Older women and men were participants in this qualitative research of three case studies of community theatre. Their stories, gathered through in-depth interviews and participant observation of the theatre projects over a four year period, informed the development of a theoretical model of leisure as process. Through devising and presenting their theatre pieces, 50 older people, ranging in age from 45-8 5 years, with differing cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, reflected on personal experiences, negotiated their own processes for working collaboratively, and presented the stories of theft lives publicly in a way which affirmed their actions and understandings of themselves and theft world. Interviews with more than 30 of these people allowed an analysis of the ways in which older people negotiated the processes of play-building and constructed meaning in their lives at a time when the social structures of paid work and family were becoming less central as people moved into their third age. This research has located the study of individual agency through leisure in the context of the social structures which shape constraints to leisure and in turn limit individual agency. As such, the research has been concerned both with the self and with social relationship and has theorised leisure as a process of negotiation. Since process implies change over time, the research methods used and the leisure context selected for study were also process oriented. The research methodology was emergent and took on qualities of action research as the study progressed. By focusing on community theatre as the social context for leisure, the nexus between community development, community theatre and action research was examined and found to inform a broader understanding of leisure as process. The research has also expanded knowledge of community theatre as a collaborative process which draws on individual and collective reflections to build public presentations of issues of concern to participants. The processes of community theatre have received no attention to date in the leisure literature. The negotiation of self takes place in different social contexts for women and for men, for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, for old and young, and for people from different socio-economic backgrounds. This research demonstrated that changes in personal situations as a result of the aging process, changes in family context and changes in work context are associated with changes in the negotiation of self, and these changes are expressed through leisure activity as well as other involvements less clearly classified as leisure. Purposive aspects of leisure assumed greater significance as people grew older and this was expressed in the culture of busyness and a pride in 'never being home'. Older women, in particular, developed friendships and community networks outside the family unit as relationships with husbands and children changed. These social connections were found to facilitate difficult transitions such as divorce or the death of a spouse. Community theatre supported the development of community networks, and presented an opportunity to claim a voice in the public arena and challenge the invisibility of older age. The research added to knowledge about constraints on leisure involvement by older people, and identified personal, social and material constraints. The most significant of these were the personal constraints of fear and of ill-health. However, participants in this research continued to negotiate a path through constraint in order to live their lives to the full. Analysis of their stories indicated that whilst constraint sometimes operated as a hierarchical process of control pushing people into isolation, people who were supported in their efforts to negotiate constraint through the development of community networks gained self-confidence and a heightened sense of agency. The processes of community development used in community theatre were found to facilitate the negotiation of constraint by developing personal skills and strengthening social support. The constructivist orientation of the research acknowledged the dialectical nature of knowledge construction and the possibility of social change through research. Aspects of action research were demonstrated in the processes of community theatre, which also seeks social as well as personal change. The research has a political motivation in that it seeks to strengthen the position of participants. Concern with the power relationship between researcher and researched facilitated a deeper understanding of the role of power in the process of leisure. The research opens up one small window on the processes whereby people may continue to live life to the full through active engagement in life and leisure.

Understanding and managing emotion in psychological therapy is a complex and challenging problem for practitioners and clients. The traditional emphasis on verbal language as the mediating process in therapy is expanding with the inclusion of multimodal creative arts, based on visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic perceptions, to better support the reaccessing of emotion. This can be followed recursively by the use of words to develop narrative and meaning. The main research emphasis in this thesis was on visual art. Studies of other art forms may follow. Philosophical understanding, neuroscience advances and developments in psychological therapy underpin and explain this therapeutic expansion. A qualitative research approach is taken, engaging several different actions from within that research paradigm. The thesis is written as a metaphorical journey and conveys the experience of art dialogue and the experience of researching, as parallel stories. Psychological learning journeys undertaken by its author and a colleague, some clients, therapists and teachers, are described in three encounters. The first encounter explored visual art dialogue as a process addition to a developing experiential phenomenological approach using multimodal creative arts (The MIECAT Process � Lett 2001). The objective was for the colleagues to experience a lengthy creative arts sequence, developing and undertaking the process of visual art dialogue. Multilevel actions and outcomes were recorded throughout the collegial engagement. The collegial encounter required that the co-researchers pursue their own personal psychological meanings and report on their experience of the process. Personal narrative meanings exposed in exploring visual art dialogue, are not discussed, the emphasis being on confirming how actions occurred and their effectiveness for application. Actions stopped where direct verbal therapeutic engagement might occur. Following collegial experience, visual art dialogue was used with clients and other therapists and teachers, to question its broader relevance. The second inquiry, involving three clients of the author, asked how the process would support professional actions in a therapeutic situation. The third encounter engaged other therapists and teachers to expand on questions of by whom and how, art dialogue could be used. Psychological therapy theory suggests process location within a humanistic framework, in an eclectic focus or supporting the development of an experiential, phenomenological psychology process approach based on the known functions of mind and body. The associated personal and professional aspects of the experience of process exploration constituted a step in authorial understanding and may contribute to increasing knowledge of the creative arts applied to psychological therapy.

