<p>This study is an exploratory case study on supervisors' and front line managers' current practices towards the promotion of the socialization of employees with disabilities with their non-disabled peers. The researcher interviewed eight participants, four men and four women, purposefully selected from Connecticut and Indiana in person or over the phone. Various supporting secondary data documents were located by the researcher on the internet to further explain the work place's role in the promotion of socialization of employees with disabilities with their coworkers. Utilizing the Social Identity (Turner, 1975) and Social Categorization (Tajfel, 1970) theories to further explain the phenomenon of social integration of employees with disabilities as it relates to the under employment of Americans with disabilities when compared to their non-disabled counterparts, the researcher hopes to answers the following research questions: How are supervisors and front line managers in various work place arenas currently promoting social integration of employees with disabilities with their non-disabled coworkers? How are supervisors and front line managers in various work place arenas currently utilizing work place accommodations, when requested, to promote the social integration of employees with disabilities with their non-disabled peers? Once socially integrated, are supervisors and front line managers in various workplace arenas able to retain employees with disabilities for the long term? </p>

Due to the globalisation of the corporate world, business and management education has to respond by internationalising itself in order to prepare young graduates for the employment market. This doctoral thesis examines how four small to medium sized business and management schools in France are reacting to an ever increasing globalisation process. Evidence suggests that these schools have been experiencing an increase in their internationalisation process at the dawn of the twenty-first century which can be considered as somewhat later than the more prestigious schools both in France and elsewhere. This is due to changing balance between the traditional rationales for internationalisation and also the emerging of new rationales such as customer satisfaction and survival. A case study approach was adopted to study four business schools in different regions of France, all of which were linked to and managed by the local Chamber of Commerce. The research reveals that the timing for this internationalisation process is due to several factors which have both pushed forward and prevented international development. Even when there is a clearly defined international strategy the development is not linear since the international strategy is only one strategy amongst others within the institution and at certain times other strategies may be more important and thus prevent international development. All four schools have clearly used alliances and networks to obtain the necessary resources to carry out their internationalisation; this is seen on an academic, economic and staffing levels. As regards approach, a clear pattern has emerged in all four schools observed in that they have adopted a transitional marginal approach where the internationalisation begins slowly from the outer or peripheral part of the institution and gradually moves inward to affect the institution as a whole. This approach has given rise to several outcomes that prove to be advantageous to the institution as a whole, such as an improvement in the quality of teaching, learning and research. This transitional marginal approach has also reduced the risk of the possible forces against change which are very often present especially in the world of higher education. However, the research suggests that this was not an intended outcome of the strategy but nevertheless it is seen as a possible recommendation for other organisations to take into consideration. The findings also reveal that in the future, this model may become circular or spiral in structure since one outcome related to internationalisation is the globalisation of the institutions themselves where they are beginning to be present in other countries. This again, is seen as a marginal activity.

This research explores the development of a framework appropriate to evaluate the readiness of a university to engage with knowledge management. Many universities are evolving from traditional bureaucratic, hierarchical structures to become more flexible, adaptable, commercially viable and competitive and knowledge management is becoming increasingly important in this respect. An over view of knowledge management clarifies what the concept is, and a critical review of current frameworks and models identifies gaps and weaknesses specifically in relation to empirical testing, theoretical underpinning and a holistic approach. This framework addresses those gaps and weaknesses and draws on organisational management, strategy, structure and culture, and systems thinking to ensure a holistic approach. These key elements provide the basis upon which a knowledge management framework is developed. A Soft Systems Methodological approach with a critical dimension is used to underpin this research because enquiry into organisational problem situations is complex and unstructured, based on human activity and social systems. The framework is innovative and offers contributions to knowledge because it: - is a new development within the domain of knowledge management. (it is intended to help evaluate the readiness of universities to engage in knowledge management); - provides a new application of critical systems thinking (critical systems thinking is applied to knowledge management); - uses a new synthesis (it was developed using a synthesis of soft systems principles, knowledge management concepts, and organisational theory); - enables organisations to consider their situations in new ways (by enabling self-critique of KM readiness); - offers new insights into the domain of knowledge management by means of the comprehensive and substantial literature review that helped its development.

The purpose of this study is to investigate primary education teachers&#039 / perceptions about Total Quality Management (TQM) and the implementation degree of the principles of TQM in their schools / and to investigate whether there are significant differences between these perceptions of teachers in Curriculum Laboratory Schools (MLO) in which TQM principles are applied and teachers in non-MLO schools. For this reason, 16 primary education schools eight of which are MLO schools in different provinces of Ankara were randomly selected, for the sample of the study. Teachers in these schools were asked to fill out the questionnaire consisting of the proposala based on the principles of TQM. A total of 406 teachers completed and returned the questionnaires. Descriptives statistics were used to evaluate the data obtained. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to analyse whether there is a significant difference between MLO and non-MLO school teachers&#039 / perceptions related to TQM principles. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the perceptions of teachers in MLO and non-MLo schools. Moreover, Chi-square test was used in order to analyse if there are significant differences in MLO and non-MLO school teachers&#039 / perceptions about the degree of the implementation of TQM principles. The results showed that there was a significant difference only in one TQM proposal related to TQM principles. It is implemented in MLo schools more than non-MLO schools.

