Audit committees (ACs) can enhance corporate governance in the public sector, particularly in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). This study adopted a qualitative research approach to identify factors contributing to the effectiveness of ACs in selected Namibian SOEs to provide sound corporate governance. The empirical data was collected primarily through semi-structured interviews with participants as well as from field notes and company documents. The study highlighted certain AC characteristics and practices contributing to the effectiveness of ACs in selected Namibian SOEs to provide sound corporate governance. The mandate, composition, managing the activities of the AC, performance assessment of the members of the AC and reporting of the AC if applied correctly can enhance effectiveness of ACs. The study also highlighted weaknesses, suggesting that some of the ACs needed improvement in order to enhance corporate governance at SOEs. / College of Accounting Sciences / M. Phil. (Accounting Sciences)

O objetivo do estudo foi construir o perfil dos indicados pelos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa - CEPs - para membros da Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa - CONEP, líderes no sistema de controle da ética em pesquisa no Brasil, quanto à representação de grupos sociais, formação e experiência profissional e experiência e conhecimento em ética na pesquisa. Enquanto informantes-chave, buscou-se conhecer práticas correntes no sistema, e compreensão da regulamentação. Foram aplicados questionários, via correio ou via eletrônica, aos 188 componentes da lista de 2003, obtendo-se 94 respostas válidas, que representaram 80% dos CEPs. O questionário constou de 4 partes - a parte I, de caracterização pessoal, mostrou proporção semelhante de gênero, alta qualificação acadêmica, participação em cursos de pequena duração sobre ética em pesquisa/ bioética, e sensibilidade social. Dos respondentes, 50% tinham cargos de gestão na instituição, 18% deles ligados diretamente à pesquisa, apenas 4% eram representantes de usuários, 90% participaram de pesquisas nos últimos 10 anos, sendo um terço em pesquisa clínica. A parte II correspondeu a uma auto-avaliação de sua participação como membros de CEPs, que mostrou satisfação com a relevância do trabalho, valorização de qualidades como responsabilidade, compromisso, habilidade para trabalho em equipe, sendo que 89% e 85% consideraram-se preparados e competentes respectivamente, apesar de percepção variada da representatividade e compreensão política de sua atuação. Identificaram-se áreas de maior dificuldade na análise de projetos, e encontros, seminários e discussão de casos como formas preferenciais de preparação. A parte III identificou as percepções sobre o funcionamento do sistema de avaliação ética das pesquisas no Brasil, evidenciando a utilização das diretrizes e normas do CNS na análise dos projetos. A mais efetiva participação dos representantes de usuários e o monitoramento das pesquisas são dificuldades freqüentes. Sugestões de melhoria do sistema referiram a abordagem dos projetos da área de ciências humanas, pré-requisitos e preparação para membros de CEPs, integração e melhoria da comunicação entre CEPs e com a Comissão Nacional. A parte IV foram estudos de casos, que evidenciaram convergência de posicionamentos na grande maioria das situações apresentadas. Conclui-se que o reconhecimento da liderança desses indicados nos CEPs institucionais tem reflexos da cultura institucional, mais comumente universidades, e que a indicação de membros reconhecidos pelos seus pares, pode conformar um perfil favorável à atuação na Comissão Nacional. / The objective of the study was to analyze the profile of the persons indicated by the research ethics institutional review boards to become members of the National Commission of Research Ethics (Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa/CONEP), considered as leaders in the research ethics evaluation system in Brazil, as to their social group representation, professional experience, experience in research ethics, views about current practices in the system and relations to formal regulations. Questionnaires were sent by mail and electronically to the 188 members of IRBs indicated as candidates in 2003 for nomination as member of CONEP, with 94 answers, representing 80% of the IRB universe at that time. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts, with part 1 dedicated to personal characterization. The results indicated equal gender proportions, high academic qualification, and frequent participation in short courses about research and bioethics. About 50% occupied institutional positions, 18% directly related to research, and only 4% were representatives of the patients. About 90% had involvement with research in the last 10 years, a third with clinical research. Part II was dedicated to their self-evaluation as members of IRBs, revealing feelings of satisfaction and gratification with their work, and valorization of attributes such as responsibility, compromise, team work capabilities, and 89% and 85% considered themselves prepared and competent for their functions, although with differing perceptions regarding representation and political understandings about their work. Some areas present more difficulties in the analysis of the projects and meetings, seminars and case discussions were mentioned as preferential mechanisms for development. Part III identified perceptions about the functioning of the national research ethics evaluation system, and the utilization of official regulations in project analysis. A more effective participation of the patient representatives and the monitoring of projects are major problems. Areas of necessary investment: how to deal with social sciences research projects, pre-requisites and preparation of IRB members and improved communication of IRBs with each other and the National Commission. Part IV consisted of case studies dedicated to frequent ethical dilemmas in research and the majority had convergent positions as to how to deal with them. The profile of these members as leaders in their IRBs reflects also very strong institutional cultures.