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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
1

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION

Sweet-Holp, Timothy J. 11 October 2001 (has links)
No description available.
2

Marknadsföring av designsamarbeten / Marketing of design collaborations

PETTERSSON, FRIDA, KARLSSON, LOUISE January 2010 (has links)
SammanfattningMarknadsföringsaktiviteterna som företagen kan använda sig av idag är många och blir bara fler och fler. Det gäller många gånger att vara först med ett lyckat koncept eller en idé, för att sedan förhoppningsvis bli förknippad och ihågkommen med detta. För företagen handlar marknadsföring inte bara om att positionera sig och därmed göra sig kända i folks medvetande, marknadsföring handlar också mycket om att stärka och bygga det eller de varumärken som man har. Under ca tio år tillbaka har vi kunnat ta del av en marknadsföringsaktivitet inom modebranschen som har kommit att bli ett stort fenomen, nämligen design- och ikonsamarbetena. Själva idén med att förknippa en känd person med en klädkollektion är inte ny, och det efterföljande steget där allt fler företag, inte bara inom modebranschen, ingår samarbeten med väl etablerade eller nya lovande designers kan inte heller kallas nytt idag. Vad som är intressant är att fenomenet har vuxit relativt fort och för många företag har det varit framgångsrikt. Ett lyckat samarbete ger inte bara företaget god publicitet och en ökad försäljning utan stärker och ökar många gånger statusen på varumärket. Samarbetena är på många sätt en ”vinn vinn” situation. Företagen kan uppnå fördelar såsom ett stärkt varumärke, en ökande medvetandegrad och försäljning. Även designers och kunder drar fördelar av arrangemanget. Designers genom att nå ut till en bredare publik, och på så sätt kanske vinner nya målgrupper och kunderna då de givetvis får tillgång till unika designplagg till överkomliga priser.Uppsatsens arbetsgång är upplagd på så sätt att ett forskningsproblem har formulerats och därifrån har ett antal frågeställningar tagits fram. Fakta och information har samlats in om de företagen med de mest välkända designsamarbetena inom modebranschen i Sverige. Relevanta marknadsföringsbegrepp och modeller har beskrivits, och tillsammans med informationen om de olika företagen utgör detta den teoretiska referensramen. En presentation om företagen, dess sortiment, designsamarbeten och marknadsföring gällande designsamarbetena och i övrigt ges. Vidare styrks insamlad fakta i den teoretiska referensramen med ett antal intervjuer gjorda med personer som är knutna till de olika företagen. Detta återfinns under rubriken datainsamling. Intervjuerna har gjorts med syftet att lyfta betydelsen av samarbetena för företagen, designern och kunderna, samt hur marknadsföringen av dessa går till och om marknadsföringen skiljer sig i övrigt. En enkätundersökning har gjorts för att bland annat kartlägga samarbetenas medvetandegrad samt hur företagen har nått ut med sin marknadsföring till sina målgrupper. Kompletterande observationer har också gjorts. I slutet av denna del görs en sammanfattande SWOT-analys över företagens designsamarbeten, där svagheter och styrkor samt hot och möjligheter presenteras.I resultat- och analysdelen lyfts skillnader och likheter fram mellan de olika företagen och designsamarbetena. Dessa bearbetas och analyseras sedan med hjälp av de marknadsbegrepp och modeller som valts. Tyngden ligger på samarbetena och marknadsföringen. I diskussionen diskuteras samarbetena i egenskap som PR-strategi och vad det betyder för företaget, samt hur det påverkar kunderna. Vidare tas eventuella brister upp med undersökningen, samt ges förslag på intressanta forskningsfrågor som man kan jobba vidare med. / <p>AbstractMarketing activities that companies can use today and many are getting more and more. This applies to many times to be first with a successful concept or an idea, and then hopefully be remembered and associated with this. For companies marketing is not just about themselves and thus make themselves known in people's minds, marketing is also much to strengthen and build it or the marks you have. In about ten years we have been able to take part of a marketing activity in the fashion industry that has become a major phenomenon, namely the design icon and cooperation. The idea to associate with a famous person with a clothing line is not new, and the subsequent stage where more and more companies, not just in the fashion industry, includes collaborations with well established or promising new designers cannot be called again today. What is interesting is that the phenomenon has grown relatively quickly and for many companies, it has been successful. The successful cooperation not only gives the company a good publicity and increased sales, but strengthens and increases the number of times the status of the mark. Cooperation is in many ways a "win win" situation. Companies can achieve benefits such as a strong brand, a growing consciousness and sales. While designers and customers benefit from the arrangement. Designers, by reaching out to a wider audience, and thereby perhaps gain new audiences and customers when they obviously have access to unique design garments at affordable prices. Thesis work process is posted so that a research problem has been formulated, and from a number of questions has been developed. Facts and information gathered on the companies with the best-known design collaborations in the fashion industry in Sweden. Relevant marketing concepts and models have been described, and together with information about the various companies, this is the theoretical framework. A presentation on the business, its product range, design and marketing collaborations in design collaborations and otherwise given. It is also confirmed facts gathered in the theoretical framework with a series of interviews with people associated with the different companies. This can be found under the heading of data collection. The interviews have been made with the aim of highlighting the importance of cooperation is for the companies, designers and customers, and how their marketing goes to the marketing and differ in other respects. A survey has been done to identify the particular cooperation is consciousness and how companies are reaching out with their marketing to their target audiences. Additional observations were also made. At the end of this section is a summary SWOT analysis of corporate design collaborations, where the strengths and weaknesses and threats and opportunities presented. The results and analysis section is lifted up the differences and similarities between the different companies and design collaborations. These processed and then analyzed by means of market concepts and models chosen. The weight is on collaborations and marketing. Being discussed cooperation’s acting as a PR strategy and what it means for the company, and how it affects customers. Also taken up any shortcomings with the study, and suggests interesting research questions that we can continue working on.</p><p>Program: Butikschefsutbildningen</p>
3

