Assignment 4

Milestone Group 1

· Milestone 1: Learner Completed CITI Modules

· Milestone 2: School approved topic (Sections 1 & 2 of SMART form)

· Milestone 3: Mentor Approved Research Plan (complete SMART form)

Milestone Group 2

· Milestone 4: Committee Approved Research Plan

· Milestone 5: School Approved Research Plan

· Milestone 6: University Approved IRB

· Milestone 7: Committee Conference Call

SECTION #1

To be completed by learner

1.1 Learner Name

1.2 Learner Program

1.3 Learner Email

1.4 Learner Phone

1.5 Mentor Name and Email

1.6 Committee Member #1 Name and Email

1.7 Committee Member #2 Name and Email

1.8 Dissertation Title

1.9 Site Selected

1.10 Contact Info for Site Approver and Expected Approval Date

SECTION #2

To be completed by learner

2.1 Project

Write one paragraph that describes the action research project and the basis for it being addressed.

2.2 Contribution to Society: Using citations, answer the following questions in the order provided:

1. How does your project improve a current practice?

Electronic voting machines though presented as the answer to voting integrity have largely made the problem worse. This does not mean that these machines ought to be disregarded, but they need to be planned to enhance their correctness and the trust of the voters in their dependability.

Change old voting machines

A lot research has been conducted regarding the miserable state of voting technology in Prince George County and the U.S in general. The voting technologies that are used are more than a decade old. As noted by most researchers, most counties are still using, the same equipment that was used more than ten years ago to run elections. Old-fashioned voting technologies pose grave security concerns and are predisposed to system crashes and “vote flipping,” an exceptional manifestation whereby a person’s vote for one aspirant appears on the electronic interface as a vote for a different contestant. Replacing old machines with modern equipment’s that meet the specific requirements of present day technology will enhance the integrity of voting in Prince Georges.

Carry out comprehensive postelection assessments, which can validate the outcomes

The use of paper ballots and voter certified paper records is only relevant for guaranteeing that the result of an election is right if election officers pledge to carry out comprehensive postelection assessments. As formerly noted, all voting technologies are at risk of hacking and even mis programming, which can result in reporting election results that are not the same as the tally of actual votes cast.

Many jurisdictions Prince Georges included do not do enough to conduct audits on an satisfactory number of ballots to guarantee election precision and detect operation of vote totals triggered by failing machines or hackers. According previous studies Prince Georges need to regularly and consistently check that the election outcomes are accurate, by scrutinizing enough of the paper ballots to see whether the computer outcomes are right.

2. If your action research project is successful, how could your project impact your field of interest?

The success of the research project will increase opportunities for more research on how the decline in the use of purely electronic voting machines in recent years, along with agitation for more sophisticated methods to audit the performance of voting machines. My field will be at the fore front of research process Prince Georges and will ensure the county gets a valid election process that will enhance voter confidence.

3. What are the practical implications of your project? For example, what will be the impact of this project on your sample, your site location, or your workplace?

While modern technologies are opening new possibilities and introducing new concepts in the electoral procedure, particularly for voting setups, there may be unanticipated threats involved, such as a rise in vote selling or struggle in assessing election results. Vigilant reflection also needs to be given to the perils of unsuitable or premature institution of technology, particularly if it has the possibility to compromise transparency, local ownership or sustainability of the electoral process. Cybersecurity in elections has and will continue to receive attention from the public, governments and media (Kazan, 2016).  Although technological improvements to the administration of elections can be substantial, these gains made through assessment and study of previous and current election technologies will be balanced with the potential for new vulnerabilities and problems. This will impact the way election administration is managed in Prince Georges County.

Kazan, H. (2016). Contemporary Issues in Cybersecurity. Journal Of Cybersecurity Research (JCR), 1(1), 1. doi: 10.19030/jcr.v1i1.9745

2.3 Need and Evidence to Make Change

Provide current information on your needs assessment or analysis for change. Include the cost-benefit analysis if indicated by design.

In an analysis of the 2012 election, Prince George’s recorded a voter turn out of 61%. This has been attributed to low voter confidence in the election process. A new approach needs to be established that will not rely on technology alone but a complete analysis of voting administration. The example is just but one in many precincts’ that require a new approach in election administration.

2.4 Theoretical Foundation

Describe the theory or theories that serve as the backbone of your project. Provide references for each theory.

The outcome of the Florida election disagreement and the passage of the Help America Vote Act put election officials at a critical moment in determining how to substitute older voting technology. Countless counties consequently passed their own legislation to inspire the adoption of alternate voting technologies (Miller, 1994).

Natural Accident Theory and the Computer Security Perspective

Natural accident theory asserts that the central issue of complex systems is that they make accidents unescapable. Blunders in numerous parts of complex systems can lead to dramatic and unforeseen system failure (Perrow, 2000).

