Sanitation provision can in many low-income countries be regarded as a complex collective action problem, and is often managed through complex actor constellations. The theory of ‘polycentric order’ has been proposed for the governance of such constellations, describing ordered systems of interacting but autonomous actors. However, empirical data is largely lacking on how this concept can be applied to contribute to governance analysis in low-economy contexts. This paper uses polycentric systems theory to combine a broad assessment of system order with an evaluation of functional aspects associated with polycentricity. The theories are tested against a case study of the sanitation planning and implementation system of Kampala, Uganda, where responsibilities are split between multi-level authorities, NGOs, private sector actors and local landlords. Interviews with sector representatives indicate a system which is largely polycentric, but also to some extent lacks the essential aspect of common and enforced rules. While the diverse set of actors do show adaptive capacity, the analysis exemplifies how this capacity may give sub-optimal or even counteractive solutions if not matched by relevant incentive mechanisms at each level. Furthermore, the actor diversity is found to give enhanced capacity and sometimes function as a flexible ‘safety net’ in service provision, but also risk giving adverse effects in terms of equity and distribution. While some of these outlined problems may be alleviated by well-designed institutions, others are expected to come at a trade-off between flexibility and stability in actor roles. Conclusively, this study gives an empirical illustration of how a polycentric perspective can allow for a wider analysis of systemic problems in a decentralized, low-income governance context.

With 663 million people still without access to an improved drinking water source, there is no room for complacency in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.1: “universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all” by 2030 (WHO, 2017). All of the current efforts related to water supply service delivery will require continued enthusiasm in diligent implementation and thoughtful evaluation. This cannot be over-emphasized in relation to rural inhabitants of low-income countries (LICs), as they represent the largest percentage of those still reliant on unimproved drinking water sources. In that lies the motivation and value of this thesis research- improving water supply service delivery in LICs. Manually operated suction pumps, being relatively robust, low cost, and feasible to manufacture locally, are an important technology in providing access to improved drinking water sources in LICs, especially in the context of Self-supply. It seems widely accepted that the water-lifting limit of suction pumps as reported in practice is approximately seven meters. However, some observations by our research group of manually operated suction pumps lifting water upwards of nine meters brought this “general rule of thumb” limit into question. Therefore, a focused investigation on the capabilities of a manually operated suction pump (a Pitcher Pump) was conducted in an attempt to address these discrepancies, and in so doing, contribute to the understanding of this technology with the intent of providing results with practical relevance to its potential; that is, provide evidence that can inform the use of these pumps for water supply. In this research, a simple model based on commonly used engineering approaches employing empirical equations to describe head loss in a pump system was used to estimate the suction lift limit under presumed system parameters. Fundamentally based on the energy equation applied to incompressible flow in pipes, the empirically derived Darcy-Weisbach equation and Hydraulic Institute Standards acceleration head equation were used to estimate frictional and acceleration head losses. Considering the theoretical maximum suction lift is limited to the height of a column of water that would be supported by atmospheric pressure, reduced only by the vapor pressure of water, subtracting from this the model was used to predict the suction lift limit, also referred to herein as the practical theoretical limit, assuming a low (4 L/min) and high (11 L/min) flow rate for three systems: 1) one using 1.25-inch internal diameter GI pipes, 2) one using 1.25-inch internal diameter PVC pipes, and 3) one using 2-inch internal diameter PVC pipes. In all considered cases, with an elevation equal to sea level, the suction lift limit was estimated to be over nine meters. At a minimum, the suction lift limit was estimated to be approximately 9.4 meters for systems using 1.25-inch internal diameter pipe and 9.8 meters for systems using 2-inch internal diameter pipe, with essentially no discernable effects noticed between pipe material or pipe age. Additionally, laboratory (field) trials using a Simmons Manufacturing Picher Pump and each of the aforementioned pipe specifications were conducted at the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL, USA) to determine the practical pumping limit for these systems. Results from the pumping trials indicated that the practical pumping limit- the greatest height at which a reasonable pumping rate could be consistently sustained with only modest effort, as perceived by the person pumping- for a Pitcher Pump is around nine meters (9 meters when using 1.25-inch internal diameter GI or PVC pipe and 9.4 meters when using 2-inch internal diameter PVC pipe). Therefore, results from this research present two pieces of evidence which suggest that the practical water-lifting limit of manually operated suction pumps is somewhere around nine meters (at sea level), implying that reconsideration of the seven-meter suction lift limit commonly reported in the field might be warranted.

