The aim of this research is to explore the contextual characteristics of a particular group of Dutch restaurant owner’s (SSUSCROs) and practitioners, to examine how these contextual characteristics might be used in a professional hospitality education programme. This very small segment of the Dutch restaurant business (0,2-0,5% of the total restaurants) is known for its strong commitment to competitiveness, in delivering quality service and products. No previous research in The Netherlands had embarked on a search for connecting this specific category of practitioners to education. As owners of their restaurants, the SSUSCROs were aware of the potential contribution that participating in this research would make. The research was designed from a constructionist epistemological point of view. This means that the data supplied by the respondents, and the background and vision of the researcher provided an interplay. By using grounded theory methodology, theory is constructed from the empirical data. The main instrument for the primary research was in-depth, interviewing. Six retired and four practising restaurant owners, and a connoisseur of the business were interviewed in one to three hour depth interviews that were digitally recorded. The transcripts of the recorded interviews were analysed, applying the specific constructivist version of grounded theory methodology as described by Charmaz’s (2006). The research generated a grounded theory in the form of a narrative about the SSUSCRO social construct and its central theme ‘Living the business’. The narrative informs future practitioners i.e. students, about how they can prepare for possible future business ventures in the culinary restaurant business. Furthermore, it confronts future practitioners with the notion of particular contextual characteristics and value systems that need to be incorporated in order to successfully engage in and sustain a career in the culinary restaurant sector. Elements of the narrative, connected to Covey’s 7-Habits of Highly Effective People framework for personal leadership. The findings from this research confirmed the importance of providing students in hospitality management education with a approach towards professional development that is grounded in the social construct of a remarkable group of entrepreneurs such as the SSUSCROs. The conclusions suggested that faculty and academic management of hospitality management programmes need to become more knowledgeable about the particular nature of the discipline, and the specific category of practitioners researched here.

The following research examined the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its influence on branding in the energy sector. This research took place at Hydro Ottawa because it is a power distribution and a power generation company, with a mixed private and public business model operating in a monopolistic context, which is a well-rounded example that can be transferred to other organizations and other sectors. This research followed a case study approach guided by Strauss and Corbin’s (1990, 1998) grounded theory. This study attempted to answer the following research question 1) Who are the main stakeholders at Hydro Ottawa and what type of influence do they have on the development of their CSR and branding strategies? 2) How is CSR enunciated and applied at Hydro Ottawa? 3) How does CSR shape the brand image of Hydro Ottawa? In order to explore the research questions, the data collected for this study consisted of interviews, organizational documents, as well as observation. Due to the time limitation for a master’s thesis, six participants were chosen for interviews, which were later transcribed, coded and analysed by the researcher. The findings indicated that building a CSR strategy based on a healthy organizational culture, stakeholder needs, and the triple bottom line (financial, social, environmental) led to CSR essentially becoming the brand. The brand can then be communicated and shaped from and inside-out (from the employees to the external stakeholders)/outside-in (from external stakeholders to inside the organization) approach. Based on a grounded theory analysis, the researcher created a step-by-step prescriptive model that could be used to advance corporate social responsibility into Hydro Ottawa’s brand as well as offer a critical perspective of the findings.

As more organisations apply project management to perform projects in order to deliver high quality products and services, the demand for project managers grows, and thus more research is required on the effectiveness of project managers (Crawford, 2005). Hence, this research project aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the effectiveness of project managers within project-oriented organisations.The purpose of this research project is to fill the research gap by bringing the practical perspective of the effectiveness of project managers, from different informants in various fields, into the theoretical perspective in the form of a conceptual model (i.e. the combination of the constructs: core categories, categories, and concepts) through in-depth interviews and the grounded theory method. This qualitative study attempts to provide a fresh insight into the leading and managing projects, and hence into the effectiveness of project managers in project-oriented organisations.This research project is one of the very rare studies investigating the matter of an effective project manager, particularly within project-oriented organisations. It is also one of the very few studies investigating the role of leadership in the effectiveness of project managers, particularly within project-oriented organisations. In addition, it is one of the very rare studies providing the conceptual model as the criteria for project managers to become effective within project-oriented organisations. Furthermore, it is one of the very rare studies providing the practical model as the tool to evaluate the effectiveness of project managers within project-oriented organisations. The research project provides an insightful understanding of the notion of leadership, management, and emotional intelligence, and uncovers their roles in the effectiveness of project managers within project-oriented organisations.The research project highlights the value of qualitative inquiry for exploring individuals’ perceptions and lived experiences, as well as investigating phenomena which have been relatively under-investigated to date. It also highlights the usefulness of grounded theory, which builds concepts grounded in empirical data.

Positive psychology has become influential in research and practice. However, some have criticized positive psychologists who focus solely on the virtues of being positive. A tyrannical pressure to be positive may potentially exist in positive psychology, as well as mainstream United States culture. The following study explored perceptions of this theory using focus groups of individuals who differed in coping style, social desirability, and depression. Results suggest that individuals are affected by social pressures to be positive, and the expression of both positive and negative emotions is determined by social pressures, rules, context, and consequences. Although emotional expression, especially negativity, is contraindicated in several social contexts, there are also social, psychological, and physical benefits to all types of emotional expression.

