The research presented in this dissertation involves a quantitative study of mathematics teachers' knowledge of formative assessment. Formative assessment is understood as a process in which both teachers and students actively become the agents of the process, responsible for their own knowledge and practice. In this process, formally gathered evidence is used to formulate feedback and inform decisions; and informal evidence (e.g. observation, conversations) is used to generate teacher and peer-feedback to improve learning (Hargreaves, 2005; Wiliam & Leahy, 2015). The focus of the study is on mathematics teachers in state secondary schools in the Brazilian Federal District. The research design employs survey methodology with a structured e-questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed based on six domains of knowledge extracted from existing research literature. The several piloting phases, and a field test conducted with a larger sample, demonstrate the validity and reliability of the instrument and provide information about mathematics teachers' knowledge of formative assessment. The evidence shows that teachers in the Federal District did relatively better in terms of interpreting evidence of students' learning and helping students to use assessment information. On the other hand, they had a relatively lower performance in terms of choosing/developing assessment methods (e.g. classroom activities, discussions) to elicit evidence of students' learning. The overall performance of teachers in the Federal District was lower than that of teachers sampled from the other states of Brazil. The original contribution of this research is methodological in the development, piloting and application of a new instrument to assess mathematics teachers' knowledge of formative assessment; and to knowledge in providing information and a unique insight into Brazilian mathematics teachers' knowledge of formative assessment. There are important implications for policy and practice, focussing on teachers' professional development with regards to formative assessment and clarifying Brazilian teachers' roles as assessors.

This thesis deals with the analysis and the evaluation of Hospital Pelhřimov, p. o. employees satisfaciton. The aim of this study is to evaluate employees satisfaction, to find out what motivates hospital staff most and to propose recommendation that could lead to increased satisfaction. The survey was conducted by collecting data through a questionnaire. The verification of the first statistical hypothesis -- "Are Hospital Pelhřimov, p. o. employees satisfied at work", was focused on the factors that affect employees most at work. The second survey dealt with the hypothetical question -- "Is group of workers in hospital -- non medicals motivated enough?". After the evaluation of the questionnaires there are submitted several proposals and recommendation that could lead to increased employees satisfaction. In this thesis there is further described the structure of the hospital, the method of remuneration, care for employees, employees benefits, working hours, working conditions and working aids.

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2014-10-15T19:55:27Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Sarah Vieira Brasileiro - 2012.pdf: 1160405 bytes, checksum: b447baafe8b8b6924a80db0ea434688c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jaqueline Silva (jtas29@gmail.com) on 2014-10-16T18:08:33Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Sarah Vieira Brasileiro - 2012.pdf: 1160405 bytes, checksum: b447baafe8b8b6924a80db0ea434688c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-16T18:08:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Sarah Vieira Brasileiro - 2012.pdf: 1160405 bytes, checksum: b447baafe8b8b6924a80db0ea434688c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-30 / Evidence indicates that some strategies of coping may play an important role in the disease psychological adaptation. It is important to evaluate the different ways of how people respond to stressful situations. Questionnaires for the assessment of coping have been widely used and recommended both in clinical practice and for research. The aim of this study was therefore to adapt the Brief COPE for the Brazilian population and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this instrument in a Brazilian sample. The cross-cultural adaptation of the Brief COPE followed procedures recommended by Beaton et al. and the final version was tested on a sample of 30 patients. Two hundred and thirty-seven individuals participated in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the adapted version (Brief COPE). The intra-observer reliability was assessed in the reapplication of the Brief COPE after four weeks by the same observer. Factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the factorial validity of the Brief COPE. The internal consistency was estimated using the Cronbach’s alpha, calculated for each sub-scale and full scale factors. Regarding the results, the test-retest rateswere mostly above 0.75, demonstrating good reliability. Cronbach’s alpha for the whole Brief Cope was 0.84; 2 out of 14 sub-scales achieved Cronbach's alpha of at least 0.70, the other sub-scales were below this parameter. Factor analysis revealed four factors. We conclude that the Brief COPE was properly translated for use in the Brazilian population, demonstrating to be a reliable instrument to assess coping strategies. / Evidências indicam que algumas estratégias de coping podem desempenhar um papel importante na adaptação psicológica à doença. Faz-se importante avaliar as diferentes formas de como as pessoas respondem a situações estressantes. Questionários para avaliação do coping têm sido amplamente utilizados e recomendados tanto na prática clínica como em pesquisas. O Brief COPE é um inventário usado para investigar as diferentes formas de como as pessoas respondem a situações estressantes. O objetivo deste estudo, portanto, foi adaptar culturalmente o Brief COPE para a população brasileira e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas deste instrumento em uma amostra de brasileiros. A adaptação transcultural do Brief COPE seguiu procedimentos recomendados por Beaton et al. e a versão final foi testada em uma amostra de 30 pacientes. Duzentos e trinta e sete indivíduos participaram da avaliação das propriedades psicométricas da versão adaptada (COPE Breve). A confiabilidade intra-observador foi avaliada na reaplicação do COPE Breve após quatro semanas pelo mesmo observador. A análise fatorial exploratória foi conduzida para avaliar a validade fatorial do COPE Breve. A avaliação da consistência interna foi estimada por meio do Coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, calculado para cada sub-escala, fatores e escala total. Com relação aos resultados, os índices de confiabilidade apresentaram valores elevados, onde a maioria ficou acima de 0,75. A escala total apresentou Alfa de Cronbach = 0,84, demonstrando elevada consistência. A análise fatorial revelou quatro fatores. Concluímos que o Brief COPE foi adequadamente traduzido para ser utilizado na população brasileira, demonstrando ser um instrumento confiável para avaliar a estratégias de coping.

