The recent invention of Google Glass has prompted me to contemplate how future technologies will affect the way we interact with one another. In this paper, I argue that Google Glass technology is the first sort of technology that will facilitate us to violate our genuine interactions with one another in a face-to-face setting. Once we diminish these types of interactions, we fail to respect one another on a fundamental level and as a result, we fail to genuinely pursue one of the most important classes of meaningful projects in our lives: developing and maintaining relationships.

Every local church, although part of a greater denomination, finds itself in a unique context with unique ministerial needs. It is of the utmost importance for every local church to be contextual in its ministry, to eventually being effective in its ministry. To make this possible a Scriptural view of the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church, currently not existing, is a key factor. The primary goal of this research is to provide guidelines to churches to assure the contextualization of their calling and ministerial strategy. This is done by motivating the necessity thereof, and by providing Scriptural principles for the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. The research is done according to the practical-theological methodology of Gerben Heitink (1 999). • The first part of the study consists of a hermeneutical process giving perspective on the current state of affairs in ministerial theory and practice, as well as providing Scriptural principles. Chapter 2 of the hermeneutical investigation wants to determine in what manner the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church is currently being recognized when a local church determines their specific calling and ministerial strategy. Furthermore a brief overview is given regarding the state of affairs in South Africa which has an effect on the climate in which ministry has to take place. This ensures the contextualization of the study. In Chapter 3 Scriptural principles are developed regarding the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. In Chapter 2 a description is made of the situation that has to change and in Chapter 3 the principles are developed by which the change has to take place. The research in Chapter 3 focuses on the periscope of Acts 21:17-26 and related periscopes. • The second part of the study comprises of an empirical investigation of Afrikaans speaking reformed church members in Eastern Pretoria to determine how they view the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. • The third part comprises the strategic perspective that integrates the research results of Chapters 2, 3, and 4 to develop a theory of practice. This practical theory provides guidelines to local churches to help them determine their specific calling and ministerial strategy in the light of the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. The result of this study shows that the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church is a key factor in determining the specific calling and ministerial strategy of a local church to ensure their obedience to Gods calling. Beacons were developed in the light of the Scriptural interplay and presented as guidelines for the local church. The beacons are in short: 1 - Identifying the unique context; 2 - Ascertaining of the current interplay; 3 - Ascertaining of the Scriptural interplay; 4 - Breaking through traditions; 5 - Create balance in the interplay; 6 - Ensure unity in communal interest; 7 – ensure diversity, not in own interest; 8 - Accommodating each other. / Thesis (M.Th. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

Placed within the field of recent research concerning religion and contemporary religious landscapes, this thesis aims to show conceptions of human life and body displayed in ten Swedish health magazines. The analysis aims to demonstrate the appearance of body and bodily experience and in addition see in what way ”westernized” religious traditions and methods from east Asia may contribute to perspectives of health. The main theories for the study are objectified versus phenomenological understanding of the human body by Drew Leder (1992; 1990) and Kristen Zeiler (2010). The quote in the main title is from the empirical material (Hälsa & Fitness, 2014 (11), cover). ”Strong from inside and out” depicts the core of the outcome, indicating both biomedical and holistic perspectives. With science as a provable reference, the individual’s body seems to be an object to control and shape to optimize goals of esthetic or physical benefits. Here are many mental aspects involved as well as social factors, which shows that the human is a phenomenological creature. The thesis suggests that in order to accomplish health and a healthy relationship – not only towards the body but living through it – the human need to cultivate the sensation of wholeness. Having no clear counterpart, this aspect seems to be easily provided through eastern traditions and methods, treating the human as “one”.

