According to the policy on Inclusive Education, teachers are increasingly expected to play a community and pastoral role in order to, in this way, be able to measure up to the needs of learners who are experiencing barriers to learning (such as, for example, self-mutilation). This study was undertaken to determine what knowledge and skills teachers have at their disposal to identify self-mutilators in inclusive classrooms and to provide basic aid to these learners. By means of a literature study, self-mutilation was elucidated, and attention was paid to an explanation of what exactly self-mutilation involved, the forms of self-mutilation, the causes of self-mutilation, self-mutilation and related conditions, and the characteristics of the self-mutilator. Linked to this, the focus was on the extent to which the teacher is capable of identifying self-mutilators in inclusive classrooms and providing basic aid to them. Focus was also placed on the community and pastoral role of the teacher, the teacher’s experience of inclusive education, and the National Strategy with regard to the Screening, Identification, Assessment, and Support of learners who experience barriers to learning. A full description of various therapeutic approaches and aid programmes that can be undertaken with self-mutilators concluded the literature review. This literature review indicated a gap regarding the availability of training programmes for South-African teachers without training or background knowledge of Psychology, to assist them in identifying self-mutilators and providing basic aid to self-mutilators. Quantitative descriptive research was used to gather data from teachers by means of a questionnaire with open and closed items. In this particular study, 319 teachers were purposively and randomly chosen from 16 secondary schools (eight Ex Model C schools and eight Township schools) from Districts D2 and D12 in the Krugersdorp/Roodepoort area of the Gauteng Department of Education. On the one hand, the questionnaire determined teachers‟ knowledge and skills with regard to the nature of, reasons for and characteristics of self-mutilation in inclusive classrooms, and whether they possessed skills to provide basic aid to self-mutilators. On the other hand, it was also determined by means of open questions how the teachers become aware of self-mutilators, the type of training they received to provide basic aid to self-mutilators, what they viewed being the influence of self-mutilation on teaching and learning and on emotional and social development, their views of the pastoral role of the teacher as well as what their attitude/view was with regard to the possible implementation of a training programme to identify self-mutilators in inclusive classrooms and to provide basic aid to them. Furthermore, the open questions explored the availability of support structures to teachers to assist them in identifying self-mutilators and providing basic aid to these learners, as well as the opportunities that teachers create for learners to talk about their problems. Results indicated that the teachers who took part in the study did not have adequate knowledge and skills at their disposal regarding the identification of, and provision of basic aid to self-mutilators. They were however in favour of the implementation of a training programme that would enable them to identify self-mutilators and provide basic aid to them. On the basis of the data obtained through the questionnaire, and in accordance with the literature, a training programme was developed. In the absence of training programmes for the support of teachers in the identification of, and aid to self-mutilators in South African schools, this study makes a distinct contribution. / PhD, Educational Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

Solar photovoltaic technology (PV) is a promising clean energy source that assists in climate change mitigation. This is due to solar PV having minimal greenhouse gas emissions when operating compared to burning fossil fuel. Solar PV is also a versatile technology owing to its multiple applications within the built environment. Buildings are responsible for nearly half of the world’s energy consumption; thus, reducing buildings’ energy usage through environmentally-responsive design techniques, in addition to the application of PV products, can not only assist in reducing the energy consumed by buildings, but also contributes to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Architects, in particular, play a substantial role in achieving sustainable/environmentally responsive designs; hence, their collaboration is essential. This study investigated American and Canadian architects’ level of awareness and interest in Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) and Building Applied Photovoltaic (BAPV) products. It also aimed to shed light on the barriers that are responsible for slowing down the adoption process. This study was conducted in two phases: a) a web-based survey questionnaire administered to architects who have an active membership in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA); b) in-depth interviews with architects and key informants in the solar industry. The results indicated that architects are aware of PV benefits and the products available for buildings’ application; however, they lack essential practical knowledge. Furthermore, the results indicated that PV systems’ capital cost is the major perceived barrier to PV adoption in the building industry. Other reported barriers are: the lack of government financial incentives in some jurisdictions, the problematic grid connection process and the lengthy application lead times. Recommendations based on this study’s results include, but are not limited to, providing financial support mechanisms, simplifying the administrative procedures of financial support mechanisms and grid access permits, and offering education and training to architects through architectural associations and academic institutions.

