Public Administration Directed Research

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/17200

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2011 Assessment of Smart Growth in Austin, Texas
(2011-04) Summerville, Jason; Longoria, Thomas; DeSoto, William H.; Garza, Ana Lisa
Smart Growth refers to a variety of goals focused on curbing urban sprawl throughout the world. Though it has the potential to resolve many of the current problems faced by American cities, Smart Growth has yet to be formalized into a coherent policy. In the United States, some cities have tried and succeeded but others have failed in developing sustainable Smart Growth practices. In Austin, Texas, Smart Growth became a goal for future planning and was implemented in 1999 to create a "smarter," more sustainable city. This research paper gauged the current implementation of Smart Growth practices with an emphasis on Partnerships, Development Models and Transportation. City planning and transportation documents were reviewed to measure Smart Growth goals against practical ideal types discussed in the existing scholarly research. The methodology used to assess Smart Growth practices in Austin was document analysis, direct observations, field research. The research revealed that the City of Austin has met and exceeded expectations in the sub-categories of Non-Profit Advocacy Groups, Intergovernmental Agreements, Business Entitlement Programs, Traditional Neighborhood Design, Transit-Oriented Development and Value-Added Services. The only sub-category failing to meet expectations of Smart Growth practices in this research was Transit Reorientation. Recommendations made to improve all sub-categories to exceed expectations would be to empower citizens by providing an advisory chair on final decisions, providing a mass transit liaison at major transit centers to improve customer satisfaction and creating more amenities to improve rider experience on public transportation.
360° Performance Evaluations: An Assessment of the Attitudes of Human Resource Directors in the State of Texas
(2000-12) Garza, Melissa C.; Shields, Patricia M.; Gilley, Larry D.
Performance evaluations are an integral part of most Human Resource systems. For this reason, performance evaluation systems command an inordinate amount of research attention. This study assesses attitudes of Human Resource directors in Texas state agencies with regard to key aspects of the 360° performance evaluation process. First, an examination of literature identifies recurring themes, issues and characteristics associated with the implementation and use of 360° systems including organizational culture, anonymity, utilization, accountability, resources, training and rater variance. To assess attitudes regarding key characteristics of the 360° evaluation process, data were collected from Human Resource directors in Texas state agencies via survey questionnaires. Next, the study reports attitudinal findings from the survey with regard to key characteristics derived from the literature review. Results indicate that Human Resource directors generally agree with the information pertaining to the conceptual categories revealed through the literature review. The findings indicate, for example, that organizational culture is a strong predictor of the success or failure of the implementation of 360° feedback systems. There is also support for the incorporation of accountability mechanisms, training and resources. Interestingly, it is found that utilization of feedback data for purely developmental purposes does not necessarily preclude sharing data with supervisors even though the data will be included in performance appraisals. This is important because experts in the field argue that feedback ceases to remain purely developmental when it is shared with supervisors and included in the performance appraisal process. Finally, recommendations for future research are identified. One suggestion is to study organizations actually utilizing the 360° performance evaluation process. As agencies could potentially employ some, but not all, elements of 360, future research may focus on elements or portions of the process state agencies use. Subsequent studies may also include a population representative of all state agencies and may compare and contrast 360° systems in public and private sectors.
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Jail-Based Competency Restoration Services in Travis County, Texas
(2018-05) Muller, Krystal R.; Shields, Patricia M.; DeSoto, William; Miears, Rebecca
No abstract prepared.
