This thesis explores the creation of music for a video game level utilizing industry tools for music compositions as well as level design. Music as an element of game design and its resulting impact is also examined.

This thesis reports findings from a content analysis of 720 newspaper articles and 3,052 newspaper article cases focused on the issue of print media bias. Sunday editions of three major newspapers were drawn from the six-year period 1998-2003 for analysis. Prior research has uncovered print media bias in reporting of religious groups, and this thesis examines the substance of those claims pertaining to both established religions and new religious movements. Research findings show that established religions and their members are typically described in favorable or neutral terms, while new religious movements and their members are consistently described with pejorative terms. However, specific established religion members received the overwhelming majority of negative religion member descriptors. Articles focusing on established religion members were found to contain the bulk of visual aides accompanying the articles. Newspaper articles discussed incidents of violence by and/or against specific religious groups of both types of religion with a high frequency. Also, newspaper article themes and angles were found to be important for conveying the content of the articles. Additionally, an appendix is included that analyzes the treatment of religion, established religions and their members, and new religious movements and their members in sociology textbooks.

The Australian aquatic theme park segment is a vibrant and significant part of the Australian tourism industry because as a tourism generator it is a direct contributor to the economy and to employment growth. Research in this area can provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of the industry and its future effectiveness. Tourism organisations, such as aquatic theme parks, need to rely on the commitment and performance of a well-trained, multi-skilled workforce in order to achieve a competitive position, especially in terms of providing high quality customer service. This suggests that tourism organisations need to adopt effective organisational practices that enhance the motivation of employees and improve organisational effectiveness by providing the level of quality customer service required to become and remains competitive. Although the tourism industry in general and the theme park segment in particular make an important contribution to the Australia economy, minimal research has been undertaken to determine the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of organisational practices that influence work-related outcomes (commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance). As a related issue, no research has been undertaken to examine the perception of professionalism of employees undertaking marine science activities within Australian aquatic theme parks. Accordingly, one of the objectives of the present research was to examine the impact of organisational practices (training and communication) on affective commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance within the Australian aquatic theme park segment. The second objective was to examine whether the impact of such organisational practices on these work-related outcomes varies between employees designated to undertake marine science related activities and other theme park employees (salespersons, food and beverage and administrative). The final objective of this research was to examine whether employees designated to undertake marine science related activities perceive themselves as professionals. The Meaning of Working Theoretical Framework (based on the Meaning of Working (MOW) model developed by Westwood and Lok, 2003) is used in this research as a conceptual framework to enable a better understanding of the meanings and significance that aquatic theme park employees attach to their work roles. Understanding the basic meanings that individuals attach to their work roles provides relevant insights into the nature of employee commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance, given the apparent impact of perceived work significance on employee attitudes and behaviours. Application of the Meaning of Working Theoretical Framework therefore broadened the conceptual framework of the present research to include and clarify the central constructs of commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance in Australian aquatic theme park workplaces. The present study was undertaken with employees from three Australian aquatic theme park companies, including 'marine science employees' and 'other theme park employees', with a particular emphasis on the former group of employees. The nature of the current study suggested the value of using both quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed methods methodology) and so, the adoption of the pragmatist paradigm was appropriate in framing and answering the thesis’ research questions. Quantitative and qualitative methods in this study were conceptualized, designed and implemented sequentially. Quantitative methods (e.g. survey) were conducted first in order to develop a level of generalisation that not only added knowledge to the theory but also enabled a prediction in understanding levels of commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance. Qualitative methods (indepth interviews and focus group discussions) then provided in-depth information and insights into the link between organisational practices (e.g. training and communication) and work-related outcomes and perceptions of professionalism for marine science employees. The findings of this study have broadened the scope of the MOW model developed by Westwood and Lok (2003) in a number of significant and original ways. In particular, consideration of the relationship between employees and customers and analysis of the values maintained by the organisational culture and their influence on the particular subcultures within the organisations studied proved to be essential in understanding the work meanings patterns in this study. The present study further developed the MOW model by clearly demonstrating the critical role played by training and communication in influencing patterns of work meanings. In addition, this study also expanded the Westwood and Lok’s (2003) MOW model by including issues related to professionalism. The findings of the present study highlighted the pivotal role played by a key HRM practice (on-the-job training), which is more relevant in influencing work-related outcomes than the impact of communication processes, as demonstrated in the study data and analysis. Contrary to expectations, the findings suggested that communication processes play an indirect role in influencing organisational effectiveness, in terms of providing high quality service because of an identified ‘gap’ in beliefs and behaviours regarding customer service. Both training and communication processes appeared to be relatively ineffective in reducing this ambiguity regarding customer service for both group of employees within the aquatic theme parks studied. This should lead to a re-thinking of both training and communication practices to enhance the focus on, and delivery of quality customer service. A number of suggestions are canvassed. Another major finding of this thesis indicates that marine science employees not only perceive themselves as professionals but their status (job/occupation) within the tourism community supports a perception of emerging professionalism. The results revealed in the present study have the potential to impact positively on the tourism industry in general and on the aquatic theme park segment in particular. However, it is clear from the present research that the vibrancy of the tourism industry and the aquatic theme park segment can only be enhanced with more attention to communication and training, with an emphasis on improving employee self-efficacy, especially in the area of customer service.

