Thesis (Ph.D.)--Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008. / Prepared for: Dept. of Adult Health. Title from thesis description page. Includes bibliographical references.

The author's inaug.-diss.--Heidelberg, 1921. / Includes bibliographical references and index.

Recent policy developments in England and Wales suggest a further increasing role for penal voluntary organisations (PVOs) in the market for criminal justice services. In response, a flurry of Criminological commentary has provided a marketised account of thpenal voluntary sector (PVS). This body of commentary has demonstrated that understandings of the sector remain limited, and that it has not yet been rigorously theorised (Corcoran, 2011; Mills et al., 2011). This gap in understanding is particularly problematic because PVOs may play an important role in the operation of punishment (Martin, 2013; Neuberger, 2009; Armstrong, 2002).In the thesis which follows, this gap in understanding is explored and the PVS is conceptualised. The tenets of actor-network theory are applied to analyse original qualitative data. This data was collected through semi-structured interviews with voluntary and statutory sector stakeholders, and document analysis of policy and PVO publications. The key analytical foci in this thesis are: PVO heterogeneity, small-scale PVOs, the agency of PVOs, and interactions between PVOs and the statutory agencies of criminal justice. Findings are then drawn together to consider the effects of PVO work with prisoners and probationers. This thesis makes an original contribution to knowledge by conceptualising the PVS and considering aspects of the sector that scholars have not yet fully explored. The thesis provides a new awareness of small-scale PVOs and considers the heterogeneity, agency and autonomy of PVOs. The analysis chapters illustrate the diverse relationships between PVOs and the statutory agencies of criminal justice. A preliminary exploration of the effects of PVO work is also provided. Whilst the potential control and net-widening functions of PVO work must not be overlooked, this analysis indicates that PVOs may enrich statutory service provision for prisoners and probationers. Relationships between PVO staff and prisoners/probationers may be distinctive and particularly valuable, and could support desistance from crime.

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2008. / Since the surfacing of HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa, various programs were implemented in order to educate and prevent the spread of this devastating disease. The Department of Health in South Africa therefore implemented the Voluntary Counseling Testing (VCT) programs across the country in workplaces, tertiary institutions, clinics as well as in hospitals. However in spite of these attempts current studies indicate that the spread of HIV and AIDS is escalated particularly amongst the people between the ages of eighteen and thirty. With so many available VCT sites and centers that provide information about the disease and an opportunity to test for one's sero-status, one would expect not hear such an increase in new HIV/AIDS infections! In view of the above a qualitative study was therefore undertaken to find out from the twenty five students who took part in this study. The aim of the research study is to find from the students who utilize the VCT program services at the University of Zuluiand their experiences about the program, what they appreciate about it and what can be done in order to ensure an efficient service which is in line with the South African HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2000 - 2005.

Business leaders increasingly face pressure from stakeholders to be transparent. There appears however little consensus on the risks and payoffs of disclosing vital information such as corporate strategy. To fill this gap, this study analyzes firm-specific determinants and organisational outcomes of voluntary disclosure of corporate strategy. Stakeholder theory and agency theory help to understand whether companies serve their interest to engage with stakeholders and overcome information asymmetries. I connect these theories and propose a comprehensive approach to measure voluntary disclosure of corporate strategy. Hypotheses from the theoretical framework are empirically tested through panel regression of data on identified determinants and outcomes and of disclosed strategy through annual reports, corporate social responsibility reports, corporate websites and corporate press releases by the 70 largest publicly listed companies in the Netherlands from 2003 through 2008. I found that industry, profitability, dual-listing status, national ranking status and listing age have significant effects on voluntary disclosure of corporate strategy. No significant effects are found for size, leverage and ownership concentration. On outcomes, I found that liquidity of stock and corporate reputation are significantly influenced by voluntary disclosure of corporate strategy. No significant effect is found for volatility of stock. My contributions to theory, methodology and empirics offers a stepping-stone for further research into understanding how companies can use transparency to manage stakeholder relations.

No description available.

Ever since the promulgation and implementation of Voluntary Service Act, a new milestone has been laid for the work of voluntary service of Taiwan. The work of voluntary service begins to appear in a diversified style, and the development of voluntary service is more prosperous. In fact, voluntary service can compensate the insufficiency of the government¡¦s public services and social welfare service. Through the promotion of voluntary service, the work of voluntary service for social welfare can be facilitated more generally and completely. The study mainly investigates seven aspects, including the development process of the resource recycling volunteers of Shoutian Temple, Gangshan Township, Kaohsiung County, the altruism and utility theory affecting the participation motives of volunteers, etc. The study also finds out how the team of volunteers faces the social and environmental changes, and understands how the groups of voluntary service carry out their work after the Voluntary Service Act was passed and implemented. Employing the way of qualitative study, the researcher participated in the team of volunteers, observed its work, made in-depth interviews with the volunteers, and studied the focus organizations. Focusing on the analysis of the interview data, the following conclusions are made: 1. The background for the establishment of the team of volunteers was that the Matsu Temple of Shoutian Temple proposed the construction of Houlong Pavilion; 2. The team of volunteers was reorganized according to the environmental change; 3. On the basis of mutual trust, the team of volunteers is able to develop smoothly; and 4. The team of volunteers does not carries out its service according to the Voluntary Service Act. The study has made discussions about the community citizens¡¦ participation of the work of voluntary service, the motives for allowing the community citizens to participate voluntary service, the successful example of this team of resource recycling volunteers of Shoutian Temple, and the actual implementation of the Act of Voluntary Service on the groups of voluntary service. These discussions can be the references for the study of the work of voluntary service in the later days. Finally, the study proposes some suggestions for the amendment of the Voluntary Service Act.

No description available.

No description available.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / In 2001 the Czech Republic decided to abandon conscription in favor of professional armed forces. Western European countries are following the same trend, since the new security environment requires quickly deployable, highly skilled and well-equipped forces. The current round of reforms started with Belgium and Netherlands, and have seen followed by France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. These countries are beneficiary from experience in United States and United Kingdom. The Czech Republic professionalization is the natural continuation of a process that started in 1999 with NATO membership. In 2001, the new Minister of Defense received the task of creating an all-volunteer force. A Plan to transition the armed forces was created. Transformation will likely start after the upcoming elections. The new concept should make the Czech Republic a more effective member of NATO. This thesis concentrates on transition experience from conscription to volunteer forces with special attention to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Spain and Italy. It discusses issues of procedures, processes, problems and their managerial solutions in the current environment of the Czech Armed Forces. / Major, Air Force of the Czech Republic