This thesis is an ethnographic study of the soap opera viewing patterns and interpretations of Zulu-speaking students living in residences on the Natal University's Durban campus who watch The Bold and the Beautiful (an American soap opera) and Generations (a South African soap opera). It presents an analysis of how the viewing practices of the students compare with the findings of soap opera audience studies conducted abroad. The students' motivations and reasons for watching both soap operas are investigated. The reason for choosing black students as subjects is that I wanted to determine how a soap opera (Generations) which is comprised largely of black cast members and designed with a young black audience in mind, is interpreted and impacts on the lives of said audience, when compared with an American soap opera (The Bold and the Beautiful) which has an almost exclusively white American cast, and is popular with young black viewers in spite of the fact that it appears on the surface to be unrelated to their everyday lives. Individual one-on-one interviews were conducted with 40 students, 20 male and 20 female. The interviews were analysed to gauge how the viewing behaviour of the students differs from, or is similar to, soap opera studies conducted elsewhere in the world. It emerged that the students watch in groups and not alone, and that watching Generations and The Bold and the Beautiful is a social activity, not motivated from loneliness or isolation. The ways in which the students relate to the characters and situations of both soap operas is also examined, in an attempt to establish the role that these two shows play in the creation of the students' identities. The students displayed a tendency to be more critical of Generations than of The Bold and the Beautiful in the sense that they compared it (unfavourably) in terms of quality of production, to its American counterpart, as well as in the sense that they analysed storylines in terms of their own lived experiences and were quick to criticise Generations when they felt that it did not conform to their notions of the reality of being a black South African. They accepted situations and characters on The Bold and the Beautiful far less critically, although they did voice objections to certain characters and situations which they felt were morally questionable in terms of their understanding of right and wrong. It also became apparent that there was a greater emotional involvement with the characters on The Bold and the Beautiful than with those on Generations. The students interpretations of (and level of involvement with) situations, characters and storylines are examined, as well as the ways in which they derive pleasure from both soaps and incorporate them into their own lives. In summary, this thesis examines the consumption of an American and a South African soap opera by a black South African audience . / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2002.

This study investigates whether public works programmes are a means to sustainable livelihoods using the Zibambele road maintenance programme, a public works anti-poverty programme implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study is driven by the rising levels of unemployment and poverty that prevail in the country. Poverty has a spatial dimension with rural areas bearing a large proportion of the poor, particularly women. Sustainable livelihoods would rely at least in part on an improvement in women's positions. The focus of this study is to establish whether Zibambele has an impact on women's control over household resources, decision-making, power in the household and securing livelihoods. In addressing unemployment and poverty, the developmental reforms of the government in South Africa have gone against the argument that market driven reforms alone, render economic growth. The South African government has addressed poverty and unemployment through a wide range of options such as public works, which embody John Keynes' idea of the need for state intervention in the workings of the market. It has implemented a variety of social assistance programmes. Public works programmes are heralded as playing a dual role: providing employment to unemployed people who are economically active, and, on the other hand, creating useful economic infrastructure. Women are specifically targeted and approximately 95 per cent of contractors are women. Zibambele aims to improve their position by reducing their risk of poverty. The data was collected by interviewing contractors of the Zibambele programme who reside in Nkwalini in Umbumbulu (Durban region) and Nxamalala, in Sweetwaters (Pietermaritzburg region) in KwaZulu-Natal, and through focus group discussions. The interviews were supplemented with information from DoT officials and documentation from the department. The analysis shows that the Zibambele programme has significantly helped many women. Zibambele promotes livelihood activities of contractors and in some instances gives the women power to make decisions in their households. It also shows concludes that the programme gives women dignity, which further enables them to engage in activities that bring money to their households. Although Zibambele has positive benefits for short-term unemployment, this may not be applicable in the long-term and can create serious effects on the poor participating in the programme. In light of this, sustained employment is needed for poverty reduction. The South African government has realised that with the scale of unemployment and poverty that exists the market cannot simply be left to resolve these problems, instead an active state is needed. Therefore it has actively directed resources to the poor through the implementation of public works and social assistance. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006.

