Concert dress has both a psychological and a physical impact on female performers (Griffiths 2011). This research study aimed to examine the meaning of concert dress in the performances of female classical vocalists. This research was a qualitative study, using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a qualitative strategy of inquiry. The research participants included six experienced South African female classical vocalists between the ages of 30 and 55 and a South African concert dress designer based in New York. The research results suggested that, in view of the powerful influence of concert dress on the formation of a first impression, concert dress is, without a doubt, an important part of a performance. The meaning of concert dress is influenced by a number of factors. The study found that concert dress has a deep psychological impact on most of the participants and a physical impact on all the participants. The psychological effects of concert dress manifested in feelings of confidence and empowerment and also in the participants’ impression of body image. On the other hand, the physical effects of concert dress manifested in either comfort or discomfort, a positive/negative effect of dress on the singing technique and even injury as a result of an ill fit. In addition, if concert dress has a physical impact, this may manifest as a psychological impact and vice versa. Other factors which contributed to the selection of concert dress included the audience, personal style, and the criteria for concert dress. This study also explores modern trends such as body-focused dress. The participants agreed that concert dress should be a balanced representation of both the selected repertoire and the singer’s individuality. Although there are many factors which contribute to the meaning of concert dress to a female classical vocalist, all the participants cited a universal requirement, namely, it is essential that concert dress is comfortable. Key words: female classical vocalist, concert dress, performance, body image, repertoire, empowerment through dress, inhibiting factors of dress. / Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / Music / Unrestricted

The aim of this research is to investigate the extent to which Open Source Software (OSS) adoption behaviour can empirically be shown to be governed by a set of self-reported (driving and inhibiting) salient beliefs of key informants in a sample of organisations. Traditional IS adoption/usage theory, methodology and practice are drawn on. These are then augmented with theoretical constructs derived from IT governance and organisational diagnostics to propose an artefact that aids the understanding of organisational OSS adoption behaviour, stimulates debate and aids operational management interventions. For this research, a combination of quantitative methods (via Fisher's Exact Test) and complimentary qualitative method (via Content Analysis) were used using self-selection sampling techniques. In addition, a combination of data and methods were used to establish a set of mixed-methods results (or meta-inferences). From a dataset of 32 completed questionnaires in the pilot study, and 45 in the main study, a relatively parsimonious set of statistically significant driving and inhibiting factors were successfully established (ranging from 95% to 99.5% confidence levels) for a variety for organisational OSS adoption behaviours (i.e. by year, by software category and by stage of adoption). In addition, in terms of mixed-methods, combined quantitative and qualitative data yielded a number of factors limited to a relatively small number of organisational OSS adoption behaviour. The findings of this research are that a relatively small set of driving and inhibiting salient beliefs (e.g. Security, Perpetuity, Unsustainable Business Model, Second Best Perception, Colleagues in IT Dept., Ease of Implementation and Organisation is an Active User) have proven very accurate in predicting certain organisational OSS adoption behaviour (e.g. self-reported Intention to Adopt OSS in 2014) via Binomial Logistic Regression Analysis.

