Name: Alice Oktábcová Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Jaromíra Uhlířová Oponent: ……………. Diploma thesis: The Application of Robot-Assisted Therapy of Hand after Stroke: Follow-Up Trial of Application of AMADEO Instrument Key words: stroke, robot-assisted therapy, Amadeo Instrument, follow-up study, upper extremity In recent years, western countries noted a gradual increase in stroke survivors. Stroke can cause motor activity impairment and also senzoric and cognitive disorders which lead into restriction of participation of activities of daily living and also reduction of social and community activities. Functional improvment of upper and lower extremity after stroke is a very complex proces which has to be solved in multidiscplinary and multifactorial approach in result of every stroke survivor to live in the most independent way as possible. Robot-assisted therapy for motor recovery could be a successful way to improve motor activity of stroke survivors. Amadeo Instrument is one of robot-assisted therapy for hand rehabilitation of stroke survivors. This instrument can be described as final effector without exoskeleton which allows functional motor therapy for fingers and also a motivational feedback. Amadeo therapy can be passive, assisted, active and also interactive. The aim of this thesis is to...

Title: Development of methamphetamine (ex)users that decided to cease without professional intervention - follow-up study Abstract: BACKGROUND: This work relates to author's research in 2011/2012, in which author captured experience of (ex)users with ceasing drug using without professional help through narrative interviews. Findings shown, that respondents keeps in their narration space for reusing of methamphetamine, so author decided to work with respondents also in future. This work is theoretically based in idiographic and narrative approach, which focus on AIMS: To capture development of methamphetamine (ex)users that decided to cease using methamphetamine without professional intervention after 3 years. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: To capture users' answers about future aiming of individuals, based on preceding research, to catch biography-time development of respondents and to analyze reasoning according to (non)returning to using methamphetamine. METHODS: With those individuals, which were cooperating enough, interviews were held about their current situation. It creates set of interviews from 2011/2012 and from 2015/2016. Interviews were analyzed through narrative-oriented analysis, specifically through categories of values and beliefs. According to demandingness and comprehensiveness of approach, only two...

Normalmente associado à fase pós-decisão da AIA, o processo de follow-up é amplamente reconhecido como a parte mais fraca dos processos de AIA. Dada sua relevância ao criar oportunidades para o aprimoramento do processo e dos sistemas de AIA a partir da incorporação de lições aprendidas, a prática do follow-up foi investigada neste trabalho com vistas ao estabelecimento de potenciais contribuições para o seu aperfeiçoamento no Brasil. Para tanto, optou-se por analisar a organização e operação do sistema de AIA a partir da perspectiva do órgão regulador, compreendido como elemento central na gestão do processo de tomada de decisão. A realização da pesquisa foi embasada na elaboração de dois modelos conceituais, para compreensão do follow-up da AIA de projetos e para a interpretação da aprendizagem através da AIA. A abordagem metodológica utilizada para dar suporte à busca por evidências da prática do follow-up no âmbito da Coordenação Geral de Petróleo e Gás (CGPEG) do Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Renováveis (IBAMA), consistiu na triangulação entre a revisão de literatura, análise documental de normas e processos de licenciamento previamente selecionados e entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com analistas do órgão ambiental. Os resultados encontrados no contexto estudado colocam a CGPEG em posição de destaque no cenário brasileiro em relação à prática do follow-up conduzida por outros Estados, como Bahia e São Paulo, tendo-se verificado um processo bem conduzido, estruturado e em consonância com grande parte dos princípios internacionais de boas práticas do follow-up da AIA apresentados na literatura. Destacam-se os grupos temáticos como mecanismo de comunicação e aprendizagem organizacional, as evidências de aprendizagem single e double loop identificadas, a capacidade técnica e recursos investidos na condução do follow-up, a consideração (ainda que incipiente) dos efeitos cumulativos dos empreendimentos e introdução de iniciativas para inclusão da participação pública nesse processo. Há que se destacar também a importância dos fatores contextuais e regionais sobre os resultados da prática do follow-up verificados no cenário estudado, que vêm refletindo negativamente sobre a prática atual e podem trazer prejuízos à prática futura do follow-up como mecanismo da gestão, aprendizagem e efetividade da AIA nesse contexto. / Usually related to the EIA post-decision stage, the follow-up process is widely recognized as the weakest part of EIA processes. Due to its capacity of creating feedback opportunities for lessons learned on EIA process and system levels, the follow-up practice was explored in order to contribute for its improvement in Brazil. Therefore, the structure and operation of the EIA system was analysed from the perspective of the regulator, a central stakeholder in managing the decision making process. As a first step, a literature review supported the construction of two frameworks to underlie this work regarding EIA follow-up and learning through EIA. The methodological approach used to investigate the follow-up