Masters Theses

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/5

The Masters Theses collection contains digital copies of AUT University masters theses deposited with the Library since 2002 and made available open access. From 2007 onwards, all theses for masters degrees awarded are required to be deposited in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations unless subject to an embargo.

For theses submitted prior to 2007, open access was not mandatory, so only those theses for which the author has given consent are available in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations. Where consent for open access has not been provided, the thesis is usually recorded in the AUT Library catalogue where the full text, if available, may be accessed with an AUT password. Other people should request an Interlibrary Loan through their library.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 3455

Explainable Artificial Intelligence Methods for Spiking Neural Networks
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Jung, Jane
As the demand for energy-efficient Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) have emerged as a leading neuromorphic alternative to traditional deep learning. However, the complex, non-linear temporal dynamics of SNNs often result in a black box nature, hindering their adoption in high-stakes domains such as cybersecurity and clinical healthcare. This thesis proposes a novel framework, the SNN-based MLP (SNN-MLP), which utilises a non-spiking surrogate model to interpret the decision-making logic of a trained SNN. By mapping the high-dimensional activity of spiking ensembles to a differentiable architecture, the framework enables the application of post-hoc Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques, such as Shapley Additive ExPlanation (SHAP), to provide transparent feature-level explanations. The framework is validated through two diverse case studies. The first case study evaluates network traffic for detection, and demonstrates a successful translation of single-dimensional SNNs into Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLPs) and the resultant SNN-MLP successfully identifies malicious features with up to 87% accuracy, and also aligns in terms of interpretability with a baseline MLP. The second case study applies the framework to personalised depression modelling using more complex SNN architectures along with multimodal datasets. The results demonstrate that the SNN-MLP functions as a high-fidelity surrogate for multi-dimensional SNNs as well, identifying clinically relevant triggers-primarily anxiety and dietary factors-that align with established benchmarks. While the study notes challenges regarding data scarcity and class imbalance in clinical settings, the consistent overlap between the SNN and its surrogate proves that spiking architectures can achieve competitive predictive performance without sacrificing interpretability. Thus, this thesis provides a foundation for mathematically grounded, energy-efficient, and explainable AI, offering a pathway towards the deployment of explainable SNN systems in safety-critical and security infrastructures.
Exploring Psychosocial Safety Climate within New Zealand Midwifery
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Shareef, Rachel
Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) is a concept that refers to employees’ perceptions of psychological safety within an organisation. While research on PSC has grown globally over the past decade, there remains a gap in the literature concerning its application within healthcare settings. Consequentially, an integrative review was conducted to determine where PSC had been measured for healthcare professionals internationally. The review revealed a clear need for further investigation into PSC in midwifery. Existing literature in healthcare underscores the critical role PSC plays in promoting employee wellbeing and enhancing patient care outcomes. Insight from the integrative literature review informed the development of the research question; ‘How is Psychosocial Safety Climate perceived by employed midwives working in New Zealand, and how does it influence their work engagement, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and turnover intentions?’ Following the integrative literature review, PSC was examined for the midwifery healthcare profession, where significant recruitment and retention challenges were identified. A quantitative study was conducted to address the gap in knowledge. It examined the perceived Psychosocial Safety Climate among midwives working in hospitals and birthing facilities, and explored how PSC influences work engagement, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and turnover intentions. The study utilised three years of data from the New Zealand Midwifery Work and Wellbeing (NZ-MidWoW) Study, with participants drawn from the New Zealand College of Midwives. It was hypothesised that PSC would be positively associated with work engagement, job satisfaction, and commitment, and negatively associated with turnover intentions. The findings supported these hypotheses, highlighting the significant role PSC plays in shaping midwives’ workplace experiences and retention. The Job Demands-Resources model was employed to examine Psychosocial Safety Climate as a job resource. The study’s findings supported the relevance of this theoretical framework, demonstrating that PSC functions as a protective factor that enhances employee wellbeing and organisational outcomes. Social Exchange Theory was used to explain the relationships within the findings. Social Exchange Theory helped explain how the level of PSC within an organisation can influence reciprocal behaviours—where positive PSC fosters constructive employee attitudes and behaviours, while low PSC may lead to disengagement or withdrawal. However, both the integrative literature review and the empirical findings of this study indicate that the JD-R model provides the most appropriate and comprehensive framework for understanding PSC in the context of midwifery. Based on these insights, key recommendations include the implementation of organisational policies that promote PSC, training for all employees on PSC principles, and ensuring leadership accountability in fostering a psychologically safe work environment.
