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This thesis explores the problems raised by the aggregation of entities into a global, collective level, an old problem encountered in many fields of science. We work on three projects related to the aggregation problem in social systems, using tools derived from statistical physics, and more generally quantitative tools. The first project focus on a paradigmatic model of the emergence of puzzling macroscopic behavior from simple individual rules, Schelling's segregation model. We hence propose an analytical resolution of this model and we studied analytically and via simulations the effect of several forms of cooperation between individual agents on the collective behavior. These questions are tackled in a mutually beneficial way for both economics and physics. The second project is based on the exploration of huge databases on scientific literature. We hence produce several 'science maps' representing the fields of complex systems (its internal structure and coherence being analysed through the references used by ~140000 relevant articles) and the research carried out in a scientific institution such as the ENS de Lyon. Finally, the third project deals with the elaboration of models of social phenomena based on natural sciences tools but sociologically grounded. We hence present the elaboration process of a model built with a team of sociologists. We then propose an opinion model specifically designed to explore a single question: the existence of lasting structure from non lasting entities.

Tendo em vista que grande parte da população mundial já vive em cidades, pensá-las de forma sustentável pressupõe entender a sua dinâmica, buscando alternativas para questões amplas e complexas que emanam do chamado desenvolvimento sustentável. A sustentabilidade urbana impõe desafios aos governantes e a toda sociedade, no sentido de atender às demandas atuais, prevenindo e mitigando os efeitos negativos gerados como consequência do crescimento econômico. Para tanto, há a necessidade de haver gestão integrada entre órgãos de diferentes setores governamentais e de áreas de políticas distintas bem como a necessidade de reflexão acerca de novas concepções de planejamento e gestão de políticas públicas e na perspectiva do ordenamento territorial para aliar o crescimento econômico, a preservação ambiental e a qualidade de vida da população. Nesse sentido, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo principal analisar a mudança do sistema social e os efeitos na sustentabilidade urbana da cidade de Rio Grande/RS, a partir da instalação do Polo Naval. Para tanto, buscou-se embasamento nos pressupostos da Sustentabilidade Urbana, na Teoria de Sistemas Sociais e na Teoria do Equilíbrio Pontuado. Assim, foi possível analisar a implantação do Polo Naval na cidade de Rio Grande, identificando os reflexos da (in)sustentabilidade urbana produzida pelo Polo Naval sob a perspectiva da Teoria de Sistemas Sociais, bem como analisar o processo de mudança ocorrido na cidade, relacionando as evidências encontradas à estrutura profunda do sistema social e ao Modelo de Mudança Descontínua, admitindo-se que algumas perturbações são capazes de romper o equilíbrio e provocar diversas mudanças, não necessariamente de forma gradual. No contexto da presente pesquisa, essa pontuação foi associada a instalação do Polo Naval, na cidade de Rio Grande no Rio Grande do Sul. A utilização de mais de uma abordagem teórica se mostrou pertinente na presente pesquisa, tendo em vista a diversidade de elementos e a quantidade de dados a serem analisados fornecidos pelos diversos stakeholders que foram entrevistados. Para cumprir os objetivos desta pesquisa, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória de natureza qualitativa e descritiva, em um recorte temporal que compreende anos de 2006-2014. Utilizou-se fontes primárias e secundárias de dados para realizar os levantamentos apontados. Em relação aos dados primários, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 39 stakeholders presentes no sistema social de Rio Grande e relacionados direta ou indiretamente com Polo Naval. Os dados coletados foram analisados a partir da metodologia de Análise de Conteúdo e agrupados em categorias de efeitos positivos e negativos na dimensão econômica, ambiental e social. Os efeitos da dimensão política foram analisados a partir do Modelo de Mudança Descontínua e na perspectiva da estrutura profunda dos sistemas sociais. Entre os resultados encontrados, na dimensão econômica, percebeu-se efeitos positivos como aumento do PIB e do PIB per capita, empreendedorismo local aumento na arrecadação de impostos e na receita própria do município, o aumento dos investimentos na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, no Porto do Rio Grande, em empreendimentos imobiliários residenciais e comerciais, além de incentivos financeiros por parte do governo como forma de fomentar o Arranjo Produtivo Local. Entre os efeitos econômicos negativos, destaca-se o declínio do consumo em períodos sazonais de finalizações de projetos assim como a inflação do setor imobiliário e suas consequências decorrentes do aumento da demanda por imóveis no município de Rio Grande. Entre os efeitos ambientais positivos percebeu-se o desenvolvimento de parcerias e cooperação para monitoramento ambiental do município, o monitoramento ambiental propriamente dito, a melhoria da infraestrutura urbana em termos malha viária e aeroportos. Entre os efeitos ambientais tidos como negativos, estão o desmatamento de áreas verdes para instalação do empreendimento, problemas de governança ambiental que resultam em conflitos