This research study presents an investigation of interpreter trainees acquiring New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) as a second language (L2) outside their formal classroom learning. This study was motivated firstly by a concern that a considerable reduction in learner and lecturer contact hours within an NZSL interpreting programme would compromise graduate NZSL competency, necessitating a compensatory approach predominantly in the context of the Deaf community. Secondly, the study attempts to address a marked gap in research related to L2 sign language learning from a socio-cultural perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a bilingual context (NZSL and English) in order to gain the ‘inside’ perspectives of six NZSL learners who had just completed a two-year Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting. The interviews sought to uncover the informal NZSL language learning opportunities used by the participants, especially within the social context of the Deaf community, and the individual learner strategies utilised by ‘good learners’ of NZSL. Interview data were transcribed and were analysed by employing qualitative methods. Coding of the data revealed a number of categories which were subsequently examined for salient themes relating to the research questions. The main findings of the study revolved around the significance of L2 learner access to social and material resources, especially within the Deaf socio-cultural context. Of particular significance was the enhancement of learner motivation and confidence as was the frequency and depth of interaction with Deaf people and degree of mediated NZSL learning from NZSL mentors. Of key importance were the social relationships and networks developed with L1 users, which facilitated access to an array of NZSL learning opportunities. Material language learning resources, such as NZSL video samples and equipment were also useful, when interaction with Deaf people was not possible due to heavy study demands, especially in the second year of the programme. Learner involvement in the Deaf community, particularly within Deaf social networks, resulted in significantly improved linguistic, pragmatic and socio-cultural competency. The findings of the study raise two main implications. Firstly, the study highlights the need for NZSL interpreting curriculum enrichment and the resourcing of the programme to foster learner autonomy. Secondly, to date there has been little research on adult L2 sign language learning outside the classroom context and the study may stimulate further studies of the acquisition of sign language as a second language. The study may also be of benefit to autonomous L2 sign language learners and stakeholders in sign language interpreting education around the world.

<p>Background: Globalisation and technology creates an impact in the business world an economy thus leadsmany countries, such as Sweden to encourage foreign investments in their nation by promotion and providing assistance. This phenomenon brings about not only a global market place for firms but also opportunities for individual entrepreneurs with wider business horizon. In this thesis, these individuals are defined as international entrepreneurs. Without prior resources and business networks as of established firms, it is undeniable that an international entrepreneur would face various difficulties when they start their businesses away from home. Networking can be an important tool in gaining opportunities and resources in starting a business abroad thus it may be essential for international entrepreneurs to play a leading role in accessing networks in the hosting country to gain resources. Networks contribute to the dynamism of market entry. Market entry is not just described as ways of entry but could be described as a process and it could be illustrated in three phases: “Opportunity-seeking phase”, “Establishment phase” and “Realized Process phase”</p><p>Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation is to understand “how international entrepreneurs managed market entry process in network approach in Sweden”.</p><p>Method: A qualitative method approach has been used to achieve the purpose of the thesis. For gaining a better understanding of the topic, authors chose case study and conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data and analyzed it to draw a conclusion.</p><p>Conclusion: The case study led us to find out an inter relations in the growing number and changes of types of networks as the market entry process reached its point of realisation. Further to that, there are some similarities in foreign market entry process of an established firm as compared to an individual entrepreneur, the difference being the types of networks.</p><p>Contribution: This thesis would create a better understanding on individual entrepreneurs venturing overseas in particular, the Swedish market. As the focus is on market entry process in networks perspective, this research could benefit potential entrepreneurs and business students.</p>

<p>The purpose with this essay is to enlighten the small business´ existence at times of expansion, identify threats and possibilities and also to try to find ways to encourage growth in the small business.</p><p>To answer our purpose we carried out a literature study to later implement six interviews with small business leaders. We separated the companies into three categories; small business without employees, small business with 2-5 employees and small business with 6-10 employees.</p><p>We confirm that the main reason why small business leaders think both once and twice before hireing new labour force are because of the high costs. The change in government has so far not given the small business what was promised, but there is still hope for improvement and simplification.</p><p>The economic part of owning a company has been pointed out as the greatest threat in relation with expansion and the big responsibility in another persons possibilities to earn his/her living is also burdensome. The possibility to take on more work increases with the number of workers, which is positive.</p>