Reimagining Auckland's Suburbs: Exploring How Auckland’s Urban Design Was Informed by Past Transport Technologies, and How It Can Be Shaped by Future Transport Systems
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Lynch, Malachy
Auckland presents a unique urban context shaped by its rapid post-war shift toward low-density, car dependent development, which has influenced the city’s suburban form and travel behaviour. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of per-capita car ownership in the world, with approximately 869 vehicles per 1,000 people, reflecting a deep reliance on private automobiles. In Auckland, 58 percent of all car trips are under 5 km, and 30 percent are under 2 km, indicating that many journeys could reasonably be made by walking, cycling, or public transport. This dependency has contributed to sprawling suburbs, long commutes, restricted access to amenities, and ongoing sustainability challenges. This thesis examines the historical evolution of Auckland’s transport systems and urban form, from pre-colonial movement patterns and early rail-based settlement through post-war suburban expansion, to understand how planning decisions entrenched car dependency. It then analyses contemporary and emerging transport modes, focusing on realistic, established technologies that can support a shift toward more sustainable and connected neighbourhoods. Building on these insights, the design component of the thesis proposes a staged intervention framework that transitions from temporary, low-cost street improvements to permanent built outcomes. These interventions demonstrate how suburban streets can be reimagined as people-focused, ecologically supportive, and locally productive spaces. Using Balmoral as a case study, the project shows how tactical urbanism, community-led activation, and incremental infrastructure upgrades can collectively reduce reliance on private vehicles while enhancing social, ecological, and mobility outcomes. Together, the research and design illustrate a pathway for evolving Auckland’s suburban environments into more connected, resilient, and people-centred places.
Oral Health Therapy Graduates’ Preparedness for Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Smith, Jacqui
Background/Introduction Oral health therapists (OHTs) deliver oral health care to diverse communities across Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). However, there is limited research examining OHTs’ preparedness for practice in NZ and internationally. Studies on dentists’ and other oral health professionals’ preparedness for practice, in NZ and internationally, suggest an adequate level of preparedness with notable gaps in complex clinical and cognitive tasks (Ali et al., 2017; Almahdi et al., 2023; Altan et al., 2024; Gaballah et al., 2025; Javed et al., 2024; Javed et al., 2023; Mat Yudin et al., 2020; Nalawade et al., 2024). The aim of this research was to explore the oral health therapy graduates’ preparedness for practice and to explore factors that influence preparedness. Methods A mixed-methods approach, using an anonymous online survey, was distributed to OHT graduates from NZ universities who graduated between 2020 and 2023. The survey included demographics, a modified version of the Dental Undergraduates’ Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU-PAS), Likert-type items, and open-ended items. Results Seventy-nine eligible responses were received (response rate 24.5%). Most participants were female (88%), and 52% were aged 24–28 years. The mean total DU-PAS score was 73.1 ± 13.4, with higher scores in Part B (behavioural/cognitive domain; 39.3 ± 7.8) than Part A (clinical domain; 33.8 ± 8.0). Participants felt mostly confident in core clinical and behavioural domains but reported challenges in areas with limited undergraduate exposure. Key factors that influenced preparedness included clinical experience, COVID-19, mentorship, personal attributes and experiences, curriculum and teaching, real-world preparation, and transition. Conclusion Overall graduates felt mostly clinically and cognitively prepared for practice, with confidence levels comparable to international counterparts. However, gaps were noted in advanced clinical knowledge, treatment planning, and some behavioural and cognitive domains. Multiple factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic, influenced OHTs’ preparedness for practice, highlighting its complex nature. Key recommendations to increase graduates’ preparedness include increasing clinical placement and simulation hours, aligning curriculum with real-world practice conditions for universities, introducing scaffolded transitional support structures for all new graduates, and conducting further research to explore the nuances associated with OHTs’ preparedness for practice.
Cross Cultural Organisations and Knowledge Sharing Behaviour: A Study on the Banking Sector in Pakistan
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Raza, Ali
Multicultural workforce composition has become a defining feature of contemporary organisations, particularly in large service sectors where employees from diverse linguistic, ethnic, and regional backgrounds work closely within shared organisational structures. While such diversity offers opportunities for innovation and enriched perspectives, it also presents challenges for coordination and knowledge sharing, especially in contexts characterised by hierarchical supervision and knowledge-intensive work processes. This study examines knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) within Pakistan’s banking sector, focusing on how ethical leadership (EL) and cultural diversity management (CDM) are associated with employees’ willingness to share knowledge, and how trust operates as a mediating mechanism in these relationships. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory and Organisational Support Theory, the study conceptualises knowledge sharing as a relational and reciprocal outcome shaped by leadership practices and organisational support signals within multicultural workplaces. The study is situated in Islamabad, Pakistan, a metropolitan and administratively significant setting marked by pronounced cultural diversity and a large concentration of banking institutions. Adopting a quantitative research design, the study draws on survey data collected through self-administered questionnaires administered online via Qualtrics to employees working in banks in Islamabad, Pakistan. The findings indicate that both EL and CDM are positively associated with KSB, while trust is also positively related and operates as a significant mediating mechanism linking EL and CDM. By integrating the study constructs within a single empirical framework, this research contributes to the organisational behaviour literature and offers insights relevant to global multicultural organisational environments. The study offers practical insights for banking organisations, managers, and policymakers by highlighting considerations relevant to supporting knowledge-sharing behaviour and sustained organisational effectiveness in culturally diverse workplaces.
