Based on accident reports, oblique head impacts associated with rotational acceleration occur frequently in cycling. Rotational acceleration stimulates brain tissue strain resulting in mild to severe brain injuries. Current bicycle helmet standards test for linear acceleration, but not for rotational acceleration. The proposed standard (EN13087-11) by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the Angular Launched Impact (ALI) protocol are oblique test protocols which impart rotational acceleration to the head at three impact locations (Front_Y, Lateral_X and Lateral_Z). The CEN proposed standard drops the helmeted headform vertically onto a 45° steel anvil, while the ALI protocol launches the headform at an angle of 45° towards the steel surface. The CEN proposed standard may represent a cyclist falling vertically onto a curb, angled surface or motor vehicle. The ALI represents a cyclist skidding or falling over the handlebars and have been described as frequent-accident cases in the literature. Both protocols represent unique falling events in cycling which elicit distinct rotational head responses. The purpose of this study was to compare the dynamic head response and brain tissue deformation between the two oblique test protocols on two common types of cycling helmets (PVC shell-PU liner and ABS shell-EPS liner). The study revealed that falling vertically onto a curb, angled surface or motor vehicle (CEN proposed standard), resulted in a greater rotational head response and brain tissue deformation, compared to frequent-accident events of skidding or falling over the handlebars (ALI protocol). Linear and rotational acceleration were significantly less on the PVC shell-PU liner compared to the ABS shell-EPS liner on both oblique test protocols. Distinct impact vectors associated with unique falling events in cycling create different rotational head responses and brain tissue deformation. Helmet standards should consider incorporating oblique testing methods, to manage mild and severe brain injuries associated with frequent falling events in cycling.

No description available.

Fishing, hunting and wildlife-associated recreation expenditures have played an important role in the U.S. economy. The 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey reported 87.5 million people participated in wildlife-associated recreation activities, spending $122.4 billion on trips and equipment in U.S. Periodic assessment of economic impact of wildlife associated recreation provides a consistent perspective for forest and wildlife resource management. This research used input-output analysis to evaluate the economic impacts of wildlife associated recreation expenditures in the U.S. South. IMPLAN models were developed for each state to determine the direct, indirect and induced effects of these expenditures. The comparison revealed the differences in the individual states’ economies and levels of expenditures and illustrated the importance of understanding intra-regional variations in establishing wildlife programs and policies. Overall, this study shows that wildlife associated recreation expenditures had larger economic multiplier than of the other forest based industries in the U.S. South.

Drug courts have become an important part of adult and juvenile corrections. Since the establishment of the first adult drug court in 1989, the therapeutic court model has developed, and can now be considered a significant component in American criminal justice. The problem is adult drug courts have faced considerable disapproval in the area of evaluation and documentation. Through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the federal government allots millions of dollars to support drug court programs; there have been attempts to count and record the activities of these programs with little success, there is little uniform data on actual drug court success nationwide. The intent of this dissertation was to systematically and critically analyze drug court evaluations. My major goal was to demonstrate the need for uniformity in regards to assessing the impacts on outcomes. I analyzed drug court evaluations and their attempt to identify factors that contribute to graduation, in-program recidivism/ retention rates, drug treatment relapse and postprogram recidivism rates. Forty drug court evaluations were used in this examination. Further, I introduced a model that will aid in examining the impacts on outcome. My studies' unit of analysis is the evaluation report. I attempted to explain specific issues, such as how well drug courts work for different types of offenders. I was also able to generate a well founded policy recommendation for the evaluation of drug courts based on empirical data and literature. Conclusions show that Drug Courts do reduce post-program recidivism however there were certain impacts on graduation and termination rates. I also demonstrated the need for more methodologically sound and uniform evaluations in order to determine effectiveness. / Ph. D.