practice within the Oil and Gas General Coordination (CGPEG) from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) consisted in the triangulation of literature review, documental analysis of regulations and licensing processes previously selected and semi structured interviews with environmental analysts of the regulator body. The outcomes place CGPEG in a high position in the Brazilian scenario when comparing its follow-up practice to other states, like Bahia and São Paulo. The organization showed a well conducted follow-up process, in line with most part of the international best practice principles for EIA follow-up presented in the literature. Results highlight the thematic groups as organization learning and communication mechanisms, the identification of single and double loop learning evidences, investment of resources and technical capacity in follow-up practice, consideration (although incipient) of cumulative effects of the activities and introduction of public participation initiatives. It is important to emphasize the influence of contextual and regional factors on the results of follow-up practice: a negative influence was noted in the studied scenario and these factors have also the potential to harm the future follow-up practice as a mechanism of management, learning and effectiveness of EIA in this context.

Normalmente associado à fase pós-decisão da AIA, o processo de follow-up é amplamente reconhecido como a parte mais fraca dos processos de AIA. Dada sua relevância ao criar oportunidades para o aprimoramento do processo e dos sistemas de AIA a partir da incorporação de lições aprendidas, a prática do follow-up foi investigada neste trabalho com vistas ao estabelecimento de potenciais contribuições para o seu aperfeiçoamento no Brasil. Para tanto, optou-se por analisar a organização e operação do sistema de AIA a partir da perspectiva do órgão regulador, compreendido como elemento central na gestão do processo de tomada de decisão. A realização da pesquisa foi embasada na elaboração de dois modelos conceituais, para compreensão do follow-up da AIA de projetos e para a interpretação da aprendizagem através da AIA. A abordagem metodológica utilizada para dar suporte à busca por evidências da prática do follow-up no âmbito da Coordenação Geral de Petróleo e Gás (CGPEG) do Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Renováveis (IBAMA), consistiu na triangulação entre a revisão de literatura, análise documental de normas e processos de licenciamento previamente selecionados e entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com analistas do órgão ambiental. Os resultados encontrados no contexto estudado colocam a CGPEG em posição de destaque no cenário brasileiro em relação à prática do follow-up conduzida por outros Estados, como Bahia e São Paulo, tendo-se verificado um processo bem conduzido, estruturado e em consonância com grande parte dos princípios internacionais de boas práticas do follow-up da AIA apresentados na literatura. Destacam-se os grupos temáticos como mecanismo de comunicação e aprendizagem organizacional, as evidências de aprendizagem single e double loop identificadas, a capacidade técnica e recursos investidos na condução do follow-up, a consideração (ainda que incipiente) dos efeitos cumulativos dos empreendimentos e introdução de iniciativas para inclusão da participação pública nesse processo. Há que se destacar também a importância dos fatores contextuais e regionais sobre os resultados da prática do follow-up verificados no cenário estudado, que vêm refletindo negativamente sobre a prática atual e podem trazer prejuízos à prática futura do follow-up como mecanismo da gestão, aprendizagem e efetividade da AIA nesse contexto. / Usually related to the EIA post-decision stage, the follow-up process is widely recognized as the weakest part of EIA processes. Due to its capacity of creating feedback opportunities for lessons learned on EIA process and system levels, the follow-up practice was explored in order to contribute for its improvement in Brazil. Therefore, the structure and operation of the EIA system was analysed from the perspective of the regulator, a central stakeholder in managing the decision making process. As a first step, a literature review supported the construction of two frameworks to underlie this work regarding EIA follow-up and learning through EIA. The methodological approach used to investigate the follow-up practice within the Oil and Gas General Coordination (CGPEG) from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) consisted in the triangulation of literature review, documental analysis of regulations and licensing processes previously selected and semi structured interviews with environmental analysts of the regulator body. The outcomes place CGPEG in a high position in the Brazilian scenario when comparing its follow-up practice to other states, like Bahia and São Paulo. The organization showed a well conducted follow-up process, in line with most part of the international best practice principles for EIA follow-up presented in the literature. Results highlight the thematic groups as organization learning and communication mechanisms, the identification of single and double loop learning evidences, investment of resources and technical capacity in follow-up practice, consideration (although incipient) of cumulative effects of the activities and introduction of public participation initiatives. It is important to emphasize the influence of contextual and regional factors on the results of follow-up practice: a negative influence was noted in the studied scenario and these factors have also the potential to harm the future follow-up practice as a mechanism of management, learning and effectiveness of EIA in this context.

