Recent research has challenged the way in which personality and attitude constructs are measured. Alternatives have been offered as to how non-cognitive responses are modeled, the mode of delivery used when administrating such scales, and the impact of technology in measuring personality. Thus, the major purpose of the studies in this thesis concerns two interrelated issues of personality research, namely the way personality responses are best modeled, and the most optimal mode by which personality items are presented and associated modal issues. Three studies are presented. First, recent developments using an ideal point approach to scale construction are outlined, and an empirical study compares modeling personality items based on an ideal point approach (generalized graded unfolding model; GGUM) and a dominance approach (graded response model: GRM). Second, an extensive review of literature pertaining to the mode effect when transferring paper-and-pencil measures to screen was conducted, in addition to a review of the various types of computerized and innovative items and their associated psychometric information. Finally, nine innovative items were developed using various multimedia features (e.g., video, graphics, and audio) to ascertain the advantages of these methods to present items constructed to elicit response behavior underlying ideal point approaches, namely, typical response behavior. It was found that the dominance IRT model continued to produce superior model-data fit for most items, more attention needs to be placed on developing principles for constructing ideal point type items, the web-based version supplied 20% more construct information than the paper version, and innovative items seem to provide more data-model fit for students with lower personality attributes. While the innovative items may require more initial outlay in terms of time and development costs, they have the capacity to provide more information regarding test-takers’ personality levels, potentially using fewer items.

Recent research has challenged the way in which personality and attitude constructs are measured. Alternatives have been offered as to how non-cognitive responses are modeled, the mode of delivery used when administrating such scales, and the impact of technology in measuring personality. Thus, the major purpose of the studies in this thesis concerns two interrelated issues of personality research, namely the way personality responses are best modeled, and the most optimal mode by which personality items are presented and associated modal issues. Three studies are presented. First, recent developments using an ideal point approach to scale construction are outlined, and an empirical study compares modeling personality items based on an ideal point approach (generalized graded unfolding model; GGUM) and a dominance approach (graded response model: GRM). Second, an extensive review of literature pertaining to the mode effect when transferring paper-and-pencil measures to screen was conducted, in addition to a review of the various types of computerized and innovative items and their associated psychometric information. Finally, nine innovative items were developed using various multimedia features (e.g., video, graphics, and audio) to ascertain the advantages of these methods to present items constructed to elicit response behavior underlying ideal point approaches, namely, typical response behavior. It was found that the dominance IRT model continued to produce superior model-data fit for most items, more attention needs to be placed on developing principles for constructing ideal point type items, the web-based version supplied 20% more construct information than the paper version, and innovative items seem to provide more data-model fit for students with lower personality attributes. While the innovative items may require more initial outlay in terms of time and development costs, they have the capacity to provide more information regarding test-takers’ personality levels, potentially using fewer items.

Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is South Africa’s statutory research agency dedicated to the social sciences. Information Services (IS) plays a significant role in advancing social science research through the provision of its proactive desk research and its library service. HSRC IS is looking at implementing a library solution that will better serve its users. The existing library system no longer meets the needs of the HSRC Library staff or the research staff. The functionality and efficiency of an ILS is critical to the smooth operation of IS in fulfilling its mandate within the HSRC, i.e. to provide access to information, in an efficient, useful, and timely manner, the focus being on ease of accessibility to a whole range of library and other online resources. The ILS must be able to handle many formats, accommodate searching on the Internet, provide a variety of functions including manipulating electronic data, working with graphics and expediting resource sharing. IS identified the following three ILS solutions, together with their add-on components 1) Innovative Interfaces’ Millennium solution, 2) SIRSI’s Unicorn solution and 3) Ex Libris’s ALEPH solution. The user and system requirements for ILS at the HSRC are sketched. The unique requirements, as well as the requirements the HSRC shares with other research organisations, are pointed out. The three ILS are evaluated against the criteria established. All three the ILS suppliers specialise exclusively in library automation software and have many years of experience in the provision and support of ILS, Innovative Interfaces Inc and Ex Libris for 25 years each and SIRSI for 15 years. Innovative Interfaces Inc has the largest customer base in South Africa. Ex Libris has one academic consortium as a client (CALICO) and some smaller utilisers, while SIRSI is just breaking into the South African market. All three systems comply fully with all the Cataloguing, Serials and Acquisitions modules requirements, that is, the more traditional library functionalities. When it comes to the more ‘non-traditional’ functionalities, such as full-text searching and discussion forum functionality, these systems still fall short. It is either not supported at all, or additional modules or add-ons are required. The various systems requirements are aligned to the current information technology environment at the HSRC. The conclusion is that the actual differences between the systems are few and far between, but that there are some specific requirements and add-on possibilities which makes Millennium the most attractive choice.

Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923), British Modernist writer whose search for authentic selves in the lives of the characters in her short stories, is reflected in her innovative style of writing in which she examines the interior consciousness of their minds. Mansfield questions the inauthentic lives of the characters, revealing that the roles they play are socially imposed forcing them to hide their true selves behind masks. The stories which have been chosen for this study focus on women characters (and men also) who grapple with societal prescriptions for accepted actions, and are rendered mute as a result. The women characters include all age groups and social classes. Some are young and impressionable (The Tiredness of Rosabel, The Little Governess and The Garden Party), others are married and older (Bliss, Prelude and Frau Brechenmacher attends a wedding ), while there are also middle-aged women in Miss Brill and The Life of Ma Parker. / English Studies / M.A. (English)

The emergence of Web 2.0 tools has transformed the operation of Knowledge Management (KM) practices in the academic libraries. This study has investigated the application of Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices in academic libraries in Tanzania. Eight out of twelve academic libraries located in public universities in Tanzania were purposively selected in this study. The study included two categories of respondents: ordinary library staff and senior library staff (directors, heads of libraries, library managers, and Information and Technology (IT) specialists in the library etc). The findings of the study were determined after applying methodological triangulation within quantitative and qualitative research contexts. This included the use of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and observations. In the first instance, questionnaires were used to collect data from 278 library staff selected using systematic sampling technique. Interviewing targeted 69 senior library staff was done using purposive sampling technique. In total, 254 (91.4%) ordinary library staff completed the questionnaire; while 57 (82.6%) senior librarians were interviewed. The study findings have indicated the low level of KM application in academic libraries. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) Library showed the strongest application of KM practices, followed by State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Library. Lack of KM enablers in academic libraries was indicated as one of the significant challenges that hinder the application of KM practices in academic libraries. It was noted that most of the academic libraries visited had websites. On the other hand, the majority of respondents acknowledged that they had personal accounts of the various Web 2.0 tools. The study findings imply that most library staff had some level of experience with a variety of Web 2.0 tools. It was further established that despite the high level of familiarity and use of Web 2.0 tools, respondents were not frequent users of their library websites. The study findings have also indicated a low level of access and use of Web 2.0 tools within academic libraries. Mzumbe University (MU) and SUZA Libraries were the main users of Web 2.0 tools; followed by University of Dar-es-Salaam (UDSM) Library. Knowledge Management System (KMS) Success Model was employed to investigate factors that affect the application of Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices. The study findings have demonstrated that the KMS Success Model is suitable for guiding the understanding of the contributing factors with respect to library staff‟s intention to reuse Web 2.0 tools. The study findings supported the KMS Success Model well, whereby seven of the twelve hypothesised relationships were found to be significant. The study recommends that academic libraries in Tanzania should promote and integrate KM practices in their daily operations as well as the use of KM enablers such as; reliable budget, Web 2.0 tools, reliable power supply, internet connectivity availability and adequate ICTs infrastructure. / Information Science / D. Litt. et. Phil. (Information Science)

Recent nursing literature has repeatedly proclaimed the need for creativity in nursing. The complexity of contemporary nursing practice as a result of the explosion of knowledge and technology, changing human values and diverse health care systems, requires an innovative and creative nurse who can adapt to change and provide holistic, individualised, context-specific patient care. Higher levels of cognitive thought, creative thinking and problem-solving skills have been stressed as desirable qualities of student nurses. It is suggested in the literature that the evolution of innovative strategies and the ways to implement them into nursing curricula be explored in order to assist and encourage students to develop these higher cognitive skills. From an analytical study of the literature which was undertaken with the aim of exploring the nature of creativity and the processes involved in creative thinking and learning, and of identifying innovative strategies particularly relevant to the teaching of nursing, it became apparent that the most significant determinants in teaching for creativity, are the learning enviromnent, the educator-student relationship, and the provision of a variety of teaching strategies, which are student-centred with a problem-solving focus. It was established that stimulation of both the left and right hemispheres of the brain is essential for the development of creative thinking skills. Based on the insights and knowledge gained in the study, a nursing education model for the fostering of creativity was developed. This model encompasses a wide variety of didactic considerations and is designed to stimulate whole brain learning. It is hoped that its use will be of value in the production of innovative and courageous nurse practitioners who will be better equipped to cope with the changes and challenges of their working environment and be able to provide context-specific nursing care. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Nursing Science)

