Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Ian Cole

Abstract

The focus of this professional administrative study was risk management in the field of wastewater treatment. The emphasis was on the creation and revision of policies to help reduce overall agency risk factors. The guiding question for the study focused on what revisions to the client organization’s safety policy and personnel policies and procedures would decrease the agency risk. A combination of both safety and policy change theories provided the basis for the study’s conceptual framework. This blended approach allowed for a more thorough and comprehensive interpretation of the collected data. In this qualitative case study, data pertinent to risk management in wastewater treatment facilities were gathered from interviews with seven wastewater facility managers and a review of relevant archival/organizational data. The resulting data were analyzed using content analysis and coding. The findings showed that the personnel policy aligned with best practices, while the risk management and safety policies could be improved to better align with best practices. Recommendations targeted to eliminate a specific gap that was identified through review of the collected data included incorporating a bloodborne pathogens training, expanding the procurement policy, and outlining procedures for efficient dissemination of important policy updates. This study offered an opportunity for positive social change within the field of wastewater treatment through promoting decreased risk and increased efficiency in the organization’s service delivery. This will benefit the client organization, the environment, and the community it services.

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