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Abstracts

Author Department Professor Title Year
Elizabeth M. Namundyebo World Languages Wendy Wang The Shades and Shadows of Learning English
Although ample research on mother tongue and bilingual education has been carried out in countries such as the USA, Canada, and Australia, there is a lack of empirical research on the effects of English as a second language on the learner's first language development and academic achievement in Africa, specifically in Namibia. This study presents the extent of English displacement of the native languages in Namibia. Findings from this study reveal that learning solely through English instruction and neglecting the native language has strong consequential effects on learners' first language and academic achievement. The outcome of the study would be used to encourage all stakeholders involved in education to discuss and put in place amicable measures that will help in the implementation of an effective language policy that promotes mother tongue and bilingual education.
2012
Lauryn Navarre World Languages Wendy Wang Asking the Right Questions: Do Beginner ELLs Know How to Use Clarification Requests?
This research looks at beginner level adult ESL learners in a university setting and considers what types of strategies they use for clarification of misunderstood or confusing messages, as well as reasons for choosing to ask or not ask clarification questions in the classroom. Nine adult ESL students completed an activity and follow-up survey to provide qualitative data. The study will highlight two needs in the ESL classroom: first, for teachers to be aware of possible mismatches between teaching and student understanding; and second, for teachers to help students develop cognitive strategies that will be useful in both the classroom context and the 'real world.' Results of this study suggest a need for explicit instruction on clarification requests, coupled with meaningful practice
2012
Meng Wang World Languages Wendy Wang Does An American Tongue Mean Everything?
Do students studying English as a foreign language accept a native teacher because he/she speaks English as a mother tongue? Drawing on findings from related research, I designed three surveys in order to discover Chinese students' attitudes towards their native and non-native English teachers. The subjects of this study were sophomore English majors who had been exposed to English language instruction offered by both NESTs and NNESTs, in one of China's eight universities that focus on foreign language teaching; the teacher participants were in the same university. The researcher found that the students had higher overall expectations for non-native teachers. Some students pointed out that autocratic decisions guided by native speaker fallacy were not acceptable.
2012
Kimberly Kopka Accounting and Finance Lois Mahoney The Relationship Between Firms' Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives and Formation of Strategic Alliances
The rate of strategic alliance formation by firms has greatly increased over the past two decades, as has firm interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Legitimacy theory suggests that firms may be increasing their CSR strategies to signal their willingness to operate within social mores. However, firms are faced with the problem of how to communicate their legitimacy to stakeholders in an objective manner. We analyzed data from the KDL and SDC Platinum databases and found support for the hypothesis that firm CSR scores are related to the rate of alliance formation and that the relationship between CSR and financial performance is stronger for alliance firms.
2012
Melissa K. Zochowski Accounting and Finance Howard Bunsis Preferences for Care after Early Pregnancy Failure
Pregnancy loss is a common event, experienced by one in four women. However, few studies have considered patient preference when looking at treatment options for pregnancy loss. This study will examine patient treatment preferences for early pregnancy failure (EPF) and predict how patient treatment choice will affect cost of EPF management. Survey data were collected using self-administered written questionnaires from 130 women presenting for EPF treatment at the University of Michigan. The initial questionnaire was completed at or near the time of diagnosis and before any treatment decisions were made, and a second one was completed approximately six weeks after successful treatment. Analysis will examine patient factors associated with treatment patterns and preferences.
2012
James Paterson, John Bowen, Chad Zarbaugh, and Robert Cerant Management Morgan Milner Employee Engagement and Factors of Employee Outputs
Drawing on previous research conducted on organizational behavior in the areas of human resource management and employee outputs, this study investigates factors related to employee engagement. The study specifically investigates the relationships between organizational climate, communication, compensation, identification, satisfaction, tension, and engagement. Regression analyses of (n=102) respondents of working adults gathered in the first quarter of 2011 support our hypotheses. Relationships between the stated variables are highlighted with implications and possible direction of future research discussed.
2012
Mary L. Shindell, Lauria Dempsey, MacKenzie Roberts, and Mark Veal Management Megan Endres Attitudes Toward Professional Image among Undergraduates
What are the attitudes of EMU College of Business undergraduates toward professional image in the workplace? To answer this question, we used data from a survey created by our graduate research methods course specifically relating to attitudes on dress, piercings, and tattoos in relation to professional image. Some of the results were as we expected, but there were also some surprising findings. For example, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between dedication to dress and the effect of image on the evaluation of interview candidates. But we found no statistically significant correlation between age and the belief that a professional image is critical in an interview. Another surprising finding was that respondents with one or more visible tattoos were less likely to think a company has the right to ask them to abide by a policy that includes visible tattoos.