O presente estudo avalia a percepção de potenciais usuários da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia sobre seus possíveis impactos econômicos, sociais e ambientais em 7 municípios, no Estado do Tocantins. Foram entrevistados 24 indivíduos representantes do poder público, da iniciativa privada, de entidades de classe e de organizações não-governamentais ambientalistas. Como evidência de campo, verificou-se que, no rio Araguaia, a limitada infra-estrutura operacional, instalada em 1998, está completamente deteriorada e que as embarcações estão sem uso desde 2000. No rio Tocantins, verificou-se a inexistência de eclusas que permitam vencer os desníveis naturais mais agressivos, aumentando a navegabilidade e possibilitando o tráfego dos comboios. Diante disso, pode-se afirmar que a Hidrovia ainda está longe de se consolidar como um modal de transporte alternativo para o Estado. Quanto à opinião dos entrevistados, de modo geral,consideram interessante, oportuna e estratégica a presença da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia em seus municípios, principalmente para o transporte de insumos e produtos. A despeito da pouca nformação de que dispunham sobre sua dimensão, potencial e impactos, manifestaram expectativas positivas quanto aos aspectos econômicos e sociais e negativas quanto aos ambientais. Vários assinalaram que o lento processo de implantação compromete sua inserção nos projetos institucionais ou empresariais e causa descrença sobre sua consolidação. A análise estatística dos dados de campo, realizada através de uma regressão do tipo stepwise, revela que os agentes econômicos relacionam a importância da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia para seus municípios aos impactos econômicos, sociais e ambientais que ela possa causar. Os resultados individuais mostraram-se significativos, segundo o nível de probabilidade "p", para as variáveis selecionadas pelo modelo, sob α = 0,20(erro tipo I) estabelecido à priori. Foram significativos e positivos os coeficientes das variáveis geração de emprego e renda, oferta de serviços estruturais municipais e valor das propriedades ribeirinhas e, negativos, os coeficientes das variáveis conhecimento e informação sobre a hidrovia, atividades de indústria e comércio, atividades de turismo e oferta de serviços sociais municipais. A variável atividades de agricultura não foi significativa. O grupo focal, realizado com a finalidade de ampliar a discussão qualitativa sobre a Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia, foi consensual em relação aos benefícios econômicos e sociais proporcionados ao Estado do Tocantins e aos circunvizinhos. Porém, alertou sobre os possíveis impactos negativos no meio ambiente, especialmente no Rio Araguaia. Em linhas gerais, o estudo permitiu concluir pela necessidade e benefícios de serem consideradas as impressões qualitativas dos potenciais usuários na avaliação de viabilidade econômica de projetos de infra-estrutura de transporte. Tais impressões serviriam como parâmetros de ponderação dos aspectos quantitativos levantados pelo empreendedor, favorecendo a escolha do empreendimento mais adequado sob o ponto de vista econômico, social e ambiental. Sobre a implantação efetiva da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia, no Estado do Tocantins, alerta-se para os impactos que ela possa causar. Ainda que sob o ponto de vista comum sejam esperados benefícios econômicos e sociais, sob o ponto de vista ambiental a sensação é de perda de qualidade. O Rio Araguaia, pela sua juventude e fragilidade dos ecossistemas que congrega,exige tratamento especial, baseado num cuidadoso plano de intervenções, que respeite suas características naturais, bem como as das espécies e populações que o habitam, inclusive a humana. O Rio Tocantins, ainda que menos indefeso pela sua maior idade, precisa de tratamento adequado, uma vez que dele depende não só a Hidrovia Tocantins e o projeto multimodal de transporte mas,também, todo o projeto de geração de energia hidrelétrica do Estado. / The present study aims to evaluate the perception of potential users of the Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway concerning the possibility of economic, social and environmental impacts in 7 municipalities, in the State of Tocantins. For this purpose, 24 individuals representing the government, private sector and non-government environmental organizations, have been interviewed. Field evidences shows that in the Araguaia River the limited operational infrastructure, installed in 1998, is completely deteriorated and that the ships have not been used since the year 2000. It has been, in the Tocantins River, noticed the nonexistence of dams, which allow to regulate the more aggressive natural differences in the river levels, increasing the navigability of the convoys. Therefore, it can be stated that the waterway is still far from it’s consolidation as a transportation alternative for this State. As for the opinion of those who have been interviewed, in general, the presence of the Tocantins- Araguaia Waterway in their municipalities is considered interesting and strategic, mainly for the transportation of inputs and finished goods. Despite the little information available as to its