The impact of air transport liberalisation suggested by economic theory and globalisation inspired Nigeria to adopt a more liberal policy towards its international Air Service Agreements (ASA). The policy involves implementing the Yamoussoukro Declaration with some African countries, an Open Skies Agreement with the US, and the easing of some market access regulations with several other countries. This study explores the extent to which international air transport liberalisation has impacted the Nigerian air transport market over the ten years (2001-10) since its commencement. The objectives of the study include, among others: to review the country’s ASAs and determine the level of liberalisation in those agreements, to study the performance of the ASA in terms of international air traffic demand in the market, to determine the impacts of liberalisation on passenger welfare in the market, and to evaluate the impact of further liberalising market access and carrier ownership. The study employed the use of secondary data relating to traffic volumes and socio-economic variables from the market. These were subjected to analytical methods commonly used in the study of liberalisation, including descriptive statistics, entropy and econometric modelling in order to establish relationships among the variables. Also, primary data were collected from a field survey and analysed to complement some of the findings. The empirical findings were able to fulfil the objectives of the study. It was discovered that most countries’ ASAs were not fully liberalised, but have some level of liberalisation. For a country to attain market access liberalisation, the ASA should grant fifth freedom rights, free pricing, multiple designations, and free determination of capacity and frequency. Another salient discovery was that liberalisation of market access and carrier ownership could spur traffic demand in all route markets, which could substantially increase total annual international traffic flows. The impact on traffic could trigger changes in air fares that would enhance consumer welfare. Nigeria’s airport infrastructure is found to be capable of accommodating the expected traffic increases as a result of the liberalisation. Although there were some adverse effects from the policy which include capital flight and the possible liquidation of home carriers, the thesis concludes that liberalisation could stimulate traffic demand in the market significantly, which could enhance revenue to the industry for sustainable development. The study concludes with recommendations and areas of further research.

Over the past few years, much attention has been given to the concept of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and its implementation by various companies as a key strategy to regain or improve their competitive edge in the marketplace. BPR is a new business concept for organizational review that involves a fundamental rethinking and systematic redesign of core business processes supported by advance information technology to achieve sustainable step improvements in measures of performance . The aim of this research was to develop a BPR methodology for a commercial airline that could be used for the various levels and types of operation within the airline business today. The increasing complexity and variety of operations and processes within the airline industry and at the same time the increased interest in BPR as a way to change and improvement to meet current and future challenges are all facts that emphasis the need to tailor a generic BPR methodology to suit the particular requirements of a commercial airline. To achieve the research aim, an extensive review of literature was undertaken to understand the basics and roots of the BPR concept and to establish the need for a BPR methodology for airline companies. The research method also involved a review of current BPR practice and comparison of some famous BPR methodologies. This review and comparison had contributed to develop the basis for the proposed BPR methodology. A comprehensive review and comparative analysis of both American Airlines and Saudi Airlines BPR methodologies was undertaken to stress on their strengths and to overcome their shortcomings which used later to form the basis for the proposed BPR methodology for a commercial airline. In addition to the findings of each stage of this research, another factor was contributed to the development of the proposed methodology is the extensive experience gained by the author in managing and implementing the BPR projects in Saudi Airlines. The proposed BPR methodology represents a business process management model that ensures for the airline the achievement of process awareness, process ownership and process alignment with the airline vision and strategies. It helps to focus the airline effort on core business processes that add value to the end customer of the airline and maintain the required incremental improvement during the continuous improvement phase which is well defined and linked to the entire BPR effort . In addition, the proposed methodology was developed within the airline industry. This involves the application of the roots of this methodology in both American Airlines and Saudia in major BPR projects. Therefore, the proposed BPR methodology has the characteristic of being evolved and tested within airline industry which increase the probability of successful implementation of this methodology for any commercial airline. Indeed, this research has contributed a lot to the development and success of the BPR program within Saudi Arabian Airlines and produced many tangible benefits. Recommendations for further work with respect to some key tools and techniques that needed to support and facilitate the implementation of the proposed BPR methodology are provided.

