1 Abstract The diploma thesis focuses on defining the factors that significantly influence the frame of the pension reform in years 1990-2017. It observes the evolution of the predominant discourses relevant to each period, as well as the role of political parties, both from the point of view of individual governments and during their activity within the expert committees focusing on adjustments to the pension system. The thesis analyses the election programmes of political parties and movements, which are then confronted with the submitted variants within the I Bezděk Committee and the Expert Committee on Pension Reform. There is also a role analysis of other selected participants, who significantly contributed to the creation of possible reform options. The thesis finds answers to the set hypotheses dedicated to the issue of political parties and their interest and possible consistency in the field of pension reform. The impact of the created coalitions on the deviations from the originally declared intentions and the expert committee's influence on the possible form of the pension reform are discussed, too. Theories of discourse institutionalism, the theory of agenda setting, and the theory of framing were used as theoretical starting points. Within the methodology, the author applies mainly the...

My diploma thesis, Kolbenova "flea market" - market as a space, market as an organism, searches what is the nature of such a place as perceived by its visitors. I claim that the market can be taken to be an organism continuously reacting to incentives from both the market surroundings and the market participants. The perception of the market is determined by four main elements - space, in which it is being held, temporal aspect of the market and its influence on the changes of the place, the products being marketed and the participants themselves. Based on the analysis of the data gained mostly by the participating observation and semistructured and random interviews, I have concluded that due to the interacting nature of the four aspects the Kolbenova flea market is not a fixed subject, but is a constantly changing and reacting mixture of the four aforementioned aspects.

Problem Statement Residency programs that emphasize clinical reasoning and manual therapy can provide a means to optimize the outcomes of physical therapy without the need for or access to expensive equipment. The residency format of continuing education could allow physical therapists in developing countries access to specialty training and ongoing mentorship. However, there are limited studies that investigate the influence of residency training on the progression of clinical reasoning, professional development, and career advancement. Purpose The purpose of this study was threefold. The first objective was to describe the outcome of a post-graduate orthopaedic manual therapy residency program on development of knowledge and clinical reasoning skills by physical therapists in Nairobi, Kenya. The second objective was to explore the influence of the residency program on the participants’ professional development and career advancement. The last objective was to explore the residency experience from participants’ perspectives. Methodology This mixed methods study utilized a sample of convenience that included residents in the third (n=14) and fourth (n=13) cohorts of the orthopaedic manual therapy residency program in Kenya. Data collection included an assessment of clinical reasoning through a live patient examination, a survey on professional and career development, and qualitative interviews. Results There was a significant improvement in clinical reasoning development as measured by an assessment of a live patient examination (p Discussion The residency program in Nairobi, Kenya may serve as a framework for the formation of post-graduate education programs in other developing countries. The development of residency programs that can influence the ability of physical therapists to provide treatment efficiently and effectively may ultimately assist in serving community physical therapy needs.

The involvement of end users in the design process is gaining popularity, particularly through human-centred design (HCD). This case study addresses two practical issues: the lack of engagement of Swedish public sector office workers in designing their workspaces and the need to prioritize user needs in new meeting places. The research examines engagement at the leadership/ownership level using participatory speculative design (PSD), which goes beyond HCD. Through participatory action research (PAR), users are empowered to question their needs and lead the design process. The study employs PSD in two workshops to explore its contribution to the process and outcome. It focuses on identifying ownership-level engagement indicators and assessing how PSD influences reflecting user needs in the initial prototype of future meeting spaces. The central research question revolves around identifying indicators of ownership-level engagement in PSD and assessing how the PSD methodology influences the reflection of user needs in the initial prototype of future meeting spaces. Data collection involves secondary data, literature review, and design workshops, analysing workshop design and participant behaviour’s impact on engagement levels and organizations. The study aims to provide practical solutions and bridge knowledge gaps in participant engagement. Findings demonstrate the practical implications of involving end users at the highest level, including fresh insights, broader perspectives, and the democratization of the design process. PSD at the ownership level proves feasible, offering novel insights within the realm of PSD.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Curriculum and Instruction / M. Gail Shroyer / This study was designed to examine one component of impact within a High School Professional Development School (PDS) partnership. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact of pre-service teachers on the students they teach and the cooperating teachers who mentor them. More specifically, this study was designed to explore the impact on the learning environment of high school students who were taught by pre-service teachers and the cooperating teachers who mentored them from the perspective of 8 pre-service teachers, 130 high school students, and 8 cooperating teachers. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the concept of an Optimal Learning Environment (National Research Council, 1999). The overarching question for this study was: In what ways do pre-service teachers impact the learning environment of the PDS in which they complete their final clinical experience? Survey and interview data were gathered from participants to explore the perceived impact of the pre-service teachers on the (a) learner centered learning environment, (b) assessment centered learning environment, and (c) knowledge centered learning environment of the high school students and cooperating mentor teachers. The data collected were focused on what the high school students, pre-service teachers and cooperating mentor teachers perceived based on their personal experiences and understanding. The results of this study indicated a perceived positive impact on the learner centered, assessment centered, and knowledge centered learning environments of the high school students and the cooperating mentor teachers from the perspectives of the high school students, pre-service teachers and cooperating mentor teachers. The researcher thus concluded that the pre-service teachers positively impacted the perceived Optimal Learning Environment of the PDS in which they completed their final clinical experience.

