This dissertation synthesizes previous research and develops a model for the study of strategic development, strategic congruence and management control. The model is used to analyze a longitudinal case study of the Swedish engineering company Atlas Copco. Employing contingency theory, the study confirms that long-term survival of a company requires adaption to contingencies. Three levels of strategy are examined: corporate, business and functional. Previous research suggests that consistency between these levels (strategic congruence) is necessary for a company to be competitive. The dissertation challenges this proposition by using a life-cycle perspective and analyzes strategic congruence in the different phases of a life cycle. It also studies management control from a life-cycle perspective. In this context, two types of management control are examined: formal and informal. From a longitudinal perspective, the study further discusses how these types interact during organizational life cycles. The dissertation shows that strategic development is more complex than previous studies have indicated. It is a long, complex and non-linear process, the results of which cannot always be predicted. Previous models for strategy and management control are based on simple relationships and rarely take into account the fact that companies often go through different phases of strategic development. The case study shows that strategic incongruence may occur at times during organizational life cycles. Furthermore, the use of management control varies over time. In the maturity phase, formal control is in focus, while the use of informal control has a bigger role in both the introduction and decline phases. Research on strategy and management control has intensified in recent years. Still there is a gap regarding the coordination of complex corporate structures. The present study contributes with further knowledge on how companies manage long-term strategic development. Few studies deal with more than two levels of strategy. Moreover, the present study addresses the need to understand strategic congruence from a life-cycle perspective. This is particularly relevant in practice, when management in large companies face difficult issues for which they expect business research to assist them in the decision-making process.

Street trade within South Africa contributes to a significant portion of the informal sector and is now seen as something that contributes to the economy as well as the character of the city. It plays an active role incontributing to the livelihoods of many people ofthe informal sector. The informal sector has almost become synonymous with South Africa becoming a democratic entity as people that had struggled through exclusion from entering the cities, now had a platform towards citizenship to the city. Historically street trade has always been perceived as a nuisance in the city and as a result traders were marginalized to use spaces which did not present proper opportunity to support the needs of the traders. Urban public space has become one of the most valuable assets to people entering the informal sector, therefore it is important to understand the properties that play a role in the meaning of urban public space with for the users within the informal sector. The square, the street and the buildings make up the public face of towns and cities. The street has the opportunity to become a comfortable environment when the user is able to perceive it in such a way that they are able to orientate themselves with it. Further the street can be examined as a series of integrated spaces and when the physical elements of space are ordered a central point of relation to the user develops. The problem arises whereby urban public space in general has for some time been analyzed and interpreted from a first world viewpoint. One of the primary aims of this dissertation is to understand the various factors involved with third world developing countries, more specifically the informal sector and to understand how these factors may be supported and enhanced by the existing knowledge of place to aid in the design of meaningful architecture aiding in urban revitalization. The case studies outlined within this paper seek to demonstrate the importance of creating architecture that acknowledges that relationships between its, cultural, economic, and environmental, contexts of which can have the ability to sensitively and positively have an impact on its surrounding urban fabric. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Decreased food security is a major issue which influences numerous individuals in developing countries such as South Africa. Literature suggests that although detailed information is not available about the exact amount of food insecure households in South Africa, food insecurity does exist. Multiple factors influence decreased food security and households in informal settlements often portray high risks to decreased food security due to a lack of adequate resources to ensure sustainable food security. However, to the authors‟ knowledge limited information is available regarding the specific state of household food security in informal settlements in South Africa. Information regarding the influences various factors have on food security in an informal settlement is also limited. Therefore this study aimed to explore household food security in an informal settlement including the factors that could possibly contribute to food insecurity. According to literature, the pillars of food security consist of food availability, accessibility and utilisation and can contribute to a decrease in household food security or the enhancement thereof. In addition, socio-demographical factors such as income, household size and level of education can influence household food security. Based on this information, the pillars of food security and socio-demographical aspects of a household were used as possible factors that influence food security and were included as part of the theoretical framework. Utilisation as part of the food security pillars was closely explored to determine if the knowledge and suggested implementation thereof was effective and contributing to household food security. The influence of knowledge of basic food related aspects on food security were therefore determined in this, combined with the relationships between various socio-demographics and food security. Furthermore, through these findings recommendations were made on how food security can be enhanced in the households of the identified informal settlement. A quantitative research approach was used in this study. As part of non-probability sampling interviewer administered questionnaires were presented to 103 respondents