The introduction of Grade R (Reception Year) and its curriculum in early childhood education has been a key policy initiative, but despite the importance of this level of education the demands of the transition from Grade R to Grade 1 are not explicitly discussed. Official documents note the likely difficulties and challenges inherent in the transition of children from preschool and home into the primary school environment but they do not explicitly say how these difficulties can be dealt with. This study investigated the implementation of transition policy and existing practices for children transiting from preschool or the home into Grade 1 in South Africa’s schools. A case study of two purposively selected schools, from two different provinces, explored the impact of transition on both children’s adjustment to their new environment and the school itself. Key policy documents were initially analysed, and key informants in government and non governmental organisations (NGOs) were interviewed in relation to aspects of the policy guidelines and practices for transition to school. Participating principals, teachers, parents and children as subjects were interviewed to identify their perspectives about transition and how they deal with it. The social, behavioural and academic adjustment of 6 children from each of the two schools was investigated using the Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS). The results show that although some differences in the adjustment of children between the two case study schools were noted, it appeared that preschooled children were more likely to make better adjustments than non-preschooled (home) children. The study also revealed that schools’ strategies for dealing with transitions are not informed by the government’s transition policies and guidelines. Instead, the two schools devised their own in-house strategies to deal with transitions and these differed from one school to another. The study also highlights that teachers are not familiar with policies governing their working lives. The schools studied also lamented the lack of continuity in the curricula and the way of life between the school and preschool despite policies enacted to deal with this disjuncture. Whilst the findings show a disparity between the adjustments of preschooled children and their home counterparts a longitudinal study involving more case schools would provide greater insight into preschool grade 1 transition in a developing South Africa. The educational and policy implications of the study are discussed with regard to important processes and structures put in place for the transition process of children entering into primary schools. While case study findings cannot be generalised the results can be beneficial in informing other similar contexts grappling with transitions. The study highlights important processes undertaken in the adjustment of children into primary schools, however it also revealed some shortcomings which have serious implications for policy and practice. “Policy literacy” should be embarked upon to familiarise teachers as end users with what policy entails. Every school should have a transition programme that would help orientate and settle in the new entrants into the school environment. / Thesis (PhD (Education Policy Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Education Management and Policy Studies / PhD / Unrestricted

The thesis deals with the topic of economic growth of the poor, least developed countries. For this group of countries, which includes most of sub-Saharan Africa, is characteristic that for the last half-century this group has shown no significant economic growth per capita. This fact is surprising at first glance if compared with other economic development groups of the developing world. Economic differences between the least developed countries on the one hand, and emerging and developing countries on the other hand, are increasing despite efforts by international development agencies. I intend to answer the question, what are the causes of poor economic performance of the least developed countries.

In times of scarce resources, frugal innovation can be a driving engine for growth and market success, as it is a practical concept established in developing countries. Nonetheless, the available literature also emphasizes a potential importance for Western countries. Accordingly, our thesis and research add to the lack of literature that connects frugal innovation to developed countries and its specific underlying conditions. The review of available literature and further discussions led to the following research questions: 1. What is the current application status of frugal innovation in Germany? 2. What characteristics should frugal innovations have to serve the BoP in the context of the German market? A preliminary theoretical framework was created from the relevant literature streams stressing the fragmented nature of frugal innovation. As the concept and research addressing this issue are in a nascent stage, one unifying definition was not found. For the course of this thesis, the definition of frugal innovation was therefore chosen to be "thrifty, modest and affordable innovations, valuable for BoP customers”. One major derivation from the literature review is that frugal innovation can be of major importance in developed countries, not only for customers for getting access to certain products, but also for companies addressing untapped markets. The empirical investigation and explorative data collection was undertaken within the market context of Germany based on eight companies from different industry backgrounds. Therefore, interviews were held with representatives of companies that offer frugal products (thereafter also including services) according to the definition from above. Within the scope of the grounded theory analyzation techniques, the interviews supported our aim to gain rich and meaningful data to extend the substantive theory about the concept of frugal innovation. Our study results (based on our eight interviews) prove the existence of frugal products in the German market, while the term and the concept have previously been unknown. Even though frugal innovations were still to be confirmed, they were not labeled as such to connect them to the concept. The study also indicates the existence of a bottom of a pyramid in Germany, despite its original connection to emerging market population. Our findings resulted in a revised framework that connects relevant fragments to a logical comprehension of the concept of frugal innovation. Finally, characteristics for frugal products and requirements could be validated and improved to be economically successful in developed market contexts. The major contribution of our thesis is its general investigation of a rather unknown concept and its presence in other markets than originally laid down. The thorough literature review, the creation and revision of the framework and our study results will serve as a fruitful ground for further exploration of this innovation type.

