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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
111

En kamp för livet : En kvalitativ studie av hivsmittade i Sverige

Nyström, Diana January 2010 (has links)
<p><strong>Sammanfattning</strong></p><p><strong>Syfte:</strong> Att få en fördjupad förståelse av hivsmittades erfarenheter av hur det är att leva med sjukdomen i Sverige.</p><p><strong>Bakgrund:</strong> Sedan mitten av 1990-talet definieras hiv som en kronisk sjukdom till följd av bromsmedicinernas utveckling. Detta betyder att de som drabbas måste lära sig att leva med sjukdomen samt hantera omvärldens reaktioner och värderingar som kan vara av diskriminerande/stigmatiserande karaktär.</p><p><strong>Design:</strong> En intervjustudie med kvalitativ ansats som utfördes under 2009.</p><p><strong>Metod:</strong> Nio hivsmittade personer intervjuades och dessa intervjuer analyserades genom att tillämpa Grounded Theory.</p><p><strong>Resultat:</strong> Resultatet synliggör hivsmittades erfarenheter av hur det är att leva med sjukdomen. Fyra kategorier framkom ur analysen; <em>En livssjukdom</em>, <em>Omgivningens förhållningssätt till sjukdomen</em>, <em>Reglerad och spontan diskriminering</em>/<em>stigmatisering</em> samt <em>Strategier vid diskriminering</em>/<em>stigmatisering. </em>Dessa kategorier<em> </em>kunde samtliga relateras till en övergripande kategori; <em>En kamp för livet</em>.</p><p><strong>Slutsats:</strong> Studien har synliggjort att livet för hivsmittade kompliceras av psykosociala faktorer, bromsmedicinernas biverkningar och av den diskriminering/stigmatisering som de erfar. Beroende på vilka copingstrategier som de tillämpar för att hantera sin livssituation, har betydelse för deras hälsa och välbefinnande.</p> / <p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> To get a deeper understanding of HIV-infected peoples experiences on how it is to live with the illness in Sweden.</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> HIV defines as a chronicle disease since the mid-1990s due to the medical development. As a result people that get infected have to carefully manage the illness and also cope with the surrounding world’s reactions and values that can be of discriminating/stigmatised nature.</p><p><strong>Design</strong>: A qualitative interview study undertaken during 2009.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Nine HIV-infected people were interviewed and the interviews were analysed using Grounded Theory.</p><p><strong>Findings:</strong> The findings visualized HIV-infected people’s experiences on how it is to live with the illness. Four categories emerge from the analyses; <em>A lifeillness</em>, <em>Surrounding attitudes toward the illness</em>, <em>Regulated and spontaneous discrimination/stigmatisation</em> and <em>Strategies due to discrimination/stigmatisation</em>. These categories could all be related to one all-embracing category; <em>A struggle for life</em>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study has shown that psychological factors, the side effects caused by the medications and the discrimination/stigmatisation that they experience, complicate life for HIV-infected people. Depending on what kind of coping strategies they conform to handle circumstances of their life, invariably have consequences of their health and well-being.</p>
112

Warum lehren Dozenten nebenberuflich in der Erwachsenenbildung? / Why do people work part-time as teachers in the field of adult education?