This thesis sets out to investigate new notation symbols, systems, and string techniques in some one hundred 20th century string quartets, selected from a variety of composers. The analysis includes compositions that have, through contemporary aesthetic ideals, extended musical and technical resources and stimulated the development of compositional methods in such a way as to influence later works in the genre. k The thesis divided into two parts : Histoiy and Research Part One is a brief history of 20th century music, and includes the development o f the string quartet from earliest times up to the mid-century. Part Two researches string techniques and notation from the turn of the century up to 1990. The historical perspective demonstrates that after World War n, with the emergence o f the electronic age and a changing social and intellectual climate, traditional concepts were being challenged. Composers facing the dilemma affecting music in general, and the string quartet in particular, had to adapt to radically developing techniques and styles. Sounds and syntax o f a different type were initially, but unsuccessfully, sought to unify the divergent thinking o f the time. Ultimately, the developmental paths took shape from the problem itself and different approaches emerged to master the multi-faceted dimensions available to composers. Part Two investigates music syntax from the viewpoint of recording new symbols, notation systems and string techniques. Quartets of the first half of the century show that both the dissolution and the extension o f traditional processes were contained, importantly, within the continued use of conventional notation. The impact and significance of these quartets within the context of 20th century development cannot be ignored. However, the quartets researched post-1960 demonstrate that composers have enlarged all parameters of the genre through the extension of traditional resources and by radical innovation. This research demonstrates that the emergence of new symbols and string techniques in the second half of the century has been largely on an arbitrary basis. Nevertheless^ broad classification of these elements is undertaken. / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / D.Mus. (Musicology)

The introduction of PPPs in infrastructure provision has changed the way in which governments around the world now view infrastructure provision. However, the introduction of PPPs to deliver the needed infrastructure has benefited only a few companies. Most of these companies are the big construction firms that possess technological know-how and those that have the financial ability to execute large infrastructure projects. Although SMEs are important for employment creation, inequality and poverty reduction, the participation of SMEs in these PPP projects is very low. This is because PPP models in developing countries are based on those used in developed economies, and such models ignore the socio-economic problems facing developing countries. Therefore, this study argues that PPP projects in developing countries present an opportunity for growing the SME sectors in developing countries. It challenges the viewpoint of seeing infrastructure backlogs only as providing opportunities to big private sector companies and argues that infrastructure backlogs can be used by governments to reduce the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality by linking SMEs to PPP projects. The traditional PPP model that is being applied by many developing countries does not fully encourage the participation of SMEs in PPP projects, as most of the projects executed through this model are bundled into big projects that SMEs cannot execute due to a lack of technological know-how and weak balance sheets. The study therefore suggests different ways in which the participation of SMEs in PPP projects could be improved based on the results of the survey conducted for this study. The study then proposes an “innovative conceptual PPP model for sustainable SME development” that takes into account the needs for developing countries to create jobs, reduce poverty and inequality. It also takes into account all challenges for SMEs identified through the review of literature and the study survey. / Economics / D. Litt. et Phil. (Economics)