『主題旅遊』已經是台灣旅遊市場行程標題的趨勢。 自1979年政府開放觀光以來，經過三十餘年的旅遊演進，過去的國家越多越好的旅遊概念已經進化到單國或是深度、精緻的旅遊型態，由坊間各大旅行社的旅遊宣傳單上尌可以看出來。而政府於1988年開放旅行社營業執照自由申請以來，根據觀光局統計資料至2010 年12月止，旅行社家數已達2,241家 ( 表1-3 )在如此激烈競爭的旅遊環境下，旅行業者除了設計深度、精緻的旅遊產品外，更需函入各種不同的主題元素，才能札確吸引或滿足不同類型的消費者青睞；例如击顯個人社會地位，強調奢華入住杒拜帆船七星級旅館、搭乘豪華郵輪QE2橫渡大西洋之旅；或是依個人宗教信伖的聖地朝聖之旅，或是依個人特殊屬性的如蜜月之旅、遊學之旅…等等。 尤其是以歐洲地區為市場的旅行業者更必頇在其專業領域中，去結合價值網絡成員，做市場區隔、選定目標市場並找出產品定位，進而開發出具更主題性的旅遊產品；旅行業者還頇了解總體環境以及產業環境的變化，對自己公司的組織架構及資源能耐必頇做札確更效的人力配置，及通盤了解自己的優勢與劣勢，才能設計出貼近消費者需求的產品，也才能在這極度競爭的產業中生存。 本研究個案MIT旅行社在SARS期間也曾經一度瀕臨解散、停業，但因為專注於歐洲主題旅遊產品，及其創新的直接採購經營模式，更效的串聯價值網絡成員，將無形的歐洲主題旅遊產品，透過網路連結，賦予產品生命化、實體化，並將歐洲旅遊以獨特的主題，去設計出各種主題旅遊產品的豐富性與創意性，使MIT旅行社在旅遊業界獲得肯定，並讓旅遊消費者接受。 從目前已經更數家旅行社在歐洲旅遊產品上，也分別尌其專業領域與建立價值網絡的跡象顯示，創新的歐洲主題旅遊，勢必成為未來的旅遊趨勢與主流。 / „ Theme Travel ‟ has become a trend in Taiwanese travel markets. 1979 Government opened Outbound Travel, the travel concept of Multi countries becomes single country or depth and elaborately during the pass 30 years travel evolution. It is easily to see from Taiwan‟s travel market promotion D.M. Tourism Bureau December 2010 data, number of 2,241 travel agents in Taiwan ( table 1-3 ) since 1988 open restriction for travel agent‟s license application. Under the keen competition of travel market, travel agents except to creating depth and elaborately travel products, various theme elements is more important to attracting and suffice for various travel market consumers. To appear social status, emphasize on Sumptuous Travel such as Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai or luxury cruise as QE2 for crossing Atlantic Ocean, or focus on personal religion faith such as Pilgrimage Travel, or specially travel purpose such as Honey Moon, Study Tours….. Especially main business is focus on Europe travel market, travel agents need to performing as professional to connecting with value network, finding out how to making products segmentation, targeting Market, products positioning. And then to creating with “ Theme” travel products. Travel agents must to know the variation of the travel status in general and travel industrial. Effectively man power allocation for the structure and resources of firm. Realize the strength and weakness of firm for making match consumer needs travel products, and to survival in the field of keen competition travel market. In this study case, MIT Travel Service almost collapsed during the period of SARS. To focus on European Theme Travel, an innovative direct procurement business model and connecting value network supplies through internet to keep intangibly Europe Theme Travel products alive and materialize. European travel products by unique theme travel and innovation to creating plentifully and originality in various theme travel products. MIT to be affirmative from cooperates and acceptable from travel consumer. Innovative European Theme Travel will become a trend and main stream from European travel market in Taiwan. According to some of the travel agents who focus on European travel products are building up value network and creating more and more theme elements in expertise theme travel.