dimension, potential and impacts, positive expectation have been manifested as to economic and social aspects, and negative as to environmental aspects. Several of them stated that the slow process of implantation difficult its introduction in the projects or enterprises and causes the incredibility over its consolidation. The statistical analysis of the field data, made through a stepwise regression reveals that the economic agents relates the importance of the Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway for their municipalities to the economic, social and environmental impacts that it might cause. The individual results are significant, according to the confidence level p , for the variables selected by the model, under α = 0,20 (tipe I error) à priori determined. The coefficients of the variables job creation and income improvement, municipal social service offer and the value of the water side properties were significant and positive and the coefficients of the variables knowledge and information on waterway, commercial and industrial activities, tourism activities, and the municipal social service offer, were negative. The variable agricultural activities was not significant. The focal group about Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway was consensual over the economic and social benefits for the State of Tocantins. However, the group warned about possible negative impacts in the environment, especially in the Araguaia River. In general, the study permitted to conclude for the necessity and benefits to consider the qualitative impressions of the potential users in the evaluation of the economic viability of transportation infrastructure projects. Such impressions would serve as parameters of the qualitative aspects brought forward by the entrepreneur, improving the choice of the most adequate enterprise under the economic, social and environmental aspects. As for the effective implantation of the Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway, in the State of Tocantins, the impacts that it may cause should be brought forward. Although economic and social benefits are expected, the perception is of loss of the environmental quality. The Araguaia River, because of its youth and ecosystems fragility, demands a special treatment, based on a careful plan of interventions, that respects its natural characteristics, as well as the species and populations that inhabit it, including the human. The Tocantins River also needs a proper treatment due to the Tocantins Waterway, the multimodal transportation and the hydroelectric generation projects of the State, which depends on it.

O presente estudo avalia a percepção de potenciais usuários da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia sobre seus possíveis impactos econômicos, sociais e ambientais em 7 municípios, no Estado do Tocantins. Foram entrevistados 24 indivíduos representantes do poder público, da iniciativa privada, de entidades de classe e de organizações não-governamentais ambientalistas. Como evidência de campo, verificou-se que, no rio Araguaia, a limitada infra-estrutura operacional, instalada em 1998, está completamente deteriorada e que as embarcações estão sem uso desde 2000. No rio Tocantins, verificou-se a inexistência de eclusas que permitam vencer os desníveis naturais mais agressivos, aumentando a navegabilidade e possibilitando o tráfego dos comboios. Diante disso, pode-se afirmar que a Hidrovia ainda está longe de se consolidar como um modal de transporte alternativo para o Estado. Quanto à opinião dos entrevistados, de modo geral,consideram interessante, oportuna e estratégica a presença da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia em seus municípios, principalmente para o transporte de insumos e produtos. A despeito da pouca nformação de que dispunham sobre sua dimensão, potencial e impactos, manifestaram expectativas positivas quanto aos aspectos econômicos e sociais e negativas quanto aos ambientais. Vários assinalaram que o lento processo de implantação compromete sua inserção nos projetos institucionais ou empresariais e causa descrença sobre sua consolidação. A análise estatística dos dados de campo, realizada através de uma regressão do tipo stepwise, revela que os agentes econômicos relacionam a importância da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia para seus municípios aos impactos econômicos, sociais e ambientais que ela possa causar. Os resultados individuais mostraram-se significativos, segundo o nível de probabilidade “p”, para as variáveis selecionadas pelo modelo, sob α = 0,20(erro tipo I) estabelecido à priori. Foram significativos e positivos os coeficientes das variáveis geração de emprego e renda, oferta de serviços estruturais municipais e valor das propriedades ribeirinhas e, negativos, os coeficientes das variáveis conhecimento e informação sobre a hidrovia, atividades de indústria e comércio, atividades de turismo e oferta de serviços sociais municipais. A variável atividades de agricultura não foi significativa. O grupo focal, realizado com a finalidade de ampliar a discussão qualitativa sobre a Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia, foi consensual em relação aos benefícios econômicos e sociais proporcionados ao Estado do