Given the increasing importance of international higher education (HE) markets from a business perspective (Chadee and Naidoo, 2009; Anonymous, 2011a, 2012a), this research responds to the review of Hemsley-Brown and Oplatka (2006) that highlighted a lack of holistic approaches and theoretical models to address the nature of the HE service; and built on scholarly work (Mazzarol and Hosie, 1996; Mazzarol, 1998; Naude and Ivy, 1999; Ivy and Naude, 2004; Ivy, 2008) relating to HE marketing strategies. The research moves from the traditional marketing approach adopted predominantly in the existing literature of HE marketing (i.e. Mazzarol et al., 2003; Hemsley-Brown and Oplatka, 2006) and instead adopts a relational approach. This offers an alternative way of investigating the HE service, and contributes towards a broader theoretical perspective on HE strategy and a deeper understanding of the complex nature of the HE service. The theoretical background of this research was based on both the Interaction Approach (Håkansson ed., 1982) and the Relationship Life-Cycle Model (Ford, 1980; Wilkinson and Young, 1994). In response to limited existing research on the students’ perspective in HE (Trowler, 2010), this study provides a means of exploring HE marketing from the perspective of a markets-as-networks tradition (Håkansson and Snehota, 1995; Ford et al., 2002). Due to the adoption of a social constructivist epistemological stance (Gergen, 1985; Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998), a case studies research approach (Yin, 2003, 2011) and semi-structured interviews (Denzin and Lincoln, 1994; Miles and Huberman, 1994) were utilised. Template analysis was chosen for data examination and interpretation (King, 1998, 2004), from a longitudinal contextual time-space of prospective students, current students and future alumni viewpoints (Halinen and Törnroos, 2005). The research findings suggest that the HE service is interactive and relational by nature, comprising six key relationships that are fundamentally important from the perspective of students being the focal-actor. These include relationships with alumni, other students, academic staff, administrative staff, multi-national companies (MNCs), and overseas exchange partner higher education institutions (HEIs). Despite the multiple roles of students, as clients (Mills et al., 1983; Hill, 1995), producers (Armstrong, 1995), products (Emery, et al., 2001; Modell, 2005) and customers (Kotler and Fox, 1985; Conway et al., 1994) of the HEIs, students are the users of these networks. They are also the beneficiaries of these key relationships, as they perceive and seek the added-value of the HE service, such as knowledge enrichment and employability enhancement. The synergy of these relationships and networks collectively contribute to the added-value of the HE service, enhance students’ overall positive experience and satisfaction with their institutions, and also have the potential to significantly impact on the HEIs’ competencies and business strategies. Practically, managing and influencing these relationships provide an opportunity for HE managers in resource allocation, strategic planning and policy-making, and the quality of service provision at the operational level.

