This research study is based on the cluster system model for effective management of schools in Namibia. with special reference to Erongo Education Region. The cluster system introduces a new perspective on the way the schools arc managed. It radically differs from the historically isolated school, employing individualistic approaches and management practices characterised by strong hierarchical structures and top down decision-making. The cluster system advocates shared decision-making, teamwork, collaboration. integration and networking. In other words clustering provides a superb climate for teachers, principals, parents and learners to interface with one another within a legitimate framework. Clustering is an effective management model that has also been implemented in developed countries such as England, the Netherlands and the United States of America. The research study involved 60 principals as respondents to a questionnaire on the cluster system, its problems and prospects. The major findings indicate that clustering enhances the quality of education through sharing of resources, exchange of ideas among teachers, and closer cooperation between schools. The study identifies numerous challenges in the implementation of the cluster system. These challenges include disparity between schools in the rural and urban areas, lack of reliable transport, lack of facilities and teaching materials in most schools, large distances between schools, teacher isolation and increased workload among personnel. However, if the challenges and prospects of clustering are put on a simple scale, the latter would probably outweigh the former completely. This means that clustering holds encouraging prospects for the education system in Namibia in general and Erongo Education Region in particular. An important finding in this regard is that the majority of the principals in the Erongo Education Region agree that the cluster system has the potential to champion and transcend in effective management of all schools within cluster centres. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The technological era in which modern day organisations function, attempting to make every aspect of service more efficient and customer friendly, has cultivated a need within organisations to invent new ways of service. Call centres are one way in which organisations are trying to improve their customer service. For this reason, telephone call centres are one of the fastest growing segments of the service sector. The growth in call centres is attributable to the benefits that they offer organisations. Call centres can improve service and retain customers, increase sales and/or revenue and reduce costs and/or improve efficiency. For this reason, organisations are placing an increasing emphasis on the role of call centres regarding the competitiveness of the company and increased pressure on call centre agents. Research indicated that there are certain stressors in the call centre industry. This is emphasised by the high turnover rate and by high absenteeism levels in call centres. Although some studies seem to suggest that working in call centres can be interesting, overall it seems that working in call centres is a stressful experience. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between job characteristics, work wellness and work-related flow of call centre agents in an insurance company. A cross-sectional design was used with an availability sample (N = 176). A self-constructed instrument (JDRS) was used to measure the unique job demands and job resources in the insurance industry. Along with the JDRS, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Work-Related Flow Scale were used as measuring instruments. Results showed that the unique job demands in a call centre are pressure, working conditions, workload, and job security. The unique job resources are supervision, resources availability, task freedom, pay and benefits, opportunity for growth, and support. Work wellness was found to comprise burnout, work engagement and work-related flow. Multiple regression analysis showed that 6% of the variance in Mental Distance was predicted by Job Demands, with Working Conditions being the only significant predictor. Within Exhaustion, 11% of the variance explained was predicted by Job Demands, with Job Security and Working Conditions being the only significant predictors. No statistically significant predictions were obtained for Work Engagement and Work-Related Flow (i.e. Absorption and Flow). Recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Sure Start Children’s Centres and their predecessors, the Sure Start Local Programmes, were central to New Labour’s drive to reduce social exclusion through early intervention in the lives of families with young children. Where previous research predominantly focused on the impact and effectiveness of programme delivery, there has also been a great deal of emphasis on those families who do not use these services. However, in attempting to understand why parents do not use Children’s Centres, the approach has been one that placed non-participation experiences away from Centres, distanced and unrelated. This thesis presents a sociological analysis of two Children’s Centres where the institutional processes and practices that shape what these spaces mean are explored in depth. In exploring some of the day to day interactions and practices, this thesis challenges some of the taken for granted assumptions, in order to create a meaningful space for dialogue. Using an ethnographic methodology two Centres were studied to explore how Children’s Centres were perceived by those who used them, those who work in them and those who walked past them. The fieldwork was conducted over an eighteen month period and involved a multitude of methods; participation and observation in Centre activities, focus groups with staff, and parents and interviews with parents within and outside Centres. I also had many ‘conversations with a purpose’ with parents in community toddler groups and other spaces that parents, predominantly mothers occupy with their young children. What emerged was that an understanding of these spaces is complex and whilst invaluable to a small number of very regular users they are also insignificant to others. For other users the plurality of meaning reflects the many ways that these spaces are occupied by parents and children. Points of tension were apparent as parents made these spaces their own, sometimes in conflict with how they ‘ought’ to be used. The thesis uses the work of Foucault to explore how power relations are played out within the Centres and the way that government operates at a distance. From this perspective it is clear that Children’s Centres are political spaces, where they have become ‘depoliticised’ as part of the disciplinary processes of the ‘conduct of conduct’. They are spaces where ‘technologies of government’ are employed in practice and where the drive to evidence outcomes focuses practitioners’ attention on end results. As a result the processes, the means to achieving those results, can go unexamined.