Value Creation in Cross-Sector Collaborations : A comparative case study of Swedish collaborations

Backlund, Oscar, Stark, Emelie, Ekelin, Simon January 2015 (has links)
Background Achieving an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development is today a key aspect in many businesses. Accordingly, cross-sector collaborations between businesses and NPOs have on an increasing scale been considered a powerful and unavoidable tool for creating environmental, social, and economical value simultaneously.   Problem Relatively little is known about how the underlying dynamics of cross-sector collaborations relate to enhanced value creation. Furthermore, the terminology in previous documentation of cross-sector collaborations has been spread out and inconsistent.   Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how business-NPO collaborations increase the potential for enhanced value creation.   Method The study has been conducted through a comparative case study of three Swedish cross-sector collaborations. Qualitative data has mainly been obtained through interviews.   Conclusions The analysis showed that the potential for enhanced value creation increases as collaboration moves from sole-creation of value toward co-creation of value. The study found that achieving co-creation of value is facilitated by (1) an issue-salient approach to stakeholder engagement, (2) achieving mutual dependency, and (3) having sustainability itself as a central aspect of a business’ purpose, strategy, and operations.
4

Technology acquisition : sourcing technology from industry partners

Ortiz-Gallardo, Victor Gerardo January 2013 (has links)
This thesis describes the conditions that influence technology acquisition when an industry partner is involved. The objective of this thesis is to contribute to the knowledge regarding the conditions that affect effective acquisition of technology by collaboration by identifying and describing the relationship between the following variables: key activities and influential factors. The results are drawn from the analysis of eleven case studies involving experiences from different industries including chemicals, oil and gas and biofuels. The research adopts the perspective of an acquiring firm, which is interested in incorporating a new technology into its operations in order to meet a particular business need. Such a business need can be, for example, entering into a new market, meeting key customer requirements or improving operational efficiency. The results indicate that technology acquisition involving an industry partner can be described as a six-stage process where the acquiring firm may or may not get involved in the development of the technology concept. During the process a number of factors can influence the acquisition and implementation of the technology in the acquiring firm’s operations. These factors can be divided into six categories: business alignment, structural match, development management, technology uncertainty, implementation opportunity and contextual factors. The results also suggest that effective acquisition of technology by means of collaboration is achieved by the combination of three conditions: effective partnership management, effective execution of the co-development project and effective transference of the technology to the recipient system in the acquiring firm. The research provides relevant implications for theory and practice. On the one hand, technology acquisition by means of collaboration has been marginally addressed in technology management literature; extant literature has given more attention to organisational modes to acquire technology by collaboration rather than increasing our understanding of the dynamics of technology partnerships. On the other hand, the outcomes offer practitioners an account of the key factors and activities in technology acquisition projects involving an industry partner. These insights are key to systematically managing collaborative projects aimed at acquiring new technologies.
5

Mentoring: A study of processes and relationships in a collaborative curriculum reform research project

