Abstract The purpose of the present study is to theoretically and empirically examine how entrepreneurs create business models to capture opportunities. More specifically, this study focuses on the business model antecedents, in other words, entrepreneurial actions between the moment of opportunity identification and the inception of the functioning business model. By reviewing the extant literature on opportunity and business models, this study develops and argues for an action approach to understanding the business model creation process. Focusing on theory development, this research follows a cyclical process of research-oriented action research, utilizing the diary method. In total, one hundred fifty five diaries were collected and analyzed for the purposes of this research. Four groups of respondents were included: the participants of a start-up accelerator program in Oulu, Finland; the participants of a project carried out at the University of Oulu, Finland; the participants of a venture creation training organized by the Business Model Design Center, Ålborg, Denmark; and two novice entrepreneurial teams based in Helsinki, Finland. This study develops a conceptual model that illustrates how entrepreneurs create business models to capture opportunities. The model suggests that the process of business model creation is a continuous iteration of conceptualizing and contextualizing. Conceptualizing is associated with choices and decisions made under uncertainty, whereas contextualizing is about acting upon these choices and decisions, thereby testing their feasibility and acceptability against perceived reality. Conceptualizing triggers action as entrepreneurs try to actualize the choices and decisions they have made. Conceptualizing and contextualizing mutually support and reinforce each other by means of feedback loops: Changes in opportunity conceptualizations and/or business model conceptualizations necessitate modifications in their contextualization and vice versa. The major contribution of this study lies in addressing what has previously been a mostly neglected area of research and explaining how entrepreneurs create business models to capture opportunities from the action perspective. From the methodological perspective, this study employs a novel combination of action research and the diary method, which allows investigating entrepreneurial actions in their natural setting. / Tiivistelmä Tässä tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan kuinka yrittäjät luovat liiketoimintamalleja liiketoimintamahdollisuuksia hyödyntääkseen. Erityisesti työssä keskitytään liiketoimintamallien aihioihin, joita yrittäjät työstävät liiketoimintamahdollisuuksien tunnistamisen ja toimivan liiketoimintamallin syntymisen välisenä aikana. Työssä rakennetaan aiempaan liiketoimintamahdollisuus- ja liiketoimintamallitutkimukseen perustuva, yrittäjien päiväkirjoja hyödyntävä toimintatutkimuslähestymistapa, jonka tavoitteena on lisätä ymmärrystä liiketoimintamallien luomisen prosessista sekä teoreettisesta että empiirisestä näkökulmasta. Kaikkiaan tutkimuksessa kerättiin ja analysoitiin 155 päiväkirjaa neljästä eri vastaajaryhmästä: yrityskiihdyttämöstä Oulussa, Oulun yliopiston järjestämässä yrittäjyysprojektissa, Aalborgin yliopiston Business Model Design Centerin järjestämässä yrityksen perustamiskoulutuksessa, ja kahdessa aloittavien yrittäjien tiimissä Helsingissä. Tutkimuksessa kehitettiin käsitteellinen malli kuvaamaan kuinka yrittäjät luovat liiketoimintamalleja liiketoimintamahdollisuuksien hyödyntämiseksi. Malli esittää liiketoimintamallin luomisen jatkuvana ja iteratiivisena konseptointina sekä kontekstualisointina. Konseptoinnilla tarkoitetaan tässä yhteydessä yrittäjien epävarmuuden vallitessa tekemiä valintoja ja päätöksiä, kontekstualisoinnilla näiden valintojen ja päätösten mukaisesti toimimista. Konseptualisoinnissa ja kontekstualisoinnissa testataan liiketoimintamalliaihioiden toimivuutta, kannattavuutta ja hyväksyttävyyttä yrittäjien kokemassa todellisuudessa. Konseptointi käynnistää toiminnan, jolla yrittäjät pyrkivät toteuttamaan tekemiään valintoja ja päätöksiä. Konseptointi ja kontekstualisointi vahvistavat ja tukevat toisiaan kaksisuuntaisen palautemekanismin kautta: muutos liiketoimintamahdollisuuksien ja liiketoimintamallien konseptoinnissa aiheuttaa tarpeen muuttaa tapaa, joilla niitä testataan ja toteutetaan käytännössä – samalla käytännön toteutuksessa opittu heijastuu takaisin siihen, miten liiketoimintamahdollisuuksia ja liiketoimintamalleja konseptoidaan. Työn pääasiallinen kontribuutio on liiketoimintamallien toimintatutkimuksen alueella. Aiemmassa liiketoimintamahdollisuuksia ja liiketoimintamalleja yhdistävässä tutkimuksessa ei ole juurikaan sovellettu toimintatutkimuksellista lähestymistapaa. Työssä onkin kehitetty uusi päiväkirjoihin perustuva toimintatutkimusmenetelmä, joka mahdollistaa yrittäjien toiminnan tutkimisen tilannesidonnaiset tekijät huomioon ottaen. Käytännössä työn tuloksia voidaan hyödyntää uuden yritystoiminnan luomisessa sekä yrittäjien ja yritysten tukemisessa.