La sexualité des personnes handicapées sort de l’ombre et fait actuellement l’objet de nombreuses réflexions pluridisciplinaires. Le temps est enfin venu aux juristes –et autres– de briser les tabous pour réfléchir à cette thématique que le législateur s’est abstenu de prendre en compte malgré les difficultés qu’elle pose. Les personnes handicapées ne disposent pas toujours des aptitudes pour avoir une sexualité qu’elles désirent. En revanche, elles subissent parfois une sexualité qu’elles ne veulent pas ou ne sont pas en mesure de vouloir. L’un de ces paradoxes conduit ainsi à l’étude de problèmes aussi divers que ceux relatifs à la procréation des personnes handicapées, à leur épanouissement sexuel ou aux agressions sexuelles dont elles sont généralement les victimes. / The sexuality of people with disabilities finally comes out of the shadows and is the subject of many multidisciplinary reflections.The time has finally come for legal experts –and others –to break taboos and to start reflecting on this issue that the legislator has been avoiding despite the difficulties it sets. People with disabilities do not always have the ability to have a sexuality that they desire. On the other hand, they sometimes experience sexuality that they do not want or are not able to want.One of these paradoxes thus leads to the study of problems as diverse as those related to the procreation of persons with disabilities, their sexual fulfillment or the sexual abuse of which they are generally the victims.

Neste estudo, procurou-se, apartir das teorias motivacionais de Maslow (1970), Bergamini (1997), McGregor (1973), Herberg (1975) e do comprometimento organizacional tais como Meyer e Allen (1997), Kanter (1968), Bastos e BrandÃo (1993) bem como apartir do conceito da modernizaÃÃo do setor pÃblico (CARAPETO; FONSECA 2005) e Lima (2006), investigar os vÃnculos entre o fenÃmeno motivacional e as dimensÃes do comprometimento organizacional no setor pÃblico de SÃo Tomà e PrÃncipe, tendo como foco a DireÃÃo do OrÃamento do MinistÃrio do Planejamento e FinanÃas de SÃo Tomà e PrÃncipe, em face da modernizaÃÃo dos serviÃos pÃblicos. Portanto, a referida pesquisa objetivou compreender a natureza da motivaÃÃo e do comprometimento organizacional dos funcionÃrios pÃblicos de SÃo Tomà e PrÃncipe, identificando seus fatores determinantes. Assim, tomando por base, respectivamente, as taxionomias de Yin (2001), Barbosa (2001), Lakatos e Marconi (1992), TriviÃos (1987) e Richardson (1999), classifica-se esta pesquisa como um estudo de caso de natureza exploratÃria e descritiva que seguiu uma abordagem quali-quantitativa. O estudo demonstrou que o processo de modernizaÃÃo dos serviÃos tem causado ansiedade e apreensÃo nos funcionÃrios, com impactos na motivaÃÃo e no comprometimento dos mesmos em relaÃÃo aos serviÃos. O estudo demonstrou tambÃm que existe vÃnculo entre a motivaÃÃo e o comprometimento dos funcionÃrios em termos da prestaÃÃo de serviÃos. No entanto diante da natureza exploratÃria e descritiva do presente estudo de caso, nÃo se propÃs aqui nenhuma anÃlise definitiva. Assim, este estudo possui limitaÃÃes quanto a generalizaÃÃes, considerando os aspectos estudados. / In this study of Maslow (1970) motivationalâs theories, Bergamini (1997), McGregor (1973), Herberg (1975) and of organizational fulfillment such as (Meyer and Allen 1997), Kanter (1968), Bastos and Brandao (1993) as well as modernization in the public sector; (CARAPETO; FONSECA 2005), Lima (2006) investigate the bonds between motivation phenomenon and the dimensions of organizational fulfillment in the public sector of Sao Tome and Principe, having as special focus the Direction of Budget in the Ministry of Finance and Planning of Sao Tome and Principe, focusing on the modernization of public services. Therefore, the main focus of the said research is to understand the nature of motivation and of the organizational fulfillment of the public servants of Sao Tome and Principe identifying its determining factors. So taking into account the taxonomies of Yin (2001), Barbosa (2001), Lakatos and Marconi (1992), TriviÃos (1987), Richardson (1999), this study can be classified as a census case study of the exploratory and descriptive nature that followed a qualitative and quantitative approach. The study showed that the process of modernization of the services has caused anxiety and apprehension among the employees, with impact on motivation and fulfillment of the afore mentioned in relation to services. The study also demonstrated the bonds between motivation and commitment of the employees in terms of service. . However, due to the exploratory and descriptive nature of the present case study, no definitive theory was proposed. So this study has limitations as to the generalizations, considering the studied aspects.

