CAYCI-SES showed significant differences in three areas to teacher/staff perceptions (i.e., perceived school climate, community supports and services, and support for students' basic needs). In addition, barriers and facilitators were mostly found to impact one milestone, expanding partnerships, programs and strategies. Variability was seen between both schools in the differences between teacher/staff perceptions as well. Implications are drawn for research and practice for schools implementing the CCMSI.

Doctor of Education (EdD), Ohio University, 2015, Educational Administration (Education)

A study has been conducted in order to pursue an enhanced understanding of the accountability-focused work of high school principals in a large Ohio school district. This study examines the use by the principals of climate data for the purpose of school improvement planning. This study also identifies the data sets used by principals when creating annual School Improvement Plans (SIPs), especially when engaging in the Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) process. Interviews were conducted with seven principals in the district, which annually provides its principals with formal climate data. These data have been collected by the district and the teachers' association (union) from parents, students, and teachers. Principals, in this particular district, are required to create annual SIPs, but are not mandated to use any particular forms of data when creating such plans. This investigation sought to understand if the principals used the formally collected school climate data when creating SIPs and engaging in the DDDM process. Furthermore, the study sought to understand the manner in which and the extent to which the principals use climate data when creating their SIPs. The qualitative data from the interviews have been analyzed by the researcher through an emergent coding system. The study revealed that while the principals indicated that they value school climate data, they typically did not focus on the available formal school climate data when creating their SIPs and engaging in the DDDM process. Instead, the principals focused on using data sets related to state and federal school improvement mandates measured by Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards. Furthermore, the principals in this study described having little or no training on the use of school climate data as part of the DDDM process for school improvement. This study suggests that principals may need to focus on understanding and improving school climate, in order to make plans for continuous improvem (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education, Ashland University, 2014, College of Education

There exists a considerable lack of school improvement literature related to the implementation of the Turnaround Model. This exploratory case study illuminates the perceptions and experiences of principals, instructional coaches and teachers associated with the process and impact of the school improvement Turnaround Model during its first year of implementation in three urban, Midwestern elementary schools. Participants’ perceptions were explored using interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Responses were analyzed based on their alignment with predetermined themes derived from the model, as well as with regard to the gaps exposed within the model by emerging themes. Participant perceptions highlighted the significance of human capital engagement and leadership development. The results of this study are employed for formulating clear recommendations for future building level implementations of the model, as well as for providing considerations for further research and policy development.

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, University of Toledo, 2008, Industrial Engineering

Six Sigma is a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining andmaximizing business success. It strives to improve quality, productivity, and bottom line success using statistical tools. Six Sigma's methodology consists of five phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC). In manufacturing, Six Sigma has been used extensively with great success. The application of Six Sigma to the healthcare field is in its early stages and, hence, has not been fully explored. This research investigated the use of Six Sigma with the goal of improving the renal implant process and demonstrating the positive impact of Six Sigma on the healthcare industry. The objective of the research was to improve the process for renal transplants at The University of Toledo Medical Center utilizing Six Sigma. This included aligning and optimizing processes and the removal of process-generated defects and errors. Improvements will primarily focus on: optimizing cycle times, enhancing customer satisfaction, improving efficiencies, reducing costs, streamlining administrative processes, elimination of errors, and improving protocol execution and effectiveness. This research identified ten improvements which could be applied to the renal transplant process. Implementing improvements could reduce the total process time by 45 days (20%) from 227 days to 182 days, and could also improve productivity, communication, and customer satisfaction.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2008, ED Policy and Leadership

This qualitative study explores engagement experiences of low income and minority parents in the work of schools since the implementation of No Child Left Behind in order to understand relationships between parental involvement, school improvement, and parental support for student academic achievement. This inquiry observes an urban, Midwestern school district that has implemented parent liaison programs designed to empower parents toward active participation in the academic lives of their children. Through this qualitative study, I explore district-wide parental engagement efforts to assess how low income and minority parents are included in parent involvement initiatives. Specific methodology for this study includes observations, interviews, focus groups and document analysis. Case study data from two schools is examined in depth. Findings from the case studies are then used to compare to overall district patterns. Data from this research is analyzed using literature on parental engagement and school improvement, and theoretical frameworks of social capital, implementation theory, and democratic theory.

