In this dissertation I focus on the diversity of alternative food initiatives (AFIs) that have emerged amidst concerns about the corporate-led industrial food system. While there have been significant successes, critics suggest that many AFIs are an inadequate response to the complex problems within the food system, and further, are complicit in propagating neoliberal ideals and facilitating the retrenchment of the state. While these critics identify important challenges, they tend to consider place-based AFIs as operating independently on particular projects, with specific claims, or in isolated sectors of the food system. There has been little documentation or analysis situating AFIs within a broader community of practice. To fill this gap, my research builds on the existing literature to investigate the increasing collaborations among AFIs in Canada. Using a community-based action approach, I explore the development of provincial food networks in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. I pay particular attention to efforts that foster and maintain these networks by exploring their history, structure and processes of collaboration. My findings reveal that the provincial food networks can be characterized as assemblages constituted by the self-organization of diverse actors through non-hierarchical, bottom-up processes with multiple and overlapping points of contact. Further, I find that AFIs have used networks strategically to contest the rules and institutions of the dominant food system and to develop participatory and democratic practices that challenge the logics of neoliberalism. Based on the results from this research, I argue that besides developing viable place-based alternatives to the dominant food system, AFIs are also involved in prefigurative ways of being - establishing democratic governance structures, building new institutions, and engaging in different kinds of social relations - in the belly of the existing (food) system.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

abstract: Many educators believe that the path to a better future is a college education. Initiatives that promote college-going cultures are quite commonplace in many public high schools with some offering elective college-prep support programs like Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Yet, certain groups of students are not taking advantage of these opportunities. In the initial AVID sections at a metropolitan high school in the American Southwest, the girls out-numbered the boys 2:1, and the Hispanic girls outnumbered the Hispanic boys by almost 3:1. The purpose of this study was to uncover some of the factors that influenced five Hispanic males' participation, or lack thereof, in AVID, and the ways in which those factors connected to their masculine identities. What the participants say about what influenced them to be involved, or not, in the program is reported. Some themes revealed in the interviews include how the participants' scholar identity is connected to their masculine identity, how they balance their "coolness" quotient with their desires to achieve academic success, how they depend on personal relationships and collaboration, and how their families and communities have influenced them. This information may lead to the development of strategies that will increase future representation of Hispanic males in similar programs. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction 2011

O Gerenciamento da Cadeia de Suprimentos tem exercido um caratér estratégico para as empresas que queiram se manter competitivas. Percebe-se que é necessário ser eficiente tanto interna quanto externamente às fronteiras da empresa. Neste cenário, diversas empresas vêm obtendo bons resultados com a aplicação de práticas e iniciativas colaborativas que buscam estreitar os relacionamentos entre os parceiros comerciais ao longo da cadeia, gerando ganhos como redução de estoques, aumento do nível de serviço, aumento de vendas, redução de custos, entre outros. O objetivo desta dissertação é a identificação do atual nível de colaboração entre empresas de uma cadeia de suprimentos. A metodologia de estudo está baseada na aplicação de uma pesquisa survey na cadeia automotiva do Rio Grande do Sul e foi realizada através de questionários que foram aplicados pela internet e através de entrevistas presenciais. A pesquisa utilizou informações disponibilizadas pelo Instituto Gaúcho de Estudos Automotivos, que forneceu ainda um suporte tecnológico para o gerenciamento das informações. Os resultados revelaram que ainda são poucas as empresas que aplicam as iniciativas de supply chain, porém a expectativa é grande em relação às empresas que demonstraram interesse em aplicar diversas iniciativas nos próximos dois anos. Verificou-se ainda que o maior percentual de utilização está concentrado nas grandes empresas e as iniciativas mais utilizadas atualmente são o EDI, a Seleção e Desenvolvimento de Fornecedores e o Desenvolvimento Conjunto de Produtos. Portanto, os resultados demonstram que as empresas da cadeia automotiva gaúcha apresentam um nível de colaboração modesto, mas possuem plenas condições de otimizar os seus processos e alavancar o desempenho da cadeia como um todo a partir de uma maior aplicação das iniciativas de supply chain apresentadas neste trabalho. / The supply chain management has recently become a major concern for competitive companies. Managers recognize it is necessary for companies to be efficient both internally and externally to their boundaries. On this scenario, several companies have been achieving good results applying practices and collaborative initiatives that lead to straight the relationship between the partners along the chain. This effort also directs to reducing stock, increasing level of service, increasing in sales, reducing in costs, among others. The purpose of this study is the identification of the actual collaboration level among supply chain companies. The methodology of study is based on the application of a survey on the automotive chain of Rio Grande do Sul and was conducted using questionnaires applied online and trough appointments. This study used knowledge provided by IGEA (Instituto Gaúcho de Estudos Automotivos) that also helped offering technologic support to information management. The results shown that it is still incipient among companies the applicability of supply chain initiatives. However, there is a great expectation related with companies that are willing to use the initiatives for the next two years. In addition, the greatest utilization is concentrated on the big companies and the most utilized initiatives are EDI, supplier’s selection and development and cooperative product development. Therefore, the data suggest that automotive chain companies from RS have a moderate level of collaboration; nevertheless these companies demonstrate a great infrastructure to optimize their processes and increase general chain results with the adoption of the initiatives proposed on this project.

