The aim of the research was to identify the constraints that restrict the development of informal and small formal retailers, and highlight potential opportunities that may assist in strengthening their position within the value chain. It explored the functioning of two municipal-managed static fresh produce markets in KwaZulu-Natal: Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The investigation revealed that informal and small formal retailers have relatively little impact on the fresh produce value chain and that the structure of static markets is not conducive to these groups because of their lack of capital and inability to buy produce in bulk. Predominant constraints to their economic growth include high cost of transport, high prices of produce and competition with other traders. In addition, police harassment was identified in Durban as one of the dominant constraints, but was not reflected in Pietermaritzburg. However, opportunities for small and informal retailers to strengthen their position were identified as increasing the market access for retailers, through the provision of transport, informal training workshops, cold storage facilities in the city, the formation of cooperatives and access to micro-credit. This research argues that attention must be given to enhancing the interests and role of small and informal retailers in governance and operational processes within fresh produce markets. The necessity of the development of social networks (also argued by Meagher 1995) is a critical factor in determining the success of informal and micro enterprises and could contribute to institutional reforms that help address the information and access asymmetries in the fresh produce market environment. Following the completion of this dissertation, it was distributed along with the appended log frames to the management at the Durban and Pietermaritzburg, market agents and informal retailer groups that participated. It will also be disseminated through the Learning, Monitoring and Research Facility, who funded part of the research, and is hoped that the information will aid informal retailers and empower those that were involved. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in research dealing with the informal sector in South Africa. This research is often motivated by academic curiosity as well as a growing concern over poverty and unemployment among South Africa's blacks. It has increasingly been suggested by academics, businessmen and government officials that the informal sector be developed and encouraged in appropriate directions in order to provide employment opportunities. This thesis is a case study of a group of people who are officially unemployed, and who work in the informal sector in order to survive. The economic activity they are involved with, represents a subsector of the informal sector namely, garbage picking. The first question that is addressed in the study deals with the problems inherent in the conceptualisation of the informal sector. There are many interpretations of what comprises this sector, depending in part on the stage of development that has been reached by the local economy and on the theoretical perspective used in the analysis. There are also many perspectives on whether the sector is independent and autonomous and on the extent to which it is intergrated into the economy of a country. Chapters 1 and 2 contain critical examination of the literature dealing with these aspects. In chapter 3 the characteristics of the informal sector are studied. Several case studies from different parts of the world are examined. Chapter 4 examines the marginality concept in relation to the garbage pickers with a view to determining the extent to which these people are marginalised in society. Attention is then directed towards the particular case study. The characteristics of garbage picking and the people who do this work, as well as the conditions under which they work, are examined in chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the thesis. The results show that there is very little potential for the garbage picker to improve his/her position within the informal sector. The garbage pickers regard formal sector employment as their only way out of their present position and, given present circumstances, it seems that their view is correct. However, since the likelihood of their finding formal wage employment seems very limited, alternatives were examined and it seems that within the garbage industry the potential does exist to create formal sector jobs for the pickers. This potential can, however, only be realised once the garbage industry recognises this and re-organise itself to employ these people on a permanent basis. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, 1987.

