This thesis explores emergent knowledge dynamics in innovation in the context of ebusiness entrepreneurship. Based on a critique of the dialectic interpretation of knowledge dynamics, it forwards a perspective that stresses the creative force of emergence that disrupts existent meanings and produces new potentialities for innovation. It suggests ways of using such a perspective in policy-targeted research. The first part elaborates on the traditional uses of concepts of knowledge in explanations of entrepreneurial innovation and on the need to account for a dynamic perspective on emergent knowledge. The thesis employs work by Deleuze and Guattari as meta-theoretical vehicle to expand the conceptual potential of social representations theory beyond its traditional focus on a dialectic ontology of becoming. It highlights a dynamic which does not exclusively assume conceptual difference as the source of the novel and which allows for patterns of becoming other than the triadic continuity of dialectics. Together, this provides new possibilities for an understanding of knowledge dynamics taking into account both adaptive and creative dynamics of emergence. The empirical part combines thematic analysis of interviews and a focus group with Deleuzian analysis of participant observation to facilitate an exploration of emergent conditions for innovation in a particular milieu of e-business entrepreneurship. The exploration shows how changes in shared evaluative dimensions guided – and constrained – the creation of new concepts. Simultaneously, distinct assemblages arising from novel connections of affect and technology in networks created the conditions of fluidity and ambiguity required for new knowledge: in the aftermath of the dotcom crash, new concepts of network leadership and trust in business interaction were emerging. This study forwards new insights on the study of emergent knowledge dynamics as oscillating between rhizomic opening and dialectic closure. It is in the disruptive encounters between the two that new conditions for innovation can assemble.

This thesis consists of five elements which, when taken together, articulate the journey of personal and professional development I have undertaken as an action researcher, and convey the emotional context of this type of work. The foundation for my development journey was the undertaking of a three year action research study which aimed to improve the care for older people on two rehabilitation wards in an acute NHS trust. Analysis of findings provided theoretical explanations of what helped and hindered staff from engaging in practice change,with the report presenting a neat and straightforward process of investigation. My experience of undertaking the study was, however, far from the neat and straightforward process articulated, with it being a complex, difficult and painful undertaking which had a personal impact on me. The thesis progresses from the research report to explore and critically reflect on my personal experience of undertaking the action research study, and engages with the experience of other action researchers through a secondary analysis of the literature. Through this work the emotional context of action research is highlighted for all those involved in the process. It is argued that attention to emotions throughout the action research process is essential for both participants and researchers to ensure that the care and support required to manage them can be provided, and to enable such emotions to be used as data that can further inform the field of study. Although the importance of recognising the emotional context of action research is articulated in this thesis, there is a dearth of literature in relation to it. It is concluded that more needs to be written on this aspect of practice so that those new to action research can be made aware of the importance of the emotional components inherent within it, and can ensure that appropriate strategies are in place to enable them to engage with, learn from, and utilise such emotions to further inform their work. The messages in this thesis will be of relevance to those considering, undertaking, supporting and supervising action research studies. In addition, due to the similarities of action research processes, contexts and topic areas to other methods of practice change, they will also be relevant to those involved in general practice development activity.

This thesis consists of three chapters on post-reform Chinese business cycles and alternative methods for solving non-linear rational expectations models. Using quarterly data for the period 1980-2009, Chapter 1 examines the effects of aggregate demand and supply shocks on aggregate fluctuations in China. It further decomposes demand shocks into money supply, money demand and fiscal shocks as in the IS-LM-PC model by applying both long- and short-run restrictions in the context of the structural VAR proposed by Galí (1992). The results show that the estimated impulse responses, in terms of the supply and the three demand shocks, match well with the predictions of the theory. However, as the forecast error variance decompositions show, supply shocks are the main source of fluctuations, accounting for about 89% of output variations in the short-run. Given the nature of this transition economy, this may indicate that there are still institutional obstacles due to incomplete economic reform which prevents the market mechanism from working fully. Despite the overall dominance of supply shocks, the historical decomposition of the five cycles in output between 1983 and 2009 detects important roles played by various demand shocks in some sub-periods. The above results are robust to alternative choices of data for money and interest rate. In Chapter 2, an RBC model with utility generating government consumption and productive public capital is calibrated to annual Chinese data for the post-reform period 1978-2006. The main findings are: (i) the model generates a reasonable overall account of the business cycles in the Chinese economy; (ii) TFP shocks mainly contribute to the good fit of the model, whilst the two fiscal policy shocks help to further improve the model's performance; (iii) our results are robust to alternative calibrations such as high and low capital shares, weights of components in utility and constant return to scale aggregate production function in public capital; and (iv) the shock to the ratio of government consumption to output delivers a dominant negative wealth effect, whilst the shock to the ratio of government investment to output can generate significant positive wealth effects in both the short- and long-run. The third chapter solves the benchmark New Keynesian model using the log-linearization method, second order approximation and the parameterized expectations algorithm (PEA). The results show that the three solution methods display varying degrees of quantitative differences in simulated population moments, distributions, policy functions and impulse response functions. In particular, the generated price dispersions are significantly different across solution methods. The accuracy evaluations in terms of Judd's criteria and Marcet's statistical test show that the PEA performs better than the other two methods, particularly when solving the price-adjustment equation. This result is robust to a number of alternative calibrations.