The road of development through e-government is covered with deep potholes and dead ends. This is because Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are adopted and e-government policies are developed with a blind focus on the ICT tools and with little reflection on the contribution of ICT to development (Heeks and Bailur, 2007, p. 243, Avgerou, 2009, p. 14). To assist with this reflection Information Systems (IS) researchers are increasingly calling for the development of local contextual theory or a framework in ICT for Development (ICT4D) (Avgerou, 2009, p. 14, Madon et al., 2007, Walsham, 2003, Walsham, 1997). This thesis responds to that call by investigating the role of e-government towards development within the South African context. The means of inquiry was a three year ethnographic immersion in a longitudinal research project. The aim of the longitudinal research project was to investigate how a specialised type of ICT (Group Support Systems) can enable interaction between government and citizens in attaining specific human rights. The research project centred on creating an awareness among the public in South Africa of a newly enacted Act, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No 3 of 2000 (PAJA). The rich data collected was analysed using Grounded Theory, resulting in a substantive theory that suggests that within the South African context e-government could contribute to development if it is used to facilitate policy implementation within the spirit of Ubuntu. The thesis delineates the journey up to the emergence of the substantive theory. The substantive theory has important implications for IS theory and IS practice. For IS theory, the substantive theory demonstrates that research on ICT4D in Africa could usefully be undertaken by following an action research strategy within a critical-interpretive paradigm. The substantive theory also suggests the importance of taking into account the contextual collaborative nature of African culture in the spirit of Ubuntu when conducting such research. For practice, the substantive theory proposes a potential framework where ICT could provide the collaborative environment or shared space in the spirit of Ubuntu for policy implementation towards development. Checked against implementation requirements on the South African policy on entrepreneurship, the substantive theory framework proves to be equally valuable. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Informatics / unrestricted

Afin de répondre aux enjeux sociaux d'adaptations aux effets des changements climatiques, cette thèse participe à la compréhension des processus de développement de capacité d'adaptation. L'objet d'étude principal porte sur les dynamiques citoyennes spontanées de transition. Il s'agit de groupe de citoyen souhaitant agir localement pour le développement de leur territoire de manière cohérente autour de valeurs partagées.Cette thèse contribue à démontrer l'émergence et le développement de pratiques sociales innovantes, assimilable à des innovations sociales dans des arènes de transition reproduisant les caractéristiques des niches, espace protégé et restreint encourageant l'incubation. Ces innovations sociales, favorisé par la mise en réseau, la cohésion et le partage de valeurs contribuent au développement de capacité d'adaptation à travers une volonté de transmission, des pratiques d'essaimage et une dynamique globale d'inclusion.Concrètement, cette étude porte sur deux initiatives de transition semblable dans leurs intentions et différentes par leur histoire. Elles participent à considérer une nouvelle dynamique de société à la fois spontanée, autonome et inclusive. En se positionnant ni "contre" le territoire et ses institutions, ni "sans" eux, ces initiatives de transition représentent des alternatives remarquables pour conduire vers des sociétés plus coopératives et davantage capables de s'adapter aux effets des changements climatiques. / To respond to social issues of adaptation to the effects of climate change, this thesis contributes to the understanding of adaptation capacity development processes. The main subject is the spontaneous transitional citizens dynamics. It is about a group of citizens wishing act locally for the development of their territory in a coherent way around shared values.This thesis helps to demonstrate the emergence and the development of innovative social practices. This is comparable to social innovations in transition arenas who reproduce characteristics of niches: protected and restricted space encouraging incubation. These social innovations, fostered by networking, cohesion and the sharing of values, contribute to the development of adaptability through a desire for transmission and a global dynamic of inclusion.Concretely, this study focuses on two transition initiatives similar in their intentions and different in their history. They participate in considering a new dynamic of society that is both spontaneous, autonomous and inclusive.By positioning itself neither "against" the territory and its institutions, nor "without" them, these transition initiatives represent remarkable alternatives to lead to more cooperative societies and more able to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Orientador: Wagner Luiz Lourenzani / Resumo: Muito tem sido divulgado sobre o potencial da tecnologia do blockchain, seus benefícios e seu impacto disruptivo em diversas áreas. Entretanto, no âmbito acadêmico, o desenvolvimento dessa temática é incipiente. Embora crescentes, os estudos científicos têm sido publicados sem que se possa estabelecer uma convergência teórica de suas bases de fundamentação, transpondo conceitos e autores. A maioria dos estudos analisados concentra-se no campo teórico e tem sua abordagem fundamentada em conceitos do campo de conhecimento da tecnologia da informação, sem uma abordagem universalista. Nesse contexto, essa pesquisa tem o objetivo de conduzir uma análise baseada na teoria fundamentada em dados da convergência teórica que fundamenta adoção do blockchain na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos. A metodologia esteve baseada em uma revisão sistemática de literatura e da adoção da teoria fundamentada em dados. A partir da integração de nichos de conhecimento foi possível estabelecer uma declaração universalista que converge as abordagens de adoção do blockchain na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos, que transpassa os moldes disciplinares e atinge o plano interdisciplinar, promovendo a abertura de novos campos para aprofundamento do conhecimento. Os resultados dessa pesquisa revelam que a tecnologia blockchain fortalece a performance, a confiança, a transparência e a prestação de contas na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos. Quando identificadas as condições de fragilidade ou incerteza no relaciona... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Much is publicized about the potential of blockchain technology, its benefits and its disruptive impact in several areas. However, in the academic field, the development of this theme is incipient. Although increasingly, scientific studies have been published without being able to define a theoretical convergence of their foundations, transposing concepts and authors. Most of the studies analyzed focus on the theoretical domain and have their approach based on concepts of information technology knowledge, without a universalist approach. In this context, this research aims to conduct an analysis based on grounded theory, of the theoretical convergence that allows the adoption of blockchain in supply chain management. The methodology adopted considers a systematic literature review and grounded theory. From the integration of knowledge niches, it was possible to define a universalist declaration that converges as blockchain application approaches in the management of supply chains, which pass the disciplinary molds and reach the interdisciplinary plan, promoting the opening of new fields for the improvement of the knowledge. The results of this research reveal that blockchain technology strengthens performance, trust, transparency and accountability in supply chain management. When identified as conditions of fragility or uncertainty in the relationship of the parts of this chain, and these main social, organizational or technological factors, or the blockchain can be used as ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The covid-19 pandemic resulted in large changes and restrictions that impacted the Swedish society and the whole world. Both individuals and companies were impacted by this, not least the traveling companies in the public transport. One of these companies was the Swedish travel company SJ. The purpose of this study was to understand the communication that SJ operated on the social media platform Facebook during the covid-19 pandemic, march to november 2020. Because of the new situation and unexplored field of research a qualitative exploratory research design was used. The material studied were SJs Facebook posts and a semi structured expert interview. The data was analysed through a qualitative content analysis inspired by Grounded Theory. This method generated two sets of categories, one set of categories that represented different types of issues that were communicated on their Facebook, another set of categories that represented important grounds for why the communicated turned out the way it did. By analyzing these categories and forming a timeline of the communication, communicational phases were identified. The results of the study have contributed with a new time perspective of organizational communication on Facebook during this pandemic. The study's results could therefore be seen, not only as an explanation of SJs communication on Facebook during the pandemic, but also as a hypothesis of how organizations communication might change throughout a longer societal crisis, like a pandemic.