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of the San Marcos Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas
(2007-12) Tanous, William Brandon; Hofer, Martha Kay; Tajalli, Hassan; Molina, Eddie
This study accomplishes three things. First, it presents a detailed discussion of benefit-cost analysis and how public officials use this information to impact and improve capital budgeting decisions. Second, it applies the theory of benefit-cost analysis to a real project: the Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. Finally, this research pinpoints the motivation behind building the Conference Center and whether city officials used internal analysis to assess need or if the decision was based on perceived indirect benefits and/or other political factors. A discussion detailing benefit-cost analysis identifies how to properly assess the benefits and costs associated with a project using monetary amounts. The conceptual framework links these benefits and costs associated with conference centers to existing scholarly literature. The operationalization of the benefit and cost variables from the conceptual framework are identified, showing how the research measured each variable of the project. To ensure a credible study, an appropriate discount rate and time horizon were used to calculate the viability of the project. The decision criteria of present value and net present value were used to determine the viability of the project. The results of the benefit-cost analysis of the Conference Center project found that the project is not economically viable at either discount rate. However, indirect (external) benefits from the project are expected to economically benefit the City and outweigh the costs of the conference center. This project will be the first of its size in the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin and is expected to attract business, association, and organizational meetings.
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Digital Imaging Project
(2009-07) Stott, Brenda G.; Tajalli, Hassan; Hofer, Martha Kay; Tanous, William Brandon
This study accomplishes three things. First, it provides a detailed discussion on benefit-cost analysis and how it is used in the decision making process. Second, it provides background information on digital imaging technology and discusses its current uses. Finally, it applies the technique of benefit-cost analysis to privatization of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) digital imaging project to determine if it is cost beneficial. A discussion of the scholarly literature defines the benefits and costs associated with a project and offers uses for a benefit-cost analysis. The conceptual framework links the benefits and costs of a digital imaging project to the existing literature. The operationalization of the benefit and cost variables are identified, showing how each is measured. Finally, the decision criteria of present value and net present value are used to determine the viability of the project. The results of the benefit-cost analysis of the TCEQ digital imaging project finds that it is economically viable at two discount rates. A sound benefit-cost analysis can help decision makers evaluate choices and assure the chosen project will provide the best return on investment. The findings of this study show TCEQ administrators and others considering similar projects that digital imaging is a good investment.
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Wonder World Drive Overpass in San Marcos, Texas
(2006-05) Ascott, Elizabeth J; Shields, Patricia M.; Hale, Roy
The purpose of this paper is to two fold. First is to hold a detailed discussion about benefit-cost analysis and how it is used. The second is to apply the theory of benefit-cost analysis to a real project: the Wonder World Drive overpass in San Marcos, Texas. The discussion about benefit-cost analysis looks at how to identify costs and benefits that are involved in a project and then how to measure these costs and benefits in dollar amounts. The importance of time and discount rate is discussed and an appropriate discount rate established. Finally the types of decision criterion are identified and correlated with the appropriate policy type. The City of San Marcos has approved funding to build an overpass on Wonder World Drive in order to bypass the frequent trains that plague the City. This will be the first train overpass in the city. Because this is the first overpass, there were many benefits to be considered. The costs and benefits of the project are identified and utilized in a conceptual framework table. This conceptual framework table is then operationalized to measure the costs and benefits in dollar amounts. The Wonder World Drive overpass is a single decision model, meaning that there are no competing policies decisions. The best decision criterion is to find the Net Present Value of the project. The Discount rate that has been used is the same that is mandated by the Office of Management and Budget. Private and social rates are used to show what the project is worth using varying rates. The costs and benefits are considered over the life of the project (25 years) and discounted accordingly to find the present value. Once the present value of each cost and benefit is know, the net present value of the project is established. The results show the Wonder World Drive overpass is not a viable project. The costs exceed the expected benefits at both the private and social discount rates. This does not necessary mean that this is a poor investment for the City of San Marcos. This overpass is an important step for the City to bring its transportation infrastructure up to speed with its rapidly growing population. This benefit-cost analysis can be used as a model for future proposed overpasses in the area to improve the decision making policy makers are faced with.