This thesis attempts to address the need for a clear strategy for the supply side in the Egyptian mortgage market. The thesis focuses for the first time on the issues in relation to the role of the bank and non-bank financial institutions in the creation of an effective and sustainable mortgage market that works better for low- and moderate-income households in Egypt as well as the role of these institutions after the mortgage market has reached a certain stage of development. The key research objectives are as follows: 1) to address why Egyptian housing co-operative societies can be seen as important policy agents to expand the mortgage credit beneficiaries base in Egypt; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Egyptian housing co-operative societies as community based organisations and policy agents; 3) to identify and analyse the various economic, social and political factors influencing this effectiveness; 4) to assess the role of the banking institutions (as contextual stakeholders in the immediate environment of the Egyptian housing co-operative societies) in expanding access to mortgage credit and savings in Egypt; and 5) to identify which institutions constrain most the development of an effective and sustainable level of mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income households. In order to address these issues and objectives, the researcher reviewed the theoretical and empirical issues associated with the assessment of mortgage credit intermediation models to identify their reach and the limit of that reach and, implicitly, to examine what needs to be done to close the gap on what would be a more accessible mortgage market. Further, from 2008 to 2010, the researcher surveyed and interviewed a group of banking, co-operative and government officers in Cairo, Egypt. Questions regarding their attitudes towards housing policy and finance in Egypt were posed, especially in relation to the provision of mortgage credit in Egypt. The thesis found that Egyptian banking institutions, as agents in carrying out housing policies and finance, enabled the housing co-operative societies as stakeholders to form expectations towards the results of the new reforms with the same framework as they had done before. The survey and interviews showed that housing co-operative societies were dissatisfied with the expected results of recent reforms in the Egyptian housing and mortgage markets. It appears that resistance to the reforms was caused by the fact that housing co-operative societies were not interested. But the thesis found that the unfair distributive results associated with mortgage credit allocation were resented most by housing co-operative societies. Thus, the thesis concludes that to extend the reach of mortgage credit, there needs to be a wider strategy to reform the housing and mortgage markets in Egypt that includes strengthening the role of community institutions such as Egyptian housing co-operative societies based on well defined and structured stakeholder framework.

This work investigates impression management and in particular impression management using ubiquitous technology. Generally impression management is the process through which people try to influence the impressions that others have about them. In particular, impression management focuses on the flow of information between a performer and his/her audience, with control over what is presented to whom being of the utmost importance when trying to create the appropriate impression. Ubiquitous technology has provided opportunities for individuals to present themselves to others. However, the disconnection between presenter and audience over both time and space can result in individuals being misrepresented. This thesis outlines two important areas when trying to control the impression one gives namely, hiding and revealing, and accountability. By exploring these two themes the continuous evolution and dynamic nature of controlling the impression one gives is explored. While this ongoing adaptation is recognised by designers they do not always create technology that is sufficiently dynamic to support this process. As a result, this work attempts to answer three research questions: RQ1: How do users of ubicomp systems appropriate recorded data from their everyday activity and make it into a resource for expressing themselves to others in ways that are dynamically tailored to their ongoing social context and audience? RQ2: What technology can be built to support ubicomp system developers to design and develop systems to support appropriation as a central part of a useful or enjoyable user experience? RQ3: What software architectures best suit this type of appropriated interaction and developers’ designing to support such interaction? Through a thorough review of existing literature, and the extensive study of several large ubicomp systems, the issues when presenting oneself through technology are identified. The main issues identified are hiding and revealing, and accountability. These are built into a framework that acts as a reference for designers wishing to support impression management. An architecture for supporting impression management has also been developed that conforms to this framework and its evolution is documented later in the thesis. A demonstration of this architecture in a multi-player mobile experience is subsequently presented.