Ancorada na perspectiva de pesquisa proposta pelos Estudos Culturais e de Gênero, realizo essa tese que tem como objetivo descrever e analisar o movimento de inserção dos meninos no universo cultural da Ginástica Rítmica (GR) a partir das iniciativas da Federação Riograndense de Ginástica (FRG). Baseada nos/as autores/as que operam com a terminologia gênero como categoria de análise relacional temos que as masculinidades e as feminilidades são produzidas e reproduzidas em diferentes espaços, culturas e tempos. O esporte como um campo generificado também apresenta meninos e meninas atletas de diferentes maneiras e, com isso, produz e reproduz masculinidades e feminilidades possíveis de serem representadas. Analisando alguns livros técnicos/didáticos de GR podemos perceber como a modalidade foi criada e pensada de/para mulheres. Porém, estudar, discutir e rediscutir as possibilidades de meninos praticarem GR no Brasil se faz necessária em todos os âmbitos do ensino da Educação Física (da Educação Física escolar aos eventos competitivos), uma vez que a GR praticada atualmente já não é a mesma GR praticada na época de sua criação. Através da realização de pesquisa-ação na FRG, programando regulamentos que contemplem a participação dos meninos em eventos e competições de GR, busco visibilizar que os meninos podem ser pensados como praticantes em potencial dessa prática esportiva, assim multiplicando as formas de pertencer ao universo cultural da GR. As repercussões dessa iniciativa do RS também são analisadas e apontam para a necessidade de uma institucionalização das ações com esse intuito, através das entidades responsáveis pela organização da modalidade no Brasil. / Based in research perspective proposed by the Cultural and Gender Studies, realize this thesis aims to describe and analyze the insertion movement of the boys in the cultural universe of Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) from the initiatives of Riograndense Gymnastics Federation (RGF) . Based on the author those operating with gender terminology such as relational analysis category have to masculinities and femininities are produced and reproduced in different places, cultures and times. Sport as a gendered field also features boys and girls athletes in different ways and, therefore, produces and reproduces possible masculinity and femininity to be represented. Analyzing some technical books of RG we can see how the sport was created and thought of/for women. However, study, discuss and re-discuss the possibilities for boys practice RG in Brazil is needed in all areas of teaching physical education (school physical education to competitive events), since the RG currently practiced is no longer the same RG practiced at the time of its creation. By conducting action research in the RGF, programming regulations to cover the participation of boys in events and RG competitions, I try to visualize that boys can be thought of as potential practitioners of this sport practice, thus multiplying forms of belonging to the cultural universe RG. The repercussions of this initiative are also analyzed and point to the need for institutionalization of actions to this end, through the entities responsible for the organization of the sport in Brazil.