Exposé du problème: Cette recherche est venue s’inscrire dans une initiative d’école de recherche-action entamée un peu plus d’une année auparavant. Il y était question de savoir si les leçons du programme « Pleins feux sur l’intimidation » en même temps que la mobilisation et l’engagement du personnel scolaire parallèlement à la médiation par les pairs, réussissaient à produire un impact suffisant sur les élèves pour contrecarrer et amenuiser les incidents d’intimidation sur une période à court et à long terme. Procédure et méthodes : Les participants étaient des élèves de la 2e à la 6e année d’une école régionale francophone caractérisée par une diversité multiethnique, située dans la région du bas Fraser en Colombie-Britannique. La méthode de la recherche-action a été retenue. Elle comprenait la collecte de données par l’entremise de sondages avant et après la mise en œuvre du programme, des rapports d’incidents et des entrevues semi-structurées. Ceci a permis de déterminer entre autres, l’expérience, le rôle et la réaction des élèves face à l’intimidation sévissant à l’école, ainsi que le vécu et les observations des membres du personnel. Résultats : Bien que le test statistique Chi-2 n’a démontré que peu d’amélioration statistiquement significative dans la répartition des diverses fréquences considérées entre février et juin 2009, les commentaires d’élèves et d’enseignants lors d’entrevues semi-structurées ainsi que la recherche-action demeurée active à ce jour, portent à croire que l’initiative d’école se trouve dans la bonne direction pour contrecarrer l’intimidation. Conclusions: Cette recherche a permis de déterminer que le point de vue d’intervenants tels les élèves, enseignants, parents et autres à travers la recherche-action, ajoute une dimension significative aux sondages et questionnaires pour dégager les éléments essentiels de réussite du programme.

This dissertation endeavours to address an identified gap in literature concerning the relationship between New Zealand and the European Union (EU) in the field of research, science and technology (RS&T). Examination of the partnership begins with the creation of the Science and Technological Cooperation (STC) Arrangement in 1991 and comes to a close in 2008, following the Arrangement’s ‘upgrade’ to an STC Agreement on 16 July. During this time, the intensification of the EU’s activities in RS&T is evident. The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) currently constitutes the most internationalised Programme to date. Identifying the complementary nature of New Zealand and EU research priorities thus suggests that now, more than ever, the New Zealand research community stands to gain from participation within such an inclusive venture. Aiming to assess the current status of New Zealand-EU research collaboration, the research identifies a number of recurring themes, both positive and negative, that influence the nature of the RS&T relationship. These themes focus on problems concerning visibility within the EU, geographical isolation from this important market, an absence of targeted domestic funding for New Zealand-EU RS&T collaboration and the unwieldy bureaucratic process of the Framework Programme. The research also determines the importance of both ‘official’ and ‘informal’ mechanisms’ in combating the outlined collaborative bottlenecks. Taking these themes into account, the thesis ultimately looks to provide recommendations concerning the future of New Zealand-EU engagement in this field.

The main aim of this study was to investigate how effective School Management Teams were in the management of healthy school environments in the Gert Sibande District. This was a qualitative study which employed two data collection strategies: face to face interviews and photographs. A literature review on this study revealed vital aspects, that a healthy school environment: can directly improve children’s health and effective learning; the school is strategically positioned to reach large numbers of the population to teach them to understand the importance of investing in health. Literature indicated collaboration and synergy as essential aspects, and policies as cornerstones that underpin the health promotion initiatives. Selection of sites was purposefully done as three of the four schools in this study were part of the Eco Schools programme. The study revealed that there was disconnect between the SMTs and committees that were involved in health promotion: in coordinating plans; and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programmes. This therefore, means that there was no support for the committees from the SMT. It was also found that there were committees that: did not have plans; did not sit for meetings and the reluctance of the SMT to address these challenges compounded the situation and contributed to some committees being dysfunctional. The failure of the SMT to guide and provide leadership in their engagement with community members who provided assistance in terms of basic needs to learners indicated a need for the development of a cadre of leaders that are capable of working beyond the borders of schools. In all the committees that were interviewed, the Environmental Committee came up to be more effective and organized than others in three schools. The health committee was lacking in the area of training especially in the prevention of communicable diseases. The study provided recommendations to assist the SMT in their endeavors to promote healthy environments in their schools. / MEd, Education Management, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