O presente trabalho versa sobre os modos de fazer de coletivos e iniciativas coletivas de artistas ou multidisciplinares na América Latina. Foram estudados coletivos atuantes fora dos espaços tradicionais de arte. Com suas práticas eles inventam e ativam outros espaços. O coletivismo como posição política. A criatividade e a arte são as ferramentas principais destas ações conjuntas que se desenvolvem em espaços cotidianos promovendo experimentações, experiências e trocas. / This work discusses the ways of doing from collective initiatives of artists and multidisciplinal groups in Latin America. Particular attention is given to collective agencies that work outside the traditional art spaces. These practices invent and activate other spaces. The collectivism is a political position. The creativity and art are the principal tools of these joint actions. These practices are developed in daily spaces promoting experimentations, experiences and social relations.

O Gerenciamento da Cadeia de Suprimentos tem exercido um caratér estratégico para as empresas que queiram se manter competitivas. Percebe-se que é necessário ser eficiente tanto interna quanto externamente às fronteiras da empresa. Neste cenário, diversas empresas vêm obtendo bons resultados com a aplicação de práticas e iniciativas colaborativas que buscam estreitar os relacionamentos entre os parceiros comerciais ao longo da cadeia, gerando ganhos como redução de estoques, aumento do nível de serviço, aumento de vendas, redução de custos, entre outros. O objetivo desta dissertação é a identificação do atual nível de colaboração entre empresas de uma cadeia de suprimentos. A metodologia de estudo está baseada na aplicação de uma pesquisa survey na cadeia automotiva do Rio Grande do Sul e foi realizada através de questionários que foram aplicados pela internet e através de entrevistas presenciais. A pesquisa utilizou informações disponibilizadas pelo Instituto Gaúcho de Estudos Automotivos, que forneceu ainda um suporte tecnológico para o gerenciamento das informações. Os resultados revelaram que ainda são poucas as empresas que aplicam as iniciativas de supply chain, porém a expectativa é grande em relação às empresas que demonstraram interesse em aplicar diversas iniciativas nos próximos dois anos. Verificou-se ainda que o maior percentual de utilização está concentrado nas grandes empresas e as iniciativas mais utilizadas atualmente são o EDI, a Seleção e Desenvolvimento de Fornecedores e o Desenvolvimento Conjunto de Produtos. Portanto, os resultados demonstram que as empresas da cadeia automotiva gaúcha apresentam um nível de colaboração modesto, mas possuem plenas condições de otimizar os seus processos e alavancar o desempenho da cadeia como um todo a partir de uma maior aplicação das iniciativas de supply chain apresentadas neste trabalho. / The supply chain management has recently become a major concern for competitive companies. Managers recognize it is necessary for companies to be efficient both internally and externally to their boundaries. On this scenario, several companies have been achieving good results applying practices and collaborative initiatives that lead to straight the relationship between the partners along the chain. This effort also directs to reducing stock, increasing level of service, increasing in sales, reducing in costs, among others. The purpose of this study is the identification of the actual collaboration level among supply chain companies. The methodology of study is based on the application of a survey on the automotive chain of Rio Grande do Sul and was conducted using questionnaires applied online and trough appointments. This study used knowledge provided by IGEA (Instituto Gaúcho de Estudos Automotivos) that also helped offering technologic support to information management. The results shown that it is still incipient among companies the applicability of supply chain initiatives. However, there is a great expectation related with companies that are willing to use the initiatives for the next two years. In addition, the greatest utilization is concentrated on the big companies and the most utilized initiatives are EDI, supplier’s selection and development and cooperative product development. Therefore, the data suggest that automotive chain companies from RS have a moderate level of collaboration; nevertheless these companies demonstrate a great infrastructure to optimize their processes and increase general chain results with the adoption of the initiatives proposed on this project.