at Nutrifeeds production and distribution facility in the Viljoenskroon area. Existing questionnaires and surveys relevant to this study subject were consulted to develop the questionnaire which explored demographics, food production and knowledge of food handling, utilisation, storage practices, and food security. All questionnaires were completed and the data was analysed by Statistical Consultation Services at the North-West University, Potchefstroom, using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that the majority of respondents possessed knowledge regarding food handling practices. Knowledge of food related aspects were indicated to be implemented accordingly, by most respondents with regard to food utilisation (preparation, hygiene and storage). It was determined that the more than two thirds of the respondents and their households were at risk of food insecurity or food insecure suggesting that a need exists for food insecurity to be addressed in this informal settlement. According to the results that were obtained in this study, food insecurity in the Viljoenskroon area, Rammulotsi informal settlement can be acknowledged. Additionally, the findings enabled the researcher to make recommendations to local businesses, clinics and local authorities regarding the enhancement of household food security in the area. The recommendations include the enhancement of knowledge regarding food related aspects, food production opportunities, food access and utilisation in the community as a means to improve the status of household food security in this informal settlement. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The choice of the geographical location of the premises for the business is of extreme importance for all kinds of enterprises, although for some it may be more important than for others. Some of the most important location factors are : social environment, climate, existing business environment, the attitude, regulations and tariffs of local authorities. The main purpose of this research is to map, and create a document for the small businesses (formal and informal businesses) in northwest greater Mafikeng. In pursuit of objective there will be at least, new knowledge and understanding of a specific geographic phenomenon (formal and informal businesses). The study is subdivided into seven major chapters. Chapter one includes the small-scale business sector in the South African context, statement problems, and objectives of the study and research hypotheses. The literature review (chapter two) covers a number of subtopics related to both the topic and objectives, to name few: an overview of small businesses, location, and size and diversity of small business, important and laws governing small business, education and training for small business. Methods of study and the research area (chapter three) cover the approaches and techniques used in this study. The research area includes the background information of the northwest greater Mafikeng. Maps analysis : spatial distribution of small businesses (chapter four) covers the analysis of spatial distribution of small businesses (non tax registered and registered) in northwest greater Mafikeng. Consumer perception (chapter five) covers the discussion report of the questionnaires from the sampled residents of northwest greater Mafikeng. Traders surveys (chapter six) follows with the discussion report of the interviewed conducted in the small businesspeople (non tax registered and registered) in northwest greater Mafikeng. Summary, conclusion and recommendations, (chapter seven) includes the main summary of the study, major conclusion and recommendations to government and local authorities. / M.A. (Geography) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2006

This dissertation examines probation for young people in Canada. Ninety percent of all young people sentenced in Canada receive a non-custodial or community sentence, with probation accounting for the majority (91%) of community supervision admissions (Munch, 2012). However, little is actually known about the judicial use of probation, the conditions that are imposed as a part of this sentence and, more importantly, what factors are associated with breaches of probation. Breaches of probation, have historically been and continue to be significant pathways back into the youth justice system, especially incarceration. Using informal social control theory (wider social processes – family, school and peers) and an integrated sites of oppression lens (an analysis of marginalized populations) this research explores the factors that influence the nature and extent of probation sentences and if there is disparity in the use of probation sentences for female and Aboriginal youth. This dissertation reports on a province-wide investigation of a sample of all Ontario youth sentenced to probation (N=6051) in 2005 and 2006, using data from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. This research also explores a sub-sample of youth on probation who were charged with breach of probation (N=255) during the period of study. It appears judges use probation conditions as a means to mitigate informal social controls that may cause delinquency (e.g. poor parenting, school failure, delinquent peers). Little support was found for the hypotheses that girls would receive particular conditions (curfews, residence orders, non-association orders) because of gender bias. Girls were more likely to receive shorter sentences of probation, which is interesting given that they are more likely to be given probation for violent offences. An examination into the impact of race on probation sentences revealed the need for further investigation into judicial decision making with non-custodial sentences. Results of the analysis of the breach of probation data indicate that regardless of the commission of a new offence (in addition to a breach or breaches of probation) non-compliance with previous dispositions, like probation, remains a significant pathway back into the youth justice system. Girls, younger youth and Aboriginal youth are all more likely to be charged with breach of probation. Breaching conditions of probation may be unrelated to the original offence (for which the young person received probation) and may be connected to wider concerns about protection and social control. Marginalized youth, in particular, who breach probation, are significantly more likely to be charged by police and receive custody. The aim of this dissertation is to provide a comprehensive understanding of probation and probation violations and broaden the scope of our knowledge of probation. This research adds both empirically and theoretically to the current body of research on youth sentencing in Canada.