Rapid changes and increased competitiveness in business environments, together with greater demands by employees for improvements in the quality of their work lives, make it necessary for organisations to review their operating styles and functions. Many companies have found an answer in Organisation Development (OD) which focuses on ways in which people associated with organisations learn to diagnose and solve those problems which limit organisational effectiveness. The present study evaluates the progress of an OD intervention underway in an organisation in Zimbabwe. A formative evaluation is undertaken during an OD intervention. It is designed to assess the change effort's progress in such a way that steps can subsequently be taken to correct, modify or enhance such aspects of the intervention as may be determined by the evaluation. The study begins with a review of the company's original and revised Mission Statements as well as the present and last two sets of corporate three-year plans. These documents inform the construction of an interview guide. Individual interviews are then used to ascertain attitudes of respondents to the OD intervention and the changes it is bringing about. In addition the interviews are used to gauge the degree of commitment of respondents to the intervention. All the senior managers in the organisation are interviewed as well as the holding company's chief executive and the external consultant facilitating the intervention. The study records fundamental changes taking place in the attitudes of top managers and the first signs of an impact of these attitude changes on the formulation of company plans. Management styles and the culture of the organisation also show some change and influence on routine business operations. In addition there are early indications of an alteration of behaviour at other levels in the organisation. Business outcomes are improving and it is proposed that the benefits are due to fortuitous market developments assisted to an extent by the culture and attitude changes brought about by the OD intervention.

Ancorada na perspectiva de pesquisa proposta pelos Estudos Culturais e de Gênero, realizo essa tese que tem como objetivo descrever e analisar o movimento de inserção dos meninos no universo cultural da Ginástica Rítmica (GR) a partir das iniciativas da Federação Riograndense de Ginástica (FRG). Baseada nos/as autores/as que operam com a terminologia gênero como categoria de análise relacional temos que as masculinidades e as feminilidades são produzidas e reproduzidas em diferentes espaços, culturas e tempos. O esporte como um campo generificado também apresenta meninos e meninas atletas de diferentes maneiras e, com isso, produz e reproduz masculinidades e feminilidades possíveis de serem representadas. Analisando alguns livros técnicos/didáticos de GR podemos perceber como a modalidade foi criada e pensada de/para mulheres. Porém, estudar, discutir e rediscutir as possibilidades de meninos praticarem GR no Brasil se faz necessária em todos os âmbitos do ensino da Educação Física (da Educação Física escolar aos eventos competitivos), uma vez que a GR praticada atualmente já não é a mesma GR praticada na época de sua criação. Através da realização de pesquisa-ação na FRG, programando regulamentos que contemplem a participação dos meninos em eventos e competições de GR, busco visibilizar que os meninos podem ser pensados como praticantes em potencial dessa prática esportiva, assim multiplicando as formas de pertencer ao universo cultural da GR. As repercussões dessa iniciativa do RS também são analisadas e apontam para a necessidade de uma institucionalização das ações com esse intuito, através das entidades responsáveis pela organização da modalidade no Brasil. / Based in research perspective proposed by the Cultural and Gender Studies, realize this thesis aims to describe and analyze the insertion movement of the boys in the cultural universe of Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) from the initiatives of Riograndense Gymnastics Federation (RGF) . Based on the author those operating with gender terminology such as relational analysis category have to masculinities and femininities are produced and reproduced in different places, cultures and times. Sport as a gendered field also features boys and girls athletes in different ways and, therefore, produces and reproduces possible masculinity and femininity to be represented. Analyzing some technical books of RG we can see how the sport was created and thought of/for women. However, study, discuss and re-discuss the possibilities for boys practice RG in Brazil is needed in all areas of teaching physical education (school physical education to competitive events), since the RG currently practiced is no longer the same RG practiced at the time of its creation. By conducting action research in the RGF, programming regulations to cover the participation of boys in events and RG competitions, I try to visualize that boys can be thought of as potential practitioners of this sport practice, thus multiplying forms of belonging to the cultural universe RG. The repercussions of this initiative are also analyzed and point to the need for institutionalization of actions to this end, through the entities responsible for the organization of the sport in Brazil.