The Effect of Online Delivery of the MS-Get-a-Head-Start Programme on Physical Activity and Exercise Self-Efficacy in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study and Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Davy, Gillian
New Zealand has a higher-than-average global prevalence of multiple sclerosis. This prevalence has significantly risen in the last decade and is likely to continue to rise in line with global trends. Despite the well-documented benefits of regular physical activity for people with multiple sclerosis, levels of inactivity within this population remain high. This highlights the pressing need for accessible and tailored physical activity programmes specifically designed to support people with multiple sclerosis. Accurate information on physical activity is one of the highest unmet needs of people with multiple sclerosis. To improve accessibility there has been an increase in online delivery of exercise programmes, however, to date these all still require therapist interaction through the programme. The online MS Get a Head Start programme is one of the first fully automated exercise and education programmes for people with multiple sclerosis. It is a six-week programme incorporating interval-based exercise, education and behaviour change strategies aimed at enhancing the capacity and confidence of people with multiple sclerosis to engage in exercise and physical activity. A pilot study was completed measuring the feasibility and safety of the online MS Get a Head Start programme as well as the impact on self-reported physical activity levels and exercise self-efficacy. Thirty-five people with multiple sclerosis were randomised to the intervention or waitlist control group. The intervention group received two exercise and one education video weekly for six weeks, plus goal setting and self-reflection course work. Feasibility, self-reported physical activity, and exercise self-efficacy, were assessed at baseline, week seven, and week twelve. Feasibility outcomes indicated that recruitment to the study was highly successful, reflecting strong interest and demand for an online exercise programme among people with multiple sclerosis in New Zealand. The intervention was found to both useful and easy to use by the participants, and importantly, no adverse events attributable to the programme were observed, supporting its safety. However, the study had a substantial loss to follow-up within the intervention group. The pilot study was not powered to find significance. Physical activity levels remained consistent, although both groups demonstrated a decline in exercise self-efficacy across the study, contrary to the initial hypothesis that the programme would strengthen participants’ confidence in their ability to exercise. Taken together, these findings suggest that the online MS Get a Head Start programme is safe, acceptable, and feasible to deliver in an online automated format to reach more people living with multiple sclerosis across New Zealand. However, further refinement is required before progressing to a larger scale randomised controlled trial.
Exploring the Dimensions of Virtual Influencer Effectiveness: A Conceptual Framework for Realness and Relatability
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Dcunha, Ryan
This thesis investigates how Perceived Realness and relatability, considered independently at the persona and message levels, influence consumer trust and engagement with VIs in digital marketing. Prior research frequently combines persona characteristics (e.g., human-likeness, behavioural realism) and message techniques (e.g., narrative tone, emotional framing) into a single “authenticity” construct, which limits theoretical accuracy. Based on Parasocial Relationship (PSR) theory, I propose and test a dual-lens 2x2 framework that views persona-level and message-level realness and relatability as independent yet interconnected pathways through which VIs develop parasocial connections, trust, and engagement. A qualitative study design was used. Sixteen social media users were purposively recruited (N = 16; age ≥ 21; active on Instagram and/or TikTok) and participated in semi-structured interviews conducted either in person or online. Each interview lasted 30 to 45 minutes and was audio-recorded with the participant’s agreement. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, resulting in a total of 108 pages of transcripts, and processed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Analysis yielded seven key themes. The findings demonstrate that the proposed 2x2 typology reveals VIs produce influence through two separate design configurations: Synergised and Complementary. The findings indicate that Synergised Relatability promotes emotional connection, whereas Synergised Realness promotes cognitive trustworthiness. Importantly, complementary designs bridge gaps by allowing Message Relatability to compensate for poor persona reality (for example, cartoon-like avatars). Furthermore, interaction serves as a key moderator, increasing authenticity in all configurations. The thesis makes a theoretical contribution by clarifying how persona and message mechanisms collaborate to produce PSRs with non-human agents, a methodological contribution by demonstrating the value of depth-interview evidence for understanding these processes, and a practical contribution by providing a Strategic Framework for VI Implementation as actionable advice for marketers. This framework guides marketers in calibrating visual and narrative cues to balance cognitive trust and emotional resonance, avoiding the uncanny valley while maximising engagement.
Understanding How Pay Transparency Shapes Generation Z Organisational Commitment in the Fashion Retail Industry
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Thwe, Thin Nadi
Pay transparency has gained increasing attention as organisations reconsider how pay information is communicated within contemporary employment relationships (Schnaufer et al., 2022; Brown, 2022). At the same time, organisational commitment remains a challenge in sectors characterised by high workforce mobility and insecure employment, such as fashion retail (Kalleberg, 2009). While these issues have often been examined separately, less is known about how they intersect for Generation Z employees in retail settings, particularly in New Zealand (Baker et al., 2019). This study explores how Generation Z employees in the New Zealand fashion retail industry experience pay transparency and how these experiences relate to their understanding of organisational commitment. Using an interpretivist phenomenological orientation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Generation Z retail employees in Auckland. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis, informed by Organisational Commitment Theory (Meyer & Allen, 1991), Equity Theory (Adams, 1963), Expectancy Theory (Vroom, 1964) and Organisational justice theory (Greenberg, 1987). The findings suggest that pay transparency is experienced less as a direct driver of commitment and more as a reference point through which employees evaluate organisational justice, particularly fairness in outcomes, processes, and managerial communication (Castilla, 2015; Bamberger & Belogolovsky, 2017). Commitment was commonly described as provisional and shaped by both fairness perceptions and economic constraints (Kalleberg, 2009). The study offers context-specific insight into the conditional role of pay transparency in shaping organisational commitment among Generation Z retail workers.