DNP, Kent State University, 2024, College of Nursing

Lateral violence (LV) in healthcare remains a critical issue, impacting both staff well-being and patient care quality. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to raise awareness of LV and provide practical strategies for healthcare professionals to address it effectively. Educational sessions were developed to define LV, explore its causes and consequences, and teach Cognitive Rehearsal (CR) techniques to combat LV. The project also emphasized organizational policy reviews, scenario-based learning, and promoting a culture of safety through continuing education. The QI initiative was conducted in a 269-bed acute care hospital, with two educational sessions held: one virtual session open to all hospital employees and an in-person session with the Nursing Practice Council. In total, 33 healthcare professionals attended the sessions. Participants were provided with educational materials, including an infographic and a pocket card summarizing LV concepts and CR responses. Data collection involved interactive polls and post-session evaluations, with results indicating 70% of participants had experienced LV and 91% reported feeling more knowledgeable about its impact. Participants expressed increased confidence in recognizing and addressing LV, with 73% rating the sessions as excellent. The project's findings highlight the value of combining educational interventions with policy reinforcement to promote awareness and improve responses to LV in healthcare. Limitations of the project include small sample size, limited post-session feedback, and the short-term nature of follow-up, all of which restrict the ability to assess the long-term impact of the intervention. Despite these limitations, this project has demonstrated positive results in enhancing awareness and offering practical strategies to address LV. Future initiatives could expand participation, include long-term assessments, and incorporate simulation exercises to further strengthen staff competency in (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

This phenomenological study delves into the lived experiences of individuals addressing the importance of utilizing employees' knowledge and voices to better drive organizational change. Specifically, this study focuses on the training and development program and process in a financial services organization, Financial Institution [psudonym], one of today's leading financial services providers globally. The study will use a descriptive phenomenological approach to examine how voice amplification through training opportunities impacts employee satisfaction in a corporate organization, specifically related to training and learning interactions. The researcher used the emerging design and constructivist approach to capture participants' experiences and stories on training and onboarding at their workplace. The Feedback Forum assessment tool enabled the improvement of the training program and training effectiveness with a consensus on the future of training and learning opportunities and addressed learning gaps and the needs of the employees. The researcher focuses on the employees and capture their experiences on how training and development related to their overall satisfaction at their workplace and proficiency in their role. The proposed solution for these issues is a more seamless and intentional training program driven by trainee and marketer feedback. Through qualitative analysis of participants' narratives, the study can shift the structures of organizations and make the organization as a whole and leaders think more intentionally about what they are implementing.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2024, Health Programs

This study examined the representation of racial minorities in the demographic subpopulation of Hospital Consumers Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Services (HCAHPS) survey respondents. These survey scores are the basis for a substantial portion of financial compensation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; they are used to drive the process improvement of patient-centered care. Considerable previous research has focused on factors that affect HCAHPS scores and made adjustments to the scores of many other demographic factors. However, none has focused specifically on race and representativeness, which is needed to ensure benefits for all health care consumers. Reliance on this mechanism as the single measure of patient experience on which financial decisions are made and improvement efforts are centered may be a further example of systemic racism in a system with an established history of racism. This study examined the use of a representative sample from a social justice perspective utilizing Rawls' framework from A Theory of Justice. Following the logic of this work, most people would not choose failing to hear diverse patient voices at a representative rate when blinded to their own identity, as this would not represent the choice most likely to result in patient-centered care for all health care consumers. This mixed-method, convergent parallel design study compared the sample of patients returning HCAHPS surveys, the inpatient population, and contextualized those results with semi-structured interviews with patient experience professionals to provide context to the need for a representative sample.

DNP, Otterbein University, 2024, Nursing

Nurses are known to be overworked, overwhelmed, undervalued, and understaffed atdangerous levels throughout various inpatient hospital units across the United States (U.S.). Nurses are known to be overworked, overwhelmed, undervalued, and understaffed at dangerous levels throughout various inpatient hospital units across the United States (U.S.). Hospital registered nurse (RN) turnover is a significant issue that has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in economic impacts and other burdens for organizations, individuals, and communities. Evidence suggests that evaluating Registered Nurses' Turnover intention (NTI) and Organizational Commitment (OC) can help maintain a ready and capable team of skilled RNs; however, most healthcare organizations (HCOs) do not collect or analyze NTI and OC data and focus on staffing numbers and monetary incentives to get adequate nursing numbers. Research shows that RNs with higher OC tend to demonstrate lower NTI and stay in their profession, jobs, and HCO longer. In a local example of one 32-bed stroke unit at a large regional medical center in the Midwest, high staff RN attrition resulted in inadequate RN staffing and closed unit beds, delaying patients' access to timely care. Despite increasing staffing by 3.6 Full-Time RNs, the degree of NTI and OC among nurses working on the stroke unit remains unknown, placing the unit at increased risk of closing beds and disrupting care access in the future. Therefore, the purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) Project was to provide new data to the Nursing Leadership and the healthcare executives who oversee RN staffing. The project was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act QI framework and aimed to evaluate the relationship between NTI and OC through a systematic record review of staff RN questionnaire response data following a unit's recent increase in RN staffing levels. Due to the sensitive nature of the data, the project's data collection could not occur. Despite the limitat (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Public Health