This study was prompted by the lack of information on women traders associations in the African context. Women’s participation in the informal economy is increasing due to factors such as high unemployment rate, women’s lower education level compared to men and, the flexibility of entry and exit in the informal sector compared to the formal sector. In general, informal workers do not hold any formal contract determining minimum wage, employment benefits or social protection. Women continue to face very high barriers to have access to education and training because of the on going gender biases in many societies. Traders associations could hold the potential to relieve women traders from their daily burdens in public markets. This study uses the theory of social exclusion to examine different barriers women face in the market, and the role of traders associations hold in their inclusion. The nature of the informal sector makes it difficult for traders associations to organise and provide services to their women members. Poorer women within traders associations have serious challenges in trying to be more assertive in their local communities and markets. Gender, class, kinship and ethnicity could all combine to account for their low status in their communities. Women’s integration within trade organisations depends largely on the negotiation of their terms of inclusion. Unfair terms of inclusion can potentially lead and continue unequal power relations as well as wealth inequality among traders. Qualitative methods were used in this study of women traders in St Balikuddembe market, Kampala, Uganda. Over a period of six weeks, 25 days were spent in the market carefully observing women at work, and then conducting 20 individual interviews and two focus group discussions. The role which traders associations play in women’s lives, the influence they hold in the association and the procedure of integration in the market were examined. The study revealed that the size of the main traders association for women determines the level of exclusion and its implication in its women members lives. Although OWA could be defined as an MBO, there is in fact a gap in their organisational structures in order to help women integrate better the market. It is in fact too large to be able to reach members, and is not accountable to them. The effect of social exclusion was identified in the gender, class and age of the women. Women traders of St Balikuddembe market, in trying to achieve inclusion, form smaller self- help groups in addition to the large one. Both kinds of association play very different roles and perform different functions which are equally important in the lives of the women traders. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in research on the informal sector in South Africa. Motivating this research, besides academic curiosity, is growing concern over poverty and unemployment amongst South African blacks. The general belief that these factors have contributed significantly to the political unrest now sweeping the country is another encouragement to research. What is being increasingly suggested, not only by academics but also by government officials, businessmen and others, is that the informal sector could be developed in appropriate directions to provide jobs raise living standards and (hence) promote political stability. Attention is now being focused on the question of how best to achieve this objective. In this thesis, proposals for 'developing ' the informal sector in South Africa are examined by a careful analysis of the relevant literature and an in-depth case study of the KwaZulu township, KwaMashu. The first question that needs to be addressed is how to conceptualise the informal sector. There are many interpretations, depending in part on the stage of development attained by the local economy, of what comprises this sector. Does it only consist of the poor, the unlicenced, the untaxed, the unprotected, the harassed? There are many perspectives, too, on whether the informal sector is independent and autonomous or whether it is integrated into the economy in ways that might impede or facilitate its development. It has been argued, for example, that the state and capital determine the parameters of the informal sector at a level most functional to their requirements. These interpretations are critically examined in Chapters One and Two with particular reference to South Africa. Attention is then directed towards the particular case of KwaMashu. The research methodology is discussed in Chapter Three. The approach adopted here combined random-sample questionnaires and case study methods. In order to locate the research in its geographical, temporal and political setting the history of KwaMashu is also briefly reviewed. The research results (which cover the extent, viability, potential and difficulties of the informal sector), are examined in Chapters Four to Six. Chapter Four gives the results of the survey - including three detailed case studies and the findings of the questionnaire survey. In Chapter Five garment makers and retailers (two categories which together make up a large component of the KwaMashu informal sector) are analysed more closely using information obtained from case studies. The field work included interviews, not only with informal sector participants, but also with the officials whose decisions influence the development of the informal sector. The latter is examined in Chapter Six. An important finding particularly relevant for policy decisions - concerned the division in levels of informal sector operation and the policy decisions affecting each level. The concluding chapter combines the findings of literature surveys with the empirical results from KwaMashu in order to assess the opportunities for and the limits to informal sector 'development' in South Africa. Practical and realistic means by which those in this sector might be assisted are also discussed in some detail. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 1985.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1993.

Darbe analizuojami neformalaus muzikinio ugdymo ypatumai paauglių motyvacinių interesų kontekste. Baigiamojo darbo tikslas – nustatyti veiksnius, įtakojančius paauglių, besimokančių muzikos (meno) mokykloje, motyvacinius interesus. Tikslui pasiekti iškelti uždavinai: išanalizuoti mokslinę literatūrą apie neformalųjį muzikinį ugdymą; aptarti paauglių psichofizin÷s raidos ypatumus; išryškinti veiksnius, reikšmingus paauglių neformalaus muzikinio ugdymo motyvacijai skatinti, parengti tyrimo instrumentą, leidžiantį įvertinti paauglių neformalaus muzikinio ugdymo motyvacinius interesus. / The analysis of informal musical education peculiarity of teenagers‘ in the context of motivating interests is presented in a final work. The aim of the work is to set the factors that make influence on teenagers, who learn at music (art) shool, motivating interests. To achieve the aim of the work the following was done: analysis of science literature about informal musical education; highlighihted the features that are important in stimulation of teenagers‘ informal musical education motivation; discussed the peculiarity of teenagers’ psycho-physical development; prepared the instrument of research, that allowed to evaluate the motivating interests of teenagers’ musical education.

Neformaliojo švietimo organizavimas turi didelę įtaką vaikų pozityviai socializacijai. Dėl to svarbu nustatyti, kaip yra organizuojamas neformalusis vaikų švietimas, ištiriant pagrindinių neformaliojo švietimo sistemos dalyvių – vaikų ir pedagogų – požiūrį į tiriamą reiškinį. Svarbu nustatyti, ar/kaip yra įgyvendinami neformaliojo švietimo principai Kelmės miesto bendrojo lavinimo mokyklose. Tyrimo objektas – neformaliojo švietimo principų įgyvendinimas Kelmės miesto bendrojo lavinimo mokyklose. Tyrimo tikslas – teoriškai pagrįsti ir empiriškai ištirti, kaip yra užtikrinamos vaiko teisės įgyvendinant neformaliojo švietimo principus Kelmės miesto bendrojo lavinimo mokyklose. / Organization of informal education has a significant impact on the positive socialization of children. So it is important to set what is organization of informal education, to research the approcah of basic participants of informal education – children and teachers. Also it is important to set, what is the implementation of informal education principles in Kelme city general education schools. The object of research – implementation of informal education principles in Kelme city general education schools. The aim of research – to theoretically base and empirically investigate what is the implementation of informal education principles in Kelme city general education schools.