2012
Erinc Erel Caglar and Paul Nucci Marketing Sheila Sasser MIX Store Campaign: IMC Creative Messaging Plan
MIX is a unique retail and home goods furnishings store located in downtown Ypsilanti, started by two married couples in 2009. The store, a product of past eBay offerings and the desire for a brick-and-mortar location, offers high-end women's clothing and accessories as well as some lightly used apparel. Home antiques and art complement the eclectic offerings from the store. Recently, the owners have expanded the store to include a small theater and a pop-up marketplace to better serve the citizens of Ypsilanti. Given that the store offers so much to consumers, this study analyzes what the store 'MIX' is as a brand with its core competences and offers a solution that better represents the varied and wide array of goods and services by emphasizing the brand's potential through integrated marketing communication approach.
2012
Joseph Francis Garon Marketing Sheila Sasser Fast Food Integrated Marketing Communications
This presentation looks at an integrated approach to advertising with an emphasis on print advertising for small (fast-food) businesses. It explores the marketing problem and suggests solutions to overcome such problems, such as an intensive Integrated Marketing Communications (I.M.C.) program using specific marketing strategy and tactics. The paper explores I.M.C. objectives and its means ends, such as the creative and communication strategies for the intended target market. The desired effect is explored and the cost associated with meeting these goals using different advertising mediums. Finally, the evidence of results is weighed and recommendations are made.
2012
Amy Rule Marketing Matthew Sauber Promoting Study Abroad at EMU
To measure student interest and perceived value in study abroad programs and identify areas of concern, 17000 undergraduate students at EMU were surveyed. In determining whether they should participate in study abroad programs as part of their undergraduate education, students identify affordability and availability of scholarship/financial aid as the most important factors influencing their decision. Students' affordability concern is understandable since the majority of them are financially responsible for their own education and 60% utilize financial aid. While financial hardships may prevent many students from studying abroad, educational institutions should focus on the mission and value of study abroad programs and the need for international education and should extend opportunities to students of all means.
2012
Shadin Atiyeh Leadership and Counseling Dibya Choudhuri Arab American Perspectives on Counseling
This presentation will introduce the current research on culturally appropriate counseling approaches with Arab American clients and the unique needs of the population. It will demonstrate preliminary findings involving survey data that will attain a profile of the nationalities, immigrant experiences, religions, and education levels among the population, as well as information on the unique counseling needs of this population and serve as a model for counselors to gain information about their local community. This study's research questions will address the psychosocial concerns of Arab Americans in Washtenaw County, expectations for and perspectives of counseling, what resources besides counseling are available, and under what circumstances they are utilized.
2012
Amanda Bell Leadership and Counseling Eboni Zamani-Gallaher Affirming Acts: Exploring Rawl's Theory of Social Justice, Intersectionality, and Access for Persons with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are among a population of disenfranchised citizens who have limited access to educational opportunities. Policies such as Affirmative Action allowed colleges to take characteristics such as race, gender, and ability into consideration when admitting students, but this was a temporary solution, and even with the use of affirmative action as an admission criterion, the number of the white students in higher education was disproportionately higher than other minorities groups. The purpose of this presentation is to examine issues of educational access for minorities, specifically those who belong to numerous subjugated populations from the perspective of Rawl's Theory of Social Justice.
2012
Michelle R. Burdick Leadership and Counseling Perry Francis Finding Your Way: Career Counseling for Nontraditional Students
One third to one half of college students are over 25 years of age. These older, more experienced adults have different career counseling needs than traditional students. For example, almost one third of college students work full-time, and almost all commute to campus. Traditional career theories often focus on aligning a person's interests and abilities with a job, but they don't address dealing with job transitions. This project researched and identified the needs of a career counseling program targeted toward this group. Alternative career theories are explored and applied to this demographic. Based on the research and feedback from these other programs, a hybrid workshop (half online and half in person) was created to address these needs.