Eine aus der 1975 posthum veröffentlichten "Baasdörper Krönk" entwickelte Geschichte, die F.E. Peters in hochdeutscher Sprache veröffentlicht hat. Es geht um die Liebesgeschichte, aber auch den kleinen Machtkampf zwischen einem verwitweten Bauern mit vier Kindern und seiner Haushälterin, die für den Geschmack des angehenden Ehemannes zu viel Wert auf Äußerlichkeiten legt. „Staken und Bretter dienen dazu, das Fassungsvermögen eines Leiterwagens zu steigern.“ Der Ausdruck wird in Baasdorf im übertragenen Sinn für Anzeichen eines übertriebenen Geltungsbedürfnisses gebraucht. Berühmt ist die zu der Erzählung gehörende Episode aus der "Baasdörper Krönk" wegen des Ausspruchs von Johann-Detlef: „Dar fohrt Puls [hier: Thun] mit Tante längs.“ (Krönk, S. 67, Staken und Bretter, S. 8). In der "Krönk" folgen sprachsoziologisch interessante Ausführungen des Erzählers zu den vier Gründen, warum der Ausspruch von Johann-Detlef, der die Geziertheit der Haushälterin parodiert, im Dorf zu einem Lacherfolg wird. Nach Baasdorfer Meinung heißt es „föhrt“ und nicht „fahrt“, außerdem „lang“ und nicht „längs“. Zu allem Überfluss lässt sich die Haushälterin von den Kindern „Tante“ nennen, „wat ok dumm Tüüch weer“ und schließlich nennt sie Hansjörn Puls (hier: Ehler Thun) beim Nachnamen. Johann-Detlef macht also mit seinem Spott mobil gegen die Haushälterin, denn der Gebrauch des Hochdeutschen wird in Baasdorf als ein Zeichen von Hochnäsigkeit gewertet: „So’n Lö, de – mit een Woort geseggt – ümmer höger schieten wüllt, as se den Mors hebbt, de nehmt wi erst mal en betjen in’e Maak; de mööt erstmal wat ümlehren.“ (Krönk, S. 67). In der "Krönk" geht der sich später fortsetzende eheliche Kampf um „Staken und Bretter“ anders und weniger harmonisch aus als in der Erzählung.