While the criminological literature has devoted great attention towards examining prison programs and interventions, the research has largely overlooked arts-based initiatives within prison. To gain an understanding of the impact that prison theatre has on the lives of criminalized individuals, this thesis represents a case study on Canada’s only inmate-run prison theatre, William Head on Stage (WHoS). Through qualitative interviews with 15 incarcerated WHoS participants and 6 former WHoS participants, this study explores the experiences of individuals with this long-standing theatre initiative. By implementing an integrative conceptual framework that captures the prison backdrop to which prison theatre operates, this study draws on Goffman’s (1961) total institutions as well as conceptual understandings around the prison culture (Ricciardelli, 2015; 2014b). Through the analysis of the participants’ experiences, the emerging themes in this study collectively reveal how the impacts of WHoS stem from the contrasting nature of prison theatre to both the structural and social systems of prison. While this research study helps substantiate the significance of arts-based initiatives like WHoS, it also helps bridge the gap within the literature between the arts and criminology.

In recent years the construction industry has become increasingly aware of the potential of the technical knowledge held by construction professionals and the need to manage it effectively. However, organisations have experienced numerous problems in implementing and sustaining Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives. A key reason for this, which has been cited both within industry and academia, is a lack of understanding of the best-suited KM approaches available and how to adopt them. In particular, the importance of people-orientated KM practices, specifically in the case of construction firms who have a high level of dependence on the tacit knowledge of their employees, has been well documented with many KM authors calling for further research in this area. The research undertaken for this study was initiated in response to the need for further research and an improved understanding of KM (people-orientated KM in particular) best practice. The research was also focussed on establishing an effective KM initiative within Ramboll Whitbybird; the sponsoring organisation. The central aim of the research was therefore to “deliver a framework that facilitates the retention and reuse of knowledge, which will increase Ramboll Whitbybird's potential to drive engineering best practice and respond appropriately to conventional and emerging business opportunities.” To achieve this an action research approach was adopted, facilitated through the use of literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods, to enable the findings to be implemented within an industrial setting. Through extensive industry involvement the research highlighted the core components necessary for a successful KM initiative, and the actions necessary from those involved in implementing, managing and sustaining KM activities within construction firms. The findings demonstrated that an organisation wishing to realise effective KM needs to establish a clear definition and understanding of KM across the business, which can be achieved through the compilation of a KM strategy (statement) and action plan. It also needs to acknowledge the importance of addressing the critical factors that will determine the success of its KM initiative such as the need for KM champions and a supporting team, a fit with the way people work and an alignment with business objectives. The research also highlighted the importance of people-orientated KM practices, and that construction organisations in particular should identify and prioritise KM activities such as Communities of Practice (CoPs), due to their reliance on tacit knowledge transfer. However, in order to maximise the benefits to individuals and the business, the organisation will need to take a ‘light touch' approach to the management of CoPs. Supporting people-based KM activities with the right technology is an important factor, particularly as organisations expand and become more geographically dispersed. To ensure that this technology is an effective supporter of KM it needs to be tailored to fit with the KM needs of the business, and will need to become de-centralised in its operation. Finally, the research outlined the importance for the organisation to consider the integration of KM within the daily operation of the business by incorporating KM effectively into communication and reporting structures, while also ensuring that it becomes a core aspect of its Quality Assurance (QA) procedures.

