How do we match our education with the needs of the construction line of business and the requirements of the Swedish National Agency for education? Is there something that we have to change? In this study I have asked our former students about their opinion of our education and I have also asked them to give me their view on what a good teacher is like. I have been able to benefit a lot from their answers in my efforts to be that good teacher. This survey took place at Facebook. The answers showed that we carry on a piece of solid workmanship. But you can always improve, try harder. The profession contains so many techniques, so many innovations that is impossible to match them all. So, training has to get on and on through all of the students professional life, starting when they leave school and get their first employment as apprentices. School education gives them 2500 hours. The trade union gives them still 300 hours if they have passed the core subjects. If they have been working during holidays they get a further 600 hours, making it a total of 3400 hours, equivalent to half way getting fully paid. The construction business and school have a shared responsibility for the education of constructors. The business has no specific requirements for their apprentices, more than the intention to work as best as they can, and to learn. Social behaviour is also very important, taking parts in conversations during breaks and being parts of good team work.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that seeks to reduce the negative environmental consequences of listed development activities, which could have a detrimental effect on the environment, in the advance of their implementation, and a requirement of legislation in South Africa. An important element of the systematic EIA process is the submission of an environmental impact or scoping report or an environmental impact report (EIR) to the relevant governmental department, interested and affected parties and/or specialist for review to determine the report's adequacy before a project can be authorised or if further information is required. The information made available in reports to decision-makers with regard to developments with the potential of affecting explosive projects, plays a significant role in the authorisation of the project after the authority review process, which is dependent on the quality of the report. In order to contribute more effectively to sustainable development, more attention must be placed on assessing the quality of ElA's as part of determining how effectively EIA has been functioning in South Africa; hence this study is aimed at assessing the quality of EIA assessment reports of four projects with the potential of impacting on explosive industry projects. The objectives of the study included the review by independent reviewers of the quality of four-selected impact reports using a checklist, analysis of the review process results and provision of recommendations to improve the quality of environmental impact reports for-explosive projects. Based on the review results it is concluded that the quality of the four reports for-explosive projects. Based on the review results it is concluded that the quality of the four reports were of an acceptable standard, although certain areas were found poorly performed i.e. improvement with regard to identification of key impacts and considerations of alternatives and mitigation as well as the control and treatment of waste. Otherwise the review method is fairly robust and consistent and therefore can be seen as a reliable indication of EIR quality. The following was recommended to improve the quality of the reports for explosive projects: The use of a quality review checklist for explosive projects by EIA practitioners and authorities to be used as an additional tool to the EIA regulations (DEAT 2002) and the Integrated Environmental Management series (DEAT 2002) can further improve the quality of the El reports for explosive projects. • The use by EIA practitioners of an explosive review checklist will assist in ensuring that all key aspects are addressed before submission to relevant authorities, i.e. the report contains all pertinent information and is technically sound, the report is set-up clearly and coherently organized and presented so that it can be understood and that it has addressed all the key issues to make a decision about the proposed development. This will further assist in fast-tracking the approval process often delayed by the request of additional information from the applicant as a result of inadequate reports. • Regular use of the review checklist by EIA practitioners and authorities for ascertaining the quality of the environmental impact reports will contribute to a baseline of EIR quality for evaluating EIA practice for explosive projects under the new regulations promulgated in June 2006. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

South Africa and other countries are using Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as one of the Environmental management tools. The EIA process is reliant on the information presented in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The quality of information supplied by the developers in the EIR, plays an integral role in the whole decision making process done by the authorities; to approve and disapprove the EIR. If approved, a record of decision (ROD) is issued to the developers stipulating the conditions that they must adhere to, during the implementation of the project Using the South African modified Lee Colley review package this dissertation presents the results of research done on the assessment of quality of the EIR's for housing development in the Nkangala district of Mpumalanga province. The results reveal that 73% of Environmental Impact Reports of housing developments in the Nkangala district are of satisfactory quality. However, there were some omissions and inadequacies on alternatives and mitigation which are discussed in detail in this dissertation. The dissertation ends with a conclusion and recommendations. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that seeks to reduce the negative environmental consequences of listed development activities, which could have a detrimental effect on the environment, in the advance of their implementation, and a requirement of legislation in South Africa. An important element of the systematic EIA process is the submission of an environmental impact or scoping report or an environmental impact report (EIR) to the relevant governmental department, interested and affected parties and/or specialist for review to determine the report's adequacy before a project can be authorised or if further information is required. The information made available in reports to decision-makers with regard to developments with the potential of affecting explosive projects, plays a significant role in the authorisation of the project after the authority review process, which is dependent on the quality of the report. In order to contribute more effectively to sustainable development, more attention must be placed on assessing the quality of ElA's as part of determining how effectively EIA has been functioning in South Africa; hence this study is aimed at assessing the quality of EIA assessment reports of four projects with the potential of impacting on explosive industry projects. The objectives of the study included the review by independent reviewers