This study seeks to find the impact of theming on the willingness to pay of con- sumers for amusement parks. Guests of Finnish amusement park Särkänniemi were asked about their preference for themed attractions and about the price they were willing to pay per ride by means of a questionnaire. Variables concerning both the stated as well as the revealed preference for theming, immersive experience, and previous visits to the park were tested in relation to the willingness to pay for amusement parks. Not all these variables have shown to play an important role; however the variable concerning the revealed preference did have a very strong significance on the willingness to pay in the proposed model. In conclusion the study suggests that the willingness to pay for an attraction is positively influenced by theming because people, as it turns out, are willing to pay more for an attraction when it is themed.

This curriculum exposes students in Visual Arts classes to the art of exhibition and prepares them to complete the artistic cycle by exhibiting their own work and others. The curriculum is presented in the form of a guide book in which the main body of lessons are geared towards high school Intro to Art classes with quick tips and activities that are adapted toward all grade levels. By learning about all aspects of exhibiting art, theme development, installation design, accessioning and preparing art, and publicity, students are given another tool with which to create a connection with artistic mediums and history. The final goal is to infuse exhibition skills into every aspect of the curriculum as a natural part of learning and talking about art.

Many high school and college composition students have misused formulaic organizational structures, most conspicuously the five-paragraph theme, as invention tools. This misappropriation comes from teacher and student tendencies to oversimplify both the processes of writing instruction and its practice into countable and inflexible forms. In order to help students move towards improved invention models that respond to the overall rhetorical situation, this dissertation offers two new models of invention, the x, y thesis and the argument guide models. Beginning at the invention stage and extending recursively to all stages of the writing process, these two heuristics help guide students towards informed and analytical choices that respectively build relationships between parts and encourage asymmetrical, content-driven extensions of ideas. These models, individually and collectively, assist students in their efforts to restore a balance between content and form because the models set the students’ invented content at the core of a nonlinear rhetorical action – the composition of an essay that involves all phases of process writing.

Aus Beeinträchtigungen der körperlichen und motorischen Entwicklung können sich in Wechselwirkung mit gesellschaftlichen Interaktionsprozessen für die Betroffenen erschwerte Bedingungen für Entwicklung und Lernen ergeben. Moderne Unterrichtskonzepte insbesondere auf der Basis eines gemäßigt konstruktivistischen Theorieverständnisses unterstützen Persönlichkeitsentwicklung, Beziehungsgestaltung und inhaltliches Lernen gleichermaßen. Im pädagogisch-therapeutischen Konzept der Themenzentrierten Interaktion (TZI) nach Ruth C. Cohn wird ein didaktischer Zugang gesehen, der curriculare, persönliche, gruppendynamische und kontextuelle Aspekte des Unterrichts berücksichtigt. Auf der theoretischen Ebene wird nach Anschlussmöglichkeiten der TZI an existierende Unterrichtskonzepte gefragt. Die empirische Studie nimmt Bezug zum Ansatz der Handlungsforschung. Für ein Schulhalbjahr erprobten drei Lehrerinnen und ein Lehrer gemeinsam mit 26 Schülerinnen und Schülern der Leipziger Schule für Körperbehinderte einen am Konzept der TZI orientierten Unterricht. Das „Mixed Methods-Design“ umfasste sowohl qualitative (Unterrichtsanalysen, problemzentrierte Interviews) als auch quantitative (testdiagnostische Erhebung des Selbstwertgefühls) Elemente. Es werden Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Implementierung sowie mögliche Auswirkungen auf Schülerpersönlichkeit und Beziehungsqualität untersucht.

I divided this new type of composition, multi-type composition of a certain topic, into five categories, and the composition themes were designed in person by me; I also put them into practice in my teaching procedure in the junior high school composition class. After finishing collecting student works, I spent very long time classifying and commenting on them, and finally found that students had quite excellent performing in two respects, one is confirming the main ideas of the composition themes and how students chose their composition materials is the other. In this thesis I shall present the result of my study completely, including my designed composition themes, the teaching procedures of every theme, student works and given comments of those works.