Sport and sport events contribute a big percentage to the growth of sport tourism in South Africa. South Africa also hosts some of the most significant endurance events such as the Cape Argus, Cape Epic, Midmar Mile, Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon. These endurance events have the potential to enhance endurance sport in South Africa and can also be used as a tool for tourism. It is important however, to determine the endurance sport consumption behaviour for participants and spectators who attend these events, since their behaviour and habits will influence their choices pertaining to travelling for sport events and even tourism. Sport tourism literature currently does not provide information and insight on this matter. Due to the lack of literature pertaining to endurance sport consumption behaviour, a description had to be provided to aid with the study. Endurance sport consumption behaviour (ESCB) in this study is therefore described as behaviour revealed by sport consumers who adapt their lifestyles after realising their desire to be self-complete, by testing and developing their bodies through sport activities. Sport consumption becomes the essence when participating in competitive, nature-related and fitness activities for both professional and amateur sport consumers. For spectatorship, these behaviours will differ, since the intentions of fans and supporters as well as the reasons for spectating differ, but sport events give them the opportunity to engage in sport on a different level, whether for the event or for the participant. These behavioural intentions can be influenced by the sport consumers’ attitude and subjective norms. ESCB is influenced by three main factors and includes: the demographic and behavioural profile; the motives and travel behaviour and the commitment towards the sport/event. The goal of the study was therefore to do a critical assessment of sport consumption at endurance sport events. In order to achieve this aim, secondary data of five endurance events (Cape Argus, Cape Epic, Midmar Mile, Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon) were pooled. A total of 6453 questionnaires were distributed between the respective events for both participants and spectators attending these sport events and were included in the statistical analysis. From a first point of view, these sport consumers might seem homogenous, but when analysing the results, it became evident that sport participants and spectators (with regards to participation and support of endurance events) were not homogenous pertaining to their sport consumption behaviour at the respective endurance sport events. There are four main aspects that drive ESCB for endurance participants, namely the type of participant who pursues the sport; the age of the participant; the type of sport and the motives to participate. Four travel motives for these endurance sport participants were commitment, intrinsic achievement, escape and socialisation and the challenge these events provide. Endurance participants furthermore see sport events as an opportunity to travel. The spectators’ ESCB were driven by their socio-demographic and behavioural profile and the motives for supporting the respective endurance events. Endurance sport spectators were motivated by the social interaction and the sport novelty of the sport events. Their memorable experiences were influenced by the event’s personnel and provision, amenities, comfort and visibility, infrastructure and marketing. The study made literature contributions pertaining to the description of ESCB, which were lacking from sport tourism literature. Based on the results, recommendations were made, not only based on ESCB, but also on how these types of events can be used to enhance sport tourism in South Africa as well as the participation and support for these types of sport. Spectators’ views on endurance sport events were also lacking. The study indicated that these consumers were personally involved with the participants’ journey to success, compared to supporters who attended for the event in specific. In this study, sport consumer profiles are compared on a large scale, which have not yet been done in current sport literature, providing a holistic overview of endurance sport consumers. Sport consumer profiles are influenced by the sport context and the marketing of these events, but most importantly the ESCB. Practical contributions include the specialisation for endurance sport events, the growth for sport and tourism and insights to consumer behaviour for sport event organisers and marketers. This study is important, especially for sport marketers and organisations, in order to ensure the long term sustainability and competitiveness for the sport industry as well as for expanding sport tourism and tourism in South Africa. / PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Sport and sport events contribute a big percentage to the growth of sport tourism in South Africa. South Africa also hosts some of the most significant endurance events such as the Cape Argus, Cape Epic, Midmar Mile, Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon. These endurance events have the potential to enhance endurance sport in South Africa and can also be used as a tool for tourism. It is important however, to determine the endurance sport consumption behaviour for participants and spectators who attend these events, since their behaviour and habits will influence their choices pertaining to travelling for sport events and even tourism. Sport tourism literature currently does not provide information and insight on this matter. Due to the lack of literature pertaining to endurance sport consumption behaviour, a