Theses

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    Corporate Governance Mediation Impact on Firm Value via Risk Disclosure in the Emerging Capital Market of Jordan
    (Avondale University, 2024) Melhim, Median
    Purpose: This thesis aims to empirically explore the impact of Corporate Governance mechanisms on Firm Value, with specific focus on how this impact mediated via Risk Disclosure, with in the context of the emerging capital market of Jordan for the period of 2015 - 2019. The investigation is conducted through the context of Services and Industrial companies listed on the Amman stock Exchange, providing insights relevant to similar emerging markets. This thesis also aims to examine the impact of the mandated Jordanian Corporate Governance directives of 2017 on the level of compliance with Corporate Governance principles and their impact on both the quantity and the quality of Risk Disclosure Design/Methodology/ Approach: Drawing on prior studies and the related theories including Agency theory, Signalling theory, Legitimacy theory, Stakeholders theory, and Resource Dependency theory, this research constructs a comprehensive model that reflects the interrelationships among the respective research variables. Using content analysis to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, the qualitative data is transformed into numerical values, enabling the application of quantitative methods. The research employs path analysis and utilizes Structural Equation Modelling to simultaneously investigate the strength and direction of the relationships between Corporate Governance variables, Risk Disclosure variables, and Firm Value (measured by Tobin’s Q ratio), while accounting for specific Control Variables. Results: The results of this research highlight the complexity of the interactions of Corporate Governance mechanisms, Risk Disclosure, and Firm Value. While some mechanisms significantly impact Risk Disclosure practices and Firm Value, others may have limited or no impact. In addition, the results show that the relationships between the respective research variables vary across different sectors. Moreover, the findings also reveal the diverse effects of Corporate Governance regulatory interventions and the introduction of mandated Corporate Governance practices across different variables and sectors.
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    The use of Theatre and Masks: A Study of Sutured Identities in Carey's The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith
    (Avondale University, 2024) Al-Khalidi, Ahmad
    This research undertakes an in-depth analysis of the sutured identities of the selected characters of Peter Carey’s novel The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith through the lens of Stuart Hall’s notions about how the conscious or unconscious fusion of cultural roots and migratory routes of individuals bring about their sutured identities. Through the textual analysis of Carey’s novel from the postcolonial perspective, this research explores how the selected characters of the novel consciously or unconsciously construct their sutured identities to confront their incoherent and ruptured identities and consciously or unconsciously strive for constructing cohesive narratives of their Selves. It unearths the causes and effects of the sutured identities of the selected characters and discusses how they adopt, handle, and manage their sutured identities in the context of their intracultural, transcultural and transnational experiences. This brings to the fore important factors that shape, influence and disrupt their sutured identities. This study not only provides a functional definition of the concept of the suturing of identities, but it also propounds a valuable critique on the gaps and issues related to Hall’s notions about the suturing of identities.
