New programming, such as the Specialist High Skills Major has been implemented in Ontario as part of the Student Success Learning to 18 Strategy to increase secondary graduation rates. Yet it has been unclear if this type of programming is actually improving student outcomes. As a result, this study asks: How does the implementation of the Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) contribute to student outcomes? Sub-research questions inquire about the consistency of the SHSM across Ontario, which students the SHSM has the greatest impact on academic success and if participation in the SHSM increases students’ academic success as defined by credit accumulation, marks, and graduation. The conceptual framework in this study is an amended version of Fullan’s (2007) critical factors that affect policy implementation. The study’s methods first included reviewing Ontario School Information System data on student achievement in the SHSM program. Interviews with thirty-four people also took place in eight schools from a mix of four geographically diverse Catholic and public school districts in Ontario that had high student enrollment in the SHSM program. While there were many findings within this study, four were key. The first finding was that there was great consistency to some aspects of implementing the SHSM program province-wide when there was top-down direction, while there was also great variability in other areas where there was increased flexibility. The second key finding centers around the role of leadership, including effective styles of leadership, consistency in leadership, and the importance of delegating leadership responsibility. The third finding highlights the importance of resources in implementing change. The last finding discusses the type of SHSM student that is most successful in the SHSM program and how program implementation directly affects student success.

The purpose of the present investigation is to evaluate students’ wish to become experts of agriculture, their choosing motives, factors and future expectations. The object of this investigation – first year full-time and correspondence course students of stockbreeding technologies of Lithuanian Veterinarian Academy and first year students of agronomy, who wish to get agricultural education in Lithuanian University of Agriculture. The investigation aimed to find out students’ motivation of choosing academic agricultural studies, its significance and future expectations. The technique of the research includes literature review, interviewing students of different studying programs by filling in questionnaires, and statistical data analyses. The goal of the present paper is to analyze demand change of high quality specialists in agriculture, specialist training dynamics and to define the main motives or factors determining choice of agrarian academic studies. Besides, there was a task to compare chosen studies’ dependence upon students’ dwelling-place, study form, and program. Conclusions: the main choosing motives of the university students’ were social-economical, i.e. ‘Possibility to get a diploma of high education’ and ‘I wanted to study at high school’. Significant importance while choosing agrarian academic studies was played by professional motives. The main factors stimulating students to choose agriculture were ‘I was good at biology at school’ or ‘I have experience in... [to full text]

Magistro mokslo darbo objektas – politiko įvaizdis televizijoje, RSV specialisto vaidmuo teoriškai ir praktikai. Darbo tikslas – išsiaiškinti, koks RSV specialistų vaidmuo, kuriant politiko įvaizdį televizijoje. Naudojantis mokslinės literatūros analizės metodais, taikant indukcijos, ekstrapoliacijos palyginimo ir analogijos metodus RSV specialisto, kaip politiko įvaizdžio kūrėjo vaidmens analizėje ir kokybinės apklausos metodą praktiniame tyrime, prieita prie išvados, kad RSV specialisto vaidmuo Lietuvoje, kuriant politiko įvaizdį televizijoje – nėra esminis. Politiko įvaizdžio kūrimas televizijoje yra labai siaura ir specifinė RSV sritis, todėl šioje srityje trūksta ne tik teorinės informacijos, bet ir kompetentingų specialistų. Žiūrint iš praktinės pusės, politikams vis dar stinga patirties dalyvaujant televizijos filmavimuose, todėl pagrindine ryšių su visuomene specialistų užduotimi tampa televizinės koncepcijos ir įvaizdžio kūrimo taktinių priemonių aiškus perteikimas politikui. Šiuo atveju būtinas abiejų šalių pasitikėjimas ir glaudus komunikavimas. Darbas gali būti naudingas ryšių su visuomene akademikams, praktikams. RSV specialistams, kurie kuria politikų įvaizdį ir politikams, kurie filmuojasi televizijos laidose. / Master's education work object – image of a politician on a television, the role of a PR specialist in a theory and practice. The purpose of this essay is to clarify the role of PR and a politician's image on a television. Scientific literature analysis, deduction and extrapolation were the methods used to draw conclusions. The role of PR practitioner as a politician's image developer was investigated in the analysis and quantitative survey (practical study). It was found that in Lithuania the role of a PR specialist is not significant in the process of creating a politicians‘ image on TV. This process is such a narrow area in Lithuania, that there are not enough competent professionals to analyse this angle of political PR. Practically, politicians still lack the experience when they participate in the production of a television content. Therefore, the main task of a public relations specialist is to explain the concept of television and most common tactical means of image-building in TV. The confidence and intensive communication among a PR practitioner and a politician is important as well. This paper can be useful for a public relations academics and practitioners, as well as politicians who participate in television broadcasts.