Alors qu’il semble acquis par la plupart des acteurs de la construction et du logement que l’évolution de la réglementation a joué un rôle non négligeable dans la hausse des prix des logements neufs au cours des années 2000 en France, cette thèse se propose d’interroger le lien entre accroissement des prix, renforcement normatif et accessibilité économique des logements neufs pour les ménages modestes. Autrement dit, ces logements à haute valeur réglementaire sont-ils devenus trop chers pour accueillir les plus modestes d’entre nous ? Dans une démarche plus empirique que théorique, notre recherche consiste en la construction d’un faisceau d’indices permettant d’éclairer cette question à partir d’exploitations statistiques, de monographies et d’entretiens avec les acteurs de la construction.Nous nous attachons à étudier les mécanismes de fixation des prix des logements neufs à la vente et à la location, leur évolution brute et en lien avec les revenus des ménages, ainsi que la comparaison avec le prix des logements anciens. Après avoir retracé l’évolution de la réglementation dans le logement, un recensement des surcoûts évalués dans la littérature fait le jour sur la faiblesse des arguments appuyant la thèse d’une hausse des prix induite par le renforcement réglementaire au cours des années 2000. C’est pourquoi nous tentons de mesurer scientifiquement l’impact de la réglementation sur les prix de revient et les prix de vente des logements en faisant notamment appel à la modélisation hédonique et à des monographies. Bien que, finalement, la réglementation ne semble pas avoir été l’un des déterminants majeurs de l’accroissement des prix des logements neufs, la question de leur accessibilité économique continue à se poser. L’étude du peuplement des logements neufs, de son évolution et du cas particulier de la représentation des ménages modestes au sein de ce parc éclaire cette question / While it appears to be common knowledge that regulatory developments in the construction sector contributed to increase prices for new housing in the 2000s in France, this thesis questions the seemingly causal link between construction regulation and housing prices, and explores its impact for low-income households. Using a more empirical than theoretical methodology, our research consists of building a body of evidence to clarify this question on the basis of statistical evaluation, monographs and interviews with stakeholders in the construction sector.In this perspective we intend to determine the pricing mechanism for new housing, whether for rent or for sale, and explore the price development against households incomes and compare their value with old housing. After setting out the successive evolutions of housing regulation, our literature review, which in particular highlights evaluated additional costs, proves that increase in housing prices is not directly related to regulation. Our research will try to scientifically measure the impact of these new regulations on prediction and purchase prices through the use of hedonic regressions. Although we argue regulation has not been one of the principal determinants of the price increases of new housing, factors affecting their affordability remains an open question. We propose to study the evolution of the new housing population, with particular attention to the low income households

[pt] Este trabalho investiga o problema das restrições ao entretenimento da população de baixa renda brasileira. Parte de um modelo conceitual de restrições ao lazer e verifica como o celular atuaria como ferramenta de entretenimento diante dessas restrições. Especificamente, o trabalho: (i) identifica as principais restrições ao lazer para a população de baixa renda com base no modelo de Crawford et al (ii) analisa de que maneira o celular, como ferramenta de entretenimento, pode influenciar no comportamento face às restrições. Através de entrevistas em profundidade, o estudo classifica as principais restrições ao lazer da população de baixa renda e identifica de que a forma o celular pode beneficiar esta parcela da população, quando utilizado como ferramenta de entretenimento. Os resultados mostram uma adaptação do modelo de Crawford de restrições ao lazer e como este modelo auxilia na identificação de oportunidades de mercado, para criação de produtos e serviços que permitam vencer as restrições encontradas no estudo. / [en] This study investigates the problem of the constraints to leisure of the low income population. It begins from a conceptual model of leisure constraints and verifies how the mobile phone can act as an entertainment tool due to these constraints. Therefore, the study: (i) identifies the main leisure constraints of the low income population based on the Crawford et al model; (ii) analyzes how the mobile phone, as an entertainment tool, can influence in these leisure constraints. Based on several interviews, the study classifies the main leisure constraints of the low income population and identifies how the mobile phone can benefit this population when used as an entertainment tool. The results show an adaptation of the Crawford model and how this model can help in the recognition of new market opportunities and the development of new products and services that can help the low income population to overcome the constraints observed in this study.

