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Research to date has focused on explaining disclosure and accountability practices mainly in liberal market economies. Accountability and disclosure studies have been embedded in Western/Euro-centric economic and social theories. Although there have been a growing number of theoretical accountability studies, few empirical studies have been conducted to explore the nature of accountability in the public sector and the private sector. Disclosure and accountability practices in non-competitive markets have been given little attention in the literature. The focus of this thesis is to understand information disclosure practices and accountability construction processes in the predominant socialist and Arabic context of Libya. This study contributes to knowledge by explaining how the practices of disclosure and accountability in such context occur. Explaining disclosure and accountability practices in relation to the state and the public contributes to the current debate around these practices. This study reported on data collected from two case studies conducted in Libya: the Secretary of Industry (SI) and the National Trailers Company (NTC). The Secretary of Industry's responsibilities included supervising thirty-one companies including the National Trailers Company. The National Trailers Company was a joint venture company where the State, represented by the Secretary of Industry, owned 75 per cent of the capital and an Italian company, Calabrese, owned 25 per cent of the capital. The aim of the study was to understand how information was disclosed and accountability was constructed and to explain the relationships between disclosure and accountability in the SI-NTC context. The study used Sinclair's (1995) forms of accountability as a point of reference to explore whether these forms were identified and understood similarly in the Libyan context. The study's observations showed that disclosure and accountability practices within the SI-NTC context were different from those identified in the literature. Information was disclosed upon request and followed mainly accountability routes. The role of managerial and financial accountability in this process was emphasised. The study proposed an explanation for the SI-NTC disclosure and accountability practices that took into consideration the role of not only economic, but also social and cultural aspects in these practices. This explanation encompassed values and beliefs that were related not only to secular, but also to sacred activities. The observations showed that Islamic construction of identity and accountability of a person (all persons) to Allah was embedded in the accountability process. The study's contribution was two-fold. The first was related to the process and the practice of disseminating the company's information - information enclosure - and the second was related to the accountability construction process - accountability webs. Information enclosure theory was proposed to explain the company's disclosure (enclosure) practices. The proposed theory was different from the conventional disclosure theories in that it reflected the role of not only economic but also social relationships in the information provided. Information was provided to those who constituted "the organisational web" of accountability where the influence of social relationships and personal connections - "the social web" - was present.

The main aim of this study is to analyse and evaluate the changing identity of the built environment in Tripoli. In search of a definition for identity, the research found that identity is a combination of similarity and difference, creating a sense of uniqueness with which individuals, groups and societies identify with each other but distinguish themselves from others. Identity is, therefore, dynamic, always defined in relation to others rather than in isolation, and is created through continued existence through time and space, through memory and continuity. Three inter-related types of identity (individual, group and social identity) create a balance between individual creativity and the sense of community. A major component of the sense of identity for individuals, groups and societies is their physical environment. In particular, some elements of the physical environment appear to make a strong contribution to the sense of place and identity. These are the natural environment, such as the countryside and the sea that surrounded the city, as well as the city's homes, streets, open spaces, markets and mosques. These physical elements are created according to people's cultural and social values, principles and beliefs. A major change in these elements can be considered a change in the identity of the city. To evaluate this change of identity, the study used a historical and social analysis. The historical analysis showed how these elements were transformed during the course of the twentieth century. It identified three stages of transformation: traditional, colonial and modern (or postcolonial). The social analysis found a number of variables that link people with their physical environment and shape the sense of identity of the place: safety and privacy, attachment and commitment, self-expression, memory and continuity. The research then combined the historical and social analysis by interviewing 300 residents in three areas of the city, each representing one stage of identity transformation. These residents, as well as some academics, architects and planners, were asked to evaluate these environments. The findings of this study illustrated the changing characteristics of the built environment as well as the underlining forces and circumstances forming the identity of each area. The examination illustrated the lack of physical and cultural continuity where each area developed and changed in response to different circumstances (socio-cultural, economic and political). An appraisal of the architecture and urban characters of the three areas demonstrated the lack of design continuity leading to the fragmentation of the urban structure. Associated with this fragmentation, there has been a gap between the development of the built environment and the needs, principles and values of Tripoli society. These gaps and discontinuities have created tensions and shortcomings in the life and identity of the city. The three main historical periods have each left a mark on the city, creating a city of multiple identities. The traditional city still is valued highly by Tripoli residents for its architectural features and its conforming with traditional social values. It is, however, not popular with the younger people, who are the future of the city, for its inability to accommodate modern lifestyles. The colonial city is an alien creation that has particular architectural values, such as its arcades and open spaces. It is not however, suitable for the Libyan family size and lifestyle. The modern neighbourhoods are not often successful in their architecture. They are more suitable in general for Libyan families, but remain unsuccessful from a number of aspects, especially in satisfying the older people. In comparison, the findings indicated a higher level of satisfaction among the respondents in the traditional area regarding their physical environment. This was partly due to the design concepts that were in line with local social, cultural, political, economic and climatic conditions. However, later developments and changes have not been related to the local conditions to the same extent and have negatively affected the process of city formation. The three areas that reflect the history of the city have their own strengths and weakness. The future of the city grows out of this diversity of identities. There is much that can be learnt from the lessons of each area, as well as of the co-existence of old and new that characterises the identity of the built environment in Tripoli. A major lesson is that the success of built environment largely depends on how far it relates to the local physical and social conditions.