Este trabalho descreve a preparação e caracterização de eletrodos modificados com metaloporfirinas e sua utilização para a redução e/ou oxidação de compostos orgânicos. As metaloporfirinas utilizadas foram a hexafluorofosfato de 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(4’-metilpiridil)porfirinamanganês(III) - [Mn(T4MpyP)](PF6)5 e cloreto de 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(2’-aminofenil)porfirinamanganês(III) - [Mn(T2APP)]Cl. Estas manganêsporfirinas (MnP) foram obtidas a partir das reações das porfirinas base livres comerciais: cloreto de 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(4’-metilpiridil)porfirina - [H2(T4MpyP)]Cl4 e 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(2’-aminofenil)porfirina - [H2(T2APP)], com o sal de manganês (II). A [Mn(T4MpyP)](PF6)5 foi purificada por recristalização em metanol e clorofórmio e a [Mn(T2APP)]Cl foi purificada por cromatografia em coluna de sílica usando como eluente a mistura diclorometano/metanol (1%). As manganêsporfirinas foram caracterizadas por espectroscopia UV/Vis, voltametria cíclica e espectroeletroquímica. Para a modificação do eletrodo utilizou-se 2 diferentes métodos dependendo da manganêsporfirina: a) pré-eletropolimerização do pirrol seguido pela adsorção da [Mn(T4MpyP)]5+ e b) polimerização do pirrol-2-carboxi-ácido na presença da [Mn(T2APP)]Cl; ambos sobre eletrodo de carbono vítreo. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que filmes de polipirrol/[Mn(T4MpyP)]5+ obtidos por eletropolimerização do pirrol seguido de imersão em uma solução da [Mn(T4MpyP)]5+ em meio tamponado (tampão fosfato, pH=7,4), exibem forte retenção na superfície do eletrodo, com alta estabilidade do sinal voltamétrico em potencial de – 0,37 V vs Ag/AgCl, atribuído à redução Mn(III) / Mn(II). Para comprovar a presença da manganêsporfirina no filme preparou-se um filme semelhante sobre eletrodo de vidro/ITO. Neste eletrodo modificado foi possível observar, por espectroscopia UV/Vis, a presença da banda Soret em 466 nm, característica desta manganêsporfirina. Deste modo, observou-se que eletrodos modificados por polipirrol podem ser utilizados para incorporação do cátion [Mn(T4MpyP)]5+, formando filmes estáveis, utilizando-se o ânion fosfato como contra-íon na formação do filme. Este EQM/MnP foi investigado quanto à sua capacidade de catalisar a redução eletroquímica do corante têxtil RR120 (vermelho reativo 120). Embora tenha sido observado um aumento na corrente referente à redução Mn(III)/Mn(II) do filme, esta variação não apresenta potencialidade de aplicação analítica, devido à baixa sensibilidade, traduzida pelo pequeno incremento de corrente em relação ao sinal da manganêsporfirina retida no filme. Para a [Mn(T2APP)]Cl observou-se que o melhor método para a modificação do eletrodo foi por polimerização direta do pirrol-2-carboxi-ácido na presença desta manganêsporfirina. Estudos referentes à capacidade eletrocatalítica deste EQM/MnP foram realizados para a redução eletroquímica do corante têxtil RR120. Uma variação significativa na corrente foi observada, apresentando assim potencial de aplicação na análise deste corante. / This work describes the preparation and characterization of metalloporphyrin-modified electrodes and their application in the reduction or/and oxidation of organic compounds. The studied metalloporphyrins were 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4’-methylpyridyl) porphyrinmanganese(III)hexafluorophosphate, [Mn(T4MPyP)](PF6)5, and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2’-aminophenyl)porphyrinmanganese(III)chloride, [Mn(T2APP)]Cl. These manganese porphyrins (MnP) were obtained through the reaction of commercial free base porphyrins: 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4’-methylpyridil)porphyrinchloride, [H2(T4MPyP)]Cl4, and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2’-aminophenyl)porphyrin, [H2(T2APP)], with the manganese(II) salt. [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ was purified by recrystallization in methanol/chloroform and [Mn(T2APP)]Cl was purified by column chromatography on silica using dichloromethane/methanol (1%) as eluent. The manganese porphyrins were characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. The modified electrodes were prepared using two different methods depending on the manganese porphyrin: a) pre-electropolymerization of pyrrole followed by adsorption of [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ and b) polymerization of pyrrole-2-carboxyacid in the presence of [Mn(T2APP)]Cl. In both methods, vitreous carbon disk was used as electrode. The results have shown that polypyrrole/[Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ films obtained through electropolymerization of pyrrole followed by immersion in [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ solution in phosphate buffer (pH=7.4) are strongly adsorbed on the electrode surface. They present high stability of the voltammetric signal in – 0,37 V vs. Ag/AgCl, due to Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction. In order to prove the presence of the manganese porphyrin on the film, a similar film was prepared on the ITO electrode. It was possible to observe the characteristic manganese porphyrin Soret band in 466 nm in this modified electrode. Therefore, polypyrrole modified electrodes can incorporate the [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ cation, giving rise to stable films. The phosphate ions probably act as counter-ions during film formation. This EQM/MnP was investigated as catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of the textile dye RR120 (red reactive 120). Although an increase in the current was observed due to Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction, this was not significant enough for analytical purposes. This probably happens due to its smaller sensitivity if compared to the film current itself. The [Mn(T2APP)]Cl modified electrode was prepared by direct polymerization of pyrrole-2-carboxyacid in the presence of this manganese porphyrin. The electrocatalytic activity of this EQM/MnP was investigated for the electrochemical reduction of the RR120 dye. A significant increase in the current was observed, which enabled its use for analytical purposes in the case of this dye.

