Master of Public Administration Capstone Presentations--Spring 2017

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

MASTER OF PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATION CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS Monday, May 1, 2017

Presenters

Panel 1: Online Students Room: CPACS 111E Alumni Panelists: Beth Garber, Patrick Morris, Katharine Najjar 1:00-1:15 PM: Bryce Johnson U.S. Air Force Pilot mid career retention rates: A national crisis or a simple economic reaction?

Abstract: The United States Air Force spends millions of taxpayer dollars producing highly trained pilots to fight in our nation’s wars. But an alarming percentage of them are now leaving at the end of their initial commitment to the military, leaving our future forces at risk. With this capstone I will cover the history of the Aviation Continuation Pay (ACP), why pilots decide to leave the military at the earliest opportunity, and what is happening at the present day. The ACP “take rate”, which is the percentage of pilots that sign on for an additional 9 year contract, will be analysed and compared to an economic indicator, major US airline pilot hiring. My study will show that take rate is inversely proportional to airline hiring and is only going to get worse as civilian pilot hiring expands.

1:30-1:45 PM: Joseph Matejcik Analyzing Air Force Common Operating Levels (AFCOLS) Effectiveness from Municipal Benchmarking Criteria

Abstract: The United States Air Force manages 74 large bases and over one hundred smaller installations across the globe offering many of the services of small municipalities. The Air Force uses AFCOLS (Air Force Common Operating Levels), to better standardize installation support services and make informed corporate fiscal decisions. From research derived from municipal benchmarking initiatives, a survey of installation level managers was administered assessing the effectiveness of the program. In a time of fiscal uncertainty for much of the government utilizing resources is crucial and properly designed tools such as AFCOLS to track performance will be necessary to accomplish critical national security missions.

2:00-2:15 PM: Erin Thorvaldson Program Evaluation of the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative

Abstract: In 2014, the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative was launched to address the challenges in education, workforce, vocational training, and the criminal justice system experienced by young males of color. Since that time, nearly 250 communities across the country have accepted the initiative with a focus on six main milestones including 1) entering school ready to learn; 2) reading at grade level by third grade; 3) graduating from high school ready for college and career; 4) completing postsecondary education or training; 5) successfully entering the workforce; and 6) reducing violence and providing a second chance to justice-involved youth. Using the six main milestones as a framework, the Capstone provides a program evaluation assessing the effectiveness of the program by academic engagement, academic achievement, and criminal justice involvement for males of color. Through a matched comparison group design, data was analyzed for three cities served by the program (Flint, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota) and three cities not served by the program (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Madison, Wisconsin; and St. Paul, Minnesota). Results from the evaluation can be utilized to make modifications to the program delivery for further improvement and inform cities on the effects of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative.

2:30-2:45 PM: Benjamin McCabe Service Delivery - Nationalizing the Existing Privately Owned and Operated Street Lights within the City of Liberty, Missouri

Abstract: The City of Liberty, a suburb of Kansas City, currently leases approximately 3,000 street lights from Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL). Annually, the lease rate equates to $722,000 which represents approximately 42% of the Public Works Department maintenance budget. Given the broad service delivery area and natural connection between electricity and lighting, street lighting has historically been an extension of the electrical utility in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. This research paper explores the trend of continued leasing of the street light system and, as an alternative service delivery method, the cost-effectiveness of purchasing the street light system from KCPL. Maintenance is proposed to be provided by a private service company. In testing the alternative hypothesis this research design proposes a historical design and causal design combination.

Panel 2: Health Care Room: CPACS 208 Alumni Panelists: Carna Pfeil, Jennifer Talarico, Kristi Farrington 1:00-1:15 PM: Julie Palmer Barriers to the Implementation and Adoption of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: An Iowa Case Study

Abstract: Five decades after its introduction in 1964, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol and opioid dependence remains in high demand as the more effective alternative to traditionally and more widely used abstinencebased treatments. But despite growing interest in the adoption of pharmacological modalities for treating opioid dependence and other substance use disorders (SUD), implementation remains modest. This is especially true for U.S. states that have a large rural population. This study examined the State of Iowa to determine the barriers to adoption and barriers to implementation of MAT in publicly funded SUD treatment agencies. Survey findings suggest significant barriers include regulatory prohibitions due to the program’s lack of medical staff, funding and lack of medical personnel with expertise in delivering MAT. In addition, counselor attitudes towards MAT was also a significant barrier for MAT adoption.

