Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:35:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseMLS.pdf: 1653692 bytes, checksum: eb2ea0ad8059be8ba8b9179d97ecc922 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-05-28 / This research describes and discusses about the conjuncture and the movements of the program so-called as Curricular Integration Activity between Teaching, Research and Outreach (ACIEPE) since its implantation in Sao Carlos Federal University from year 2002 up to 2006, analyzing in a focused way one of its proposals. During the investigation the information have been acquired by interviews with the Program s idealizers and executers, also by the Program s (ACIEPE) documents, questionnaires applied to the coordinators of the program proposals, the registries of one of the program s proposal meetings and by interviews realized with the participants of this experience. The ACIEPE Program had been created during a period in which UFSCar was trying to consolidate itself as a University based on the concepts of democratic participation, academic competence and Social commitment, a perspective that contested the neoliberal politics, which, has occupied a large area into University space. The implantation of the program occurred within a period in which UFSCar s graduation courses were passing through a curriculum reformulation process that began since the establishment of Brazilian Universities Institutional Valuation Program (PAIUB). Initially, the ACIEPE was incorporated to the courses s curriculum as an elective discipline, lately, within the curricular flexibilization, it happened to be a complementary curricular activity. Within the period comprehended between the years 2002-2006, 49 different proposals were done, some of them were re-offered, and now 107 classes can be counted in. New projects of ACIEPEs have been offered each semester (at least five), at the same time, new professors have adhered to different proposals of ACIEPEs demonstrating that the program have been recognized as an opportunity for curricular innovation. Because of the thematics that were chosen, the outreach guidelines, the external public and the methodological approaches, the ACIEPEs presented different faces, which made it different from traditional academic spaces. The proposals of ACIEPEs were consolidated as educative spaces; constituted especially by multidisciplinary teams, which involved learning and professors from distinct majors. In those spaces the formation offered to the graduation students could embrace things beyond the society of the knowledge, involving aspects like citizenship, social equality, environment sustainability, social cooperation, Human values and etc., increasing the student s knowledge experiences, which includes the interaction with different social groups. The practice of the inseparability between teaching, research and outreach at ACIEPEs occurred in a diffuse and incipient manner, overall, when it comes to the interlocution between university and External community. Focusing on one of the experiences of the ACIEPE program entitled as The comprehension about biological knowledge essence and its relationship with Science and biology on Basic Education it could have been evidenced that the ACIEPEs program s intentions were approximately reached, especially the ones related to the construction of a space that could give to the graduation students also professional education and citizenship, even, establishing a strong link between University and several social segments. At the same time, this ACIEPE, basing on its specific objectives and on the perspective of complexity, can be denominated, besides its own limitations, as a curricular innovation, based on the construction of dialogue spaces among the disciplines, whereas it made possible to the participants, especially, the biology teachers and the undergraduate level students of biological sciences course, to find a new significance for the nature of biological knowledge trough the articulation with Philosophy and sociology. / Esta pesquisa descreve e discute a conjuntura, os desenhos e os movimentos do Programa Atividade Curricular de Integração entre Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão (ACIEPE) desde sua implantação, na Universidade Federal de São Carlos, no ano de 2002 até 2006, e analisa, de forma mais focalizada, uma de suas propostas. No percurso da investigação buscaram-se informações por meio de entrevistas com as pessoas idealizadoras e executoras do Programa; em documentos sobre o Programa ACIEPE; em questionários aplicados às(aos) coordenadoras(es) das propostas de ACIEPEs; em registros dos encontros de uma das propostas/experiências do Programa e em entrevistas realizadas com as pessoas participantes desta experiência. O Programa ACIEPE é engendrado num contexto em que a UFSCar procura se consolidar como uma universidade pautada na participação democrática, na competência acadêmica e no compromisso social; perspectiva essa que procura contestar as políticas neoliberais que vêm adentrando no espaço universitário. A implantação do Programa ocorre num momento em que os cursos de graduação da UFSCar estão em processo de reformulação curricular iniciado desde o Programa de Avaliação Institucional das Universidades Brasileiras (PAIUB). Inicialmente, a ACIEPE é incorporada aos currículos dos diferentes cursos enquanto disciplina eletiva, posteriormente, com a flexibilização curricular e, em virtude do próprio formato que ela vai tomando, passa a ser uma atividade curricular complementar. No período de 2002-2006 realizou-se 49 propostas diferentes de ACIEPEs e com a reoferta de algumas delas, se chega a 107 turmas. Novos