published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Management Studies / Master / Master of Business Administration

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.

This dissertation investigates the links between economic and spatial trends, with particular emphasis on office decentralisation in Durban. It focuses on globalisation and its effect on economic processes, how these have impacted on the spatial structure of cities, and whether the current changes in the economy and nature of work as opposed to environmental factors such as crime and grime, are causes of decentralising activity. This study looks at three case studies internationally, that of Glasgow, Rotterdam and Johannesburg, which give perspective on, not only the problems associated with the decline in manufacturing, but also how these cities have realigned themselves spatially into the new global economy. In the case of Johannesburg, the difficulties inherited from the apartheid era and the nature of urbanisation in the post-apartheid era are investigated, which have resulted in a fundamental restructuring of the Central Business District. Finally, the case of Durban, with particular emphasis on the area of La Lucia ridge to the north of the city is the focus area for research into office decentralisation, and the links between environmental and economic factors. The current restructuring of the CBD and its problems are highlighted, and the reasons for decentralising activity are explored in the light of the changing nature of work and the economy. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 2001.

Intra-urban office location research has traditionally described office location patterns in large metropolises. Research is needed to determine whether these findings accurately describe locational patterns in average-sized American cities, such as Roanoke, Virginia. The pattern of insurance office location in Roanoke, Virginia, was examined from 1960 to 1983. It was determined that research in large metropolises accurately described certain trends in Roanoke but inaccurately described others, particularly with regards to office construction and office migration patterns. Insurance offices in Roanoke were stratified on the basis of their affiliation, or the way the office marketed its products. Four common types of insurance offices were identified: independent agencies, general agencies, captive agencies, and indirect writers. Questionnaires were distributed to a random stratified sample of each office type. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences in the organizational features, contact patterns, and locational characteristics of independent agencies, general agencies, captive agencies, and indirect writers. Future research should attempt to understand the structure of other office industries and identify industry-specific factors affecting the locational characteristics of each industry segment. / M.S.

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

This study showed that state laws and policies constrain the locational preferences of alternative health care providers to varying degrees, depending on the particular profession and level of legal status. Three separate surveys were conducted, focusing on acupuncturists, chiropractors and homeopaths in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. The acupuncture findings revealed intraprofessional divisions that lead to a strong influence of legal constraints on the locational behavior of non-MD acupuncturists. Results from the chiropractic survey reflected an established profession with a less pronounced, but moderate, influence of state laws and policies on location and mobility. The homeopathy findings, while based on a much smaller sample, did not reveal a strong relationship between legal constraints and spatial characteristics, except in the extreme case of North Carolina's recent prohibition. This study also postulated a model to explain the progression of alternative health care professions toward legitimation. The variables of public acceptance and legal constraints on location were plotted on the model to identify particular levels of progression. The importance of this research is highlighted by impending health care reforms, the need for access to professional health services, skyrocketing biomedical costs, and the documented utilization of alternative health care in this country. / Master of Science