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    Theological Connections between Imago Dei and the Tabernacle associated with and Reflected in Jesus Christ
    (Avondale University, 2024) Seegers, Gysbert
    This thesis investigates the theological connections between the concepts of the Imago Dei and the tabernacle as representational of God in the way they are associated with and reflected in Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God who came to tabernacle with humankind. The indwelling presence of the divine within the constraints of human temporality and sin underpins God’s connection with the Imago Dei via the tabernacle and Jesus Christ, and in turn, humankind’s connection with God. However, the problem is that historical interpretations have influenced scholars to question a literal reading of the biblical narrative. This has resulted in a plethora of historical views that have depersonalised the Imago Dei and allegorised the tabernacle instead of validating the biblical position that God’s presence can and indeed does, dwell with fallen humankind. Despite scholars pondering over the Imago Dei for more than two centuries, extrapolating a clear anthropology from a handful of direct biblical references remains elusive. It appears that a predisposition to long-held Greek philosophical first principles placing divine transcendence in juxtaposition with divine immanence, the lack of a broader understanding of being human, the absence of a more inclusive approach of existing views, and the allegorizing of the biblical record have obscured the biblical veracity of God’s presence with humankind. A plain reading of biblical record actually validates the view of the Imago Dei as representational of God, particularly in its association with Jesus Christ, and provides a broader and more inclusive systematic approach that can be corroborated by other representations like the tabernacle. Backed by biblical and scholarly support, this thesis then applies and compares the same representational approach to the tabernacle in its shared association with Jesus Christ. As a result, this thesis demonstrates how applying a representational methodology to the Imago Dei and the tabernacle corroborates their theological connections in Jesus Christ as the image of the invisible God who came to tabernacle with humankind. Further, it shows that such an approach will provide a broader scope toward a biblically faithful anthropology as well as a wider lens to a view of God that is consistent with the biblical narrative. This thesis also uncovers several characteristics that the Imago Dei, the tabernacle, and Jesus Christ share as being representational of God. As images and copies of heavenly originals, the Imago Dei and the tabernacle serve as representations of God’s priestly intent to tabernacle with and indwell humankind thereby making God’s holiness present and accessible to fallen humankind. They are also representational of God’s glory-Spirit at work in humankind to reconcile humankind to himself and ultimately restore them to their designated authority of servant-rulership. Thus, instead of depersonalizing the Imago Dei or allegorizing the tabernacle, viewing them as representational of God, they validate the biblical position that God’s presence, can and does dwell with fallen humankind, which, in turn, is vividly demonstrated by Jesus Christ, the image of God who came to tabernacle with us.
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    The Influences Shaping Eight Educators’ Perceptions of Adventist Education
    (Avondale University, 2024) Christian, Beverly
    This research was conceived in response to the need to move forward with authentic Adventist Education in a climate of changing government regulations, changing clientele, and a growing faith-based education sector. The following research question drove this investigation: How have the lived experiences of eight educators shaped their perceptions of the philosophy, purpose, and praxis of Adventist Education? A qualitative methodology was employed and a bricolage approach, using more than one data-collection instrument, was used to gather “lived experience” data from eight educators working in the Adventist Education system. Inductive coding methods were employed to analyse two-phase, dyadic, semi- structured interviews, and participant drawings were similarly analysed. Analysis through coding revealed themes and categories. Deductive analysis, using the properties of sensemaking as pre-determined categories, was also used. The findings are presented as tables, hermeneutic and phenomenological narratives, circumplex graphs, and written analyses of the participant-drawn diagrams. The key findings revealed a diversity of perceptions regarding the philosophy, purpose, and praxis of Adventist Education, and twelve shaping influences that contributed to these perceptions, and which fell under the themes of authentic relationships and sensemaking reflection. The twelve shaping influences offer insights into how the “lived experiences” of eight Educators shaped their perceptions of Adventist Education and may be used to understand how perceptions mature. The findings may also be used to develop processes that will enhance the clarity of the philosophy, purpose, and praxis of Adventist Education in the minds of teachers and administrators. This is significant as the efficacy of Adventist Education depends on the ability of its employees to action the organisation’s philosophy, purpose, and praxis in positive and productive ways.