projetos de ACIEPEs têm sido oferecidos a cada semestre (em média, cinco), ao mesmo tempo, novos(as) professores(as) vêm aderindo às diferentes propostas de ACIEPEs, demonstrando que a comunidade universitária tem reconhecido o Programa como espaço de inovação curricular. As ACIEPEs realizadas apresentaram uma diversidade de desenhos no que diz respeito às temáticas escolhidas; às linhas de extensão; ao público externo e às abordagens metodológicas, se diferenciando dos espaços acadêmicos tradicionais. As propostas de ACIEPEs se consolidaram como espaços educativos constituídos, em especial, por equipes multidisciplinares (envolvendo discentes e docentes de diversas áreas) visando a formação dos(as) graduandos(as) para além da sociedade do conhecimento, ao trabalhar com cidadania, eqüidade social, sustentabilidade ambiental, cooperação social, valores humanos etc. Ao mesmo tempo, ampliaram as vivências de aprendizagem dos(as) alunos(as), sobretudo no que se refere à interação com diferentes grupos sociais. A prática do princípio da indissociabilidade entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão nas ACIEPEs ocorreu de maneira difusa e ainda incipiente, sobretudo, no que se refere à interlocução entre a universidade e a comunidade externa. Focalizando uma das experiências do Programa ACIEPE intitulada A compreensão sobre a natureza do conhecimento biológico e sua relação com as aulas de Ciências e Biologia na Educação Básica , constatou-se que a mesma se aproximou das intenções projetadas pelo Programa ACIEPE, em especial, em relação à construção de um espaço de formação profissional e cidadã para os(as) graduandos(as) e o estabelecimento de um elo permanente entre a universidade e os diversos segmentos sociais. Ao mesmo tempo, pautando-se nos seus objetivos específicos e na perspectiva da Complexidade, esta ACIEPE se constituiu, apesar de algumas limitações, como uma inovação curricular pautada na construção de um espaço de diálogo disciplinar, na medida em que possibilitou aos(às) participantes, especialmente, às professoras de Biologia e aos licenciandos(as) do curso de Ciências Biológicas resignificarem a natureza do conhecimento biológico por intermédio da articulação com a Filosofia e a Sociologia.

[pt] Esta tese tem como objetivo desvendar a lógica da Reforma Trabalhista e Sindical em curso no Brasil, voltada para a flexibilização dos direitos do Trabalho. Nosso estudo se valeu de uma combinação de estratégias de pesquisa que incluem a definição do marco teórico de referência com base na teoria social como instrumental analítico privilegiado para análise do objeto; uma pesquisa documental para identificar o conjunto de medidas legais e propostas de mudanças na legislação do trabalho no período de 1995 a 2006 e a realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas a representantes das entidades patronais e das centrais sindicais, para apreender o posicionamento dos trabalhadores e empregadores quanto à Reforma Trabalhista e Sindical. Na investigação, verificamos que a reforma incide sobre a proteção social do trabalhador no âmbito dos direitos individuais, coletivos e da justiça do trabalho e provoca a desconstrução da regulação social do trabalho com sérias implicações sociais e econômicas: no plano individual, o sistema, além de flexibilizar a jornada, os contratos e rebaixar salários, restringe os direitos e a proteção social dos trabalhadores; no plano coletivo, o modelo proposto é mais um instrumento de conciliação do que de defesa dos trabalhadores contra as empresas e, no plano da Justiça do Trabalho, dificultam-se as ações dos trabalhadores e reduz-se a ação do Estado. A análise revela que as modificações na legislação implicam perdas de direitos e retrocesso das conquistas históricas dos trabalhadores. O corolário é a legitimação das formas de precarização do emprego, o que reforça a fuga de direitos e a troca do trabalho protegido pelo trabalho desprotegido. / [en] This paper aims to find out the logic of the labor and syndicate reformation going on in Brazil, focusing on the flexibilization of the labor`s rights. Our research combined strategies which includes the definition of the theoretical mark of reference based on the social theory as an analytic instrument special for the analysis of the object; a documental research to identify the set of legal acts and proposals to change the labor`s legislation in the period from 1995 to 2006; and the realization of interviews halfstructured to representatives of the employers` entities and to the head syndicates, in order to apprehend where both employers and employees stand regarding the labor and syndicate reformation. Within the investigation we verified that the reformation goes against the social protection of the worker in terms of individual and collective rights and in terms of the labor`s justice, and provokes the deconstruction of the social regulation of labor, causing serious economical and social implications: In the individual field, the system, besides making working hours and the contracts flexible and diminishing the wages, restricts the workers` social rights and protection; In the collective field, the model proposed is more likely a way of reconciliation than a way of defense for the workers against the companies and, in the Labor`s Justice field, it makes workers` actions difficult and diminishes the State`s action. The analysis reveals that the changes in the legislation imply losses of rights and the retreat of the workers` historical conquests. The corollary is the legitimacy of the ways that turn employment precarious, which reinforce the evasion of rights and the shifting from protected labor to non-protected labor.