The empirical motivation of this dissertation is the increasing importance of financial market’s regulation pursuant of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). There is currently incomplete knowledge on the relationship between insider trading and earnings management on the one hand and earnings management and firm performance on the other in light of the recent regulatory intervention (SOX). Moreover, the relevance of political regulation of financial markets has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The research aims of the dissertation are: 1) To evaluate the effectiveness of financial market regulation (SOX) on Insider trading and Earnings management 2) To empirically examine how the different techniques used to manage earnings influence firm performance in light of the recent regulatory intervention (SOX). Both tests suggest ways in which investors can examine and unravel a comprehensive set of earnings management signals and their impact on either insider trading or future firm performance. The thesis is divided into two main empirical chapters: The first main empirical chapter (chapter 4) discusses insider trading and earnings management in light of the recent regulatory intervention mandated by the SOX. The second main empirical chapter (Chapter 5) discuss changes in earnings management and firm performance relationship in light of the recent regulatory intervention as prescribed by SOX. In an attempt to obtain a comprehensive understanding of several conceptual issues, the different techniques used to manage earnings are employed including, discretionary accruals techniques, real earnings management and the probability of financial statements distortion as measured by the Beneish M-Score. Overall, the focus is on managers of S&P 500 companies, holders of private information about the firm’s prospects, preparers and senders of financial reports and investors and analysts as receivers and users of these financial statements. Findings on the relationship between insider trading and earnings management in light of the recent regulatory intervention suggest that after the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, managers are less likely to time their trade and boast earnings to benefit at the expense of outside investors. Furthermore, under stricter regulations, market participants detect and react to insider trading and earnings management practices. Findings on the relationship between a comprehensive set of earnings management signals and firm performance suggest that there have been greater monitoring of financial III statements in the Post SOX era. When firms attempt to manage earnings during periods of intense market regulation, investors discount this through disappointing stock returns. Overall, the results suggest that there should be broad based approach in analysing financial statements.

Background: In the UK, men with breast cancer account for1% of all new cases of breast cancer with only 341 men receiving this diagnosis throughout the UK in 2008 (Cancer Research, 2010b). There is a lack of research on all aspects of men with breast cancer in large part due to the rarity of the disease. However it is the psychosocial effects of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent support available to men, that has in particular been ignored. To date, no study compares men’s and women’s experiences of having breast cancer. Furthermore, breast cancer is arguably at the most extreme ‘female’ end of a spectrum of illnesses that men can experience, and is likely to pose particular challenges for men’s identities, which may have profound implications for their use of health services, attitudes to treatment and living beyond their cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study therefore is to compare men’s and women’s experiences of having breast cancer and what effect, if any, having a ‘female’ cancer has on a man’s identity. Methods: The data on men’s experiences of breast cancer derive from interviews with 19 men with breast cancer in which semi-structured questions and prompts explored: what prompted them to seek help for their breast symptom; their own reactions to having breast cancer; the reactions of family, friends, colleagues and health professionals; their experience of treatment; the embodied effects of treatment and living beyond their breast cancer diagnosis. These data were collected using the methods employed by researchers at the Health Experiences Research Group in Oxford, see www.healthtalkonline.org, so that a) they could contribute towards a new module on men’s experiences of breast cancer, and b) they could be compared with existing interviews on women’s experiences of breast cancer. The transcripts of 23 interviews with women who had breast cancer were made available for secondary analysis. The interviews with men with breast cancer were undertaken in such a way that direct comparison was possible. Analysis of both collections was undertaken using the framework approach to compare the men’s and women’s experiences of having breast cancer. Findings: The findings demonstrated both similarities and differences between men’s and women’s experiences of having breast cancer. First, the help-seeking practices of the men and women were found to be similar. The men were largely ignorant that men could get breast cancer, but this did not prevent some from attending their doctor. In turn, knowing that women can get breast cancer did not ensure women sought help for their breast symptom straight away. Help-seeking was found to be a complex process for both men and women that shared some push/pull elements that influenced their help-seeking. The disclosure practices of the men and women were found to be similar and changed over time. Men used ‘strategic announcing’ to educate other men of the risk of breast cancer in men. The women in this study changed their disclosure behaviour to either protect their families from their illness, or themselves from negative encounters with people. The men also described feeling they had to disclose their illness when treatment side effects made them look ill, whereas some women described using aids such as wigs and prostheses to conceal changes in their appearance. Contrasting experiences of healthcare were reported by men and women. The women were often given a treatment choice, could access information at different points throughout their treatment and had a variety of support networks. In contrast, the men were given few choices in their treatment, little or female-specific information, and reported limited sources of support. The men recounted negative experiences in the clinic and ward setting. They were mistaken as supporters not as the patient, experienced suspicion from female patients and were not given adequate resources to manage their treatment. In contrast, most women had positive experiences during their treatment and felt supported within the healthcare environment. There was some evidence to suggest the effect on their closest relationships was similar for men and women with breast cancer. Most married men and women suggested their relationships had remained good and in some cases improved, adapting to physical changes and expressing their affection in other ways. The wives of men with breast cancer played a key role during their experiences of help-seeking, disclosure, offering support and retrieving information. Most of the men in this study appeared to successfully renegotiate their masculine identities to incorporate their breast cancer experiences. Some men felt their new role was to educate and ‘spread the word’ that men can, and do, develop breast cancer. A renegotiated traditional male stereotype was constructed including traditionally female characteristics to present an identity that enabled the men to cope with negative experiences within their communities and the healthcare setting. Conclusions: There are similarities in the experiences of men and women with breast cancer. However, a lack of awareness men can develop breast cancer and the rarity of the disease has led to the development of female specific services and treatment. Greater social awareness and gender-sensitive healthcare is necessary to improve the experiences of men with breast cancer.

