Schools are group settings where vaccine-preventable diseases can spread quickly, especially if vaccination rates are suboptimal. Vaccination of school children has been the subject of many studies; however, data are lacking regarding the vaccination status, vaccination perceptions, and potential barriers to vaccination for school employees. Method: A questionnaire was developed to measure school employees' perceptions,awareness of current vaccination status, and potential barriers to vaccinations. This study included a convenience sample of 277 employees from a small urban school district located in central Utah. Results: Adult vaccination knowledge is lacking in the school employee population, with over half believing they were fully vaccinated even though 57.8% had not had an influenza vaccination this season. Many school employees were unaware of their vaccination status for highly virulent diseases such as measles and pertussis. In addition, most subjects believed vaccinations were safe and effective, although they believed vaccinations were more important for children than adults. Almost half of respondents believed vaccine mandates should exist for school employees. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps regarding adult vaccines can be positively influenced by nurses, especially school nurses. These knowledge gaps may be especially important to bridge concerning adults working in the school setting, an environment ideal for the spreading of communicable diseases.

Background: To prevent the spread of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD’s), school-aged children in the United States are required to receive vaccinations. In certain states, parents have the option to exempt their child from becoming vaccinated due to medical, religious, or personal reasons. The purpose of this research was to identify which states require mandatory vaccination education prior to granting vaccine exemptions and to identify the various types of required vaccination education.Methods: Immunization program managers from states requiring parents seeking exemptions to receive mandatory vaccination education were asked a series of open-ended questions. The interviews were conducted via telephone. The education-related questions identified: 1) which states require mandatory education prior to granting vaccine exemptions; 2) delivery methods for education; 3) standardization of materials; 4) renewal and evaluation of education; 5) the greatest obstacles to providing education; and 6) use of immunization registries to track vaccination education.Results: Ten states reported mandatory vaccination education requirements prior to granting vaccine exemptions. Three methods of vaccination education delivery were identified: printed material, face-to-face education, and/or online technology-driven education. Seven states have standardized vaccination education and use state exemption rates as a means to evaluate the education. Half of states required parents to renew vaccination education, but the time period for renewals varied from state-to-state. There were two general obstacles to delivering vaccination education, namely, lack of resources and lack of parent involvement.Conclusion: Parental education regarding vaccines impacts parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children. The method of delivering mandatory vaccination education varies greatly between states. Each method for vaccination education delivery has inherent advantages and disadvantages, indicating the need for further research to determine which method of education delivery is most effective. A combination of delivery methods may, in fact, be the best option. Identifying the most effective delivery method for vaccination education, as well as the most optimal time period for renewing the education, will assist other states developing mandatory vaccination education materials.

The purpose of the study is to determine what selected school districts throughout the state of Texas are doing to meet the Texas Gifted and Talented mandate at the high school level, grades 9-12. The study is also to help determine if more guidelines from the state are needed, or if schools are able to meet student needs and mandate requirements as they currently exist.

The aim of this study is to investigate characteristics of urban transformation in Antioch and Alexandretta during the French Mandate, 1920-1938. Contending that a purely formal analysis would fail to grasp complex politics of architecture and urbanism promoted by the French administration, this thesis seeks to explore the urban transformation of these cities in its political and representational context. In analyzing the French perception of the urban space especially in Antioch, this thesis devotes an extensive attention to the nineteenth century travelers who visited Antioch, by emphasizing the ways in which they described the urban make-up of the city. Moreover, it situates the case of Antioch and Alexandretta within the broader framework of French colonial architecture and urbanism by occassionally referring to French North Africa on the one hand, and other cities of the French Mandate in Syria and Lebanon on the other hand. Along with an analysis of the changing built environment in Antioch and Alexandretta, other visual and representational strategies such as the colonial exhibition, archeological works, scholarly endeavors, and tourism are discussed. It is the major premise of this thesis that a comprehensive portrayal of the architectural and urban transformation of these cities might be attained only through the inclusion of different forms of political and visual representation.

