This study addressed the use of benefit levers to develop a guide for an operational plan for spread of best practices in the health system of South Africa. Using the best evidence to inform practice is the cornerstone of quality patient care. Besides uptake and implementation, spreading best practices is crucial as this provides more patients with evidence-informed care and to improve practice and health (care) outcomes. However, spread of best practices is not always effectively done. An example includes Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as this best practice is translated for practice and implemented on a limited scale; spread to the whole system seems to be problematic. Various factors can be used to facilitate the spread of best practices. Edwards and Grinspun identified four benefit levers which create the tipping point towards successful adoption, implementation and spread of evidence: alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change, and supporting and reinforcing structures. However, little is known about these benefit levers and it remains unclear what the use of benefit levers for system-wide spread would entail, specifically for other contexts as the model (including the benefit levers) has never been operationalised (Edwards & Grinspun, 2011:19). The overall aim of this study entails therefore the development of a guide for an operational plan, formulating the use of benefit levers in the spread of best practices. To achieve this aim the following objectives for this study were set: 1. To explore and describe characteristics of benefit levers to facilitate spread of best practices. 2. To develop a guide for an operational plan to use benefit levers for the spread of best practices. This study was embedded in the postmodern paradigm, whereby the systems theory was used as a theoretical framework. The first objective was achieved by two steps. Firstly, an integrative literature review of concept clarification of the four benefit levers was done. Secondly, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with key informants from a variety of levels of the health system involved in the spread of KMC in South Africa. Findings were used to achieve objective two. A draft guide for an operational plan was developed, based on the findings of the individual interviews. A logic model was used as format. This guide was refined by experts using the Delphi technique. The Delphi involved two rounds. From the feedback of the first round of the Delphi, a logic model which provides a graphic outlook of the guide, was suggested and refined in the second round, together with the guide. Further, after the Delphi, a template useable for practice was derived from the guide. The guide, logic model and template could help organisations or departments planning to spread best practices in a certain context (e.g. South Africa), to develop an operational plan, where these benefit levers are considered. This is crucial as currently best practices (such as Kangaroo Mother Care) are often not spread on a system-wide basis to improve practice. The guide will therefore be made accessible to health care workers and researchers in South Africa Finally, conclusions were drawn, the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for nursing practice, education and research. Overall, it can be concluded that for effective spread of best practices the benefit levers alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures are required. Further, specifically regarding the objectives and steps of this study the following conclusions can be made: • Literature/studies about leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures was found, but regarding alignment and permeation plans, limited rigorous literature was found (Objective 1 – Step 1). • Key informants involved in the spread of a specific best practice (Kangaroo Mother Care) could see the value of benefit levers used for the spread of best practices in the South African health system (Objective 1 – Step 2). • Benefit levers were found useful for development of a guide for an operational plan to spread best practices. This guide will be made accessible to be used by healthcare organisations and departments in South Africa (Objective 2 – Steps 1 and 2). / Thesis (PhD (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This dissertation serves to investigate the existence of unfair labour practices (ULPs) in one institution of higher learning called X University, for reasons of confidentiality. The problem of this research is that there is existence of unfair labour practice in the X University. The above problem gave rise to different sub-problems and the research hypothesis. Literature review of this study surveyed different theories of labour relations. The theories reviewed include issues such as fair and unfair discrimination, the Labour Relations Act, discipline, Occupational Health and Safety and the role of the Labour Unions. Research methodology of this dissertation is quantitative. Qualitative methods used was not dominant. There was a use of percentages and frequencies for computing data. Data collection was in the form of questionnaires administered to 100 subjects. Preferred way of dealing with the subjects was through purposive sampling. The sample of this research is 100. It is through data that research subjects indicated that there is prevalence of ULPs in the X University. Sensitivity is exercised here, not to attribute the research findings to other organisations. The campus chosen has its own realities. This dissertation based its recommendations on the findings. The study mainly recommended that ULPs could be minimised by adopting policy relating to labour practices of the university. / M.Admin. (Industrial Relations) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