AI Prediction for Stock Trading
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Yi, ChengLin
The key element of stock trading is accurate stock price prediction, and reliable and stable decisions can significantly affect profitability. Traditional prediction models have limitations due to intricacies and instantaneous dynamics within financial environments. This study explores an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven stock price prediction method tailored for stocks trading, using advanced machine-learning and deep-learning models to improve forecast accuracy and trading efficiency. An initial focus was placed on the key role of feature engineering and selection in optimizing model performance. It integrates a variety of technical indicators such as moving averages (SMA/EMA), relative strength index (RSI), MACD and Bollinger bands, as well as principal analysis (PCA) and quantum-inspired feature extraction, and scaling methods such as MinMaxScaler are used to standardized input data. These are combined with advanced feature filtering techniques to enhance overall model performance. The research integrates different AI methods, feature engineering with historical price trends, market indicators, and sentiment insights drawn from financial news and social platforms, Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology is included to enhance the prediction model by capturing market sentiment and investor behavior. These include Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, transformer models, LightGBM, Reinforcement Learning (RL), and Hybrid LSTM + Transformer with Quantum-Enhanced Feature Selection. To evaluate the true effectiveness of the AI models, the study conducted rigorous back testing using real-time stock price data and annualized returns using actual simulated investments. The performance of AI-driven models was compared with traditional benchmarks, including ARIMA, GARCH, and classic machine learning algorithms such as support vector machines (SVM) and random forests. The main technical indicators used to evaluate the model are R², mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The experimental results demonstrate that the AI hybrid model achieves R² = 0.97 (MAE = 0.0186, RMSE = 0.0278) on NVDA 15-minute intraday data in predicting short-term stock price movements, which is essential for ultra-short-term and ultra-high frequency trading strategies. Model interpretability was further explored using SHAP (which measures the average marginal contribution of each feature) and LIME (which provides instance-level explanations), helping ensure transparency in the AI-driven decision-making process. In addition, a hybrid data merging strategy and multiple feature engineering data are proposed to increase robustness by integrating a hybrid AI structure of deep learning and traditional statistical models. This study sheds light on how AI can help lower risks associated with stock market investments and optimizing options trading decisions. However, challenges such as market emergencies events, data noise, and overfitting require further exploration. Overall, this research demonstrates the power of AI models to predict the financial market and provides help for investors and researchers who use AI to make advanced financial forecasts.
From Structure to Soil: The Home that Grows, Dies, and Revives
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Wong, Kaylee
In the face of escalating climate change and construction waste, this thesis explores how biodegradable biomaterials can form the basis of a regenerative architectural model — one where buildings are not static monuments, but living, temporal systems that return to the earth and contribute to new ecological growth. Modern architecture often prioritises durability and permanence, yet the environmental crisis calls for a radical rethinking of material lifecycles — one that acknowledges temporality as an inherent condition of all living systems. Here, time is not treated as a force to resist, but as an active agent in design, guiding how buildings emerge, transform, and eventually dissolve. This research investigates how natural materials such as straw, wood, and others can be used in small-scale housing that supports both human habitation and ecological regeneration. These materials are selected for their ability to break down harmlessly at the end of life, feeding soil systems and creating conditions for plant and wildlife growth. Through a modified practice-led methodology, the thesis is structured in three phases: contextual and theoretical grounding; speculative design strategies informed by material and decomposition research; and applying findings to a speculative architectural design that embodies decomposition as a generative act. The project frames architecture as a synanthropic and posthuman practice — where materials, humans, and nonhumans co-exist and co-evolve. By engaging with temporality, degradation, and ecological cohabitation, this research reimagines architecture as a process rather than a product — a temporal practice that values change, decay, and renewal. Designing with degradation in mind, this thesis proposes a new material narrative in architecture — one where buildings are not end points, but beginnings.