The research entitled University Reform and Curriculum Flexibilization: a REUNI analysis in the harsh area in Alagoas, aims to analyze the implementation of curricular flexibility in the course of Pedagogy of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Campus Arapiraca, within the period of 2011 and 2016 when the first class of that course, offered at night, was paid up. The curricular flexibility of undergraduate courses, defined as one of the principles of the Programme of Restructuring and Expansion of Federal Universities (REUNI) was embodied during the expansion towards the countryside process of UFAL, through the curricula organization in three pillars of knowledge: initial, intermediate and professional. Despite the philosophical argument advocated by the authors of the expansion Project in UFAL (2005) to justify the curricular flexibilization in order to reorganize former high school students‟ minds, preparing them for university life, the way that it was operationalized reveals economistic aspect of the expansion of this educational level proposed by REUNI through the optimization principle, generating a series of difficulties for students and teachers of that Campus. The methodological / operational format of this study was defined by a case study, systematized in three parts: 1. Selection and delimitation of the case; 2. Field research; 3. Organization and report writing. To achieve its goal, the research was based on theoretical and methodological historical as well as dialectical materialism and literature review, documentary study, application and analysis of questionnaires, conducting and analysis of semi-structured interviews as its main procedures. The data and information resulting from such research were treated by content analysis technique. / A pesquisa intitulada Reforma Universitária e Flexibilização Curricular: uma análise do REUNI no Agreste alagoano teve como objetivo analisar a implementação da flexibilização curricular no curso de Pedagogia, da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Campus Arapiraca. O recorte temporal do estudo cobre o período de 2011 a 2016, quando foi integralizada a primeira turma do referido curso, ofertada no período noturno. O formato metodológico/operacional do presente estudo foi definido por meio de um estudo de caso, sistematizado em três partes, a saber: 1) Seleção e delimitação do caso; 2) Trabalho de campo; 3) Organização e redação do relatório. Para alcançar seu objetivo, a pesquisa teve como referencial teórico-metodológico o materialismo histórico-dialético e como principais procedimentos a revisão de literatura, o estudo documental, a aplicação e análise de questionários, a realização e análise de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados e informações resultantes dessa investigação foram tratados por meio da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Como resultado, o estudo aponta que, apesar do argumento filosófico, defendido pelos autores do Projeto de Interiorização da UFAL (2005) para justificar a flexibilização curricular, de reorganizar a cabeça do aluno egresso do ensino médio, preparando-o para a vida universitária, a forma que a mesma foi operacionalizada revela o caráter economicista da expansão desse nível de ensino proposto pelo REUNI por meio do princípio de otimização, gerando uma série de dificuldades aos alunos e professores do referido Campus. Assim, conclui-se que a universidade que chega ao agreste alagoano realiza um movimento misto de aspectos positivos e negativos referentes ao processo de ampliação do acesso à educação superior no estado de Alagoas. Porém, seu modelo curricular, flexibilizado em troncos de conhecimento, materializa um modelo universitário precarizado que privilegia o ensino em detrimento da pesquisa e da extensão.

