This thesis is conducted as a descriptive comparative case study with the aim to explore the utilisation of different forms of nationalist arguments for secession by the Scottish National Party in the Scottish Parliament and Plaid Cymru in the Welsh Assembly. Based on the application of nationalist theories from three different modernist scholars, statements made by each party are analysed from politico-ideological, economic, and socio-cultural perspectives. The Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru share both secession as the ultimate goal and perceptions of being in a subjugated position within the United Kingdom. However, the results of the qualitative textual content analyses show that the approach towards secession is fundamentally varied between the two parties. The Scottish National Party utilises predominantly economic arguments for independence whilst Plaid Cymru find themselves arguing for further devolution of powers together with attempts to differentiate themselves from the UK. This study confirms a number of claims and ideas from previous research within the academic fields of nationalism and secessionism while simultaneously delivering findings on unexplored idiosyncrasies of nationalist discourses in Scotland and Wales. Subsequently, it is our aim to contribute to a deeper and more structured understanding regarding the content of nationalist arguments for secession.

Abstract In his Budget Speech on 28 February 2005, Trevor Manuel expressed his concern regarding the application of section 103 of the Income Tax Act no 58 of 1962 by the Courts and suggested that a revamped section 103 may be necessary. The formulation of an adequate anti-avoidance section has also presented a challenge to Revenue authorities elsewhere in the world. This report takes an indepth look at case law in the British courts to determine how the United Kingdom has dealt with the issue of anti avoidance. Secondly, the report deals with the approach of the South African courts and discusses the requirements of section 103(1) of the Act by looking at case law pertinent to each requirement. Thirdly the report investigates South African case law where the doctrine of substance over form has been dealt with. Finally, the report briefly compares the approaches adopted by the British judiciary and the South African judiciary.

Since its inception in the 1980s digital technology is considered to be at the heart of contemporary education in the developed world, supported by national ICT strategies and exponentially rising levels of public funding. Yet the promised educational transformation, as measured by learning outcomes, has arguably failed to materialise, while developing countries continue to emulate unproven digital educational programmes. A substantial body of empirical research, conducted by policy makers, business and educators over the past fourty years has found tangible beneficial evidence consistently elusive. This qualitative-based study seeks to explain the dichotomy by critically investigating what is actually happening when digital technology meets education in UK secondary schools as opposed to what is often envisaged as 'should' or 'might' be happening. It moves the debate beyond both its learning focus predominance, and deterministic view of education and technology to one which addresses the educational phenomenon by reference to the broader context of the social, political, historical and cultural conditions that influence all educational practices and which recognises the mutual social-shaping nature of the relationship. Consequently, this qualitative study utilises semi-structured interviews in a multilevel framework to explore how secondary school heads of department; a hitherto under-researched group, at the organisation's structural intersection, have responded to the introduction of ICT from the 1980s to the current day. This thesis contributes to the advancement of knowledge and understanding by drawing attention to issues of continuity and change, and structure and agency within the educational process and by offering insights into why (unforeseen) developments have occurred, how they have evolved and with what consequences for the profession and its educational institutions. It concludes by establishing a link between ICT-induced structural developments and agency constraints, offering policy makers a means of addressing key detrimental oganisational procedures in order to improve educational processes.

Boston University. University Professors Program Senior theses. / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / 2031-01-02

Heritage, the “present-centered” use of the past (Ashworth 2007) influences the identities of contemporary citizens (Palmer 2005, Sommer 2009). Grasping the ways in which the production and consumption of heritage takes place is becoming increasingly relevant in a post-Brexit Britain, where the national identity is constantly up for debate. This research asks: what role does heritage tourism play in (re)producing hegemonic national narratives in Glastonbury and Tintagel? And subsequently, what do these narratives say about broader conceptualizations of English identity? Arthurian legend permeates the historical narrative in both locations. According to the legend, King Arthur was conceived and born in Tintagel, and ultimately buried in Glastonbury. Both Glastonbury and Tintagel are located in the southwest region of England and are home to significant national heritage sites. In Glastonbury, heritage sites include Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor and the Chalice Well Gardens. In Tintagel, heritage sites include Tintagel Castle, King Arthur’s Great Halls, St. Nectan’s Glen and the Arthurian Centre. Methods for this ethnographic comparative study include classic participant observation, semi-structured interviews, ethnographic photography and archival research. The focus here is on the producers of heritage (heritage management employees, local shop owners and community members) rather than the consumers (tourists and travelers). By using a holistic political economy approach, this research reveals how heritage is both contested and commodified in both Glastonbury and Tintagel. Rather than understanding “authorized heritage discourses” (Smith 2006) as simply the result of hegemonic forces imparted by heritage management organizations, this research reveals the nuances created by the commodification of heritage in both Glastonbury and Tintagel, where tourism plays a significant role in the local economy.