Wireless spectral efficiency is increasingly important due to the rapid growth of demand for high data rate wideband wireless services. The design of a multi-carrier system,such as an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system, enables high system capacity suited for these wideband wireless services. This system capacity can be further optimised with a resource allocation scheme by exploiting the characteristics of the wireless fading channels. The fundamental idea of a resource allocation scheme is to efficiently distribute the available wireless resources, such as the sub-carriers and transmission power, among all admitted users in the system. In this thesis, we present the findings of the investigation into the impact of several resource allocation schemes in an OFDMA environment. We show that in an OFDMA environment without the consideration of sub-carrier assignment, the sub-optimal power allocation closed-form solution can be derived via a constrained optimisation with the duality theorem. With a perfect feedback of channel condition, the proposed low-complexity algorithm that utilises the closed-form solution can maximise the sum capacity to approach near-optimal capacity. We derive the sub-optimal sub-carrier and power allocation closed-form solution via a similar constrained optimisation process. With an imperfect or outdated feedback of channel condition, the adaptive sub-carrier and power allocation scheme not only fails to improve but also further deteriorates the system throughput. We present and discuss the formation of the finite-state Markov channel. We show that by using the dynamics of the Markov channel, the channel quality can be reliably predicted in advance. We analyse via simulation the spectral efficiency achieved by this channel prediction scheme on an OFDMA system. We address the importance of fairness in resource allocation from a game-theoretic perspective. With different utility and preference functions that best describe the gain in users’ throughput as more sub-carriers are allocated to the individual user, we formulate the resource allocation problem into cooperative and non-cooperative games. We study via simulation the effectiveness and fairness of the cooperative and non-cooperative resource allocation schemes on an OFDMA system. Finally, we draw conclusions on our research work and outline the future research topics in connection with our current studies. / Thesis(PhD) -- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2007

The social impacts of new information technology have attracted much attention in recent years. This study looked at the personal computer's impact on the public library's services and functions. Particular attention was paid to the public access personal computer. The method involved a Baseline survey to establish the availability and use of public access personal computers in Australian public libraries and a Delphi survey to consider possible futures. The researcher's framework was drawn from reviews of the literatures on futures research; new information technology and its social impacts; the development and current situation of the public library; and innovation research. The Baseline survey revealed that public access personal computers were becoming increasingly common in public libraries, though their provision was not yet widespread. Existing and planned uses included games, literacy and various other educational activities. Overall the public access personal computer was viewed as a favourable innovation with the part it could play in developing community computer literacy receiving particular attention. The Delphi panel was comprised of 25 public librarians selected on the basis of their knowledge about computers in public libraries. The 41 Event Statements postulated a wide range of changes in - (1) the nature and method of service provision; (2) the patterns of client demand and use; and, (3) financial allocations. The results revealed greater variability of opinion about the likely time of occurrence of the Events than about their desirability. A high level of opinion change between the two Rounds did not produce much movement toward consensus - indicating that the panel had varied views of the future. Comment on both surveys indicated that the librarians were keen to develop services relevant to their communities and if public access personal computers were such a service they would strive to provide them. The Delphi survey proved a good vehicle for encouraging consideration of the future and further research using the method seems warranted.