The purpose of this study was to explore the interaction between respect or disrespect and the customer value proposition, including identifying experiences of respect or disrespect, within the context of low income consumers. The study was conducted by means of exploratory research, applying the critical incident technique, whereby a positive and a negative experience in the marketplace was analysed for each low income participant. The study showed that low income consumers value respect in the marketplace, and are typically prepared to pay a premium for respectful treatment. As regards disrespectful treatment, the study showed that low income consumers have a strong tendency to complain when faced with disrespect, and if this is not remedied, the low income consumer is extremely likely to not purchase from the relevant supplier then or in the future, regardless of price or convenience. This study also highlighted various actions or behavior categories that low income consumers consider respectful or disrespectful within the marketplace. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lmgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to explore the interaction between respect or disrespect and the customer value proposition, including identifying experiences of respect or disrespect, within the context of low income consumers. The study was conducted by means of exploratory research, applying the critical incident technique, whereby a positive and a negative experience in the marketplace was analysed for each low income participant. The study showed that low income consumers value respect in the marketplace, and are typically prepared to pay a premium for respectful treatment. As regards disrespectful treatment, the study showed that low income consumers have a strong tendency to complain when faced with disrespect, and if this is not remedied, the low income consumer is extremely likely to not purchase from the relevant supplier then or in the future, regardless of price or convenience. This study also highlighted various actions or behaviour categories that low income consumers consider respectful or disrespectful within the marketplace. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lmgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Charles R. Oaklief / This study investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the McNair program at the three Kansas Regents institutions. The population included 259 former McNair program participants from Kansas State University (KSU), the University of Kansas (KU), and Wichita State University (WSU) who graduated with baccalaureate degrees between 1996 and 2004. These alumni were asked to complete a two- part survey. Part one collected data on McNair alumni perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the program on a thirty-three item, five-point Likert scale. Additionally, part one collected data on McNair alumni recommendations regarding the amount of emphasis that should be placed on program services and activities. Next, part two collected selected demographics. This provided useful data to examine how selected demographics relate to program perceptions. One hundred and thirty-seven of the 259 McNair alumni completed the survey. Overall, the results of the data suggested that they perceived the services and activities to be more of a strength than a weakness. Also, the recorded comments by the alumni indicated that their experiences as McNair scholars were positive. McNair scholar alumni recommended providing more assistance with how to interview prospective faculty mentors, obtain financial assistance, and stay abreast of resources that would increase the number of McNair scholars enrolling in graduate school and completing a graduate degree. Further study is recommended to survey McNair alumni who have completed doctoral degrees regarding the need for services that would help strengthen areas that were perceived to be weaker than others. These areas include “Enrollment in a Graduate School Program Leading to a Doctorate Degree” and “Selecting and Working With a Faculty Mentor”. Additionally, further study is recommended to investigate how alumni differ in their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the McNair Program by major field of study.