1:30-1:45 PM: John Matthews Closing the Coverage Gap: A Policy Recommendation for Improving Nebraska’s Health Care Access

Abstract: The access to quality and affordable healthcare is among the most important issues facing the United States.

Often a hotly debated topic of modern politics, lawmakers at the federal and state levels have sought a solution to the unsustainable model of the US healthcare system that puts those with lower incomes at risk of not finding effective and affordable coverage. In Nebraska alone, close to 90,000 people went without health coverage they would have otherwise qualified for as part of an expanded Medicaid provision of the Affordable Care Act. Therefore, state lawmakers must evaluate health care policy to address this large gap in coverage. The following paper provides an analysis of several policy alternatives that address this coverage gap. Through a careful examination of each alternative through the lens of a defined set of criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, feasibility, and political favorability) a recommended policy solution will be presented.

2:00-2:15 PM: Nolan Pierce Weight Discrimination in the Workplace: Is it Time that Nebraska Updates its AntiDiscrimination Laws?

Abstract: Discrimination against workers based on their weight can be a common occurrence in the workplace.

Currently, only the State of Michigan considers weight to be a protected class in its state Equal Opportunity laws and policies. Given the similar obesity prevalence in each state, as measured by the percentage of the population that is obese, is it time to update Nebraska’s Equal Opportunity laws and policies? This project interviewed stakeholders in each state to determine the support for this issue and any barriers to adoption. While support may exist, protections offered under the American with Disability Act for obesity related disabilities may suffice for the present workforce.

2:30-2:45 PM: Jennifer Driebelbis Transparency and Accountability in Nonprofit Subawards: The Affordable Care Act Navigator Program in Nebraska Case Study

Abstract: Government and nonprofit contracting gained traction in the 1960s. Today it is very common for nonprofit agencies to deliver services identified in federal legislation. This paper looks at the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Navigator program and whether it’s goals and objectives identified in the legislation and subsequent RFP were clear to the grantees contracted to meet those goals. This case study reviews the Nebraska Navigator program and transparency and accountability with Community Action of Nebraska, the grantee, and the eight subgrantees conducting outreach and enrollment efforts for the ACA.

3:00-3:15 PM: Nick Brotzel Community Health Worker Certification and Licensure in Nebraska: Examining Key Stakeholder Input

Abstract: As we approach an era of uncertainty regarding health insurance coverage for millions of Americans currently covered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and an increasing demand for bilingual and culturally competent care to meet the needs of an increasingly multicultural population, many health care delivery system leaders are exploring novel approaches to care delivery to improve access and quality of care for underrepresented groups while at the same time keeping costs down. In this era of rapid change and uncertainty, health care systems are increasingly turning to Community Health Workers (CHWs) to conduct health education, screening, and system navigation assistance. This study will examine key informant perceptions of formal training and certification for CHWs in Nebraska and include a thematic content analysis of primary source documentation such as certification and licensing regulatory data, payer rate data, health care cost data, and quality of care indicators (emergency department usage, hospital readmission rates, etc) in order to address the following question: Would a formal certification and training program enhance CHW roles and provide greater opportunities for reimbursement in Nebraska?

Panel 3: Transportation and Sustainability Room: CEC 127 Alumni Panelists: Lilly BlasĂŠ, Mike Helgerson, Leslie Kuhnel 1:00-1:15 PM: Carol Redwing Diversity and Outreach Planning for Transportation-oriented Organizations

Abstract: Members of immigrant, refugee, minority, elderly, and visually-impaired communities in the Omaha area are underrepresented in numerous ways: urban transportation planning is one of many overlooked areas for these populations. Marginalized communities have unique transportation needs. Mode Shift Omaha, a local area 501(c)3, is seeking to best understand the multi-modal needs of the underrepresented communities. Research for this project is primarily qualitative as it draws from peer-reviewed literature, local area documentation, data from a focus group, and data gathered from interviews. Interviews are conducted with administration staff of organizations that closely aid in promoting high-quality programming and support for residents with diverse backgrounds. It is imperative that transportation advocacy organizations and city planners bolster their diversity outreach so that there is a reflection of a safe and inclusive Omaha for residents.