Exposé du problème: Cette recherche est venue s’inscrire dans une initiative d’école de recherche-action entamée un peu plus d’une année auparavant. Il y était question de savoir si les leçons du programme « Pleins feux sur l’intimidation » en même temps que la mobilisation et l’engagement du personnel scolaire parallèlement à la médiation par les pairs, réussissaient à produire un impact suffisant sur les élèves pour contrecarrer et amenuiser les incidents d’intimidation sur une période à court et à long terme. Procédure et méthodes : Les participants étaient des élèves de la 2e à la 6e année d’une école régionale francophone caractérisée par une diversité multiethnique, située dans la région du bas Fraser en Colombie-Britannique. La méthode de la recherche-action a été retenue. Elle comprenait la collecte de données par l’entremise de sondages avant et après la mise en œuvre du programme, des rapports d’incidents et des entrevues semi-structurées. Ceci a permis de déterminer entre autres, l’expérience, le rôle et la réaction des élèves face à l’intimidation sévissant à l’école, ainsi que le vécu et les observations des membres du personnel. Résultats : Bien que le test statistique Chi-2 n’a démontré que peu d’amélioration statistiquement significative dans la répartition des diverses fréquences considérées entre février et juin 2009, les commentaires d’élèves et d’enseignants lors d’entrevues semi-structurées ainsi que la recherche-action demeurée active à ce jour, portent à croire que l’initiative d’école se trouve dans la bonne direction pour contrecarrer l’intimidation. Conclusions: Cette recherche a permis de déterminer que le point de vue d’intervenants tels les élèves, enseignants, parents et autres à travers la recherche-action, ajoute une dimension significative aux sondages et questionnaires pour dégager les éléments essentiels de réussite du programme.

Univ., Diss.--Osnabrück, 2005. / Literaturverz. S. 235 - 243.

Thèse (Ph. D.)--Université Laval, 2004. / Bibliogr.: f. [287]-301. Publié aussi en version électronique.

In this thesis I am verifying the significance and viability of the revitalising programme using yoga exercises, applied to the group of seniors women attending the {\clq}qSokol`` organization. In the theoretical part, I deal with the issue of the senior age and troubles connected with it. The theoretical part is related to the locomotive activity, regimen, the issue of female and male change of life. The practical part of thesis offers an elaborated intervention programme consisting of yoga exercises that was applied to the group of thirty seniors, women and men aged 50 {--} 76 years, coming from České Budějovice and its vicinity. The intervention programme ran from 4.1.2010 do 31.3.2010. 12 ninety {--} minute lectures were accomplished, during which I was practising easy yoga exercises with the seniors. The {\clq}qSokol`` gymnasium in České Budějovice was used for practising. Before and after the programme the senior were tested using simple questionnaires, individual interviews and observation. In the summary of my thesis were prove the results gained by comparison of the results from questionnaire, individual interviews observation and motoric test. We found out positive changes in attitudes to motoric activities and to healthy lifestyle. To sum it up, we can say, that yoga programme is suitable for exercises in ČOS.

The topic of this diploma thesis is Using dictation to develop listening and writing skills in English language classes at the lower secondary level. The aim of the theoretical part is to describe dictation and its contribution to the development of listening and writing skills in English language classes. This part of the thesis also deals with how dictation, listening and writing skills are reflected in the Framework Educational Programme and School Educational Programme. The practical part is based on a project whose goal is to teach a few English lessons based on dictation. A detailed description of each particular lesson is presented in this part. Questionnaires are used to find out the popularity of dictation among pupils and teachers and the frequency of their use in English language classes.