The northeast African continental margin of the Western Desert of Egypt is host to a complexly deformed series of Phanerozoic basins. Substantial sedimentary deposition (~5 km) and basin formation resulted from regional deformation due to continental collision and repeated rifting and inversion cycles. Limited sedimentary exposure and exploration has prevented elucidation of Phanerozoic basin evolution, particularly in the Paleozoic. Previous studies of the region have largely relied upon sedimentary analysis, gravity, and 2D/3D seismic data. This study, in contrast, has employed extensive use of detrital zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronology (n=1004) from 17 wells in conjunction with 3D seismic, well log correlation, and heat flow data to elucidate a spatiotemporally comprehensive tectonic and stratigraphic model. The detrital zircon thermochronometric data provides new evidence that the lower Paleozoic, Carboniferous, and Mesozoic stratigraphic sequences of the Western Desert represent thermally distinct, tectonically controlled sequences with independent thermal evolutions. The lower Paleozoic sequence has been partially thermally reset, reaching temperatures of ~140-170 ̊C. Partial resetting is noted throughout the region and reached its thermal maximum in the Permo-Triassic, synchronous with onset of Neotethyan rifting. The Carboniferous sequence has not been thermally reset, with exposure to temperatures no greater than ~140 ̊C and reaching thermal maximum presently. Carboniferous (U-Th)/He ages have dominant input from short-lag-time zircons (exhumation to deposition) and indicate the stratigraphic sequence was proximally sourced. The proximal sourcing is likely from transmitted stress and fault reactivation in Egypt during the Hercynian Orogeny that caused fault block exhumation and erosional unroofing. Sediment was shed from uplifted fault blocks that formed the eastern boundary of the Carboniferous sequence. The Mesozoic sequence has not been thermally reset, reaching temperatures no greater than ~120 ̊C and presently reaching thermal maximum. Localized areas with stacking of lower Paleozoic, Carboniferous, and Mesozoic sequences likely bury the lower Paleozoic to abnormally deep depths (~7 km) and elevated temperatures of ~200 ̊C. Evidence from faulting relationships, basin controlling structures, and heat flow data indicate that N-S trending basement structures may define a region of crustal transition between the Archean-Paleoproterozoic Saharan Metacraton and the juvenile Arabian-Nubian Shield. / text

Este trabalho descreve a preparação e caracterização de eletrodos modificados com metaloporfirinas e sua utilização para a redução e/ou oxidação de compostos orgânicos. As metaloporfirinas utilizadas foram a hexafluorofosfato de 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(4’-metilpiridil)porfirinamanganês(III) - [Mn(T4MpyP)](PF6)5 e cloreto de 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(2’-aminofenil)porfirinamanganês(III) - [Mn(T2APP)]Cl. Estas manganêsporfirinas (MnP) foram obtidas a partir das reações das porfirinas base livres comerciais: cloreto de 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(4’-metilpiridil)porfirina - [H2(T4MpyP)]Cl4 e 5, 10, 15, 20–tetrakis(2’-aminofenil)porfirina - [H2(T2APP)], com o sal de manganês (II). A [Mn(T4MpyP)](PF6)5 foi purificada por recristalização em metanol e clorofórmio e a [Mn(T2APP)]Cl foi purificada por cromatografia em coluna de sílica usando como eluente a mistura diclorometano/metanol (1%). As manganêsporfirinas foram caracterizadas por espectroscopia UV/Vis, voltametria cíclica e espectroeletroquímica. Para a modificação do eletrodo utilizou-se 2 diferentes métodos dependendo da manganêsporfirina: a) pré-eletropolimerização do pirrol seguido pela adsorção da [Mn(T4MpyP)]5+ e b) polimerização do pirrol-2-carboxi-ácido na presença da [Mn(T2APP)]Cl; ambos sobre eletrodo de carbono vítreo. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que filmes de polipirrol/[Mn(T4MpyP)]5+ obtidos por eletropolimerização do pirrol seguido de imersão em uma solução da [Mn(T4MpyP)]5+ em meio tamponado (tampão fosfato, pH=7,4), exibem forte retenção na superfície do eletrodo, com alta estabilidade do sinal voltamétrico em potencial de – 0,37 V vs Ag/AgCl, atribuído à redução Mn(III) / Mn(II). Para comprovar a presença da manganêsporfirina no filme preparou-se um filme semelhante sobre eletrodo de vidro/ITO. Neste eletrodo modificado foi possível observar, por espectroscopia UV/Vis, a presença da banda Soret em 466 nm, característica desta manganêsporfirina. Deste modo, observou-se que eletrodos modificados por polipirrol podem ser utilizados para incorporação do cátion [Mn(T4MpyP)]5+, formando filmes estáveis, utilizando-se o ânion fosfato como contra-íon na formação do filme. Este EQM/MnP foi investigado quanto à sua capacidade de catalisar a redução eletroquímica do corante têxtil RR120 (vermelho reativo 120). Embora tenha sido observado um aumento na corrente referente à redução Mn(III)/Mn(II) do filme, esta variação não apresenta potencialidade de aplicação analítica, devido à baixa sensibilidade, traduzida pelo pequeno incremento de corrente em relação ao sinal da manganêsporfirina retida no filme. Para a [Mn(T2APP)]Cl observou-se que o melhor método para a modificação do eletrodo foi por polimerização direta do pirrol-2-carboxi-ácido na presença desta manganêsporfirina. Estudos referentes à capacidade eletrocatalítica deste EQM/MnP foram realizados para a redução eletroquímica do corante têxtil RR120. Uma variação significativa na corrente foi observada, apresentando assim potencial de aplicação na análise deste corante. / This work describes the preparation and characterization of metalloporphyrin-modified electrodes and their application in the reduction or/and oxidation of organic compounds. The studied metalloporphyrins were 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4’-methylpyridyl) porphyrinmanganese(III)hexafluorophosphate, [Mn(T4MPyP)](PF6)5, and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2’-aminophenyl)porphyrinmanganese(III)chloride, [Mn(T2APP)]Cl. These manganese porphyrins (MnP) were obtained through the reaction of commercial free base porphyrins: 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4’-methylpyridil)porphyrinchloride, [H2(T4MPyP)]Cl4, and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2’-aminophenyl)porphyrin, [H2(T2APP)], with the manganese(II) salt. [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ was purified by recrystallization in methanol/chloroform and [Mn(T2APP)]Cl was purified by column chromatography on silica using dichloromethane/methanol (1%) as eluent. The manganese porphyrins were characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. The modified electrodes were prepared using two different methods depending on the manganese porphyrin: a) pre-electropolymerization of pyrrole followed by adsorption of [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ and b) polymerization of pyrrole-2-carboxyacid in the presence of [Mn(T2APP)]Cl. In both methods, vitreous carbon disk was used as electrode. The results have shown that polypyrrole/[Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ films obtained through electropolymerization of pyrrole followed by immersion in [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ solution in phosphate buffer (pH=7.4) are strongly adsorbed on the electrode surface. They present high stability of the voltammetric signal in – 0,37 V vs. Ag/AgCl, due to Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction. In order to prove the presence of the manganese porphyrin on the film, a similar film was prepared on the ITO electrode. It was possible to observe the characteristic manganese porphyrin Soret band in 466 nm in this modified electrode. Therefore, polypyrrole modified electrodes can incorporate the [Mn(T4MPyP)]5+ cation, giving rise to stable films. The phosphate ions probably act as counter-ions during film formation. This EQM/MnP was investigated as catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of the textile dye RR120 (red reactive 120). Although an increase in the current was observed due to Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction, this was not significant enough for analytical purposes. This probably happens due to its smaller sensitivity if compared to the film current itself. The [Mn(T2APP)]Cl modified electrode was prepared by direct polymerization of pyrrole-2-carboxyacid in the presence of this manganese porphyrin. The electrocatalytic activity of this EQM/MnP was investigated for the electrochemical reduction of the RR120 dye. A significant increase in the current was observed, which enabled its use for analytical purposes in the case of this dye.

This thesis demonstrates that the most popular periodical genre of the second half of the nineteenth century was the provincial newspaper. Using evidence from news rooms, libraries, the trade press and oral history, it argues that the majority of readers (particularly working-class readers) preferred the local press, because of its faster delivery of news, and because of its local and localised content. Building on the work of Law and Potter, the thesis treats the provincial press as a national network and a national system, a structure which enabled it to offer a more effective news distribution service than metropolitan papers. Taking the town of Preston, Lancashire, as a case study, this thesis provides some background to the most popular local publications of the period, and uses the diaries of Preston journalist Anthony Hewitson as a case study of the career of a local reporter, editor and proprietor. Three examples of how the local press consciously promoted local identity are discussed: Hewitson’s remoulding of the Preston Chronicle, the same paper’s changing treatment of Lancashire dialect, and coverage of professional football. These case studies demonstrate some of the local press content that could not practically be provided by metropolitan publications. The ‘reading world’ of this provincial town is reconstructed, to reveal the historical circumstances in which newspapers and the local paper in particular were read. Evidence from readers demonstrates the many ways in which they used the local press, both collectively and individually, including its use in sustaining local identities and sense of place. However, the local press was only one factor among many in the development and sustenance of local identities. The originality of the thesis lies in its introduction of empirical reading evidence into English newspaper history, its challenge to the taken-for-granted but problematic concepts of ‘local’ and ‘national’ newspapers in this period, its detailed study of the journalistic techniques used to capitalise on local patriotism, and its critique of many theories of nineteenth-century press history which have been based on a minority of the period’s newspapers, those published in London.