entre a gestão ambiental pública e privada, os efeitos negativos previstos nas licenças ambientais e nos estudos de impacto ambiental do empreendimento. Em relação aos efeitos ambientais negativos de caráter urbanístico tem-se o inchaço e adensamento da infraestrutura urbana, a precarização da gestão de resíduos sólidos industriais e urbanos, a coleta de esgoto incipiente, as dificuldades na coleta e destinação de resíduos domiciliares, o aumento do consumo de recursos naturais em função das demandas de grandes empreendimentos como o Polo Naval, e as consequências negativas geradas em termos de tráfego urbano em virtude do aumento populacional que ocasiona o aumento do número de veículos e pedestres em circulação. Com relação aos efeitos sociais positivos, destaca-se o aumento do investimento em qualificação e geração de emprego a partir da apropriação da mão de obra local e aumento do poder aquisitivo (renda). Entre os efeitos negativos destacam-se aqueles relacionados à saúde, educação, segurança, mão de obra externa e qualificação profissional, migração e aumento populacional, remoção e transferência de famílias e moradias de áreas industriais, conflitos sociais em termos de choque cultural e xenofobia caracterizada pela convivência com trabalhadores de outras localidades, além da existência de condições sub-humanas de habitação para a população migrante. Os resultados encontrados contribuem com evidências empíricas demonstrando os efeitos positivos e negativos de um empreendimento como o Polo Naval de Rio Grande e suas implicações para o contexto onde está inserido, elucidando qual é a dinâmica do processo de mudança nesse sistema social. Tais efeitos demonstram a (in) sustentabilidade que o empreendimento causa em algumas dimensões e podem auxiliar no processo de diagnóstico para buscar medidas que ajudem a solucionar ou amenizar os efeitos negativos. Além disso, os resultados encontrados neste trabalho também podem contribuir para que gestores públicos e privados, instituições de ensino superior e de pesquisa, possam elaborar estratégias e planos de ações conjuntos na tentativa de mitigar aqueles efeitos econômicos, ambientais, sociais e políticos negativos, assim como potencializar aqueles considerados positivos, equilibrando as dimensões analisadas. Assim, a pesquisa pode se tornar uma base para estudos complementares na tentativa de aprofundar cada uma das dimensões e seus respectivos efeitos, bem como auxiliar na elaboração de um planejamento urbano mais eficaz, que institua políticas públicas condizentes com os problemas decorrentes do Polo Naval. Assim, será possível adotar medidas para equilibrar o crescimento econômico, preservação do meio ambiente e qualidade de vida da população, tendo em vista a necessidade de buscar o desenvolvimento de forma sustentável. / Considering that much of the world's population already lives in cities, thinking sustainably requires understanding the dynamics of cities, seeking alternatives to large and complex issues emanating from the so-called sustainable development. Urban sustainability poses challenges to governments and the whole society in order to meet current demands, preventing and mitigating the negative effects generated because of economic growth. Therefore, there is the need for integrated management between agencies of different government sectors and different policy areas and the need for reflection on new designs for planning and management of public policies in the context of spatial planning, to combine economic growth, environmental preservation and quality of life of the population. In this sense, the present study aimed to analyze the change of the social system and the effects on urban sustainability of the city of Rio Grande / RS, from the installation of the Naval Pole. Therefore, we sought to basement on the assumptions of Urban Sustainability in Theory of Social Systems and the Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium. Thus, it was possible to analyze the implementation of the Naval Pole in the city of Rio Grande, identifying the effects of the urban unsustainability produced by the Naval Pole from the perspective of the Theory of Social Systems, and analyze the process of change occurred in the city, linking the evidence found the deep structure of the social system and Discontinuous Change Model, admitting that some disorders are able to break the balance and cause a number of changes, not necessarily gradually. In the context of this research, this score was associated with installation of the Naval Pole, in the city of Rio Grande in Rio Grande do Sul. The use of more than a theoretical approach proved to be relevant in this study, given the diversity of elements analyzed and the amount of data to be analyzed provided by the various stakeholders who were interviewed. To accomplish the goals of this research, an exploratory research of qualitative and descriptive nature was carried out between 2006-2014. We used primary and secondary data sources to carry out the surveys indicated. Regarding the primary data were conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 stakeholders present in the social system of Rio Grande and directly or indirectly related to Naval Pole. Data were analyzed from the content analysis methodology and grouped into categories of positive and negative effects on the economic dimension, environmental and social. The effects of the political dimension were analyzed from the Discontinuous Change Model and in view of the deep structure of social systems. Among the results, the economic dimension, perceived positive effects as increased GDP and GDP per capita, local entrepreneurship