This study investigates the functional relationship between sound and image within a particular generic and historical context - experimental music and the popular horror film, from 1960 to the present day. The study responds to a significant gap in the literature that requires sustained and in-depth academic attention. Despite recent expansion, the field of film music studies has yet to deal with alternative functional models that challenge the overall applicability of the dominant narrative-based theoretical framework. Recent scholarship suggests that a proper theoretical comprehension of horror film music's primary function requires a refocusing of the hermeneutic emphasis upon dimensions of the cinematic (or audio-visual) sign that can be described as `nonrepresentational.' This study applies a relatively new psychoanalytical framework to explain how the post-1960 horror film deploys these non-representational elements, incorporating them into an overall cinematic strategy which indexes the transition towards a post-classical cinematic aesthetics. More specifically, this study assessesju st how efficiently experimental musical styles and techniques aid the reconfiguration of the syntactical components of horror film to these very ends. Using three case study directors, this study focuses upon major developments in musical style and cinematic technology, describing the ways in which these have facilitated this cinematic strategy. A particularly useful contribution to the knowledge is made here via the study's explanation as to how the particular psychoanalytical framework applied can illuminate the functional and theoretical relationships often posited between both the formal and subjective dimensions of the post-1960 horror film experience. The conclusions reached suggest this theoretical explication of post-1960 horror film music's function can now take its place alongside previously dominant narrative frameworks. Given the influential status of the horror genre, the findings of this investigation prove useful for comprehending the increasing heterogeneity of postclassical film music in general, and the functional relationship(s) of sound and image in particular.

Using a grounded theory approach within a social constructivist epistemology, the research study explores the experiences of Education Welfare Officers (EWOs) engaging in assessment and intervention with cases of persistent absence from school. Whilst much of the discussion related to non attendance has focused on risk and causation factors, categorisation and the effectiveness of specific interventions, there is limited research which has specifically focused on the practice of the EWO as the initial and often only agency to try to engage with this vulnerable group of children, young people and their families. The research design involved interviewing 14 members of an Education Welfare Service (EWS) and engaging in a qualitative interpretive analysis of the interview data, in line with the suggested grounded theory phases of analysis. Utilising the theoretical perspectives of Social Cognitive Theory, specifically focusing on self efficacy beliefs, together with Systems and Attribution theories, the Grounded Theory offers an insight into the significance and effects of EWO self efficacy beliefs on their own practice and how systemic influences, such as those offered by the school, family and other agencies, including the EWS, can either support or hinder EWO assessment and intervention processes. Findings are indicative of systemic influences acting as potential barriers in achieving useful and objectively grounded assessments and interventions for persistent absentees, by specifically serving to influence self efficacy beliefs and ultimately restrict the range of potentially useful assessments and interventions for this vulnerable group. The study highlights the implications of this for future EWO and Educational Psychologist practice.

This study set out to investigate the understanding of psychological interventions and their place in practice (psychological mindedness) at an Australian mental health service and whether or not it was possible to train clinicians to introduce cognitive behavioural therapy to practice. The study investigated if, after training, clinicians' self-efficacy and readiness to use learnt skills is increased as they begin to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to patients. To do this a methodological approach was adopted, developed and delivered in the spirit of action research and conducted utilising a practice development model, that employed skills based education and experiential learning methods. A staff scoping survey was conducted to ascertain the psychological mindedness of clinical staff and to gain a picture of the availability of talking therapies across the health service. Following this survey an eight-day CBT training course was developed and delivered. A pre- and post- course questionnaire was applied to gain data on participant’s readiness to use skills and an increase in their self-efficacy pertinent to CBT that they learnt during the course. The results of the scoping survey showed that there was use of talking therapies by clinicians and that these clinicians desired training in CBT. The results of the CBT course questionnaire showed that it is possible to increase clinician’s self-efficacy and readiness to introduce skills to practice post attendance on an eight-day CBT training course. The delivery of focused talking therapy training across a mental health service can over time and with adequate levels of support and supervision, enable the delivery of CBT to service users. Principles of action research, practice development and the use of skills based education and experiential learning methods if implemented and supported actively can increase patient’s access to psychological therapies and train staff in the application of the same.