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    Faith and its Correlates- A Structural Equation Modelling Approach to the Study of Faith and Emotional Well-Being
    (Avondale University, 2023) Bogacs, Paul
    Although numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the association between religion and psychological well-being, questions and ambiguities remain. This study sought to add further knowledge to an association acknowledged by researchers to be complex. The research question central to this study represented an inquiry into the impact that the practice of the Christian religion (synonymous in this study with Christian faith) has on emotional well-being. It was hypothesised that diverse ways of approaching faith would have varying effects on emotional well-being and that these effects would be both direct and indirect, via hypothesised mediating variables. The quantitative research design utilised a correlational study with a cross-sectional survey methodology. Based on the reviewed literature, a theoretical model was developed to investigate the relationship between four Religious Faith Frameworks (Intrinsic/Extrinsic, Quest, Fundamentalism, and Religious Schema), Mediating Variables (Resilience, Guilt, Shame, Hope, and Self-efficacy), and Outcome Variables (Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Vitality, and Emotional Functioning). A number of Background Variables were also included in order to provide context for this study of Christian faith. Data were collected from 590 participants who completed a 155-item survey incorporating 12 validated scales. These participants were recruited from a number of Christian academic institutions (including staff and students) as well as churches. Statistical analysis involved t-tests, ANOVAs, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Structural Equation Modelling. An examination of the data found that the hypothesis underpinning this study was confirmed, as significant relationships were found between different ways of practising the Christian faith and various aspects of Emotional Well-Being. This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between religion and well-being by highlighting the significance of Resilience, Guilt, and Shame as mediating pathways for religion's influence. It provides further evidence of the developmental nature of Religious Schema, validates the distinction between Extrinsic Social and Extrinsic Personal Religious Orientations, replicates previous research regarding the benefits of Intrinsic religiosity, challenges the notion that quest Religious Orientation necessarily leads to lower Emotional Well-Being, and offers additional insights into Fundamentalism and its effects on Emotional Well-Being. This study also adds to the discussion regarding the meaning and significance of constructs such as religious orientation and fundamentalism and suggests that these terms could benefit from further refinement. This study has relevance not only for scholars in the psychology of religion but also to those who deliver mental health care to followers of the Christian faith as well as leaders and teachers in those faith communities.
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    The Pursuit of Accountability in Fiji's Charity Sector
    (Avondale University, 2023-12) Kaitarawa, Rusina
    Despite the significance of charitable activities, there is scant literature, and little is known about the accountability practices for South Pacific Island nations, particularly within Fiji's charitable sector. Drawing from the ethical branch of stakeholder theory and building upon previous research and recommendations concerning accountability practices, an index was developed to assess the quality and extent of financial and non-financial disclosure. A content analysis was conducted on the audited annual reports and online media platforms of 20 charities. Results revealed varying degrees of accountability practices. While most charities disclosed their statement of financial position, statement of financial performance, and notes to the financial statements, many did not disclose their cash flow statement, even though such disclosures are mandatory. Notably, following the legislative amendment in 2020, many charities improved their submission timeliness to the Registrar of Titles, and all engaged accounting firms to audit their statements. However, Fiji’s charity sector exhibited limited voluntary non-financial disclosure, aligning more with the managerial branch of stakeholder theory. Based on these findings, recommendations were formulated to enhance accountability practices within Fiji’s charity sector.
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    Building Teachers' Capacity for Deepened Reflective Practice: A Crystallised Account of One School's Journey
    (Avondale University, 2023-12) Cameron, Karyn A.
    Education in Australia is thwarted by complexities, compliance and unprecedented change. As schools rise to meet the needs of students in such a climate, teachers are faced with pressures from many stakeholders and an increasing plethora of expectations. There is a widely recognised need for teachers to engage in reflective practice, which is purposed to gain insight and improve student outcomes. There are a number of identified barriers to effective reflective practice. In addition, the concept of reflective practice is often misunderstood and underplayed, further reducing teachers’ capacity to engage in it effectively. The primary research question of this qualitative case study asked: "How can school leaders build teacher capacity for deepened reflective practice?". The secondary research questions explored the barriers and supports to teacher capacity from the perspectives of the school leaders and teachers in one rural K-12 Australian school as they engaged in a school- wide initiative requiring deep reflective practice. Data collection involved multiple site visits and interviews with school leaders and teachers. A crystallised approach applied triangulated analysis synthesising constructivist grounded theory, situational and heuristic analysis. Findings revealed nine overlapping and interdependent themes and identified a range of barriers and supports to deep reflective practice. In response to the primary research question, the overarching finding is that school leaders need to provide a dynamic web of support for their teachers, using relational and structural approaches to support teachers' reflective practices individually and collectively. The crystallised report format integrates the traditional academic genre with creative reflexive genres to express a nuanced account of the journey of this study, thus honouring the participants' voices and engaging the reader. This study contributes to an understanding of teacher capacity for deep reflective practice in the context of busy schools. It offers a literature-based descriptive definition of deep reflective practice, a multifaceted model of reflective practice, a model for a dynamic web of support as suggested in the overarching finding, an exploration of metaphors to enhance shared understanding of reflective practice for schools and a list of recommendations for school leaders to consider.
