This dissertation sets out to rethink, contextualise and historicise a commonplace notion in the Scottish Enlightenment which poses nations and societies as either improving or primitive. The Scottish Enlightenment philosophers were the eighteenth-century pioneers in an intellectual project of improvement pointing the light emerging in Europe, particularly in Britain. The Act of Union with Scotland (1707) and the process of modernisation in the Highlands of Scotland allowed for rhetoric of improvement which called upon Scotland with its Highlands to join the great British modernising project. The Scots literati were aware that joining this project jeopardises older cultural habits and values and also brings corruption into society but the other option was nothing but the dilemma of living in premodern, less commercially advanced age, one which, as they thought, prevailed in Arabian deserts and Islamic societies. Their rhetoric of improvement was one of difference between an improving Britain with technological and commercial progress and a backward Middle East with primitive modes of subsistence. For them, modernity did not cast its light on the eighteenth-century Middle East. They fixed Middle East on a lower stage of a universal grid of progress. In the cross-cultural encounters between Britons and Muslims which took place on the Syrian-Mesopotamia overland routes to India, as this dissertation argues, the polarising rhetoric of the Scottish Enlightenment proves to be one of conviction. It was not necessarily the only way of referring to the modern moment of change taking place in Britain. The four British writers which this dissertation examines were interested in the Enlightenment question of improvement. They were believers in progress but had their own doubts about the dominant notions in the habit of interpreting improvement in their own culture. By writing on material progress, commerce, manners and forms of morality which they encountered in Islamic lands they set out to offer their new understanding of the notion of progress. While doing so, they did not posit Islam and the Middle East as the fixed categories of backwardness the Scots literati had always celebrated in their defence of modern British commercial improvement. Rather they showed how Europeans can learn things and improve themselves by interacting with Muslims: caravan chiefs and merchants, political leaders and servants. All these cross-cultural scenes of interaction in which Britons gained improvement occurred in a period in which Britain was not a colonial power in the Middle East but rather a commercial and political partner with local Arabian and Muslim leaders. And writing about Islamic cultures, as this thesis demonstrates, was a way of rethinking British dominant views of the meaning of improvement in the modern age.

Although most organisations want to improve quality and reduce costs, the deployment and implementation of continuous improvement methodologies is commonly viewed as a daunting journey. Many organisations fail to properly structure and/or support continuous improvement initiatives, which ultimately doom them to failure. South African Banks are not adopting Lean and/or Six-sigma to the point where it is going to make any sort of significant difference to the bottom line over a significantly meaningful period of time. So where are they going wrong? Often it comes down to key issues that are not addressed effectively as part of the deployment. The research objectives are: • The primary objective is to establish what the mission critical success factors for Lean and/or Six-sigma implementation in South African Banking are. • The secondary objective is to define a list of the sources of benefits for Lean and/or Six-sigma implementations in South African Banking. The research questions/problems to be addressed are: • What are the mission critical success factors for Lean and/or Six-sigma implementations in South African Banking? • How do South African Banks prioritise these critical success factors? • How do South African Banks that are already on the Lean and/or Six-sigma journey perform against these critical success factors? • What are the gaps between the importance’s of the critical success factors versus the banks actual performance against these, and how is this gap impacting on the benefits that the banks are experiencing? • What sources of benefits are South African Banks experiencing? • Can generic guidelines be provided to the South African Banks for successful Lean and/or Six-sigma implementation?

The focus of this study was the challenge of implementing school improvement interventions from inception through the system to the school, within a framework of the multiple layers of South Africa's complex education system. These are the macro level, (the provincial and national political and bureaucratic decision makers), the meso-level (the role and function of district offices and external agents), and the micro level (local contexts at the site of the school). This study does not intend to evaluate school improvement interventions but rather to research and interrogate the mediation of the interventions at various levels and within the contextual realities of an education system in transition. The problem is three-pronged and is premised on understanding the link between the study of implementation and of school improvement within education in transition. The hypothesis put forward is that, on the one hand, contextual realties, contestation and contradictions at various levels of a complex organization shape the outcomes of a school improvement intervention. On the other hand, school improvement strategies must be further located within the framework of implementation in order to explore the complexities of getting things done in an emerging democracy. The challenge posed is whether a coherent link between implementation and school improvement can be achieved while taking into cognizance the three levels and the contextual realities informed by the legacy of the past. I identified two case studies of school improvement initiatives undertaken in the Gauteng province. The first was initiated during the first phase of the new democratic government, an EQUIP intervention programme initiated by the first Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for education in Gauteng. I chose EQUIP because the design and initiation of this intervention symbolized the political ideology of this first period of government. The second school improvement initiative, the Education Action Zone (EAZ) intervention, was chosen because it reflects a significant shift in political ideals in the second period of government. This study argues that school improvement in the emerging South African context must respond to the contested nature of transforming societies and the serious lack of cohesion and capacity at all levels of the system. In order to respond to this difficult terrain, implementation within a cyclic model must be an integral part of the design of a school improvement intervention. There must be a clear understanding of the political, cultural and technical nuances in each of the three environments. Implementation is dependent on actors in them, and the contextual realties shape the level of agency played by the people in each. The linkage also determines the fidelity, compliance, and communication of the message of the intervention as actors within each have different levels of power and authority to influence the change process.