Einleitung Die aneurysmale Subarachnoidalblutung und ihre Komplikationen stellen eine akut lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung dar. Aufgrund einer hohen Letalität und Morbidität sowie zahlreichen, nicht modifizierbaren Risikofaktoren und fehlenden eindeutigen Präventionsmaßnahmen bleibt diese Krankheit eines der aktuellen Themen der Neurochirurgie. Ziel Ziel dieser Studie ist der Vergleich der Behandlungsergebnisse von Patienten mit aneurysmaler SAB im Klinikum Chemnitz mit aktuellen Literaturdaten. Material und Methode In dieser Arbeit wurden die Daten von insgesamt 200 Patienten mit aneurysmaler Subarachnoidalblutung retrospektiv zusammengefasst. Es wurde eine Populationsanalyse zusammen mit einer Analyse der Korrelationen zwischen verschiedenen Ausgangs- und Verlaufsparametern mit dem allgemeinen Outcome und der Mortalität durchgeführt. Zusätzlich erfolgte eine Follow-up-Analyse der Mortalität und Morbidität bei 108 Patienten. Im statistischen Modell wurden eine Uni- und Bivariatanalyse sowie binäre und multinomiale logistische Regression angewendet. Kaplan-Meier-Kurven in Verbindung mit Cox-Regressionsanalysen wurden zur Beurteilung der Mortalität eingesetzt. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit Literaturdaten verglichen. Das Votum der Ethikkommission der TU Dresden liegt vor (EK 181052014 vom 15.09.2014). Ergebnisse Von 200 Patienten mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 52 J (20-82 J, Medianalter 51 ± 13,6 J) waren 69 Patienten männlich (34,5 %), 131 – weiblich (65,2 %). Das männlich : weiblich Verhältnis betrug 1:1,9. Der klinische Schweregrad der Patienten bei Aufnahme wurde durch die WFNS- und die HH-Skalen evaluiert. Zusätzlich wurden die BNI- und Fisher-Skalen zwecks Evaluation des radiologischen Schweregrades der aSAB eingesetzt. Die Patientendistribution anhand der WFNS-Skala war: WFNS °I – 42,0 %, WFNS °II – 10,0 %, WFNS °II – 16,5 %, WFNS °IV – 22,5%, WFNS °V – 9,0 %. Die Verteilung der Patienten durch die HH-Skala war vergleichbar. 14,5 % der Patienten hatten eine BNI 1, 41,5 % - BNI 2, 32,0 % – BNI 3, 10,5 % - BNI 4, 1,5 % - BNI 5 Blutung. Bei 5,5 % der Patienten lag eine Fisher 1, 10,5 %– Fisher 2, 28,0% - Fisher 3 und 56,0 % - Fisher 4 SAB vor. 77,5 % der Aneurysmata waren klein (<11mm), 18,5 % - groß (11-25mm), 4 % - Giant (>25mm). Die Aneurysmen war meist im Bereich der Acom (41,5 %) und MCA (36,5 %) lokalisiert. Insgesamt 94,5 % der Aneurysmen gehörten zur vorderen Zirkulation. Die primäre Mortalitätsrate betrug 14,5 %. 21,5% der Patienten hatten einen mRS von 0-1 bei Entlassung, 26,0 % - einen mRS 2-3, 38,0 % - einen mRS 4-5. Die mittlere Follow-up-Dauer betrug 71,3 ± 43,2 Monate (Spannweite 2-168 Monate). Von den initial Überlebenden und im Follow-up eingeschlossenen Patienten sind 10,2 % im Verlauf verstorben. 48,1 % hatten einen mRS 0-1, 30,6% mRS 2-3, 11,1 % - mRS 4-5. Diskussion Das Outcome der Patienten mit einer aSAB trägt einen multifaktoriellen Charakter. Die wesentlichen Prädiktoren des Outcomes sind das Alter, der klinische und radiologische Schweregrad der Blutung, die Notwendigkeit der Versorgung eines posthämorrhagischen Hydrozephalus (temporäre und dauerhafte CSF-Ableitung), ein Vasospasmus, DIND und Entgleisun-gen im Serum-Natrium-Spiegel. Die Mortalitätsrate bei der primären Versorgung der Patienten mit einer aSAB in unserer Ko-horte ist um etwa 5 % niedriger als in der Literatur angegeben. Die Mortalitätsrate steigert sich allmählich während der ersten 3 Wochen. Sie wird im Wesentlichen vom Patientengeschlecht, dem klinischen und radiologischen Schweregrad der Blutung, der Notwendigkeit einer Akutversorgung eines