A Case Study of the San Marcos Main Street Program
(2007-12) Schneider-Cowan, Joy; Hofer, Martha Kay; Tajalli, Hassan; Molina, Eddie
The purpose of this paper is to develop a practical ideal model for gauging Main Street Programs based on benchmarks established by the National Main Street Program. Second, the practical ideal model will be used to gauge the San Marcos Main Street Program to determine how closely the Program meets the benchmarks of the model. Finally, recommendations will be made for further assessment of the Main Street Program. This research is important because many communities are turning to the Main Street Program to help them revitalize downtown. The Main Street Program's initiation, growth, and outcome to date in San Marcos typifies medium-sized towns across the state of Texas and provides an excellent case study for analysis, with lessons learned that will be applicable to other communities considering entry into the program. This research will assist public administrators in evaluating the applicability of the Main Street Program to their own communities.
A Comparative Analysis of Selected Health Care Professional Regulatory Requirements in Texas and the Canadian Provinces: Professional Mobility and Free Trade
(1992-12) Berryhill, Rebecca; Shields, Patricia M.; Opheim, Cynthia
No abstract prepared. McGrew Public Policy Award Winner.
A Comparison of Masters Level Research Projects in Public Administration and Public Affairs Programs in Central Texas
(1999-08) Gute, Mary; Shields, Patricia M.; Weinberger, George M.; Balanoff, Howard R.
The controversy surrounding what should be considered acceptable in terms of PA research is discussed in this paper. Additionally, as a part of an ongoing effort to assess the quality of the Applied Research Projects (ARP) produced by MPA students at Southwest Texas State University (SWT), the empirical portion of this paper analyzes a set of master's level research projects from three PA schools located in Central Texas -- University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), SWT, and University of Texas at Austin (UTA). The purpose of this research is to: 1) review existing PA literature dealing with the various debates that surround the issue of research and 2) assess the quality of the ARPs from SWT by comparing them to master's level research projects from PA and public affairs programs in Central Texas (UTSA and UTA) through the use of a specific set of criteria developed in relevant literature.
A Comparison of Program Evaluations Within the Texas Education Agency and the Austin Independent School District for the Period 1980-1990
(1992-05) Corley, Allen; Shields, Patricia M.; Tajalli, Hassan; DeSoto, William H.
No abstract prepared.
A Comprehensive Assessment of the DWI-Education and Intervention Programs Administered by the Hays County Adult Probation Programs Department
(2003-02) Flores, Rey; Shields, Patricia M.
This paper provides a description of the DWI Education Program and DWI Intervention Program administered by the Hays County Adult Probation Programs Department. A case study is conducted to determine whether these programs impact DWI probationers' attitudes and behaviors after successful completion. An evaluation and assessment of these programs proceeds in three different phases. First, the DWI Education Program is evaluated and compared to the ideal characteristics found in the literature. Second, the DWI Education Program's pre-test/post-test system is evaluated to determine its effectiveness in terms of educating DWI probationers who successfully completed the program. Finally, the DWI Intervention Program is evaluated to determine whether it has an impact on the recidivism rate for DWI probationers who successfully completed the program.
A Content Analysis of Applied Research Projects Completed 1987-1991 in the Master of Public Administration Program at Southwest Texas State University
(1993-05) Beck, Terry; Shields, Patricia M.; Weinberger, George M.
No abstract prepared.
A Content Analysis of Applied Research Projects Completed at Texas State University in the Master of Public Administration Program from 2010-2018
(2019-05) Foy, Nicole; Shields, Patricia M.; Brown, Christopher; Smith, Colin
Purpose: This study first examines the background and history of the MPA program at Texas state. It then reviews literature on the major components of the program’s capstone process the Applied Research Project (ARP) Drawing on similar studies of ARP’s, Texas State ARPs from 2010-2018 are described. Methodology: This study utilizes content analysis to analyze 167 ARPs. Content analysis is the method of choice because it involves a direct and systematic examination of the documents. The five dimensions of the paper include Topics, level of government, research purpose, framework, and methods used. Findings: The findings of this study, when compared to previous research reveal similar Texas State Applied Research Projects (Stewart, Ilo, and Gute) there are common trends and minor differences. Some of the trending similarities are clear purposes, conceptual frameworks, similar use in topical categories and levels of government, and also similar research methods and statistical techniques. Compared to previous findings, page volume has increased. Findings are discussed in the results and conclusion chapters.