Organisational change has proven to be a major challenge for many businesses worldwide with the pharmaceutical environment being no exception. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly pressurised by stakeholders who seek reduced cost, higher value and quality. This has resulted in many pharmaceutical businesses attempting to launch various continuous improvement methodologies, which ultimately fail. Whereas failure of continuous improvement undertakings within the pharmaceutical environment is well documented, this study aimed to understand the factors that influence the successful sustainability of such endeavours. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify and create an understanding of the factors that influence a culture of continuous improvement within the pharmaceutical environment. The literature review revealed that factors such as leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set contributed to the successful implementation of a culture that embraces continuous improvement. It was recognised that building a culture of continuous improvement is not instantaneous and that it requires all stakeholders to be committed and to acknowledge that changing culture requires time. An empirical study with a questionnaire as data collecting instrument was conducted to assess respondents’ perceptions of the levels of continuous improvement, leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set within a selected pharmaceutical manufacturing business. The study revealed that all these factors were related and influenced a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, leadership and a continuous improvement mind-set proved to have the most significant relationship with a culture of continuous improvement. Recommendations were provided for the creation of a culture of continuous improvement in pharmaceutical businesses.

Thesis (M.A.) / Boston Medical Center’s pediatric outpatient clinic has resident clinic flow problems that negatively affect its patient care level. Due to system backup, in August 2012, resident patients spent an average of 71 minutes in the clinic for a scheduled 20-minute appointment. This study used quality improvement methodology (QI) to investigate potential solutions to the clinic flow problems. Our aim was, by May 2013 decrease the average patient time-in-clinic for resident vaccination patients between 2 and 30 months of age by 20%. Using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles within QI, the research team implemented three interventions between August 2012 and May 2013 that focused on improving communication between members of the clinic medical team. Throughout the year, the research team measured the time-in-clinic for the patient population, plotted the data with run charts, and determined if the interventions resulted in a corresponding decrease in time. By May 2013, the interventions resulted in an average decrease in time across all resident classes. First years showed a 4.5% decrease. Second years showed a 5.7% decrease. Third years showed a 20% decrease. While these decreases are significant, due to time limitations, we could not determine if the interventions resulted in a lasting improvement to clinic flow. / 2031-01-01

From 2010 to 2016, public schools in New York City were required to affiliate with one of approximately 60 Children First Networks (CFN). These networks were designed to provide a broad range of support for instruction, leadership, curriculum, and operations in schools, as well as facilitating collaboration between schools, with the ultimate goal of raising student achievement. Using mixed methods, the research presented in this thesis investigates relationships between these networks and student achievement, and explores processes and interactions relevant to collaboration and school improvement within and between schools and their affiliated networks. The overall explanatory sequential mixed methods design began with a quantitative phase, in which secondary data were analyzed using multilevel modeling to determine whether there was an overall effect of networks on student achievement on state assessments in literacy and mathematics. Contextualised value added (CVA) school effects were also investigated at this stage, and the results were used to inform the sampling of schools for the qualitative strand of the project. Qualitative inquiry used a case study approach, with the "case" defined as the network structure as a whole, and embedded cases consisting of 10 schools in several different networks. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders (principals, teachers, and network staff) to access multiple perspectives and experiences of network roles, participation and collaboration in networks, and how these relate to school improvement. Main findings from the quantitative analysis demonstrate little evidence of an overall effect of networks on student achievement, but show significant variation between schools' CVA effects. Qualitative findings offer insight relevant to these results, as accounts of participants at different levels of the network structure vary regarding the nature, extent and impact of schools' involvement with networks. Focusing on an under-researched network structure and applying rigorous methods from educational effectiveness research within a mixed methods design to study networking and collaboration in education, this study makes an original and substantive contribution to both of these fields. Findings have the potential to inform relevant policy in New York City, and though results from this context must be generalized cautiously, this research may provide useful considerations for policymakers in other settings by adding to the broader evidence base on the effects of school networks and the processes and interactions within them.