This study addressed the use of benefit levers to develop a guide for an operational plan for spread of best practices in the health system of South Africa. Using the best evidence to inform practice is the cornerstone of quality patient care. Besides uptake and implementation, spreading best practices is crucial as this provides more patients with evidence-informed care and to improve practice and health (care) outcomes. However, spread of best practices is not always effectively done. An example includes Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as this best practice is translated for practice and implemented on a limited scale; spread to the whole system seems to be problematic. Various factors can be used to facilitate the spread of best practices. Edwards and Grinspun identified four benefit levers which create the tipping point towards successful adoption, implementation and spread of evidence: alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change, and supporting and reinforcing structures. However, little is known about these benefit levers and it remains unclear what the use of benefit levers for system-wide spread would entail, specifically for other contexts as the model (including the benefit levers) has never been operationalised (Edwards & Grinspun, 2011:19). The overall aim of this study entails therefore the development of a guide for an operational plan, formulating the use of benefit levers in the spread of best practices. To achieve this aim the following objectives for this study were set: 1. To explore and describe characteristics of benefit levers to facilitate spread of best practices. 2. To develop a guide for an operational plan to use benefit levers for the spread of best practices. This study was embedded in the postmodern paradigm, whereby the systems theory was used as a theoretical framework. The first objective was achieved by two steps. Firstly, an integrative literature review of concept clarification of the four benefit levers was done. Secondly, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with key informants from a variety of levels of the health system involved in the spread of KMC in South Africa. Findings were used to achieve objective two. A draft guide for an operational plan was developed, based on the findings of the individual interviews. A logic model was used as format. This guide was refined by experts using the Delphi technique. The Delphi involved two rounds. From the feedback of the first round of the Delphi, a logic model which provides a graphic outlook of the guide, was suggested and refined in the second round, together with the guide. Further, after the Delphi, a template useable for practice was derived from the guide. The guide, logic model and template could help organisations or departments planning to spread best practices in a certain context (e.g. South Africa), to develop an operational plan, where these benefit levers are considered. This is crucial as currently best practices (such as Kangaroo Mother Care) are often not spread on a system-wide basis to improve practice. The guide will therefore be made accessible to health care workers and researchers in South Africa Finally, conclusions were drawn, the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for nursing practice, education and research. Overall, it can be concluded that for effective spread of best practices the benefit levers alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures are required. Further, specifically regarding the objectives and steps of this study the following conclusions can be made: • Literature/studies about leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures was found, but regarding alignment and permeation plans, limited rigorous literature was found (Objective 1 – Step 1). • Key informants involved in the spread of a specific best practice (Kangaroo Mother Care) could see the value of benefit levers used for the spread of best practices in the South African health system (Objective 1 – Step 2). • Benefit levers were found useful for development of a guide for an operational plan to spread best practices. This guide will be made accessible to be used by healthcare organisations and departments in South Africa (Objective 2 – Steps 1 and 2). / Thesis (PhD (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This study investigates how the Biblical teaching on death and the resurrection can provide the appropriate doctrinal challenge to the problem of the pervasive and persistent fear of death amongst the Luo people of Kenya. It therefore examines the Luo traditional beliefs and customs surrounding death in order to establish its contribution to the fear of death, even amongst some Luo Christians. A Biblical-theological study of death and the afterlife provides the doctrinal antidote necessary to rescue and transform a people under bondage to fear, thus outlining the basis for hope in a life beyond physical death through the doctrine of the resurrection. The research commences with a description of Luo traditional beliefs concerning death and dying, and outlines the related Luo customs in relation to their belief in the spirit-world. The contention is that these beliefs result in the fear of death, while the