Bakgrund: I denna studie defineras etnicitet som ett samlingsbegrepp för ursprung medan kultur som ett socialt inlärt beteende och är föränderlig i sitt sammanhang. I litteraturen framkommer att patienter med annan etniskt och kulturell bakgrund objektiviseras av sjukvårdpersonalen, individen betraktas som en representant för sin kultur. I Sverige finns många människor med annan etnisk och kulturell bakgrund. Människor som emigrerar drabbats av psykisk ohälsa i högre grad än genomsnittsbefolkningen de löper större risk för stress, oro och ångest. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att beskriva specialistsjuksköterskors möte med en patient som har en annan etnisk och kulturell bakgrund och vårdas för psykisk ohälsa. Metod: Datainsamlades via intervjuer av fem specialistsjuksköterskor. I denna studie används en kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Två kategorier framkommer ur resultatet. Svårigheter sjuksköterskor står inför och sjuksköterskornas sätt att hantera svårigheter. I första kategorin finns en subkategori sjuksköterskornas svårigheter i mötet med patienter med annan etnisk och kulturell bakgrund. I andra kategorin sjuksköterskornas sätt att hantera svårigheter finns fyra subkategorier hjälp av tolk, anhörigas hjälp, hjälp av kollegor och andra sätt att kommunicera. Diskussion: Språkbarriären var det främsta svårigheten som beskrevs i mötet och hur sjuksköterskor hanterade svårigheten i mötet med hjälp av tolk, anhöriga, kolleger och andra sätt att kommunicera. / Background: In this study, defined ethnicity as a collective term for origin while culture is socially enrolled into the character of one’s behavior and is changeable in context. In the literature it is clear that patients with a different ethnical and cultural background are subject to objectification by healthcare professionals. The individual in many cases is seen as a representative of his or her cultural and ethnical inherence. In Sweden there are many people with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. People who emigrate affected by mental illness to a greater degree than the average population they are at greater risk for stress, worry and anxiety. Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe the specialist nurses' encounter with patients with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and cared for mental illness. Methods: Data was collected through interviews with five specialist nurses. This study uses qualitative content analysis. Results: Two categories emerge from the results. Difficulties nurses face and the nurses' way of handling difficulties. The first category is a sub category of nursing difficulties in meeting with patients of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In the second category of nursing ways to handle difficulties are four subcategories help of an interpreter, relatives help, the help of colleagues and other ways to communicate. Discussions: The language barrier was the main difficulty which was described in the meeting and how the nurses dealt with the difficulty of the encounter with the aid of an interpreter, relatives, colleagues, and other ways to communicate.

This research project investigated girls' perceptions of specialist computer courses in secondary schools. Literature both international and in New Zealand indicate a dwindling number of females pursuing study and careers in ICT. This project identified some of the factors influencing girls' choices to take computer courses; their perceptions on computer careers and the implications for teachers and schools. The research was based on a collective case study with embedded cases. Data was collected from a survey using a mind map and questionnaire, as well as semi-structured face-to-face interviews. A descriptive narrative derived from the interviews with five of the participants is presented as well as cross case analysis for more than five participants. Overall the students' accounts revealed complex, inter-related and disparate data regarding their perceptions of computing. The data revealed confusion with language and terminology; a perception of variance in levels of knowledge and abilities in specific courses; stereotypical perceptions of computing; and differences in experience, relevance and choices within the computing context. The study highlights issues related to the association of computing with science and mathematics; girls' perceptions of the relevance and content of computer courses; genderrelated issues with computing; apparent lack of knowledge of computer careers and how schools label and describe their computer courses. It also puts forward some implications for schools and suggests some actions that schools could take as a starting point to try and break down some of the stereotypes and myths that seem to be discouraging girls into specialist computer courses.