How New Graduate Nurses Address Sexual Harassment from Patients in the Workplace: An Interpretive-Descriptive Study
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Marshall, Helen Jane
International studies show that sexual harassment of nurses is a major concern and is more likely to occur with younger nurses. The first two years of nursing practice are a crucial phase for new graduate nurses to build confidence. They can experience transition shock as they move from the student nurse role to registered nursing responsibilities. This transition shock is unavoidable, but its effects can be mitigated in a supportive environment. A new graduate nurse faced with sexual harassment can experience psychological and physical effects. Therefore, the support they receive can be crucial in their decision to leave the profession or remain in nursing. Due to the worldwide nursing and staffing retention issues, appropriate support is vital to retain new graduate nurses if they experience any stressors, such as sexual harassment. This qualitative study aimed to investigate how new graduate nurses addressed sexual harassment from patients during the first two years of their post-graduation practice. Another aim was to identify the types of sexual harassment new graduate nurses experienced, including whether they reported this harassment, if this sexual harassment affected their practice and whether this sexual harassment affected their decision to remain in nursing as a career. It also aimed to determine what education and support they have received or need after experiencing sexual harassment. This study focused only on the new graduate nurses' experience of sexual harassment by patients, and this specific focus allowed for coherent data analysis. This study employed an interpretive-descriptive approach, underpinned by naturalistic inquiry, to explore how new graduate nurses in their first two years of practice addressed sexual harassment from patients. Five participants were recruited through extensive advertising. Questions were carefully scaffolded, encouraging respondents to share their experiences of sexual harassment from patients in their workplace. Using thematic analysis, five themes were identified. 1) “Did that just happen? It was a shock;” 2) “It’s taboo, not spoken about;” 3) “It changed my practice;” 4) Expecting respect but making allowances; 5) A culture of “silence” – the need for organisational change. This study addressed a gap in the literature, as no prior studies had examined how new graduate nurses address sexual harassment from patients during their first two years of practice. This research identified a need for education on the definitions of sexual harassment and strategies for addressing this issue, both during nursing training and for all practising nurses. When these new graduate nurses experienced sexual harassment from patients, there was a demonstrated lack of intervention and support from colleagues and leadership. This study has shown that there needs to be changes in the organisational culture both within nursing education and workplaces. This will ensure any form of sexual harassment is recognised and seen as unacceptable. Incident reporting needs to be encouraged to decrease the organisational silence regarding sexual harassment, and follow-up support for those who experience sexual harassment must be mandatory. This research builds a platform for further research regarding sexual harassment in health organisations to help support the nursing workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fine-Scale Foraging Behaviour and Energy Expenditure of Nominally Herbivorous Coral Reef Fishes; a Comparative Analysis Across a Turbidity Gradient on a Coral Reef in the Solomon Islands
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Bravenboer, Dominic
Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth and provide numerous ecosystem services to humans. However, coral reefs worldwide are under threat from increasing anthropogenic impacts such as climate change, overfishing, and sedimentation from land use. Phase shifts from coral dominated habitats to macroalgal dominated habitats are becoming increasingly frequent. While coral reefs have some natural resilience to disturbance, and the coral-macroalgal phase shift may be reversible, it is thought that the resilience and potential for reversal of phase shifts is largely dependent on the complementary effect of different feeding functional groups of fishes. Reefs in which certain functional groups are overfished have far less resilience and tend to shift to a permanent macroalgal dominated state. The study of different feeding functional groups of reef fish in the context of anthropogenic disturbance is now therefore, more important than ever. Here we examine the foraging behaviour and energy expenditure of two fish with contrasting feeding functional groups on the fringing reef at Vavanga off Kolombangara Island in the Solomon Islands. This naturally turbid reef receives fluvial inputs resulting in a natural turbidity gradient, making an ideal proxy for studying the effects of anthropogenic turbidity and habitat degradation from land-use changes. Five sites were selected along this turbidity gradient, ranging from a highly turbid river mouth, to offshore reef with relatively high coral cover and clear water. Remote stereo video analysis was used to analyse fish movements in 3D which allowed in-situ estimation of energy expenditure and fine-scale foraging behaviour. The aim was to identify how these traits are influenced by increasing turbidity and potentially elucidate early behavioural warning signs of reef degradation. We found that the generalist detritivore Ctenochaetus striatus was relatively resistant to turbidity, showing no significant trends with water clarity. Furthermore, it appeared to prefer moderate turbidity levels, feeding consistently on the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) with increasing bite rates in relation to site turbidity, possibly due to eutrophication increased productivity in the EAM. This trend continues until the most turbid site where feeding ceases and energy expenditure increases. This implies a high turbidity threshold for this species, and we conclude that it would likely not be an ideal candidate for revealing early signs of degradation. The excavating Chlorurus bleekeri, a specialist consumer of endolithic microbes, was recorded feeding so infrequently that no assumptions could be made about the effects of turbidity or habitat composition on its foraging behaviour. Furthermore, it showed no response in energy expenditure to visibility or site. Thus, we conclude that this species is also not an ideal candidate for modelling the effects of elevated turbidity and degradation. This study highlights that some coral reef fish are relatively resistant to turbidity and subsequent shifts in habitat composition, and perhaps such species will be crucial for maintaining reef resilience in the face of anthropogenic disturbances. This research could be furthered by AI automation of 3D video analysis, allowing for more data to be gathered on a greater number of species.