This study explores the phenomenon of the informal medical consultation, a communication event in which an individual asks for medical information, advice, or care from an off-duty health professional with whom the individual has no formal patient-provider relationship. Using surveys and interviews, the study describes these consultations from the perspective of the health care professional and the informal patient. The study explores foundational theories that offer explanations for the phenomenon. The theories considered include social support, decision-making, social exchange, perceived partner responsiveness to needs, and uncertainty management. This study suggests health care providers perceive informal medical consultations to be more problematic than do the informal patients who consult them. The problematic nature of informal consultations increases as the type of request moves from purely informational to a request for treatment. Informal patients do not perceive this distinction. The informal patient’s motivation to pursue an informal consultation instead of a formal consult is affected by the relationship with, trust in, and access to the informal consultant. The willingness of the informal consultant to engage in an informal consultation is affected by the relationship with the informal patient, the type of request made, and perception of risk/benefit for both the provider and the patient. The study supports the idea that informal medical consultations are potentially problematic within the current medico-legal-ethical environment. Alternately, these consultations may be viewed as offering positive contributions to the health and well-being of informal patients. The study suggests translational research is needed to guide health professionals in considering requests for informal medical consultations.

This thesis is concerned with the lived experience of placemaking in Argentina’s Antarctic gateway port Ushuaia. Based on 12 months ethnographic fieldwork, it explores the relations between tourism, urban development, and socio-economic difference. As such, it investigates how agents from across the social spectrum conceive of, and construct their sense of place “at the end of the world”. As the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is attractive to tourists for its stunning landscapes, unique location, and strategic proximity to Antarctica. However, the image of a friendly tourist destination crucial to everyday life in this Patagonian city is contested by its stakeholders. This thesis looks beyond the image presented to tourists to explore frictions among residents, the city council, and touristic enterprises. Ushuaia is revealed as an urban location beset by growing unrest due to issues of population growth and social polarization. This is analyzed in relation to its geopolitical significance for the Argentine state, territorial struggles with Chile, and economic incentives for in-migration. Consequently, this thesis considers the dynamic and shifting character of the city’s population through an engagement with economic and lifestyle migrants, including those dwelling in non-legal settlements, and tourists who occupy Ushuaian space alongside more longstanding citizens. The thesis demonstrates how conflicting views collide regarding issues of urbanization, industrialization, tourism, and environmental conservation, analyzed in relation to the interests and concerns of different social constituencies. Through extensive interviewing with a diverse array of social actors, this thesis also explores the different levels of economic and socio-cultural attachment to Antarctica, suggesting a schism between Ushuaia’s touristic representation, Antarctic alignment, and the needs and interests of its inhabitants. This thesis, then, explains the diverging place-based ideas and aspirations of different social groups in relation to the governmental, socio-economic, and socio-cultural forces implicated in placemaking.

Background: Multivariate analyses of quality of life (QoL) in dementia are relatively rare. This study was the first aiming to measure QoL of persons with dementia and their informal caregivers in New Zealand. To date, it is also the only study examining what interventions from primary and secondary care in New Zealand are helpful for enhancing QoL and what these interventions cost. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, questionnaires (including the Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease Scale and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory) investigating various QoL-domains were administered to 53 outpatients of a memory clinic recently diagnosed with dementia, and their caregivers at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Time and resource utilisation were assessed in order to identify direct and indirect costs using questionnaires and diaries (over 12 months). Results: Cognition scores of persons with dementia (PWDs) ranged from 49 to 91 on the Modified-Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS); scores on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) ranged from 0.5 to 3, with 83% of PWDs being in the early stages of the illness at baseline (CDR ≤ 1). Most PWD measurements confirmed the predicted correlations including a strong link between PWDs’ and caregivers’ QoL. Many correlations remained stable over 12 months. Combined information and support interventions achieved significantly better PWD and caregiver QoL than single interventions. Direct costs (including costs of informal caregiving time) increased with an increase in dementia severity, neuropsychiatric and behavioural symptoms and functional limitations. There was a clear trend that caregivers were more distressed if patients received less in-home support. Direct non-medical costs of PWDs living at home did not increase with the severity of PWDs’ cognitive impairment. In 2008/09, there were an estimated 1,896 persons in Canterbury providing a total of 5.47 million hours of care for PWDs. This unpaid care had a value of NZ $135.8 million. Caregivers were much more likely to be depressed if they had a low income. More than one-third of family-caregivers (39.5%) thought that financial compensation for their time spent caring would enable them to look after the PWD at home for longer. Conclusions: A mix of different clinical and non-clinical (including economic) factors can predict QoL in dementia. The strong link between PWDs’ and caregivers’ QoL calls for a systemic approach in dementia care. QoL can be sustained over 1 year in a cohort of mainly early dementia patients and their informal caregivers. Developing psychosocial and financial incentives could be a key factor to support PWDs and their informal caregivers in New Zealand, consequently enabling them to live in the community for longer. These outcomes also have implications for health professionals and social policy makers which must be addressed as health practitioners and the wider community strive both for best practice and for cost-effective care of our increasingly ageing population.