Libya is a country which is trying to find its place in the international community. It has a mainly youthful population of about 5.6 million with a median age of 24.8 years and large numbers of young people are accessing university courses. This creates a demand for university places which is increasingly difficult to meet. The recent political changes in Libya have compounded these difficulties. This study investigates the challenges of teaching English in Libyan Higher Education as the country prepares its young people for living and working in a global environment where the English language is predominant. The investigation finds that there is recognition of the importance of English, but the level of language skills of students entering university is well below an acceptable standard, and both teachers and students advocate an early start for learning English in schools. Within the universities the curriculum is not consistent and leads to graduates in English having a limited command of the language. Some evidence suggests that students are not motivated to study English and often choose the programme simply as a means of guaranteeing them a job in the future, or because it is at the most convenient location for them. There is a lack of resources and facilities, with large classes and few rooms for teaching, limited internet and communication technology, and little access to libraries. Teachers are not prepared well for their teaching roles nor supported with development activities, and there are few opportunities for teachers or students to practise their English. The thesis makes a number of recommendations including running summer schools in English speaking countries, online courses with native English speakers, and exchange programmes where teachers can benefit from updating their methodology as well as their language skills. Further recommendations are for the Ministry of Education to have overall control of the curriculum, and for the Libyan government to continue its building programme and prioritise access to technology. One year exchange programmes with English speaking countries would enable native English speakers to be available in all university English departments. It is also recommended that students are motivated by providing courses relevant to them, and that more workshops and activities such as competitions and monthly magazines written by students and teachers are used to encourage involvement.

Doctorat en philosophie et lettres / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

The Libyan media has dramatically changed in recent years. This has been most prominently manifest in the introduction of new satellite television news services. This thesis was designed to investigate two elements – patterns of news media consumption and news credibility in Libya. It examined the patterns of major local and international TV news services operating across different media, broadcast and print, and associations between Libyan students’ consumption of different news media platforms. In this context, it investigated the news consumption habits of young people, with special attention paid to their consumption of pan-Arab news services broadcast via satellite television. It looked at the perception of gratifications students obtained from these news services. It also reported findings on students’ perceptions of the credibility of two local, Al Jamahiriya and Al Libiya TV, and two pan-Arab TV news services, Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya. In order to address the thesis research questions, a survey was administered to a sample of 400 undergraduate students at Al-Fateh University using a stratified random sampling approach, with the sampling strata set by demographic variables. The study found that the new TV news services played an important role in attracting young Libyans with information they desire. The spread of new news media sources (television, radio and print) in Libya has created a new type of customer that transcends national boundaries. Statistical analyses indicated that there are distinct news consumption demographic differences defined in part by news platform (TV versus radio versus print) and in part by the type of news provider (local versus non-local TV news services). The findings were discussed in relation to the growing impact of international satellite broadcast news services and the need for local TV news services to find methods of making themselves distinctive in a way that provides an alternative but still relevant and valued news sources. With regard to news credibility, in general Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya were given higher credibility scores than Al Jamahiriya and Al Libiya news services. Higher credibility ratings, however, were significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of reported watching of both local TV news services, but only one of the pan-Arab TV news services (Al Jazeera).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1971. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 353-373).