This paper examines the process of employing four kinds of information systems in fourth-party logistics. The paper mainly tries to answer research questions: what is fourth-party logistics and information systems; what are benefits and barriers for using four kinds of information systems (RFID, WMS, EDI, Electronic marketplace) with the help of fourth-party logistics; what are unique benefits and barriers for fourth-party logistics to employ the four kinds of information systems and how to overcome the difficulties. To answer the research question, qualitative case study approach was employed and two case companies were chosen. Information in literature review was collected from secondary data for example scientific paper. Information in findings was collected from interviews of people in charge of the project and internal reports.   Definitions of fourth-party logistics and information system were reviewed in literature review. The differences between fourth-party logistics and third-party logistics were presented as well. In addition, categorization of various kinds of advanced information systems was also listed.   Benefits and barriers organized from literature and case studies were gathered and compared in discussion. Two significant benefits were identified: opportunities to do businesses with leading companies and improved efficiency. Two main barriers are confusion of the concept of fourth-party logistics and terminology of information system and financial justification. There are different opinions between the two case companies, literature review and empirical data, and between different literature. The paper concluded that there are many benefits and barriers for employing the four kinds of information systems in fourth-party logistics, and the future development of it is promising.

The open data concept is based on the EU directive from 2003 with the goal to highlight the need for member states to increase and digitalize their public data and thus achieving transparency and stimulating economic growth based on new innovations. In Sweden, the development has fallen behind expectations and are currently the worst performing nordic country in open data development. In relation, research on open data is limited, especially when it come to barriers and challenges for adopting strategies to handle open data for local public organizations. This research is therefore aimed towards understanding and identifying barriers for adopting open data in local public organizations in Sweden. To answer this, we have conducted a case study based on the municipality of Örnsköldsviks. Our findings suggest that existing research on open data is somewhat lacking in the areas of ethical issues,  the private sector and the challenge of  moving towards openness; these are important aspects to consider when it comes to open data development. Furthermore, our results indicate that collaboration on both national and regional levels is advantageous and combined with PSI Directive improvements, is something that can bridge the gap between open data barriers and ambitions.

Participation in physical activity was found to be associated with health benefits. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor that may lead to mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of barriers and benefits of participating in physical activity and the levels of physical activity and to investigate the relationships between perceived barriers and benefits of participating in physical activity and levels of physical activity in boys and girls attending farm schools in Alma-Vaalwater area. A total of 344 children (185 boys and 159 girls) aged 15 to 16 years completed a questionnaire on perceptions of barriers and benefits of participation in physical activity, and a Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR) questionnaire on the levels of physical activity. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-testing and correlations by means of SPSS (Version 15.0). The results show that barriers (with high mean values) experienced by boys to be physically active included lack of time, to do work/school work, and physical activity makes one sweat. In girls barriers experienced to be physically active included lack of time, to do work/school work and lack of equipments. With regard to the perceived benefits of participating in physical activity both boys and girls showed high mean values in to stay in good health, to feel well and to have energy. The results further showed that lack of equipments was negatively associated with participation in physical activity in boys and girls during the week and weekend days respectively. In addition girls showed a Significant relationship between to relieve stress and physical activity. Significant gender differences regarding the levels of physical activity with girls participating more in light physical activity than boys were found. This study recommended the need for the introduction of awareness programmes on physical activity as well as well-structured programmes of physical activity by qualified personnel geared towards the improvement of general well-being of children. More studies with a larger sample size are required to verify the present findings. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The tourism industry involves people with specific but different needs to be satisfied, whether one is able-bodied or has a disability. People with disabilities are a global phenomenon and research indicated that 600 million people in the world have some type of disability. Therefore the market for tourists with disabilities cannot be disregarded, for it can significantly contribute to a country's tourism receipts. To understand and effectively cater for the disability market, there are several aspects that the tourism industry should look at. This leads to the aim of this study viz. to determine what the barriers and constraints faced by people with disabilities are. In order to achieve this aim, a hundred questionnaires were distributed to various sectors of the tourism industry, for example the accommodation sector (hotels, guesthouses, Bed and Breakfasts), tour operators and travel agents. The study indicated that: *The tourism industry needs to adapt and promote “Tourism for All”. *The lack of available and accessible facilities, transport, accommodation and attractions have an impact on the travel patterns of tourists with disabilities. * Marketing should include information to tourists with disabilities. * To achieve this goal and server diverse tourists, a universal design needs to be included in the current and future developments of tourism products. Evaluation of existing facilities and tourist attraction need to take place in order to provide a quality service and experience to people with disabilities. * Government and local authorities have an important role to fulfil to ensure that a universal design be implemented in tourist attraction and facilities. The key aspect that the tourism industry need to know and remember is that if a person has a disability, it does not mean that he/she is unable to travel or does not want to travel. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of small group communication, investigate to what extent small groups communicate within their minibusiness areas within a mining group. The communication role and the influence it has within an organisation, and what structure it takes within the bigger scheme of the organization were also investigated. Many people and organisations form small groups to perform certain jobs, but they do not have a clear understanding of what constitutes a group, essentially what is it that a group can and cannot do. Small groups are always present and employees are always members of one or more small groups. Establishing a precise definition of a small group that is generally accepted by everyone has proven to be a challenge as most scholars come up with different interpretations and definitions of small group communication. A quantitative research method was used for this study as it was deemed suitable for this type of research, but one of the shortcomings of this method is that the data obtained through this method of research is not suitable for generalisations to any population. It is therefore emphasized that it is not the objective of this research to generalise the results of the study, but that it is applicable to the small group communication within the mining group investigated. The sample and data collected were small. A total of 150 questionnaires were sent to two De Beers' mines, Venetia Mine in Limpopo Province and Voorspoed Mine in the Free State Province, requesting employees via their supervisors and line managers to participate in the small group communications survey. The survey revolved mainly around the company's overview of its Continuous Business Improvement (CBI) business system which involved small group initiatives and communication. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