Tocantins e aos circunvizinhos. Porém, alertou sobre os possíveis impactos negativos no meio ambiente, especialmente no Rio Araguaia. Em linhas gerais, o estudo permitiu concluir pela necessidade e benefícios de serem consideradas as impressões qualitativas dos potenciais usuários na avaliação de viabilidade econômica de projetos de infra-estrutura de transporte. Tais impressões serviriam como parâmetros de ponderação dos aspectos quantitativos levantados pelo empreendedor, favorecendo a escolha do empreendimento mais adequado sob o ponto de vista econômico, social e ambiental. Sobre a implantação efetiva da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia, no Estado do Tocantins, alerta-se para os impactos que ela possa causar. Ainda que sob o ponto de vista comum sejam esperados benefícios econômicos e sociais, sob o ponto de vista ambiental a sensação é de perda de qualidade. O Rio Araguaia, pela sua juventude e fragilidade dos ecossistemas que congrega,exige tratamento especial, baseado num cuidadoso plano de intervenções, que respeite suas características naturais, bem como as das espécies e populações que o habitam, inclusive a humana. O Rio Tocantins, ainda que menos indefeso pela sua maior idade, precisa de tratamento adequado, uma vez que dele depende não só a Hidrovia Tocantins e o projeto multimodal de transporte mas,também, todo o projeto de geração de energia hidrelétrica do Estado. / The present study aims to evaluate the perception of potential users of the Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway concerning the possibility of economic, social and environmental impacts in 7 municipalities, in the State of Tocantins. For this purpose, 24 individuals representing the government, private sector and non-government environmental organizations, have been interviewed. Field evidences shows that in the Araguaia River the limited operational infrastructure, installed in 1998, is completely deteriorated and that the ships have not been used since the year 2000. It has been, in the Tocantins River, noticed the nonexistence of dams, which allow to regulate the more aggressive natural differences in the river levels, increasing the navigability of the convoys. Therefore, it can be stated that the waterway is still far from it’s consolidation as a transportation alternative for this State. As for the opinion of those who have been interviewed, in general, the presence of the Tocantins- Araguaia Waterway in their municipalities is considered interesting and strategic, mainly for the transportation of inputs and finished goods. Despite the little information available as to its dimension, potential and impacts, positive expectation have been manifested as to economic and social aspects, and negative as to environmental aspects. Several of them stated that the slow process of implantation difficult its introduction in the projects or enterprises and causes the incredibility over its consolidation. The statistical analysis of the field data, made through a stepwise regression reveals that the economic agents relates the importance of the Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway for their municipalities to the economic, social and environmental impacts that it might cause. The individual results are significant, according to the confidence level p , for the variables selected by the model, under α = 0,20 (tipe I error) à priori determined. The coefficients of the variables job creation and income improvement, municipal social service offer and the value of the water side properties were significant and positive and the coefficients of the variables knowledge and information on waterway, commercial and industrial activities, tourism activities, and the municipal social service offer, were negative. The variable agricultural activities was not significant. The focal group about Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway was consensual over the economic and social benefits for the State of Tocantins. However, the group warned about possible negative impacts in the environment, especially in the Araguaia River. In general, the study permitted to conclude for the necessity and benefits to consider the qualitative impressions of the potential users in the evaluation of the economic viability of transportation infrastructure projects. Such impressions would serve as parameters of the qualitative aspects brought forward by the entrepreneur, improving the choice of the most adequate enterprise under the economic, social and environmental aspects. As for the effective implantation of the Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway, in the State of Tocantins, the impacts that it may cause should be brought forward. Although economic and social benefits are expected, the perception is of loss of the environmental quality. The Araguaia River, because of its youth and ecosystems fragility, demands a special treatment, based on a careful plan of interventions, that respects its natural characteristics, as well as the species and populations that inhabit it, including the human. The Tocantins River also needs a proper treatment due to the Tocantins Waterway, the multimodal transportation and the hydroelectric generation projects of the State, which depends on it.