Religious education (RE) is one of eight mandatory courses in upper secondary school in Sweden, due to the curriculum of GY11. It has a broad and extent content in comparison to its limited educational time, giving an indication that RE teachers need to make strategic didactical choices. This study focuses on lifting the RE teachers’ own voices by finding out situations where they describe a need of making didactical choices, what didactical choices they end up doing and what motivates those choices. Based on grounded theory, five qualitative interviews with RE teachers in upper secondary school has been interpreted and extracted as the empirical basis of the presented result. The results connect the situations of choices with the decision basis and didactic choices, where the final didactical choice can be understood from the two other factors. The result also leads on to three aspects of decision basis: the student, the teacher, and the organization of school. Thus, the result should be interacted with contemporary studies, as it only aims to be comprehended as one perspective, opening for and hopefully inspiring to further research.

My doctoral studies contribute toward situating the health of mothering women who have been forcibly displaced within the nursing discipline. Specifically, public health nursing processes used while working with and supporting mothering women who have been forcibly displaced were explored. I use the terms mothering women who have been forcibly displaced to convey and articulate the locations shaping this specific population of women. In doing so, I put emphasis on the women who have been impacted by forcible displacement and pushed into a marginalized state. This approach to terminology also conveys the multiple complexities experienced by these women which public health nurses have the opportunity to engage with. The following question guided this dissertation: How do public health nurses work with women who are mothering and managing the effects of their refugee status? This question was approached using two distinct methodologies. The first was a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) qualitative systematic review in which I identified, critically appraised and synthesized current knowledge on nurses’ experiences of providing care to mothering women who have been forcibly displaced. Of note, the JBI review question was broadened to include nurses caring for women experiencing any form of precarious migrant status. This was due to the limited number of articles addressing the concept of nurses caring specifically for maternal refugee women. The second approach was a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) using intersectionality as an analytical tool. In this study I described the processes public health nurses used to establish trusting relationships with mothering refugee women. Findings within the JBI review and CGT study included nurses identifying inequities women faced as stemming from their precarious migrant status and thereby needing to flex care provision to meet women’s needs. The findings also demonstrated the need to examine uptake of trauma-informed principles within care with focus on how organizations are structurally supporting nursing in their practice. I conclude this dissertation with the Afterword Chapter which is a summary and synthesis of significant findings and nursing implications. / Graduate / 2022-07-27