increase in tax revenues and own the city revenue, increased investment in the Federal University of Rio Grande, port of Rio Grande, in residential and commercial real estate projects, as well as financial incentives from the government in order to foster the Local Productive Arrangement. Among the negative economic effects, there is the decline in consumption in seasonal periods of project completions as well as inflation in the real estate sector and its consequences of increased demand for real estate in the city of Rio Grande. Among the positive environmental effects realized by the development of partnerships and cooperation for environmental monitoring of the municipality, environmental monitoring itself, the improvement of urban infrastructure in terms road and airport network. Among the environmental effects taken as negative, are the deforestation of green areas for the enterprise installation, environmental governance problems that result in conflicts between public and private environmental management, the negative effects provided for in the environmental permits and environmental impact studies of the project . Regarding the negative environmental effects of urban character has swelling and densification of urban infrastructure, the precariousness of industrial and municipal solid waste management, collection of incipient sewage, difficulties in collection and disposal of household waste, increasing consumption of natural resources according to the demands of large enterprises as the Naval Pole, and the negative consequences generated in terms of urban traffic because of the population increase that causes the increase in the number of vehicles and pedestrians on the road. Regarding the positive social effects, the increase stands out investment in skills and employment generation and from the ownership of the local workforce and increased purchasing power (income). Among the negative effects highlight those related to health, education, security, hand external work and professional training, migration and population growth, removal and transfer of families and houses of industrial areas, social conflicts in terms of culture shock and characterized xenophobia by interaction with workers from other locations, besides the existence of sub-human living conditions for the migrant population. The results contribute empirical evidence demonstrating the positive and negative effects of a project like the Polo Naval Rio Grande and its implications for the context in which it operates, elucidating what is the dynamic process of change in this social system. Such effects demonstrate the (in) sustainability that the project because in some dimensions and can assist in the diagnostic process to seek measures to help solve or mitigate the negative effects. In addition, the findings of this study may also contribute to public and private managers, higher education and research institutions, can develop strategies and plans of joint actions in trying to mitigate those economic effects, environmental, social and negative political as well how to leverage those considered positive, balancing the dimensions analyzed. Thus, the search can become a basis for further studies in an attempt to further studies in each of the dimensions and their effects, as well as assist in developing a more effective urban planning, to set public policies consistent with the problems arising out of Polo Naval. Therefore, you can take steps to balance economic growth, environmental protection and people's living quality, considering the need to pursue development in a sustainable manner.

Tendo em vista que grande parte da população mundial já vive em cidades, pensá-las de forma sustentável pressupõe entender a sua dinâmica, buscando alternativas para questões amplas e complexas que emanam do chamado desenvolvimento sustentável. A sustentabilidade urbana impõe desafios aos governantes e a toda sociedade, no sentido de atender às demandas atuais, prevenindo e mitigando os efeitos negativos gerados como consequência do crescimento econômico. Para tanto, há a necessidade de haver gestão integrada entre órgãos de diferentes setores governamentais e de áreas de políticas distintas bem como a necessidade de reflexão acerca de novas concepções de planejamento e gestão de políticas públicas e na perspectiva do ordenamento territorial para aliar o crescimento econômico, a preservação ambiental e a qualidade de vida da população. Nesse sentido, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo principal analisar a mudança do sistema social e os efeitos na sustentabilidade urbana da cidade de Rio Grande/RS, a partir da instalação do Polo Naval. Para tanto, buscou-se embasamento nos pressupostos da Sustentabilidade Urbana, na Teoria de Sistemas Sociais e na Teoria do Equilíbrio Pontuado. Assim, foi possível analisar a implantação do Polo Naval na cidade de Rio Grande, identificando os reflexos da (in)sustentabilidade urbana produzida pelo Polo Naval sob a perspectiva da Teoria de Sistemas Sociais, bem como analisar o processo de mudança ocorrido na cidade, relacionando as evidências encontradas à estrutura profunda do sistema social e ao Modelo de Mudança Descontínua, admitindo-se que algumas perturbações são capazes de romper o equilíbrio e provocar diversas mudanças, não necessariamente de forma gradual. No contexto da presente pesquisa, essa pontuação foi associada a instalação do Polo Naval, na cidade de Rio Grande no Rio Grande do Sul. A utilização de mais de uma abordagem teórica se mostrou pertinente na presente pesquisa, tendo em vista a diversidade de elementos e a quantidade de dados a serem analisados fornecidos