Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T15:49:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Um grande desafio da Engenharia de Software Baseada em Componentes (ESBC) é a qualidade dos componentes utilizados em um sistema. A confiabilidade de um sistema baseado em componentes depende da confiabilidade dos componentes dos quais ele é composto. Na ESBC, a busca, seleção e avaliação de componentes de software é considerado um ponto chave para o efetivo desenvolvimento de sistemas baseado em componentes. Até agora a indústria de software tem se concentrado nos aspectos funcionais dos componentes de software, deixando de lado uma das tarefas mais árduas, que é a avaliação de sua qualidade. Se a garantia de qualidade de componentes desenvolvidos in-house é uma tarefa custosa, a garantia da qualidade utilizando componentes desenvolvidos externamente os quais frequentemente não se tem acesso ao código fonte e documentação detalhada se torna um desafio ainda maior. Assim, esta Tese introduz um Framework de Qualidade de Componentes de Software, baseado em módulos bem definidos que se complementam a fim de garantir a qualidade dos componentes de software. Por fim, um estudo experimental foi desenvolvido e executado de modo que se possa analisar a viabilidade do framework proposto

Business Intelligence Systems are becoming more and more popular in recent years. It is caused by the need of reusing data in order to gain some potentially useful business information about. Those systems are advanced set of tools, which causes high prices of purchase and licensing. Therefore, it is important to choose the system which fits the best particular business needs. The aim of this thesis is to elaborate a method for comparison of existing Business Intelligence Systems that are supporting data mining. The method consist of a quality model, build according to existing standards, and set of steps which should be taken to choose a Business Intelligence System according to particular requirements of its future user. The first part of the thesis focuses on the analysis of existing works providing a way for comparison of those software products. It is shown here that there is no existing systematic approach resolving this problem. However, criteria presented in those works along with the description of quality model standards were used for creating the quality model and proposing a set of basic measures. Also the phrases for the evaluation process were identified. The next part of the research is a case study which purpose is to show the usefulness of proposed evaluation method. The example is simple, but has proven that the method can be easily modified for specific needs and used for comparison of real Business Intelligence Systems. The quality level measured in the case study turned out to be very similar for each system. The evaluation method may be extended in future work with more advanced measures or additional characteristic which were not taken into account in this research.

African Americans (AA) are more susceptible to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for several reasons. Treatment options for patients with ESRD include dialysis therapy and transplantation, with the latter typically producing better outcomes. AA are less likely to complete the medical evaluation process, which requires patients to consult with doctors and undergo a series of tests and examinations. This study sought to determine the factors that predict completion of the medical evaluation for AA ESRD patients using a mixed methods design. Participants consisted of transplant professionals (N=23) recruited from nine transplant centers in the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Western and Southeastern parts of the United States, and kidney patients (N=30 patients) recruited from one transplant center in the Mid-Atlantic region. Semi-structured interviews and nominal focus groups were conducted to gather qualitative data; quantitative survey data were also collected. The results revealed factors classified as impacting patients at the individual-level and systemic level, and others classified as health-related and informational/educational. Participants ranked insurances issues, limited income, lack of a personal means of transportation, lack of patient motivation, the number of procedures required to complete the evaluation, scheduling difficulties and time constraints as top barriers to completing the medical evaluation process. Top motivators consisted of informational support, social support, religious beliefs, patients’ desire to get off dialysis, support from the transplant staff, center-based education, patient’s knowledge of the benefits of transplantation and patient navigators. These findings provide valuable information on factors that impact AA renal patients’ completion of the medical evaluation.