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    Exploring Effective Mentoring as a Professional Development Tool for Papua New Guinea Accountants
    (Avondale University, 2023-11-10) Strahan, Russell
    The Papua New Guinea accounting profession is relatively young and still developing. Many Papua New Guinea Accountants (PNGAs) begin their career in accounting unaware of the gap they face when transitioning between their oral culture and a highly functional chirographic accounting career. PNGAs face a combination of factors impacting their performance and ability to manage the accounting program and provide relevant results. The PNGA desires to perform at improved levels, but they do not know how to identify and engage in activities for better outcomes. This study explores the contextual challenges and cultural values that influence PNG accountants as they participate in a mentoring program in their profession. In order to understand the lived experience of the PNGAs a multiple- method research approach was used to collect and analyse data concerning the PNGAs’ mentor relationships from semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and researcher observations. Findings were analysed through a phenomenological lens, and the supporting methodology of action research provides the capacity to review the mentor model's structural framework and recommend changes. The original contribution of this study is the identification of significant contextual challenges and cultural values that influence PNGAs as they participate in a mentoring program in their profession. It foregrounds the need to clarify the PNGA's preferred cultural foundation, as to whether the mentor program of an individual PNGA requires an oral or chirographic focus, or a compromise between the two. Revising the original mentor program structural framework in this way better supports PNGA's professional growth by encouraging the PNGA to integrate components of oral and chirographic cultures and create a third space as they manage the inherently disruptive nature of the transition to create a unique PNGA world. This study provides a framework to recognise how to learn and adapt their lives for a more rewarding accounting career.
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    An Investigation Into the Use of the Complete Health Improvement Programme (CHIP) for Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multimethod Approach
    (Avondale University, 2023) Cloete, Linda
    The incidence and prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are increasing dramatically on a global level. Other than bariatric surgery, there is no known medical cure for T2DM, however, several lifestyle modifications reverse symptoms, most frequently in conjunction with a reduction in BMI. The purpose of this thesis was to discover the effectiveness of the CHIP as an intervention for reversing T2DM, by conducting two studies. The aim of Study 1 was to assess the effectiveness of the CHIP in reversing abnormal fasting blood sugar levels in T2DM clients. The aim of Study 2 was to obtain an understanding of participants’ knowledge of diabetes reversal and their experience of the CHIP and adherence to lifestyle recommendations. A multimethod approach was used. Study 1 consisted of a parallel open-label randomised control trial (RCT) where the intervention was participation in the CHIP for 12 weeks followed by nine months of monthly follow-up. The control group participated in usual diabetes care. A descriptive qualitative design supported by illustrative case studies was used in Study 2 using participants from the intervention and control groups in Study 1. The results of the RCT demonstrated positive changes in measured outcomes. Most of these improvements remained significant at 12-months. Diabetes reversal was not demonstrated. No significant change in outcomes were demonstrated in the control group. Data from Study 2 suggest that 25 percent of the study cohort did not understand diabetes reversal and most participants believed they could not achieve diabetes reversal. All participants acknowledged a degree of recidivism. The synthesis of findings suggests that adherence to lifestyle recommendations is better fostered where the relevance of change is understood and where health-care providers partner with clients to educate and manage care for improved levels of self-responsibility. Better support for clients may improve resilience, and focusing on lifestyle choices that are enjoyable and rewarding may promote long-term adherence.
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    Morphogenesis of the Mission of Adventist Education in Australia Between 1967 and 2022
    (Avondale University, 2023) Roy, Donald Charles
    This thesis aims to explain how the mission of Adventist education in Australia has changed between 1967 and 2022.