aufgetretenen Hydrozephalus, einem Vasospasmus, Entgleisungen im Serum-Natrium-Spiegel sowie der Notwendigkeit einer CSF-Dauerableitung beeinflusst. Die Notwendigkeit einer CSF-Außenableitung bei Aufnahme korreliert mit einem schlechten Zustand der Patienten bei Entlassung und im Follow-up. Der Vasospasmus ist ein unabhängiger Prädiktor eines primär schlechten Outcomes und einer hohen Mortalität, zeigt sich aber als nicht signifikanter Faktor im Langzeit-Follow-up. Die Shuntpflicht ist bei Patienten mit Elektrolytentgleisungen, beidseitigen EVDs und DIND 3-4fach erhöht, beeinflusst jedoch nur die primäre Morbidität/Mortalität. Entgleisungen im Serum-Natrium-Spiegel zeigten sich als unabhängiger Prädiktor eines schlechten Outcomes und erhöhter Mortalität sowohl während des stationären Aufenthaltes, als auch im Langzeit-Follow-up. Die Notwendigkeit einer dekompressiven Kraniektomie wiederspiegelt sich in einem niedrigen BI der Patienten im primären Outcome und ist Prädiktor eines schlechten Outcomes und erhöhter Mortalität im Langzeit-Follow-up.:Verzeichnis der Abkürzungen 5 Kapitel 1: Grundlagen 6 1.1. Einleitung 6 1.2. Definition und Epidemiologie 7 1.3. Ätiologie 8 1.4. Pathogenese 9 1.5. Klinische Manifestation 11 1.6. Diagnostik 13 1.7. Therapie des rupturierten Aneurysmas 15 1.8. Therapie der Komplikationen nach aneurysmaler Subarachnoidalblutung 17 Kapitel 2: Methodik 19 2.1. Allgemein 19 2.2. Patientengut, Aufnahmezustand und Aneurysmacharakterisierungen 20 2.3. Therapie und Krankheitsverlauf 21 2.4. Outcome 22 2.5. Evaluation des aktuellen Zustandes der Patienten 23 2.6. Datenschutz und Statistisches Modell 24 Kapitel 3: Ergebnisse 25 3.1. Populationsanalyse, Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien 25 3.2. Schwere der Subarachnoidalblutung 26 3.3. Charakteristika der rupturierten Aneurysmen 27 3.4. Primäres Outcome 29 3.5. Outcome im Langzeit-Follow-up 31 3.6. Mortalität 33 3.7. Therapiedauer, Hydrozephalus, Elektrolytentgleisungen 36 3.8. DIND und Vasospasmus 38 3.9. Therapieassoziierte Komplikationen und Folgeoperationen 39 Kapitel 4: Diskussion 40 4.1. Mortalität 40 4.2. Outcome 43 4.3. Versorgungspflichtiger Hydrozephalus und Outcome 44 4.4. Vasospasmus, DIND, Elektrolytentgleisungen und Outcome 45 4.5. Limitationen der Studie 47 4.6. Schlussfolgerungen 48 Zusammenfassung 49 Summary 52 Literaturverzeichnis 55 Anlage 1 64 Anlage 2 66 Anlage 3 67 Anlage 4 68 Anlage 5 69 Anhang 1: Mortalitätsdynamik während des stationären Aufenthaltes 72 Anhang 2: Mortalitätsdynamik im Follow-up 74 Anhang 3: Die Abhängigkeit des Outcomes von verschiedenen Faktoren 75 Danksagung 78

Syfte: Syftet med denna kandidatuppsats är att utifrån tillitsdelegationens principer förtillitsbaserad styrning och ledning, undersöka hur chefer följer upp i den offentligtfinansierade verksamheterna. Metod: Studien har en kvalitativ utgångspunkt med en abduktiv ansats. Studien bestårav åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer som har genomförts med chefer från olikakommunla verksamheter. Resultat och slutsats: Studien visar på att det råder oklarheter råder kring hur dentillitsbaserade styrningen som koncept ska på ett konkret vis praktiseras i vardagen.Detta ledare i sin tur vidare till att chefer inom kommunala verksamheter inte fullt utvågar gå ifrån de tidigare styrverktygen som inte främjar en tillitsbaserad styrning,utifrån det faktum att verksamheterna till stor del är lagstyrd. Examensarbetets bidrag: Studien stänker tesen om att en av de avgörande faktorernaför en tillitsbaserad uppföljning är vilket som är dess syfte och fokus, att den ska utgåifrån verksamhetens ändamål. Men även att de kollegiala uppföljningsformerna ochdialogen som verktyg är avgörande i en tillitsbaserade uppföljning. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Förslag till vidare forskning kan vara att genomföra enmotsvarande studie som denna bland andra delar av den offentliga sektorn, såsommyndigheter som är direkt underställda regeringen. En annan aspekt som skulle kunnaforskas kring är om den tillitsbasarede styrningen, som syftar till att ge medarbetarestörre möjlighet att lägga mer tid på att utföra verksamhet istället för att följa upp, givitnågot effektivare utförande.

Två huvudsakliga mål för byggprojekt är att de ska färdigställas inom viss tidsram till en viss kostnad. För att säkerställa att framgångsrika projekt uppnås är det viktigt att projekten styrs så att de uppnår målen där uppföljning och avstämning utgör en huvudsaklig aktivitet.  Planering tillsammans med avstämning har visat sig vara en viktig framgångsnyckel för en strukturerad process. För planering av projekt kan Last planner användas som metod, aktiviteter planeras och kategoriseras enligt kan och bör för att sedan generera en plan. Kostnader styrs och följs upp under projektets gång. Målkostnadsstyrning är en metod för styrning av kostnader som genereras vid både projektering och produktion. Bristfälliga rutiner och komplexitet påverkar arbetet och försvårar styrningen av produktionen för platscheferna. Denna studie fokuserar på att kartlägga hur arbetet med uppföljning av produktionstidplan och produktionskalkyl utförs för att sedan utvärdera tänkbara förbättringsmöjligheter. Studiens syfte har varit att undersöka hur uppföljning och avstämning av produktionskalkyl samt produktionstidplan utförs i produktionsprocessen vid byggprojekt. För att realisera detta har en fallstudie gjorts på ett svenskt byggföretag.  Målet med studien har varit att ta reda på hur arbetet med uppföljning av ett projekts ekonomiska utfall kan förenklas. Detta har lett till att en undersökning för hur tidplanen skulle kunna användas vid ekonomisk styrning. Ytterligare ett mål med studien har varit att bidra till forskningen inom ekonomisk uppföljning i byggbranschen. Den metod som använts för att uppfylla studiens syfte har inneburit ett utforskande angreppssätt. Detta för att öka förståelsen inom problemområdet. Vidare har studien använt sig av abduktiv forskningsansats då den utgår från en teoretisk referensram för att sedan utföra intervjuer och observationer. Studien har vidare utförts med hjälp av kvalitativ strategi då fokus har varit att skapa djupare förståelse för problemområdet och då datainsamling kräver anpassning. Data har samlats in med hjälp av litteraturstudie, intervjuer, observationer samt kvalitativa sekundärdata. Studien visar att rutiner och arbetssätt för uppföljning av produktionskalkyl är bristfällig. I produktionsprocessen är prognoser i dagsläget det vanligaste sättet att använda sig av vid ekonomiska uppföljningar. Prognoser utförs däremot inte med sådant tätt intervall, vanligen fyra gånger per år vilket gör att kontroll på det ekonomiska läget mellan dessa tillfällen är bristfällig. Arbetssätt för uppföljning av produktionstidplan är mer utforskat jämförelsevis. Produktionstidplan och produktionskalkyl utgör underlag för styrning av produktionen och har ett starkt samband. Genom att integrera dessa två underlag med varandra skulle det bidra till att det ekonomiska utfallet kan följas upp med tätare intervall och på så sätt ge produktionsledningen indikation om projektet överskrider budget eller ej.  