The Lived Experience of Graduate Entry Nursing Students’ Development of Empathy in Clinical Practice: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Badger, Amanda
In this study, I aimed to understand the lived experiences of Graduate Entry Nursing (GEN) students and their development of empathy in clinical practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Empathy is a fundamental nursing quality that fosters trust, connection, and therapeutic relationships between the health professional, health consumers and their whānau (family). Empathy is a nursing quality that can be both taught and learnt, yet the experience of developing empathy for GEN students had not been researched. As such, this study sought to understand the lived experiences of GEN students in Aotearoa New Zealand and how they experience the development of empathy, a fundamental quality of nursing practice, in clinical practice. The research methodology, hermeneutic phenomenology, influenced by the works of Heidegger, Gadamer, van Manen and Benner, was selected due to its appropriateness for this study. Hermeneutic phenomenology seeks to understand the lived experience of a phenomenon, which in this case was the development of empathy. Seven GEN students volunteered to participate in this study. One-to-one interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed for meaning-making using van Manen's six-step process. The findings from this study revealed three main themes from the students' experiences. These findings offer valuable insights for nurse educators, preceptors, tertiary institutes, and the nursing profession. This study contributes to a broader understanding of nursing students' experience of empathy development in clinical practice. It provides insights crucial for tailoring support to GEN students and future cohorts. This thesis is a testament to the transformative power of pausing, listening, understanding, and taking the time to connect with others through shared humanity.
Girl on Fire: Enhancing Life Skills Through Sport-Based Interventions in Schools
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Spencer, Nazmeen
Sport-based programmes have increasingly been recognised as powerful contexts for fostering positive youth development, particularly when intentionally designed to build transferable life skills. Within this framework, the Girl on Fire programme—implemented at Northcross Intermediate School in Auckland—aims to empower Year 7 and 8 girls through physical activity, mentorship, and guided reflection. Drawing on the integrated theoretical lenses of Positive Youth Development (PYD), Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), Ecological Systems Theory (EST), and Transfer of Learning Theory (TLT), this study explores the ongoing impact of Girl on Fire on participants’ confidence, life-skill development, and transfer of learning beyond the programme context. Using a qualitative case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2025 with eight participants from the 2021 cohort, approximately three years after they completed the programme, to examine how skills and confidence acquired during the programme were applied across academic, social, and personal domains. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: immediate impact, broader transfer of life skills, enablers and barriers to transfer, and programme development and recommendations. Participants described Girl on Fire as a safe, supportive environment that nurtured confidence, leadership, communication, and resilience. These skills were often transferred into classroom, peer, and home settings, sustained through ongoing social and environmental support. Findings highlight the potential of gender-responsive, relational sport-based programmes to promote enduring personal and social development. The study contributes new insights into the mechanisms that enable learning transfer and offers practical implications for inclusive youth sport policy and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Aligning Technology and Strategy for Employee Development and Engagement in Non-Ergodic New Normal Environments: MNEs Operating in New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Ali, Faaizah
This research examines how HR professionals in multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in New Zealand perceive, evaluate, and implement human resources (HR) technologies for employee development and engagement in a volatile, non-ergodic new normal environment. Addressing empirical and contextual gaps in the literature, the research integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with the dynamic capabilities framework to connect micro-level adoption cognitions with firm-level sensing, seizing, and transforming processes. Two questions guide the research: How do HR professionals in MNEs operating in New Zealand perceive and respond to the challenges and opportunities of the non-ergodic new normal environment, particularly in relation to using technology as a strategic asset toward employee development and engagement?; How do HR professionals evaluate and implement HR technologies, and to what extent do their decisions shape the development of sustained competitive advantage for the firm? A qualitative, phenomenological design was used. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven HR professionals holding managerial roles across several industries within MNEs in New Zealand. Data was analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Findings show three perceived domains of opportunity: Technological development; Accessibility; and Instrumental gains. Perceived challenges are regarding: Contextual issues; And responsible innovation. Evaluation of HR technologies tends to be shaped by institutional influence, and personal use criteria, with adoption monitored through usage, qualitative feedback, and learning analytics. Sustainability of use depends on digital literacy, change management, and clear AI policies. Firms are centralising HR technology stacks, automating and streamlining routine tasks, and redeploying HR effort toward higher-value work, and prioritising future-proof, integrable systems. The integrated lens of the TAM and dynamic capabilities explains why user-centric ease of use and usefulness are necessary but insufficient, as HR technologies deliver strategic value when adoption is coupled with capability renewal. In New Zealand’s small-market context, successful initiatives prioritise usability, mobile access, security, and scalability over novelty, and balance global platform mandates with local responsiveness. The study contributes empirical depth to a literature dominated by reviews, advances a cross-level theoretical integration, and offers actionable guidance for HR leaders seeking technology-enabled agility, engagement, and capability building under persistent uncertainty.
Mechanically Determined Markups: A New Critique of the Production-Based Approach to Markup Estimation
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Lawlor-Mendez, Finley
This paper identifies two critical flaws in the widely used production approach to markup estimation, illustrating them empirically with a new markup series constructed from New Zealand data. The first is the bias that occurs when markups are estimated from revenue (rather than output) data. While well-established in theory, the form and empirical implication of this bias are unclear. We derive an explicit expression for this empirical bias, showing that it can weaken or even invert true markup trends. We then uncover a second flaw: the level of markup estimates is determined mechanically by the researcher’s definition of variable input. We establish this in theory before showing empirically that broad definitions, i.e., aggregations of multiple inputs, depress markup estimates, whereas narrow definitions inflate them. This reduces the estimated markup to an arbitrary value determined by data constraints and researcher choice.