This dissertation intends to reveal the theme of the conqueror, which is spread throughout the book of Revelation. I try to determine the identity and function of the conquerors who were faced with various problems in their present situations. Various present situations such as the political, economical, social, and religious phenomena that the first Christians confronted must be considered. Thus, the main aim of Revelation is to persuade compromising Christians to disengage from pagan idolatry and to sustain those who resist. One must remember the fact that the designated conquerors were absolutely embedded in their historical and sociological situation. We should recognize why John wanted to send his prophetic message through various symbolic references and universes, providing a different heavenly perspective in contrast with an earthly point of view. In general, the conquest can be linked with both a military and political meaning, such as Messiah and the son of David in Jewish literature and the Old Testament. But the conqueror figure in Revelation can be understood from a different angle. The characteristic of the conqueror is explained through the symbolic transformation of redemptive death and victory. It means that the idea of conquering has been changed. Conquering doesn’t depend on a military or political power that is the interpretation of the traditional messianic expectation, but self-sacrifice of the Lamb on the cross. The characteristic of the Lamb as conqueror is closely linked with the image of an atoning, sacrificial victim. The theme of suffering and death in Revelation is linked with the victory of the conquerors. That is, the conquerors can be defined as those who endure suffering, slander, poverty and tribulation unto death as Jesus has done. From a worldly perspective, Satan looks like the almighty figure as the conqueror that persecuted the people of God, but in terms of the heavenly perspective, he is defeated and conquered by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of God in 12:11. Therefore, conquering is provided from the heavenly perspective to encourage the conquerors as seeing the present reality. Just as the Lamb has conquered the evil ones by his blood, the conquerors should conquer the evil ones by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Thus, the victory of the conquerors can be attained by means of witness and death. The idea that the conquerors are the victims might provide the people of God with a powerful symbolic transformation as a marginalized group in a hostile world. The conquerors are provided with a heavenly perspective, implying an eschatological fulfillment and God’s presence in the New Jerusalem. The image of the New Jerusalem provides a rhetorical effect that the people of God as conquerors will experience salvation in the future. Whereas the city of Babylon was drunk with the blood of the conquerors, the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven will dwell with God as the completion of the fulfillment God promised (cf. 21:1-22:5). / Thesis (PhD (New Testament Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / New Testament Studies / PhD / unrestricted

The increased demand on distribution centers to provide quicker turnarounds from receiving to shipping while maintaining precise inventory accuracies is spurring the acquisition of a warehouse management system (WMS) to improve operations and increase efficiency. With the rapid expansion of WMS technology, it seems inevitable that warehouses will outgrow inefficient operational processes and switch to a system that can accommodate rapid development. Research has explained the financial burdens and benefits of acquiring a WMS, but there’s been minimal research describing the impacts of the actual implementation. This study took place within a 600,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center and focused on the day-to-day activities of its 300+ employees. A qualitative methodology was used while observing daily processes within the inbound, inventory control, outbound, and shipping departments throughout the implementation process to determine the impacts on operational procedures and the people involved. The results describe the adaptations necessary within each department to transform the former manually based processes into automated processes that support the WMS. Also, the configurational oversights within the WMS that led to time consuming complications when performing daily operational tasks. The findings of this study explain the key factors that impact a WMS implementation and opportunities to increase the chances of a successful implementation.