Background: Hypertension or sustained high blood pressure (BP) is one of the strongest risk factors for most health complications and a major contributor to premature death. Despite awareness and existing knowledge to prevent and control the condition, it remains a major public health challenge and a significant burden on health systems. The multifaceted complexity of the condition, lack of standardized recommendations for all clinical settings, and conflicting evidence of patient outcomes necessitated further research. Methods: This dissertation is comprised of three retrospective cohort studies that explored outcomes of patients with a hypertension diagnosis within a major healthcare system in the United States. First, using a quasi-experimental approach, we assessed whether an outpatient quality improvement program was equally effective at improving BP control among Black and White patients before (N=71,964) and after (N=94,176) program implementation. Next, we investigated the impact of a secondary diagnosis of hypertension (i.e., another condition was established as the cause of hospital admission) on all-cause inpatient mortality among a propensity-weighted cohort (N=90,388). Finally, among a sample of patients with a hypertension diagnosis (N=44,076), we evaluated whether BP control status at admission predicted the location to which the patient was immediately discharged at the end of their hospital stay. Results: We found that the gap in BP control attainment between White and Black patients widened after the outpatient program was introduced (7.4% in 2015 vs. 10.0% in 2016, p<.0001) and treatment differences during program implementation may have contributed to the increased racial disparity. Within the hospital setting, those with a hypertension diagnosis had a lower incidence of inpatient mortality compared to those without a hypertension diagnosis (1.0% vs. 1.6%, p<.0001). Several primary diagnoses and clinical factors were identified as factor (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

This dissertation presents the development and evaluation of the Agile Healthcare Performance Index (AHPI), a novel methodology designed to improve quality and measure performance within healthcare settings. It offers a framework designed to capture the complexities of healthcare delivery. Chapter 3 introduces the AHPI, emphasizing its significance in enhancing resource allocation and operational decision-making through an analysis of synthetic data across hospital service lines. The results underscore the adaptability and temporal sensitivity compared to static, unweighted indices, highlighting the potential to refine healthcare performance measurement. Chapter 4 extends the application of the AHPI to quality improvement (QI) initiatives, hypothesizing its effectiveness in aligning healthcare decision-making processes with the complex nature of care delivery. A simulation-based case study illustrates the alignment of the AHPI with the Cynefin framework's domains, demonstrating its strategic utility in navigating the dynamic challenges of healthcare. Chapter 5 focuses on the practical application of the AHPI in evaluating hip fracture care among the elderly, utilizing data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). The findings reveal the ability of the AHPI to accurately reflect variations in surgical outcomes, validating its role as a dynamic tool for quality improvement and policymaking across healthcare settings. Together, these studies advocate for the AHPI as a groundbreaking approach to healthcare performance assessment and QI. By integrating multidimensional metrics and a data-driven methodology, using the AHPI can provide a robust solution for enhancing care quality and operational efficiency, paving the way for a more adaptable and effective healthcare system.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Industrial and Systems Engineering

This dissertation addresses two applied problems relating to images. The first relates to images of pipeline corrosion and the second relates to images of the human brain and individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The corrosion of oil and gas pipelines is important because there are thousands of leaks every year costing billions of dollars for cleanups. ADHD is important because a substantial fraction of the world population has the disorder causing significant suffering and hundreds of billions of dollars of losses to the world economy. To address both image analysis problems, novel statistical and operations research techniques are proposed which have potentially wide applicability. Relating to pipeline corrosion, an established simulation method is called the “voxel” method which permits predictions about how images and pipelines or other media will change as corrosion evolves. In most realistic cases, we find that the parameter values or “inputs” (Xs) needed to run the simulation are unknown. We only have the images which are essentially outputs (Ys) which can be generated by real world experiments or simulations. The phenomenon of having incomplete inputs for simulation is common in many engineering and science situations and a critical challenge for both people and artificial intelligence. We and others have called this important subject, “empirical forward-inverse estimation” since we can gather data (empirically) in the forward manner progressing from assumed inputs (Xs) to measured outputs (Ys) and then generate inverse predictions from Ys to Xs. With (hopefully) accurately estimated X values, the experimental setup or simulation can then predict the future corrosion evolution and whether repair in critically needed. Relating to forward-inverse analyses, 24 variants of an established two stage method or framework are studied in relation to enhanced inverse prediction accuracy for two test cases including pipeline corrosion (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education (EdD), Wright State University, 2023, Leadership Studies