Made available in DSpace on 2010-04-20T20:08:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 71050100713.pdf: 1185825 bytes, checksum: 5648e573e1812695179a3357efe25161 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-27T00:00:00Z / Inside Brazilian labor market many different types of work ties have always existed, with some contracts having better work conditions, usually associated with full-time stable contracts. Qualified workers in general had access to this kind of job. Nevertheless in the last decades work relations have gone through deep changes and less stable work ties, many times with worst conditions, have been disseminated between qualified workers. This is a phenomenon that reached labor market in Brazil as well as in other countries. In Brazil, the labor market has moved toward more flexible relations and the dissemination of work contracts outside the CLT system. This phenomenon has occurred in Brazilian labor market in a wide way, reaching both qualified and unqualified workers. Yet, the type and intensity of the consequences are specific according to different professional profiles. Researches about the effects of changes in work relations on the workers and their work trajectories are rare in Brazil. The objective of this research was to get to know the profile of Brazilian qualified worker that had worked for organizations in an exclusive way, and that had experienced in their professional life two types of work tie: standard (associated with CLT contracts) and not standard (associated with non-CLT contracts). The research also investigated the professional trajectories of this type of worker and the sense they gave to their different work ties. To collect data, 50 in deep semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews analyses revealed that between Brazilian qualified workers there is a wide variety of work ties, and the present research proposed a classification with 15 different work ties outside the CLT standard. Amongst this 15, there were 12 that should have been CLT ties, because according to work legislation their work conditions characterized a CLT tie. Data showed that the existence of non-CLT ties depends upon organization size and segment and also on the worker’s job. It also became clear the importance of political, social and economic context in the increase or decrease of this type of tie. The data showed that the non-CLT ties were an artifice used by organizations and workers to lower tax burden. Non-CLT ties had higher wages and fewer benefits when compared to with CLT ties. Nevertheless, the greater flexibility and freedom usually associated with this type of tie were cited only by a portion of the interviewed. Most of the researched group had positive attitudes toward non-CLT ties, and many even preferred this type of tie. Data analyses also revealed that there is a mismatch between actual labor market reality and elements of this environment: society, legislation, organizations, and workers. Society and legislation are structured based on the old labor market. Organizations don’t know how to deal with a labor force with different work ties. And the workers many times are not prepared to act in this differentiated labor market. / Dentro do mercado de trabalho sempre existiram diversos tipos de vínculos, com alguns contratos com melhores condições de trabalho, normalmente associados a contratos estáveis e em tempo integral. Os trabalhadores qualificados em geral tinham acesso a esse tipo de vaga. No entanto, nas últimas décadas as relações de trabalho têm passado por profundas transformações e houve uma proliferação de vínculos menos estáveis e muitas vezes com piores condições entre trabalhadores qualificados. Este é um fenômeno que tem atingido os mercados de trabalho tanto no Brasil quanto no exterior. No Brasil, o mercado de trabalho tem caminhado na direção de uma maior flexibilização e da disseminação de contratos de trabalho fora do sistema CLT. Este fenômeno tem ocorrido no mercado de trabalho brasileiro de forma abrangente, atingindo trabalhadores qualificados e não-qualificados. No entanto, os tipos e intensidades dos efeitos são específicos de acordo com os diferentes perfis profissionais. Pesquisas sobre os efeitos das mudanças das relações de trabalho nos trabalhadores e nas suas trajetórias profissionais são escassas no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer o perfil do trabalhador qualificado brasileiro que tenha trabalhado de forma exclusiva para empresas e que tenha vivenciado em sua vida profissional dois tipos de vínculo de trabalho: padrão (associado a contratos CLT) e não-padrão (associado a contratos Não CLT). A pesquisa investigou também a trajetória profissional deste tipo de trabalhador e o sentido que ele atribui aos seus diferentes vínculos de trabalho. Para o levantamento de dados foram realizadas 50 entrevistas em profundidade semi-estruturadas. A análise das entrevistas revelou que entre trabalhadores qualificados brasileiros existe uma grande variedade de vínculos de trabalho e o presente trabalho propôs uma classificação com 15 tipos diferentes de vínculos fora do padrão CLT. Destes 15, 12 deveriam ser vínculos CLT, pois de acordo com a legislação trabalhista suas condições de trabalho caracterizariam vínculo empregatício. Os dados mostraram que a existência de vínculos Não CLT depende do tamanho e do segmento da empresa e da função do indivíduo. Ficou clara também a importância dos contextos político, social e econômico na disseminação ou diminuição deste tipo de vínculo. A vinculação Não CLT revelou-se um artifício utilizado pelas empresas e pelos trabalhadores para diminuir a carga tributária. Os vínculos Não CLT tinham remuneração mais alta e menor acesso a benefícios quando comparados com os vínculos CLT. No entanto, a maior flexibilidade e liberdade que normalmente são associadas a esse tipo de vínculo foram citadas apenas por uma parte dos entrevistados. A maior parte do grupo pesquisado tinha atitudes positivas em relação aos vínculos Não CLT e muitos preferiam esse tipo de vinculação. A análise dos dados revelou também um descompasso entre a realidade atual do mercado de trabalho e os diversos elementos deste ambiente: sociedade, legislação, organizações e trabalhadores. A sociedade e a legislação estão estruturadas com base no mercado de trabalho do passado. As organizações não sabem lidar com uma força de trabalho com diferentes tipos de vínculo. E os trabalhadores muitas vezes não estão preparados para atuar neste mercado de trabalho diferenciado.