<p>In the past, Human Research Development (HRD) professionals have faced barriers of gaining access to the data they need to conduct higher level evaluations. However, recent technological innovations have presented opportunities for them to obtain this data, and consequently, apply new approaches for the training evaluation process. One approach being used is the application of data analytics. Because organizations have begun to embrace its use, recent research activities in the literature have focused on the promotion of analytics versus the practical application of analytics in the organization.<b> </b>This study investigated how HRD professionals utilize data analytics in the training evaluation process. It contributes to the body of research on the practical application of analytics in determining training effectiveness. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Sociomateriality served as the theoretical framework for understanding how HRD professionals use data analytics in the training evaluation process. To address the research objective, a qualitative descriptive design was employed to investigate the phenomenon of lived experience, how HRD professionals use data analytics in the training evaluation process. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six (6) participants who were front and center in the organization’s transition to the analytics tool, Metrics That Matter (MTM), for evaluating training initiatives. The thematic analysis approach was applied. The study findings suggest three factors that influenced HR professionals to use human resource analytics, while revealing four ways they used those analytics in the training evaluation process. More importantly, findings from this study will provide training departments and HRD professionals recommendations for expanded job role and/or function descriptions, as well as best practices for incorporating data analytics in the training evaluation process.</p>

The diploma thesis titled is focused on the perception of evaluation in a selected sample of respondents. The main objective is to describe, analyze and process the evaluation system, which is also an important motivational element, in the chosen company in the field of electrical engineering. The theoretical part is devoted to the definition of the term evaluation and of evaluation process. The practical part is focused on the characteristics of the chosen company, it´s evaluation system and the results of the analysis dealing with the current state of evaluation of the employees. The final part of thesis describes suggested approaches which will help to decrease fluctuations in the company.

The objective of this thesis concerns the issue of motivation and evaluation of staff at the Žerotín School of Music in Olomouc. In the theoretical part, we show the concepts and theoretical principles which are necessary for processing the subsequent analytical part. In the analytical part of the work we will then present information about the Zerotin School of Music, and we will discuss the evaluation system and employee motivation. This thesis will conclude by making suggestions for improvements to existing procedures. The outcome of this work is to evaluate motivation and evaluation of staff at the Žerotín School of Music and make recommendations which will lead to employees being more satisfied and motivated.

The sexual abuse of children presents as an ever-increasing social concern in South-Africa and the rest of the world. A daily newspaper reports that 104 913 serious crimes against children were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 2010. Another 49 550 serious crimes against children were reported during 2012/2013 at the SAPS (Meiring, 2013:7). The concept of child sexual abuse only became publically known in the seventies. Since then intense research has been done in an effort to gain a better understanding regarding the concept, causes and effects of child sexual abuse (Herbert, 2000:16). However, not only was knowledge gained regarding the extent of child sexual abuse, but there has also been an increase of knowledge involving the theoretical base of the methods of investigation with regard to child sexual abuse. Through this specific research project the researcher will endeavor to contribute to the existing theoretical knowledge base by researching and describing the benefits of implementing pre-forensic evaluation when investigating the presumed sexual abuse of a child. A summary of The Criminal Law (Sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007’s (South-Africa 2007:25-27) definition of child sexual abuse is as follow: “A sexual offence occurs when any person engages a child (a person under the age of 18) with or without the consent of the child, in a sexual act. Sexual act is defined as an act of sexual penetration or an act of sexual violation. Sexual penetration can be seen as any sexual form of penetration to any extent whatsoever by die genital organ, any body part and/or object by one person into, or beyond, the genital organs, anus or mouth of another person”. In order to combat the incidence and increase of child sexual abuse it is imperative that every accusation regarding the possibility of such abuse should be investigated thoroughly. Due to the fact that some children will only disclose sexual abuse when the are in a safe environment, the whole process could be delayed if the child does not feel safe. Johnson (2004:465) postulates that this delay could jeopardize the whole process because when physical healing had occurred the physical evidence could be destroyed. The absence of physical evidence stresses the importance of the implementation of the forensic investigation process. Social workers are regularly required to evaluate children when sexual abuse is suspected. This process often starts with a pre-forensic evaluation in order to ascertain the probability of sexual abuse. If the pre-forensic investigation confirms the possibility of such abuse, the next step is to conduct a formal forensic investigation. Clark (2007:70) explains that this investigation is used to gather relevant factual information