Introdução: O Questionário de Avaliação de Saúde em Esclerodermia (SHAQ) é uma ferramenta clínica que avalia especificamente os diversos sistemas acometidos por esta doença. Este instrumento tem sido amplamente utilizado como uma avaliação adicional para a Esclerose Sistêmica (ES). Objetivo: Adaptar culturalmente e validar a versão brasileira do SHAQ. Métodos: A validade de construção foi avaliada com base nas correlações entre SHAQ e o questionário genérico de qualidade de vida Medical Outcome Study Short From-36 (SF-36v2TM) e do índice de incapacidade - HAQ-DI (do inglês, HAQ disatibily index). A correlação entre o SHAQ e gravidade da doença foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. A reprodutibilidade do SHAQ foi avaliada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Resultados: Entre os 151 pacientes consecutivamente avaliados no ambulatório, 59% eram do subtipo limitado de ES. A Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) de avaliação global de doença, que compõe o SHAQ, apresentou correlação estatisticamente significativa com HAQ-DI, EVA de dor e o escore Sumário dos Componentes Físicos (PCS) que compõem o SF-36v2TM (r=0,595, r=0,612, r=-0,582, respectivamente, p<0,001). Uma análise mais aprofundada revelou correlação significativa entre EVA de gravidade de doença e os seguintes componentes do SF-36v2TM: dor corporal (r=-0,621, p<0,001), vitalidade (r=-0,544, p<0,001), capacidade funcional (r=-0,510, p<0,001) e aspecto físico (r=-0,505, p<0,001). Além disso, a EVA digestiva, pulmonar e de avaliação global de gravidade de doença foram correlacionadas com o número de órgãos envolvidos (r=0,178, p=0,029; r=0,214, p=0,008; r=0,282, p<0,001). A reprodutibilidade do SHAQ também foi demonstrada (ICC:0,757, 95% (IC=0,636-0,842). Conclusão: A versão brasileira do SHAQ demonstrou ter validade de construção e discriminante, bem como uma boa reprodutibilidade / Background: The Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) is a feasible multisystem specific tool that has been extensively used as an additional assessment for systemic sclerosis (SSc). Aims: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the SHAQ. Methods: Construct validity was assessed based on the correlations between SHAQ and both the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2TM) and the HAQ-DI. The correlation between the SHAQ and disease severity was assessed by Spearman´s correlation coefficient. The reproducibility of the SHAQ was evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Among the 151 consecutive outpatients evaluated, 59% had limited SSc subtype. The overall disease severity visual analogue scale (VAS) of the SHAQ was statistically significant correlated to HAQ-DI, pain VAS and the SF-36v2TM physical component summary (PCS) score (r=0.595; r=0.612; r=-0.582, respectively; p<0.001). Further analysis of all SF-36v2TM components revealed statistically significant correlations between overall disease severity VAS and bodily pain (r=0.621, p<0.001), vitality (r=-0.544, p<0.001), physical function (r=-0.510, p<0.001) and role limitation-physical dimensions (r=-0.505, p<0.001). Moreover, digestive, pulmonary and overall disease severity VAS were statistically significant correlated to the number of organs involved (r=0.178, p=0.029; r=0.214, p=0.008; r=0.282, p<0.001). We also demonstrated high reproducibility for SHAQ (ICC:0.757, 95% (CI=0.636-0.842). Conclusion: The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the SHAQ demonstrated both construct and discriminant validity, as well as good reproducibility

