This study explores what motivates engineers in their early-mid career to change careers. It first establishes the definition of a career change from the perspective of those who have changed careers, and then examines what drives, influences and facilitates a career change, as well as how a career change is enacted physically and emotionally. This has been looked at through the contemporary lens of the ‘intelligent career framework’. This research adopted a qualitative, abductive approach following an initial inductive small-scale exploratory study. The fieldwork consisted of a pilot and main study using semi-structured interviews. For the main study, 22 interviews were conducted within one organisation in order to elicit the subjective experiences of engineers who had undertaken a career change. The findings show how the driving factors relate predominantly to knowing-why and knowing-where. The influencing and facilitating factors vary by individual, and relate to knowing-what, knowing-how knowing-when and knowing-whom. Six clusters of interacting factors were observed with knowing-why, knowing-how and knowing-when at the core. Whilst the process of career change was complex and long, differing pathways through which individuals changed careers were evident, as well as emotions that needed to be managed. This study contributes to knowledge in the area of contemporary career theory by exploring career change through a new lens: the intelligent career framework. It demonstrates how individuals use their ‘career capital’ to effect a career change and the ways in which the six knowings interact to bring about a career change. It extends the understanding of the process of career change and discovers some of the organisational factors that influence or facilitate individuals making a career change. All of these contributions address identifiable gaps in the literature.

No description available.

The use of examples is known to be important in learning, they should be “exemplary” and function as role-models. Teaching and learning problem solving and programming in the object oriented paradigm is recognised as difficult. Object orientation is designed to handle complexity and large systems, and not with education in focus. The fact that object orientation often is used as first paradigm makes the design of examples even more difficult and important. In this thesis, a survey of the literature is made to establish a set of characteristics for object orientation in general. This set of characteristics is then applied to the educational setting of introducing novices to object oriented problem solving and programming, resulting in a number of heuristics for educational purposes, called He[d]uristics. The proposed He[d]uristics are targeted towards educators designing small-scale examples for novices, and is an attempt to provide help in designing suitable examples, not a catalogue of good ones. The He[d]uristics are discussed and exemplified and also evaluated versus the derived set of characteristics and known common problems experienced by novices.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between olfactory preferences and sexual orientation in Heterosexual, Entire Life lesbian, and Adopted Lifestyle lesbian women. Research in the area of olfaction and sexual behavior was reviewed and, on the basis of the literature, it was hypothesized that Heterosexual women would prefer male odors, Entire Life lesbian women would prefer female odors, and Adopted Lifestyle lesbian women would prefer male odors more than Entire Life lesbians. The design involved having female subjects sniff male and female odors and indicate a preference for either the male or female odor. The odor samples were human apocrine gland secretions obtained by having odor donors wear gauze pads in their armpits. The odor collected on the pads was then stabilized through applications of alcohol and subsequent freezing.

We examined the effect of changing from an internally prepared motor plan to a revised action which potentially differed from the original plan along two dimensions: wrist orientation (horizontal or vertical) and left/right hand. Participants were instructed to prepare a particular hand grasp action and then were cued either to execute that motor plan or cancel it and plan a new action. In Experiments I and II, if the change from the original motor plan to an alternate response implied an action different from the prepared one, there was a slowing in response time. Moreover, if there was a change, maintaining the originally planned wrist orientation produced faster responses than changing orientation, but only if the response hand remained constant between planned and alternate actions and the cue was an image of a hand depicting a goal posture. In Experiment III, when the alternate action was cued by an image of an object inviting a particular grasp action, there was transfer only of the hand feature. In a final experiment, participants switched from a prepared action to naming a manipulable object. The motor features of the object differed from the original motor plan in the same way as in previous experiments. No effect of the previously cancelled motor plan was seen on naming latencies. These results elucidate the nature of motor plans and the role of motor actions in the representation of objects. / Graduate