Müller, Katja January 2008 (has links)
Diese empirisch qualitative Studie lässt sich in die Professionalisierungsdiskussion in der Erwachsenenbildung einbetten. Vor dem Hintergrund lebenslangen Lernens und dem Wandel der Lernkultur wachsen die Ansprüche und Kompetenzanforderungen an die Lehrenden, ohne dass die Heterogenität des überwiegend nebenberuflich tätigen Personals ausreichend berücksichtigt wird. Um ein deutlicheres Bild von dieser Beschäftigungsgruppe zu erhalten, fokussiert diese Magisterarbeit mit einer Fallstudie die nebenberuflichen Dozenten in der Erwachsenenbildung. Zentrale Fragestellungen sind: - Warum lehren Dozenten nebenberuflich an der Volkshochschule? - In welchem Zusammenhang stehen Haupt- und Nebenberuf? - In welcher Rolle sehen sich die Dozenten im Kursgeschehen? Anhand problemzentrierter Interviews wurden zwei Einzelfallstudien mit anschließender Typenbildung durchgeführt. Die Rekonstruktion der Beweggründe und Bedeutungshorizonte der Dozenten für ihre Tätigkeit gelang mittels dem Forschungsverfahren der Grounded Theory nach Anselm Strauss und Juliet Corbin (1996). Hierbei wurden gegenstandsbegründet im induktiv-deduktiven Wechselspiel Kategorien identifiziert, ausdifferenziert und miteinander in Beziehung gesetzt. Am paradigmatischen Modell von Strauss/Corbin 1996 orientiert, ließen sich somit ein zentrales Phänomen, dessen Ursache, resultierende Handlungsstrategien, Konsequenzen und kontextuelle sowie intervenierende Bedingungen ausfindig machen. Erstaunlich ist bei der Gegenüberstellung der beiden Fälle die konsequente Verfolgung der jeweiligen Handlungslogik, die sich auch im professionellen Selbstverständnis der Dozenten niederschlägt. / This empirical qualitative study can be seen in the discussion about professionalization in the adult education. As a result of the Discourses Life Long Learning and the Change of Learning Culture claims for better competences at the teaching grew, without taking the heterogeneity of the predominantly part-time working personnel into adequate consideration. In order to receive a clearer picture of this employment group, this master work focuses the part-time working teachers in the adult education with a case study. Central questions are: - Why do people work part-time as teachers in the field of adult education? - What kind of connection exists between main occupation and part-time job? - In which roll do the teachers see themselves in the course? Using problem focussed interviews, two individual case studies with subsequent type development were carried out. The reconstruction of the teachers motives and meaning horizons for their part-time job was succeeded by the research method Grounded Theory from Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin (1996). Grounded on data categories were identified, were distinguished and related to each other. Geared to the action model by Strauss/Corbin 1996, a central phenomenon, its causation, resulting action strategies, consequences and context as well as intervening conditions were found. While contrasting both cases the consistent use of the respective action logics was amazing. It was even reflected in the professional self-concept of the teachers.
113

A Grounded Theory Of School As A Social System In An Atypical Context

Zeybekoglu Caliskan, Zuhal 01 February 2011 (has links) (PDF)
This is a grounded theory study of school as a social system in an atypical context. It was the aim of this study to develope context-specific theoretical propositions to understand how a school as a social system looks like in an atypical context, which is characterized by ethnic group, migrated groups of low socio-economic status and low-level education. A public school that shows these characteristics was chosen for the study. The school is mostly populated by students coming from Roman community and migrated families from northern and eastern part of Turkey. Data for the study came from different sources, including unstructured observations, one-to-one interviews with school principal and nine teachers, a focus group interview with nine parents and analysis of different types of documents. Data collection and analysis went hand in hand for the study. The study produced five theoretical propositions that were found to connect to a major process, which was called &ldquo / breaking vicious cycle&rdquo / by the researcher. These propositions generally suggest that there is a kind of vicious cycle in the functioning of a school in atypical contex that needs to be broken through making some collective changes in the daily life of school. For these changes to create a transformation in the school, it was suggested that the concept of education and the concept of school, as well as, teachers and principals&rsquo / role definitions should be redefined in the light of radical and critical educational views.
114