A Content Analysis of Applied Research Projects Completed from 1999-2005 at Texas State University in the Masters of Public Administration Program
(2005-08) Ilo, Saidat; Shields, Patricia M.; Youngblood, Arlene
Purpose: The purpose of this research project is three fold. The first purpose is to review the literature that addresses the problems associated with research in public administration and the quality of methodology in public administration using criteria from the literature. Second the educational pedagogy used to supervise the Applied Research Projects (ARPs) at Texas State University is examined. Finally, the actual Texas State ARPs from 1999-2005 are described. Method: The analysis of ARPs is completed using content analysis. Content analysis is used because it involves a direct examination of the documents. Content analysis has been the methodology of choice for critiquing public administration research (see Perry and Kraemer (1986), Houston and Delevan (1990), Adams and White (1994), McCurdy and Cleary (1984), Gute (1999), Almaguel (1997), Nall (1994), and Beck (1993)). Findings: When comparing Texas State Applied Research Project to the previous authors (Gute1999 and Almaguel 1997) the ARPs have similarities as well as a few differences. Some of the major similarities are that the ARPs do have clearly stated purposes and use conceptual frameworks. Some of the major differences are the average size of the ARPs have decreased. Also, the ARPs from 1999-2005 focus more on state government than local or national government as shown by the previous two authors. The remaining findings are discussed in the conclusion chapter of this research.
A Content Analysis of Civil-Military Issues Written by European Authors for the Journal Armed Forces and Society
(2015-12) Bartlett, Trinh Kim; Shields, Patricia M.; Inbody, Donald; Garrett, Jeremy
This applied research project (ARP) describes civil-military issues written by European authors in the journal Armed Forces & Society. The journal Armed Forces & Society is an international interdisciplinary journal. Since September 11, 2001 and the Paris attacks of 2015, Europe and its militaries have been more engaged in warfare and peacekeeping missions. As a result, it is important and timely to examine the current discussion around European military studies written by scholars. A description of the content in Armed Forces & Society journal provides insight to this question. This study organizes civil-military issues using a classification system developed by the European Research Group on Military and Science (ERGOMAS). The organization is an international academic association that created working groups to deal with issues between the military and society. Each working group studies a particular topic. This study created categories based on these working groups to describe the content by European authors in Armed Forces & Society since 2011. Content analysis is performed using four topics: 1) recruitment and retention, 2) military families, 3) gender and the military, and 4) veterans and society). Armed Forces & Society articles published between 2011 and 2015 (N=38) were used in the analysis. The findings reveal little discussion among European authors on the four topics. Among these four topics, the most frequently discussed were military families and recruitment and retention. Overall the topics are underdeveloped and as such, require more discussion. Recommendations are made to enhance future contributions to the Armed Forces & Society journal.
A Content Analysis of Municipal Employee Handbooks in the Commonwealth of Virginia
(2018-05) Soares, Stephanie M.; Shields, Patricia M.; Tajalli, Hassan; Scott, Brendan
Purpose: The purpose of this Applied Research Project is three-fold: first, this research develops a practical ideal model employee handbook by adapting one developed by Rebecca Short (1997) and Neftali Garcia (2002) and expanded upon by Shanna Brown (2013). Second, the model is used to assess 16 city employee handbooks in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Finally, based on this assessment, recommendations to improve the quality of the handbooks are made. Method: This research uses content analysis as the sole data collection method. Content analysis studies in this research are the city employee handbooks. A systematic random sampling was taken of handbooks in four city classifications (small, medium, large, extra-large) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each handbook was evaluated against the ideal handbook model and a rating assigned to each component. Findings: Overall, city employee handbooks in the Commonwealth of Virginia need improvement. It is recommended that the handbooks be updated to include legislation such as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as well as equal pay and anti-discrimination legislation. The handbooks also need to include updated maternal/paternal leave policies and social media use guidelines, define bullying, and provide information about union membership prohibition for public employees.