pelos diversos stakeholders que foram entrevistados. Para cumprir os objetivos desta pesquisa, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória de natureza qualitativa e descritiva, em um recorte temporal que compreende anos de 2006-2014. Utilizou-se fontes primárias e secundárias de dados para realizar os levantamentos apontados. Em relação aos dados primários, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 39 stakeholders presentes no sistema social de Rio Grande e relacionados direta ou indiretamente com Polo Naval. Os dados coletados foram analisados a partir da metodologia de Análise de Conteúdo e agrupados em categorias de efeitos positivos e negativos na dimensão econômica, ambiental e social. Os efeitos da dimensão política foram analisados a partir do Modelo de Mudança Descontínua e na perspectiva da estrutura profunda dos sistemas sociais. Entre os resultados encontrados, na dimensão econômica, percebeu-se efeitos positivos como aumento do PIB e do PIB per capita, empreendedorismo local aumento na arrecadação de impostos e na receita própria do município, o aumento dos investimentos na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, no Porto do Rio Grande, em empreendimentos imobiliários residenciais e comerciais, além de incentivos financeiros por parte do governo como forma de fomentar o Arranjo Produtivo Local. Entre os efeitos econômicos negativos, destaca-se o declínio do consumo em períodos sazonais de finalizações de projetos assim como a inflação do setor imobiliário e suas consequências decorrentes do aumento da demanda por imóveis no município de Rio Grande. Entre os efeitos ambientais positivos percebeu-se o desenvolvimento de parcerias e cooperação para monitoramento ambiental do município, o monitoramento ambiental propriamente dito, a melhoria da infraestrutura urbana em termos malha viária e aeroportos. Entre os efeitos ambientais tidos como negativos, estão o desmatamento de áreas verdes para instalação do empreendimento, problemas de governança ambiental que resultam em conflitos entre a gestão ambiental pública e privada, os efeitos negativos previstos nas licenças ambientais e nos estudos de impacto ambiental do empreendimento. Em relação aos efeitos ambientais negativos de caráter urbanístico tem-se o inchaço e adensamento da infraestrutura urbana, a precarização da gestão de resíduos sólidos industriais e urbanos, a coleta de esgoto incipiente, as dificuldades na coleta e destinação de resíduos domiciliares, o aumento do consumo de recursos naturais em função das demandas de grandes empreendimentos como o Polo Naval, e as consequências negativas geradas em termos de tráfego urbano em virtude do aumento populacional que ocasiona o aumento do número de veículos e pedestres em circulação. Com relação aos efeitos sociais positivos, destaca-se o aumento do investimento em qualificação e geração de emprego a partir da apropriação da mão de obra local e aumento do poder aquisitivo (renda). Entre os efeitos negativos destacam-se aqueles relacionados à saúde, educação, segurança, mão de obra externa e qualificação profissional, migração e aumento populacional, remoção e transferência de famílias e moradias de áreas industriais, conflitos sociais em termos de choque cultural e xenofobia caracterizada pela convivência com trabalhadores de outras localidades, além da existência de condições sub-humanas de habitação para a população migrante. Os resultados encontrados contribuem com evidências empíricas demonstrando os efeitos positivos e negativos de um empreendimento como o Polo Naval de Rio Grande e suas implicações para o contexto onde está inserido, elucidando qual é a dinâmica do processo de mudança nesse sistema social. Tais efeitos demonstram a (in) sustentabilidade que o empreendimento causa em algumas dimensões e podem auxiliar no processo de diagnóstico para buscar medidas que ajudem a solucionar ou amenizar os efeitos negativos. Além disso, os resultados encontrados neste trabalho também podem contribuir para que gestores públicos e privados, instituições de ensino superior e de pesquisa, possam elaborar estratégias e planos de ações conjuntos na tentativa de mitigar aqueles efeitos econômicos, ambientais, sociais e políticos negativos, assim como potencializar aqueles considerados positivos, equilibrando as dimensões analisadas. Assim, a pesquisa pode se tornar uma base para estudos complementares na tentativa de aprofundar cada uma das dimensões e seus respectivos efeitos, bem como auxiliar na elaboração de um planejamento urbano mais eficaz, que institua políticas públicas condizentes com os problemas decorrentes do Polo Naval. Assim, será possível adotar medidas para equilibrar o crescimento econômico, preservação do meio ambiente e qualidade de vida da população, tendo em vista a necessidade de buscar o desenvolvimento de forma sustentável. / Considering that much of the world's population already lives in cities, thinking sustainably requires understanding the dynamics of cities, seeking alternatives to large and complex issues emanating from the so-called sustainable development. Urban sustainability poses challenges to governments and the whole society in order to meet current demands, preventing and mitigating the negative effects generated because of economic growth. Therefore, there is the need for integrated management between agencies of different government sectors and different policy areas and the need for reflection on new designs for planning and management of public policies in the context of spatial planning, to combine economic growth, environmental preservation and quality of life of the population. In this sense, the