abstract: The purpose of professional development is to enhance educator practices so that students may achieve at high levels. Too often, professional development tends to be too broad, general, or unrelated to problems of practice that teachers face in their own classrooms. This action research project builds upon the scholarly research that recognizes the need for professional development to be sustained, connected to teachers' own contexts, focused on specific subject matter, collaborative, and reflective. The goal of this action research study was to facilitate a culture of continuous improvement in teaching and learning by utilizing a model of professional development that challenges teachers to question their practices, utilize research to support their instruction, design an inquiry project that supports a change in practice, and examine changes in student growth. Results suggest that although teachers recognize the complexities that surround professional development, they found that this professional development model focused on their needs as professionals, was sustained over time, and was supported by a variety of professional influences. As a result of the model implemented, teachers reported shifts in their instructional practices and student growth related to personal inquiry projects. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies 2013

M.A. / This action research study explored the development and workings of a monthly, openended depression and anxiety support group based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Although the growth of mutual-aid groups has escalated over the past three decades, there is little research on support groups created solely for the purpose of servicing depression and anxiety sufferers. Researchers have indicated that support and information at these meetings may prove to be a valuable and effective intervention which helps sufferers come to terms with their condition (Miller, 1987; Stein, Zungu-Dirwayi, Wessels, Berk & Wilson, 1998). The study at hand aimed to elucidate the ways in which the depression and anxiety support group was experienced as helpful, as well as those areas which could be improved to increase the effectiveness of the group system. The support group was examined over an eleven-month period, November 1999 – October 2000, during which time the progress and experiences of three new group members was specifically observed and chronicled. Seven participants, including three members of a support group catering for black depression and anxiety sufferers, were initially sourced and screened for inclusion in the study. Although not intentional, the three subjects that finally fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the study were all white females attending the Johannesburg support group. Relevant data on the three participants was collected systematically over this period through a process of triangulation. Methods included structured and semi-structured interviews, written reports, questionnaires and participant observation. The grounded theory approach allowed the researcher to work inductively with the data and to discern and explore the connections between elements and patterns that emerged in the analysis. An integration of the research data revealed that the group was primarily helpful to participants through the factors of universality, cohesion, didactic instruction and downward social comparison. Furthermore, the results indicated that participants presenting with prominent avoidant personality disorder (APD), as measured by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II, are likely to strongly value the relief from social isolation that the support group setting affords them, as well as gaining comfort from belonging to and being accepted by a group and improving their interpersonal skills. On the negative front, the group would or could not move beyond a formative, early stage of group development. As a result, its members were either caught in a repetitive cycle of exploring the same territory or lost interest after a relatively short period of time and terminated membership. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that members be afforded the opportunity of attending a more advanced therapy group once they feel they have gained the necessary relief from the primary support group. The support group plays a valuable role of reassuring members that they are not alone in their suffering, offering them the learning experience of being accepted by a group and introducing them to group format and protocol. However, once a foundation has been established, it is likely that members would benefit from joining a more advanced group in which interpersonal learning and role modelling is emphasized. Members need an arena where they can explore their behaviour and feelings in depth, and with other members who are functioning at a similar level. It is hoped that the findings of this study will increase understanding of support group functioning, provide suggestions for future research involving APD clients and depression and/or anxiety sufferers in support gr oup settings and make some contribution towards theory-building in this field.