Trata a presente tese de estudo acerca do instituto denominado recall, existente nos Estados Unidos da América do Norte, que constitui mecanismo que permite a destituição de autoridades públicas e a revogação de decisões judiciais, por meio de decisão popular. O ineditismo da tese decorre do aprofundamento que se fez sobre o tema, bem como da análise minuciosa sobre as condições de aplicação desse instituto no Brasil. Para compreensão integral do objeto em análise, inicialmente, buscou-se compreender o fenômeno da representação política, não só sob o aspecto jurídico-formal como também pelo aspecto histórico, político e social. As teorias acerca da representação política são abordadas dentro de uma perspectiva evolutiva, histórica, desde os seus traços primitivos nas sociedades antigas, passando pelas instruções e mandato imperativo do período medieval, até as concepções de Hobbes, Locke, Burke e Siéyès, não deixando de lado as posições mais modernas e os dilemas existentes sobre o tema. Busca-se também a essência desse mecanismo denominado recall. Para tanto, torna-se obrigatória a passagem pelas suas origens e pela sua configuração jurídica, que se encontra relacionada com o princípio federativo, os sistemas eleitorais, sua caracterização como direito político, instituto de democracia participativa e semidireta, bem como seu caráter sancionador e como forma de expressão da oposição política. Faz-se, além disso, uma análise comparativa do recall no direito contemporâneo. Inicialmente focando o instituto nos Estados Unidos da América do Norte, pelo âmbito de aplicação do instituto na Federação norte-americana, as hipóteses e procedimentos de cada Estado-membro (onde se permite o instituto) e os resultados gerais de sua aplicação. Analisar-se-á, outrossim, institutos semelhantes ao recall existentes em outros sistemas jurídicos. Ao final, será tratada a questão relacionada ao recall e o sistema jurídico brasileiro, apresentando-se a história da revogação do mandato político no país, o panorama jurídico pelo aspecto federativo e dos sistemas eleitorais, bem como as condições para viabilizar a aplicação do instituto no Brasil. Tudo isso, para se demonstrar que o recall deve ser um mecanismo democrático a ser utilizado por eleitores responsáveis contra eleitos irresponsáveis. / This dissertation focuses on the mechanism referred to as recall, which exists in the United States of America, and is a mechanism that provides for the removal of public officials and the repeal of judicial decisions by means of public opinion. The originality of this dissertation arises out of the further understanding of the subject, as well as of the thorough analysis of the conditions under which such mechanism could be applied in Brazil. In order to fully understand the analyzed object, it was first necessary to understand the phenomenon of political representation, not only from the formal-legal aspect, but also from the historical, political and social perspectives. The theories on political representation are approached from a historical-developing standpoint, from its primitive traces in ancient societies, to the medieval instruments and imperative mandate, to the ideas of Hobbes, Locke, Burke and Siéyès, in addition to the more modern schools of thought and existing dilemmas on the subject-matter. The dissertation also focuses on the essence of the recall mechanism. In order to do so, it was necessary to examine its origins and its legal configuration, which has to do with the federative principle, the electoral systems, its characterization as public law, participatory and semi-direct democracy, as well as its sanctioning ability and political opposition form of expression. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of recall in contemporary law is also carried out. The assessment is initially focused on the mechanism in the United States of America, as per its application in the North American Federation, the hypotheses and procedures of each Member-State (in which the mechanism is provided for) and the general results of its application. Moreover, similar mechanisms available in other legal systems are also analyzed. Finally, the issue of the recall mechanism and the Brazilian legal system is assessed, through the history of the repeal of political mandates in the country, its legal framework on the federative aspect and the electoral systems, as well as the conditions necessary in order to render the application of the recall mechanism in Brazil feasible. The objective is to demonstrate that the recall mechanism should be a democratic mechanism to be used by responsible voters against irresponsible elected officials.