Cannon, Dennis A. 13 January 2004 (has links)
No description available.
6

Jean Giono et les artistes de son temps : dessinateurs, graveurs, peintres, sculpteurs / Jean Giono and artists of his time : drawers, engravers, painters, sculptors

Dezaly, Fleur 10 December 2012 (has links)
Cette étude prend pour sujet les rapports qu’entretint Jean GIONO avec plus d’une centaine de créateurs (dessinateurs, graveurs, peintres, sculpteurs), des années vingt jusqu’à sa disparition en 1970. Elle apporte un éclairage sur les origines et natures diverses de ces échanges. À l’entrée de l’art et des artistes dans l’existence de GIONO, nous consacrons une première partie de type historique. C’est à la plupart des collaborations entre l’auteur et les créateurs que nous nous intéressons dans une seconde partie retraçant, pour la majorité, leur genèse. Nous y traitons également des diverses formes de soutien apportées par GIONO à de multiples artistes et certaines actions en faveur de l’art. / This study takes to subject reports maintained Jean GIONO with more than a hundred creators (drawers, engravers, painters, sculptors), the years twenty until his death in 1970. It sheds light on the origins and the various natures of theseexchanges. At the entrance of the art and artists in the existence of GIONO, we dedicate a part of historic type. It is at most collaborations between the author and the creators that we are interested in a second part tracing, for the majority, theirgenesis. We handle also the various forms of support made by GIONO to multiple artists and certain actions in favour of art.
7

Contrasting the cases of two cities in Canada : understanding the factors in building confidence in university-city government collaborations

Curry, Joanne January 2015 (has links)
As city governments and universities expand their roles in economic development, an opportunity is created to transform a university–city relationship from an operational one to a strategic one and from co-existence to collaboration. Impacted by history and context, there are many challenges to overcome. The goal of my thesis was to understand the “doing of collaboration” and the specific management processes in university–local government collaborations. I conducted a comparative case study of a Canadian University, Simon Fraser University, and two city governments, Burnaby and Surrey. A number of management processes are critical in building a successful collaboration. Two of the most important are the use of one or more liaison people with the appropriate skills, mandate and access to resources and the involvement of representatives at different organizational levels, particularly faculty who provide access to the university’s research capacity. Bilateral city–university committees and a good relationship between the university president and city mayor are useful but not sufficient to deepen the collaboration. The involvement of third-party organizations in the university–city relationship is beneficial. The importance of trust-building processes such as attribution and dispute resolution are heightened if there is a need to overcome a negative historical incident, an isolated geographic location, or tensions over transactional issues. While management processes are important, a shared strategic goal is paramount. This shared goal may not be evident at the start of a relationship. To identify the shared goal, it is necessary to have an understanding of the most valued university roles given the city’s context and aims. Each organization must have sufficient trust to enter into a deeper collaboration and an initial condition of openness, responsiveness, and commitment is necessary. The thesis provides practical advice to cities and universities and reveals how demonstration of value can build over increasingly ambitious projects.
8

Product Development Collaborations: Implications for Marketing Strategy and Innovation

Elhelaly, Nehal E. January 2022 (has links)
PhD thesis / High-tech firms are no longer able to rely exclusively on their internal knowledge and technologies to respond effectively to current market dynamics. Instead, they frequently collaborate with external entities to access new technologies and share the costs and risks of the innovation process. However, the effectiveness of such collaborations is questioned by many executives. Yet, as these Product Development Collaborations (PDCs) become crucial for a firm’s growth and success in current times, executives and academics alike are paying growing attention to them. In marketing, PDC is an active research topic since 1999. However, the body of marketing knowledge on the PDC is scattered across several studies over an extended period of more than two decades. In addition, the extant marketing studies report results that are inconsistent on some PDC issues and have overlooked others. In particular, marketing strategy considerations, in terms of firm’s strategic capabilities and objectives, have received somewhat of a short shrift in the literature. My dissertation contributes to our marketing literature with (a) a systematic review study that synthesizes the current state of marketing knowledge on the topic, identifies the research lacunas, and sets a future research agenda; and (b) two theory-driven empirical studies that provide new insights and novel implications to enrich our understanding of PDCs, their relation to the firm’s marketing strategy, and provide clear guidance to practitioners on how to benefit most from their supplier collaborations. v Grounding on several theories, creating and using a unique dataset, and utilizing multiple research and econometric techniques, my dissertation empirically addresses the following two general research questions: RQ1. Can their functional (marketing, technological, and operations) capabilities lead firms into competency traps and hurt their innovation performance? How? Do international PDCs outperform domestic PDCs in combating the competency trap effect? When? RQ2. What is the appropriate PDC governance mechanism (joint ventures, agreements, or licenses) that would enhance innovation performance? How do governance and capabilities simultaneously impact innovation performance? How does the firm’s product positioning strategy (differentiation versus cost-leadership) interact with governance and capabilities to affect innovation outcomes? / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Many firms establish Product Development Collaborations (PDCs) with suppliers to innovate new products. Although PDCs have numerous advantages, they are ladened by various contractual hazards and risks. This raises concerns of many executives about their effectiveness. In this dissertation, I systematically review the existing marketing studies on the PDC topic. Then, building on my review, I empirically investigate several marketing strategy factors that impact a PDC's effectiveness in terms of enhancing the innovation performance of focal firms. Drawing on several theories, building and using a unique dataset, and utilizing multiple research and econometric techniques, I conduct two empirical studies to examine the impact of four strategic considerations (i.e., functional capabilities, international PDCs, PDC governance mechanisms, and positioning strategy) and their interactions on innovation performance of high-tech firms in PDCs. My results reveal various interesting and important relationships and interactions that advance our understating of PDCs, their relation to marketing strategy, and provide important managerial implications to practitioners.
9