Den rekommendation som ges till företaget är att i första hand likrikta arbetet hos de anställda genom att se till att det finns rutiner och arbetsbeskrivningar att tillgå för arbete gällande uppföljning av kalkyl och tidplan i genomförandeprocessen. Detta skulle generera i bättre styrning av produktionen så att både tids- och kostnadsmålen kan uppnås. / Two main goals for construction projects are that they should be completed within a certain time frame at a certain cost. To ensure that successful projects are achieved, it is important that the projects are managed so that they achieve the goals where follow-up and reconciliation constitute a main activity. For project planning, Last planner can be used as a method. Activities are planned and categorized according to can and should, which will then generate a plan. Costs are controlled and followed up during the project. Target cost control and target cost design is a method who can be used for control of cost generated in both design- and production process. Planning together with reconciliation has proven to be an important key to success for a structured process. Defective routines and complexity affect the work and make it difficult to control the production for the site managers. The focus of this thesis is to map how the work with following up the schedule and the economic calculation for a project in the production process and evaluate possible improvement opportunities. The aim of this study was to investigate how the work with reconciliation of production costs and time scheduled are performed in the production process for construction projects. To realize this a case study has been done together with a Swedish construction company. Further, the aim of the survey of the working method has been to find out how the work can be simplified. This has led to an investigation into how the schedule could be used for financial management.  Another goal with this study has been to contribute to the research on the follow- up process I construction projects. To achieve the aim an exploratory researched has been used. The reason for this was to increase understanding within the problem area. Furthermore, the study has used an abductive research approach as it is based on a theoretical frame of reference and the conducts interviews and observations. The study has also been carried out with the help of qualitative strategy as the focus has been on creating a deeper understanding of the problem area and as data collection requires variation. Data have been collected using literature study, interviews, observation and qualitative secondary data. The study shows that routines and working methods for following up production calculations are defective. In the production process, forecasts are currently the most common way of using financial follow-ups. Forecasts, on the other hand, are not carried out at such a tight interval, usually four times a year, which means that control of the economic situation between these occasions is defective. Work methods for following up production schedules are more explored comparatively. Production schedule and production calculation form the basis for controlling production and have a close connection. By integrating these two bases with each other, it would contribute to the financial outcome being followed up at more frequent intervals and thus give the production management an indication of whether the project exceeds the budget or not. The recommendation for the company is to primarily align the work of the employees by ensuring that there are routines and job descriptions available for work regarding follow-up of calculations and schedules in the implementation process. This would generate in better control of production so that both time and cost targets can be achieved.