Bakgrund: Studier har visat att sjuksköterskors utbildningsnivå har betydelse för patientsäkerheten på kirurgiska vårdavdelningar. I Sverige är rollen som specialist-sjuksköterska inom kirurgisk vård ganska okänd och antalet specialistsjuksköterskor inom denna specialitet är få.Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva vilka förväntningar specialistsjuksköterskor inom kirurgisk vård har på sin yrkesroll samt att ta del av och beskriva deras erfarenheter av att arbeta som specialistsjuksköterskor.Metod: Kvalitativ studie med deskriptiv design. Specialistsjuksköterskor inom kirurgisk vård (n=29) från fem olika sjukhus deltog i studien. Urvalet gjordes med bekvämlighetsurval. För datainsamling användes ett studiespecifikt formulär med öppna frågor. Data analyserades med en kvalitativ innehållsanalys.Huvudresultat: Specialistsjuksköterskornas förväntningar på yrkesrollen var att med sin kompetens kunna vara en tillgång för kollegor och patienter. De beskrev att deras kompetens behövs på vårdavdelningarna, både i det kliniska arbetet och i förbättringsarbeten. Specialistsjuksköterskorna upplevde varierande grad av stöd från chefer och kollegor. De beskrev även att det är viktigt att tydliggöra yrkesrollen.Slutsats: Specialistsjuksköterskors kompetens gör skillnad, både direkt i patientvården och indirekt via förbättringsarbeten. Det är viktigt att fortsätta arbetet med att tydliggöra yrkesrollen till exempel genom en kompetensbeskrivning, och möjlighet att söka tjänster eller förordnanden som specialistsjuksköterska. För att utvecklas professionellt behöver specialistsjuksköterskor en ledning som tror på yrkesrollen och stöd från arbetsgruppen. / Background: Several studies show that nurses’ educational level has impact on patient safety in surgical wards. In Sweden the role of the clinical nurse specialist in surgical care is quite unknown and the numbers of clinical nurse specialists are few.Aim: The aim was to describe the expectations clinical nurse specialists in surgical care have on their professional role and to explore their experiences of their work.Method: A qualitative study with a descriptive design. A convenient sample of clinical nurse specialists in surgical care (n = 29) from five different hospitals participated in the study. A study specific questionnaire with open ended questions was used for data collection. The narrative data was analyzed using a qualitative content analysis.Result: The clinical nurse specialists’ expectations of their professional role were to be able to support and contribute with their competence in clinical practice. They described that their competence is needed in clinical work as well as in the quality improvement work in the surgical ward. Furthermore, the nurses described that they received varying levels of support in their new position from managers and colleagues. The clinical nurse specialists pointed out the importance of clarifying the role.Conclusion: The competence of the clinical nurse specialist makes a difference in patient care and in quality improvement work in the surgical ward. It is important to continue the process to clarify the role and to develop national guidelines. In the professional development the clinical nurse specialist needs to be supported by the managers as well as the colleagues.

This master’s thesis presents a study on the mediated negotiation between radio broadcasting and digital media. During the last decade, digitalisation has become unanimous with changing media structures, and has fundamentally altered the way radio is mediated by broadcasters and perceived by listeners. This study delves deeper into specialist music radio, more specifically, the London-based UK club music station Rinse FM. The study investigates how developments in digital media have influenced the way Rinse FM is reached and utilised by listeners, and how its implementation of digital media has affected its position as a cultural intermediary within the UK club music community. The investigation was carried out though a survey, and subsequent interviews, with members of Dubstepforum; an online forum, host to a substantial quantity of UK club music listeners. The research provides interesting results on listeners’ contemporary experience of Rinse FM, and outlines pivotal functions of specialist music radio in a digital age of free-flowing music content. The results explore participants’ digital listening habits in relation to Rinse FM; as well as the role of Rinse FM as cultural intermediary and community institution, depicted through the mediated experiences of Dubstepforum members. The study concludes with reflections upon specialist music radio’s continued development, and cultural position in the digital media environment.