This thesis considers the nature and extent of union renewal in France through an ethnographic case study of the breakaway trade union movement 'Fidiration des Syndicats Solidaires, Unitaires et Dimocratiques' more commonly known as SUD. The research was conducted in a local level union of SUD-Rail, a union which emerged in the French public railway sector in 1996 from an ideological split with one of France's largest trade union confederations, the Confidiration Franqaise Dimocratique du Travail (CFDT). As with other SUD trade unions, SUD-Rail emerged with the stated aims to renew and revitalize French trade unionism. In the context of trade union decline and even 'crisis', this research considers to what extent and how the union was able to extend its membership base, replenish activists, maintain links with workers and develop and sustain collective organisation, interests and identity, in spite of the external and internal constraints. The research presents a thick description of trade unionism at the local level and the findings show how activists make attempts to confront and renew existing practices and structures in trade unionism. Overall, the evidence suggests that, in support of existing research on SUD trade unions in various sectors, there has been a partial renewal of trade unionism in the railway sector from the emergence of SUD-Rail. SUD-Rail has been able to influence the industrial relations context and challenge existing trade union identities, practices and organisation. The union has been able to organise previously unorganised workers, replenish activist members and combine an engagement in local as well as more global issues. The research demonstrates how this was achieved through a continuous set of frame alignment processes where activists sought to legitimise and encourage some level of support in the union. However, this research brings to light the tensions in the approach adopted by the SUD unions. To an extent the union could be seen to be reproducing features of the very form of unionism that it sought to confront, including low membership levels and tendencies towards institutionalisation and bureaucracy. This research shows that there are limits to renewal and revitalization which reflect the context of industrial relations and traditions in trade unionism in France. However, they also reflect the universal and perennial dualisms within trade unionism between democracy and bureaucracy and between movement and organisation. This research has shown how these tensions are dealt with in the day-to-day of activities in SUD-Rail. This thesis contributes an in-depth study of the social processes of developing and sustaining trade union renewal in France. The research develops the union renewal debate by helping to further understand how the choices and actions of actors mediate and influence the processes towards building and sustaining collective organisation and identity. The thesis demonstrates the utility of the framing processes concept for organising and analysing the ways in which collective interests and identity are or are not developed and sustained, which has important implications for the prospects of building and sustaining trade union renewal.

My research explores critical issues involved in emergency management in a front-line, emergency service – the fire brigade – in Greece, Germany and Britain. It is designed to identify the problems in the communication conduct among fire-fighters during emergency responses, to examine the causes of these problems and to suggest ways to overcome them that should allow European countries to adopt more effective policies. It aims to make a contribution to the academic study of crisis management in organizations through an analysis of actual, real-time, responses to emergencies such as industrial fires, plane crashes, road traffic accidents and train collisions. Organizations such as fire services are seen as communication events and a platform where shared cognitive meanings and shared value commitments shape the actions of the interactive agents. In this vein, emergencies are the outworking of communicative disruption in organizations, in which fire services face a triple jeopardy: they have to manage other organizations’ crises (such crises include those arising in large chemical and oil factories), their own crises (for example, failing to communicate because of inadequate radio spectrum) and natural disasters (such as earthquakes and forest fires).

This study aims to contribute original knowledge of the identity ofpost-1992 academics to inform the debate surrounding the professionalization of higher education teachers. The setting was a modem university in the East Midlands. Bourdieusian theoretical conceptualizations of the mediated relations between agency and structure (habitus/field theory) were applied to deconstruct/reconstruct the nature of these relations within the university's academic workforce. This investigation revealed disjunctions amongst staff members. The study's findings suggest that these might be addressed through structured training in the logic of practice for recruits. Bourdieu [1930-2002] developed a mixed methods methodology, combining positivist and phenomenological research paradigms to ensure breadth and depth in ethical data interrogations. This approach informed the sequential mixed design of the study. The first phase (survey) elicited profile and benchmarking data and perceptions of field forces and conditions from sixty respondents. Most lacked teaching qualifications or experience on entry. The second phase (fifteen interviews) captured personal narratives for subsequent thematic analysis. Current evaluation of primary data indicates three significant trajectories analyses: effective actionlbehaviour arising from the meaningful convergence of the individual's competences (mapped as habitus), the organizational environment (field) and the job's demands (practice). Data filtration through these lenses uncovered destabilizing divergences. Significantly, most participants eschewed identification as an 'academic'; seeing themselves as first and foremost a teacher. Their key concerns were negative perceptions of management and student demands as threats to personal efficacy, thus an accredited teacher training programme instilling a dual professionalism was broadly welcomed. This study provides timely sociological perspectives on the government's recent positive correlation between funding and new staff accreditation. Institutional reliance upon existing and contract staff, however, suggests their training needs warrant further investigation. This thesis argues for such training to make explicit the science of pedagogy and the art of teaching to all teaching staff through the conscious integration of habitus/field theory in higher education teacher training. In this way, both agent and field are strengthened, to their mutual advantage.