Trata a presente tese de estudo acerca do instituto denominado recall, existente nos Estados Unidos da América do Norte, que constitui mecanismo que permite a destituição de autoridades públicas e a revogação de decisões judiciais, por meio de decisão popular. O ineditismo da tese decorre do aprofundamento que se fez sobre o tema, bem como da análise minuciosa sobre as condições de aplicação desse instituto no Brasil. Para compreensão integral do objeto em análise, inicialmente, buscou-se compreender o fenômeno da representação política, não só sob o aspecto jurídico-formal como também pelo aspecto histórico, político e social. As teorias acerca da representação política são abordadas dentro de uma perspectiva evolutiva, histórica, desde os seus traços primitivos nas sociedades antigas, passando pelas instruções e mandato imperativo do período medieval, até as concepções de Hobbes, Locke, Burke e Siéyès, não deixando de lado as posições mais modernas e os dilemas existentes sobre o tema. Busca-se também a essência desse mecanismo denominado recall. Para tanto, torna-se obrigatória a passagem pelas suas origens e pela sua configuração jurídica, que se encontra relacionada com o princípio federativo, os sistemas eleitorais, sua caracterização como direito político, instituto de democracia participativa e semidireta, bem como seu caráter sancionador e como forma de expressão da oposição política. Faz-se, além disso, uma análise comparativa do recall no direito contemporâneo. Inicialmente focando o instituto nos Estados Unidos da América do Norte, pelo âmbito de aplicação do instituto na Federação norte-americana, as hipóteses e procedimentos de cada Estado-membro (onde se permite o instituto) e os resultados gerais de sua aplicação. Analisar-se-á, outrossim, institutos semelhantes ao recall existentes em outros sistemas jurídicos. Ao final, será tratada a questão relacionada ao recall e o sistema jurídico brasileiro, apresentando-se a história da revogação do mandato político no país, o panorama jurídico pelo aspecto federativo e dos sistemas eleitorais, bem como as condições para viabilizar a aplicação do instituto no Brasil. Tudo isso, para se demonstrar que o recall deve ser um mecanismo democrático a ser utilizado por eleitores responsáveis contra eleitos irresponsáveis. / This dissertation focuses on the mechanism referred to as recall, which exists in the United States of America, and is a mechanism that provides for the removal of public officials and the repeal of judicial decisions by means of public opinion. The originality of this dissertation arises out of the further understanding of the subject, as well as of the thorough analysis of the conditions under which such mechanism could be applied in Brazil. In order to fully understand the analyzed object, it was first necessary to understand the phenomenon of political representation, not only from the formal-legal aspect, but also from the historical, political and social perspectives. The theories on political representation are approached from a historical-developing standpoint, from its primitive traces in ancient societies, to the medieval instruments and imperative mandate, to the ideas of Hobbes, Locke, Burke and Siéyès, in addition to the more modern schools of thought and existing dilemmas on the subject-matter. The dissertation also focuses on the essence of the recall mechanism. In order to do so, it was necessary to examine its origins and its legal configuration, which has to do with the federative principle, the electoral systems, its characterization as public law, participatory and semi-direct democracy, as well as its sanctioning ability and political opposition form of expression. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of recall in contemporary law is also carried out. The assessment is initially focused on the mechanism in the United States of America, as per its application in the North American Federation, the hypotheses and procedures of each Member-State (in which the mechanism is provided for) and the general results of its application. Moreover, similar mechanisms available in other legal systems are also analyzed. Finally, the issue of the recall mechanism and the Brazilian legal system is assessed, through the history of the repeal of political mandates in the country, its legal framework on the federative aspect and the electoral systems, as well as the conditions necessary in order to render the application of the recall mechanism in Brazil feasible. The objective is to demonstrate that the recall mechanism should be a democratic mechanism to be used by responsible voters against irresponsible elected officials.