1:30-1:45 PM: Evan Schweitz Envisioning Equitable Transit-Oriented Development in Omaha

Abstract: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) seeks to create dense, mixed-use neighborhoods within walking distance of public transportation that maximize transit ridership and improve quality of life for area residents. Based on research and national best-practices, a TOD vision was formed for the area surrounding the North Omaha Transit Center, a Metro station where over 3,000 transit trips converge each week. Located in 68111, this area also represents one of the highest concentrations of low-income and minority residents in the city. Revitalizing this neighborhood would not only increase the utilization of existing transit infrastructure, but also improve social equity through access to employment, affordable housing, healthcare, and other community resources.

2:00-2:15 PM: Michael Munch Pilot Professionalism Rulemaking

Abstract: The FAA is proposing to increase the amount of training pilots need regarding professionalism. Due to the new airline requirement for first officers requiring an ATP, airlines are struggling to fulfill all the flights. The question raised in the paper is: are the safety benefits worth the cost of this proposed ruling? To answer this question, quantitative and qualitative data was pulled from the NTSB database and aviation industry experts. Using time-series data analysis and a cost-benefit analysis, information is quantified to give a supportive answer.

2:30-2:45 PM: Jordan Cook Growing Smart in La Vista for a More Sustainable Future

Most cities are interested in economic growth; however, without careful planning for population and economic growth a city might very well create situations resulting in detrimental long-term impacts. Traditional economic development approaches assume that all growth is good growth. Smart growth, on the other hand, considers growth along with considerations of its impact on the environment and quality of life. This project explores the characteristics and results of smart growth in the City of La Vista by showing progress toward the renovation of an area designated as substandard and blighted.

Panel 4: Strategic Planning Room: CEC 128 Alumni Panelists: Erin Moran, Samantha Weiss, Steven Jerina 1:00-1:15 PM: Cynthia Harris The impact of domestic violence: Addressing needs through strategic planning

The impact of domestic violence: Addressing needs through strategic planning Abstract: Children within families of poverty who are victims of domestic violence are at a further disadvantage developmentally due to the conditions of poverty combined with the experience of domestic violence. Therefore, nonprofits who support children who are victims of domestic violence will need to be fully equipped to address this public need and the many complexities. This paper will expand and enhance the understanding of current thinking, research, and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations.

1:30-1:45 PM: Jennifer Pool Performing Arts Collective at the Union for Contemporary Art: A Stakeholder and SWOC Analysis

Abstract: The Union for Contemporary Art in Omaha, Nebraska has recently completed a move into a new facility at 24th and Lake streets in North Omaha. With this physical expansion, also came an expansion of programming and staff, including the creation of the Performing Arts Collective. The goal of PAC is to use theatre and theatre training to “inspire hope, and within that hope move towards positive social change”. This paper seeks to define PAC’s key stakeholders, perform an industry analysis, and analyze strengths weaknesses opportunities and challenges, so that they may continue to grow and change and more effectively achieve their mission. Special considerations for doing this work for an arts organization include: gathering feedback from the audience and patrons of the organization, and acknowledgement of the pluralistic nature of an arts organizations in order to create a plan that serves both the economic and emotional logic of an organization.

2:00-2:15 PM: Jodi Korth The Value of Professional Music Organizations: A Program Evaluation of the Omaha Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

Abstract: Nonprofit organizations that exist to advance and promote the arts and the professional careers of music professionals hold an important role in society. Many serve to advance the profession for their members while promoting music appreciation among the communities they serve. This program evaluation sought to understand the value behind the Omaha, NE chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), an affiliate of the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Through a survey and interviews conducted among membership, this research reviewed the organization’s value in the areas of professional development and certification opportunities, and community value.