En kamp för livet : En kvalitativ studie av hivsmittade i Sverige

Nyström, Diana January 2010 (has links)
Sammanfattning Syfte: Att få en fördjupad förståelse av hivsmittades erfarenheter av hur det är att leva med sjukdomen i Sverige. Bakgrund: Sedan mitten av 1990-talet definieras hiv som en kronisk sjukdom till följd av bromsmedicinernas utveckling. Detta betyder att de som drabbas måste lära sig att leva med sjukdomen samt hantera omvärldens reaktioner och värderingar som kan vara av diskriminerande/stigmatiserande karaktär. Design: En intervjustudie med kvalitativ ansats som utfördes under 2009. Metod: Nio hivsmittade personer intervjuades och dessa intervjuer analyserades genom att tillämpa Grounded Theory. Resultat: Resultatet synliggör hivsmittades erfarenheter av hur det är att leva med sjukdomen. Fyra kategorier framkom ur analysen; En livssjukdom, Omgivningens förhållningssätt till sjukdomen, Reglerad och spontan diskriminering/stigmatisering samt Strategier vid diskriminering/stigmatisering. Dessa kategorier kunde samtliga relateras till en övergripande kategori; En kamp för livet. Slutsats: Studien har synliggjort att livet för hivsmittade kompliceras av psykosociala faktorer, bromsmedicinernas biverkningar och av den diskriminering/stigmatisering som de erfar. Beroende på vilka copingstrategier som de tillämpar för att hantera sin livssituation, har betydelse för deras hälsa och välbefinnande. / Abstract Aim: To get a deeper understanding of HIV-infected peoples experiences on how it is to live with the illness in Sweden. Background: HIV defines as a chronicle disease since the mid-1990s due to the medical development. As a result people that get infected have to carefully manage the illness and also cope with the surrounding world’s reactions and values that can be of discriminating/stigmatised nature. Design: A qualitative interview study undertaken during 2009. Method: Nine HIV-infected people were interviewed and the interviews were analysed using Grounded Theory. Findings: The findings visualized HIV-infected people’s experiences on how it is to live with the illness. Four categories emerge from the analyses; A lifeillness, Surrounding attitudes toward the illness, Regulated and spontaneous discrimination/stigmatisation and Strategies due to discrimination/stigmatisation. These categories could all be related to one all-embracing category; A struggle for life. Conclusion: The study has shown that psychological factors, the side effects caused by the medications and the discrimination/stigmatisation that they experience, complicate life for HIV-infected people. Depending on what kind of coping strategies they conform to handle circumstances of their life, invariably have consequences of their health and well-being.
115

Svart på hvitt - Norske avisers fremstilling av personer med demens / In cold print: How Norwegian newspapers portray people with dementia

Gjøra, Linda January 2011 (has links)
Bakgrunn: Demens er en sykdom som vil berøre mange av oss i løpet av livet. Det er naturlig at vår reaksjon på en sykdom vil preges av den kunnskapen vi har om sykdommen fra tidligere. Mange vil oppsøke mer kunnskap om den aktuelle sykdommen og massemedia er da en av de kildene som benyttes for innhenting av informasjon. I Norden er avisene et av de viktige mediene som skaper og sprer kunnskap som sendes ut til allmennheten.   Hensikten med studien er å få dypere kunnskap om hvordan personer med demens fremstilles i de norske avisene.   Metode: Modifisert grounded theory har blitt benyttet til å analysere norske avisartikler fra 2010.    Resultat: Personer med demens fremstiller i avisene som en homogen gruppe.   Konklusjon: Fremstillingen i avisene bidrar til at personer med demens fremstår som stereotype og stigma relatert til demens kan opprettholdes. Personer med demens bør i større grad bli presentert med sine individuelle forskjeller og i ulike faser av demenssykdommen om man skal oppnå et mer demensvennlig samfunn. / Background: Dementia is a disease that will affect many of us during our lives. Our knowledge about a disease often reflects our response to it. Mass media is one resource that many people will use as they seek more information about dementia. In Nordic countries, newspapers are among the important mass media resources that create and spread information to the population.     Aim: This study aimed to gain deeper knowledge about how Norwegian newspapers present people with dementia.   Method: Modified grounded theory was used to analyze Norwegian newspaper articles published during 2010.   Results: Norwegian newspapers present people with dementia as a homogeneous group.   Conclusion: Articles in Norwegian newspapers label people with dementia as stereotypes, thus sustaining the stigma already related to this group. There is a need for a broader presentation of people with dementia, one that describes individual differences and the different phases of the disease to achieve a more dementia-friendly society. / <p>ISBN 978-91-86739-22-5</p>
116

Ledarskap och medarbetarskap vid strukturella förändringar i hälso- och sjukvården : Nyckelaktörers och medarbetares upplevelser