Submitted by Fabiany Feitosa (fabiany.sousa@ufba.br) on 2016-09-15T18:55:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Martins , Alan dos Santos.pdf: 2102612 bytes, checksum: d8acc2bcbf7bc1621018676c45e1096e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Angela Dortas (dortas@ufba.br) on 2016-10-13T17:01:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Martins , Alan dos Santos.pdf: 2102612 bytes, checksum: d8acc2bcbf7bc1621018676c45e1096e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-13T17:01:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Martins , Alan dos Santos.pdf: 2102612 bytes, checksum: d8acc2bcbf7bc1621018676c45e1096e (MD5) / Nos últimos anos, a Tecnologia da Informação (TI) assumiu um papel importantíssimo nas organizações públicas brasileiras e seu uso como ferramenta de planejamento estratégico ganhou destaque. Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal identificar fatores limitantes e inibidores para a implantação de um Planejamento Estratégico de Tecnologia da Informação alinhado ao Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional da Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (Univasf). O modelo de análise foi elaborado a partir de uma revisão da literatura sobre o tema fatores habilitadores e inibidores do alinhamento estratégico com a TI. O modelo foi fundamentado nas pesquisas de Luftman et al. (1999) e serviu como base de investigação, combinada com aspectos qualitativos dentro de uma pesquisa exploratória na Univasf. Para a coleta de dados, foi desenvolvido um questionário eletrônico que foi respondido por nove gestores ligados ao Planejamento Estratégico da instituição, bem como gestores ligados ao setor de TI, além de uma entrevista com os principais gestores do planejamento estratégico e do setor de TI. Os resultados obtidos permitiram a identificação de práticas que facilitam e inibem o desenvolvimento de um planejamento estratégico de TI alinhado com os objetivos institucionais. Tais práticas demonstram que a alta gestão da universidade precisa demandar esforços em relação a esses fatores a fim de promover melhorias efetivas no processo de planejamento estratégico de TI da instituição. / Over recent years, Information Technology (IT) has occupied an important role in Brazilian public organizations and its usage as a strategic plan tool has achieved a distinct position. This research aims at identifying the limiting and inhibiting factors for the establishment of a Strategic Plan for Information Technology in consonance with the Institutional Developing Plan of the Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (Univasf). The analysis model used in this study was based on a review of the specialized literature about the topic “enabling and inhibiting factors for the strategic alignment with IT.” The analysis model was developed according to the studies of Luftman et al. (1999) and such model was used as the basis of this investigation, combined with qualitative aspects of an exploratory research carried out at Univasf. By means of data collection, an electronic questionnaire was created and answered by nine managers associated with the Strategic Plan of Univasf, as well as managers associated with its IT sector; in addition, an interview with the main managers of its Strategic Plan and IT sector was carried out. The results that this study found out allow the identification of practices that facilitate or inhibit the development of an IT strategic plan in consonance with the university’s institutional objectives. Those practices demonstrate Univasf’ top management should gather efforts, regarding such factors, to promote effective improvements in its IT strategic plan process.

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2016-06-13T12:30:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Anderson Krielow_.pdf: 4896609 bytes, checksum: 3095871759da3a275ad37c54877bb3ad (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-13T12:30:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Anderson Krielow_.pdf: 4896609 bytes, checksum: 3095871759da3a275ad37c54877bb3ad (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-28 / CNPQ – Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / É sabido que a Internet tem crescido vertiginosamente no contexto empresarial brasileiro. Nas empresas prestadoras de serviços eletrônicos (e-services), a compreensão do comportamento de compra on-line reforça as estratégias de venda de serviços pelo canal da Internet. Para as empresas consumidoras se habilitarem a utilizar e a comprar e-services, é fundamental que os prestadores de serviços conheçam as motivações, os receios e as resistências consideradas na compra de um serviço on-line. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa, foi criada uma escala e testado um modelo teórico contemplando os construtos, Iniciativa da Gestão, Fatores Externos, Conveniência, Segurança no Acesso aos Dados, Falta de Tempo, Falta de Conhecimento e Experiência, Custo, Risco Percebido, Limitações Tecnológicas, Intenção de Compra e Comportamento de Compra, considerando suas respectivas hipóteses. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento teórico que aborda o comércio eletrônico (e-commerce) de produtos e serviços, bem como a compreensão e a análise de construtos que afetam o comportamento de compra de serviços on-line. Posteriormente, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa a partir de 28 entrevistas com Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPEs) do Rio Grande do Sul, para estruturar os construtos e construir a escala. Considerando como pesquisa principal a quantitativa, realizou-se um levantamento (survey) com uma amostra de 537 MPEs do RS, a fim de investigar os aspectos apresentados anteriormente. A análise dos resultados foi feita com base em estatísticas multivariadas e realizou-se primeiramente, uma análise fatorial exploratória para agrupar as variáveis e confirmar o Modelo Teórico. Utilizou-se a Modelagem de Equações Estruturais para testar o modelo, investigar e analisar os elementos que compõem o fenômeno de estudo. Diante disso, foi possível propor uma escala para medir os fatores motivadores e inibidores, bem como a intenção e o comportamento de compra de e-services por MPEs no mercado B2B. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que Modelo Teórico apresentou índices satisfatórios, considerando-se o ineditismo da escala. As contribuições que prevalecem são a comprovação de que a Iniciativa da Gestão, a Conveniência e a Segurança no Acesso aos dados dos Serviços On-line são fatores motivadores que influenciam positivamente a Intenção de Compra de e-service; a Falta de Conhecimento e Experiência, o Custo Elevado e o Risco Percebido são fatores inibidores que influenciam negativamente Intenção de Compra de e-service pelas MPEs no mercado B2B; e que a Intenção de Compra tem influência positiva sobre o Comportamento de Compra das Empresas estudadas / It is known that the Internet has grown dramatically in the Brazilian business environment. In companies providing electronic services (e-services), the understanding of online buying behavior reinforces the strategies of selling services by the internet channel. In order to enable consumer companies to use and to buy e-services, it is critical that service providers know the motivations, fears and resistances considered when purchasing an online service. For the development of this research, a Theoretical Model was tested contemplating the constructs, Management Initiative, External Factors, Convenience, Safety Data Access, Lack of Time, Lack of Knowledge and Experience, Cost, Perceived Risk, Technological limitations, Purchase Intent and Purchase Behavior, considering their respective cases. To this end, it was conducted a theoretical survey that covers electronic commerce (e-commerce) of products and services, as well as the understanding and analysis of constructs that affect the online services buying behavior. Subsequently, it was carried out a qualitative research from 28 interviews with Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to structure the constructs and to build scale. Considering primary the quantitative research, we carried out a survey with a sample of 537 MSEs in RS in order to investigate the issues presented above. The analysis was based on multivariate statistics and held first an exploratory factor analysis to group the variables and to confirm the Theoretical Model. We used the structural equation modeling to test the model, to investigate and to analyze the elements that compose the phenomenon of study. Thus, it was possible to propose a scale to measure the motivating factors and inhibitors, as well as buying behavior and buying intent of e-services for MSEs in B2B market. The research results indicate satisfactory indexes of the Theoretical Model, considering the uniqueness of the scale. Prominent contributions are the proof that Management Initiative, Convenience and Safety Data Access of Online Services are motivating factors that positively influence the Purchase Intent of e-service; Lack of Knowledge and Experience, High Cost and Perceived Risk are inhibiting factors that influence negatively Purchase Intent of e-service for MSEs in B2B market; and Purchase Intent has a positive influence on the Purchase Behavior of studied companies.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:32:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Renata de Souza Ferreira Medinaprot.pdf: 1481960 bytes, checksum: 9444f6cc48dc8f36e4df5d39111f6ba2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-31 / The general objective of this study is to identify what factors lead medium-sized multinational companies to adopt IFRS Full or IFRS SME. In order to do so, the Institutional Theory was applied as research basis since it provides theoretical ground for the identification of the reason why companies make such a choice. This work also sought to identify which institutional changing mechanisms, whether coercive, mimetic and/or normative, are present when companies look for legitimacy in the process of adopting norms. The sample presented here comprises eight professionals responsible for decision making in accounting processes working for the referred companies, selected according to an availability criteria. This researched was carried out applying semi-structured interviews, which allow a deeper investigation of the issue. Collected material has been analyzed through Bardin's Technical Analysis of Content (2007). From the results, it was possible to identify that the companies have the IFRS Full as their first choice. It was also found that such decision is bound to the technical skill of the professional in charge, along with the growing perspective for the company within a short term. The professionals working in such companies do not analyze the available accounting choices in both cases, demonstrating that there is no relationship between the choice made and the evaluation of the model that best suits operations and results. Little prioritization/relevance by companies in adopting norms, as well as little interference by third parties and little interference by the mother company were found as inhibiting factors. As for the encouraging factor, the study found that the capacity of the professional in charge responds for the adoption of norms, which takes place as a result of normative and mimetic pressure when companies search for legitimacy. In addition, we submitted the results of this research to the Accounting Council (CRC SP) and the Big Four consulting firm, in order to have them validated and deepened, since those two have been often mentioned by the professionals. Such consulting raise aspects mostly approached by the professionals, i.e. the need for a more effective professional class representation and a support from auditing firms with the board of directors of the companies studied, in order to propel the processes of adopting norms and also to generate a sense of responsibility by the companies in such processes, besides holding the accounting professionals responsible. / O objetivo geral deste trabalho é identificar fatores que direcionam as empresas multinacionais de médio porte à adoção das IFRS Full ou da IFRS SME. Para isso, baseou-se, na Teoria Institucional, a qual fornece subsídios teóricos para identificar o porquê às empresas fazem essa escolha. Buscou identificar, ainda, sob qual mecanismo de mudança institucional as empresas buscam legitimação no processo