M.Tech. (Industrial Design) / This study investigated the user’s perspective with reference to the regular use of the WonderbagTM retained-heat cooker in low-income communities in a South African context. This research addresses the limitations of the literature available to support the investigation of the design of a fabric retained-heat cooker from a user’s perspective. As with the WonderbagTM retained-heat cooker, products aimed at underserved low-income communities are often designed without the participation of the end-user. This research focuses on the user’s experience of the fabric retained-heat cooker and seeks to include the user in the process of improving the design of these products. Participatory action research and user-centred design were utilised as the chosen methodologies for this study. The history of retained-heat cookers has been reflected upon when considering the use of insulation materials and alternative fabric improvements. Methods of manufacture, material cost and usage have been considered as critical elements of the design process as well as the skill level of the existing users. Participants indicated their personal interest in the design and development of the prototype retained-heat cooker. They were intensively involved in the design process from the focus group discussion where their perceptions were elicited, right through to their testing of the final prototype. A final workshop concluded the last of three workshops where participants provided individual feedback in terms of their personal experiences of using the prototype retained-heat cooker. Participants were able to selectively customise their prototypes, which brought about a sense of ownership and pride that was not evident in their use of previous retained-heat cookers. Participants indicated personal interest in creating their own retained-heat cookers from the experience that they acquired during the research process. As a result of this experience, the participants believed that they could manufacture their own retained-heat cookers to sell within their community, which could provide income for themselves and other members of their community. The saving of energy in terms of the fuel required to complete the cooking process translated into a direct saving of money, which was highlighted as a recurring theme and identified benefit of retained-heat cooking. By encouraging the use of energy-efficient retained-heat cookers, low-income communities could directly benefit from spending less on fuel costs and more on other essentials.

[pt] Com a privatização do setor de telecomunicações em 1998 e o lançamento do celular pré-pago em 1999, a indústria de telefonia móvel celular brasileira passou a vivenciar um grande crescimento e parte importante deste sucesso foi devido à adoção do celular pelas camadas de menor renda da população. Este estudo investiga a natureza dos problemas de pagamento dos consumidores mais pobres da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro e como o celular pode ser utilizado por eles tanto como instrumento de pagamento como de controle de orçamento doméstico. O estudo se desenvolveu por meio de entrevistas qualitativas nas quais explorou a experiência e vivência do consumidor de baixa renda durante o processo de compras, e mais especificamente, a potencialidade do celular como instrumento de acesso ao crédito e controle financeiro. O estudo levanta várias proposições que consideram a baixa renda, o acesso ao crédito, as condições de pagamento e o controle do orçamento como questões para as quais o celular oferece suficiente versatilidade e atratividade para aliviar as restrições impostas pelas limitações de renda. / [en] With the privatization of the Telecommunications Sector in 1998 and introduction of the pre-paid cellular phone in 1999, the Brazilian cellular phone industry started to experience an enormous growth and an important part of this success was due to adoption of cellular phone by the class of lower income of the population. This study investigates the nature of problems of payment of the poorer consumers of the City of Rio de Janeiro and how the cellular phone can be used by them as an instrument of payment as well as to control their domestic budget. The study was developed by means of qualitative interviews in which it explored the experience and existence of the low income consumer during the process of purchases, and more specifically, the potentiality of the cellular phone as an instrument of access to credit and as a financial controller. The study raises several propositions that consider the low income, the access to credit, payment conditions and budget control as issues for which the cellular phone offers sufficient versatility and attractiveness to mitigate restrictions imposed by income limitation.

[pt] O mercado de baixa renda tem apresentado um significativo crescimento no seu potencial de consumo. No entanto, o restrito orçamento familiar deste mercado ainda limita o consumo de certos produtos. E mesmo convivendo com essa limitação financeira, muitas mulheres deste grupo consomem produtos que podem ser considerados supérfluos, como produtos de beleza. O objetivo desta dissertação é identificar os valores que levam as mulheres de baixa renda a consumir produtos de beleza. Conduziu-se um estudo exploratório, baseado em entrevistas em profundidade com 17 mulheres. A interpretação das entrevistas, realizada com as técnicas laddering e grupo de focus e com análise de conteúdo, sugere que mulheres de baixa renda, ao comprarem produtos de beleza buscam reconhecimento social, serem respeitadas como indivíduos e, principalmente, auto-estima. / [en] The low-income market has shown a significant growth in its consumption potential. However, the limited family budget in this market have limited consumption of certain products. And even living with these financial constraints, many women in this group consume products that can be considered superfluous, as beauty products. The objective of this dissertation is to identify the values that takes low-income women to consume beauty products. It has conducted an exploratory study, based on interviews with 17 women. The interpretation of the interviews held with the laddering technique, focus group and content analysis, suggests that low-income women into buying beauty products seek social recognition, to be respected as individuals, and especially self-esteem.