Accounting information for decision making needs to be reliable, unless the information is audited, it cannot be regarded as reliable. Therefore, although extensive research in the area of accounting in general, and auditing in particular, has been conducted in the developed countries, similar investigations within developing countries have so far been relatively limited. Moreover, global financial crises, the most recent in 2007/8, have increased the pressures for better regulations with the aim of harmonising the auditing profession globally. This study therefore aims to help fill the gap in research and to provide recommendations to the governing body of the Libyan auditing profession, in order to address the difficulties faced by the profession, and advance and improve the quality of professional auditing practice. This study is predominantly positivist in essence, but, based on the nature of the problem and research questions, a mixed methods approach to gathering data from stakeholders in the auditing profession is adopted. A questionnaire (196 respondents), and a set of semi-structured interviews (nine participants), represent the quantitative and qualitative instruments of the study respectively. The research sample for both empirical exercises is comprised of individuals from five different groups representing the Libyan auditing profession stakeholders. This wide spread of participants is selected in order to generate valid, reliable, generalizable, and meaningful data, and conclusions. The overall conclusion drawn from the analysis is that the Libyan audit profession regulations are considered inadequate by the profession itself, since they fall short of meeting international standards, as supported by the fact that many foreign companies invest in Libya, and they insist on their auditing using ISAs as a guarantee of transparent and high quality auditing. The Libyan audit profession is unwilling to implement these international standards, and this weakness needs to be addressed. Furthermore, issues relating to licensing, accounting and auditing education, examination for entry to the profession, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) must all be reviewed. In addition, a new regulatory framework, that involves government supervision, and the use of internationally-recognised standards in the performance of auditing duties, must be introduced. In terms of the most appropriate regulatory approach, the results indicated that the independent regulator model is preferred; and with respect to auditing standards, the study finds that the preferred approach is to harmonise all auditing standards used in Libya, and to adopt the ISAs with certain modifications that suit the Libyan context. Furthermore, the study sample identified six factors that impact positively on the adoption of the ISAs, and a further six factors that had negative influences. This research contributes to the body of literature by filling the gap regarding the Libyan auditing profession in general, and identifying factors that have an impact on the adoption of ISAs in particular. Recommendations are provided to the authority responsible for supervising the Libyan auditing profession that essentially require the upgrading of all professionals, and perseverance to ensure national and international development of the profession in particular, and to other countries with similar characteristics in general.

Since the 1970s there has been rapid expansion of higher education provision in Libya and also concerns about quality versus quantity of education amid calls to reform higher education in Libya. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the current pedagogic approaches of geography teaching in Libyan universities. This information has been obtained by seeking the perceptions and attitudes through questionnaires of university teachers and students from eight Libyan higher education institutions, representing a range of locations and types of institution. A comparison was also made to UK geography teaching, using published information to indicate possible alternative approaches. The results from students were to a large extent consistent with the results of teachers, although there were some differences between the newly established institutions and the others. Respondents showed dissatisfaction towards many issues related to the teaching of geography at this level, notably the lack of specialized degrees; the inclusion of non-geography modules in courses; the integration of environmental issues within the curriculum; educational resources; the current conditions of laboratories; the teaching methods used by teachers; lecture presentation methods; the illustrative aids used by teachers; and the current fieldwork strategy. This study highlights the need for revision of current pedagogic approaches to geography teaching in Libyan universities, in which the UK¿s model may be a useful guide. / General People¿s Committee for Higher Education of Libya