present study aimed to analyze the change of the social system and the effects on urban sustainability of the city of Rio Grande / RS, from the installation of the Naval Pole. Therefore, we sought to basement on the assumptions of Urban Sustainability in Theory of Social Systems and the Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium. Thus, it was possible to analyze the implementation of the Naval Pole in the city of Rio Grande, identifying the effects of the urban unsustainability produced by the Naval Pole from the perspective of the Theory of Social Systems, and analyze the process of change occurred in the city, linking the evidence found the deep structure of the social system and Discontinuous Change Model, admitting that some disorders are able to break the balance and cause a number of changes, not necessarily gradually. In the context of this research, this score was associated with installation of the Naval Pole, in the city of Rio Grande in Rio Grande do Sul. The use of more than a theoretical approach proved to be relevant in this study, given the diversity of elements analyzed and the amount of data to be analyzed provided by the various stakeholders who were interviewed. To accomplish the goals of this research, an exploratory research of qualitative and descriptive nature was carried out between 2006-2014. We used primary and secondary data sources to carry out the surveys indicated. Regarding the primary data were conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 stakeholders present in the social system of Rio Grande and directly or indirectly related to Naval Pole. Data were analyzed from the content analysis methodology and grouped into categories of positive and negative effects on the economic dimension, environmental and social. The effects of the political dimension were analyzed from the Discontinuous Change Model and in view of the deep structure of social systems. Among the results, the economic dimension, perceived positive effects as increased GDP and GDP per capita, local entrepreneurship increase in tax revenues and own the city revenue, increased investment in the Federal University of Rio Grande, port of Rio Grande, in residential and commercial real estate projects, as well as financial incentives from the government in order to foster the Local Productive Arrangement. Among the negative economic effects, there is the decline in consumption in seasonal periods of project completions as well as inflation in the real estate sector and its consequences of increased demand for real estate in the city of Rio Grande. Among the positive environmental effects realized by the development of partnerships and cooperation for environmental monitoring of the municipality, environmental monitoring itself, the improvement of urban infrastructure in terms road and airport network. Among the environmental effects taken as negative, are the deforestation of green areas for the enterprise installation, environmental governance problems that result in conflicts between public and private environmental management, the negative effects provided for in the environmental permits and environmental impact studies of the project . Regarding the negative environmental effects of urban character has swelling and densification of urban infrastructure, the precariousness of industrial and municipal solid waste management, collection of incipient sewage, difficulties in collection and disposal of household waste, increasing consumption of natural resources according to the demands of large enterprises as the Naval Pole, and the negative consequences generated in terms of urban traffic because of the population increase that causes the increase in the number of vehicles and pedestrians on the road. Regarding the positive social effects, the increase stands out investment in skills and employment generation and from the ownership of the local workforce and increased purchasing power (income). Among the negative effects highlight those related to health, education, security, hand external work and professional training, migration and population growth, removal and transfer of families and houses of industrial areas, social conflicts in terms of culture shock and characterized xenophobia by interaction with workers from other locations, besides the existence of sub-human living conditions for the migrant population. The results contribute empirical evidence demonstrating the positive and negative effects of a project like the Polo Naval Rio Grande and its implications for the context in which it operates, elucidating what is the dynamic process of change in this social system. Such effects demonstrate the (in) sustainability that the project because in some dimensions and can assist in the diagnostic process to seek measures to help solve or mitigate the negative effects. In addition, the findings of this study may also contribute to public and private managers, higher education and research institutions, can develop strategies and plans of joint actions in trying to mitigate those economic effects, environmental, social and negative political as well how to leverage those considered positive, balancing the dimensions analyzed. Thus, the search can become a basis for further studies in an attempt to further studies in each of the dimensions and their effects, as well as assist in developing a more effective urban planning, to set public policies consistent with the problems arising out of Polo Naval. Therefore, you can take steps to balance economic growth, environmental protection and people's living quality, considering the need to pursue development in a sustainable manner.