Bridging the Gap Between Imagination and Reality: VR Innovations in Design
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Pandya, Harshil
Purpose: This research investigates the evolving role of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in professional 3D design workflows, examining their current effectiveness, limitations, and potential for future development. As immersive technologies become more integrated into disciplines like industrial design, architecture, and product development, it becomes increasingly important to assess whether these tools meet the precision, control, and standardization required in professional environments. This study will center on two widely adopted VR applications: Gravity Sketch, valued for its CAD-compatible modeling features, and Open Brush, known for its expressive sketching capabilities. By analyzing their toolsets, user experiences, and design workflows, this research highlights how different approaches to immersive interaction either support or restrict both creative exploration and technical accuracy. The findings underscore a growing need for hybrid solutions that combine the freedom of intuitive interaction with the rigor of professional-grade precision. Literature Review: A significant gap exists in the current discourse surrounding VR design tools, particularly regarding their precision and applicability within real-world professional design workflows. Much of the existing literature emphasizes the immersive and engaging qualities of these tools, yet it offers limited analysis of their performance in tasks that require detailed modeling, fine adjustments, or seamless integration with CAD software. Critical features such as accurate snapping systems, precise measurement tools, and robust export compatibility are often overlooked. There is a noticeable lack of Applied testing in technically demanding use cases, making it difficult to assess the reliability and effectiveness of these tools beyond exploratory or artistic applications. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a case study methodology supported by desktop-based tool analysis, expert reviews and use-case scenarios such as industry blogs and YouTube reviews, extensive secondary research drawn from academic publications, developer documentation, Unlike traditional user centered testing, this approach allows me to triangulate multiple forms of documented evidence to evaluate usability, tool precision, technical scalability, and software interoperability. Key evaluation metrics include ease of use, hand tracking fidelity, export format compatibility (e.g., FBX, OBJ, STEP), and integration with traditional desktop software like Blender, Rhino, and Maya. Case Study: To implement the proposed methodology, this study examined two distinct VR design tools: Gravity Sketch and Open Brush. Gravity Sketch is oriented toward technical modeling, offering features such as parametric surfaces and snapping tools that support structured design workflows. In contrast, Open Brush emphasizes freeform, brush-based creativity, prioritizing expressive interaction over precision. Evaluation of Gravity Sketch revealed its effectiveness in early-stage conceptual modeling; however, it lacked the fine-grained accuracy required for detailed design tasks. Open Brush demonstrated strengths in user experience and creative freedom, but its limitations in measurement accuracy, structured modeling capabilities, and export flexibility were evident. The comparative analysis revealed a fundamental divergence in design philosophy. Gravity Sketch is engineered for technical refinement, whereas Open Brush fosters an open-ended, expressive approach to immersive creation. Research limitations/implications: One limitation of this study is the absence of direct user testing, which restricts the ability to fully assess how these tools perform under varied real-world conditions. To address this, the research draws on a diverse range of credible sources, including insights from experienced designers, academic literature, and official developer documentation. The findings indicate a clear need for further hands-on research, particularly in evaluating how immersive design tools function across different professional scenarios, a topic that remains underrepresented compared to other areas within VR research. An additional limitation emerged during the development of the prototype. The process was hindered by the high computational demands of the software and the limited availability of comprehensive documentation and training resources. These challenges highlight the steep learning curve associated with next-generation immersive tools and underscore the importance of improving accessibility and support for professionals adopting these technologies. Originality/value: This research provides a practical examination of the flagship current VR/AR design tools, offering insights into their operational strengths and critical shortcomings in professional contexts. By identifying existing functional gaps and proposing technically grounded enhancements such as photogrammetry integration, this study contributes to a forward-looking roadmap for tool developers and industry stakeholders. It highlights the urgent need for VR systems that not only foster creative exploration but also deliver the precision and control demanded by modern design disciplines.
The Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme: Perceptions of the Mentees
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Langford, Megan
Background Evidence suggests that a global nursing and midwifery shortage exists, and academic faculty are not immune to its effects. There are persistent recruitment and retention challenges paired with an ageing academic workforce. It is a concern that many faculty leaders are approaching retirement age with a profound lack of individuals prepared to step into these roles. The nursing and midwifery profession relies on competent, resilient leaders to drive transformational education and ensure excellent education for future practitioners. There is an urgent need for succession planning within the nursing and midwifery faculty to ensure capable individuals are prepared to take up leadership roles and propel nursing and midwifery education forward. The Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme was specially designed to support aspiring deans across Australia and New Zealand. The programme's purpose is to mentor academic nurses and midwives aspiring to be the next generation of academic leaders. Within the programme, the mentees had the opportunity to gain insights from a senior mentor and coaching from an executive coach. Mentorship provided relational, experience-based guidance, whereas executive coaching offered structured, skills-focused leadership development. Aim and Objectives This study aimed to identify the perceptions of mentees participating in the Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme within nursing and midwifery faculties in Australia and New Zealand. The primary objective was to provide evidence to the Council of Deans Nursing and Midwifery (Australia and New Zealand) on how the Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme could be strengthened in the future. Research Design A qualitative descriptive methodology was used in this study. First, a literature review was conducted to examine the evidence regarding mentorship in academia, specifically relating to aspiring leaders within nursing and midwifery faculty. Second, online, individual semi-structured interviews with nine mentees participating in the Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme were conducted to gain mentee perspectives. The individual interviews took place via Microsoft Teams, with participants being in various locations across Australia and New Zealand. The interviews were audio-recorded and then analysed using a general inductive approach. Findings Two main categories were identified during data analysis, each with subcategories. The first main category was ‘Strategic Leadership Development’ and had three subcategories ‘Programme Design’, ‘Access to Influential Networks and Opportunities’ and ‘Connection to Senior Leadership Perspectives’. The second main category was ‘Career Transformation’, which had two subcategories ‘Mentorship, Leadership Identity and Capability’ and ‘Development of Academic Career and Goal Realignment’. Conclusions The findings from this study identified that, participating in a mentor leadership programme designed specifically for aspiring nursing and midwifery leaders made a significant impact on an individual’s leadership development, networking opportunities and career advancement. The minor challenges identified informed recommendations to strengthen the programme.