Background Midwifery units (MUs) provide midwife-led care for women at low risk of complications. They may be located on the same site as an obstetric unit (OU), in a hospital without obstetric services or separate from any hospital. In MUs, if unforeseen complications arise, transfer to an OU may be necessary. Aim To provide evidence to contribute to the improvement of the transfer process, help make transfer safer and less distressing for women, thereby improving the care and experience of women planning to give birth in MUs. Methods A structured literature review of existing evidence was followed by three integrated component studies using different methods. The content and quality of local NHS transfer guidelines were evaluated. Data from the Birthplace national prospective cohort study were analysed to estimate transfer rates, describe the transfer process and identify factors associated with transfer. The experiences of women transferred were explored in qualitative interviews. Findings Transfer is a common event, affecting around 25% of women planning birth in MUs, although rates in different units vary. Primiparous women are more likely to be transferred than women having a second or subsequent baby. The risk of transfer for primiparous women increases with increasing age; around 50% of women having their first baby aged 40 years or over are transferred. Local NHS transfer guidelines are generally of poor quality and pay little attention to women’s experience. Women interviewed after transfer report feeling unprepared for transfer. Sensitive care and clear communication from midwives during labour facilitate feelings of control in women and help women accept transfer as the right decision and not a 'negative' event. Transfer that is perceived by women as “too late” can have potentially serious and long-lasting negative effects. Women’s experience of the transfer journey could be improved by the offer of choice in a number of areas which would help women feel 'cared for' rather than 'transported'. Having the MU midwife continue to care for the woman after transfer should be considered 'best practice'; where this is not possible a good handover is essential. Women who have experienced transfer should be offered the opportunity to talk to a midwife about their experience.

The Early Growth Response genes 2 and 3 (Egr2/3) are zinc finger transcription factors that play an important role in the immune system. These transcription factors have reported functions in T cell receptor signaling, differentiation of effector T cell subsets and the development of lupus-like autoimmune diseases. Using CD2-Egr2-/- Egr3-/- mouse model, I investigate the development of inflammation pathology, differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the formation of germinal centers (GC) following viral challenge within these mice. The onset of inflammation pathology in CD2-Egr2-/- Egr3-/- mice was discovered to correlate with high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and the development of autoimmune diseases as previously reported by Li et al, 2012. Most importantly, a novel role for the Egr2/3 genes in the differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells was identified. Tfh cells are responsible for T cell dependent antibody immune response in the GC. They support the differentiation of GC B cells into plasma cells producing long lived high-affinity isotype-switched antibodies and memory B cells. Tfh cell differentiation is regulated by Bcl6 however; the regulators of Bcl6 during Tfh differentiation remain largely unknown. We have now discovered that Egr2/3 genes are required for Bcl6 expression during Tfh cell differentiation. In the absence of the Egr2 and 3 genes, Tfh cell differentiation is severely impaired and GC formation and functions were defective in response to Vaccinia Virus Western Reserve strain (VVWR) infection. Further investigation revealed that Egr2 regulated Bcl6 expression in a Tfh-specific manner as adoptive transfer of WT CD4+ T cells into Egr2-/- Egr3-/- mice was able to rescue Bcl6 expression, Tfh differentiation and GC formation. When the molecular mechanism of how Egr2 regulated Bcl6 was investigated, it was uncovered that Egr2 directly bound to the promoter region of Bcl6 gene in CD4 T cells to regulated Bcl6 expression. Indeed constitutive expression of either Egr2 or Bcl6 in CD2-Egr2-/- Egr3-/- CD4+ T cells rescued Tfh cell differentiation and GC formation. Our results inferred that the Egr2/3 genes are essential for Tfh differentiation and GC formation by regulating Bcl6 expression in CD4 T cells under Tfh condition. Our studies thus suggest that the Egr2/3 genes are paramount for minimising immunopathology and are also critical for efficient antibody production by regulating Tfh cell differentiation.