A teoria dos sistemas sociais autorreferenciais é uma teoria sociológica inovadora. Na verdade, trata-se de uma superteoria baseada em premissas construtivistas que se pretende universal, ou seja, capaz de descrever qualquer fenômeno social, incluindo as teorias rivais. O criador da teoria, o sociólogo alemão Niklas Luhmann, escreveu obras sobre uma grande variedade de temas: desde do Direito até a Arte; de uma teoria geral dos sistemas sociais até uma teoria abrangente da sociedade. Como uma teoria de base construtivista, a teoria dos sistemas sociais autorreferenciais observa observações, mais especificamente, observa comunicações. A teoria adota, assim, um fundamento teórico singular que exige novas descrições dos fenômenos sociais, ainda que já tenham sido exaustivamente estudados. Esse é o caso de sanções legais. Luhmann, contudo, não fornece uma descrição sistêmica das sanções legais. Ao invés disso, usa o termo de maneiras diferentes em seus estudos. As sanções a que ele se refere em seus estudos sobre o sistema político parecem estar mais relacionadas à violência física do que aquelas que ele mencionou ao descrever o sistema jurídico. Esta indefinição é, provavelmente, fruto do que chamei \"noção comum de sanção\". A noção comum, menos do que um conceito de sanção, é o acumulado de séculos de esforços para definir medidas de controle social. Portanto, além de vaga, a noção comum de sanção é baseada em premissas que são estranhas à teoria dos sistemas sociais. Assim, é necessária uma nova descrição dos fenômenos sociais associados à noção comum de sanção, a fim de expandir as possibilidades da teoria dos sistemas sociais. A observação desses fenômenos do ponto de vista da teoria dos sistemas sociais autorreferenciais resultou na descrição de não apenas uma, mas de quatro estruturas sociais diferentes. A primeira foi identificada como sanção simbiótica e pode ser tanto negativa - se associada ao uso da violência - como positiva - se associado à satisfação das necessidades. A segunda é o programa do sistema jurídico que cumpre a função de memória no sistema, mantendo assim as expectativas normativas. A terceira estrutura é uma variação da segunda; são programas oriundos dos processos legais que também cumprem função de memória. Estes programas diferem das sanções simbióticas na distância do uso da violência física. Enquanto a sanção simbiótica demonstra claramente a sua conexão com a violência frente à desobediência, os programas apontam para outros programas sancionatórios antes de se referirem à violência física. De um modo muito diferente, o quarto tipo de estrutura social, os programas sancionatórios de exclusão, identificados com as penas privativas de liberdade, estão intimamente ligados à violência física. Estes programas, embora realizem também a função de memória, cumprem outra função: a gestão de exclusão na sociedade moderna. / The theory of self-referential social systems is an innovative sociological theory. In fact, it is a super theory based on constructivist premises that claims to be a universal theory, meaning, being able to describe any social phenomenon, including rival theories. The creator of the theory, German sociologist Niklas Luhmann, wrote works on a great variety of themes: from Law to Art, from general social systems theory to a comprehensive theory of society. As a constructivist based theory, Self-referential social systems theory observes observations, more specifically, observes communications. The theory adopts, thus, a singular theoretical background that demands new descriptions of social phenomena, no matter if already thoroughly investigated. That would be the case of legal sanctions. Nonetheless, Luhmann does not provides a systemic description of legal sanctions. Instead, he uses the term in different ways on his studies. The sanctions to which he refers in his studies on the political system seem to be more related to physical violence than those he mention while describing the Legal system. This vagueness is most probably due to what I have called common notion of sanction. The common notion, less than a concept of sanction is the gathering of many efforts to define social order generating measures. Therefore, besides vague, the common notion of sanction is based upon premises that are strange to the self-referential social systems theory. A new description of the social phenomena associated with the common notion of sanction is therefore required in order to expand the theory\'s possibilities. The observation of these social phenomena from the viewpoint of the self-referential social systems theory resulted in the description of not just one, but four different social structures. The first one is to be called symbiotic sanction and may be both negative if associated with the use of violence as positive if associated with the satisfaction of needs. The second one is a legal system\'s program that fulfills memory function in the system, thus retaining normative expectations. The third structure is a variation of the second one; a program originated from legal processes that also fulfills memory function. These programs differ from the symbiotic sanctions in the distance from the use of physical violence. While the symbiotic sanction clearly demonstrates its connection with violence when contradicted, the programs point to other sanction programs before refer to physical violence. In a much dissimilar way, the fourth type of social structure, exclusion sanction programs, identified with detentions, are closely linked to physical violence. These programs, although capable of memory function, fulfill yet another function: managing exclusion in modern society.