de adoção das normas internacionais, sejam eles, coercitivo, mimético e/ou normativo. A amostra desta pesquisa foi composta por oito profissionais responsáveis pela tomada de decisão dos processos contábeis dessas empresas, os quais foram selecionados pelo critério de acessibilidade. Para realização desta pesquisa foram efetuadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, as quais permitem maior profundidade na investigação do problema. Os materiais coletados foram analisados utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2007). Por meio dos resultados obtidos, foi possível identificar que as empresas, foco deste estudo, escolhem como first option, a adoção das IFRS Full. Pôde-se perceber que esta decisão está vinculada a capacitação técnica do profissional, paralelamente à perspectiva de crescimento dessas empresas a um período de curto a médio prazo. Verificou-se que os profissionais, que atuam nessas empresas, não efetuam análises das escolhas contábeis disponíveis nos dois modelos, demonstrando não haver relação entre escolha e avaliação do modelo que melhor se adeque as operações e aos resultados. Como fatores inibidores, identificou-se, a baixa priorização/importância à adoção pelas companhias, a baixa interferência de terceiros e a baixa interferência da matriz. Como fator indutor à adoção das normas internacionais, somente foi identificado, à capacitação profissional, a qual, por meio da pressão normativa e mimética, pôde ser percebida a busca pela legitimação. Ainda, buscando validar e aprofundar os resultados dessa pesquisa buscou-se junto ao órgão de classe, CRC SP, e junto as empresas de auditoria Big Four, à avalição dos resultados obtidos, uma vez que foram frequentemente citados pelos profissionais. Para esta avaliação foram apresentados os principais pontos levantados pelos profissionais, como, à necessidade de se ter um órgão de classe mais atuante e a necessidade de apoio das empresas de auditoria junto ao corpo diretivo dessas companhias, a fim de impulsionar o processo de adoção e também gerar responsabilização às empresas nesse processo, além da responsabilização dos profissionais.

Affective learning forms part of all kinds of educational experiences, regardless of whether the primary focus of learning is on the psychomotor or the cognitive domain. When students are exposed to these different types of educational experiences, their feelings or emotions will be stirred (Bastable 2003: 333). The aim of this study was to investigate the affective experiences of students who were enrolled for an online module, as part of their study programme. The study specifically aimed to investigate the meanings that students attached to their affective experiences during the module. The rationale of this study was based on the fact that students have affective experiences that influence their decision to persevere with a course. The purpose of this study was thus to explore and interpret the participants’ affective experiences in an online learning environment and to discover important categories of meaning (Marshall&Rossman 1999:33). The basis for the study was the fifth module of a two-year tutored master’s degree in computer-assisted education. This module, with its focus on e-learning, was presented entirely online for a period of six weeks. A game was played in cyberspace; and as the learning experiences of participants were based on surfing the Web, the game was called CyberSurfiver. In the e-learning environment, participants had to interact and communicate mainly by means of e-mail, Internet groups, and the online learning platform WebCT. Participants could also communicate synchronously by means of the Internet-based synchronous tool called Yahoo! Messenger. A qualitative approach was used for this research. A case study was chosen as a design for this study because it reflects particularistic, descriptive and heuristic characteristics. On the one hand, the case study could be related to the online culture but, on the other hand, the study aimed at interpreting meaning attached to experiences within the online culture. This study can be seen as falling within the constructivist-hermeneutic-interpretivist-qualitative paradigm. In this study, two focus group interviews were used as the principal method of data collection. The main purpose of the focus group interviews was to collect data about the affective experiences of participants. The first category identified during the data analysis and coding process of this study was called Curative Factors. The second category was called Process of Affective Development. It was concluded that the participants’ affective development could be compared to the levels of Krathwohl’s Taxonomy. The participants’ affective development were further assessed by means of a learning cycle model developed by Kort and Reilly (2002a:60-61). A third category namely <c>Inhibiting Factors was identified. The findings of this study emphasise the importance of the recognition of the holistic nature of the online students and their experiences, which imply that affective development cannot be separated from cognitive and psychomotor development. / Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

Community policing is a joint community and police effort to reduce the incidents of crime, to the benefit of the basic human need of safety. Without community assistance, police alone cannot reduce the crime levels. Since 2012, there have been attempts to implement community policing in Westonaria. However, the success of the implementation thereof has proved to be problematic. The question arose as to what the reason for this limited success is. The researcher formulated research questions to determine the meaning of community policing, as well as the factors affecting the successful implementation thereof in the Westonaria policing precinct. To achieve the desired results, the researcher used different methodologies, and identified target groups and data collection techniques, which was analysed and interpreted. Literature and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Primary sources such as written materials of the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Development Plan 2030 and other documents that relate to community policing and crime prevention strategies were analysed. In addition, secondary sources such as dissertations and theses, newspaper articles and text books on community policing were also consulted. Interviews were conducted with SAPS members and local community members. The purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants who was knowledgeable and had experience on the research topic. This study gives an overall explanation of what community policing is, from the literature reviewed relevant to the study, with the aim to strengthen partnership between the SAPS and local community of Westonaria. Inhibiting factors in the police, as well as in the community, were identified and recommendations are made for the successful implementation of community policing in the area. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminal Justice)