There is a growing body of literature recognizing the benefits of Open Data. However, many potential data providers are unwilling to publish their data and at the same time, data users are often faced with difficulties when attempting to use Open Data in practice. Despite various barriers in using and publishing Open Data still being present, studies which systematically collect and assess these barriers are rare. Based on this observation we present a review on prior literature on barriers and the results of an empirical study aimed at assessing both the users' and publishers' views on obstacles regarding Open Data adoption. We collected data with an online survey in Austria and internationally. Using a sample of 183 participants, we draw conclusions about the relative importance of the barriers reported in the literature. In comparison to a previous conference paper presented at the conference for E-Democracy and Open Government, this article includes new additional data from participants outside Austria, reports new analyses, and substantially extends the discussion of results and of possible strategies for the mitigation of Open Data barriers.

Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM) / Companies are putting in place systems that might assist in attaining their business goals and vision to improve the running of their business processes. Companies are looking at Business Intelligence (BI) as a means to attain a competitive edge over competitors, predict future trends, improve strategic decision making, facilitate quick and reliable decision making, or make the day-to-day running of business easier. The study looks at the perspective of middle to top management on the context of BI, with main focus on the technical capabilities of BI within medium to large companies in South Africa. To obtain factors relevant to the South African business context, an online survey was conducted with various sectors of South African industry. The study is part of research conducted collaboratively by the University of the Western Cape and Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences in Germany. It focuses on exploring usage of Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) together with Corporate Performance. Online surveys were conducted that targeted medium to large companies in Germany and South Africa by questioning middle to top management on issues surrounding BIS and Corporate Performance. On this basis online survey approach was taken to ensure required number of participants would be covered and approached. Therefore, the research adopted stratified sample method for the online survey. Stratified sampling enabled the expansion of the research by gathering and collaborating participants responses on the research question and eliminate the possibilities of unreliable sample from large population.

The Group Questionnaire (GQ) was developed to measure group therapeutic processes-which are linked to successful prediction of patient outcome and therapeutic factors-across three qualitative dimensions (positive bond, positive work, and negative relationship) and three structural dimensions (member-leader, member-member, and member-group). The GQ model has been shown to be valid across 5 settings and 4 countries. As a clinical measure given after each session, length is of particular concern. Although shorter measures are more convenient for clients and therapists to use, fewer items necessarily means less information, a loss of psychometrics, and possible floor and ceiling effects. This study examined the effects of shortening the GQ on its clinical utility and psychometric integrity. Methods. Archival data from 7 previous studies was used, with 2,594 participants in an estimated 455 groups gathered from counseling centers, non-clinical process groups, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient psychiatric hospitals, and an inpatient state hospital. Participants answered questions from the Group Questionnaire administered during the productive working phase of a group. Analysis. Analysis was done using multilevel structural equation modeling in Mplus to account for the nested nature of groups. Items were selected using clinical judgment and statistical judgment considering inter item correlation and factor loading. Model fit was analyzed in comparison to the standards in the literature and in comparison to the full length GQ. Discussion. The revised 12 item GQ has good model fit and acceptable reliability. Further assessment is needed to determine how the reduction affects clinical utility.

Women with Type II diabetes face unique challenges coping with the physiologic complications of the disease, which can be enhanced or hindered by their perception of their ability to effectively manage their diabetes. The Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) is a tool that evaluates factors influencing patient-provider communication and assesses patient's perception of their health. Guided by the common sense model of self-regulation, this quality improvement project focused on familiarizing health care providers with the IPQ-R and evaluating their receptiveness to implement it with women with Type II diabetes. Seven Primary Care providers participated in an educational in-service that included information regarding the IPQ-R and its implementation in practice. Following the educational in-service, the participants completed a 10-question questionnaire evaluating the in-service and their likelihood of implementing the IPQ-R in their practice with women with Type II diabetes. According to the descriptive analysis of the questionnaires, 71% of the providers indicated that the IPQ-R would assist them when treating women with Type II diabetes and 85% of the provider's felt that the information presented during the in-service would enhance their confidence in using the IPQ-R in practice. The primary barriers to its use in practice were screening time and a lack of support staff. Implications for social change include improved treatment of women with Type II diabetes when using the IPQ-R, improved quality of health care, and enhanced cost effectiveness at the system level for chronic illness management and prevention. The IPQ-R can offer clinicians a reliable method to improve communication and psychosocial support necessary for the successful management of Type II diabetes in women.