description had to be provided to aid with the study. Endurance sport consumption behaviour (ESCB) in this study is therefore described as behaviour revealed by sport consumers who adapt their lifestyles after realising their desire to be self-complete, by testing and developing their bodies through sport activities. Sport consumption becomes the essence when participating in competitive, nature-related and fitness activities for both professional and amateur sport consumers. For spectatorship, these behaviours will differ, since the intentions of fans and supporters as well as the reasons for spectating differ, but sport events give them the opportunity to engage in sport on a different level, whether for the event or for the participant. These behavioural intentions can be influenced by the sport consumers’ attitude and subjective norms. ESCB is influenced by three main factors and includes: the demographic and behavioural profile; the motives and travel behaviour and the commitment towards the sport/event. The goal of the study was therefore to do a critical assessment of sport consumption at endurance sport events. In order to achieve this aim, secondary data of five endurance events (Cape Argus, Cape Epic, Midmar Mile, Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon) were pooled. A total of 6453 questionnaires were distributed between the respective events for both participants and spectators attending these sport events and were included in the statistical analysis. From a first point of view, these sport consumers might seem homogenous, but when analysing the results, it became evident that sport participants and spectators (with regards to participation and support of endurance events) were not homogenous pertaining to their sport consumption behaviour at the respective endurance sport events. There are four main aspects that drive ESCB for endurance participants, namely the type of participant who pursues the sport; the age of the participant; the type of sport and the motives to participate. Four travel motives for these endurance sport participants were commitment, intrinsic achievement, escape and socialisation and the challenge these events provide. Endurance participants furthermore see sport events as an opportunity to travel. The spectators’ ESCB were driven by their socio-demographic and behavioural profile and the motives for supporting the respective endurance events. Endurance sport spectators were motivated by the social interaction and the sport novelty of the sport events. Their memorable experiences were influenced by the event’s personnel and provision, amenities, comfort and visibility, infrastructure and marketing. The study made literature contributions pertaining to the description of ESCB, which were lacking from sport tourism literature. Based on the results, recommendations were made, not only based on ESCB, but also on how these types of events can be used to enhance sport tourism in South Africa as well as the participation and support for these types of sport. Spectators’ views on endurance sport events were also lacking. The study indicated that these consumers were personally involved with the participants’ journey to success, compared to supporters who attended for the event in specific. In this study, sport consumer profiles are compared on a large scale, which have not yet been done in current sport literature, providing a holistic overview of endurance sport consumers. Sport consumer profiles are influenced by the sport context and the marketing of these events, but most importantly the ESCB. Practical contributions include the specialisation for endurance sport events, the growth for sport and tourism and insights to consumer behaviour for sport event organisers and marketers. This study is important, especially for sport marketers and organisations, in order to ensure the long term sustainability and competitiveness for the sport industry as well as for expanding sport tourism and tourism in South Africa. / PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Pasaulyje vykstantys ekonominės krizės procesai, jos padariniai, įtakojantys visą valstybės gyvenimą, taip pat ir mokesčių sistemą, verčia kalbėti apie jų įtaką mokesčių kultūros pokyčiams. Siekiant pagrįsti mokesčių kultūros tyrimų svarbą, darbe pateikta mokesčių ir kultūros sąryšių bei mokesčių sistemos analizė (filosofiniu, socialiniu – kultūriniu, teologiniu aspektais). Disertacijoje pateikta sisteminė mokesčių kultūros sampratos ir jos formavimosi prielaidų analizė, patikslinta mokesčių kultūros samprata, pagrįsti mokesčių kultūrą sąlygojantys veiksniai. Mokesčių kultūros vertinimo prielaidos patikrintos, įvertinus mokesčių kultūrą sąlygojančių veiksnių atsispindėjimą makroekonominiuose rodikliuose ir atlikus Lietuvos mokesčių mokėtojų nuomonės tyrimą mokesčių kultūros sampratos tikrinimui ir ją sąlygojančių svarbiausių veiksnių nustatymui. Suformuotas sisteminis mokesčių kultūros vertinimo modelis apima mokesčių kultūrą sąlygojančių veiksnių tikslinimą ir sisteminimą, svarbiausių veiksnių nustatymą ir išskyrimą, rodiklių įvertinančių šiuos veiksnius parinkimą ir pagrindimą, mokesčių kultūros vertinimo matematinio modelio formavimą ir jo tikrinimą bei universalaus mokesčių kultūros vertinimo modelio pagrindimą. Modelis atspindi mokesčių kultūros kaip požiūrio ir elgsenos sintezės vertinimą. Sudarytu ir empiriškai ES šalių pavyzdžiu patikrintu modeliu gali naudotis bet kurios šalies su apmokestinimu susiję dalyviai ar jų grupės ir ypač politikai, mokesčių administratoriai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The processes of the global economic crisis and its effects affecting the whole life of the State, including the tax system, require