Background:  Leader member exchange (LMX) theory focuses on the different associations established by the leaders with their followers through a system of exchanges (high quality and low exchanges), whereas a psychological contract is a tacit agreement between the employer and employee and comprises of employee's beliefs regarding the mutual obligations between the employee and an employer. Since an organization communicates and negotiates through its representatives which indicates people in managerial positions, it is meaningful to draw that the relationship quality between employee and their supervisors may affect the tacit agreement between the employee and organization. Though prior integration of Leader Member Exchange theory and Psychological contract has established the link between these two area of literature, as well as LMX dimensions to Psychological contract fulfilment, there is no empirical study taken place in Asia where Anand, Hu, Liden and Vidyarthi (2011) once observed that LMX and its dimensions may operate differently in more collectivistic and higher power distance cultures. Therefore, this research aims to examine the two main aspects of literature in one of the leading construction management of Asia located in Vietnam.   Research questions: Does LMX improve psychological contracts between the organization and the employees? Sub-research question: What is the effect of LMX dimensions on psychological contract fulfilment? Is there any right mix of LMX dimensions in the organization that positively affects the psychological contract?   Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the interaction effects of leader-member exchange (LMX) and its dimensions on psychological contracts in one specific organization, in other words, it investigates to answer if the different quality exchanges between the leaders/managers with employees support to enhance better mutual obligations between them and give negative or positive effects to the psychological contracts. Secondly, it figures out what exactly is the effect of LMX dimensions on psychological contract fulfilment. Practically, it is to help the researchers and practitioners recognize the increasingly important role of psychological contract which is normally unwritten in formal contract but otherwise gives huge negative influence which results in losing employee’s retention and loyalty. Accordingly, by generating “leader-member exchange” more effectively, the leaders will distribute and/or exchange resources toward the employees better which results in better employee retention and talent management strategies, directly contributing to the organization’s long term sustainable development.   Theoretical framework:  Articles were used for this thesis were meticulously chosen, focusing on reliable sources and quality content that cover the theoretical background of both main research area of Psychological contracts and Leader-Member Exchange during their historical research until recent. Particular information of the empirical organization and the related industry were brought from the organization and related reports and professional analysis from industry experts.   Method: This is a cross-sectional study whose methodology choice is a Mixed methods research which inquires the involvement of both quantitative and qualitative data, integrating these two forms of data with narrative analysis. The data was collected from a construction management organization consists of 385 employees. It adopted interpretivism philosophy in order to create new, richer understandings and interpretations of issues related to social worlds and context, in particular exploring the issue of whether LMX theory have an influence on psychological contracts fulfilment. It follows a deductive reasoning as its main approach.   Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the results of respondents’ surveys and the interpretation of the attendants from Focus Group, the discussion was structured and analyzed in line with the structure of the theoretical framework. The study reveals that the psychological contract fulfillment depends not only on the right combination of LMX dimensions and the concern of those most important dimensions but also the distinct characteristics of the organization which concern about their organization behavior and industry features. The study also provides solutions to leaders in order to overcome the problems associated with LMX that can lead to psychological contract breach.   Originality/Value – This is the first study that focuses on examining the effect of LMX and its dimensions on psychological contract fulfilment in an Asian country.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / Coffee is one of the most important cash crops in Peru, a significant source of employment and income, and a great demander of inputs, goods, and services. We synthesized and analyzed the findings to propose improvements and foster the long-term growth of small- and medium-sized cooperatives. Our improvement proposal is based on the supply chain models implemented in the industry. The research also relied on information sources from researchers with experience in the assessment and analysis of the perishable food supply chain in different scenarios worldwide.

This study examines preschool teachers' perceptions and experiences of systematic quality work in preschool. The purpose of making preschool teachers' perceptions and experiences visible is that they will provide new knowledge about the perceived reality of systematic quality work and what significance it has in preschool teachers' daily work. The questions in which the study seeks to answer are how preschool teachers perceive the systematic quality work? How preschool teachers perceive the work with documentation as part of the systematic quality work? And in what way preschool teachers feel that the systematic quality work helps them to develop the early childhood education? This is a qualitative study where preschool teachers have been interviewed in which a total of four interviews have been treated in the study. The interviews have been semi-structured with a low degree of structuring. The interviews were then transcribed where a qualitative analysis of the material was made. The theoretical concepts that permeate the analysis are the motives for evaluation, which consist of the control motive, the development motive and the knowledge motive. The results show that there are two themes in which the systematic quality work is understood. Systematic quality work in an overall perspective and systematic quality work from an operational perspective where the motives for evaluation are varied.