The use of spin polarised neutron scattering as an experimental probe for magnetic phenomena within solid state physics has been demonstrated in two separate studies of superconductors. With the use of three-dimensional polarisation analysis, the magnetic response within a thermal energy window -30meV < Iiw < +30meV has been measured for both insulating and superconducting compositions of the high T c material YBa2Cu306+x. The observed magnetic scattering from the superconducting composition (x=0.9S, T c-90K) at T =300K shows conclusively that there is negligible magnetic scattering in the normal state below 30meV. What little scattering is observed corresponds to a paramagnetic cross-section of (0.048±0.008)barns or to -3.2% of the Cu atoms carrying a spin 1/2. Similar polarised neutron measurements performed on insulating YBa2Cu306.11, above and below TN, reveal a small but finite level of scattering corresponding to -18% of the Cu atoms carrying a spin 1/2 in the paramagnetic state. The observed increase in paramagnetic scattering above T N corresponds to just 20% of that expected due to the thermal disordering of the observed ordered magnetic moment at 300K. These measurements are consistent with a magnetic excitation spectrum driven by quantum rather than thermal fluctuations for which the notion of separate magnetic and charge degrees of freedom (and therefore also the concept of local moments) may not be valid. In addition, measurements conducted on single crystal YBa2Cu307 in its normal state revealed no indication of magnetic enhancement in the vicinity of the (It, It) point up to 30meV. This is in disagreement with theoretical predictions of an enhanced magnetic scattering in this region for spin fluctuation energies of order 10 to 20meV. The second study demonstrates the feasibility of spin polarised neutron scattering as a novel tool for the investigation of the flux line lattice in type 11 superconductors. Measurements conducted in the mixed state of niobium (T =4.SK, B=O.22T) constitute the first experimental observation of lattice distortions due to the presence of flux line vortices. The experimentally determined magnitude of the lattice distortion yields a value approximately three orders of magnitude greater than that expected due to the volume anomaly between the coexisting normal and superconducting regions. An alternative mechanism is suggested on the basis of electron redistribution between the normal and superconducting regions in which electrons are trapped by the flux lines. As a result of this process, a response in the form of a lattice distortion is induced in order to maintain charge neutrality.

Abstract Scholars are interested in exploring strategies for better business-to-business (B2B) brand management because several strategic benefits of having a stronger B2B brand have been revealed. Contributing to this stream of research, this dissertation applies the concept of multiple strategic orientations for the purpose of improving B2B branding. The collective role of the brand, market and entrepreneurial orientations when used for improving brand equity, brand awareness, brand credibility and financial performance are examined in the dissertation. Examining this phenomenon for B2B small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is an important and interesting topic because (1) SMEs are known for delineating multidimensional strategic orientation and (2) B2B SMEs have shown growth with the help of a stronger brand despite being less motivated to conduct branding activities and less resourceful when doing so. The results of this study could help to develop a more cohesive and coherent branding strategy for B2B SMEs. The research question of the dissertation is addressed with the help of three articles. The first article sheds light on the theoretical framework of interaction between brand, market and entrepreneurial orientations. Findings of the first article led the selection of two perspectives on interactions for examination, which were subsequently examined in the second and third articles respectively. These two perspectives on interaction are strategic hybrid orientation and moderating interaction. The first article used the systematic literature review approach, while the second and third articles used regression analysis to examine the relationship between constructs by using the data collected from 250 Finnish B2B SMEs. The results supported the presence of strategic hybrid orientation between brand and market orientations for the purpose of improving brand awareness, brand credibility and financial performance. However, insignificant results were found which did not rule out the presence of moderating interaction between brand, market and entrepreneurial orientations in improving brand equity. Further research studies are encouraged to advance the understanding of this approach of B2B branding in SMEs. The dissertation achieves novelty by being amongst the first to provide empirical evidence to support the concept of using multiple strategic orientations for B2B branding in SMEs. This study concludes by discussing the theoretical contributions and managerial implications of these results. / Tiivistelmä Vahvan brändin on todettu tuovan monia strategisia hyötyjä myös yritystenvälisillä (B2B) markkinoilla toimiville yrityksille. Sen vuoksi tutkijat ovat kiinnostuneita löytämään strategioita, joilla pyritään parempaan B2B-brändien johtamiseen. Tämä väitöskirja kontribuoi B2B-brändi -tutkimukseen soveltamalla strategisen moni-orientaation käsitettä. Tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan brändi-, markkina-, ja yrittäjyysorientaation yhteisroolia parannettaessa brändin arvoa, bränditietoisuutta, brändin uskottavuutta, sekä taloudellista tuloksellisuutta. Ilmiön tutkiminen erityisesti pienissä ja keskisuurissa B2B-yrityksissä on tärkeää, koska (1) pk-yritysten tiedetään käyttävän moniulotteisia strategisia orientaatioita ja (2) B2B pk-yritykset näyttävät kasvavan vahvan brändin avulla huolimatta mahdollisesti vähäisestä motivaatiostaan ja vähäisistä resursseistaan tehdä brändäämis-toimenpiteitä. Tutkimuksen tuloksia voidaan hyödyntää kehitettäessä B2B pk-yritysten brändistrategiaa. Tutkimuskysymykseen vastataan kolmen artikkelin avulla. Ensimmäinen artikkeli tarkastelee teoreettista taustaa brändi-, markkina-, ja yrittäjyysorientaatioiden interaktiolle eli yhdysvaikutukselle. Kyseisen artikkelin tulosten perusteella valittiin tarkasteluun kaksi näkökulmaa yhdysvaikutukseen. Nämä ovat hybridi interaktio ja moderoiva interaktio, joita käsitellään toisessa ja kolmannessa artikkelissa. Ensimmäisessä artikkelissa käytettiin systemaattisen kirjallisuusanalyysin menetelmää. Toisessa ja kolmannessa artikkelissa aineistona oli 250 suomalaisen B2B pk-yrityksen kyselyaineisto, jonka analyysissä hyödynnettiin regressioanalyysiä käsitteiden välisten suhteiden tarkasteluun. Tulokset osoittavat brändi- ja markkinaorientaation muodostaman strategisen hybridi-orientaation parantavan bränditietoisuutta, brändin uskottavuutta sekä taloudellista tuloksellisuutta. Tulokset eivät kuitenkaan sulje pois moderoivaa interaktiota brändi-, markkina- ja yrittäjyysorientaation välillä brändin arvon lisäämiseksi. Väitöskirja on ensimmäisiä tutkimuksia, joissa empiirisesti tarkastellaan strategisen moni-orientoitumisen käsitettä B2B- brändeihin liittyen. Tulokset kannustavatkin jatkotutkimuksiin tästä näkökulmasta. Tutkimuksen lopuksi keskustellaan tulosten teoreettisista kontribuutioista ja liikkeenjohdollisista päätelmistä.