lack of Biblical understanding even amongst some Luo Christians has led to their ignorance of the Biblical teaching on death, and thus a loss of the assurance found in the resurrection of Christ. Death and the afterlife is carefully examined from a Biblical-theological perspective in order to demonstrate how the doctrine of the resurrection can function as a 'rescue doctrine' for those affected by the pervasive and persistent fear of death. The study also explores the assurance of triumph over death as an eschatological reality in keeping with Christ's work of redemption. Similarly, it is argued that triumph over evil and malevolent spirits is guaranteed. In closing, the study explores the power of the Gospel of the resurrected Christ to change lives and transform unbiblical practices and worldviews to conform to his will. It is the resurrected Christ alone who has the power to transform the moral and ethical values ingrained in any culture. / Thesis (M.A. (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The use of traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth is common among the Black traditional cultures of Southern Africa. Any pregnancy–related problem is believed to be somehow associated with dikgaba, a phenomenon that only indigenous healers are capable of managing. It is therefore crucial that the midwives and other health care professionals acknowledge the relevance of traditional medicine when dealing with clients who belong to black traditional societies of South Africa. The objective of the study was to explore and describe health practices related to dikgaba in pregnancy as well as to formulate recommendations for culturally congruent and safe midwifery care. In–depth individual interviews were conducted to collect data from ten participants known to be experts in kgaba remedies used during pregnancy and birth. These were traditional healers, traditional birth attendants and those with keen interest in traditional and cultural issues. Interviews were conducted in the participants’ homes for privacy, confidentiality and convenience. A naturalistic and phenomenological approach using contextual exploratory and descriptive research design was used to reach the aim of the study from the perspectives of Batswana in the North West province. The study revealed that an understanding of dikgaba and the related healing practices in pregnancy and childbirth is common. This clearly motivates for better understanding of traditional medicine by the midwives as it is relevant and justifiable. Recommendations are made to inform the transformation of the health–care delivery system, with specific reference to midwifery education, research and practice, in order to make health care acceptable and accessible to all. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This study of CEOs in Nigeria sought to discover the practices that CEOs engaged in as relevant and effective in an emerging economy. Twenty eight CEOs of national and expatriate extraction running national and multi-national companies were interviewed to understand their experiences of the contextual influences of an emerging economy and how this impacted what they did, ie. their practices. In support of contingency theories that seek to explain how effective leadership is the result of appropriateness of fit between particular behaviours and particular situations , CEO practices in an emerging economy were found to be attributable to the macro influences of an emerging economy, discovered in the Nigerian environment to include: - undue government influence, unwholesome competitor practices, short supply of skills and talent, inadequate social and physical infrastructure, a large untapped market and poor government capacity to implement policies and laws. The inclusion of previously unresearched but potentially relevant meso and micro influences of company type and CEO nationality status led to the discovery of additional CEO practices that were perceived to be relevant in an emerging economy context and the attribution of differences in CEO practices to the individual or combined influence of these contexts. A conceptual model derived from the findings of this study provided a new understanding of the relationship between the macro influences of an emerging economy, the meso influence of company type and the micro influence of CEO nationality status on CEO practices and the intended outcomes of those practices. Practical knowledge about the development of business leaders in an emerging economy has been extended as a result of deeper insights into the contextually influenced and relevant CEO practices in an emerging economy.

This thesis evaluates the waste management system in the province of Manitoba, Canada and other jurisdictions to identify best practices for, and barriers and opportunities to, improving its impact on the environment. Multiple methods were used. First, a survey of expert stakeholders in the waste management sector in Manitoba was conducted, which was followed by an expert stakeholder meeting that further refined the results of the survey. Second, waste management systems of Manitoba, Canada, Nova Scotia, Canada, New South Wales, Australia, and Denmark were compared to determine which of the options already in use by other jurisdictions might be useful in Manitoba. Finally, an estimation of the amount of organic waste entering landfills in Manitoba was conducted, along with an estimation of the resulting methane emissions from landfills to determine their greenhouse gas emissions.