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

L'introduction d'espèces exotiques dans un nouvel environnement constitue l'une des principales causes d'émergence d'agents pathogènes des plantes, à l'origine d'invasions biologiques. C'est le cas de la pourriture brune des cabosses causée par Phytophthora megakarya, à la suite de l'introduction du cacaoyer en Afrique. Cet agent pathogène est endémique à l'Afrique et l'hypothèse la plus probable est celle d'un saut d'hôte à partir d'une plante native africaine. Dans le but de réaliser une étude populationnelle et d'identifier son centre d'origine, nous avons mis au point 12 marqueurs microsatellites. Un total de 727 souches anciennes et récentes, provenant de toute la zone de production cacaoyère en Afrique (Cameroun, Gabon, Sao-Tomé, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana et Côte d'Ivoire) a été analysé. Un mode de reproduction de type clonal a été mis en évidence dans l'ensemble des zones étudiées. Des méthodes de structuration et d'assignation ont permis d'identifier 5 groupes génétiques : 3 groupes Afrique Centrale (AC1, AC2 et AC3), un groupe Afrique de l'Ouest (AO) et un groupe hybride (MC) au Cameroun. Les 5 groupes étaient représentés au Cameroun, suggérant une origine camerounaise de P. megakarya. Au Cameroun, 3 zones géographiques ont montré une forte diversité génétique, mais la zone Ouest qui abrite les zones refuge à Sterculiacées et où ont été implantées les premières cacaoyères serait la zone d'origine et de diversification potentielle de P. megakarya. Le deuxième chapitre de la thèse a porté sur la dynamique spatio-temporelle de P. megakarya en champ, afin d'apporter des informations biologiques complémentaires sur la survie et la dispersion de l'agent pathogène. Une étude épidémiologique a ainsi été menée pendant 2 années consécutives dans 2 zones agroécologiques contrastées au Cameroun (savane et forêt). Les résultats ont montré une diminution significative de l'incidence de la pourriture brune entre les 2 années, en relation certainement avec une variable climatique. Une surdispersion de l'incidence de la maladie a été détectée à la fin de chaque campagne dans les 2 zones, mais l'analyse des semivariogrammes tout au long des 2 campagnes de production a mis en évidence une dépendance spatiale des arbres infectés dans la seule zone forestière. Des foyers d'infection ont été mis en évidence à travers l'analyse de cartes de distribution de la maladie au cours des 2 années successives (GéoStat-R). Nous avons par ailleurs étudié la variabilité génétique entre les souches du sol et celles isolées sur cabosses. Une plus grande diversité génétique a été trouvée dans le sol par rapport aux cabosses infectées, confirmant ainsi que le sol est bien la source d'inoculum primaire de P. megakarya. Mots-clés : Pourriture brune des cabosses, Phytophthora megakarya, émergence, centre d'origine, marqueurs microsatellites, méthodes d'assignation, reproduction clonale, dynamique spatio-temporelle, foyers d'infection. / The introduction of exotic species in a new environment is at the origin of most of the biological invasions. Black pod disease of cacao is an emerging disease caused by Phytophthora megakarya, since the introduction of the cacao in Africa. P. megakarya is endemic in Africa and had most likely emerged on cacao following a host jump from an African native plant. In order to achieve a population study and to identify the center of origin of this pathogen, we selected 12 novel microsatellite markers. A total of 727 strains from all the cacao production zones in Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Sao-Tomé, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast) were analyzed. A clonal mode of reproduction was detected. Structuring and assignment analysis allowed us to identify 5 genetic groups: 3 groups in Central Africa (AC1, AC2 and AC3), one group western Africa (AO) and a hybrid group (MC) in Cameroon. The 5 groups were represented in Cameroon, suggesting a Cameroonian origin of P. megakarya. Three zones in Cameroon showed a strong genetic diversity, but the West would be the potential zone of origin and diversification of P. megakarya. The second chapter of the thesis concerned the spatiotemporal dynamics of P. megakarya in the field, in order to bring additional biological information on the survival and the dispersal of the pathogen. We conducted an epidemiological survey during 2 consecutive years in 2 agroécological zones in Cameroon (savanna and forest). The results showed a significant decrease of the incidence of the desease between 2 years, in relation certainly with a climatic variable. A overdispersion of the incidence of the disease was detected at the end of each campaign in the 2 zones, but the analysis of semivariogrammes throughout 2 production campaigns enlighted a spatial dependence of infected trees in the forest zone only. Infection hot spots were detected through the analysis of disease maps (GéoStat-R). The genetic variability of soil and infected pods isolates was assessed. A higher genetic diversity was found in the soil, suggesting that soil is the primary inoculums sources of P. megakarya. Key-words : Black pod disease, Phytophthora megakarya, emerging disease, center of origin, microsatellite markers, assignation analysis, clonal reproduction, spatiotemporal dynamics, infection hot spots.

