Teacher Job Satisfaction in High-Performing Systems: A Multi-Level Study of Teacher, Classroom, and School Factors Using TALIS 2013 Surveys

Teacher job satisfaction plays a key role in influencing a quality teaching workforce and student success. This article presented an analytical framework comprising teacher, classroom and school factors, and tested it by applying a three-level modeling technique with data drawn from 11 high-performing systems that participated in Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2013. The quantitative results show that: (1) at the teacher level, higher self-efficacy is associated with higher job satisfaction; more effective professional development and collaboration are associated with higher job satisfaction; mid-career teachers tend to be the least satisfied group compared with young and old teachers. (2) at the classroom level, teaching larger classes is associated with lower satisfaction, while teaching classes with higher percentage of low achievers or low socioeconomic students is associated with lower satisfaction; (3) at the school level, student-teacher relationship is significantly positively associated with job satisfaction. The article concludes with implications for policy makers and educators across countries

Exploring the Organizational Effects of Directors\u27 Embeddedness in Board Networks

In this dissertation, I explore how top executives’ and directors’ embeddedness in corporate elite networks within and between organizations’ boards of directors influence organizational strategy and policy. In the first study, I conduct a comprehensive review of the governance literature using both a traditional narrative approach as well as a bibliometric main path analysis, which traces the development and diffusion of scholarly knowledge on corporate elite networks. In the second study, drawing from network theory and behavioral governance research, I introduce a methodology that allows researchers to model intraboard networks by measuring the strength of ties among members of boards of directors based on objective formative indicators of the constructs of social similarity, social status, social exchange, and social history. Next, I use this technique to explore the antecedents and consequences of intraorganizational network characteristics of boards. Finally, in the third study, I examine the joint influence of interlocking directorates and intraorganizational networks of boards of directors on interorganizational imitation of corporate strategic activity. Results show that directors’ centrality within a focal organization’s board and those of its alters are important predictors of interorganizational imitation of corporate strategic activity. I contribute to the strategic management and organization theory literatures by advancing our understanding of the relationship of corporate elite networks with organizational strategy and policy, and by introducing a new approach to modeling directors’ networks in corporate governance research

Cross Country Entrepreneurial Development: Role of Cultural Practices and Macroeconomic Contingencies in Entrepreneurial Behaviour

Introduction of this dissertation highlights that former studies have identified a significant impact of entrepreneurship on country’s economic development. Entrepreneurial activity process deals with micro-level and macro-level characteristics (Davidsson and Wiklund, 2001), micro-level characteristics are human resources (e.g., Bhagavatula et al., 2010) and macro-level characteristics are institutions (e.g., Autio and Acs, 2010; Bowen and De Clercq, 2008). Shane (2009) argued that the innovative businesses with growth are important for countries economic development, not the general businesses. Aparicio et al., (2016) argued that Institutions are important factors to explain the entrepreneurial activities. North’s (1990) divides institutions in two categories, formal institutions and informal institutions. This dissertation explains the characteristics behind the difference of entrepreneurial activity creation across countries by considering the entrepreneurial cognition and national level institutions and their interactions on entrepreneurial behaviour. This study is forgrounded on a comprehensive and thorough literature review, encompassing the studies conducted during the last 26 years to know that how many studies are available which has explored the impact of formal and informal institutions on entrepreneurial behaviour. With this aim, I have conducted a rigorous search of published articles in journals included in Social Sciences Citation Index®. The main findings of this chapter show that 101 articles are strictly empirical to the topic. I observed that more than half, around 51% of the articles were published in last five years. I also put my preferences on “published articles by authors´ country of academic affiliation” and found USA as the leading country with 32% of studies. Around 80% articles used the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor dataset and just 13 studies used multi-level modeling for analyzing this relationship. All of the multi-level studies were available in last four years, that identifies application of multi-level statistical technique is new to the field. Athough opportunities are available for future research, during my literature review I found some gaps, for example very few studies are available with an emphasis on quality of entrepreneurship, and the inconsistent treatment of levels of analysis. The third chapter of this dissertation eloborates from a theoretical perspective and illustrate on the emerging point of view of social cognitive theory and institutional theory. I have built and tested a multilevel model on the outcome of innovative entrepreneurial entry. This study considers the relationship between entrepreneurial cognition and their likelihood to innovative entrepreneurial entry and particularly, how this relationship might be moderated by the macroeconomic context (government regulations and financial capital availability) formal institutions. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was appled to a sample of almost 190,015 individuals across 48 countries that spans on 8-years time period (2001-2008). I concluded that entrepreneurial cognition variables such as social capital, perceived opportunity and self-efficacy has positive relationship with innovative entrepreneurial entry and positively moderated by the government regulations and financial capital availability. These results support my Hypothesis 1a to 3c, and they have implications for researchers and practitioners in the field of innovative entrepreneurship. The interrelationship between informal institutions cultural practices, entrepreneurial cognition, and innovative entrepreneurial entry has been discussed in the fourth chapter of this dissertation. While drawing attention on the institutional theory and social cognitive theory, the data was obtained from the GEM and the GLOBE study. I tested my Hypothesis 4a to 7c using multilevel methodology of a cross sectional panel dataset for 43 countries of 267,882 individuals over the period of (2001-2008). I found a positive effect of entrepreneurial cognition variables such as social capital, perceived opportunity and self-efficacy on innovative entrepreneurial entry is moderated by the institutional collectivism, performance orientation and uncertainty avoidance. Although, the present results have identified that individual-level variables motivating innovative entrepreneurship that are systematically entangled with, and embedded in, both entrepreneurial cognition and cultural practices. This implies some implications for methodological development in cross cultural research of innovative entrepreneurship. An additional process “robustness check” with opportunity based entrepreneurship was performed to establish whether the hypotheses were in the same line of other indicators related to quality of entrepreneurship. I have built and tested empirically my Hypothesis 8a to 14c with macroeconomic context and societal context. Using multilevel methodology for both (macroeconomic context and societal context), over eight-years (2001-2008) with same number of individual I found a positive relationship between social capital, perceived opportunity, self-efficacy and opportunity based entrepreneurship. This relationship was found to be positively moderated by the government regulations and financial capital availability. On the other hand, for informal institutions I found positive association between social capital, perceived opportunity, self-efficacy and opportunity based entrepreneurship, in addition positively moderated by the institutional collectivism, performance orientation and uncertainty avoidance. The outcomes form “robustness checks” followed the same trend and further confirmed the hypothesis tested in the previous chapters. This process made my study more validated and valuable for policy makers to implicate policies