In the last two decades, school gardening programs including interdisciplinary curriculum have been on the rise across the United States and abroad. Many outcomes have been researched related to school gardening programs including children’s academic achievements, socialization through gardening activities, food preference and nutritional outcomes, and environmental impacts. Teachers often carry the greatest weight of responsibility in school gardening programs. While current literature evidences child outcomes by evaluating children, parents, teachers and principles, in this project, teachers specifically were able to identify barriers and concerns before and after teacher training workshops in a pilot program in Atlanta, Georgia and express their levels of experience as indicators of commitment and willingness to implement the program in their classrooms. This research provided an opportunity to assess how well the training addressed perceived barriers to outdoor teaching. Principles of self-­‐efficacy and social cognitive theory were used to guide the development of survey tools in this evaluation. A logic model was created to identify the inputs, activities, short, medium-­‐, and long-­‐term outcomes and overall impact of the Learning Gardens program to be used in program implementation and expansion and to keep goals in sight, providing measurable evaluation steps to monitor progress. Surveys were created to evaluate the efficacy of teacher training and how teachers perceived barriers and self-­‐efficacy during their first year participating in the school gardens program. Surveys were given online and in-­‐person before and after training and after the first year of program participation. Data was collected, analyzed and presented. Curriculum tool kits were prepared for use in the classroom. Results indicated that with training, barriers to teaching outdoors decreased; perceived self-­‐efficacy and thus the drive and motivation to continue forward movement in the Learning Gardens program increased. Once teachers became aware of their goals, and how they would be able to achieve them together, they gained understanding of how the program would be beneficial to their students. These results stress the importance of teacher training and the provision of tools and resources linked directly to standards-­‐based curriculum as critical components in the implementation of successful school garden programming.

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.

Participation in physical activity was found to be associated with health benefits. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor that may lead to mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of barriers and benefits of participating in physical activity and the levels of physical activity and to investigate the relationships between perceived barriers and benefits of participating in physical activity and levels of physical activity in boys and girls attending farm schools in Alma-Vaalwater area. A total of 344 children (185 boys and 159 girls) aged 15 to 16 years completed a questionnaire on perceptions of barriers and benefits of participation in physical activity, and a Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR) questionnaire on the levels of physical activity. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-testing and correlations by means of SPSS (Version 15.0). The results show that barriers (with high mean values) experienced by boys to be physically active included lack of time, to do work/school work, and physical activity makes one sweat. In girls barriers experienced to be physically active included lack of time, to do work/school work and lack of equipments. With regard to the perceived benefits of participating in physical activity both boys and girls showed high mean values in to stay in good health, to feel well and to have energy. The results further showed that lack of equipments was negatively associated with participation in physical activity in boys and girls during the week and weekend days respectively. In addition girls showed a Significant relationship between to relieve stress and physical activity. Significant gender differences regarding the levels of physical activity with girls participating more in light physical activity than boys were found. This study recommended the need for the introduction of awareness programmes on physical activity as well as well-structured programmes of physical activity by qualified personnel geared towards the improvement of general well-being of children. More studies with a larger sample size are required to verify the present findings. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.