Purpose- To investigate what motivates innovation management professionals to undertake a personal certification, and how such certification affects their authority and influence. The secondary purpose with this study was to collect empirical data as a research contribution to Ingrid Kihlander, researcher at the organization RISELimitation – The study focusing on innovation management professionals certified during 2021-2022. Further, in line with the purpose the study focused to a theoretical framework, and thus implicitly limited, the analysis of the empirical data to the aspects of the segment “looking good” (as describes in the theoretical framework).Research question: How does a personal certification for Innovation management professionals affect their authority and influence?Method – The method is a qualitative study based on seven interviews with innovation management professionals which has undertaken the personal certificate. Findings/Results – The results are based on the motivations to undertake certification from a general perspective and from the perspective around status and power, career progress, and financial gain. It also takes up the affects that a personal certification can have from the general perspective and from the perspective of status and power and authority and influence. Analysis/ Discussion – is based on the findings and the analysis method is triangulation where data puts against the theory followed with a discussion. Conclusion – Personal Certificate to Innovation management professionals have positive affects in terms of competence, legitimacy, credibility, and influence. Specific related to research question the affects on authority can be discussed further, but there are positive affects on influence.

Legislation clearly stipulates for the principle of public service delivery to all the citizens of the country. It is the task of national and provincial government departments to prioritise service delivery (RSA, 1997:10). The quality of services delivered to the public by the national and provincial departments, relies significantly on the quality, skills and capabilities of the public officials. Therefore, recruitment of public officials must not only identify and attract potential employees but ensure that all appointees possess the skills and ability to enable public service departments to achieve their strategic goals and objectives, and subsequently provide quality services to the public. Based on an investigation conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), it was determined that most do not comply with the recruitment and selection requirements (PSC, 2006:8). In addition to the non-compliance with policy guidelines pertaining to recruitment and selection, as provided by the PSC through the Toolkit on Recruitment and Selection of 2006, the PSC, through an investigation on various HRM practices in the public service during 2010, found that widespread non-compliance with recruitment and selection guidelines are still prevalent. It is evident that departments are struggling to effectively implement recruitment and selection processes as stipulated in legislation and outlined in the policy documents. This study aimed to address: The non-compliance with legislation and policy requirements pertaining to the implementation of recruitment and selection practices which prevent departments in the public sector from appointing the most suitable employees to deliver on their mandate. A theoretical overview pertaining to recruitment and selection was conducted in the public service. Attention was also given to recruitment and best practices, which may be applicable to the Free State DPW. Furthermore, broad HRM legislation and policy, directing the implementation of recruitment and selection practices in the public service, was reviewed. An outline of legislation and policy as well as the recruitment and selection practices particularly applicable for its implementation in the Free State DPW public service was provided. The qualitative and quantitative research approaches were utilised in this study. Personal interviews and a semi-structured questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. Interviews were held with senior managers and middle managers involved in the process and experienced in strategic planning in the Free State DPW. The questionnaire was distributed to the line managers and junior officials who work with recruitment and selection practices in the department as well as union representatives. The empirical findings of the study were applied to the public service as a whole and recommendations were made on the implementation of recruitment and selection practices in the Free State DPW and the public service at large. / Master of Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Legislation clearly stipulates for the principle of public service delivery to all the citizens of the country. It is the task of national and provincial government departments to prioritise service delivery (RSA, 1997:10). The quality of services delivered to the public by the national and provincial departments, relies significantly on the quality, skills and capabilities of the public officials. Therefore, recruitment of public officials must not only identify and attract potential employees but ensure that all appointees possess the skills and ability to enable public service departments to achieve their strategic goals and objectives, and subsequently provide quality services to the public. Based on an investigation conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), it was determined that most do not comply with the recruitment and selection requirements (PSC, 2006:8). In addition to the non-compliance with policy guidelines pertaining to recruitment and selection, as provided by the PSC through the Toolkit on Recruitment and Selection of 2006, the PSC, through