Thesis (M. Hous. M.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Hous.M.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Firms targeting high-income consumers are finding their markets becoming increasingly saturated and this has caused a shift in focus to the extensive base of low-income consumers. The opportunity and wealth that is present in the low-income segment has been iterated in numerous instances, yet the challenges to compete in this market are plentiful. To better understand the low-income market and their needs, firms need to develop strong market sensing capabilities that allow them to interpret and develop insights into this market. This report seeks to better understand the adaptive and dynamic nature of these market sensing capabilities and how firms are using these to compete in low-income markets. A qualitative design was followed where 12 senior managers from 11 firms competing in the South African low-income market were interviewed. This was facilitated by a semi-structured in-depth interview method. An inductive and deductive analysis approach was used to interpret the findings against existing models, as well as to discover new themes emerging from the data. The findings included three key themes: the use of mixed method market sensing practices to adapt to the market; improving the capability through continuous sensing, responding and learning; and influencing success by creating an adaptive internal environment. Based on these findings, a framework for competing in low-income markets using market sensing capabilities was constructed. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / mngibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

This study aimed to investigate the adoption and the use of first-order retail banking product by those individuals who are classified as being low-income earners and who reside (for the purposes of employment) in urban and periurban areas. The Financial Sector Charter of 2003 stated that the improvement and consequent increase in the access to formal financial services could contribute towards sustained economic growth, development and social transformation in South Africa. The purpose of this research is to gain insight into the adoption and usage of first-order retail banking products in an effort to better understand what could be done to improve access to these services and products. A total of 140 individuals across three sectors were interviewed with regards to their adoption of, use of and perceptions of banking institutions and bank accounts in South Africa. The results, in graphic form, were analysed in order to discern similarities and / or discrepancies so that conclusions could be drawn. It was concluded that while banking institutions and bank accounts were seen in a positive light, perceptions regarding the purpose and functionality of banking institutions and bank accounts as well as the available products and their usage, came across as being the largest hindrance to first-order retail banking product adoption and usage amongst low-income individuals in the urban and peri-urban areas. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / In this exploratory, qualitative study, the author examined the lived experiences of low-income type 2 diabetics around managing their diabetes. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with volunteer participants from a Midwest student outreach clinic (N=14; 8 men, 6 women). Interviews were first analyzed using LUUUUTT model from the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) theory for gaps between stories lived and stories told. Findings suggest that the lived experience of the majority of the participants had low social support and heightened stress around managing their diabetes. Using the Communication Complex framework, the patterns of interactions around these two tensions were analyzed to make suggestions for change.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 134-139).

No description available.

Low-income women are less likely to initiate, continue and exclusively breastfeed. Limited Canadian research exists regarding the lived breastfeeding experience. A phenomenological study, utilizing a feminist approach and Fishbein’s Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction was conducted. Women recruited via purposeful, criterion sampling, who were eligible for the Manitoba Healthy Child Prenatal Benefit and had breastfed participated in 1:1 interviews (N=18). The essence of the experience was breastfeeding is “amazing and tough”. The themes of “life context”, “tough work”, and “persevering” emerged. Women who continued to breastfeed described breastfeeding becoming easier and ongoing breastfeeding variability in their experience. Those who discontinued breastfeeding noted it did not fit with their lifestyle, made the decision to breastfeed later, and interpreted breastfeeding problems differently. Researchers and practitioners need to explore the role of stress and consider this in providing individualized, coordinated breastfeeding and health care support to these women.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-74). Also available via the Internet.

Educational and societal demands have drawn much attention to child care issues in America. Two pieces of legislation have had a tremendous impact on many society issues, but none more profoundly than that of center-based child care. Few societal issues have the potential to have such a dramatic impact on the lives of children, especially low-income children, as child care. The awareness of the importance of child care was also heightened by the scientific discoveries of brain development. The overwhelming results of the discoveries in brain development include the nature of learning and the importance of the critical periods in brain development. Scientists have neurological proof that the years before kindergarten are the most important years of development in a child's life. These are the years that a growing number of children, especially low-income children, are spending in child care. Research has documented the importance of early childhood experiences for not only educational achievement but also for adult outcomes. In spite of what is known about child development and the benefits of quality child care for healthy child development, many children do not have access to quality child care services. Although the benefits of quality child care are most evident with low-income children, they are the least likely to receive high quality child care services. The purpose of this study was to gather baseline data on the condition of child care services for low-income children in Mississippi as it existed in 2001. In doing so, the sample consisted of 100 child care centers that participated in the Partners for Quality Child Care Project. This descriptive study collected data using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised, the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale, and the Caregiver Interaction Scale. The findings suggested that overall child care for preschools and infant/toddlers was minimal. This level of child care meets the basic standards of health and safety without much opportunity for many developmentally appropriate experiences. However, an investigation of the caregiver interaction as measured by the Caregiver Interaction Scale revealed that there was some evidence that caregivers in 2001 provided care that was warm and supportive.