Submitted by Silvar Ribeiro (silvarfribeiro@gmail.com) on 2015-07-31T02:49:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Revisão_Final.pdf: 6102234 bytes, checksum: ba33232b55704651aa8b704eb385cf82 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Auxiliadora da Silva Lopes (silopes@ufba.br) on 2015-08-27T17:28:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Revisão_Final.pdf: 6102234 bytes, checksum: ba33232b55704651aa8b704eb385cf82 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-08-27T17:28:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Revisão_Final.pdf: 6102234 bytes, checksum: ba33232b55704651aa8b704eb385cf82 (MD5) / Programa de Doutorado Sanduíche no Exterior - PDSE - CAPES Proc N.º BEX 3517/13-6 / Esta pesquisa trata do mapeamento de Práticas inovadoras de gestão do conhecimento, observadas na Uneb, no âmbito do Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil (UAB). Realizou-se um estudo dos processos de gestão do conhecimento, que foram desenvolvidos em rede e praticados de forma colaborativa pelas universidades que fazem parte da UAB. Constatou-se que estes processos foram criados desde a concepção do projeto da UAB e implementados no período de consolidação da modalidade de educação a distância nas universidades públicas brasileiras, que teve início no ano de 2006 com sua a criação. Foram utilizadas técnicas de mapeamento cognitivo para desenvolver as análises, buscando-se a utilização desta experiência e a sua sistematização, para delinear o processo que recebeu o nome de Gestão Colaborativa do Conhecimento em Rede (GCCR), concebido no desenvolvimento desta pesquisa e que utiliza as tecnologias da informação na gestão do conhecimento na universidade. Após o Mapeamento dos processos, realizados a partir da Universidade do Estado da Bahia, considerando a sua participação na UAB e a sua interação com as demais instituições que o integram, foram realizadas reflexões com a utilização de modelos de análises, desenvolvidos para este fim, através das quais foram considerados os aspectos legais e as diretrizes criadas pelo Sistema UAB, desde a sua concepção e que motivaram a sua morfologia de rede colaborativa. Foram analisadas, ainda, as práticas interativas nos processos de gestão do conhecimento, os quais foram desenhados em forma de mapas, a partir dos referenciais teóricos assumidos neste estudo. Os referenciais para o estudo das competências e do exercício prático da competência colaboração pelos coordenadores UAB, representantes das instituições de ensino superior integrantes do Sistema, no seu dia a dia, foram o resultado do estágio de doutorado sanduíche, realizado na Open University, no Reino Unido em 2013, de onde vieram também as discussões sobre Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA) e o aprofundamento das técnicas da cartografia cognitiva, amplamente empregada. Os procedimentos de gestão decorrentes deste processo foram registrados e analisados para dar-lhes maior visibilidade, buscando maior consistência à sua compreensão como processo gerencial e visando a possibilitar o seu uso em prol da qualidade da gestão do conhecimento na educação superior a distância. Os resultados deixam evidente a existência de um processo inovador de gestão do conhecimento na universidade, que tem como base principal o exercício da competência colaboração e se concretiza através de uma rede de interações entre os componentes do sistema, utilizando-se comunidades virtuais na Internet, criadas para este fim e outras estruturas de encontros presenciais, sistematicamente realizados. / ABSTRACT This research focuses on the mapping of innovative practices of knowledge management, observed in UNEB under the Open University System of Brazil (UAB). It was conducted a study of knowledge management processes that have been developed and practiced collaboratively on network by universities that are part of UAB. It was found that these processes have been created since the conception of the UAB project and implemented in the period of consolidation of distance learning in Brazilian public universities, which began in 2006 with UAB‟s creation. The cognitive mapping techniques were used to develop the analysis, seeking to use this experience and their systematization, to outline the process that was named Collaborative Knowledge Management Network (CKMN), designed in the development of this research and uses information technology in knowledge management at the university. After mapping the processes performed from the University of the State of Bahia, considering its participation in the UAB and its interaction with other institutions that integrate, reflections were performed with the use of analyzes models, developed for this purpose, through the which were considered the legal aspects and guidelines created by the UAB System, from conception and giving rise to the morphology of collaborative network. Were also analyzed, interactive practices in knowledge management processes, which were designed in the form of maps, from the theoretical references made in this study. The reference for the study of the skills and practical exercise of jurisdiction by UAB collaboration coordinators, representatives of higher education institutions members of the System, in their day to day, were the result of sandwich doctoral stage, held at the Open University in the United Kingdom in 2013, from which also came the discussions on Open Educational Resources (OER) and the further development of techniques of cognitive mapping, widely used. Management procedures of this process were recorded and analyzed to give them greater visibility, seeking greater consistency to its understanding as a management process and in order to allow its use for the quality of knowledge management in distance higher education. The results show clearly the existence of an innovative process of knowledge management in the university, which is mainly based on the exercise of the competence of collaboration realized by a network of interactions between system components, using virtual communities on the Internet, created for this purpose and other face meetings structures, systematically performed.

The purpose of this thesis is to examine methods, forms, and processes for presenting the lives and work of the Czech catholic poets Jan Zahradníček, Bohuslav Reynek, and Josef Kostohryz during high-school literature lessons. Furthermore, the objective is to propose ways of introducing the young generation of readers to catholic poetry as a source of existentialist questions pertaining to life and existence, deep personal experiences, and spirituality regardless of their individual religious beliefs and preferences. Since this thesis is primarily intended to serve as a tool for high-school teachers, the text contains an extensive section that describes the general aspects of the proposed didactic approach, where the aim is to facilitate orientation in the proposed concept on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to define the foregoing aspects because they constitute the basis of the concept. The concept chosen as a means for achieving the objectives of the thesis is based on the principles, teaching methods, and forms of innovative learning. Innovative learning is based on the constructivist model and on an approach to teaching literature that is based on readership, interpretation, and creativity, where focus concentrates on the active and independent work of students, receptive and productive...