Substance abuse and the workplace : a networking programme for employers and out-patient treatment centres / Gerbregda Smook

Smook, Gerbregda January 2014 (has links)
Both employers and out-patient treatment centres are key role players in addressing workplace related substance abuse. On the one hand, employers are directly and indirectly affected by the huge problem of substance abuse. On the other hand, out-patient treatment centres provide, as their core goal, for the treatment of substance abuse and dependency. Due to the extent of the problem of substance abuse, collaborative intervention measures between employers and out-patient treatment centres are essential – especially the involvement of specialists in the treatment of substance abuse. Such a collaboration process requires specific, resolute measures, as well as a structured process in order to ensure sustainability and results. A networking programme that provides the opportunity to implement this collaborative process is proposed. Sound collaborations indeed provide the foundation to establish the networking programme for combating the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. A collaborative effort to address the problem of substance abuse in the workplace requires not only rallying the strengths and resources of both employers and out-patient treatment centres, but also developing a programme with well-defined processes beneficial to both. A qualitative research study by means of a grounded theory approach was conducted to explore how networking between employers and out-patient treatment centres might aid in addressing the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. Article 1 is a literature overview of substance abuse within the workplace and concerns the national directives, legislation requirements and measures of intervention aimed at dealing with the problem. The literature findings reveal clear national directives, legislation requirements and workplace policies, all aimed at providing a well-defined context for employers to manage substance abuse in the workplace. In addition, specialist treatment services are available to assist employers in addressing the problem in the workplace. Internal support structures in the workplace, however, often independently address the problem of substance abuse without involving the specialists. Literature findings indicate, though, that the personnel involved in the internal support structures are often not equipped to deal effectively with the problem. Research findings indicate positive treatment outcomes for employees with substance abuse problems. Statistics, however, indicate that the identification of employees with substance abuse problems is limited and that referrals of employees for treatment are infrequent. Underutilisation of out-patient treatment centres is therefore commonplace. Literature specifically indicates that the majority of employees are moderate drinkers and substance abusers, with only a small number being dependant. It is further indicated that the moderate drinkers and substance abusers account for almost half of the workforce. The critical factor, however, is that these categories of drinkers cause the majority of industrial accidents and are also responsible for the highest absenteeism rate. Prevention measures, sensitising the entire workforce to the early signs and dangers of substance abuse, facilitate the achievement of the best results in combating the problem. With an eye towards this, national directives advocate the following: intensified campaigns to educate people regarding the early signs and dangers of substance abuse, comprehensive prevention measures and increased rehabilitation efforts. Literature identified a limitation to effectively address substance abuse in the workplace, a problem catered for by specialist treatment centres. Article 2 reports the findings of a situation analysis regarding both the concerns and problems of employers and out-patient treatment centres, as well as resources needed to combat substance abuse in the workplace. Representatives from the employment sector, and out-patient treatment centres, participated in the situation analysis. Employees involved in substance abuse treatment programmes also participated in the study. A specific limitation, identified during the situation analysis, was the limited knowledge regarding the negative consequences of substance abuse in general. An unsupportive workplace environment, with regards especially to substance use and abuse, was also identified. Though empirical findings reported the existence of support structures in the workplace, these structures were found to be incapable of dealing with the problem. In the event of substance misconduct, employers are legally obligated to provide treatment and rehabilitation before considering dismissal; however, employers perceived these obligations as additional demands. Employers did not realise the possible benefits of treatment over dismissal. Misinformation and misinterpretation of the legal obligations were also identified during the research study. The stand against the problem of substance abuse in the workplace revealed a limited collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres. Employers were often not aware of specialist treatment centres and the available services. A lack of marketing and visibility – on the part of out-patient treatment centres – and an indifference and lack of support in the workplace were regarded as some of the causes for the limited collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres. Both ignorance in the workplace about the scope of substance abuse and a general lack of knowledge regarding the problem were identified as further limiting factors. A need for collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres was identified, especially if the problems of substance abuse in the workplace were to be successfully addressed. The development of a networking programme for employers and treatment centres was recommended and the core components to establish such a programme were identified. Article 3 discusses the components which were identified during the situation analysis and presents guidelines to develop a networking programme for employers and out-patient treatment centres. The components identified by the participants served as framework for the proposed networking programme. The programme comprises a specific purpose namely collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres, specific characteristics to sustain the programme, and the implementation of distinguishable procedures to establish and ensure sustainability of the programme. The purpose of the networking programme is to promote, between employers and out-patient treatment centres, a collaboration that will address the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. Involvement in the programme holds significant potential benefits for all relevant role players; the programme, in other words, advocates benefits for employers, employees and out-patient treatment centres. The proposed networking programme includes specific procedures for establishing and sustaining the programme: Firstly, assessing the limitations, needs and strengths of both the employment sector and out-patient treatment centres; secondly, establishing a network agreement that defines the roles and responsibilities of the role players; thirdly, collectively planning the networking activities and implementation of these plans; and, finally, collaboratively evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the programme. The aforementioned procedures also apply to both the evaluation of the limitations and progress of the treatment programmes, as well as to the evaluation of service delivery of the treatment centres. As it enables the revision of plans that provide individualised services, the continuous reassessment of the limitations and strengths of the networking programme is important. Out-patient treatment centres are considered responsible for initiating the networking programme. Effective collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres, as well as quality service delivery by the treatment centres, is regarded as critically important. Ultimately, the networking programme – regarded as a collaborative process between employers, employees and out-patient treatment centres – promotes a partnership geared towards combating the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. The researcher concluded the study with the formulation of a theory regarding the development of a networking programme as its end goal. Also, it is hoped that both out-patient treatment centres and the employment sector (employers and employees) may benefit from it in practice. Eventually, the proposed networking programme was based on the data collected from the situation analysis in this study, the researcher’s experience as a counsellor in substance abuse treatment and her exposure to different networking programmes, as well as supportive theoretical knowledge. A guideline for application of the networking programme in practice is included in the study alongside examples of projects to apply the programme. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
10