2012
Kevin A. Calhoun Leadership and Counseling Eboni Zamani-Gallaher Dazed and Confused: Graduate/Professional Students and Student Affairs Professionals
Much of the literature in student affairs focuses on the undergraduate experience and how important student affairs programming is to the development of traditional-age collegians. However, little research examines the relevance of student affairs in the development of graduate/professional students. This presentation provides commentary on the need for more research on the development of graduate/professional students. Arnett's Emerging Adulthood Theory provides conceptual underpinnings for this study as many graduate/professional students are in a period of exploration and discovery of their personal identity. The applicability of Schlossberg's Transition Theory as a framework for student affairs professionals in assisting students in navigating from undergraduate to graduate study will be discussed. The theoretical/practical application necessary for student affairs professionals to provide appropriate services to graduate/professional students will be highlighted.
2012
Emily A. Compton and Lisa C. Andrews Leadership and Counseling Sue Stickel and Yvonne Callaway The Power of Therapy Animals: Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling
This presentation defines animal-assisted therapy and how it may be used in schools, on campuses, and in mental health settings. The concept of using animals for human benefit is not new; however, its application in counseling is a growing area of interest with an increasing research support base. Therapy animals have been used worldwide across diverse populations, with promising results. Counselors may wish to consider implementing therapy animals into their treatment programs as a means of reaching clients.
2012
Kelli A. Dowd, Haley Gire, Jaime Byrd, and Melissa Nisse Leadership and Counseling Ronald Flowers Higher Education in New Zealand
The system of higher education in New Zealand is both similar to and different from that of the United States. The mixture of the native Maori tribe, Chinese immigrants, Polynesians, and Europeans contribute to the societal norms toward higher education: an average graduation rate of six to nine years, a government incentive for lifelong learning, and drastic disparities in financial readiness and availability. The government encourages students who attend one of the eight universities of New Zealand to pursue higher education and degrees to better the nation. This poster will present the history of the country, the student population, and the structure of higher education, as well as the opportunities, issues, key characteristics, and concerns with recommendations for improvement.
2012
Angela Elkordy Leadership and Counseling James Berry Digital Badges: Assessments for Learning 21st Century Skills in Formal and Informal Contexts
Educational researchers, policy makers, and educators are interested in defining new skill sets and competencies for the 21st century workplace; various frameworks and both national and state curriculum standards have been proposed. There is the lack of consensus, however, on proficiencies critical for an evolving, knowledge-based work place, which increasingly relies upon Internet and communications technologies (ICT). The ability of educators to effectively instruct and assess these skills in formal learning contexts has been significantly impeded by the lack of formal standards. Many of these skills are being learned independently; with no formal mechanisms to reward or recognize learning, students are disadvantaged because their achievements are not effectively communicated. Interest is growing in a digital badge ecosystem, which may be used to assess and subsequently communicate learning in informal environments.
2012
Linda K. Foran Leadership and Counseling Jaclynn Tracy Benefit or Battle?
Each state, community, and school district has an opinion of what is the 'best' method for evaluating teaching to increase student achievement. Michigan is now looking to implement a process for teachers to be evaluated annually using data on student growth as a measure of teacher effectiveness. More than 300 Michigan school districts have filed waivers claiming they currently have an effective evaluative tool in place. The impact of the new tenure law is up to conjecture; however, one result of the new law is increased workload for administrators. Evaluations must be completed annually with decisions based on student yearly growth. Although the process is in its early stages, this project is the first step in understanding the goals of the state and unified implementation of an evaluation tool.
2012
Inna Gorlova Leadership and Counseling David Anderson Entrepreneurial Transformation of the College of Education at One Midwestern University
This study investigates the entrepreneurial transformation of the College of Education at one large Midwestern public university. I am seeking to better understand the growth of the programs and services in the college and how theoretical concepts such as entrepreneurial behaviors, attitudes, and skills play out in the chosen college. Qualitative methods have been used for data collection and analysis. I collected artifacts and conducted observations and interviews of administrators, faculty, and students. While the study is in the data analysis stage, preliminary conclusions can be drawn from the available data. Findings address the nature of the entrepreneurial elements in the college and how the organizational culture supports innovative ideas and projects by faculty, staff, and students.
2012
Nicole M. Johnson Leadership and Counseling Yvonne Callaway District Reorganization of Detroit Public Schools
This project will explore the organizational strategies in Detroit Public Schools and try to determine whether these modifications will improve post-secondary options for students.
2012

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121–140 of 654 abstracts