required for police investigation and for use in a court of law. Due to the seriousness and sensitivity regarding allegations of child sexual abuse, it is imperative that the social worker should remain neutral and objective at all times. When investigating such allegations Aucamp (2012a:2) advocate three approaches. These approaches are: A blind, history-free, uninformed approach; An informed approach or an allegation-blind approach. It is generally accepted that through the use of the uninformed approach the objectivity of the social worker is enhanced. This is due to the fact that in this approach restricted information is passed on to the social worker, i.e. she has no prior knowledge regarding the perpetrator or the allegations, but only knows the name, gender and age of the specific child (Aucamp, 2012a:5). Faller (2007:41-43) declares that in order to ensure objectivity the postulation of alternative hypotheses form part and parcel of the task of the social worker. The social worker is enabled to formulate these varied hypotheses when as much information as possible relevant to the specific situation is collected. The collection of this data ensures that important information does not get lost and that no alternative explanation can be given for the allegations. Hewitt (1999:214) points out that many factors can add to the child’s inability to cooperate during a formal forensic investigation. Du Plessis (2012:1) therefore recommends a socioemotional evaluation which will enable the investigator to understand the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, speech and language development as well as the scope of his attention span and level of cooperation. The gathering of all this information is made possible because of the structured nature of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Within the scope of the forensic field the term and concept ‘pre-forensic evaluation’ is relatively new. This process is regarded as a mechanism to sift through data in order to evaluate the child’s level of development as well as the social and behavior issues within the focus of the extended forensic investigation process (Carnes, Nelson-Gardell, Wilson & Orgasa, 2001:238). The objective of this research project was to establish the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as the starting point for investigating child sexual abuse in order to make recommendations. In this research the researcher used a qualitative approach which implies a broad approach to the study of social phenomena by implementing a variety of research methods. As this field of forensics is relatively new in South- Africa, the researcher is of the opinion that this research will add to the theoretical and empirical base of knowledge regarding the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as part of the extended forensic investigation process. The following participants were involved and methods utilized to reach the objective of this explorative study: • 8 registered social workers , resident in Gauteng; • 10 client files projecting the use of the pre-forensic investigation process in the lives of children between ages 3 and 6 and where possible sexual abuse was suspected. The methods of data collection involved semi-structured interviews as well as document analysis. Data was processed by means of transcriptions, which elicited various themes and sub-themes which in turn led the researcher to come to specific conclusions in order to make certain recommendations. • All 8 participating registered social workers have applied the pre-forensic evaluation as starting point of the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse; • All 8 participating registered social workers preferred to follow the uninformed approach and agreed on the benefits of this process; All respondents agreed on the following benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation process: • It provides a holistic view on the child’s socio-emotional functioning; • It improves and enhances objectivity and neutrality on the part of the investigator and the investigation; • It enables the researcher to complete a competency evaluation of the child within a non-threatening environment; • It provides ample opportunity for the social worker to build rapport with the child; • It provides guidelines to be followed during the formal forensic investigation process. The researcher also found that none of the participants relayed specific disadvantages regarding the use of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Another theme which crystallized when data was analyzed was that the pre-forensic evaluation structure is sufficient to serve as a screening instrument. The following practical recommendations came to the fore in the process of data analysis: • To divide the pre-forensic evaluation process into two or more sessions; • To allow only trained professional workers to implement the pre-forensic evaluation process; • To standardize the pre-forensic evaluation process for investigating presumed sexual offences; • That pre-forensic evaluation be utilized in the case of all children in need of care and not only when sexual abuse is suspected; In conclusion, with regard to future research themes the researcher would like to propose the following: • The evaluation of valid evaluation techniques which could be included in the preforensic evaluation structure; • The evaluators’ experience and perception regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure; • The effectiveness of using the pre-forensic evaluation structure as a screening instrument; • The reactions and perceptions shown by members of the SAPS and Social Welfare Services with regard to using information that was gathered and passed on to them by means of pre-forensic reports. The researcher believes that this research successfully showed the benefits of the preforensic evaluation process when investigating suspected cases of child sexual abuse. She also believes that if the recommendations of this study would be followed, the whole processed could be streamlined and if the suggested themes were explored, the base of knowledge regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure would be broadened to benefit all parties involved in this process. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The sexual abuse of children presents as an ever-increasing social concern in South-Africa and the rest of the world. A daily newspaper reports that 104 913 serious crimes against children were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 2010. Another 49 550 serious crimes against children were reported during 2012/2013 at the SAPS (Meiring, 2013:7). The concept of child sexual abuse only became publically known in the seventies. Since then intense research has been done in an effort to gain a better understanding regarding the concept, causes and effects of child sexual abuse (Herbert, 2000:16). However, not only was knowledge gained regarding the extent of child sexual abuse, but there has also been an increase of knowledge involving the theoretical base of the methods of investigation with regard to child sexual abuse. Through this specific research project the researcher will endeavor to contribute to the existing theoretical knowledge base by researching and describing the benefits of implementing pre-forensic evaluation when investigating the presumed sexual abuse of a child. A summary of The Criminal Law (Sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007’s (South-Africa 2007:25-27) definition of child sexual abuse is as follow: “A sexual offence occurs when any person engages a child (a person under the age of 18) with or without the consent of the child, in a sexual act. Sexual act is defined as an act of sexual penetration or an act of sexual violation. Sexual penetration can be seen as any sexual form of penetration to any extent whatsoever by die genital organ, any body part and/or object by one person into, or beyond, the genital organs, anus or mouth of another person”. In order to combat the incidence and increase of child sexual abuse it is imperative that every accusation regarding the possibility of such abuse should be investigated thoroughly. Due to the fact that some children will only disclose sexual abuse when the are in a safe environment, the whole process could be delayed if the child does not feel safe. Johnson (2004:465) postulates that this delay could jeopardize the whole process because when physical healing had occurred the physical evidence could be destroyed. The absence of physical evidence stresses the importance of the implementation of the forensic investigation process. Social workers are regularly required to evaluate children when sexual abuse is suspected. This process often starts with a pre-forensic evaluation in order to ascertain the probability of sexual abuse. If the pre-forensic investigation confirms the possibility of such abuse, the next step is to conduct a formal forensic investigation. Clark (2007:70) explains that this investigation is used to gather relevant factual information required for police investigation and for use in a court of law. Due to the seriousness and sensitivity regarding allegations of child sexual abuse, it is imperative that the social worker should remain neutral and objective at all times. When investigating such allegations Aucamp (2012a:2) advocate three approaches. These approaches are: A blind, history-free, uninformed approach; An informed approach or an allegation-blind approach. It is generally accepted that through the use of the uninformed approach the objectivity of the social worker is enhanced. This is due to the fact that in this approach restricted information is passed on to the social worker, i.e. she has no prior knowledge regarding the perpetrator or the allegations, but only knows the name, gender and age of the specific child (Aucamp, 2012a:5). Faller (2007:41-43) declares that in order to ensure objectivity the postulation of alternative hypotheses form part and parcel of the task of the social worker. The social worker is enabled to formulate these varied hypotheses when as much information as possible relevant to the specific situation is collected. The collection of this data ensures that important information does not get lost and that no alternative explanation can be given for the allegations. Hewitt (1999:214) points out that many factors can add to the child’s inability to cooperate during a formal forensic investigation. Du Plessis (2012:1) therefore recommends a socioemotional evaluation which will enable the investigator to understand the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, speech and language development as well as the scope of his attention span and level of cooperation. The gathering of all this information is made possible because of the structured nature of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Within the scope of the forensic field the term and concept ‘pre-forensic evaluation’ is relatively new. This process is regarded as a mechanism to sift through data in order to evaluate the child’s level of development as well as the social and behavior issues within the focus of the extended forensic investigation process (Carnes, Nelson-Gardell, Wilson & Orgasa, 2001:238). The objective of this research project was to establish the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as the starting point for investigating child sexual abuse in order to make recommendations. In this research the researcher used a qualitative approach which implies a broad approach to the study of social phenomena by implementing a variety of research methods. As this field of forensics is relatively new in South- Africa, the researcher is of the opinion that this research will add to the theoretical and empirical base of knowledge regarding the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as part of the extended forensic investigation process. The following participants were involved and methods utilized to reach the objective of this explorative study: • 8 registered social workers , resident in Gauteng; • 10 client files projecting the use of the pre-forensic investigation process in the lives of children between ages 3 and 6 and where possible sexual abuse was