D.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / Through quality education for all, learners will be able to reach their full potential and will be able to “meaningfully contribute to and participate in that society throughout their lives” (Department of Education, 1997, p.11). To facilitate this process, Life Orientation (LO) has been introduced as a compulsory subject in grades 8 to 12 and, according to the National Curriculum Statement, it will be “guiding learners to develop their full potential in all spheres of life (i.e. holistic development)”, and focusing on “skills that empower learners to relate positively and make a contribution to family, community and society life in South Africa” (Department of Education, 2003, p.19). This implies that those responsible for teaching this subject would require specific qualities and characteristics, as they face many challenges in terms of what learners bring to school, such as the effects of violence, HIV, abuse, divorce, poverty and teenage pregnancy. The expectations of the learning outcomes are high, and as yet little is known about the experience of LO within schools. This research therefore aimed to explore the learners’ lived experiences of LO within secondary schools in Gauteng, in order to understand their perspectives of LO and LO teachers in the first phase, so that intervention strategies could be developed in the second phase to enhance its implementation. The research utilised a qualitative paradigm and included a literature review, focus group interviews with six to eight learners in each grade of four secondary schools, five individual interviews with learners, four individual interviews with LO teachers, and open-ended questionnaires completed by one class in each grade in secondary school. Data analysis was deductive and themes identified focused on the relevancy of LO, the attitude to LO, the acquisition of life skills, LO teachers and their teaching methods, and the LO needs of learners. Several gaps were identified between learners’ experiences and the learning outcomes of LO. Intervention strategies, based on the findings of the study in phase one, were developed in phase two in order to address these gaps, to further develop LO as a learning area, and to facilitate the acquisition of life skills by secondary school learners. The overall principles of the intervention programme focused on improving the practical applicability of LO for learners, making it more relevant to adolescents, linking it to the community, assisting with the necessary teacher selection criteria and teaching qualities, and highlighting the necessity for more health promotion in schools.

Ph.D. / The primary aim of this research project was to develop an appropriate management framework based on the development and management of teacher development activities through mentorship programmes, especially because this is one of the major challenges facing schools and or educational organizations' today, and in general and more specifically for the Gauteng Provincial Education Department, again for continuous school based teacher development especially the novice teachers in the selected adaptive schools of Soweto and in order to achieve the general aim of the research project, the following specific aims were investigated, namely: • develop an appropriate and specific framework for managing effective educator development activities through mentorship programmes • describe and develop relevant policies to improve the implementation and effectiveness of the mentorship and induction programmes. • describe the educator development and management of education through mentorship process and procedures as a vital component of education transformation • investigate empirically the perception of educator development and management of education in respect of mentorship activities, within the education personnel

M.A. / This dissertation attempts to understand the different meanings attached to lesbian identities by comparing the experiences of black and white lesbian women living in South Africa. Literature of the experiences of black lesbian women, especially in South Africa, is plentiful. Thus, by including white lesbian women in the sample, this dissertation begins to fill a gap in literature and provide some insights into an overall experience of lesbian identity in South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven black lesbians and seven white lesbians living in and around Johannesburg, and an intersectional model of analysis was employed to analyse the data. The study found that race as an identity marker is significant in how lesbian women attach meaning to their sexual identities, though it is not the only denominator when it comes to constructing a lesbian identity. A number of other key identities arose from the study which have an impact on the way in which a lesbian identity is constructed, such as gender, ties to family, different social spaces and religion. These multiple identities are not mutually exclusive, and thus interact with each other to influence the construction of a lesbian identity. This dissertation also asserts that a lesbian identity impacts on how the participants experience their other, non-lesbian, identities. Comparing the experiences of fourteen diverse lesbian women has contributed to a deeper understanding of lesbian identity construction, as well as the coming-out process.