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:47:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LUDMILA FEILENBERGER DE OLIVEIRA MARTINS.pdf: 922952 bytes, checksum: e680cca4977b3ac83aac1a11eec4b098 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-08-17 / This thesis deals with the subject "The Previous Conciliation Committee in Brazil from the perspective of the 92nd Recommendation of the International Labor Organization and a comparative analysis of models adopted by Latin America and European Union". This study approaches the means of extrajudicial settlement of labor disputes, emphasizing the Previous Conciliation Committee, established in Brazil by Law nº 9.958/2000 to comply with 92nd Recommendation of the ILO. The research will address the characteristics, procedure, controversial issues and problems faced by these committees and bring a comparative study with the means of extrajudicial conciliation used by Latin American Countries and European Union countries, to verify if the model adopted in Brazil is ideal. / A presente dissertação dispõe sobre o tema As Comissões de Conciliação Prévia no Brasil sob a perspectiva da Recomendação nº 92 da Organização Internacional do Trabalho e uma análise comparativa dos modelos latino-americanos e da União Européia . Este estudo abrange os meios extrajudiciais de solução de conflitos trabalhistas, dando ênfase às Comissões de Conciliação Prévia, instituídas no Brasil por meio da Lei nº 9.958/2000 para dar cumprimento à Recomendação nº 92 da OIT. A pesquisa dispõe sobre as características, procedimento, temas polêmicos e problemas enfrentados pelas referidas comissões e traz um estudo comparativo com as formas de conciliação extrajudicial utilizadas pelos países latino-americanos e da União Européia, visando verificar se o modelo adotado pelo Brasil é o ideal.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-29T14:16:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Eugenia Aparecida Cesconeto.pdf: 3560455 bytes, checksum: 3c2456133bfe65be172c715fc49bc02f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this investigation was to clarify the role performed by the Managing Committees of the Itaipu Binational Cultivating Good Water Program and the management policies of the hydric resources integrated to the sanitation of São Francisco Verdadeiro River subbasin, in which environmental management is promoting the modification of the predatory practices, which strengthen the natural resources exhaustion. One of the objectives is to understand how the members of the managing committees participate of the democratic management process to access the water in the São Francisco Verdadeiro River subbasin by the Integrated System of Hydric Resources Management (SIGRH), guaranteeing the basic sanitation strengthening the social agreement necessary among the involved in this task (state and municipal governments and the citizens). Despite the efforts of the municipalities, little was altered in the environmental practices developed, which are developed with strong centralism, carrying traces of privativism and in a repressive way. Water: the difficult journey of preservation and access in the São Francisco Verdadeiro River Subbasin in Paraná, for its thesis elaboration the methodological resource study case was used, having interviews with the Committees members managing the Itaipu Binational Cultivating Good Water Program, with semi-structured interviews, primary sources analyses and bibliographical reference. It is widely recognized that the Cultivating Good Water Program, executed by the Managing Committees, has supplied the conditions and enough water for the generation of energy for Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam, but not as a socialization strategy and equal access to the water. Despite the contribution to the improvement of some life quality aspects of the population of São Francisco Verdadeiro River subbasin, the implementation of the interface of the hydric resources with the sanitation is not occurring, in which such hypothesis showed to be true / O tema desta investigação procura elucidar o papel desempenhado pelos Comitês Gestores do Programa Cultivando Água Boa, da Itaipu Binacional na gestão da política de recursos hídricos integrada à de saneamento na sub- bacia do Rio São Francisco Verdadeiro, que no processo de gestão ambiental buscam fomentar a modificação das práticas predatórias que potencializam o risco de exaurimento dos recursos naturais. Destaca-se como objetivo entender como os membros dos comitês gestores participam do processo de gestão democrática de acesso à água na subbacia paranaense do Rio São Francisco Verdadeiro, através do Sistema Integrado de Gerenciamento dos Recursos Hídricos (SIGRH), garantindo o saneamento básico, de modo a fortalecer o pacto social necessário entre todos os envolvidos nesta tarefa (governo estadual e municipal e a sociedade civil). Uma vez que, apesar dos esforços empreendidos pelos municípios, pouco se alteraram as práticas ambientais desenvolvidas, sendo realizadas com forte centralismo, com traços de privatismo e de cunho repressivo. Para elaboração da tese Água: o difícil percurso de preservação e acesso na subbacia paranaense do Rio São Francisco Verdadeiro, utiliza-se como recurso metodológico o estudo de caso, com entrevistas aos membros dos Comitês Gestores do Programa Cultivando Água Boa, da Itaipu Binacional pautadas em roteiros semiestruturados, análise de fontes primárias e acervo bibliográfico. Parti do pressuposto que o Programa Cultivando Água Boa, da Itaipu Binacional, executado através dos Comitês Gestores, tem, com certeza, fornecido as condições e a quantidade de água suficiente para a geração de energia para a hidrelétrica de Itaipu, mas não como estratégia de socialização e acesso igualitário à água, pois, apesar de ter contribuído para a melhora de alguns aspectos da qualidade de vida da população da subbacia paranaense do Rio São Francisco Verdadeiro, não vem ocorrendo a implementação da interface da política de recursos hídricos com o saneamento, hipótese que se mostrou verdadeira