Understanding the role that tourism play in poverty alleviation globally has been a research focus of many studies in different countries. For an extended period the trickle down method of wealth distribution, where it was believed that riches find its way down the value chain to the poor in terms of taxes spent on welfare, infrastructure, grants etc., was globally accepted. In recent years though, focus on tourism as tool for increasing economic growth and poverty alleviation has been placed at the centre. It is true that in many cases tourism made a difference in the lives of the poor but it is also true that in many instances this is not the case. This dissertation analysed the perceived contribution made by tourism to poverty alleviation in Mozambique in general, and Praia de Bilene and Macanetta peninsula in particular. These are pre-eminently tourist destinations and ideally suited for a study of this nature. The primary goal of this dissertation was to determine the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation in Mozambique by assessing Praia Bilene and Macanetta peninsula. The first objective was to describe and understand the link between tourism and poverty. It was found that the traditional definition of poverty no longer applies to most situations. That it is better to view poverty as a lack of access instead of money, access to natural resources, bureaucratic processes, capital markets and entrepreneurship. The review analysed different research methods, looking in depth at the livelihood analysis, ST~EP and MPI. The three pathways namely direct, indirect and induced levels on how tourism affects the poor were also explored. The most challenging area has to be the quantifying of tourism impacts on communities and local livelihoods. Concluding that the measurement of tourism impacts on poverty alleviation is an intricate debate and not easily accomplished. The second objective was to analyse the current status of the tourism industry in Mozambique. With 48% of sub-Sahara living in poverty, the picture in Mozambique is even drearier, with 54% living under the poverty line and 81% living under the $2 poverty line in the country (OPHI, 2013:1), confirming that it is one of the world’s poorest countries. Mozambique’s profile was analysed on its poverty status, tourism development, growth and the tourism impacts on the local communities of Bilene and Macanetta. It was found that several tourism opportunities are scooped up by foreigners and that this causes a major leakage of resources from regions where poverty alleviation by tourism is attempted. At a 7% GDP growth rate Mozambique is making very good progress, but due to being so poor and behind it is not reducing the poverty fast enough. The third objective was to determine the perceptions of two Mozambique communities on tourism impacts and the impact of tourism on their poverty status by incorporating the multi-dimensional poverty index. A perception analysis was done by means of a structured questionnaire presented to random residents from all walks of life at the two specific locations mentioned. The correlation between MPI and perceptions of the impacts of tourism shown that resident’s perceptions of tourism do not influence their deprivation scores negative or positive. It was however determined in an open question that an overwhelming 4 out of 5 people felt that tourism did contribute to poverty alleviation. The perceptions and reality therefore differ. The last objective was to draw conclusions and make recommendations with regard to the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation in selected Mozambican communities. Conclusions were drawn as to the effectiveness of tourism as a strategic method in the onslaught against poverty in the selected communities. Amongst these conclusions was the fact that poverty seems to be an increasingly complex phenomenon. Due to the difficulty in defining poverty, a wide variety of research methods need to be used to assess the situation. No single approach to impact valuation of tourism on poverty can present all the answers. Concluding in this analysis into poverty and tourism’s relationship it was determined that not only did the factual data show that tourism did not alleviate poverty at these locations but that the population, in stark contrast to empirical proof, determined in their own mind that they perceived a definite improvement due to tourism. Thus residents do not necessarily receive personal benefits from tourism but they are positive towards the tourism industry. This should be utilised by creating opportunities for higher levels of participation in the industry as well as generating more tangible, positive affects for the local population in Mozambique. / MA (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Understanding the role that tourism play in poverty alleviation globally has been a research focus of many studies in different countries. For an extended period the trickle