Forms of work and working conditions are constantly changing within organizations, due to inter alia the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the boom of digitization and computerization. Labour market in developed countries is characterized by a higher representation of Generation Y and Generation Z employees whose job preferences differ from the previous generations' ones. These factors then result in transformation of forms and ways of work, working conditions, employee expectations and HR activities. The aim of this Master's thesis is to analyse the development and transformation of Work from a historical perspective, based on analysis and comparison of political documents, current scientific research and theoretically oriented scientific sources; and more importantly, to determine the main future trends in the world of work in connection with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impacts on the field of work. Based on these trends, changes in selected HR activities and working conditions are outlined in this Master's thesis. A deeper examination of the subject is provided by a conducted empirical qualitative survey which is reflecting the theoretical basis and mapping the above- mentioned trends that are changing the concept of work and personnel activities in selected organizations. Key words:...

The performance of the world{\crq}s biggest economies is slowing down and young people are the most affected as shown by the rising numbers of unemployment, especially among the youths. The aim of this thesis is to identify and map the impact of the global financial crisis on the unemployment of graduates in the South Bohemian Region. My intention was to test the hypothesis of my previous thesis topic ``Life targets of the unemployed graduates in České Budějovice`` and the data obtained by thos investigation/research is to be put into context with reference to the current state of the labour market. In this thesis, I have used the form of quantitative research. As a method of data collection, I have chosen to use interviews and document analysis. The technique, in this case, is the secondary analysis of data from the questinaire. The questionnaire was developed in two forms: on paper (printed copies) and on the Internet (the electronic form) in order to increase data. The questionaire consisted of 22 questions which are well related to the total psycho-social and economic well being of the unemployed and, in as much following the current set hypotheses: {\clqq}The most prefered goals in the lives of the unemployed graduates is to find a well paying job``, most of the graduates still remain in a period of unemployment and hence they are still living with their parents`` and {\clqq}Most of the unemployed graduates tend to adopt an active approach in finding a job``. I contacted the respodents through the job centres in South Bohemia Region. The first hypothesis proved to be wrong whilest the second and third hypothesis proved to be correct and hence the aim of the thesis was fulfilled. This is a very practical topic in connection with unemployment and this work can serve as a basis for further research, especially with subsequent use in schools. This work may also be used as a supplement for specialised courses focusing on issues of unemployment.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-18T18:55:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Katia Magalhaes Arruda.pdf: 712740 bytes, checksum: 7562c87339db6222352d67dca2a106e7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-06-27 / The Judicial Power and the precarization of labor. Reflection of judicial decisions in social life has not been approached with the importance the matter requires, especially where the relations resulting from the conflicts between capital and work are concerned. The purpose of this paper is to draw the attention to decisions made by the Labour Federal High Court and the Regional Labour Court in Maranhão relative to precarious labour in Brazil, with emphasis on aspects such as contracting out, flexibilization of rights, poor health and hygienic conditions of workers and degrading work, which, sometimes, reaches the boundaries of slavery. The judicial posture adopted by the Labour Justice seeks to strike a balance between protecting the worker and preserving the company. Considering that the Judicial Power is part of the capitalist State, accomplishing that goal is questionable. In despite of that, the Labour Justice has developed and established itself as the branch of the Judiciary closest to social issues, not only when it plays the role of a mediator between individual and collective conflicts, but also when it, through its judges, prevents the fraud to the employment protection legislation. It can be concluded that the decisions of the Judicial Power based on constitutional principles and rules of employment protection and dignity of human being contribute to the effectiviness of labour rights. / O Judiciário trabalhista e a precarização do trabalho. Estudo sobre a atuação da justiça do trabalho e a relação de suas decisões com a precarização do trabalho no Brasil, considerando que esse é o ramo especializado para dirimir conflitos decorrentes das relações oriundas entre capital e trabalho. A presente pesquisa utiliza a jurisprudência do Tribunal Superior do Trabalho e do Tribunal Regional do Trabalho do Maranhão nos temas de terceirização, flexibilização de direitos, condições de saúde e higiene do trabalhador e formas degradantes de trabalho, inclusive em condição análoga à de escravo. Conclui-se que a postura jurídica adotada pela Justiça do Trabalho oscila entre a proteção ao trabalhador e a preservação da empresa, buscando um ponto de equilíbrio cujo alcance é questionável, uma vez que o Judiciário é poder integrante do Estado capitalista. A Justiça do Trabalho cresceu e se firmou como o ramo do Judiciário mais ligado às questões sociais, ao estabelecer uma prática mediadora nos conflitos individuais e coletivos, e impedir ou reprimir com suas decisões, a fraude à legislação trabalhista. Percebe-se, por fim, que as decisões do Poder Judiciário, exaradas em sentenças ou acórdãos, podem contribuir para a efetividade dos direitos trabalhistas, quanto mais estejam respaldadas nas regras e princípios constitucionais da proteção ao trabalho e da dignidade da pessoa humana.