An independent industry of Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) is active on various construction sites across South Africa. It forms part of a global network of verifiers, such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA follow-up verifiers. This network authenticates statements about and the implementation of sustainability commitments made during the planning phase of major construction projects. International studies show that the construction industry is experiencing many challenges to deliver sustainability commitments, including inadequate collaboration between role players, illdefined roles and responsibilities, and insufficient use of environmental governance approaches. On-site verifiers like ECOs may aid in restraining these challenges by bridging ineffective governance approaches, such as classic EIA with new governance approaches, for instance self-responsibility (e.g. Environmental Management Systems (EMSs)) and involvement of third parties. Moreover, an “independent from all” verification function may be vital in developing countries such as South Africa, where trust between the government, market and public is particularly fragile due to historical injustices. Interestingly, limited learning has been drawn and shared from this function’s real-world experience. There are also differing views on the role, independence and value of ECOs, due to roles, frequent interaction with persons responsible for delivering sustainability commitments, and collaboration with third parties being ill-defined. The overarching purpose of this study is to advance understanding of independent ECOs in major South African construction projects. Three lines of inquiry are followed. The first is to define what the role is, or ideally should be, of an ECO in the South African compliance monitoring and enforcement effort. The second is to identify what factors might influence the independence of verifiers. The third is to appraise how and to what extent independent EIA follow-up verifiers add value in major construction projects in the developing country context of South Africa. This study’s research assumptions are based on the real world of ECOs and uses a mixed method research approach to draw knowledge from the industry. The strategies of inquiry include a survey, interviews, and multiple case study evaluations. The methods for data collection include literature review, a self-administered survey questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, video material, observations of practice at case studies, and the collection of project documentation. The methods used for data analysis are the categorisation and measuring of opinions and statements of survey participants, the analysis of video material and project documentation, and the nominal categorisation and ordinal scaling of case study results. Three journal articles capture the essence of the research results and form part of the thesis report, as prescribed by the North-West University’s rules for doctoral theses in article format. All three articles were peer-reviewed and published in journals aimed at international audiences. Article 1 of the thesis highlights that an industry of ECOs fulfils numerous roles at various construction sites across South Africa. The results identify the importance of ECOs functioning independently of all role-players, but warn that obsessing about independence may compromise the ability of ECOs to fulfil their roles. The results also show that industry is in need of competence and the regulation thereof, as well as support from all role players. By drawing from the research results, the thesis defines an ECO. Article 2 of the thesis reiterates that independence is central to internationally acclaimed verification fields and important to ensure the credibility of EIA. The study identifies 18 factors that might influence the independence of EIA follow-up verifiers and divides the factors into five categories: financial, commercial, professional, personal, and other. By identifying and sharing these factors, this thesis aids in anticipating and avoiding potential conflict of interest between environmental role players. Article 3 strengthens the continuum between environmental governance approaches by conceptualising a framework for appraising the value of independent EIA follow-up verifiers. The framework provides for inter-linking principles and objectives of sustainability to the performance areas of EIA, EIA follow-up and the EMS. The appraisal results indicate that independent verifiers add most value when they are involved in screening, checking compliance, influencing decisions, community engagement, and integrating environmental governance approaches. The study confirms the benefits of adaptable, proactive, experienced, and independent EIA follow-up verifiers, such as ECOs, on major South African construction projects. / PhD (Geography and Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

An independent industry of Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) is active on various construction sites across South Africa. It forms part of a global network of verifiers, such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA follow-up verifiers. This network authenticates statements about and the implementation of sustainability commitments made during the planning phase of major construction projects. International studies show that the construction industry is experiencing many challenges to deliver sustainability commitments, including inadequate collaboration between role players, illdefined roles and responsibilities, and insufficient use of environmental governance approaches. On-site verifiers like ECOs may aid in restraining these challenges by bridging ineffective governance approaches, such as classic EIA with new governance approaches, for instance