This thesis explores Landmark Education, an American personal development company which claims to transform lives for the better. The purpose of this work is to analyse the pros and cons of various participants and professionals connected with Landmark Education. This work has been carried out as a piece of investigative journalism and reflects the principles of this field. Chapter one addresses contemporary criticisms of Landmark and outlines the main points of the investigation which will be analysed and debated in chapter three. Chapter two gives a historical background to the self-help and personal development realm that Landmark belongs to. This chapter is more informative in tone and provides an indepth discussion on est, the company to precede Landmark. Chapter three is the investigative component of this thesis and contains interviews of Landmark supporters and critics. These include former and current participants of Landmark Education, as well as professionals of clinical psychology and the personal coaching fields. This chapter primarily addresses issues connected with critical claims that Landmark is a cult. The thesis is accompanied by a supporting exegesis which outlines the relevant theoretical, historical, critical and design contexts and also seeks to defend both the applied research methodology and theoretical base.

<p>Alla organisationer genomgår förändringar i olika former. Ibland innebär förändringar ekonomiska nedskärningar i organisationen. Organisationen SJ har under senare tid gjort nedskärningar i samband med en förändrad situation i deras omvärld. I studien är vi intresserade av att undersöka hur individers lärandemöjligheter påverkas när de befinner sig i en organisation som utsätts för ekonomiska nedskärningar. Syftet är att få kunskap om lärandemöjligheter i en organisation som har genomgått ekonomiska nedskärningar. Uppsatsen bygger på en kvalitativ undersökning. Vi har intervjuat fem HR personer med olika chefsbefattningar med syftet att ta reda på hur individen tolkar och har för inställning till lärande under en nedskärningsprocess. Resultaten i studien beskriver att vid en nedskärning inom organisationen SJ är erfarenhetsutbytet grunden till lärandet. Detta eftersom det varken finns tid eller resurser till att gå en utbildning. Dessutom diskuterar vi informanternas förutsättningar för lärande och utveckling vid en nedskärningsprocess.</p>

<p><strong>Datum: </strong></p><p>09-03-05</p><p><strong>Författare: </strong></p><p>Kinaret, Sofia</p><p>Åkesdotter, Catarina</p><p><strong>Nivå/utbildning: </strong></p><p>C-uppsats (Civilekonomprogrammet inriktning redovisning)</p><p><strong>Handledare: </strong></p><p>Per Nordström</p><p><strong>Titel: </strong></p><p>Personalen, företagets främsta resurs? – En studie om humankapitalets betydelse vid förvärv av tjänsteföretag</p><p><strong>Problem: </strong></p><p>Vilken betydelse har humankapitalet vid förvärv av tjänsteföretag och hur värderas detta?</p><p><strong>Syfte: </strong></p><p>Syftet med denna uppsats är att få en ökad förståelse för vilken betydelse humankapitalet har vid förvärv av tjänsteföretag. Vi vill förutom detta få ökad kunskap om hur värdering av kunskapsföretag sker och hur man värderar en immateriell resurs som humankapital vid ett förvärv.</p><p><strong>Metod: </strong></p><p>Vi genomför en kvalitativ undersökning där vi intervjuat revisorer på fem olika revisionskontor. Då få teorier finns på området försöker vi med ett deduktivt angreppssätt att analysera vår data utifrån teorier kring humankapital och företagsvärdering.</p><p><strong>Resultat/slutsatser: </strong></p><p>Av denna studie har vi lärt oss att humankapitalet har en central roll vid förvärv av tjänsteföretag. Denna resurs är dock svår att värdera, varför man istället ser hela företaget som en enda enhet och ofta fokuserar på att göra en ordentlig genomgång av räkenskaperna. Vid mindre förvärv bildar man sig, något oväntat, ofta en uppfattning om humankapitalets värde genom att använda magkänslan. Fokus läggs också på att utvärdera riskerna med att ta över personalen, men detta innebär oftast att man försöker sammansmälta företagens olika kulturer samt integrera personalen efter förvärvet.</p><p><strong>Sökord: </strong></p><p>Humankapital, tjänsteföretag, företagsvärdering, personal</p><p><strong>Omfång, sidor: </strong></p><p>48 sidor exklusive referenser och bilagor</p><p><strong>Antal ref/källor: </strong></p><p>17</p>