A number of objective personality questionnaires have been published which aim to measure the six processes related to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy's model of treatment (acceptance, defusion, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action). These measures operationally define these hypothesized processes in research settings. However, little research has been done to investigate whether these processes, as measured by these questionnaires, are differentiable from each other or from other, seemingly similar constructs such as distress tolerance and coping styles. Additionally, it is unclear whether these questionnaire measures have differing relationships with other potentially relevant constructs, such as psychopathology, functioning, and personality. The structure of these process measures was investigated across two participant samples. A multi-trait structure of ACT processes was found, with three higher order dimensions consisting of psychological inflexibility/cognitive fusion, mindfulness, and avoidance, as well as a number of distinguishable lower order traits. This structure was found across multiple samples, and measures of these factor analytically-derived traits were found to have incremental validity and to be distinguishable from other, superficially similar psychological processes. These results provide guidance for measurement selection and suggest future directions for scale development. Relevance to treatment outcome research is also discussed.

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which selected variables are related to scores on the Utah State University Faculty Evaluation Questionnaire (USU FEQ). The variables examined were size of class, level of class, college under whose auspices a class is offered and whether the class is required or elective. In addition, the relationship between total mean score and responses to question 23, a percentage ranking of instructors, was assessed. The fall quarter, 1975, FEQ results were used in this assessment. Employing the same procedures as had been followed in previous quarters, 315 courses were evaluated. Courses at all levels (100-700) and within all colleges of the University were sampled. Through multiple regression analysis, it was found that 87% of the variance in total mean scores was explained by the selected variables. Question 23 was the outstanding contributor; therefore, the analysis was repeated with this variable removed. As a result, 21% of the variance was explained by the remaining variables. Question 23 was highly related to total mean score. Reasonably accurate prediction of instructors ratings can be made from a knowledge of responses to this question. A small negative correlation was found between sample size and total mean score. Instructors of larger classes tended to rate lower than instructors of smaller classes. A small contribution to the explained variance was made by the variable of class size. This contribution has little practical significance. Instructors of different colleges received different average ratings. Those colleges most closely related to high total mean scores were Education, Family Life and Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Those colleges receiving lowest ratings were Engineering and Science. Knowledge of the college under whose auspices a course exists improves prediction of instructors ratings on the USU FEQ. Whether a course was required or elective and the level of a course had little relation to the ratings instructors received. The outcomes of this investigation may be limited by any one or a combination of the following: The results of this study were obtained from fall quarter evaluations. Ratings may relate to the quarter in which the course was evaluated. The USU population was the only university used in the sampling. Results, therefore, will be generalizable to USU alone. This study has been concerned with environmental variables, i.e., class size, level, college, required vs. elective. Student, class, or teacher characteristics have not been considered. Significant relationships may exist in these areas. Within University policy, professors are allowed to choose the quarter in which they will be evaluated. Therefore, some volunteer effects may be present in this study. However, extra encouragement to evaluate fall quarter was given to teachers to help control for these effects. From this study of the relationship between selected variables and total mean scores, the following may be concluded; Question 23 could be used to obtain a quick, easy estimate of student ratings of an instructor. The significant differences between ratings of instructors in different colleges receive presents an area of concern. When comparing instructors from different colleges, precautions may need to be taken. Differential norms for the colleges could be considered. The size of an instructor's class is of no significant concern when interpreting FEQ results. The results of this study show no basis for the employment of differential norms for differing class sizes. No basis for considering whether a course is required or elective and level of a course when interpreting questionnaire results is given. From the above summary and conclusions the following recommendations are made; The college under whose auspices an instructor teaches should be considered when interpreting FEQ results. College norm groups should be considered for inclusion on results printouts. The significantly higher ratings received by instructors in the College of Education should be investigated. The following questions arise; A. Do students rate instructors higher if instructors give them higher grades? (Grades received in Education are higher.) B. Are the students in the college more empathetic to their instructors and, therefore, more lenient in their ratings? C. Is the course content less demanding or more interesting so as to receive higher student ratings? D. Are, in fact, the instructors in the College of Education better teachers? If so, what are the characteristics that make them better? These questions and others should be researched. 3. Since relationships may vary according to the particular aspect of teaching performance that the student is asked to rate (Clark & Keller, 1954), a factor analytic study including the selected variables of this study and all of the questions on the USU FEQ may be profitable. 4. Scores on the USU FEQ may be related to the department in which the course is taught. Correlations might be determined for the departments which have a large enough N. 5. Determination of whether students' subjective criteria in rating faculty match the faculty members' goals in teaching may disclose some valuable information about the USU FEQ. 6. The benefits from student evaluation of instruction can only exist to the extent that ratings represent valid appraisals of classroom instruction. Research must be conducted in answer to the question, "Is the USU Faculty Evaluation Questionnaire a valid instrument?"