Role models are often suggested as a means of motivating people to set and reach ambitious goals, especially for members of stigmatised groups in achievement settings. Yet, findings in relation to the effectiveness of role model are mixed and the literature on role models suffers from a number of limitations: (1) it lacks a clear definitional consensus of role models, (2) there is a lack of an integrated theoretical framework around role modelling, (3) very little of our current understanding of role models draws on the motivational literature to explain how role models can influence motivation and goals, and (4) the focus of the extant role model literature has been mainly on the attributes that make role models effective at the expense of understanding how this occurs. In this thesis, we first review the literature on role models (Chapter 1) and present two studies highlighting the limitations of the extant understanding of role modelling (Chapter 2). We then address these limitations by developing a theoretical framework of role modelling where we integrate different definitions of role models into a new conceptualisation in which we propose that role models influence goals and motivation in three distinct ways: by acting as behavioural models, by representing the possible, and by being inspirational. We then draw on expectancy-value theories of motivation to build a theoretical framework for understanding not only when but also how role models can effectively influence motivation and goals in these three functions (Chapter 3). This new theoretical framework, the Motivational Theory of Role Modelling, highlights how the power of role models can be harnessed to increase role aspirants’ motivation, reinforce their existing goals, and facilitate their adoption of new goals. We present four empirical studies supporting the ideas put forward in this theoretical framework, namely that role models in their three functions increase expectancy and value and, in turn, motivation and goals (Chapters 4,5, and 6). Finally, we integrate and summarise our findings and discuss theoretical and practical implications (Chapter 7).

Software systems are becoming inexorably more open, distributed, pervasive, mobile and connected. This thesis addresses the problem of how to build adaptive software systems. These systems need to reliably achieve system-level goals in volatile environments, where the system itself may be built from components of uncertain behaviour, and where the requirements for the software system may be changing. This thesis adopts the systemtheoretic concept of ontogenic adaptation from biology, and applies it to software architecture. Ontogenic adaptation is the ability of an individual system to maintain its organisational integrity by reconfiguring and regulating itself. A number of approaches to adaptive software architecture have been recently proposed that, to varying degrees, enable limited adaptive behaviour and reconfiguration, but none possess all the properties needed for ontogenic adaptation. We introduce a meta-model and framework called Role Oriented Adaptive Design (ROAD) that is consistent with the concept of maintaining organisational integrity through ontogenic adaptation. The ROAD meta-model defines software applications as networks of functional roles which are executed by players (objects, components, services, agents, people, or rolecomposites). These flexible organisational structures are adaptive because the relationships (contracts) between roles, and the bindings between roles and players, can be regulated and reconfigured at run-time. Such flexible organisational role-structures are encapsulated into composites each with its own organiser. Because self-managed composites are themselves role-players, these composites can be distributed and recursively composed. The organisers of the composites form a management system over which requirements and performance data pass. Rather than being monolithic constructions, ROAD software applications are dynamic, self-managed compositions of loosely-coupled, and potentially, distributed entities. The concepts in the ROAD meta-model have been implemented in a programming framework which can be extended by the application programmer to create adaptive applications. Central to this framework are dynamic contracts. These contracts define the role structure, control interactions between the role instances, and measure the performance of those interactions. Adaptivity is achieved by monitoring and manipulating these contracts, along with the role-player bindings. Contracts have been implemented using the mechanism of �association aspects�. The applicability of the ROAD framework to the domain of Service-Oriented Computing is demonstrated. The framework is further evaluated in terms of its ability to express the concept of ontogenic adaptation and also in terms of the overhead its runtime infrastructure imposes on interactions.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the University of Zululand, 2017 / This qualitative study explored the roles of principals as instructional leaders. Several models of instructional leadership were briefly discussed, and a theoretical framework for the present study was outlined. Individual interviews were conducted with principals, deputy principals, heads of department and post-level 1 educators. Qualitative data were collected using interviews and questionnaires. Themes and sub-themes emerged from the study. It was found that the quality of the role of the principal posed a challenge to principals. The participants reported that principals were expected to manage the school in terms of day-to-day functionality, buildings and grounds maintenance, managing of finances and human resources, and many other matters. On the other hand, the principal was also expected to be an instructional leader, which involved setting clear goals, allocating resources to instruction, managing the curriculum, monitoring teaching and learning, and creating opportunities that were conducive to learning. It was found that most secondary school principals concentrated on management instead of instructional leadership.