Cette thèse se compose de trois essais empiriques qui contribuent à la littérature sur la political economy et économie du travail. Le premier chapitre analyse comment les effets du changement dans le degré de fédéralisme fiscal sur la composition de la dépense publique au niveau municipal dépend de la qualité des institutions ex-. Le deuxième chapitre se concentre sur la définition de la classe moyenne à l'aide de l'approche fondée sur les actifs et étudie comment, selon cette définition, les composantes du revenu et de la richesse se répartissent à travers les classes au fil du temps. Le troisième chapitre étudie plutôt comment la flexibilisation du marché du travail affecte le bien-être des travailleurs à l'entrée et au début de leur carrière. Les trois essais sont basés sur l'Italie pour faire la lumière sur trois sujets largement discutés tant au niveau académique que politique. / This thesis consists of three empirical essays that contribute to the literature on political economy and on labor economics. The first chapter analyzes how the effects of changes in the decree of fiscal federalism and mafia penetration on the composition of public expenditure at the municipal level depends on ex-ante institutional quality. The second chapter focus on the definition of the middle class using the asset based approach and studies how, according to this definition, income and wealth components distribute across classes over time. The third chapter, instead, studies how labor market flexibilisation affected workers well-being at entry and during the early career. All three essays are based on Italy to shed light on three topics widely discussed both at the academic and policy level.

Brittleness of a polymeric material has a direct relationship with the material's performance and furthermore shares an inverse relationship with that material's flexibility. The concept of flexibility of materials has been understood but merely explained with a hand-waving manner. Thus, it has never been defined by a calculation, thereby lacking the ability to determine a definite quantitative value for this characteristic. Herein, an equation is presented and proven which makes determining the value of flexibility possible. Such an equation could be used to predict a material's flexibility prior to testing it, thus saving money and valuable time for those in research and in industry. Substantiating evidence showing the relationship between flexibility of polymers and their respective mechanical properties is presented. Further relating the known tensile properties of a given polymer to its flexibility is expanded upon by proving its relationship to the linear coefficient of thermal expansion for each polymer. Additionally, determining flexibility for polymers whose chemical structures have been compromised by respective solvents has also been investigated to predict a solvent's impact on a polymer after exposure. Polymers examined through literature include polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), teflon (PTFE), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Further testing and confirmation was made using PC, PS, ABS, LDPE, PP, and PMMA.

This thesis introduces issues of globalization in the context of work (not only employment) and education. Further, it follows up the impacts of globalization processes on forms of work and on (working) individuals. The topic of globalization is examined in more detail in the first part of the thesis with emphasis on different concepts and approaches to globalization. At the same time this part defines the contemporary globalization. Work as such is introduced by historical excursion and by a list of changes of work in modern society. There are also presented some of the experts' solutions or recommendations for the labour markets including solutions through long-life education and learning. In most cases the "pros and cons" of changes of work and the submitted solutions are confronted. Main findings of this study are: globalization brings contradictory conclusions which provide advantages and disadvantages to various people and groups; there is a link between globalized economy and working individuals; and at the same time that the link between globalization processes and education is in such a sense that changes in education are often derived from the ideas of economics.