Magister Legum - LLM / Sugar, bananas, beef and cotton are some of the few products, which are the primary commodities in many African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP).2 Many are highly vulnerable small islands, landlocked and least developed states,' thus rendering the above-mentioned sectors, of great importance to their economies." In these countries, for instance, the sugar producers often provide housing, health care, education and other benefits.i

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This study strives to examine how microfinance activities can be successfully applied in the developed world. This is done through a field study in New York City. Throughout interviews and observations with three of the largest actors in New York: Acción USA, Grameen America and Project Enterprise, as well as interviews with their clients, the lending processes and key characteristics of the organizations have been mapped. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been interviewed on the general opinion of microfinance in the US. Previous theory elaborates on some of the major challenges with implementing microfinance activities in the developed world, such as lack of funding and cultural differences hindering the lending processes to be carried out as they are in the developing world. Henceforth, problems regarding regulation, awareness and outreach are discussed. Throughout the observation of the institutions we can confirm that some of the challenges brought up in theory actually are apparent. We do, however, question the criticism towards the use of group-based lending programs in the developed world. Our study does, in contrast to previous research, imply that the concept does work as well in the US as it does in developing countries. Since this is a case study based on the observations of only a few organizations, it is precarious to draw any general conclusions based upon the findings. Indications of key success factors are, though, group-based lending programs, non-financial services, creating awareness, financial sustainability, savings as funding, standardized regulations and increased transparency. Finally we advocate focus on job creation to obtain acknowledgement.

This study strives to examine how microfinance activities can be successfully applied in the developed world. This is done through a field study in New York City. Throughout interviews and observations with three of the largest actors in New York: Acción USA, Grameen America and Project Enterprise, as well as interviews with their clients, the lending processes and key characteristics of the organizations have been mapped. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been interviewed on the general opinion of microfinance in the US. Previous theory elaborates on some of the major challenges with implementing microfinance activities in the developed world, such as lack of funding and cultural differences hindering the lending processes to be carried out as they are in the developing world. Henceforth, problems regarding regulation, awareness and outreach are discussed. Throughout the observation of the institutions we can confirm that some of the challenges brought up in theory actually are apparent. We do, however, question the criticism towards the use of group-based lending programs in the developed world. Our study does, in contrast to previous research, imply that the concept does work as well in the US as it does in developing countries. Since this is a case study based on the observations of only a few organizations, it is precarious to draw any general conclusions based upon the findings. Indications of key success factors are, though, group-based lending programs, non-financial services, creating awareness, financial sustainability, savings as funding, standardized regulations and increased transparency. Finally we advocate focus on job creation to obtain acknowledgement.

Introduction: We describe the use of telepathology in countries with restricted resources using two diagnosis assistance systems (Isabel and Memem7) in addition to the diagnoses made by experts in pathology via the iPath-Network. Methods: A total of 156 cases, largely from Afghanistan, were analysed; 18 cases had to be excluded because of poor image quality. Results: Of the remaining 138 cases (100%), a responsible physician provided a tentative diagnosis for 61.6% of them.With a diagnosis from a consultant pathologist, it was then possible to make a definite diagnosis in 84.8% of cases on the basis of images taken from hematoxylin and eosin staining sections alone. The use of the diagnosis assistance systems resulted in an ordered list of differential diagnoses in 82.6% (IsabelHealth) and in 74.6% (Memem7) of cases, respectively. Adding morphological terminology reduced the list of possible diagnoses to 52.2% (72 cases, Memem7), but improved their quality. Discussion: In summary, diagnosis assistance systems are promising approaches to provide physicians in countries with restricted resources with lists of probable differential diagnoses, thus increasing the plausibility of the diagnosis of the consultant pathologist.