The use of traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth is common among the Black traditional cultures of Southern Africa. Any pregnancy–related problem is believed to be somehow associated with dikgaba, a phenomenon that only indigenous healers are capable of managing. It is therefore crucial that the midwives and other health care professionals acknowledge the relevance of traditional medicine when dealing with clients who belong to black traditional societies of South Africa. The objective of the study was to explore and describe health practices related to dikgaba in pregnancy as well as to formulate recommendations for culturally congruent and safe midwifery care. In–depth individual interviews were conducted to collect data from ten participants known to be experts in kgaba remedies used during pregnancy and birth. These were traditional healers, traditional birth attendants and those with keen interest in traditional and cultural issues. Interviews were conducted in the participants’ homes for privacy, confidentiality and convenience. A naturalistic and phenomenological approach using contextual exploratory and descriptive research design was used to reach the aim of the study from the perspectives of Batswana in the North West province. The study revealed that an understanding of dikgaba and the related healing practices in pregnancy and childbirth is common. This clearly motivates for better understanding of traditional medicine by the midwives as it is relevant and justifiable. Recommendations are made to inform the transformation of the health–care delivery system, with specific reference to midwifery education, research and practice, in order to make health care acceptable and accessible to all. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The overarching theme of the book is differential treatment in death, which is examined at the site-specific, settlement, regional and national level. More specifically, the symbolism of conversion-period grave good deposition, the impact of the church, and aspects of identity, burial diversity and biocultural approaches to cemetery analysis are discussed.

This thesis explores different expressions of regionalism(s) and regionalization processes in a Swedish and a westernized context. The case studies in the study conducted are represented by two different kinds of regions, Värmland and The Eight Million City. Värmland is a rather typical administrative and political bordered region at the subnational level in the Midwest of Sweden. The Eight Million City in turn exemplifies an imaginary cross border region, stretching from Oslo in the north, to Gothenburg, Malmö and Copenhagen in the south, connected in a network by a larger infrastructure corridor. It is also an example of how new planning practices stretching over already institutionalized national as well as local and regional borders, can be seen as challenging earlier planning and policy structures connected to the state. It is possible to see how different kinds of strategies related to strategic spatial planning practices are used to enhance the competitiveness of each region. In both cases this produce and reproduce different perceptions about what represents and constitute a competitive region. The empirical material analyzed in the study has been generated by interviews, participant observations, and document analysis based on discourse theory and discourse analysis. Different imaginaries are institutionalized in each region by different means and practices. In Värmland new perceptions about regional citizenship, regional identity and the idea of what constitutes a modern region are being institutionalized into the regional context by building a brand for the region. In The Eight Million City the project idea is based on an enlarged labor market connecting the larger cities in the region together in a network. As well as in Värmland, the knowledge produced in the project contributes to institutionalize different perceptions of citizenship and what makes up a competitive and attractive region. / Den här avhandlingen tar sin utgångspunkt i olika uttryck av samtida regionaliseringsprocesser och regionalism(er). Studien belyser två olika regionaliseringskontexter i form av Värmland och Åttamiljonerstaden. Två i grund och botten mycket olika regioner. Värmland utgör en subnationell administrativ region och därigenom ett exempel och ett uttryck för en decentralisering av statliga uppgifter rörande regional utveckling och tillväxt till den regionala nivån. Åttamiljonerstaden är en imaginär gränsöverskridande region som sträcker sig från Oslo i norr, över Göteborg och Malmö till Köpehamn i söder, där målet är att skapa en sammanhängande och funktionell arbetsmarknadsregion. Trots de båda regionernas olikheter, så kan de båda studerade regionerna ses som ett uttryck för en alltmer normativ policyagenda som grundas på begrepp som globalisering, internationalisering och en konkurrensutsatt marknad. Detta har lett fram till olika former av rumslig strategisk planering som ska stärka respektive regions konkurrenskraft med olika medel. I sin tur leder detta till att olika diskursiva kunskapsrationaliteter om vad som utgör den ”attraktiva regionen” i form av nya styrningsformer, regional organisering och den gode regionmedborgaren implementeras och institutionaliseras i respektive regional kontext.