<p>Idag har personer med lindrig utvecklingsstörning helt andra förutsättningar att utveckla förmågor hos sig själva än vad tidigare generationer har haft. Många personer med lindrig utvecklingsstörning klarar av mycket självständigt men på grund av deras funktionshinder är de i olika grad beroende av hjälp och stöd för att klara sig i sin vardag. Det innebär att de behöver professionellt stöd från personal, något som kan vara uppskattat men samtidigt upplevas vara jobbigt och kontrollerande.</p><p> </p><p>Den här studien utgår från kvalitativ metod för att genom intervjuer med både brukare och personal studera hur de ser på stödet som ges på serviceboenden. Syftet med studien är således att få mer kunskap och ökad förståelse om hur personer med lindrig utvecklingsstörning ser på det stöd som personalen ger, samt hur personalen ser på sitt sätt att möta deras behov. Studien omfattar fyra brukarintervjuer och fem personalintervjuer.</p><p> </p><p>Resultatet visar på positiva sidor av stödet, där personalen ser en glädje i att ge stöd till brukarna. Dock uttrycker både brukare och personal att de upplever att brist på tid påverkar det stöd som ges. Personalen uttrycker även att en viss kontroll från deras sida ibland behövs. Samtidigt upplever brukarna att de inte alltid får vara delaktiga och bestämma kring beslut som tas om dem och deras stöd. Studiens slutsatser visar att trots att personal vill att brukarna ska må och ha det så bra som möjligt, har de en syn som styrs av egna uppfattningar om hur ett vardagsliv ska se ut. De strukturella förutsättningarna som har framkommit i resultatet, bidrar även till att serviceboendena får institutionella drag och det påverkar stödet som brukarna får.</p>

<p>Syftet med studien var att erhålla förståelse för hur kontakten med personalen till vuxna</p><p>brukare vid LSS-boenden upplevs ur ett föräldraperspektiv. Genom att sätta föräldrarna</p><p>i fokus, önskade vi få kännedom om de handlingssätt som främjar ett bra samspel.</p><p>Fokuserade områden var kommunikation, samarbete, inflytande och förväntningar.</p><p>Kvalitativa semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med två fäder och tre mödrar vars</p><p>barn bor på gruppbostad/servicebostad. De inspelade intervjuerna transkriberades och</p><p>analyserades utifrån en kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Tolkningen gjordes med hjälp av</p><p>rollteorin. Respondenterna uttryckte både likartade och skilda upplevelser av kontakten</p><p>med boendepersonalen. Merparten av föräldrarna ansåg emellertid att samspelet var</p><p>otillfredsställande. För att få till stånd ett bra samspel fanns önskningar om en rak och</p><p>öppen dialog, att bli sedd och hörd som förälder, förståelse för det vuxna barnets</p><p>problematik, samt mindre antal personal runt sonen/dottern. Resultatet kan bidra till en</p><p>djupare förståelse för föräldrarnas situation bland de anställda på LSS-bostäder, och</p><p>förhoppningsvis ett bättre samspel mellan anhöriga och personal.</p>

<p><strong>Bakgrund:</strong> I Sverige drabbades år 2007 ca 180 tonåringar av cancersjukdom. Under tonårstiden sker stora psykiska och fysiska förändringar. <strong>Syfte:</strong> Syftet var att beskriva tonåringars hantering och upplevelser i samband med omvårdnad och behandling av cancersjukdom. <strong>Metod:</strong> En litteraturstudie genomfördes där 10 kvalitativa vetenskapliga artiklar hittats med hjälp av sökord i databaser. Därefter granskades de, och en manifest innehållsanalys användes där två tydliga kategorier framträdde. <strong>Resultat:</strong> Cancersjuka tonåringar hade behov av att dölja kroppsliga förändringar som uppkom i samband med sjukdomen. De hade även en önskan om att vara normala och inte bli behandlade annorlunda. Relationer såsom familj och vänner var viktiga för att hantera sjukdomen. Tonåringarna hade behov av information och delaktighet i vården och de värdesatte närhet och respekt av personalen. <strong>Diskussion:</strong> Eftersom tonårstiden är en speciell tid att ha cancer då självständighet och identitet byggs upp behöver vården av denna patientgrupp förbättras. Sjuksköterskan har en viktig roll att anpassa vården efter varje individ.</p>