<p>Syftet med detta arbete var att kritiskt granska historieläromedel ur ett genusperspektiv.Arbetet belyser hur utvalda karaktärer såsom Gustav Vasa, Gustav II Adolf och drottningKristina framställs i text under en 20 års period, det vill säga från år 1980-2000. För attavgränsa mig valde jag att granska sju läroböcker i ämnet historia, som är eller har varitläromedel för årskurs 4-6. Avsikten med arbetet är att se vilka egenskaper som förmedlas omde ovanstående karaktärerna, och om läromedlen är förenliga med styrdokumentens krav omjämställdhet. Resultatet visade bland annat att de manliga karaktärerna utmärktes medegenskaper såsom: Ledarskap, aktiva, energiska och kloka. Samt att Kristinas egenskaperutmärktes såsom: Omogen, pojkaktig och känslosam. En av mina slutsatser i detta arbete varatt läromedlen visade tydliga exempel på traditionella stereotypa föreställningar. Samt visadearbetet tydliga mönster på att män utgör den typiska ledarskapsförmågan och beskrivs av envästerländsk manligt idealtyp.</p> / <p>The purpose of this essay was to critically research the historical teaching materials through agender perspective. The essay highlights how the chosen characters such as Gustav Wasa,Gustav II Adolf and Princess Christina are represented in the text during a period of 20 years,more specifically year 1980 until 2000. To be more explicit, I have chosen to analyze seventext books as study material that are currently utilized or have previously been in use, withinthe subject of history for 4 to 6 grade students. The main reason of this study was to determinewhether the quality of the message conveyed about the characters mentioned above matchwith the study materials on gender equality issue as of the steering documents’ requirements.The result stated amongst other, that the male characters had been distinguished as, leaders,active, energized and intelligence. Queen Kristina, the female character has beendistinguished as, immature, childish and sensitive. One of my conclusions was that the studymaterial displayed a very traditional and stereotype conception. The report also illustrate thatthe male had always constituted the ideal leadership and been portrayed in the literature assuch.</p>

<p><strong><strong>Purpose and Execution –The purpose of this paper is to seek feasible suggestions and recommendations to the Chinese medical device industry under the new current market situation—Chinese health care system reform. In order to achieve this aim, we will start with introducing the background of current status of related issues. The next part will be the preparation of further analysis, which contains the theory and descriptions of the health care system reform histories of China, Sweden, the USA and UK. We will consequent present the environmental potential influential aspects. The main discussion will take place around medical device market analysis, together with three representative company case studies. After identifying the opportunities and challenges of the industry, we will draw the conclusions which are the recommendations for Chinese health care industry and also some suggestions for the Chinese government. <strong></strong></strong></strong></p><p><p>Design/Methodology/Approach – To explore these issues, besides literature reviews on market analysis (five forces, SWOT analysis), this paper applies generic competitive strategy, value-based service and service innovation as well. In addition, it also illustrates with 3 mini cases. We acquired both secondary data from related databases and primary data through questionnaires. <strong></strong></p><p>Limitation – Due to the restricted access to the specific database, the acquired information is limited to analyze the paper. Furthermore, according to the fact that the data we obtained is mostly on the basis of the whole medical device industry and it is quite difficult to be classified into particular parts, we decided to limit our research to the medical device industry that caters to both medical equipments and disposable tools when doing the analysis. In addition, since the design of questionnaire includes open questions, the research quality is heavily dependent on the individual skills of the researcher. <strong></strong></p><p>Findings – The new health care system reform will definitely boost the growth of medical device industry, but also create fiercer competition. Chinese Medical device companies need to enhance abilities of marketing, research and development, and aim at meeting customer needs to exploit new profit alternatives.</p></p>