down method of wealth distribution, where it was believed that riches find its way down the value chain to the poor in terms of taxes spent on welfare, infrastructure, grants etc., was globally accepted. In recent years though, focus on tourism as tool for increasing economic growth and poverty alleviation has been placed at the centre. It is true that in many cases tourism made a difference in the lives of the poor but it is also true that in many instances this is not the case. This dissertation analysed the perceived contribution made by tourism to poverty alleviation in Mozambique in general, and Praia de Bilene and Macanetta peninsula in particular. These are pre-eminently tourist destinations and ideally suited for a study of this nature. The primary goal of this dissertation was to determine the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation in Mozambique by assessing Praia Bilene and Macanetta peninsula. The first objective was to describe and understand the link between tourism and poverty. It was found that the traditional definition of poverty no longer applies to most situations. That it is better to view poverty as a lack of access instead of money, access to natural resources, bureaucratic processes, capital markets and entrepreneurship. The review analysed different research methods, looking in depth at the livelihood analysis, ST~EP and MPI. The three pathways namely direct, indirect and induced levels on how tourism affects the poor were also explored. The most challenging area has to be the quantifying of tourism impacts on communities and local livelihoods. Concluding that the measurement of tourism impacts on poverty alleviation is an intricate debate and not easily accomplished. The second objective was to analyse the current status of the tourism industry in Mozambique. With 48% of sub-Sahara living in poverty, the picture in Mozambique is even drearier, with 54% living under the poverty line and 81% living under the $2 poverty line in the country (OPHI, 2013:1), confirming that it is one of the world’s poorest countries. Mozambique’s profile was analysed on its poverty status, tourism development, growth and the tourism impacts on the local communities of Bilene and Macanetta. It was found that several tourism opportunities are scooped up by foreigners and that this causes a major leakage of resources from regions where poverty alleviation by tourism is attempted. At a 7% GDP growth rate Mozambique is making very good progress, but due to being so poor and behind it is not reducing the poverty fast enough. The third objective was to determine the perceptions of two Mozambique communities on tourism impacts and the impact of tourism on their poverty status by incorporating the multi-dimensional poverty index. A perception analysis was done by means of a structured questionnaire presented to random residents from all walks of life at the two specific locations mentioned. The correlation between MPI and perceptions of the impacts of tourism shown that resident’s perceptions of tourism do not influence their deprivation scores negative or positive. It was however determined in an open question that an overwhelming 4 out of 5 people felt that tourism did contribute to poverty alleviation. The perceptions and reality therefore differ. The last objective was to draw conclusions and make recommendations with regard to the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation in selected Mozambican communities. Conclusions were drawn as to the effectiveness of tourism as a strategic method in the onslaught against poverty in the selected communities. Amongst these conclusions was the fact that poverty seems to be an increasingly complex phenomenon. Due to the difficulty in defining poverty, a wide variety of research methods need to be used to assess the situation. No single approach to impact valuation of tourism on poverty can present all the answers. Concluding in this analysis into poverty and tourism’s relationship it was determined that not only did the factual data show that tourism did not alleviate poverty at these locations but that the population, in stark contrast to empirical proof, determined in their own mind that they perceived a definite improvement due to tourism. Thus residents do not necessarily receive personal benefits from tourism but they are positive towards the tourism industry. This should be utilised by creating opportunities for higher levels of participation in the industry as well as generating more tangible, positive affects for the local population in Mozambique. / MA (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of Olympic inclusion on sport through the case study of trampolining in England. This was considered in terms of changes to elite trampolining, recreational trampolining and school trampolining across the dimensions of organisational structure, funding and support, and underlying policy. This has been achieved through constructing a primarily qualitative piece of work underpinned by a critical realist ontology and epistemology. 