Šarūnė Barsevičienė Mokslinė vadovė Prof. dr. Skirmantė Sauliūnė Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitetas, Visuomenės sveikatos fakultetas, Sveikatos vadybos katedra, Kaunas; 2013 m. Darbo tikslas: Ištirti Klaipėdos miesto mokytojų nuomonę apie bendradarbiavimą su mokyklose dirbančiais visuomenės sveikatos specialistais. Uždaviniai: 1. Įvertinti mokytojų nuomonę apie visuomenės sveikatos specialisto poreikį mokykloje; 2. Ištirti mokytojų nuomonę apie sveikatos mokymo integravimą į mokymo programas; 3. Nustatyti, kaip mokytojai vertina mokyklos visuomenės sveikatos specialisto darbą. Metodika. Momentinis tyrimas atliktas Klaipėdos mieste 2012 m. spalio – gruodžio mėnesiais. Išdalinta 300 anketų, atsakyta į 278 (atsako dažnis 92,6 proc.). Anoniminę anketą sudaro 23 klausimai, kurių keli išskirstyti į daugiau dalių. Klausimai yra apie tai, kaip mokytojai vertina sveikatos priežiūrą mokykloje, ką galvoja apie sveikatos mokymo integravimą į mokymo programas ir kaip vertina sveikatos specialisto darbą mokykloje. Statistinė analizė atlikta naudojant SPSS.19 programinį paketą. Rezultatai: 92,4 proc. apklausoje dalyvavusių Klaipėdos miesto mokytojų sutinka su tuo, kad sveikatos priežiūra mokykloje yra svarbi arba labai svarbi, bei 93,4 proc. jų sutinka su tuo, kad mokykloje dirbantis sveikatos specialistas yra reikalingas. Dažnai arba kartais sveikatos klausimus į savo pamokas integruoja 90 proc. mokytojų. Dažniausiai sveikatos klausimus į savo pamokas integruoja 0-5 metų stažą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Šarūnė Barsevičienė Supervisor: Skirmantė Sauliūnė, Prof. Dr. Department of Health Management, Faculty of Public health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas; 2013. Aim of the study: To survey the opinion of Klaipėda‘s teachers about cooperation with school public health specialists. Objectives: 1. To evaluate teachers opinion about the need of the public health specialist at school. 2. To evaluate teachers opinion about integrated health education. 3. To estimate how teachers value public health specialists activity at school. Methods: Questionnaire survey of teachers was conducted in the general schools of Klaipėda. 300 questionnaires were distributed. 278 respondents filled in and returned questionnaires (response rate – 92.6 %). There are 23 questions on a questionnaire about teachers’ opinion on health care needs in school, integrated health education, functions of health care specialist at school. The quantitative survey data was processed through a specialized data management and statistical analysis package SPSS - 19.0. Results: 92.4 % of teachers, who participated in the survey, agree, that health care at school is important or very important, and 93.4 % of them agree, that health care specialist at school is needful. Health topics during their lessons occasionally or often discuss 90 % of teachers, who participated in the survey. Chiefly health topics during their lessons discuss teachers having 0-5 years experience (66.7 %) and teachers having 16-25... [to full text]

Šiuo tyrimu siekta išsiaiškinti ar visuomenės vaistinių pacientai gauna pakankamai informacijos užtikrinančios saugų vaistų vartojimą. Tyrimo uždaviniai buvo atskleisti visuomenės vaistinės pacientų požiūri į vaistininką – jo suteiktą farmacinę informaciją; nustatyti, kokia respondentų dalis laikosi farmacijos specialistų nurodymų vartojant vaistinius preparatus; įvertinti kokia farmacinė informacija, visuomenės vaistinės pacientams, apie vartojamus nereceptinius vaistus yra svarbiausia. / A chemist, as one of the most freely accessible and reliable health care specialist, has to ensure all patients could receive information on drugs they need. It is also important for a chemist to express his/her knowledge in a understandable and clear manner, because it is the only way to achieve rational and safe consumption of drugs. Aim: to investigate and to assess pharmacological information which is got at the public chemists’, in order to ensure the safety of drugs consumption.

The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has become one of the most important accounting issues around the world. Taiwan Accounting Research and Development Foundation (TARDF) since early 2000’s gradually released or updated a number of important accounting standards to comply with IFRS. This process provides a natural experimental ground for researchers to examine the impact of accounting principle changes on companies’ choice of auditors. The adoption of new accounting standards not only influences the asset evaluation process but also affects companies’ accounting information systems. Engaging a specialist auditor can send a signal of high-quality financial reporting to outsiders, and companies may gain positive market reactions as a result. For example, as more assets and liabilities are measured at fair value under the new standards, auditors must deal with the complexities of auditing fair value measurements, and their expertise of such a process may help companies overcome the difficulties in complying with new accounting standards. That is, the implementation of complex accounting standards may increase the demand for auditors who specialize in a certain industry, transaction, or even account. Hence, this study examines how the adoption of new accounting standards influences companies’ choice of specialist auditors. By testing auditor switches around the adoption of TSFAS No. 35, No.34 and No. 36, we find that the more a company is expected to be affected by IFRS-based standards, the more likely it may choose an account specialist auditor when it adopts these new standards. The results are more significant at the individual level since an individual auditor is more likely to possess expertise than audit firms as a group, since professional judgments rely on individual auditor’s knowledge and task-specific experience. Our results also suggest that companies with higher earnings management incentives are less likely to engage industry specialist auditors, even when they are influenced by the adoption of new accounting standards. However, the influence of companies’ earnings management incentives on their choice of specialist auditors is affected by the complexities of new standards adopted.