examination of their influence on changes in tax culture. To justify the importance of tax culture research, analysis of links between taxes and culture and the tax system from philosophical, social-cultural and theological aspects are presented in the dissertation. The dissertation presents the systematic analysis of the conception and preconditions for formation of the tax culture, specifies conception of the tax culture, and identifies factors affecting the tax culture. Assumptions concerning assessment of tax culture have been validated by assessing how factors determining the tax culture are reflected in macroeconomic indicators, by means of taxpayer opinion survey for specification of the conception of tax culture and for determination of the key factors determining it. The four stages are included into the systematic Tax Culture Assessment Model, which encompasses specification and systematization of factors affecting the tax culture, identification of the most important factors, selection and justification of the indicators reflecting those factors, development and validation of the mathematical model for assessment of the tax culture, and substantiation of universality of the Tax Culture Assessment Model. This model reflects assessment of the tax culture as a synthesis of attitudes and behavior. The developed model was validated on the... [to full text]

Darbe atlikta teorinė bendradarbiavimo sampratos ir ugdymo dalyvių bendradarbiavimo bendrojo lavinimo mokykloje analizė. Iškelta hipotezė, jog mokytojai ir specialistai tenkindami vaikų specialiuosius ugdymosi poreikius dirba komandoje, bendradarbiavimą laikydami neatsiejamu jos elementu. Anketinės apklausos metodu buvo atliktas tyrimas, kurio tikslas - atskleisti pedagogų, specialistų, dirbančių su specialiųjų ugdymosi poreikių turinčiais vaikais, bendradarbiavimo ypatumus bendrojo lavinimo mokykloje ir specialiojo ugdymo kontekste, atskleidžiant realią bendradarbiavimo situaciją, bendradarbiavimo formas. Atlikta statistinė duomenų analizė. Tyrime dalyvavo bendrojo lavinimo mokyklų pagalbos mokiniui specialistai (N=70) (specialieji pedagogai, socialiniai pedagogai, logopedai, psichologai ir kt.) ir bendrojo lavinimo mokyklų pradinio ugdymo pedagogai (N=226) (iš viso 296 respondentai). Empirinėje dalyje nagrinėjama specialistų ir pradinių klasių mokytojų bendradarbiavimo situacija. Remiantis gautais duomenimis, atskleidžiama mokytojų ir specialistų nuomonė apie bendradarbiavimą, bendradarbiavimo naudą, formas, bendradarbiauti trukdančius veiksnius, sunkumus, patiriamus ugdant specialiųjų ugdymosi poreikių turinčius mokinius. Svarbiausios empirinio tyrimo išvados : 1. Atlikus statistinį duomenų apdorojimą, nustatyta, jog mokytojus dažniausiai skatina bendradarbiauti ugdymo kokybės motyvas, specialistus – lygiavertės profesinės partnerystės poreikis. Abi respondentų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The theoretical concepts of cooperation and education cooperation between participants in a comprehensive school analysis were carried out in the work. The hypothesis was raised that teachers and specialists serving children's special educational needs works in team, by holding cooperation its inherent feature. By questionnaire survey method was conducted research with the aim - to reveal the teachers and specialists working with special needs children having features cooperation between mainstream schools and special education in the context of cooperation in disclosing the real situation, the forms of cooperation. The statistical analysis of data was done. The study included general education student assistance specialists (N = 70) (special educators, social pedagogues, speech therapists, psychologists, etc.) general education and elementary education pedagogues (N = 226) (total of 296 respondents).The empirical part deals with specialists and primary school teachers in cooperation situation. Based on the disclosed data opinion of teachers and experts on co-benefits of cooperation was revealed, forms of work, interfering factors, the difficulties faced by developing special educational needs students. The main empirical conclusions: 1. After statistical processing of the data revealed that teachers often encourage cooperation in raising the quality of the motive, specialists - equivalent to a professional need for partnership. Both groups of respondents agree that... [to full text]

The aim of this work was to analyze complexly the failure of financial market entities, with the accent of a banking institution, comparison with the European legal system, but also with the emphasis on solving the financial crisis of the banking system and its ways of resolving or maintaining the activity, possible insolvency of banking entities. At the end of the thesis, the author also deals with practical aspects of selected banks. From the above point of view, three sub-concepts are key to this work, which deserve a brief explanation as they permeate the work and gradually reveal the basic issues of the subject matter, but also their hypotheses outlining the next direction of research, and at the same time offers some legislative guidance material solution of the given issue. The first term is the "starting point". In this work, there is a detailed survey of research to find answers to the question as to what are the basic points of the financial market entities as well as banking institutions, but above all their failure. The hypothesis in this context is the evolutionary development of the areas concerned, in particular financial law in a broad sense, and the extent of its impact on the current legal regulation of financial market participants and the resolution of their failures. The second...