Paraffin is used as a main household energy source for cooking, lighting and heating by low-income communities in South Africa. It is highly inflammable and spillages from paraffin can be considered as one of the major causes of fires that lead to the destruction of dwellings in the informal settlement. The situation is made worse due to the close proximity of the dwellings to each other which cause the fires to spread very quickly from one dwelling to the next leaving suffering and most often death in its wake (Schwebel et al., 2009:700). It has been shown by Muller et al. (2003:2018) that most of the informal rural communities use paraffin in non-ventilated and windowless environments and this causes major respiratory problems. The government has made a huge effort towards replacing paraffin as main cooking fuel in rural and informal settlements with ethanol gel. Ethanol gel is a healthier, safer alternative to paraffin because ethanol gel does not burn unless it is contained within a cooking device that concentrates the flame. It also fails to emit lung irritants or other dangerous chemical vapours when burned indoors (Bizzo et al., 2004:67). Commercial ethanol gels are manufactured with imported gelling agents that make their costs unaffordable to the rural poor communities. It is the objective of this study to determine whether gelling agents extracted from the local endemic species of cactacea viz. Opuntia fiscus-indica and Cereus Jamacaru can be used to synthesise ethanol gel comparable or better than the commercial gels. The two species chosen have been declared pests (Nel et al., 2004:61) and are continuously uprooted from arable land and burned by local farmers (Van Wilgen et al., 2001:162) This study showed that Opuntia ficas-indica stems gave a better cellulose yield (15.0 ± 6.7 wt. %) than Cereus Jamacaru (11.5 ± 7.8wt %). Chemical composition analyses and FT-IR analyses showed that the hemicelluloses and lignin were completely removed from the extracted cellulose and the extraction was more effective for Opuntia ficasindica than for Cereus Jamacaru. Ethanol gel produced by using the extracted cellulose, as was investigated during this study, was compared to commercial gels with respect to viscosity, burn time, calorific values and residue and a good comparison was obtained. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Chemical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The efforts to create an equal non-discriminatory South African society should also manifest in the workplace and, more specifically, in the academic arena. Academics are regarded as the leaders of society and the shapers of the future of a country. Their conduct should be of the highest ethical and moral standards, and no form of discrimination should be allowed by or against them. In terms of the Employment Equity Act, sexual harassment is a form of unfair discrimination and carries a substantial penalty should an employer be found guilty of vicarious liability. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived incidence of sexual harassment of academic staff at higher education institutions in South Africa, as well as their awareness of the policies dealing with sexual harassment. The sufficiency of the grievance procedures designed to deal with complaints of sexual harassment was also evaluated. A cross-sectional survey design was used to reach the research objectives. The Sexual Harassment Questionnaire (SHQ) was randomly distributed amongst a sample of 710 academic staff members from 10 higher education institutions in South Africa. A response rate of 22,8 percent (n = 162) was achieved. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 15.0 program (SPSS 2007), a program that is used to conduct statistical analysis regarding reliability and validity of the measuring instruments, descriptive statistics, /-tests, analysis of variance, correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. Article 1 focuses on the perceived incidence of sexual harassment. In this article, five categories of sexual harassment were used as indicators of the incidence thereof, namely verbal, non-verbal, physical, gender and quid pro quo harassment. A statistically significant correlation coefficient with a large effect was found between verbal and non-verbal harassment. A practically significant correlation of a medium effect was also found between physical, verbal, non-verbal and quid pro quo harassment and sexism, as well as between the control item of sexual harassment and physical, verbal, non-verbal and quid pro quo harassment. Analyses of variance were performed on the different demographic groups using various variables and the findings indicate no practically significant effect of gender, age, population group or years of service on sexual harassment. In Article 2, the awareness of sexual harassment policies and procedures were determined. Various aspects of policies were investigated, such as content, development, types and implementation. The results show that despite indications that sexual harassment policies do exist and that they are regarded as effective tools in addressing sexual harassment, the implementation of such policies is not effective. In addition, few academic staff members receive training/guidance on the utilisation of these policies. Significant correlation coefficients were found between the elements of an effective policy and between population groups and some of the elements. Article 3 reports on findings regarding the sufficiency of grievance procedures in dealing with complaints of sexual harassment. The results show a positive correlation between confidence in the grievance procedure, the amount of attention that supervisors pay to grievances, regular feedback to employees regarding the progress of grievances, willingness of supervisors to take decisions, the amount of confidence in supervisors and the effectiveness of the procedure. The reluctance of management to deal with grievances unless they are reported via the grievance procedure was related to the perceived effectiveness of the procedure. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Sociology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