The aim of the research thesis was to identify whether or not the delivery of management education at base level, made a significant contribution to small enterprise solvency. Research by Williams (1986) indicated that over 60% of insolvent small enterprise (SE) owners gave one reason for insolvency as: ‘a lack of business/management experience or skill’. This implies that a significant percentage of SE insolvencies were avoidable, had the SE owner/managers acquired further business skill, knowledge or support. Literature suggests that increased business/management competencies may enable management blind spots within the internal activity structure of some enterprises, to be brought into focus and so controlled (Williams, 1984). This thesis undertakes research, to identify the contribution of various management education programs to SE solvency. The methodology used to test this contribution to business management knowledge, comprised surveys of management education facilitators and program participants, by education institutions from Government and private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Government and private non-RTOs. The objective was to determine, through the use of quantitative surveys, if a significant difference could be established between educational facilities offered and small enterprise owner/manager requirements, with the intention to make this an initial exploratory research. The thesis examined perceptions of SE owner/managers participating in management education programs and whether there is a contribution to the solvency of businesses from an educational framework that gives SE owners who lack crucial business/management skills, direction towards specific information, knowledge and abilities. The intention was to bridge research gaps concerning levels of SE solvency and skill-education available using four major types of business educational organisations. The study included interviews with SE owner/managers participating in business programs to identify their perception of the contribution by courses to the solvency of their enterprises. The research examined whether there was a significant difference in certain clusters and competencies between researched management programs, to establish if completing any program affected positively, levels of SE solvency. Since the research focus was on the impacts of management education on SE solvency, another outcome was to profile the participants who reported positive and negative perceptions of the impact of SE management education courses on SE solvency. These results are documented in full in Appendix ‘C’. Positive perceptions The group of participants, that generally saw courses as having positive affects on SE solvency, had the following characteristics. Predominantly male with education levels above high school level up to VET registered certificate, aged between 26-47 years, wishing to build their solvency and management skills, and wanting to focus on assistance from mentors/consultants on goals and business plans. Negative perceptions Course participants who perceived negative attitudes to the impact of courses in SE solvency had characteristics below. Predominantly female with primary school or trade qualifications, bur not VET certified, up to 25 years old or between the ages of 48 and 55 years, and not interested in building business or management skills. The courses they attended did not focus on goal setting and the participants had little interest in working with mentors or consultants. Conclusion The body of knowledge relating to SE solvency was extended as a result of this study, through working directly with management course participants. This research concludes by advancing the theory that education of business owner/managers is not solely to be focussed on management competencies. A complete business education should include character development and business activity planning, as well as business/management competencies.

The aim of the research thesis was to identify whether or not the delivery of management education at base level, made a significant contribution to small enterprise solvency. Research by Williams (1986) indicated that over 60% of insolvent small enterprise (SE) owners gave one reason for insolvency as: ‘a lack of business/management experience or skill’. This implies that a significant percentage of SE insolvencies were avoidable, had the SE owner/managers acquired further business skill, knowledge or support. Literature suggests that increased business/management competencies may enable management blind spots within the internal activity structure of some enterprises, to be brought into focus and so controlled (Williams, 1984). This thesis undertakes research, to identify the contribution of various management education programs to SE solvency. The methodology used to test this contribution to business management knowledge, comprised surveys of management education facilitators and program participants, by education institutions from Government and private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Government and private non-RTOs. The objective was to determine, through the use of quantitative surveys, if a significant difference could be established between educational facilities offered and small enterprise owner/manager requirements, with the intention to make this an initial exploratory research. The thesis examined perceptions of SE owner/managers participating in management education programs and whether there is a contribution to the solvency of businesses from an educational framework that gives SE owners who lack crucial business/management skills, direction towards specific information, knowledge and abilities. The intention was to bridge research gaps concerning levels of SE solvency and skill-education available using four major types of business educational organisations. The study included interviews with SE owner/managers participating in business programs to identify their perception of the contribution by courses to the solvency of their enterprises. The research examined whether there was a significant difference in certain clusters and competencies between researched management programs, to establish if completing any program affected positively, levels of SE solvency. Since the research focus was on the impacts of management education on SE solvency, another outcome was to profile the participants who reported positive and negative perceptions of the impact of SE management education courses on SE solvency. These results are documented in full in Appendix ‘C’. Positive perceptions The group of participants, that generally saw courses as having positive affects on SE solvency, had the following characteristics. Predominantly male with education levels above high school level up to VET registered certificate, aged between 26-47 years, wishing to build their solvency and management skills, and wanting to focus on assistance from mentors/consultants on goals and business plans. Negative perceptions Course participants who perceived negative attitudes to the impact of courses in SE solvency had characteristics below. Predominantly female with primary school or trade qualifications, bur not VET certified, up to 25 years old or between the ages of 48 and 55 years, and not interested in building business or management skills. The courses they attended did not focus on goal setting and the participants had little interest in working with mentors or consultants. Conclusion The body of knowledge relating to SE solvency was extended as a result of this study, through working directly with management course participants. This research concludes by advancing the theory that education of business owner/managers is not solely to be focussed on management competencies. A complete business education should include character development and business activity planning, as well as business/management competencies.