Typescript. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Engaging in quality improvement (QI) activities can help local and state health departments improve current processes, develop more effective new processes, increase leadership capacity, and prepare for public health accreditation. Public health organizations that have implemented QI processes have seen improvements in health outcome indicators, delivery of the 10 essential services, patient satisfaction, and performance management. Quality improvement is the foundation of the Public Health Accreditation Board‟s (PHAB) program and further pushes health departments, at both the local and state level, to adopt QI activities within their organizations. There are numerous potential benefits associated with accreditation in public health, one of the most important being that accreditation sets a benchmark for public health agencies. It also helps create a platform of continuous quality improvement that should increase efficiency, decrease waste, and improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of QI processes in a sample of regional and metro health departments across the state of Tennessee and to assess whether those health departments with a formal QI process demonstrate an increased readiness for public health accreditation compared to those without a formal QI process in place. A survey tool aimed at assessing QI processes and efforts within health departments including the organization‟s: 1) QI culture, 2) QI capacity and competency, 3) QI alignment and spread, and 4) readiness for public health accreditation was used. In addition to the survey tool, respondents were also asked about types of QI processes used within their health department and their associated outcomes. Initial results revealed that the majority of respondents reported high levels of QI maturity in their respective health department sites. However, further analysis of qualitative data indicated that most sites were engaged in quality assurance (QA) practices rather than true QI processes and activities. Overall, study results indicate that further training in QI practices is needed in order to enhance performance and align with PHAB standards. The results from this study could be used to help gauge QI processes and accreditation readiness at appropriate intervals following training and education.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder affecting approximately 20% of women within 6 months of delivery. Untreated PPD diminishes a woman's functioning and may result in short and long-term consequences for her infant. Screening with evidence-based tools can identify prenatal and postpartum women at risk for PPD, ensure early treatment, and limit adverse maternal and infant effects. Using Rosswurm and Larrabee's evidence-based practice model, a multidisciplinary team of 7 key stakeholders, including directors and a nurse from the departments of OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and Primary Care, a psychiatrist specializing in women's health, and a member of nursing leadership, formed to guide the project. The purpose of the project was to develop a quality improvement initiative to promote antenatal and postnatal screening for PPD in the practice setting that lacked an evidence-based tool. As a federally qualified health center, the practice setting serves an ethnically and racially diverse population, particularly at risk for PPD. Project team members evaluated and graded current literature using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Rating Scale. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was introduced and a policy and procedure developed to guide PPD screening. A formative evaluation of the policy and procedure using the AGREE instrument validated development. Project team members strongly agreed to use the EPDS as a PPD screening tool in the clinic population. A summative evaluation supported DNP student leadership of the project. The project has increased awareness of PPD and screening in the practice setting and, focused on improvements in the lives of women, infants, and their families.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Crop Science)) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / Stenocarpella ear rot caused by Stenocarpella maydis (Berck) Sutton is the most important disease of maize in South Africa. It is a sporadic disease which makes it difficult for farmers to prepare for its occurrence and consequently of the control measure. The objectives of this study were to genetically characterise the resistance of Stenocarpella maydis ear rot and to identify agronomically suitable Stenocarpella ear rot resistant inbred lines with good combining ability for grain yield. The experimental design was a randomised complete block design with three replications. Studies were conducted at Bethlehem, Cedara and Potchefstroom. To facilitate the comparison, separate trials were established for inbred lines and top cross hybrids. Fifty-four inbred lines were compared against four inbred lines vs. E739, DO620Y, H111 and Mo17 that are well adapted and stable yielders possessing variable resistance to Stenocarpella maydis ear rot. Fifty-four top crosses were compared against one open pollinated variety (SAM 1066), which was used as a tester line as well as three commercial hybrids vs. PAN 6124BT, PAN 6026 and CRN 3505. At Potchefstroom there was an inoculation trial using both inbreds and top crosses. The inbred and top cross materials were obtained from 2004/05 breeding nursery under natural infestation of Stenocarpella maydis at Agricultural Research Council-Grain Crops Institute, Potchefstroom. Data collected were number of days to 50% silking, plant and ear height in centimetres, husk cover, ear position, stand count, total number of ears, number of diseased ears and lodging resistance,. Entries 43 and 4 were the most stable inbred lines with a beta close to 1, while entries 9 and 25 had the smallest deviation from regression. Among the tested inbred lines entry 47 was superior over other inbred lines for grain yield followed by entry 4. Entry 47 showed grain yield of 2.84 tons ha-1 at Bethlehem and 4.42 tons ha-1 at Potchefstroom. While entry 4 had a grain yield of 2.19 tons ha-1 at Bethlehem and 4.58 tons ha-1at Potchefstroom. The two lines, however, are poor combiners for both grain yield and Stenocarpella maydis ear rot resistance. Using SAM 1066 as a tester the grain yield observed for top crosses at Bethlehem, Cedara and Potchefstroom were 5.94, 7,15 and 9.95 tons ha-1, respectively. Entries 57 and 14 were the most stable top cross hybrids with a beta close to one, while entries 46 and 47 had the smallest deviation from regression. Entries 56 and 28 were the most superior top cross hybrids. Entry 56 showed grain yield of 5.58 tons ha-1 at Bethlehem, at Cedara it showed the yield of 5.90 tons ha-1 and at Potchefstroom it was 9.95 tons ha-1 and for the average of three sites it was 7.14 tons ha-1. Entry 28 showed grain yield of 5.80 tons ha-1 at Bethlehem, at Cedara it was 5.80 and at Pothefstroom it was 9.35 tons ha-1 and the combined average was 6.98 tons ha-1. These values compared favourably with the commercial standards. The checks entries 58 and 57 had proved to be resistant over locations. The best combiners for Stenocarpella maydis resistance were entries 29 and 52. Stenocarpella maydis ear rot was found to be of polygenic resistance with additive genetic effects. / The government of Lesotho, Agricultural Research Council-Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI), and the Maize Trust