<p>Abstract</p><p>Title: Network communication for equal opportunities (Nätverkskommunikation för jämställdhet)</p><p>Number of pages: 47 (54 with enclosures)</p><p>Author: Hillevi Good</p><p>Tutor: Ylva Ekström</p><p>Course: Media and Communication Studies D</p><p>Period: Spring Semester 2007</p><p>University: Division of Media and Communication, Department of Information Science, Uppsala University</p><p>Aim: The aim of this essay is to study the possibilities to bring about change by the means of communication in two networks, focusing on the implementation of the Swedish Equal Opportunities Act.</p><p>Material and method: The study draws on data collected in an electronic survey among representatives of two networks consisting of representatives from trade unions and employer’s associations. The material is analyzed using descriptive tools, cross tables and correlation matrices in which general characteristics as well as individual understandings of the network communication are presented and discussed.</p><p>Main results: The general results indicate that the network communication serves important purposes, such as providing support and motivation for the members and changing attitudes towards equal opportunities. The analysis suggests that the network members have good communicative possibilities to serve as agents of change within their organisations. Moreover, there is an observed relation between, on the one hand, organizational context and, on the other hand, the network members’ own communicational behaviour and their experienced possibility to influence their organizations.</p><p>Keywords: network communication, diffusion of innovations, behaviour change, Equal Opportunities Act</p>

Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Content: 1 The Development of the Estonian Gender Policy Machinery 1.1 Initiation of Institutionalisation as a Result of International Commitments 1.2 Institutional Measures Facilitating EU Membership 1.3 Assessment of the Gender Equality Machinery 2 Conditions for Gender Mainstreaming in Estonia 2.1 Social Conditions 2.2 Administrative Conditions 3 Gender Mainstreaming Activities in the Estonian Public Administration 3.1 The Legal Foundations 3.2 Inter-ministerial Cooperation 3.3 Gender Mainstreaming Training 3.4 Knowledge Basis 3.5 Lack of Standards for data and Statistics 3.6 Non-adminsitrative Liaisons 4 Conclusion

There have been good arguments made for the development of aggressive affirmative action policies with the end goal of quickly moving black South Africans into corporate and high ranks within management of organisations. One of the central arguments in favour of aggressive AA policies is the risk of racial polarization post-apartheid should a quick fix not be initiated. It makes good business and economic sense for AA policies to be implemented as black consumers coupled with black managers will have the eventual end point of lower unemployment and crime, through job creation and security of the representative majority.

Purpose and Execution –The purpose of this paper is to seek feasible suggestions and recommendations to the Chinese medical device industry under the new current market situation—Chinese health care system reform. In order to achieve this aim, we will start with introducing the background of current status of related issues. The next part will be the preparation of further analysis, which contains the theory and descriptions of the health care system reform histories of China, Sweden, the USA and UK. We will consequent present the environmental potential influential aspects. The main discussion will take place around medical device market analysis, together with three representative company case studies. After identifying the opportunities and challenges of the industry, we will draw the conclusions which are the recommendations for Chinese health care industry and also some suggestions for the Chinese government. Design/Methodology/Approach – To explore these issues, besides literature reviews on market analysis (five forces, SWOT analysis), this paper applies generic competitive strategy, value-based service and service innovation as well. In addition, it also illustrates with 3 mini cases. We acquired both secondary data from related databases and primary data through questionnaires. Limitation – Due to the restricted access to the specific database, the acquired information is limited to analyze the paper. Furthermore, according to the fact that the data we obtained is mostly on the basis of the whole medical device industry and it is quite difficult to be classified into particular parts, we decided to limit our research to the medical device industry that caters to both medical equipments and disposable tools when doing the analysis. In addition, since the design of questionnaire includes open questions, the research quality is heavily dependent on the individual skills of the researcher. Findings – The new health care system reform will definitely boost the growth of medical device industry, but also create fiercer competition. Chinese Medical device companies need to enhance abilities of marketing, research and development, and aim at meeting customer needs to exploit new profit alternatives.