The efforts to create an equal non-discriminatory South African society should also manifest in the workplace and, more specifically, in the academic arena. Academics are regarded as the leaders of society and the shapers of the future of a country. Their conduct should be of the highest ethical and moral standards, and no form of discrimination should be allowed by or against them. In terms of the Employment Equity Act, sexual harassment is a form of unfair discrimination and carries a substantial penalty should an employer be found guilty of vicarious liability. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived incidence of sexual harassment of academic staff at higher education institutions in South Africa, as well as their awareness of the policies dealing with sexual harassment. The sufficiency of the grievance procedures designed to deal with complaints of sexual harassment was also evaluated. A cross-sectional survey design was used to reach the research objectives. The Sexual Harassment Questionnaire (SHQ) was randomly distributed amongst a sample of 710 academic staff members from 10 higher education institutions in South Africa. A response rate of 22,8 percent (n = 162) was achieved. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 15.0 program (SPSS 2007), a program that is used to conduct statistical analysis regarding reliability and validity of the measuring instruments, descriptive statistics, /-tests, analysis of variance, correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. Article 1 focuses on the perceived incidence of sexual harassment. In this article, five categories of sexual harassment were used as indicators of the incidence thereof, namely verbal, non-verbal, physical, gender and quid pro quo harassment. A statistically significant correlation coefficient with a large effect was found between verbal and non-verbal harassment. A practically significant correlation of a medium effect was also found between physical, verbal, non-verbal and quid pro quo harassment and sexism, as well as between the control item of sexual harassment and physical, verbal, non-verbal and quid pro quo harassment. Analyses of variance were performed on the different demographic groups using various variables and the findings indicate no practically significant effect of gender, age, population group or years of service on sexual harassment. In Article 2, the awareness of sexual harassment policies and procedures were determined. Various aspects of policies were investigated, such as content, development, types and implementation. The results show that despite indications that sexual harassment policies do exist and that they are regarded as effective tools in addressing sexual harassment, the implementation of such policies is not effective. In addition, few academic staff members receive training/guidance on the utilisation of these policies. Significant correlation coefficients were found between the elements of an effective policy and between population groups and some of the elements. Article 3 reports on findings regarding the sufficiency of grievance procedures in dealing with complaints of sexual harassment. The results show a positive correlation between confidence in the grievance procedure, the amount of attention that supervisors pay to grievances, regular feedback to employees regarding the progress of grievances, willingness of supervisors to take decisions, the amount of confidence in supervisors and the effectiveness of the procedure. The reluctance of management to deal with grievances unless they are reported via the grievance procedure was related to the perceived effectiveness of the procedure. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Sociology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

The study aims to investigate student participation as a tool for democratic development in secondary school from a student perspective. Furthermore, students' perceptions of the school's work with student participation in formal and informal contexts are also investigated, with basis in the teaching structure. The results are based on interviews conducted with students who all attend the same class in their last year of high school. Subsequently, an analysis is made based mainly on three different theories: democracy, curricula and sociocultural theory. The result shows that students feel that they are able to practice student participation but the amount of influence they get differs between individuals depending on devotion and commitment. Moreover, the result indicates that there is a problem regarding both formal and informal influence where communication is poor, leading to conflict in class. The result also shows that the teacher as a professional actor is a key component in the development of students' democratic competence in terms of support and guidance in teaching. / Studien syftar till att undersöka elevinflytande som ett verktyg för demokratisk utveckling i gymnasieskolan ur ett elevperspektiv. Vidare undersöks elevers uppfattningar kring skolans arbete med elevinflytande i formella och informella kontexter med grund i undervisningens struktur. Resultatet grundar sig på intervjuer genomförda med elever som samtliga går i samma klass och studerar i årskurs tre på gymnasiet. Detta med en efterföljande analys med grund i främst demokrati-, läroplans- och sociokulturell teori. Resultatet visar att eleverna upplever att de får vara med och påverka men inflytandet skiljer mellan individer beroende på delaktighet och engagemang. Vidare pekar resultatet på att det finns en problematik gällande både formellt och informellt inflytande där kommunikationen är bristande vilket leder till konflikt i klassen. Det framgår även i resultatet att läraren som professionell aktör är en viktig komponent i utvecklingen av elevers demokratiska kompetens vad gäller stöd och vägledning i undervisningen.

My Interior Design practicum is an inquiry about the nature of urban informality through the study of present and emerging urban vernaculars within Kambi Moto, an informal area in Nairobi Kenya. I argue that unique vernacular characteristics manifest in everyday living and can be captured through the experience and knowledge of self-builders, entrepreneurs and dwellers within informal settlements. An understanding of these vernacular characteristics is instrumental in the designing of meaningful and effective social housing prototypes. The main methods used to document vernacular characteristics include, post occupancy evaluations (POEs), time diaries, photographs and observation. Within an interior design context, these tools helped describe the spatial needs, wants and desires of the everyday dwellers of Kambi Moto. The four resulting compact housing configurations support one-to-ten member households with provisions for a home-based business (HBB) or a rental unit. All units have an adaptable rooftop with a garden.