A significant problem in the construction industry is the losses sustained as a result of the theft of tools and equipment from construction sites. The case study company, referred to as PSS, have successfully developed and commercialized a technological solution to prevent such theft within Sweden. The next step in the commercialization of PSS is to seek growth and leverage their investment and innovation. Our purpose is to undertake a UK market analysis, in order to investigate if PSS's business model has opportunities in the UK, and recommend how PSS might approach internationalization, using a resource based perspective. PSS’s existing business model has been developed to fit the Swedish market conditions, and has been demonstrated to perform. We find market conditions in the UK are similar, albeit in greater proportions. The nature of the problem, the industry structures, and the competitive environment is similar to the domestic conditions, and the competitive position of PSS is replicable, with a high level of strategic fit. We recommend PSS pursue its desire to internationalize to the UK based on similarity of the fit with the local market (which has been demonstrated to result in acceptable performance). We would recommend entry through a sales subsidiary to facilitate the establishment of customer relationships. In addition a possible license agreement with a partner may help to facilitate speedy access to UK distribution industry networks.

This thesis describes and discusses the application of System Dynamics methodology as a basis for formulating diversification strategy and control policies of the largest diversifying cement company in the 'United Kingdom. The problems of the industry such as stagnant growth, cyclic and seasonal variations in cement demand, and overcapacity are described. The formulation of a SD model of the situation which captures these problems together with its equations system are presented. The model also simulates the planning and control processes for the selection, initiation and completion of both expansion and diversification investment projects. It is argued and demonstrated that the fact that these processes consist of feedback loops should and could be utilized for understanding these processes, advancing complementary theoretical concepts, and designing and formulating more 'effective systems and decision rules. An intensive analysis of the model in SD frameworks further supports these arguments. These analyses reveal the nature of the system's dynamic properties and its likely developments, the dynamic and situational nature of diversification effectiveness, and the importance of several diversification decision factors. These analyses also show how complex the formulation of a thorough and effective diversification strategy may become together with the ways and means of dealing with these complexities.. It is concluded that the thrust of an effective diversification lies with the broadening of the conventional theoretical concepts and analysis to include the dynamic characteristics of the system. It is also concluded and shown that System Dynamics methodology can provide a strong analytical basis for achieving these ends.

Arms trade is a multi-faced issue, it can increase the state's economic revenue; however also endanger the human security. The European Union's member state United Kingdom is one of the five largest arms traders in the world. The EU promotes human security in its work, especially in the union's development policies. These circumstances address the main question of the study: is there a contradiction between the UK's arms trade and the EU development policies. The objective of this study is to research the stately weapon use in three of the UK's trading partners, and how it could affect the EU development policies. The UK exports arms to Israel, Sudan and Egypt all countries which have misused arms through attacks towards the civilian population. The misuse of arms has prevented the EU to achieve the goals within the development policies though violations of human rights, increased suffering, and decreased human security.

This dissertation explores popular culture-related themed space exhibitions and immersive museum pedagogy through the emerging post-museum, media convergence culture, and Deborah L. Perry’s museum-oriented “What Makes Learning Fun” framework. These exhibitions utilize popular media like Star Wars, Doctor Who, and the films of Hayao Miyazaki as a means of engaging audiences with brand and subject-specific pedagogy. By bringing fictional worlds to life through environmental stimuli (sets, sounds, objects, media segments), these exhibitions use popular texts as a means of facilitating the educational goals of the institution by having visitors engage in “work as play.” Learning becomes encompassed in the “fun” and “play” that is experienced with theme parks and games. Oftentimes educational programs are developed for these exhibitions that are frequently tied to specific national and regional educational requirements. In the post-museum, visitors are assigned interpretive powers where meaning is produced through their own personal experience. As Eilean Hooper-Greenhill argues, the use of visual media helps transcend usual classifications of high and low culture. This study argues that fandom within a themed space exhibition enhances this aspect, and the act of play enhances visitor interpretation. These key issues are examined through three main examples: The Doctor Who Experience (addressing public service vs. corporate profits), Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (roleplaying as pedagogy and Alberta, Canada’s CALM program), and the Ghibli Museum (Japanese history, national identity, and self-discovery). These exhibits act as sites where the tension between branding and pedagogy operate, and illustrate how popular texts and education are localized for different audiences. The close examination of these themed spaces leads to a better understanding of contemporary media culture and its social/cultural applications on an international scale.

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