School Closure in New York City

School districts and states have increasingly abandoned traditional school reform efforts in favor of simply closing low-performing schools. This movement reflects growing frustration among policymakers with the disappointing effects of previous school improvement policies, and the view that some schools may simply lack the capacity to undertake meaningful improvements. This paper focuses on arguably the most aggressive school closure policies in the nation--those in New York City. Over the past decade, New York City has closed over 100 schools. Using a longitudinal database of students and schools, I explore the implementation and effects of closure and reconstitution of middle schools in New York City, and assess the links between school closure and student academic development and behavior. My descriptive findings indicate that schools selected for closure have significantly lower school-average state test score exams and lower attendance rates compared to other middle schools for several years prior to closure, and that students who attend these schools are almost exclusively Hispanic and Black, more likely to come from low-income families, and more mobile than other middle school students in the district. I also find that students enter these middle schools already at a significant academic disadvantage. I examine characteristics of the reconstituted schools that replace the closed schools, and find that in terms of demographics, reconstituted schools enroll students similar to those served by the closed schools that they replaced. However, the reconstituted schools serve higher performing students with fewer absences and tardies in the year prior to enrolling in middle school. To assess the impact of school closure on student academic outcomes, I use propensity-score matching within a difference-in-differences framework. I find a small, positive effect of school closure on student test scores and rates of absences. As a robustness check, I conduct a second set of analyses using student fixed-effects models that produced similar results: students learn slightly less at chronically underperforming schools, compared to what would have happened had they attended an alternate school. School closure appears to be a somewhat effective in improving student academic outcomes. It is not clear, however, whether the policy is efficient given the small effects and the considerable disruption associated with the policy. Future research should examine the fiscal costs associated with closure, compared to costs of other policies with similar effects

How (and Why) NCLB Failed to Close the Achievement Gap:Evidence from North Carolina, 1998-2004

Recent state and national policy changes for public education are premised upon the idea that high-stakes tests can improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps. Opponents maintain that such policies fail on both counts. Using a unique longitudinal dataset from North Carolina, we find that high-stakes tests have failed to close achievement gaps associated with social class and race, and that the persistence of these gaps is related, at least in part, to academic tracking. Such findings add to the questions being raised about such policies as No Child Left Behind

The United States Marine Corps Data Collaboration Requirements: Retrieving and Integrating Data From Multiple Databases

