The study seeks to answer the question: What are the human and cultural factors in the whakapapa process? This research identifies human and cultural factors that will explicitly direct the future design of an Information Systems design and development project. Current systems and approaches come from a western/euro-centric perception of the world (Locus), but much of the data that are to be stored in the system come from unique tribal sources (Demotic). These approaches, the Locus and the Demotic, oppose each other on what to store, how it should be stored and how it may be retrieved. The approaches are the result of cultural patterns that have evolved and raise issues about the treatment of data in information systems. Issues are argued against the work of Foucault and are subsequently addressed before the data that is gathered for the study are analysed. The work of Foucault is adopted and key concepts are arrived at: Kotahitanga/Herkunft, the representation of subtle, singular, and sub-individual marks that may connect and link a person to others, forming a dense network that is difficult to unravel; Hei Ahua/Entstehung, the exact essence nature of something; and, T¯imatanga/Ursprung, the state held at the moment of arising. These establish a framework for the analysis of data. Foucault identifies two types of person, the Genealogist and the Historian. In the study these types are used to represent the approach taken by the Locus and the Demotic. They are contrasted against each other throughout the study to show how their approaches differ in vital ways. The process of comparing and contrasting the Genealogist and the Historian includes qualitative analysis and symbolic interactionism. The ethnographic analysis method, symbolic interactionism, is used to analyse primary data sources. Qualitative analysis is used to analyse secondary sources. Together, they are used to derive a cohesive set of 38 symbols that are recognisable as factors in the development of the information system. The 38 symbols are aggregated to arrive at 29 human and cultural factors in the whakapapa process. The factors can be used to guide the development of an information system for managing complex data structures.

This thesis investigates the process of gathering user requirements for a computer system to support processes involved with Maori genealogy (whakapapa). The two main objectives are: 1). to provide information on users' requirements, and 2). to assess and refine where needed the usability approach and techniques (usability instrument) for such a task.The applied research is informed by usability methods and is emergent in that the aim is to apply the best method for the task at hand, to reflect on outcomes and then do the next step. Initial interviews and some fine-grained analysis of data types from existing data were done. In-depth inquiry into actual users was seen to be needed to get a more detailed picture of not only the specific needs but also to put that into a wider perspective of users' life values and goals. Several interviews were conducted. The usability 'methods' of building personas and user profiling were applied to the data but the end result did not reflect the breadth and difference in users. In-depth analysis of the interview data lead to identification of a number of crucial areas that require further research, importantly; how computer-based systems would enhance the learning relationship and get young people involved and how access, security and validity would be designed. The concept of Maori as a group user was proposed, which includes the roles of knowledge holder, technical expert and end user with each role using the system in a different, but cohesive, way. Further work needs to be done in investigating sub-groups within Maori not covered in this study; particularly young people and people living in rural areas. In summary, the research raised more questions than answers in terms of user requirements, however it did produce applied investigation of methods that can be used to progress the gathering of user requirements and providing a basis for usability.

This thesis takes the position that firm performance is derived from the value embodied by combinations of distinct socio-cultural resources and capabilities. In particular, this thesis explores practice in the context of Maori business to understand the mutual influences between economic exchange and social-cultural structures in terms of achieving improved firm performance. I begin by suggesting that much of the knowledge development and community practice in organisational analysis is subsumed within a Kuhnian conventionalism, which is not useful to gaining a deeper understanding of firm performance. I argue that what is required is an approach that emphasises the contextual development of society and organisation (embodied by social and cultural relations). This brings to the fore the pragmatist epistemology of practical knowledge, an approach to research and analysis of organisations that is at the heart of this research. Practical knowledge connects to the pragmatic orientation of Indigenous logics in this instance kaupapa Maori, which draws us to a perspective of knowledge that is experiential, contextual, diverse and inclusive. The effectiveness of a practical knowledge perspective by means of its pragmatic epistemology allows us to understand Maori businesses operating within a distinctive frame of socio-economic rationality providing a broader utility leading to culturally constituted forms of practice. It was through this lens that I engaged with the proposition regarding firm performance prompting us to look at the field of leadership (habitus), exchange (inter-capital exchange) and relationships (field) in particular. A major emphasis was a search for an appropriate method that would provide an avenue of authentic engagement with the cultural context embodied by kaupapa Maori. In terms of empirical investigation this thesis advances the utility of narrative as an expository technique and interpretive device that accords full recognition of Maori socio-cultural systems of relationships, historic circumstances and current practices. Conducted over three years (December 2004 and June 2006), the fieldwork component involved multiple strands of narrative in the form of dialogue, stories,metaphors, documentation and experiences of myself, other individuals and Maori economic development hui, or gathering. A key finding of this thesis is that kaupapa Maori as expressed through business practice offers a practical utility in relation to the capability of and potential outcomes for improved firm performance. I argue that there are unique characteristics of Maori business practice, which are grounded in the epistemological stance of kaupapa Maori in combination with Western philosophies and techniques of organisation that contribute to the performance of Maori businesses. In addition, I argue that it offers a view of the organisation as something beyond a disembodied system of market exchange and recognises the embeddedness of social processes in each culture will bring specific cultural nuances to the formulation of what constitutes organisational success. Finally, I suggest that kaupapa Maori research, grounded by the epistemological and ontological assumptions of an Indigenous paradigm provides opportunities for gaining greater insight into the dynamics of organisation and management research.

Dissertation (MBus) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (x,133 leaves ; 30 cm.) in City Campus Theses Collection (T 331.120993 PAN)

The study seeks to answer the question: What are the human and cultural factors in the whakapapa process? This research identifies human and cultural factors that will explicitly direct the future design of an Information Systems design and development project. Current systems and approaches come from a western/euro-centric perception of the world (Locus), but much of the data that are to be stored in the system come from unique tribal sources (Demotic). These approaches, the Locus and the Demotic, oppose each other on what to store, how it should be stored and how it may be retrieved. The approaches are the result of cultural patterns that have evolved and raise issues about the treatment of data in information systems. Issues are argued against the work of Foucault and are subsequently addressed before the data that is gathered for the study are analysed. The work of Foucault is adopted and key concepts are arrived at: Kotahitanga/Herkunft, the representation of subtle, singular, and sub-individual marks that may connect and link a person to others, forming a dense network that is difficult to unravel; Hei Ahua/Entstehung, the exact essence nature of something; and, T¯imatanga/Ursprung, the state held at the moment of arising. These establish a framework for the analysis of data. Foucault identifies two types of person, the Genealogist and the Historian. In the study these types are used to represent the approach taken by the Locus and the Demotic. They are contrasted against each other throughout the study to show how their approaches differ in vital ways. The process of comparing and contrasting the Genealogist and the Historian includes qualitative analysis and symbolic interactionism. The ethnographic analysis method, symbolic interactionism, is used to analyse primary data sources. Qualitative analysis is used to analyse secondary sources. Together, they are used to derive a cohesive set of 38 symbols that are recognisable as factors in the development of the information system. The 38 symbols are aggregated to arrive at 29 human and cultural factors in the whakapapa process. The factors can be used to guide the development of an information system for managing complex data structures.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 163-170). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Dissertation (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (xi, 132 leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm.) in North Shore Campus Theses Collection (T 362.108999442 PAE)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Waikato, 2008. / Title from PDF cover (viewed August 27, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 305-325)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Waikato, 2008. / Title from PDF cover (viewed December 18, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 365-377)

Thesis (MIHM) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (viii, 109 leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm.) in City Campus Theses Collection (T 338.479193 MAR)