According to Perrow (2000) natural accident theory is revealed in the apprehensions of computer technology experts. On the surface, it appears astonishing that mistrust of new technologies is coming from the IT community instead of election boards. But computer security authorities contend that election boards are making a basic blunder in their appreciation of new technology : They overrate the dependability of technology, assume it will solve prevailing complications, and disregard the prospect for unexpected consequences and new weaknesses. The new technology produces an impression of security, occasioning in the usage of machines that are not secured by some measure of redundancy or capable to recover from disaster.

Miller, H. (1994). Post-Progressive Public Administration: Lessons from Policy Networks. Public Administration Review, 54(4), 378. doi: 10.2307/977386

Perrow, C. (2000). An Organizational Analysis of Organizational Theory. Contemporary Sociology, 29(3), 469. doi: 10.2307/2653934

2.5 Researcher Positionality

· Insider

· Insider with collaboration

· Reciprocal collaboration

· Outsider, collaboration with insiders

Define your role, position, and how positionality will affect your research study.

As a staunch advocate of utilizing scientific approaches in elections, I propose that this research will help present the election management community to scientific approaches that can be utilized to help efficiently manage the capacity of voters on any election. Whereas the tools are founded on the application of research science, the inputs are easy to intellectualize and measure, and the methods are straightforward to use.

2.6 Research Questions and Project Objectives

List the research questions or project goals. These should align with the need for organizational structure or project activities and outcomes.

What are the current ways of managing ques in polling places?

How effective are the current system of resource distribution in polling places?

What scientific methods are currently in use and what are other scientific options?

How is technology used,monitored and managed in polling places?

What ways are utilized for quickening the voting process?

How is the poll audit carried out?

TOPIC APPROVAL

1. At this point, seek topic approval from mentor.

2. Mentor will submit mentored approved sections 1 and 2 to the school for approval of topic to [email protected] .

3. After school topic approval, complete the remainder of the SMART form.

SECTION #3

To be completed by learner

3.1 Action Plan

Provide detailed steps to implement your research plan. This should read like a recipe for conducting your project. Be sure to include all the necessary details so someone else would be able to follow this and replicate the project exactly.

3.2 Results

Describe your program evaluation and dissemination of results plan.

3.3. Measures and Instruments

List and describe each data collection instrument or measurement tool you will use, such as questionnaires, formal interview protocols, and forms. Include:

· Data type(s) generated by each measure.

· Available psychometric information (including validity and reliability coefficients).

· How this data will be used.

Attach a copy of each instrument you plan to use as an appendix to your SMART form.

3.4 If Modifying an Instrument:

Describe any pilot test or field test that may be required for any instruments. Type NA if not applicable. Field tests must be done:

· For new instruments or questions developed by the learner.

· With expert panelists. Field tests require no IRB review. A pilot test requires IRB review.

3.5 Assumptions

Identify the key assumptions of the project; use citations to support their adoption.

3.6 Limitations

Identify the current weaknesses of your project. Indicate areas to be improved before starting your project and areas that cannot be improved. Give reasons for not redesigning to address any of the limitations identified.

3.7 Population and Sampling

Describe the key stakeholders or population of your project. Briefly describe the characteristics of this sample, including:

· Demographics

· Inclusion criteria, if any

· Exclusion criteria, if any

Describe how you plan to select the sample. Include the steps you will take to include participants.

3.8 Sample Size

What is the expected sample size? Provide citations to support the sample size decision.

3.9 Expected Site

Describe the organization, site, or sites from which you expect to draw your sample.

3.10 Site Permission

Who is authorized to provide permission to use this organization or site? Does the site have an IRB? What must you do to obtain permission to access the stakeholders, population, or data source?

3.11 Participant Contact

How will potential participants be contacted initially? How will participants be contacted following the study?

3.12 Data Analysis

Describe analysis procedures for each data type such as audiotapes, transcripts, videotape, field notes, photos, descriptive analysis, and other quantitative analysis.

Describe all methods and procedures for data analysis including:

· Types of data to be analyzed.

· Organization of raw data.

· Data management and processing.

· Preparation of data for analysis.

· Data storage and protection.

3.13 Ethical Considerations

· Describe any ethical considerations given the sample population and/or topic. Please explain as fully as possible.

· Describe any ethical concerns about defined researcher positionality. Address any potential for coercion.

3.14 Risk Assessment

Is your study more than minimal risk? Refer to your CITI course for more information about minimal risk. Please explain.

To be completed by mentor

Mentor Name

Member #1 Name

Member #2 Name

Date and reason for deferral if needed

Topic Approval

SMART Approval

First Review

Second Review (if needed)

Third Review (if needed)

Faculty Chair consult (if needed)

Notes: