Zohar, Asaf

Ohwén:tsia Entsionkwarihón:nien (The Earth Will Teach Us Again): A Rotinonhsón:ni Land-Based Education Model

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Creator (cre): King, Elisha, Thesis advisor (ths): Swamp, Skahendowaneh, Thesis advisor (ths): Davis, Lynne, Degree committee member (dgc): Zohar, Asaf, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Ohwén:tsia Entsionkwarihón:nien is a project that explores the intersection of Kanien'kéha immersion, Kanien'kehá:ka culture and the potential impacts of experiencing Rotinonhsón:ni knowledge on the land. Students at the Akwesasne Freedom School are fully immersed in the Kanien'kéha language and the "curriculum" is centered around four Rotinonhsón:ni systems of knowledge. What is missing, as identified by the teachers, is consistent opportunities for students to physically be on the land.

This project asks how can we ensure that future generations of Onkwehónwe children can embody their language and their culture in connection to the land. The resulting "curriculum" then shifts from determining what students will learn, to listening to what the land has to teach. A land-based program by the AFS can translate to educational control, cultural sustainability, food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, community empowerment and linguistic revitalization; each of these is a critical component of building and rebuilding communities and nations.

Author Keywords: Indigenous methodology, Land-Based Education, Rotinonhsón:ni, Storytelling

2021

Fostering sustainable development through cross-sector collaboration in university innovation initiatives: A Case Study of the Trent Research & Innovation Park

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Creator (cre): Campos Navarrete, Marisol, Thesis advisor (ths): Zohar, Asaf, Degree committee member (dgc): Newhouse, David R, Degree committee member (dgc): Knight, John, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

This research explores cross-sector collaboration in universities' innovation initiatives. To understand the current roles of the higher education sector and the influences shaping innovation initiatives through cross-sector collaborative projects, this study is focused on a case study of the Trent University Research & Innovation Park (TRIP) project. The following three central issues emerged from the thematic analysis performed through the case study: the roles played by universities in creating a context for successful innovation ventures; the construct of culture as a dominant driver in such ventures; and the implications of collective learning in cross-sector collaborations as an enabler of successful innovation projects.

Based on the findings of this study, it is argued that the opportunities and potential of Universities' cross-sectoral innovation projects rely on three crucial factors: the local culture, the individuals involved, and their specialized skills such as those involved in the 'High Ductility' skill set.

Author Keywords: Collective learning, Cross-sectoral collaboration, Higher Education sector, Innovation models, Organizational culture, Sustainable Development

2017

Developing a Sustainable Resort: A Case Study of a Family Resort in Central Ontario, Canada

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Creator (cre): Xie, Guoyun, Thesis advisor (ths): Zohar, Asaf, Degree committee member (dgc): Phillips, Tom, Degree committee member (dgc): Konopaski, Michael, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Sustainability-related issues have been drawing considerable attention in the resort and hotel industry. This research explores the meaning of a "sustainable resort" and to identify the opportunities and challenges of developing a "sustainable resort" as well as the opportunities and challenges of engaging employees in this process, through a case study of a family resort in Central Ontario, Canada. A significant finding is that a "sustainable resort" in the context of a family business highlights cultural sustainability, which emphasizes on keeping family roots and passing on family legacy, as well as addresses economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The nature of the selected case, a traditional family resort, provides some valuable insights on the issues of sustainability and employee engagement in the resort and hotel industry. To improve sustainable outcomes for the resort, a holistic approach of collaborating with different key stakeholders, particularly emphasizing employee engagement as a core strategy, is proposed.

Author Keywords: employee engagement, family resort, resort and hotel industry, sustainability, sustainable development

2015

Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Compliance: A Study of Two Canadian Oil and Gas Corporations

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Creator (cre): Kolawole, Olujoba Alaji, Thesis advisor (ths): Zohar, Asaf, Degree committee member (dgc): Bishop, John, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

The modern world faces a number of social, economic, and environmental sustainability challenges. Since businesses are assumed to have a role in causing such problems, they must also play a role in finding solutions.

In Canada, the extent to which corporate social responsibility is institutionalized in the oil and gas industry remains a contentious issue among stakeholders. This study examines the extent of corporate social responsibility compliance in oil and gas corporations through an assessment of the corporate social responsibility reporting of two oil and gas organizations. Comparative analysis was used to determine each firm's operational level compliance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines in terms of corporate social responsibility reporting. The study showed that firms' levels of compliance with social, economic, and environmental responsibility are unequal. As a result, a five-part mechanism is recommended to strengthen corporate social responsibility in the industry.

Author Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, Corporate social responsibility compliance, Corporate social responsibility reporting, Sustainable development

2016