The diploma thesis deals with domestic arbitration proceedings in the Czech Republic. The topic has been chosen by the author because the arbitration could have a big potential as it is a mechanism which is well adaptable to individual needs of parties. During last few years it has became evident that the arbitration is being abused by some subjects and the substantive law protection of some subject is circumvented by arbitration. Thus, the reputation of arbitration has been damaged. The aim of the thesis is to examine eventual limits of application of domestic arbitration, the possibilities of abusing it and law tools aiming to protect against the abusing. In the introduction the author's opinion is introduced stating why the domestic arbitration is different from international arbitration. The author notes that the traditional mechanism of domestic dispute resolution is court proceedings. The same could not be said about international dispute resolution. Furthermore, the author argues that in international relations there is applied wider autonomy of will of the parties than in domestic relations. Also the bodies acting in international arbitration have significantly better reputation and credibility. There are also not differences between various law orders in domestic relations and the consumer...

M.Ed. (Educational Management) / The provision and management of education for Blacks in South Africa is currently a complicated and problematic matter. Of all the challenges which face the Department of Education and Training, it seems the demographic factors create the most problems and offer the greatest challenge. The number of pupils handled by the Department necessitates that the Department reorganise its management system so that a more effective service can be offered. It is especially difficult to plan an action at Head Office and execute it in an isolated location in another province. Service and planning should be closer functionally and thus serious attention should be paid to the decentralisation of as many sections of the Department as possible. Educational Auxiliary Services is a service which represents an integral part of the educational system. It was established to render assistance to educationalists, parents, teachers and others involved on a differentiated and coordinated basis. Since it is impossible for the five specialists of Educational Auxiliary Services at Head Office to be physically present in every region in need of assistance, it is important that serious thought be given to decentralisation of the Service, so that specialist personnel for each component is available in the regions. In the overseas countries decentralisation and centralisation in education is also being considered. The conclusion is, however, that such structural changes in the educational system cannot be separated from a country's political system as it is manifested in the Central Government...

This thesis deals with the current situation in the use of marketing communications activities in the realm of the public sector. After placing the issue of the work, followed by an explanation of the significance of marketing communication use in the state sector, the share of public sector to create the image of law, the importance of linking public sector - citizen in relation to the perception of non-commercial sector. The text outlines the methodology for the use of marketing communication strategies in public administration, and there are examples of communication techniques which public institutions in the Czech Republic use. The next chapter deals with similar situations in the Principality of Liechtenstein including a comparison with the Czech Republic. The practical part deals with the marketing research among Czech citizens and institutions of governance in the country related to the thesis topic.