The state of youth behavioral health in the United States was a public health crisis before the overwhelming challenges presented by the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, and now, the situation is even more dire. The impacts of youth behavioral health challenges are pervasive and long-lasting for youth, their families, and the entire community. It is critical to identify innovative ways that youth behavioral health is being addressed in schools and understand how comprehensive school mental health systems including multi-tiered system of support teams are functioning. This comparative case study investigated the functioning of two high school multi-tiered system of support teams in the context of responding to students with behavioral health needs. This study was investigated through the lens of Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Model of Human Development with a focus on the student, school, and community level. Individual interviews were conducted with nine MTSS team members from two Midwest high schools. One team utilized a traditional school behavioral health model, and the other school had a school navigator. The data were analyzed and organized into 27 different codes, five of which were represented in all participant interviews and were representative of the broader themes: Structure, Division of Labor, Behavioral Health Resources, Barriers, and Student Needs. Structure, division of labor, data and evaluation were identified as key challenges for the functioning of MTSS teams. The utilization of universal behavioral health screening and knowledge of behavioral health resources for students were two of the most critical differences in team functioning. While there were differences that were meaningful to the functioning of the teams, there were more similarities than differences in their functioning. Opportunities to support student mental health, expand the development of comprehensive student behavioral health systems, and further support education pro (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education (EdD), Ohio University, 2023, Educational Administration (Education)

This study explored the Deming System of Profound Knowledge as a method of leadership and management in K-8 education. The study focused on the process of acquiring and understanding Deming's teachings as they related to the principalship and educational leadership. Using autoethnography as methodology, I leverage personal qualitative data and related educational leadership literature to present my personal journey of becoming an educational leader who practices Deming's System of Profound Knowledge as their primary method for leading and managing a school. Upon reflection and analysis, I found W. Edwards Deming's System of Profound Knowledge practical and valuable as a leadership method in today's schools. Though the mastery of Deming's teachings was a long, complex process, it greatly improved my leadership practice. The findings highlight essential knowledge and skills required to understand and practice the System of Profound Knowledge. It connects educational leadership and Deming's method and recommends further research.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2023, Educational Administration

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate how organizations are able to create a sense of community and support teams within remote work environments, especially within times of crisis. The study emphasizes the need for BAC Consulting leadership teams to assess and understand the demographic and cultural makeup of the organization as a means for determining its specific needs. Details from BAC Consulting Baseline Sustainment team members' lived experiences will also be gathered to gain an understanding of the individual and collective challenges they have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the study is to aid in the fostering of a sustainable partnership between employees and leadership as they work to improve employee engagement and create a thriving organizational culture. This qualitative participatory action research study will add to the developing knowledge base while also being a useful tool for administrators interested in making impactful organizational change during times of crises. This study utilized Funds of Knowledge (FoK) and William Kahn's Theory of Employee Engagement as guiding frameworks for improving the employee experience and creating a greater sense of belonging. To collect relevant qualitative data, participants in the study were interviewed individually and also contributed to a working group session. The results were analyzed and common themes were identified. The information was valuable in developing an effective action plan and organizational checklist. These tools were designed to aid in fostering organizational change by providing greater access to training and company resources while increasing employee engagement and team collaboration.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2023, Educational Administration

"Enhancing Upskilling Strategies in the Workplace" looks at the financial services industry and how the employee workforce is provided with tools and resources to address personal and professional needs ensuring business continuity. In the research, Manuel Kortright explores educational practices, personality and learning needs, learners' perspective towards learning, and the process of capturing skills and improving those with existing resources. "Enhancing Upskilling Strategies in the Workplace" leverages key theoretical frameworks to construct and define potential opportunities for the improvement of learning and development in the industry.