The goal of this research is to develop an information sharing and database integration model and suggest a framework to fully satisfy the United States Marine Corps collaboration requirements as well as its information sharing and database integration needs. This research is exploratory; it focuses on only one initiative: the IT-21 initiative. The IT-21 initiative dictates The Technology for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, 2000-2035: Becoming a 21st Century Force. The IT-21 initiative states that Navy and Marine Corps information infrastructure will be based largely on commercial systems and services, and the Department of the Navy must ensure that these systems are seamlessly integrated and that information transported over the infrastructure is protected and secure. The Delphi Technique, a qualitative method approach, was used to develop a Holistic Model and to suggest a framework for information sharing and database integration. Data was primarily collected from mid-level to senior information officers, with a focus on Chief Information Officers. In addition, an extensive literature review was conducted to gain insight about known similarities and differences in Strategic Information Management, information sharing strategies, and database integration strategies. It is hoped that the Armed Forces and the Department of Defense will benefit from future development of the information sharing and database integration Holistic Model

HIV Viral load measurement in the Public Health Approach to HIV/AIDS

Background To end AIDS by 2030, the WHO 90-90-90 targets call for 90% virologic suppression in those on ART. In this context, it is crucial to understand which factors drive virologic suppression and how available resources can be targeted most effectively. This thesis evaluates a large HIV treatment program in Tanzania and explores performance and factors associated with treatment outcome on individual and on health system level. It then develops a clinical score to predict virologic failure and optimize patient management. Design This cross-sectional facility-based study assessed 702 patients stratified by time on ART at 7 study sites selected to represent regions of the study area and health care level. Methods Facility and patient-level information were collected during a single study visit. Logistic regression analysis and Generalized Boosted Model Technique derived Propensity Score Methods were used to explore health system and individual-level factors associated with virological failure. Predictive multilevel mixed logistic regression models were developed, externally validated and simplified into a normogram for the clinical score which was then tested against WHO recommended failure criteria using Decision Curve Analysis. Results Within the population on ART, 89% was virologically suppressed below 1000 copies/ml and 86% below 400 copies/ml. Differences could be found between health care levels but not regions. The study site had a direct impact on treatment outcome on the individual and health system level. Performance of the clinical scores was high with a ROC-AUC of 0.8 in the training, and ROC-AUC between 0.7 and 0.8 in the population and the geographic validation dataset. Decision Curve Analysis showed a net benefit against the WHO routine and targeted viral load monitoring strategies. Conclusion To fully reach the “the last 90” health system-level interventions should support sites. On individual level, the clinical score developed could be used to better identify and manage individuals at risk of treatment failure

Neuropsychiatric predictors of occupational persistence in HIV/AIDS.

It is well established that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus responsible for AIDS, directly attacks the central nervous system, altering cognition, behavior, and affect, and can result in a full dementia syndrome. HIV-associated neurocognitive complications, along with a myriad of other health threats, resulted in significant disability and unemployment for those infected. However, the advent of more effective antiretroviral medications used in combinations, along with homologous improvements in morbidity and mortality, have allowed for people living with HIV/AIDS to return to work, albeit not without challenges. Even mild cognitive impairment has been shown to affect employability and level of occupational functioning. The focus of this dissertation was to develop an understanding of the impact of HIV-associated neurocognitive challenges, the most common neuropsychiatric expression of HIV, on occupational persistence. This study analyzed existing data from a parent study conducted in New York City. The sample consisted of 116 community dwelling HIV positive men and women who were actively seeking employment after being unemployed subsequent to learning of their HIV status. The research design was a longitudinal prospective cohort study testing a multilevel growth model with a two- nested-level structure. The growth model examined individual differences in occupational persistence over a two year time period, testing multiple potential neuropsychological predictors and covariates. Changes in individual growth profiles were investigated, and possible explanations for observed differences were tested. The analysis found that memory is the most potent neuropsychological predictor of occupational success, both in terms of returning to work in the first six months of the study (event), as well as persisting on the job over time (two years). The second most influential neuropsychological predictor was executive functioning, which significantly influenced occupational persistence over time and an accelerated growth trajectory. These central findings along with other significant control interactions are discussed. The study limitations are discussed, along with opportunities for future research. The relevance of these findings is explored, specifically addressing the implications for social work practice and social work education

PEPFAR Public Health Evaluation - Care and Support - Phase 2 Kenya

Phase 2 consisted of a longitudinal cohort study to measure patient-reported outcomes of care and support, a costing survey, and qualitative interviews to understand patient and carer experiences