45 individuals involved in the sport of trampolining or working in the more general sport delivery system were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Most of the direct implications of the inclusion of trampolining in the Olympics have only affected the elite level of the sport. Adding trampolining to the Olympic programme was viewed as a very positive thing by interviewees involved in the sport because it was seen to improve the status of the sport. The forced merger of the British Trampoline Federation with British Gymnastics received significant criticism from former British Trampoline Federation members due to a perceived loss of power and autonomy. However this amalgamation did raise standards of governance and management in elite trampolining, as did increased expectations from organisations such as UK Sport. As a consequence of the increased professionalisation of the governance of elite trampolining, there is now more tension between paid staff and volunteers. Since the sport has been in the Olympic programme elite trampolining has benefitted from significant funding from UK Sport and also support from the English Institute of Sport and the British Olympic Association. Assistance from all three organisations is extremely ring-fenced and channelled towards the elite. For example, English Institute of Sport support is totally focussed on a very limited number of named individuals who compete at an international level. Funding from UK Sport is dependent on British Gymnastics meeting ambitious performance targets in trampolining and so forms an incentive contract which has dictated the focus within the National Governing Body. Hence the balance between elite trampolining and sport for all has swung towards the higher echelon of the sport from both economic and structural perspectives. Few benefits from trampolining being in the Olympic programme filter down to the recreational and school levels of the sport and those that have tend to be indirect impacts. This is partly due to a lack of coherent governance both within the sport and also in terms of the wider sporting landscape. Support given to recreational trampolining by English Gymnastics, Sport England and County Sport Partnerships, and support given to school trampolining by the British Schools Gymnastics Association, the Youth Sport Trust and School Sport Partnerships appears to be relatively unaffected by trampolining being in the Olympics. Also there are more pressing issues and priorities in recreational and school trampolining which prevented the Olympic inclusion of trampolining having a greater impact. For example, at a recreational level there is often a shortage of trampoline clubs to cater for demand and similarly in schools there is often a lack of trampolines and trained teachers.

Enterprise Resource planning has gained prominence in the field of IS literature and is a significant phenomenon in practice in organizations and now also in higher educational institutions. These Institutions have their own unique method of operation and infrastructural facilities; and one of the biggest single most expenditure made by them is in their Enterprise Resource Planning Systems. The drive towards ERP is based on a desire to rationalize and streamline information systems across the whole organization seeking both improvement and business benefits. The ERP systems combine all discrete information into a single, integrated, real-time database. In the HEI context the ERP systems are seen as software solutions that address the diverse needs by tightly integrating all departments and functions within a single computer system configuration to serve particular needs such as students systems which manage all the student records/data and VLE systems like Blackboard which is a course management system. ERP addresses the institutions needs by providing a better service to its various users. The aim of this research study is to explore the quality, impact, benefits, utility and challenges of ERP systems specifically the student systems and VLE Blackboard in a Higher Educational Institution and analyse these ERP systems from a multiple perspective. The ERP systems have been applied by many Educational Institutions around the world as a key part of their organizational infrastructure and these systems tend to have a long life cycle in organizational use. The requirement is for the smooth functioning and utilization of these ERP systems while taking into consideration the changing demands as universities operate in a dynamic environment where there is a rapid change in technology. Millions of pounds and extensive deliberation is made on the implementation of the ERP system on the basis of expectations to align the institution objectives with business needs. This presents a huge challenge, if not properly addressed may lead to heavy investment without the corresponding institution efficiency.