M.Sc. (Information Technology) / Making changes to a complex system, such as a cellular network, without being well informed about the potential effects of the change could prove to have negative and costly outcomes. In order to diminish the risk of making changes to a real system, a simulation of the real system is a viable and valuable alternative. By creating a simulation of the real system, the effects of changes made can be tested in the simulation instead of the real system. The dissertation presents a model by which subscriber behaviour within a cellular network can be simulated. The model that is introduced to this end is called the Mobile Network Subscriber-Behaviour Simulation (MNSS). Subscriber behaviour is important as it is largely responsible for the variation in traffic within the cellular network. Thus, the research presented in the dissertation seeks to provide a means by which the planning and operation of cellular networks can be enhanced through a better comprehension of network traffic, which is influenced by subscriber behaviour. In the dissertation, specific focus is given to voice traffic, and, as such, the cellular network architecture that was chosen for the model is the GSM mobile network architecture due to its ubiquitous use in carrying voice traffic. The research presented in the dissertation begins with a discussion on the GSM architecture. Subscriber behaviour is simulated through the use of intelligent agents that are configured to interact with one another to form a Multi-agent System. In addition, the subscriber agents interact with, and adapt to, the mobile network component of the MNSS model, which constitutes the formation of a Complex Adaptive System. Therefore, the discussion is subsequently directed towards Artificial Intelligence, intelligent agents, Multi-agent Systems and Complex Adaptive Systems. Using these aforementioned concepts, the dissertation presents the MNSS model and a prototype implementation, as well as a discussion on the results obtained from this. The main purpose of the dissertation is to examine a means by which subscriber behaviour can be simulated in a cellular network, through the use of multiple intelligent agents that interact in a complex system. This is conducted for the express purpose of analysing the change in behaviour of the subscriber agents in relation to changes made to external conditions, such as the underlying cellular network or the behaviour of other subscriber agents.

With tightening university budgets, never before has the activity level of research grant proposal writing been more intense. With increased proposal numbers, including for the National Science Foundation's (NSF) prestigious CAREER award, has also come increased competition and decreased funding rates. This dissertation has searched for successful and unsuccessful characteristics from funded and unfunded CAREER proposals. The research focused on a study of two key subjects: 1) a corpus of 20 texts that included 12 funded proposals and 8 unfunded proposals from across NSF programs, and 2) an ethnographic analysis comprised from interviews with 14 NSF program officers (PO) from varying programs. Coding elements with the texts to uncover topical chains of content, rhetorical, and document design strategies revealed sound rhetorical moves and rhetorical mistakes. The study also illustrated evidence of adherence to or neglect of NSF-mandated writing/formatting conventions as connected to the likelihood of receiving funding. Moreover, the study revealed conventions that have developed for the genre that are not prescribed by NSF but that, nevertheless, seem to be expected. Through genre field analysis, the study's interviews with program officers (PO) revealed a system of genre-agents and player-agents that interact together in a highly rhetorical and social system. This system, comprised of locales in which a multitude of play scenarios can be enacted to exert influence, operates within fairly exact rules of play. Such rules may be published by NSF or simply be "understood," yet principal investigators (PI) are held accountable for them regardless. The ethnography created from interviews with POs revealed multiple genre field elements (e.g., genre- and player-agents, transformative locales, play scenarios, penalty conditions) as well as common mistakes and best practices. A complete mapping of the CAREER award proposal preparation, submission, and review process resulted from the study, which mapping has offered insightful strategies to expand PI (and other agents') influence on the funding process. The dissertation concluded by offering investigators a step-by-step process to identify and map the elements of the proposal genre field in which they operate.