<p>Preceptorship is an experiential learning approach whereby a senior B.Sc.N. student, a direct care Registered Nurse (preceptor), and a faculty member collaborate to successfully facilitate a students’ learning in a clinical course. Preceptors act as both clinical teachers and professional role models to students. Role modelling can be a powerful experiential teaching-learning strategy. The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to examine students’ viewpoints about role modelling by their preceptors during senior clinical courses, as viewed through faculty members’ reflections. A conceptualization of preceptors as stage role models was developed, providing a unique perspective that includes role modelling typology, re-examination of “negative” role modelling, and intentionality. Data were collected and analyzed using Q-methodology procedures. By-person factor analysis revealed that students’ priorities for role modelling by preceptors vary. Four distinct student viewpoints emerged: the importance of explicit teaching (Factor 1), the significance of socialization behaviours (Factor 2), the foundations of practice knowledge and skills (Factor 3), and the pivotal role of preceptor authenticity (Factor 4). The findings also highlighted the importance of harnessing role modelling as an intentional teaching-learning strategy, including use of critical reflection on the part of the role model and the learner, and being explicit about what is being role modelled. Implications for education, clinical practice, and future research are discussed.</p> / Master of Science (MSc)

This study investigated the use of ORM as a conceptual modelling technique by using the UML domain model class diagram as benchmark. The rationale was that if the ORM-class diagram compared favourably with the benchmark, then ORM could be proposed as an alternate conceptual modelling technique. Proponents of ORM suggest that it has significant advantages over other techniques for conceptual modelling. The benchmark UML class diagram was developed according to the Unified Process through use-cases and collaboration diagrams. The ORM-class diagram was derived using the Conceptual Schema Design Process and ORM-UML Mapping Process. The evaluation of the two class diagrams was conducted by means of a questionnaire, based on a set of principles for conceptual models. The study concluded that ORM could not be proposed as a conceptual modelling technique up to the UML domain class diagram level without considering additional techniques for capturing the dynamics of the system. / Computer Science / M.Sc. (Computer Science)

This study investigated the use of ORM as a conceptual modelling technique by using the UML domain model class diagram as benchmark. The rationale was that if the ORM-class diagram compared favourably with the benchmark, then ORM could be proposed as an alternate conceptual modelling technique. Proponents of ORM suggest that it has significant advantages over other techniques for conceptual modelling. The benchmark UML class diagram was developed according to the Unified Process through use-cases and collaboration diagrams. The ORM-class diagram was derived using the Conceptual Schema Design Process and ORM-UML Mapping Process. The evaluation of the two class diagrams was conducted by means of a questionnaire, based on a set of principles for conceptual models. The study concluded that ORM could not be proposed as a conceptual modelling technique up to the UML domain class diagram level without considering additional techniques for capturing the dynamics of the system. / Computer Science / M.Sc. (Computer Science)

Thesis (M. Com. (Accountancy))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Accountancy, 2014. / This paper reports the findings of an action research intervention designed to explore the student experiences of a lecturer’s role-modelling specific cognitive self-regulated learning (SRL) skills on third year Financial Accounting students’ motivation and strategies for learning. The intervention involved a series of enrichment tutorials with a pilot group of Financial Accounting III students at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. A mixed methods research approach was used in the study. Qualitative data was collected in the form of verbal and written feedback from group participants and the lecturer’s research diary. Quantitative data was gathered by means of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), which was used to measure the students’ motivations and strategies for learning before and after the intervention. The intervention involved a lecturer role-modelling specific learning skills through the use of active learning activities. The skills role-modelled focussed on the following MSLQ learning strategies: rehearsal, organisation, elaboration, critical thinking, meta-cognitive self-regulation, and time and study environment management. Results suggest that role-modelling in an active learning environment does help students to implement SRL skills and experience the value of using the skills. Students reported making changes to their learning approaches to Financial Accounting III as a result of the intervention. Additionally the study identified the need for students to be taught the academic discourse of financial accounting within the course content.

Knowledge is considered important for the survival and growth of an enterprise. Currently knowledge is stored in various places including the bottom drawers of employees. The human being is considered to be the most important knowledge provider. Over the years knowledge based systems (KBS) have been developed to capture and nurture the knowledge of domain experts. However, such systems were considered to be separate and different from the traditional information systems development. Many KBS development projects have failed. The main causes for such failures have been recognised as the difficulties associated with the process of knowledge elicitation, in particular the techniques and methods employed. On the other hand, the main emphasis of information systems development has been in the areas of data and information capture relating to transaction based systems. For knowledge to be effectively captured and nurtured it is necessary for knowledge to be part of the information systems development activity. This thesis reports on a process of investigation and analysis conducted into the areas of information, knowledge and the overlapping areas. This research advocates a hybrid approach, where knowledge and information capture to be considered as one in a unified environment. A meta-schema design based on Formal Object Role Modelling (FORM), independent of implementation details, is introduced for this purpose. This is considered to be a key contribution of this research activity. Both information and knowledge is expected to be captured through this approach. Meta data types are provided for the capture of business rules and they form part of the knowledge base of an organisation. The integration of knowledge with data and information is also described. XML is recognised by many as the preferred data interchange language and it is investigated for the purpose of rule interchange. This approach is expected to enable organisations to interchange business rules and their meta-data, in addition to data and their schema. During interchange rules can be interpreted and applied by receiving systems, thus providing a basis for intelligent behaviour. With the emergence of new technologies such as the Internet the modelling of an enterprise as a series of business processes has gained prominence. Enterprises are moving towards integration, establishing well-described business processes within and across enterprises, to include their customers and suppliers. The purpose is to derive a common set of objectives and benefit from potential economic efficiencies. The suggested meta-schema design can be used in the early phases of requirements elicitation to specify, communicate, comprehend and refine various artefacts. This is expected to encourage domain experts and knowledge analysts work towards describing each business process and their interactions. Existing business processes can be documented and business efficiencies can be achieved through a process of refinement. The meta-schema design allows for a ?systems view? and sharing of such views, thus enabling domain experts to focus on their area of specialisation whilst having an understanding of other business areas and their facts. The design also allows for synchronisation of mental models of experts and the knowledge analyst. This has been a major issue with KBS development and one of the main reasons for the failure of such projects. The intention of this research is to provide a facility to overcome this issue. The natural language based FORM encourages verbalisation of the domain, hence increasing the understanding and comprehension of available business facts.