Cette thèse doctorale s’attache à fournir une théorisation du Développement Economique Local (DEL) dans les Pays les Moins Avancés (PMA). Elle présente également une synthétisation des conditions et des hypothèses que les programmes et les institutions peuvent provoquer pour obtenir un changement durable dans les territoires. Un tel changement est prévu dans le but de conduire les PMA vers une trajectoire de développement. Le sujet de thèse est placé dans le cadre de la problématique des axes stratégiques du développement local et des choix de sociétés dans les Pays les Moins Avancés.La recherche, qui s’appuie sur une étude de cas de financement de développement local, est réalisée avec quatre sources de données qualitatives collectées de 2014 à 2017 sur le terrain d’une économie moins avancée. La posture épistémologique utilisée commence par déterminer la nature des problèmes identifiés et les spécificités des Pays les Moins Avancés. L’approche constructiviste pragmatique a permis de répondre et d’expliquer des phénomènes observables relatifs aux processus aboutissant au développement économique local suite à des financements appropriés.Les résultats de ce travail ont mis en évidence le cadre empirique du développement local dans les PMA.Les contributions de cette thèse de doctorat sont à plusieurs niveaux. D’abord elles sont d’ordre théorique, à travers un éclairage du système de gouvernance locale dans les Pays les Moins Avancés. Le cadre théorique spécifique aux PMA est approfondi et a permis de développer un ensemble de préconditions du développement local dans les PMA. Ensuite, les contributions de ce travail portent sur les politiques de développement et les politiques publiques.Nous proposons à partir de mécanismes de financements dit « mixtes » des stratégies de financements adaptées aux particularités des PMA en nous basant sur deux piliers du développement local dans les économies les moins avancés : la gouvernance locale et les entrepreneurs. Le modèle théorique et les préconditions au DEL permettent d’avoir une vue d’ensemble des stratégies à mettre en œuvre pour créer le cercle vertueux du DEL dans ces économies. / This doctoral thesis aims to provide a theorization of Local Economic Development (LED) in the Least Developed Countries (LDC). It also presents a synthesis of the conditions and assumptions of programs and institutions to reach transformative and sustainable change in local territories. Such a change is intended to drive the LDCs towards a sound development trajectory. The topic of the thesis is placed within the framework of the strategic options of local development and the choice of societies in the Least Developed Countries.The research, based on a case study of local development financing, is carried out with four qualitative data sources collected from 2014 to 2017 in the field of a less advanced economy. The epistemological posture starts by the nature of the problems identified and the specificities of the Least Developed Countries. The pragmatic constructivist approach made it possible to answer and explain observable phenomena related to the problem of identifying processes leading to local economic development following appropriate funding mechanism.The results of this doctoral research have highlighted an empirical framework for local development in LDCs.The contributions of this doctoral thesis numerous. First, they are of a theoretical nature, through an understanding of the local governance system in the least developed countries. The theoretical framework specific to the LDCs is thus analysed and allows to develop a set of preconditions for local development in the LDCs. Secondly, the contributions of this work deal with development policies and public policies.Indeed, we propose financing strategies adapted to the specificities of LDCs based on the two pillars of local development in the least developed economies: local governance and entrepreneurs, on the so-called "mixed" financing mechanisms. The theoretical model and LED preconditions provide an overview of strategies to implement the virtuous circle of LED in these economies.

Aim: Innovation gets to be the pivotal factor for surviving and sustaining a business in the long term. The scenario of innovation management could be performed in a very particular way among developed, developing, and under-developed countries. We have found a gap, that no comparative research has been done among different geographical areas, especially in hotel industry innovation sectors yet. The main aim of this thesis is to identify how two different countries from different regions are practicing their innovation management process. Method: An explanatory sequential mixed method had been used to develop our study where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys and interviews. To analyse the data a deductive technique was approached by using an established innovation management process framework; named ‘SPOTS' model, developed by Tidd (2001).  Results & Conclusions: There exist noticeable differences between Sweden and Bangladesh in terms of time management, budget, strategy, communication and others which also showcase why Sweden is the leading country in the matter of innovation. In the meantime, in spite of having enough human resources and materials Bangladesh is fighting to implement successful innovations due to the lack of guidance, strategy, and budget. Contribution of the thesis: We have conducted comparative research in the hotel industry in Bangladesh and Sweden, which represents the innovation management scenario in developed and developing countries. It also addresses the point of improvements for the respective countries. Our thesis will be helpful for future researchers who will conduct further studies in the hospitality industry of different economical background nations. Suggestions for future research: This thesis is limited to two countries, two hotels, and managerial views of the organization in innovation management. The future researcher could utilize the scope to work with a large sample size in different hotels in different nations. Moreover, further studies could be done to discuss and test all the five elements of the SPOTS model, developed by (Tidd, 2001) in the hotel industry.