The aim of the dissertation is to indicate that a large number of problems in rural communities are the consequence of ineffective knowledge management, and that the effective management of knowledge could significantly improve the range and quality of services provided to community members. Knowledge is reviewed by examining the process of changing social facts into data, data into information and information into knowledge. Knowledge management is examined by reviewing the history of knowledge management as well as defining the term knowledge management. A generic model for knowledge management is developed that divides knowledge management into five basic processes namely; knowledge identification, knowledge mobilisation, knowledge generation/elaboration, knowledge application and knowledge evaluation. The model further describes the knowledge management ”enablers” that can either facilitate or debilitate the management of knowledge. Various practical suggestions are proposed that will facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management programme in a rural community. / Psychology / MA (PSYCHOLOGY)

The aim of the study was to investigate the current management of educational change in Tanzania, with specific reference to the Primary Educational Development Plan (PEDP) and relate it to the roles of different stakeholders in education reform in order to determine factors that underlie its success or failure. The problem was investigated by means of a literature survey and an empirical inquiry. The literature survey revealed that educational change management is a social phenomenon whose process is considered overlapping. Implementation of educational change requires knowledge and understanding of the change objectives and the roles necessary to sustain the change. This process requires a shared vision among the educational stakeholders. A qualitative inquiry using in-depth individual and focus group interviews was conducted to explore the experiences of people affected by the implementation of the PEDP in Tanzania. The sample was purposefully chosen and reflected a number of stakeholders on various levels. The empirical study revealed factors outside the country that influence the management of educational change. These include a change in global focus and donors’ influence. The implementation of educational change in Tanzania has also depended largely on an understanding of directives and guidelines provided by the headquarters. The achievements that have been made are mainly quantitative and unlikely to be sustained. A lack of motivation among teachers has resulted in their passive participation in the reform. The top-down management of the reform has also adversely affected the sustainability of the reform. The PEDP was intended to have grassroots participation with broad involvement of stakeholders in outcomes. However, PEDP has been top-down, removed from local context. The study concluded that the implementation of reform was done without clear direction and scope. Thus, the sustainability of the reform is uncertain. Following the findings, the study recommends a constant dialogue using interpersonal communication with stakeholders on the purposes, strategies and practical working environment of the reform. The study also recommends change agents operating at district and school levels and the provision of clear roles and functions to specific stakeholders. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Educational Management)

Thesis (MTh) -- Stellenbosch University, 1995. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is an attempt to present a prop~r modd and methodology of pastoral care &mu counselling of children. Chapter I starts with the concept of childhood and traces the history of child care and examines the present situation of pastoral care and counselling. The importance and necessity of pastoral care and counselling of children is emphasized. Chapter 2 locates pastoral care and counselling of children under the umbrella of Practical Theolob'Y· It proposes an interdisciplinary model and argues th<:t pastoral care is a theological issue. In chapter 3 the ancient Israelite society is examined 11s an example of a therapeutic environment for growing children. Her.~ the family provided a social structure through which children experienced a strong sense of belonging, security, love and self-identity. In the family circle God's covenantal love was conveyed by means of storyte.lling. Children have their own world and language which differ in many ways from the adult world. Chapter 4 explores the personal world and language of children and gives an exposition of the different developmental stages between the ages of six and twelve. Chapter 5 deals with the world of children, the family and the immediate environment of growing children. Healing in pastoral care is exercised through faith care. The research proposes the storytelling method as a most effective vehicle to convey God's love to the child. Chapier six explains the necessity for a storytelling technique through which the horizon of the child's environment merges with the horizon of God's unfailing love and grace. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorsing is daarop gerig om die pastoraat llewus te maak van die eiesoortige behoeftes van die kind onder twaalf jaar binne die beraadproses. Die voorveronderstelling waarmee gewerk word, is dat die kind deur die kerk wel via die kategese bereik word, maar dan op 'n meer kognitiewe leervlak. Gevolglik word daar nie erns gemaak met die meer indjviduele en emosionele behoeftes van kinders in 'n krisis binne hut gesinsverband nie. Die eerste hoofstuk is 'n bespreking van die geskiedenis van sorg aan die kleiner kind en ·n ontleding van die huidige benwdsituasie in pastorale sorg. Die tweede hoofstuk bied 'n metodologiese raamwerk teen die agtergroml van die karakter van praktiese teologie en 'n interdissiplinere benadering. Die derde hoofstuk is 'n poging om vas te stel wat die posisie van die kind in die vroee lsraelitiese gemeenskap was. Die navorsing stel vas dat die sorg van God gerealiseer was via die verbondsliefde sons wat dit in die familie tot uitdrukking gekom het. Dit is hier waar die verhaal of storie van God se bemoeienis met sy volk oorvertel is. Die vierde hoofstuk konsentreer op die eiesoortige wereld van taal, simbole en kommunikasie gedurende die verskillende ontwikkelingsfases van die kind. Hoofstuk vyf bied 'n bespreking van die sosiale omgewing en gesinsverband van die kind. Die laaste hoofstuk is 'n toespitsing van pastoraat a an die kleiner kind rnet behulp van die metode van storievertelling. Dit is die taak van die pastoraat om 'n horisonversmelting tussen die storie van die kind en die storie van God se verbondsliefde te laat plaasvind. Op hierdie wyse word die geloof van die kind ontwikkel en verkry die metode van storievertelling 'n pastorale dimensie.