Kullen Engström, Agneta January 2009 (has links)
Bakgrund och syfte Inom hälso- och sjukvården har krav på ökad effektivitet, tillgänglighet och höjd kvalitet, samt en minskad ekonomisk ram, krävt förändringar i hälso- och sjukvårdssystemet. Ett syfte med denna avhandling är att utifrån professionellas upplevelser och erfarenheter belysa den praktiska innebörden av begreppet effektivitet i hälso- och sjukvården. Ett annat syfte är att utifrån olika perspektiv belysa ledarskap och medarbetarskap i samband med strukturella förändringar inom hälso- och sjukvården. Metod Avhandlingen bygger på fyra delstudier (I – IV) genomförda med hjälp av en kvalitativ forskningsansats. Delstudie I bygger på intervjuer kring begreppet effektivitet med strategiskt utvalda representanter för en organisations tre beslutsnivåer. Delstudie II och III bygger på intervjuer med medarbetare från olika professioner som deltagit i två olika sjukhussammanslagningar. I delstudie IV intervjuades medarbetare om sina upplevelser i anslutning till privatisering av en hälso- och sjukvårdsorganisation. Resultat Då en gemensam definition av begreppet effektivitet saknas i en Rorganisation ges olika aktörer utrymme att göra sin egen tolkning, vilket kan påverka måluppfyllelsen på ett negativt sätt. Vid strukturförändringar är det viktigt att medarbetare ges möjlighet till såväl delaktighet som att kunna balansera sina åtagande i processen. Det är även av vikt att medarbetare i en förändringsprocess har tillit till ledningen och organisationen. Strukturförändringar kan samtidigt innebära spännande utmaningar och nya möjligheter till utveckling. Slutsatser Strukturella förändringar inom hälso- och sjukvården, i syfte att effektivisera, är komplexa och mångfacetterade. Samtidigt är begreppet effektivitet mångtydigt och svårutvärderat. Det påverkas av såväl struktur och ledarskap som medarbetarskap. En förändringsprocess påverkar både ledarskap och medarbetarskap. Framgångsfaktorer är medarbetarnas möjlighet till delaktighet och balans, samt deras tillit till såväl struktur som ledarskap / Background and purpose Within health and medical care, demands on increased efficiency, availability and increased quality, as well as a reduced financial framework, have required changes in the health and medical care system. One aim of this thesis is to illustrate the practical significance of the concept of efficiency in health and medical care on the basis of the experience of professionals. Another aim, on the basis of different perspectives, is to illustrate leadership and employeeship in connection with structural changes within health and medical care. Method The thesis builds on four studies (I – IV) carried out with the help of a qualitative research approach. Study I builds upon interviews on the concept of efficiency with strategically selected representatives for an organisation’s three decision levels. Studies II and III builds upon interviews with employees from different professions who have participated in two different hospital mergers. In study IV employees were interviewed about their experiences in connection with the privatisation of a health and medical care organisation. Outcome When there is no definition of the concept of efficiency in an organisation, different players are allowed scope to make their own interpretation, which can negatively affect fulfilment of objectives. During structural changes it is important that employees are given the opportunity to participate and to be able to balance their commitments in the process. It is also important that employees, in a process of change, have trust in the management and organisation. At the same time, structural changes can involve exciting challenges and new possibilities for development. Conclusions Structural changes within health and medical care, with the purpose of streamlining, are complex and multifaceted. At the same time the concept of efficiency is ambiguous and difficult to evaluate. It is influenced by structure and leadership as well as employeeship. A process of change affects both leadership and employeeship. Success factors are the employees’ prospects for participation and balance, and their trust in both structure and leadership.
117