Thesis (M.I.T.)--The Evergreen State College, 2009. / Title from title screen (viewed 7/30/2009). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 115-119).

Thesis (M.Ed.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Jul. 28, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Empowerment of women in leadership and in particular, school leadership has been the focus of the Namibian government and the country since independence in 1990. Different policies and laws, post‐independence, make provision for women empowerment and leadership in a range of organisations and institutions throughout the country. However, reports on gender equity in leadership positions suggest that Namibia is not really moving towards these policy goals at a sufficiently quick pace. A lot still needs to be achieved in terms of transforming the gender stereotyping in Namibia, which still suffers from the legacy of gender discrimination of the apartheid era. Modern‐day academic authors and journalists portray an increasing interest in an awareness of the advantages of women leadership. Women are increasingly perceived to have leadership styles more suitable for contemporary conditions than men. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to investigate women leadership in the Otjiwarongo circuit in the Otjozondjupa educational region in Namibia. The study used a qualitative, interpretive research paradigm. It adopted a case study approach. The primary participants consisted of four women principals in the Otjiwarongo circuit and the secondary participants included four women education officers from the same circuit. Semi‐structured interviews, a focus group interview and observation were applied as methods for collecting data and the data collection period was just over six weeks. Data analysis was done through coding and identification of categories. The findings revealed that women principals possessed the qualities of commitment, good communication and are passionate about their work, which are qualities normally associated with effective leadership. In terms of their role in their schools, they emerged as democratic leaders who involved all stakeholders in the decision making process through consensus. In addition, they demonstrated distributive and servant leadership in their interactions with stakeholders. The main challenge to the leadership position of these women principals seemed to be the stereotypical view held, that as women, they had to work twice as hard as men at leading schools. The study recommended that people oriented leadership styles, such as the ones enacted by the women principals in this study, are highly recommended for effective leadership in the 21st century.

Dans la littérature récente en management, l’enseignement de la gestion est décrit comme une activité commerciale qui s’exerce sur un marché dont le produit phare est le MBA. En cherchant à promouvoir leurs MBA respectifs dans cet univers concurrentiel, les écoles de commerce sont ainsi amenées à renouveler ce cursus en permanence. De ce fait, l'industrie de l’enseignement de la gestion est devenue un important terrain de recherche en management.Le MBA bénéficie désormais d’une reconnaissance quasi mondiale et il a connu une croissance remarquable au cours des dernières décennies. Il est par ailleurs abondamment critiqué, notamment au regard de la teneur et l'organisation des enseignements qui y sont dispensés. Cette étude porte sur les relations et les influences croisées des parties prenantes dans le développement du cursus du MBA, en particulier en ce qui concerne l'introduction de modules liés au leadership. Cette étude qualitative longitudinale, menée sur un échantillon de MBA en France, permet de préciser les rôles stratégiques et les influences respectives des principales parties prenantes que sont les régulateurs, les fournisseurs et les « clients » dans le processus d'élaboration d’un programme MBA. La constante amélioration de ce diplôme répond en effet aux recommandations des régulateurs et à la perception des organisateurs, mais rarement aux souhaits de demandeurs. Nous proposons un modèle de croissance en spirale des parties prenantes dans l’organisation du MBA, qui met en évidence une dynamique permettant à la fois à l’industrie et à ses acteurs d’accroitre leur efficacité. / In recent literature, Management Education is frequently described as a business industry, with the MBA program as its flagship product. Whilst attempting to position their programs in an increasingly competitive market, business schools continuously develop and renew the MBA. As a result, Management Education has become a new area of management study. The MBA has enjoyed a remarkable growth in recent decades, to the point that is has become a globally recognised degree. However, it has also received considerable criticism, especially regarding its curriculum content and organization. Using a qualitative interview-based research on French MBA programs and curricula development, this study focuses on the interaction of stakeholders in the MBA curriculum development, notably in light of the introduction of leadership-related modules. Its main findings evidence the strategic role and influence of the main stakeholders, i.e. regulators, suppliers and “clients”, in the MBA curriculum development process. The continuing improvement of the MBA curriculum reflects the recommendations of the regulators as well as the perspective of the suppliers, but the influence of demanders is more limited. This research led to the identification and the specification of a spiral evolution model, for the interaction of stakeholders in the organization of MBA and Management Education creates a synergistic growth in the industry that enables both organizations and the industry to be more efficient.