A Content Analysis of Peacekeeping Issues for the Journal Armed Forces and Society
(2010-04) Brady, Christopher W.; Shields, Patricia M.; Rangarajan, Nandhini; Gonzales, Evelina
Purpose: This study describes peacekeeping issues found in the journal of Armed Forces & Society. Peacekeeping is an important aspect of civil-military relations because it attempts to normalize the relationship between society and the armed forces of a nation. As the premier journal on civil-military relations Armed Forces & Society should cover topics dealing with peacekeeping. Peacekeeping operations are undertaken to repair the negative relationship between a society and its armed forces. The journal has proven to be the benchmark in discussing civil-military relations and therefore should incorporate content on peacekeeping. The peacekeeping issues are organized using a taxonomy found in Report of the Panel on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. This study breaks down peacekeeping operations into four categories and describes the level of discussion Armed Forces & Society gives to each category. This study illustrates how the journal Armed Forces & Society, contributes to the scholarly literature of peacekeeping. Methodology: Peacekeeping is reduced to four major categories. Categories used in the content analysis include: internal characteristics, operational characteristics, authorization characteristics and the political and military context of a peacekeeping operation. The categories of peacekeeping operations are modeled on a framework derived from the United Nations' Report of the Panel on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations produced in 2000. A content analysis of articles found in the journal Armed Forces & Society from the first issue in 1974 to the October 2009 issue is used to describe the peacekeeping content. Results: This study measures and describes the frequency of discussion by Armed Forces & Society concerning peacekeeping operations. Peacekeeping categories and sub-categories are ranked to show the level of contribution made to the peacekeeping literature. Peacekeeping issues such as personnel, personnel behavior and training are discussed at length and contribute greatly to the peacekeeping discussion. Some areas of peacekeeping, such as the behavior of 3rd party actors, Security Council Mandates and the command and control of an operation are partially represented. After presenting the findings of this study recommendations are made to assist future scholars and journal leadership in contributing to the peacekeeping literature.
A Content Analysis of Texas State Agency Employee Handbooks
(1997-12) Short, Rebecca Elyse; Shields, Patricia M.; DeSoto, William H.; Balanoff, Howard R.
No abstract prepared. McGrew Public Policy Research Award 1998 Winner.
A Cost Benefit Analysis of an Automated Circulation System for a Small Public Library
(1996-12) Berghammer, Darlene
No abstract prepared.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Texas House Bill 1403: An Act Relating to the Eligibility of Undocumented Students to Qualify as In-State Residents for the Purposes of Higher Education Tuition
(2012-12) Hernandez-Hart, Tonya; Longoria, Thomas; Hofer, Kay; Shepherd, Josh
With the passage of House Bill 1403 in 2001, Texas became the first state to pass legislation allowing undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. However, allowing students who do not legally reside in the United States to pay resident tuition is a highly controversial and politically charged issue that is the source of ongoing debate. Almost invariably, during each legislative session there are calls to overturn the in-state resident tuition policy. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of Texas HB 1403 to determine if the policy is socially beneficial. Because roughly 80 percent of the undocumented population in the U.S. is Hispanic, the analysis focuses specifically on the costs and benefits of the provision of this incentive to Hispanic students. This study considers three costs and three benefits of the policy. The costs include lost tuition revenue, increased financial aid and admissions administrative costs, and opportunity costs of lost income during enrollment. The benefits of the policy are increased wages, reduced incarceration costs, and a reduction in public healthcare spending. The cost-benefit analysis found that the policy is socially beneficial for the state. Thus, this paper recommends that Texas's in-state resident tuition policy be upheld.

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