Return to Sport Assessment and Decision Making Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) Surgery
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Wright, Alexander
The aim of this thesis was to explore return to sport (RTS) tests and criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery, with a focus on both best-practice recommendations and real-world clinical outcomes. Despite the increasing use of RTS assessments to guide rehabilitation and reduce re-injury risk, substantial variability persists in test selection, performance thresholds, and their relationship to successful RTS. This research therefore sought to clarify what constitutes best-practice for RTS testing and to evaluate how these assessments perform in a clinical population. This thesis comprises two complementary studies. Firstly, a scoping review synthesised the literature on RTS assessments and decision-making criteria following ACLR surgery in athletes. 33 studies were included and analysed according to test type, performance thresholds, and RTS definitions. Secondly, a retrospective descriptive analysis used clinical data from a physiotherapy clinic specialising in knee injury rehabilitation in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). RTS test outcomes were reported across strength, hop, jump, and psychological domains, and associations with demographic and clinical variables were examined. The scoping review revealed marked heterogeneity in RTS testing, with little consensus on best-practice criteria. Most studies used strength and hop testing, with ≥90% limb symmetry index (LSI) as the primary threshold, but relatively few incorporated psychological or sport-specific measures. In the clinical cohort (n = 165), RTS test pass rates were generally modest, and only a small proportion achieved over 90% LSI across all domains. Several clinical variables influenced performance; however, demographic and clinical factors showed limited association with RTS level. Whilst psychological readiness was significantly associated with RTS outcomes, higher physical RTS test scores did not consistently predict full return to pre-injury sport. RTS testing following ACLR remains inconsistently defined and applied across both research and clinical settings. Although objective criteria are widely used to inform RTS decisions, the predictive value of current thresholds appears limited. These findings highlight the importance of developing more comprehensive, contextually informed RTS protocols that integrate physical, psychological, and sport-specific assessments. A multifactorial approach is recommended to optimise RTS decision-making and support improved long-term outcomes after ACLR. 3
World-Building as Multisensory Resonance: A Comparative Analysis of Immersive Perception in Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Li, Zhuxi
The concept of world-building has been extensively examined in narrative-driven domains such as speculative fiction, films, games, transmedia stories, and virtual spaces. Yet most studies have focused on narrative coherence and symbolic interpretation while overlooking sensory and embodied dimensions. This study addresses how six visual elements, cinematography, art direction, production design, mise-en-scene, set design, and costuming, contribute to world-building in Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and how these elements, in interaction with sound, generate immersive perception through sensory resonance. The research pursues four objectives: (1) to apply a layered perceptual framework to analyse world-building in the two films; (2) to examine how the six visual elements construct immersive cinematic experience across different layers; (3) to explore how visual and aural elements interact through cultural echo, spatial dynamics, and affective atmosphere; and (4) to validate the perceptual resonance loop as the core mechanism sustaining immersion. A qualitative comparative case study approach was employed, drawing on visual grammar and multimodal analysis (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001) alongside theories of affect (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987), embodiment (Sobchack, 1992), haptic visuality (Marks, 2000), and sound (Chion, 1994 & Barthes, 1977). A macro–meso–micro framework, supplemented by a perceptual rhythm layer, was developed to examine how visual and auditory design engage viewers. The findings indicate that the six visual elements collaborate across three layers of world-building: the macro layer establishes the foundations of the world, the meso layer structures social order, and the micro layer shapes affective experience. Immersion emerges through multisensory resonance between audiovisual elements and bodily perception, unfolding across the dimensions of cultural echo, spatial dynamics, and affective atmosphere. Blade Runner relies on strategies of sensory overflow to generate an immersive experience of oppressive melancholy, while Blade Runner 2049 employs strategies of sensory restraint to create a cold and nihilistic atmosphere. Furthermore, the perceptual resonance loop models immersion as a dynamic process shaped by the interaction of detail density and consciousness reception rate. These findings suggest that cinematic immersion is not an outcome of semantic decoding but of perceptual structure. The study contributes to film studies, media aesthetics, and immersive design by showing how non-interactive cinema produces embodied and multisensory experiences.

Browse

Recent Submissions