Text in English / Background: Children living in child-headed households have health needs that require treatment and care. Matsanjeni is one of the poorest socio-economic areas of Swaziland with the high number of children orphaned by HIV and AIDS who are often living without adequate family and social supports. These conditions are known for increasing people vulnerability to diseases and hindering access and utilization of health services. However, children living in child-headed households in Matsajeni community do attend the primary health care (PHC) services on regular basis. What influence the utilization of the above services by children living in child-headed households in the Matsanjeni community is not clear and well documented. Aim of the study: To explore and describe the views of children living in child-headed households in a rural community of Swaziland regarding factors influencing their utilization of PHC services. Design: A qualitative descriptive design was used to guide the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the most senior child from child-headed households in a rural community. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were used to generate data. Data saturation was reached after twenty interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. The researcher used Andersen behavioural model was to identify and organised the emerged themes. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committees of the University of South Africa and the Ministry of Health of Swaziland. Results: Fear to develop a deadly disease, perceived seriousness of the condition, desire for compliance to medical treatment, and community support emerged as enablers of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. While lack of money, ignorance, shortage of healthcare personnel, negative behaviour and attitude of health professionals, long waiting hours, unreliable transportation system, and long distance emerged as inhibitors of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. Conclusion and recommendation: The results of this study add to our understanding factors that positively and negatively influence the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households in rural communities. The findings suggest that the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households is influenced by need for care-enabling resources-experience of care triad. Behavioural and social welfare interventions are needed to enhance the utilisation of primary health care services among this vulnerable section of the community in Swaziland. Recommendation for further research is also articulated. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Text in English / Background: Children living in child-headed households have health needs that require treatment and care. Matsanjeni is one of the poorest socio-economic areas of Swaziland with the high number of children orphaned by HIV and AIDS who are often living without adequate family and social supports. These conditions are known for increasing people vulnerability to diseases and hindering access and utilization of health services. However, children living in child-headed households in Matsajeni community do attend the primary health care (PHC) services on regular basis. What influence the utilization of the above services by children living in child-headed households in the Matsanjeni community is not clear and well documented. Aim of the study: To explore and describe the views of children living in child-headed households in a rural community of Swaziland regarding factors influencing their utilization of PHC services. Design: A qualitative descriptive design was used to guide the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the most senior child from child-headed households in a rural community. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were used to generate data. Data saturation was reached after twenty interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. The researcher used Andersen behavioural model was to identify and organised the emerged themes. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committees of the University of South Africa and the Ministry of Health of Swaziland. Results: Fear to develop a deadly disease, perceived seriousness of the condition, desire for compliance to medical treatment, and community support emerged as enablers of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. While lack of money, ignorance, shortage of healthcare personnel, negative behaviour and attitude of health professionals, long waiting hours, unreliable transportation system, and long distance emerged as inhibitors of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. Conclusion and recommendation: The results of this study add to our understanding factors that positively and negatively influence the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households in rural communities. The findings suggest that the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households is influenced by need for care-enabling resources-experience of care triad. Behavioural and social welfare interventions are needed to enhance the utilisation of primary health care services among this vulnerable section of the community in Swaziland. Recommendation for further research is also articulated. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)