Substance abuse and the workplace : a networking programme for employers and out-patient treatment centres / Gerbregda Smook

Smook, Gerbregda January 2014 (has links)
Both employers and out-patient treatment centres are key role players in addressing workplace related substance abuse. On the one hand, employers are directly and indirectly affected by the huge problem of substance abuse. On the other hand, out-patient treatment centres provide, as their core goal, for the treatment of substance abuse and dependency. Due to the extent of the problem of substance abuse, collaborative intervention measures between employers and out-patient treatment centres are essential – especially the involvement of specialists in the treatment of substance abuse. Such a collaboration process requires specific, resolute measures, as well as a structured process in order to ensure sustainability and results. A networking programme that provides the opportunity to implement this collaborative process is proposed. Sound collaborations indeed provide the foundation to establish the networking programme for combating the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. A collaborative effort to address the problem of substance abuse in the workplace requires not only rallying the strengths and resources of both employers and out-patient treatment centres, but also developing a programme with well-defined processes beneficial to both. A qualitative research study by means of a grounded theory approach was conducted to explore how networking between employers and out-patient treatment centres might aid in addressing the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. Article 1 is a literature overview of substance abuse within the workplace and concerns the national directives, legislation requirements and measures of intervention aimed at dealing with the problem. The literature findings reveal clear national directives, legislation requirements and workplace policies, all aimed at providing a well-defined context for employers to manage substance abuse in the workplace. In addition, specialist treatment services are available to assist employers in addressing the problem in the workplace. Internal support structures in the workplace, however, often independently address the problem of substance abuse without involving the specialists. Literature findings indicate, though, that the personnel involved in the internal support structures are often not equipped to deal effectively with the problem. Research findings indicate positive treatment outcomes for employees with substance abuse problems. Statistics, however, indicate that the identification of employees with substance abuse problems is limited and that referrals of employees for treatment are infrequent. Underutilisation of out-patient treatment centres is therefore commonplace. Literature specifically indicates that the majority of employees are moderate drinkers and substance abusers, with only a small number being dependant. It is further indicated that the moderate drinkers and substance abusers account for almost half of the workforce. The critical factor, however, is that these categories of drinkers cause the majority of industrial accidents and are also responsible for the highest absenteeism rate. Prevention measures, sensitising the entire workforce to the early signs and dangers of substance abuse, facilitate the achievement of the best results in combating the problem. With an eye towards this, national directives advocate the following: intensified campaigns to educate people regarding the early signs and dangers of substance abuse, comprehensive prevention measures and increased rehabilitation efforts. Literature identified a limitation to effectively address substance abuse in the workplace, a problem catered for by specialist treatment centres. Article 2 reports the findings of a situation analysis regarding both the concerns and problems of employers and out-patient treatment centres, as well as resources needed to combat substance abuse in the workplace. Representatives from the employment sector, and out-patient treatment centres, participated in the situation analysis. Employees involved in substance abuse treatment programmes also participated in the study. A specific limitation, identified during the situation analysis, was the limited knowledge regarding the negative consequences of substance abuse in general. An unsupportive workplace environment, with regards especially to substance use and abuse, was also identified. Though empirical findings reported the existence of support structures in the workplace, these structures were found