2:30-2:45 PM: Ruey Dei New Day South Sudan Children’s Relief Collective Abstract: New Day South Sudan Children’s Relief Collective is established to increase the resources of children living in Motot, starting with the provision of food and education. The children in this remote area reap the consequences of the previous decades, which include a lack of access to opportunities and resources, such as food, education, clean water, health care, and other basic needs. The organization plan to expand the feeding programs and education, as well as opening a second location in the near future as the funds permits. I am conducting a strategic planning for New Day to get a better understanding of the organization and to implement strategies that will help it succeed.

3:00-3:15 PM: Anna Ravnholdt Applying a Stakeholder Analysis to Identify Strategic Issues Facing a Nonprofit Entity Abstract: An essential piece of strategic planning is performing a stakeholder analysis. The following paper is a case study on a newly formed nonprofit organization. A literature review was conducted to identify reasons why a stakeholder analysis is important in terms of stakeholder engagement, what factors go into a stakeholder analysis and to identify various techniques used to conduct a stakeholder analysis. Key stakeholders were interviewed, their responses were coded and grouped into themes.

Legal and business records were reviewed. The Power vs. Interest technique was applied to evaluate the stakeholders. In conclusion, the research from the stakeholder analysis was compiled and used to identify strategic issues that face the new organization.

Panel 5: Partnerships and Collaboration Room: CPACS 109A Alumni Panelists: Matt Eggers, Michelle Patterson, Wendi Jensen 1:00-1:15 PM: Aaron Rozanski Fostering Connections through Data: System Congruence in University-Agency Partnerships

Abstract: The field of child welfare is currently occupied with approaches and strategies that favor the use of evidencebased practices, which is a part product of the larger policy focus of Continuous Quality Improvement within the public sector. With this trend, there is a growing interest in the introduction of technology in order to meet these criteria, particularly with the help of more integrated and comprehensive information systems. In this study, socio-technical congruence is re-examined in the context of child welfare information systems, in order to gain better insight into the factors that influence individual behaviors regarding the use of information systems. Testing the hypothesis that users within a university-agency partnership would experience and report higher levels of socio-technical congruence than users operating a traditional, SACWIS-compliant information system, a survey was administered to users operating three different information systems. Results indicate that while higher levels of socio-technical congruence are reported among these users, much work is to done to gain a more clear sense of how these levels tend to rise.

1:30-1:45 PM: MJ Kramer Examination and Recommendations for a Local Policy Network: A Case Study of the Reorganization of the Nebraska Veterans Task Force

Abstract: This paper examines the Nebraska Veterans Brain Injury Task Force policy network as it reorganizes into the Nebraska Veterans Task Force, and provides recommendations for identifying goals, measures of effectiveness, and potential structures which could better enable the network to accomplish its mission within the current context of the policy community in which it operates. Research questions include: What are effective structures for the NVTF? What are recommendations for goals, objectives, measures of effectiveness and membership which fit the NVTF’s revised mission statement?

2:00-2:15 PM: Roxanne Knutson The WEF Nexus: Integrative Strategies for Effective Policy Intervention

Abstract: The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus is an understanding of inter-dependencies amongst the earth’s largest resources and how they cannot fully operate without the use of one another. In order to adequately provide these resources to the world’s growing population, policymakers must use integrative strategies and transparent practices for future generations. This capstone project addresses collaborations between various environmental and economic stakeholders to determine opportunities for trade-offs and sustainability efforts. Specifically, it analyzes established WEF Nexus framework as well as developing methods and the effectiveness of these approaches.

2:30-2:45 PM: Molly Noon The Impact of On Campus Housing Scholarships on Student Success

Abstract: While higher education policy in America has shifted focus from increasing access and toward increasing academic success, scholarship models have been slow to adapt. Nearly $60 billion in grants and scholarships are awarded each year in the United States, most of which are tuition-based and access focused. This paper questions the effectiveness of the traditional tuition-based scholarship model and explores County Promise, a new scholarship program that incorporated on-campus housing with tuition-based scholarships in an attempt to address both financial and academic barriers and support both student access and success. Through a mixed methods approach of regression analysis and personal interviews, the paper examines whether the on-campus housing scholarships included in the County Promise program had the intended impact on the college experiences and academic performance of student recipients. Today’s students face a myriad of challenges to academic success beyond finances. A better understanding of how scholarships can be modeled to address these challenges is warranted to ensure the considerable amount of scholarships awarded each year support not only access but also academic success.

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