self-responsibility (e.g. Environmental Management Systems (EMSs)) and involvement of third parties. Moreover, an “independent from all” verification function may be vital in developing countries such as South Africa, where trust between the government, market and public is particularly fragile due to historical injustices. Interestingly, limited learning has been drawn and shared from this function’s real-world experience. There are also differing views on the role, independence and value of ECOs, due to roles, frequent interaction with persons responsible for delivering sustainability commitments, and collaboration with third parties being ill-defined. The overarching purpose of this study is to advance understanding of independent ECOs in major South African construction projects. Three lines of inquiry are followed. The first is to define what the role is, or ideally should be, of an ECO in the South African compliance monitoring and enforcement effort. The second is to identify what factors might influence the independence of verifiers. The third is to appraise how and to what extent independent EIA follow-up verifiers add value in major construction projects in the developing country context of South Africa. This study’s research assumptions are based on the real world of ECOs and uses a mixed method research approach to draw knowledge from the industry. The strategies of inquiry include a survey, interviews, and multiple case study evaluations. The methods for data collection include literature review, a self-administered survey questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, video material, observations of practice at case studies, and the collection of project documentation. The methods used for data analysis are the categorisation and measuring of opinions and statements of survey participants, the analysis of video material and project documentation, and the nominal categorisation and ordinal scaling of case study results. Three journal articles capture the essence of the research results and form part of the thesis report, as prescribed by the North-West University’s rules for doctoral theses in article format. All three articles were peer-reviewed and published in journals aimed at international audiences. Article 1 of the thesis highlights that an industry of ECOs fulfils numerous roles at various construction sites across South Africa. The results identify the importance of ECOs functioning independently of all role-players, but warn that obsessing about independence may compromise the ability of ECOs to fulfil their roles. The results also show that industry is in need of competence and the regulation thereof, as well as support from all role players. By drawing from the research results, the thesis defines an ECO. Article 2 of the thesis reiterates that independence is central to internationally acclaimed verification fields and important to ensure the credibility of EIA. The study identifies 18 factors that might influence the independence of EIA follow-up verifiers and divides the factors into five categories: financial, commercial, professional, personal, and other. By identifying and sharing these factors, this thesis aids in anticipating and avoiding potential conflict of interest between environmental role players. Article 3 strengthens the continuum between environmental governance approaches by conceptualising a framework for appraising the value of independent EIA follow-up verifiers. The framework provides for inter-linking principles and objectives of sustainability to the performance areas of EIA, EIA follow-up and the EMS. The appraisal results indicate that independent verifiers add most value when they are involved in screening, checking compliance, influencing decisions, community engagement, and integrating environmental governance approaches. The study confirms the benefits of adaptable, proactive, experienced, and independent EIA follow-up verifiers, such as ECOs, on major South African construction projects. / PhD (Geography and Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Corporate financing is very important for all parties involved in the financial market. Venture capital is one of the sources of financing SMEs, and its main characteristic is the active partnership offered by venture capital professionals (VCs) to entrepreneurs. However, this active involvement has not been very fruitful. In the period from 2002-2004, the venture capital industry in Québec generated low or even negative earnings. This situation has led VCs to question not only their selection practices, but also their investment monitoring practices. In addition, recent academic and professional publications have highlighted the importance of the post-investment phase in value creation for partner companies. This research explores the ways in which VCs monitor their investments in order to better understand how this monitoring contribute to the value creation process for their partners companies. In fact, the key question in this research is as follows: how can VC professionals improve their investment monitoring practices so that they can contribute to the success of partner companies by optimizing their formal and informal relationships? The purpose is to clarify the types of post-investment monitoring done by VCs through the studies of their professional's activities. The research findings lead to an investment monitoring framework. This framework comprises of the following key activities: relational dynamics, follow up and involvement . These three overlapping activities facilitate the creation of added value to investments and, to an extent, lead to the generation of better rate of returns. They rely on the complementarity and coexistence between the logical approach and the socio-political approach throughout the entire investment monitoring process.