South African education has been going through a process of transformation: from a traditional, transmission system to one of a more progressive nature. In the new curriculum, Curriculum 2005 anchored on Outcomes-based Education (OBE), focus is laid on critical reflection, innovation and creativity by classroom participants. Learning situations are expected to promote flexibility, co-operation and relevance of teaching/learning materials. This research looks at these aspects in the English Second Language (ESL) situation where print media articles are used as resource. Other than being a rich resource for language, print media texts have been found to be appropriate for this exploration because of their potential to offer opportunities for critical reflection and interaction with authentic issues. Unlike uncritical reliance on textbooks, the proper use of media articles can give the teachers and learners the space to select relevant and exciting materials for their situations. In this study, the research was done through action research where I (the researcher) actually taught the lessons in collaboration with the English teacher. The teaching method was influenced by the Freirean style of Iiberatory teaching where critical reflection, socio-political relevance and co-operation are crucial elements. The action research was done in two cycles. Experiences in the first cycle pointed to, among other aspects, the fact that the learners could not work in a co-operative way as they were not used to it. Addressing this problem consequently became the basis of the second cycle where the skills of co-operative learning were taught before the learners engaged in further lessons. The conclusions drawn from this research point to the importance of the teacher as an agent in the learning process if the demands of progressive and liberatory teaching are to be met. It has thus been concluded that elements such as critical thinking, creativity, flexibility and selection/development of relevant materials presuppose the existence of a well-trained teacher who is skilled and able to make these possible. In the light of my findings, my major recommendation is that teacher development needs to be strengthened so that more emphasis is placed on enhancing the teacher's ability to critique texts and improve his or her own practice, acquiring the skills to teach in a critical way and achieving the learning competencies.

Capacity development, capacity building and organisation development (OD) are key priorities of international development, and this is especially true in the African context. With regard to the NGO sector, since the 1990s donors and especially international NGOs have invested significant resources in building the capacity of African NGOs. While academic research on NGO management and OD has grown significantly in the last decade, it has often taken a decontextualised stance, largely resting on assumptions about the universality and neutrality of management principles, practices and approaches. Furthermore, there are still few accounts on NGO management and OD from within the African NGO sector. This study intends to contribute to filling this gap, by focusing on OD and management in Ugandan NGOs. It originated in my work as OD advisor with two Ugandan NGOs, between 2007 and 2009. The research thus took shape through an iterative process of hands-on immersion as an OD practitioner, focused on the specific dimensions of the action scene I was involved in, and of reflexive inquiry as a theoretical researcher. This study specifically examines how OD is understood in the NGO sector in Uganda: what needs, demands and aspirations it serves, what challenges it faces and what opportunities it offers. It also investigates how management principles and practices shape the role of NGOs within the development industry. In particular, acknowledging NGOs’ commitment to alternative bottom-up development thinking and practice, it investigates whether and how OD processes and management practices might help NGOs to fulfil their stated role. The findings indicate that OD and management processes were fundamentally shaped by external pressure from various actors, especially donors, pushing both NGOs toward the adoption of specific management systems and tools. However, the research also reveals that the NGOs dealt with such externally driven management requirements in various ways, including acts of opposition and resistance. Overall, the findings suggest that management imperatives and requirements not only significantly affect the OD processes of NGOs, but also shape the role of NGOs in the development process, by narrowing their possibilities for engagement with social change agendas and with bottom-up, transformative practice within the aid industry more generally.

This thesis applies a resilience lens to investigate conversions of farmland from conventional to organic status as transformations in social-ecological systems. Transformation is widely promoted in resilience literature yet there are relatively few empirical studies of transformation at multiple scales. This research addresses this distinct gap in understanding by analysing dimensions of transformations including the roles of key individuals, social-ecological innovation, and different capacities to manage dynamic change. Resilience concepts and ideas are embedded in action research practice to provide new directions and insights on transformation. These insights are the result of a process of research that engaged with the Tamar Valley Organics Group, UK, during the period 2012 to 2016. Reflective interviews, mental models interviews, and participatory scenario planning research activities facilitate past, present and future perspectives on transformation. The findings of these research methods are synthesised to elaborate a resilience perspective on transformation. Transformations are identified as intertwined fundamental shifts in understanding and management of agroecosystem fertility. These transformations emerge from processes of self-organisation and social learning that are shaped by distinct contributions from key individuals across temporal and spatial scales. Innovation builds capacities to manage uncertain dynamics of agroecosystem fertility. Signals of social-ecological innovation are identified but are considered more akin to processes of adaptive management. These findings act as the foundations for a more nuanced set of issues to emerge. Transformations involve complex cross-scale interplay between small and large changes. It is the way in which these cross-scale dynamics work with each other, and the ways in which different capacities change, that informs a more grounded understanding of transformations in social-ecological systems.

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