to be incapable of dealing with the problem. In the event of substance misconduct, employers are legally obligated to provide treatment and rehabilitation before considering dismissal; however, employers perceived these obligations as additional demands. Employers did not realise the possible benefits of treatment over dismissal. Misinformation and misinterpretation of the legal obligations were also identified during the research study. The stand against the problem of substance abuse in the workplace revealed a limited collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres. Employers were often not aware of specialist treatment centres and the available services. A lack of marketing and visibility – on the part of out-patient treatment centres – and an indifference and lack of support in the workplace were regarded as some of the causes for the limited collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres. Both ignorance in the workplace about the scope of substance abuse and a general lack of knowledge regarding the problem were identified as further limiting factors. A need for collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres was identified, especially if the problems of substance abuse in the workplace were to be successfully addressed. The development of a networking programme for employers and treatment centres was recommended and the core components to establish such a programme were identified. Article 3 discusses the components which were identified during the situation analysis and presents guidelines to develop a networking programme for employers and out-patient treatment centres. The components identified by the participants served as framework for the proposed networking programme. The programme comprises a specific purpose namely collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres, specific characteristics to sustain the programme, and the implementation of distinguishable procedures to establish and ensure sustainability of the programme. The purpose of the networking programme is to promote, between employers and out-patient treatment centres, a collaboration that will address the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. Involvement in the programme holds significant potential benefits for all relevant role players; the programme, in other words, advocates benefits for employers, employees and out-patient treatment centres. The proposed networking programme includes specific procedures for establishing and sustaining the programme: Firstly, assessing the limitations, needs and strengths of both the employment sector and out-patient treatment centres; secondly, establishing a network agreement that defines the roles and responsibilities of the role players; thirdly, collectively planning the networking activities and implementation of these plans; and, finally, collaboratively evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the programme. The aforementioned procedures also apply to both the evaluation of the limitations and progress of the treatment programmes, as well as to the evaluation of service delivery of the treatment centres. As it enables the revision of plans that provide individualised services, the continuous reassessment of the limitations and strengths of the networking programme is important. Out-patient treatment centres are considered responsible for initiating the networking programme. Effective collaboration between employers and out-patient treatment centres, as well as quality service delivery by the treatment centres, is regarded as critically important. Ultimately, the networking programme – regarded as a collaborative process between employers, employees and out-patient treatment centres – promotes a partnership geared towards combating the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. The researcher concluded the study with the formulation of a theory regarding the development of a networking programme as its end goal. Also, it is hoped that both out-patient treatment centres and the employment sector (employers and employees) may benefit from it in practice. Eventually, the proposed networking programme was based on the data collected from the situation analysis in this study, the researcher’s experience as a counsellor in substance abuse treatment and her exposure to different networking programmes, as well as supportive theoretical knowledge. A guideline for application of the networking programme in practice is included in the study alongside examples of projects to apply the programme. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

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