Uma teoria sobre coesão em equipes de engenharia de software

GOUVEIA, Tatiana Bittencourt 25 February 2016 (has links)
Submitted by Rafael Santana (rafael.silvasantana@ufpe.br) on 2017-08-31T18:23:01Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Tese de Doutorado - Tatiana Bittencourt - versão final - deposito_v02.pdf: 2896668 bytes, checksum: b3a142650c927dbc26ff7a1d21a0600d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-31T18:23:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Tese de Doutorado - Tatiana Bittencourt - versão final - deposito_v02.pdf: 2896668 bytes, checksum: b3a142650c927dbc26ff7a1d21a0600d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-25 / Contexto: A engenharia de software é uma disciplina de natureza sócio técnica baseada na forte interação entre fatores pessoais, sociais e técnicos. Conceitualmente, os aspectos sociais da engenharia de software incluem formas de interação, comportamentos e organização das pessoas, visto que a ampla maioria dos sistemas de software são desenvolvidos em equipe. Dentre os possíveis preditores do desempenho de equipes, um dos fatores mais estudados em diversas áreas do conhecimento é a coesão de equipe. Na área de engenharia de software a pesquisa sobre coesão ainda é pontual e inconclusiva. Objetivo: Construir uma teoria substantiva fundamentada nos dados que explique o fenômeno da coesão dentro de equipes de engenharia de software. Para isso, respondemos à Questão Central de Pesquisa: “Como se caracteriza a coesão dentro das equipes de engenharia de software?”. Método: Para responder à pergunta de pesquisa adotamos a Teoria Fundamentada como método de coleta e análise dos dados. Este método tem como objetivo através de dados coletados, reunidos e analisados sistematicamente derivar uma teoria baseada neles. A coleta de dados e a análise foram realizadas de forma intercalada. Alguns cuidados foram tomados para garantir a confiabilidade da pesquisa: triangulação dos dados através de múltiplas fontes de evidências (entrevistas, observação, questionário); redação de memorandos e adoção do diário de campo. Resultados: A coesão das equipes de software irá influenciar a capacidade da equipe de software em manter seu equilíbrio interno, através de processos autorregulatórios e do relacionamento interpessoal entre seus integrantes. O constructo é resultado da combinação de dois fatores: (1) sentimento dos integrantes em se sentirem parte do todo; (2) atuação conjunta da equipe ao se comportar de forma coordenada e integrada. A teoria propõe a existência de cinco tipos principais de coesão dentro das equipes de software que variam de acordo com as dimensões sociais e profissionais: coesão integral, coesão social, coesão profissional, coesão artificial e incoesão. Por fim, a teoria identifica cinco resultados da coesão na equipe, entre eles: manutenção do equilíbrio; capacidade de adaptação e efetividade. Em paralelo, a coesão se reflete no individuo de seis formas, destacando, aderência aos processos; permanência na equipe e tolerância a períodos de turbulência. Conclusão: A teoria construída sobre coesão em equipes de engenharia de software será útil na gestão da dinâmica das equipes de engenharia de software, oferecendo parâmetros para diagnosticar a situação das equipes e oferecendo estratégias de como influenciar a coesão e seus impactos. / Context: Software engineering is a discipline of technical and social nature, based on strong interaction between individual, social, and technical factors. Conceptually, the social aspects of software engineering include the way people interact, behave, and organize, because the vast majority of software systems are developed in team. Among the possible predictors of team performance, one of the most studied factors in various areas of knowledge, is team cohesion. Nevertheless, researches on cohesion in software engineering is still inconclusive. Objective: The main goal of this thesis is to build a substantive theory that explains the phenomenon of cohesion within software engineering teams. We answer the Central Research Question: "What are the characteristics of cohesion within software engineering teams?” Method: We adopt the Grounded Theory as method of data collection and analysis to answer the research question. This method aims at collecting, summarizing and analyzing field data to derive a theory based on them. Data collection and analysis were performed interchangeably. Carefully designed process was followed to ensure the reliability of the research: triangulation of data through multiple sources of evidence (interviews, observation, questionnaire), and writing memos and field diary. Results: Cohesion of software teams will influence the software team's ability to maintain its internal balance through self-regulatory processes and interpersonal relationships among its members. The construct is the result of the combination of two factors: (1) feeling of members to feel part of the whole; (2) joint efforts of the team members to behave in a coordinated and integrated manner. The theory proposes five main types of cohesion within software teams that vary according to the social and professional dimensions: full cohesion, social cohesion, professional cohesion, artificial cohesion and lack of cohesion. Finally, the theory identifies five results of cohesion in the team, including: maintaining balance; adaptability and effectiveness. In parallel, the cohesion is reflected in the individual of six ways, highlighting: adherence to processes; stay on the team and turbulence tolerance. Conclusion: The theory built on cohesion in software engineering teams will be useful in managing the dynamics of software engineering teams, providing parameters to diagnose the situation of teams and offering strategies to influence cohesion and its impacts.
118

The Governance of AI-based Information Technologies within Corporate Environments