This study links ethical leadership theory to the implementation of improved leadership practices and examines whether ethical leadership characteristics actually exist, particularly in highly operational environments. The study analyses how ethical leadership can be embedded by process, by applied leadership (role modelling), and by changing culture and climate. The conclusion reveals that all three approaches are needed for an implementation and depend on middle managers, otherwise no organisational transformation is possible. The research design of this qualitative study analyses data from 100 in-depth interviews using inductive categorisation, aiming to retrieve deep, rich and unprompted data from a highly developed and advanced production facility. The ethical leadership characteristics, and evidence specific influences on leadership behaviour, revealing 14 perceived leadership issues resulting in a leadership climate which negatively influences motivation, performance, and corporate culture. These issues were found to be responsible for deteriorating work climate, motivation, morale, and team spirit. Particularly favouritism, inequalities, shouting, blaming, internal competition and unclear strategies ruin motivation, employee health, and co-operation. Concerning the implementation of a better suited leadership culture, a research framework model is developed, integrating transformational change and leadership. Findings document that the influence of middle managers acting as role models seems to be greater than research suggests. Key findings also show that individual leadership development without changing the corporate realities is not sufficient to implement ethical strategies. Neglecting to actively control the leadership climate can have devastating effects even for very successful operations. Considering the pressure of goal attainment in highly operational areas, an absence of unethical behaviour can already be seen as a success for leaders. Finally, a change process sequence for shaping leadership climate was identified. These research results are highly relevant for organisations and leaders wishing to be engaged in improving their leadership quality.

Jamais nos modes de vie et les produits qui nous entourent n'ont évolué aussi rapidement. Cette évolution est un facteur nouveau à prendre en compte dans le développement de produits pour s'assurer de leur appropriation par les utilisateurs. C'est ainsi que les approches de conception s'orientent petit à petit vers l'intégration des usages. L'approche Living Lab est axée autour de quatre principes : le réalisme de la situation d'usage étudiée ; la continuité de la collaboration avec les utilisateurs ; la collecte de données d'usage spontanées ; l'augmentation de la capacité des utilisateurs à influencer le développement du produit. Ces principes facilitent le passage de la conception centrée-utilisateurs vers la conception centrée-usages, mais sont difficiles à réaliser concrètement. Pour accompagner et inspirer les concepteurs, nous proposons une méthode de pilotage de projet Living Lab composée de dix-huit opérations visant chacune l'atteinte d'un de ces principes. La méthode proposée est représentée sous forme de diagrammes NIAM-ORM, facilement compréhensibles car proche du langage naturel binaire. Deux projets urbains et deux projets industriels ont permis de tester notre méthode. La pertinence des opérations sur l'atteinte des principes est évaluée par le biais des réseaux bayésiens : selon les résultats obtenus, les opérations sont validées, ajustées ou reformulées puis ré-implémentées dans le modèle NIAM-ORM / Our way of life and the products that surround us have never evolved so quickly. This evolution is a new factor to take into account in the product development to ensure the product appropriation by the users. For that reason the design approaches try to integrate usages. The Living Lab approach is organised around four principles: the realism of the studied situation; the continuity in the collaboration with the users; the collection of spontaneous usage data; the empowerment of users in the design process. These principles facilitate the path from "user-centred design" to "usage-centred design" but are difficult to realise practically. To guide and inspire the designers we propose a Living Lab project method made of eighteen operations; each operation is supposed to reach one of the four principles. The proposed method is represented with NIAM-ORM diagrams which are easily understandable because of its similarity with natural language. We tested our method on two urban projects and two industrial projects. The relevance of the tested operations on the principle realisation is evaluated according to bayesian networks: depending on the results the operations are validated, adjusted or rephrased and implemented again in the NIAM-ORM model