L’article L 626-27 du Code de commerce sanctionne l’échec du plan de sauvegarde par la résolution. L’effet destructeur de cette sanction peut, de prime abord, séduire lorsque la solution arrêtée par le tribunal ne répond plus à l’objectif de sauvegarde de l’entreprise. Cependant, ce choix suscite l’étonnement dans la mesure où il s’agit d’une sanction de l’inexécution d’une obligation contractuelle. Or, il apparaît difficile de considérer le plan comme un contrat. Malgré l’effort de contractualisation opéré par la loi du 26 juillet 2005 à travers la participation des comités de créanciers à son élaboration, il demeure un acte juridictionnel. Cette incompatibilité invite à redéfinir la nature de la sanction. Une étude minutieuse de l’échec du plan montre que sa sanction répond à une logique propre à la procédure collective qui s’illustre principalement dans la diversité de ses causes et de ses effets. Contrairement à la résolution, la sanction de l’échec du plan peut être prononcée soit en présence d’une inexécution des engagements qu’il contient soit en raison de la survenance d’une cessation des paiements au cours de son exécution. En outre, elle produit des effets distincts étrangers à toute idée de rétroactivité. Si elle permet, en cas d’inexécution, de revenir à la relation contractuelle initiale, elle assure, en cas de cessation des paiements, la clôture de la sauvegarde et le retour simultané de la procédure collective. Aussi, elle ne saurait être une résolution, mais constitue un instrument de nature procédurale hybride propre à la procédure collective. Une approche cohérente de l’échec du plan de sauvegarde invite, par conséquent, à reformuler l’article L 626-27 du Code de commerce. / Article L 626-27 of the French Commercial Code punishes the failure of a bankruptcy plan by cancellation. The destructive impact of this sanction may, at first, trigger a company's interest when the court's decision does not correspond to the company's bankruptcy goal. Nonetheless this choice is surprising given that it punishes the non-execution of a contractual obligation. However it seems difficult to consider the plan as a contract. The Act of July 26, 2005 looks to formalizing this process by contract namely through the participation of creditor committees in the early stages of the procedure, but it remains a jurisdictional action. This incompatibility encourages one to redefine the nature of this sanction. A careful examination of the plan's failure shows that the sanction fulfills a logic pertaining to a collective procedure, the causes and consequences of which are diverse. Contrary to the cancellation, the sanction punishing the plan's failure may be delivered in case of the non-execution of commitments put forth in the plan or the suspension of payments during its execution. Furthermore its consequences are distinct, with no retro activity. In case of non-execution, the sanction allows for a return to the initial contractual relation, but in case of suspension of payments it guarantees a bankruptcy closure and a return to collective procedure. Thus, it would no longer be a cancellation but a hybrid procedural instrument pertaining to a collective procedure. Therefore a coherent approach to the failure of the bankruptcy plan encourages one to rephrase article L 626-27 of the French Commercial Code.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of health care professionals to alternatives to blood transfusion for Jehovah's Witnesses patients in a critical care setting. Methodology: Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to explore the attitudes and perceptions of health care professional to alternatives to blood transfusion, in a critical care setting. The study was conducted in four largest hospitals in the Durban Metropolitan area, of which two were public and two private. A questionnaire was used as tool for collecting data. Space was provided to accommodate comments from the respondents in the questionnaire. Analysis of findings was done quantitatively by using a computer programme called SPSS (Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences), version 11.5. Themes that emerged from the participant's responses were classified under categories in the conceptual framework and analysed qualitatively. Findings: Most of the respondents had mixed feelings about using alternatives to blood transfusion. The study revealed, however, that although alternatives to blood transfusions were commonly used in a critical care setting, some of the respondents did not know about the different types of alternatives available. Furthermore, it was evident from the respondent's comments that most of them had a positive attitude to people who refused blood transfusion and preferred alternatives. Research into suitable alternatives to blood transfusion was encouraged by most of the respondents. However, transfusion transmitted diseases emerged as a current concern over and above the religious concerns. Recommendations for the future were made for the health care professionals working in critical care setting, nurse educators and nursing management. / Thesis (M.N.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.

Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / South Africa’s ten year old democracy puts great emphasis on being a participatory government, where citizens are able to engage with the policy and legislative process. An important aspect of this is the role played by Parliament which is not only the place where citizens are able to make their voices heard, but is also an important mechanism in keeping the government in line with the views and needs of the “people”. Its role of oversight (of the government departments) is a critical one in keeping the democracy intact, and an important part of this is their ability to access and use information from a wide range of sources. The purpose of this assignment was to consider the current use of information in Parliament and identify the flaws in the management and use of information by Parliamentary Committees. A number of questions are posed, questioning whether the current management and use of information allows Parliamentary Committees to fulfill their obligations in terms of the Constitution. In exploring these questions I have provided background to the role that NGOs have played in the past in South Africa, with specific reference to their relationship to Parliament/government and their expertise in the area of sustainable development. I have explained the role of Parliament (and more specifically the Parliamentary Committees in South Africa), as envisaged in the Constitution, as well as the problems facing Parliament in fulfilling these roles. I also indicated the ways in which civil society organizations could assist Parliament in fulfilling its role as effectively as possible. After considering the various theories of information and knowledge management a model was built on which the current information behaviors of Parliamentarians, specifically with regard to their work in the Committees, could be evaluated. Various key problems were identified and elaborated on. A strategy was outlined to address some of these problems.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:47:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ArakenMS_da_capa_ate_pag_66.pdf: 612002 bytes, checksum: 77ee53e5ec8496b7cf1c4503e222c41d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-01 / RePART (Reward/Punishment ART) is a neural model that constitutes a variation of the Fuzzy Artmap model. This network was proposed in order to minimize the inherent problems in the Artmap-based model, such as the proliferation of categories and misclassification. RePART makes use of additional mechanisms, such as an instance counting parameter, a reward/punishment process and a variable vigilance parameter. The instance counting parameter, for instance, aims to minimize the misclassification problem, which is a consequence of the sensitivity to the noises, frequently presents in Artmap-based models. On the other hand, the use of the variable vigilance parameter tries to smoouth out the category proliferation problem, which is inherent of Artmap-based models, decreasing the complexity of the net. RePART was originally proposed in order to minimize the aforementioned problems and it was shown to have better performance (higer accuracy and lower complexity) than Artmap-based models. This work proposes an investigation of the performance of the RePART model in classifier ensembles. Different sizes, learning strategies and structures will be used in this investigation. As a result of this investigation, it is aimed to define the main advantages and drawbacks of this model, when used as a component in classifier ensembles. This can provide a broader foundation for the use of RePART in other pattern recognition applications / O RePART (Reward/Punishiment ART), modelo neural que se constitui numa varia??o do modelo Fuzzy Artmap, foi proposto objetivando minimizar problemas inerentes aos modelos da classe Artmap, tais como: prolifera??o de categorias e m? classifica??o. Por essa raz?o, o RePART faz uso de mecanismos adicionais, como: um par?metro contador de inst?ncia, um processo de recompensa/puni??o e um par?metro de vigil?ncia vari?vel. O par?metro contador de inst?ncia busca minimizar o problema de m? classifica??o, resultante da sensibilidade ? ru?dos, freq?entemente presente nos modelos da classe Artmap. O uso da vigil?ncia vari?vel tem como objetivo minimizar o problema de prolifera??o de categorias, diminuindo a complexidade da rede, quando utilizado em aplica??es com um grande n?mero de padr?es de treinamento. A proposta do RePART visou a minimiza??o desses problemas e foi mostrado que o RePART obteve desempenho superior que alguns modelos da classe Artmap. Neste trabalho ? proposta a realiza??o de uma investiga??o do desempenho do modelo RePART em comit?s de classificadores. Nesta investiga??o ser? realizada uma an?lise com comit?s utilizando diferentes tamanhos, estrat?gias de aprendizados e estruturas. Os resultados obtidos com esta investiga??o servir?o como meio de descoberta das vantagens e desvantagens de cada um dos modelos abordados em comit?s. Com isso, poder? ser dado um embasamento ainda mais amplo ? utiliza??o do RePART em outras aplica??es de reconhecimento de padr?es

In this study, a literature review and qualitative research design are used in an attempt to establish the obstacles to the effective governance of schools in previously disadvantaged communities. From the research, it emerges that the SGBs govern their schools intuitively. This is because they lack knowledge of how schools should be governed. Various strategies to build the governance capacity of these SGBs are formulated in this study to assist them to govern their schools effectively. Effective governance is an important instrument that can restore order, protect the rights of both learners and educators, prevent discipline problems amongst learners and establish the provision of quality education in these communities. / Teacher Education / M.Ed. (Education Management)