an investigation on various HRM practices in the public service during 2010, found that widespread non-compliance with recruitment and selection guidelines are still prevalent. It is evident that departments are struggling to effectively implement recruitment and selection processes as stipulated in legislation and outlined in the policy documents. This study aimed to address: The non-compliance with legislation and policy requirements pertaining to the implementation of recruitment and selection practices which prevent departments in the public sector from appointing the most suitable employees to deliver on their mandate. A theoretical overview pertaining to recruitment and selection was conducted in the public service. Attention was also given to recruitment and best practices, which may be applicable to the Free State DPW. Furthermore, broad HRM legislation and policy, directing the implementation of recruitment and selection practices in the public service, was reviewed. An outline of legislation and policy as well as the recruitment and selection practices particularly applicable for its implementation in the Free State DPW public service was provided. The qualitative and quantitative research approaches were utilised in this study. Personal interviews and a semi-structured questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. Interviews were held with senior managers and middle managers involved in the process and experienced in strategic planning in the Free State DPW. The questionnaire was distributed to the line managers and junior officials who work with recruitment and selection practices in the department as well as union representatives. The empirical findings of the study were applied to the public service as a whole and recommendations were made on the implementation of recruitment and selection practices in the Free State DPW and the public service at large. / Master of Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This research study elaborates on one of the most important features of the modern International Business (IB) area; the multinational R&D subsidiary. Taking into consideration the strategic importance and the particular role the R&D subsidiary plays, this study sheds light on the multiple forms of knowledge networks in which the R&D subsidiary is embedded. Accordingly, based on the two already known dichotomies of subsidiary knowledge networks (external home vs. external host and external host vs. internal) this thesis draws on the existing theory and empirical evidence and proposes a triangular view (i.e. external home, external host and internal) between the R&D subsidiary and its embeddedness within the surrounding knowledge networks. Accordingly, based on three major theories of the management in the IB area, Social Network Theory (SNT), Resource Dependency Theory (RDT) and Agency Theory (AT), this study provides answers on a number of under researched questions. First, what are the determinants of each type of R&D subsidiary embeddedness in each of the three available knowledge networks? Second, considering the relative costs influencing R&D subsidiaries to rely more or less on one form of embeddedness compared to another, what sort of relationship exists (i.e. complementary or substitutive) between the aforementioned forms of R&D subsidiary embeddedness? Finally, considering the contextual- and HQ-specific factors that impact the overall functioning of the R&D subsidiary, what sort of effect do the multiple forms of R&D subsidiary embeddedness have on the latter’s innovative performance? This study adopts a quantitative approach and employs appropriate econometric methods in order to provide answers to the aforementioned research questions. Furthermore, data from three different sources are amalgamated. First, a unique survey questionnaire is utilised. This instrument was originally developed in the University of Reading and corresponds to both subsidiaries and the HQ. The sample covers Fortune 500 Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). Second, and in order to augment the information derived from the survey, supplementary information on patent characteristics is sourced from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Third, a range of aggregate-level (secondary) data enriches the existing dataset. The findings reveal that each form of R&D subsidiary embeddedness is determined by a set of different predictors. Precisely, it is found that host location’s macroeconomic uncertainty positively influences subsidiary’s embeddedness in the home location’s knowledge network. Being an R&D subsidiary and having an adaptation and support-oriented profile, as well as being highly centralised to the HQ, negatively influences the R&D subsidiary’s embeddedness in the host location’s knowledge network. On the other hand, having a more research intensive and internationally integrated R&D role positively influences the R&D subsidiary’s embeddedness in the internal knowledge network of the MNE. The findings also indicate that a complementary relationship exists between external home and external host, as well as among external host and internal knowledge networks. On the contrary, a substitutive relationship is indicated between external home and internal networks under which the R&D subsidiary is embedded. Finally, as regards the last research question the results indicate that only internal embeddedness has a positive and significant impact on innovative performance, while scientific and research endowment of the host locations is also found to positively influence the innovative output of the R&D subsidiary. Implications for academics and practitioners (both managers and policy makers) are widely discussed and suggest that the three-dimensional view of embeddedness is useful in understanding and explaining the way MNEs’ foreign R&D subsidiaries operate.