suspected. The methods of data collection involved semi-structured interviews as well as document analysis. Data was processed by means of transcriptions, which elicited various themes and sub-themes which in turn led the researcher to come to specific conclusions in order to make certain recommendations. • All 8 participating registered social workers have applied the pre-forensic evaluation as starting point of the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse; • All 8 participating registered social workers preferred to follow the uninformed approach and agreed on the benefits of this process; All respondents agreed on the following benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation process: • It provides a holistic view on the child’s socio-emotional functioning; • It improves and enhances objectivity and neutrality on the part of the investigator and the investigation; • It enables the researcher to complete a competency evaluation of the child within a non-threatening environment; • It provides ample opportunity for the social worker to build rapport with the child; • It provides guidelines to be followed during the formal forensic investigation process. The researcher also found that none of the participants relayed specific disadvantages regarding the use of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Another theme which crystallized when data was analyzed was that the pre-forensic evaluation structure is sufficient to serve as a screening instrument. The following practical recommendations came to the fore in the process of data analysis: • To divide the pre-forensic evaluation process into two or more sessions; • To allow only trained professional workers to implement the pre-forensic evaluation process; • To standardize the pre-forensic evaluation process for investigating presumed sexual offences; • That pre-forensic evaluation be utilized in the case of all children in need of care and not only when sexual abuse is suspected; In conclusion, with regard to future research themes the researcher would like to propose the following: • The evaluation of valid evaluation techniques which could be included in the preforensic evaluation structure; • The evaluators’ experience and perception regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure; • The effectiveness of using the pre-forensic evaluation structure as a screening instrument; • The reactions and perceptions shown by members of the SAPS and Social Welfare Services with regard to using information that was gathered and passed on to them by means of pre-forensic reports. The researcher believes that this research successfully showed the benefits of the preforensic evaluation process when investigating suspected cases of child sexual abuse. She also believes that if the recommendations of this study would be followed, the whole processed could be streamlined and if the suggested themes were explored, the base of knowledge regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure would be broadened to benefit all parties involved in this process. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Background A widely used concept within marketing is market segmentation, which companies use to create value. Many researchers have focused on different approaches to market segmentation and the segmentation process, but little attention has been given to how one can evaluate such a process. The thesis is written on behalf of the Swedish company Svenska Cellulosa AB that is currently working on a market segmentation project for their baby products category. Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to develop a standardized process for evaluating and measuring the value of a segmentation process. The evaluation process will then be used to give recommendations to SCA on how they can evaluate their own segmentation process. Method To better understand how companies utilize market segmentation, but also how and if they measure the value of such a process, this thesis is conducted using a qualitative approach. The authors chose to collect the primary data through interviews with selected companies. The information gained from the interviews was then used to build three case-studies. The secondary data was collected from reviewing both scientific journals and textbooks concerning the relevant topic. The interviews were further analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques and based on the analysis a segmentation evaluation process was then developed. Conclusion The authors have found some common denominators among the case study companies on how they utilize segmentation to create value. However, none of the companies had developed a structured process to evaluate their segmentation process. By matching the case study findings with the frame of reference in relation to the research purpose the authors were able to develop a standardized segmentation evaluation process. This process was then used to give recommendations to SCA regarding their segmentation project.

Web developers are confronted with evaluating the usability of Web interfaces. Automatic Web usability evaluation tools are available, but they are limited in the types of problems they can handle. Tool support for manual usability evaluation is needed. Accordingly, this research focuses on developing a tool for supporting manual processes in Heuristic Evaluation inspection. The research was conveyed in three phases. First, an observational study was conducted in order to characterize the inspection process in Heuristic Evaluation. The videos of evaluators applying a Heuristic Evaluation on a non-interactive, paper-based Web interface were analyzed to dissect the inspection process. Second, based on the study, a tool for annotating Web interfaces when applying Heuristic Evaluations was developed. Finally, a survey is conducted to evaluate the tool and learn the role of annotations in inspection. Recommendations for improving the use of annotations in problem reporting are outlined. Overall, users were satisfied with the tool. The goal of this research, designing and developing an inspection tool, is achieved.