Trata-se da temática Segurança do Paciente, que teve como objeto as iniciativas sobre segurança do paciente estabelecidas por organizações internacionais de segurança. O objetivo proposto pelo estudo foi analisar tais iniciativas estabelecidas por organizações internacionais de segurança. Para compor este estudo identificaram-se as principais organizações de segurança, atarvés de uma revisão bibliográfica de literatura realizada com base em fontes eletrônicas primárias, considerando-se as organizações pioneiras na abordagem do tema Segurança do Paciente que fomentam prioritariamente a segurança do paciente e que divulgaram amplamente esta temática no período de 2002 a 2012. Foram encontradas na plataforma Google referências a mais de 100 instituições no mundo que abordam este tema. No entanto somente sete atenderam a todos os critérios de seleção, havendo predomínio de organizações americanas (seis). A organização mais antiga é o Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1946), e a mais recente é a World Alliance for Patient Safety (2004). Quanto à natureza jurídica, duas são governamentais (CDC e AHRQ), quatro são não governamentais (The Joint Commission, IHI, WHO Alliance e ISMP) e uma organização independente (NCCMERP). Totalizaram-se 103 iniciativas de segurança do paciente no contexto hospitalar. A organização que mais publicou iniciativas para a segurança do paciente no contexto hospitalar foi o ISMP com 20 iniciativas, totalizando 19% das iniciativas exploradas. As iniciativas relacionadas à terapia medicamentosa, higienização das mãos, controle de infecções e cirurgias seguras foram as mais abordadas. Conclui-se que ao atentar para as iniciativas internacionais de Segurança do Paciente o profissional de saúde poderá contextualizar-se, aprimorando seu conhecimento técnico científico, além de pôr em prática o que as principais organizações mundiais voltadas para a Segurança do Paciente preconizam para a realização de um cuidado mais seguro. / This is a Patient Safety theme, which had as object the initiatives on patient safety established by international security organizations. This study aimed to analyze such initiatives. For this study, the major security organizations were identified through a bibliographic review of the literature based on electronic primaries sources, considering the pioneering organizations in addressing the Patient Safety topic that promote patient safety as a priority and that widely reported this issue from 2002 to 2012. In Google platform, references to more than 100 worldwide institutions were found that address this topic. However, only seven references met all the selection criteria with a predominance of U.S.A. organizations (six). The oldest organization is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1946), and the most recent is the World Alliance for Patient Safety (2004). Regarding the legal nature, two organizations are governmental (Center for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-AHRQ), four organizations are non-governmental (The Joint Commission, Institute for Healthcare Improvement-IHI, World Health Organization Alliance-WHO, and Institute for Safe Medication Practices-ISMP), and one independent organization (National Coordinating Council for medication error reporting and prevention-NCCMERP). In the hospital context, 103 initiatives for patient safety were detected. The organization that had published more initiatives for patient safety in hospital context was the ISMP with 20 initiatives, totaling 19% of the explored initiatives. Initiatives related to drug therapy, hand hygiene, infection control, and safe surgeries were the most addressed. It was concluded that, when paying attention to international initiatives of Patient Safety, the health professional can contextualize himself, improving his technical and scientific knowledge, and put into practice what the leading worldwide organizations focused on Patient Safety advocate for realization a safer healthcare.