Lobana, Jodie January 2021 (has links)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant progress in recent times and is gaining a strong foothold in business. Currently, there is no generally accepted scholarly framework for the governance of AI-based information technologies within corporate environments. Boards of directors who have the responsibility of overseeing corporate operations need to know how best to govern AI technologies within their companies. In response, this dissertation aims to understand the key elements that can assist boards in the governance of AI-based information technologies. Further, it attempts to understand how AI governance elements dynamically interact within a holistic system. As AI governance is a novel phenomenon, an exploratory investigation was conducted via a qualitative approach. Specifically, the study adopted a grounded theory methodology, within the constructivist paradigm, with the intent of generating theory instead of validating existing theory. Data collection included in-depth interviews with key experts in AI research, development, management, and governance processes in corporate and academic settings. Data were further supplemented with data received from conference presentations given by AI experts. Findings from this dissertation elicited a theoretical model of AI governance that shows various AI governance areas and constituting elements, their dynamic interaction, as well as the impact of these elements in enhancing the organizational performance of AI-based projects and reducing the risks associated with those projects. This dissertation provides a scholarly contribution by comparing governance elements within the IT governance domain and the new AI governance domain. In addition to theoretical contributions, this study provides practical contributions for the benefit of the boards of directors. These include a holistic AI governance framework that pictorially represents twenty-two AI governance elements that boards can use to build their own custom AI governance frameworks. In addition, recommendations are provided to assist boards in starting or enhancing their AI governance journeys. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to a set of technologies that seek to perform cognitive functions associated with human minds, such as learning, planning, and problem-solving. AI brings abundant opportunities as well as substantial risks. Major companies are trying to figure out how best to benefit from AI technologies. Boards of directors, with the responsibility of overseeing company operations, need to know how best to govern such technologies. In response, this study was conducted to uncover key AI governance elements that can assist boards in the governance of AI. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with AI experts and by attending AI conference presentations. Findings yield a theoretical model of AI governance that can assist scholars in enhancing their understanding of this emerging governance area. Findings also provide a holistic framework of AI governance that boards can use as a practical tool to enhance their effectiveness of the AI governance process.
119

A Grounded Theory Model of the Relationship between Big Data and an Analytics Driven Supply Chain Competitive Strategy

Baitalmal, Mohammad Hamza 12 1900 (has links)
The technology for storing and using big data is evolving rapidly and those that can keep pace are likely to garner additional competitive advantages. One approach to uncovering existing practice in a manner that provides insights for building theory is the use of grounded theory. The current research employs qualitative research following a grounded theory approach to explore gap in understanding the relationship between big data (BD) and the supply chain (SC). In this study eight constructs emerged: Organizational and environmental factors, big data and supply chain analytics, alignment, data governance, big data capabilities, cost of quality, risk analysis and supply chain performance. The contribution of this research resulted in a new theoretical framework that provides researchers and practitioners with an ability to visualize the relationship between collection and use of BD and the SC. This framework provides a model for future researchers to test the relationships posited and continue to extend understanding about how BD can benefit SC practice. While it is anticipated that the proposed theoretical framework will evolve as a result of future examination and enhanced understating of the relationships shown the framework presented represents a critical first step for moving the literature and practice forward.
120

Playce

Haddox, Elizabeth January 1900 (has links)
Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Blake M. Belanger / Urban play is a type of play: it is an emotionally engaging act where players take part in fun within definable spatial parameters (Huizinga, 1944; Caillois, 1961). Urban play is unusual, though, because it occurs at the human scale, and uses the city fabric as the setting. As atypical reappropriations of space, urban play activities like parkour, flash mobs, and geocaching layer diverse experiences at specific city sites. This layering may ultimately develop place phenomena such as insideness. It is also possible that pre-existing concepts of place may influence where people choose to play. The subject of this investigation was to understand the relationship between urban play and place for players. Understanding this relationship can inform landscape architects and urban designers about urban play and how to design for playability. I used informed grounded theory (Thornberg, 2012) and autoethnography (Ellis, Adams, & Bochner, 2012) to structure a mixed-methods study of urban play and place. I myself engaged in play and wrote field notes to gather data and inform my other data collection and analysis. I played with many other players, and conducted on-site, walk-along interviews with six of them. Recordings of the verbal exchanges, maps of the paths of the interviews, and photographs of landscape conditions identified as salient to play or place were collected during the interviews. This variety of data was understood through several memoing strategies, including note-taking, mapping, and sketching. Memoing and reflective “memoing-on-memos” abstracted the data enough for me to construct overarching themes, or findings (Thornberg, 2012; Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Data collection and analysis were situated within an extensive literature review. Four primary findings resulted from my investigation. First, that the physical landscape influences play. Second, that play influences the social landscape. Third, that play develops sense of neighborhood. And fourth, that play relates to the physical and social landscapes at multiple scales. My findings can help designers understand what playability is and design for urban play.

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