Aktiiviset omistajat, yhteiset hallitusten jäsenet ja yritysten hallinto

Board interlocks, i.e. shared board members, are a widely researched phenomenon in the study of inter-organisational connections. Board interlocks have been shown to influence, among other things, the spread of organisational practices, M&A behaviour, and alliance formation. However, despite the academic attention, board interlocks have been treated as an exogenous phenomenon, without considering their antecedents. This study hypothesises that board interlocks that are associated with active owners, i.e. owners with a long investment horizon and a high portfolio concentration, are more likely to influence corporate governance. This is because active owners are hypothesised to use the board of directors as a device to exert power over the company, and hence be an important antecedent to the formation of board interlocks that induce changes in corporate governance. The hypotheses are tested using a unique dyadic data set of S&P 1500 companies in the years 2003-2008, applying modern causal mediation methodology. The results show that, as hypothesised, a statistically significant indirect effect from active owners to changes in corporate governance exists, through board interlocks. This highlights the importance of considering the antecedents of board interlocks when studying their consequences. Additionally, mixed evidence of strong direct effects from active owners to changes in corporate governance is found in some factors of corporate governance, which calls for further research. This study contributes to the fields of active ownership, board interlocks, and corporate governance in three ways. First, it is the first empirical study to incorporate antecedents to the model when considering the consequences of board interlocks. Second, it employs a unique, wide data set, and modern, robust causal mediation methodology, previously unused in board interlock research. Finally, it bridges theoretical gaps between the fields of active ownership, board interlock, and corporate governance research by empirically showing that significant causal links exist between them.Yhteisillä hallituksen jäsenillä tarkoitetaan kahden tai useamman yrityksen hallituksissa istuvaa henkilöä, jotka näin luovat yhteyden kyseisten yrityksien välille. Ilmiötä on tutkittu laajalti yritystenvälisten suhteiden tutkimuksessa, ja yhteisten hallitusten jäsenten on näytetty vaikuttavan, muun muassa, hallintotapojen leviämiseen, yrityskauppakäyttäytymiseen sekä allianssien muodostumiseen. Tästä laajasta akateemisesta huomiosta huolimatta yhteisiä hallituksen jäseniä on käsitelty eksogeenisena ilmiönä, huomioimatta niiden syntyyn vaikuttavia tekijöitä. Työn hypoteesissa esitellään teoria, jonka mukaan aktiiviset omistajat, eli omistajat joilla on pitkän aikavälin sijoitusstrategia sekä keskitetty sijoitusportfolio, saavat aikaan yhteisiä hallituksen jäseniä, jotka vaikuttavat yritysten hallintoon. Hypoteesin taustalla on oletus siitä, että aktiiviset omistajat hyödyntävät hallitusta vallankäytön välineenä, ja näin luovat yrityksen hallintoon vaikuttavia yhteyksiä hallitusten välille. Hypoteeseja testattiin käyttämällä ainutlaatuista dyadista tietokantaa S&P 1500 -yrityksistä vuosina 2003 - 2008, soveltamalla siihen modernin kausaalisen mediaatioanalyysin metodologiaa. Analyysin tulokset tukevat hypoteeseja; niistä löytyy kautta linjan tilastollisesti merkittävä epäsuora vaikutus aktiivisista omistajista yhteisten hallitusten jäsenten kautta muutoksiin yrityksen hallinnossa. Tämä korostaa yhteisten hallituksen jäsenten muodostumiseen vaikuttavien tekijöiden sisällyttämisen tärkeyttä vastaavissa analyyseissä. Lisäksi tuloksista löytyy osittaisia todisteita voimakkaasta suorasta vaikutuksesta aktiivisista omistajista yritysten hallintoon, mikä vaatii lisätutkimusta. Tämä tutkimus edistää aktiivisen omistajuuden, yhteisten hallituksen jäsenten sekä yritysten hallinnon tutkimusaloja kolmella tavalla. Ensinnä, se on ensimmäinen empiirinen tutkimus, joka yhdistää yhteisten hallituksen jäsenten muodostumiseen vaikuttavat tekijät niiden vaikutuksia tutkivaan malliin. Toiseksi, se käyttää ainutlaatuista, laajaa tietokantaa sekä modernia kausaalisen mediaatioanalyysin metodologiaa, joita ei ole aiemmin käytetty vastaavassa tutkimuksessa. Kolmanneksi, se kuroo umpeen teoreettista kuilua tutkimiensa kenttien välillä näyttämällä, että niiden välillä vallitsee merkittäviä kausaalisia yhteyksiä