of the quality of four-selected impact reports using a checklist, analysis of the review process results and provision of recommendations to improve the quality of environmental impact reports for-explosive projects. Based on the review results it is concluded that the quality of the four reports for-explosive projects. Based on the review results it is concluded that the quality of the four reports were of an acceptable standard, although certain areas were found poorly performed i.e. improvement with regard to identification of key impacts and considerations of alternatives and mitigation as well as the control and treatment of waste. Otherwise the review method is fairly robust and consistent and therefore can be seen as a reliable indication of EIR quality. The following was recommended to improve the quality of the reports for explosive projects: The use of a quality review checklist for explosive projects by EIA practitioners and authorities to be used as an additional tool to the EIA regulations (DEAT 2002) and the Integrated Environmental Management series (DEAT 2002) can further improve the quality of the El reports for explosive projects. • The use by EIA practitioners of an explosive review checklist will assist in ensuring that all key aspects are addressed before submission to relevant authorities, i.e. the report contains all pertinent information and is technically sound, the report is set-up clearly and coherently organized and presented so that it can be understood and that it has addressed all the key issues to make a decision about the proposed development. This will further assist in fast-tracking the approval process often delayed by the request of additional information from the applicant as a result of inadequate reports. • Regular use of the review checklist by EIA practitioners and authorities for ascertaining the quality of the environmental impact reports will contribute to a baseline of EIR quality for evaluating EIA practice for explosive projects under the new regulations promulgated in June 2006. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

South Africa and other countries are using Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as one of the Environmental management tools. The EIA process is reliant on the information presented in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The quality of information supplied by the developers in the EIR, plays an integral role in the whole decision making process done by the authorities; to approve and disapprove the EIR. If approved, a record of decision (ROD) is issued to the developers stipulating the conditions that they must adhere to, during the implementation of the project Using the South African modified Lee Colley review package this dissertation presents the results of research done on the assessment of quality of the EIR's for housing development in the Nkangala district of Mpumalanga province. The results reveal that 73% of Environmental Impact Reports of housing developments in the Nkangala district are of satisfactory quality. However, there were some omissions and inadequacies on alternatives and mitigation which are discussed in detail in this dissertation. The dissertation ends with a conclusion and recommendations. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Environmental assessments and authorisations surrounding project level developments are often made in isolation, without consideration of the regional or strategic context within which individual developments are done. This research investigates the quality of Environmental Management Frameworks (EMF) as strategic environmental instrument. EMF is a unique South African instrument that was first conceptualised in 1989, enacted in 2006 and updated in 2010. EMFs were developed to map environmental sensitivity to aid the screening out of undesired developments in sensitive environments and to minimise unnecessary project level assessments in preferred development areas. EMFs form an important link between environmental assessment (EA) processes and planning strategies such as Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), due to their spatial output of environmental sensitivity maps and their ability to feed strategic assessment processes required by SDFs. They have a legal mandate which ensures their assimilation and use. This research uses a multiple case study approach to review seven EMF documents for their quality. The quality aspects identified are the process, methodology and documentation components, using the printed EMF documentation as primary information source. Quality review criteria were subsequently developed to investigate these inputs, using the legal mandate of EMF as basis. Each case was rated for compliance with the quality criteria using a six–level rating schedule. Further analyses were made by comparing the performance of cases against one another. Public participation emerged as the weakest component of EMF practice, while aspects of sensitivity analysis also performed weaker than other aspects. More focus is required on aligning scales and resolutions of map inputs, mapping methods and general integration of spatial data, especially those of adjoining districts. The need to substantiate a rationale for buffer determination also requires further refinement. The practice of conducting EMF is well established and it can be valuable in sustainable development planning and decisionmaking. Recommendations to enhance the sustainability outcomes and hence effectiveness of this instrument are made, as well as future research objectives for increasing its utility. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Environmental assessments and authorisations surrounding project level developments are often made in isolation, without consideration of the regional or strategic context within which individual developments are done. This research investigates the quality of Environmental Management Frameworks (EMF) as strategic environmental instrument. EMF is a unique South African instrument that was first conceptualised in 1989, enacted in 2006 and updated in 2010. EMFs were developed to map environmental sensitivity to aid the screening out of undesired developments in sensitive environments and to minimise unnecessary project level assessments in preferred development areas. EMFs form an important link between environmental assessment (EA) processes and planning strategies such as Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), due to their spatial output of environmental sensitivity maps and their ability to feed strategic assessment processes required by SDFs. They have a legal mandate which ensures their assimilation and use. This research uses a multiple case study approach to review seven EMF documents for their quality. The quality aspects identified are the process, methodology and documentation components, using the printed EMF documentation as primary information source. Quality review criteria were subsequently developed to investigate these inputs, using the legal mandate of EMF as basis. Each case was rated for compliance with the quality criteria using a six–level rating schedule. Further analyses were made by comparing the performance of cases against one another. Public participation emerged as the weakest component of EMF practice, while aspects of sensitivity analysis also performed weaker than other aspects. More focus is required on aligning scales and resolutions of map inputs, mapping methods and general integration of spatial data, especially those of adjoining districts. The need to substantiate a rationale for buffer determination also requires further refinement. The practice of conducting EMF is well established and it can be valuable in sustainable development planning and decisionmaking. Recommendations to enhance the sustainability outcomes and hence effectiveness of this instrument are made, as well as future research objectives for increasing its utility. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Diante dos compromissos mundiais para redução das emissões atmosféricas, a energia eólica se consolida como uma das principais alternativas à crescente demanda energética. Quando comparada a outras fontes de energia, considera-se que a fonte eólica induz menores perturbações no meio ambiente. Porém, empreendimentos eólicos podem causar impactos significativos, principalmente se instalados em áreas sensíveis e concentrados espacialmente. Assim, tendo em vista o cenário de intenso crescimento do setor eólico, o objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi avaliar a efetividade do sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA) aplicado a projetos de geração de energia eólica. Foi utilizado como objeto de estudo o sistema de licenciamento ambiental do estado do Ceará, estado pioneiro no setor eólico e ainda em destaque no cenário nacional. Buscou-se, portanto, identificar evidências de conformidade do sistema de AIA adotado no estado com as boas práticas e princípios internacionais da AIA, assim como eventuais deficiências que possam influenciar o processo decisório. Para tanto, foi avaliada a qualidade das informações apresentadas nos Estudos de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) perante às boas práticas de AIA, diretrizes da literatura científica e elementos contextuais, de modo a avaliar seu potencial de contribuir para a tomada de decisão com vistas à prevenção de impactos socioambientais significativos. Foi escopo deste trabalho a análise de documentos do processo de licenciamento de 3 projetos e a avaliação da qualidade de 31 EIAs, com base em uma lista de verificação elaborada no âmbito da presente pesquisa e no método Environmental Statement Review Package. Com a finalidade de delinear os aspectos relevantes a serem abordados no âmbito da AIA, foi identificado o estado da arte dos potenciais impactos ambientais causados por empreendimentos eólicos e as informações importantes para a correta previsão, caracterização e mitigação dos potenciais impactos dessa tipologia de projeto. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam qualidade insatisfatória dos EIAs, com deficiências significativas em todas as etapas, especialmente na avaliação dos impactos e análise de alternativas locacionais e tecnológicas, e ausência de informações importantes para caracterização da vulnerabilidade do meio ambiente. Foram observadas iniciativas pontuais para alteração do conteúdo mínimo exigido aos EIAs, porém, não se observou indícios de que o órgão ambiental esteja considerando atuar proativamente para promover a melhoria da qualidade dos EIAs. Em linhas gerais, o presente estudo indica que se considerados apenas os EIAs, as decisões estão sendo tomadas com base em informações insuficientes e inadequadas e, portanto, que o sistema de AIA não tem se mostrado efetivo para prevenção de impactos significativos. / In order to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets established during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, the energy generation using wind sources was greatly encouraged to fulfill the rising energy demand. While wind energy may lead to lower damage to the environment when compared to other energy sources, wind farms still have potential for significant impact. With this in mind and considering the scenario of intense expansion of wind energy generation, the main objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system assigned to wind energy projects. The state of Ceara was the object of study, since it was the pioneer in the wind energy generation and still is relevant in the national context. This research aimed to identify evidences of the EIA system compliance with good practice and international principles of EIA, and possible shortcomings that could influence the decision-making process. Therefore, the quality of the information presented in Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was evaluated in light of AIA best practice, scientific literature and contextual factors. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the potential of EIS to contribute to decision making in order to prevent social and environmental impacts significant. 31 EIS and the licensing process of 3 projects was scope of this research. The EIS\' quality was evaluated through a checklist developed during this project and the method Environmental Statement Review Package. In order to define the relevant aspects that must be addressed during EIA, the potential environmental impacts caused by wind energy projects were identified in literature. The results of the research indicate poor quality of EIS, with significant deficiencies at all phases, especially in the evaluation of impacts and analysis of locational and technological alternatives, and the lack of important information to characterize the vulnerability of the environment. Some occasional measures to improve the minimum content required for EIS was observed. However, the results didn\'t indicate that the environmental agency is willing to act proactively to improve EIS quality. In general, the present work indicates that if the decision-making process is based only in the EIS content, decisions have been made with insufficient and inadequate information. Therefore, the EIA system seems to be not effective to prevent significant environmental and social impacts.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T18:40:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Francisco de Paula dos Reis Junior PDF.pdf: 635913 bytes, checksum: f53ebb38b3acd1e9a22fc9ef0ab357ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-06-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The main purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the impact on the organization of small and medium audit companies after adopting the External Quality Review carried out by the regulating bodies. In addition, we try to identify up to what point these companies are prepared to carry out international-level audits, meeting demands requested by the national and international regulating bodies of the profession. The development of independent audit and the concepts of total quality are approached in chapters 1 to 3 by means of bibliographical research. Afterwards, the international and Brazilian standards are analyzed for the audit works quality control. Additionally, the External Quality Review Program in force and effect and its results from 2002 up to 2005 are reviewed. In chapter 4, a case study is submitted, and it is carried out in order to check the procedures used by an International Network of medium audit companies that have members in Brazil. As main outcome of this study it is possible to conclude for the success of the External Quality Review Program implemented in Brazil since 2002 and its full acceptance by the medium and small audit companies. The results obtained while carrying out this work enable us to demonstrate the adoption, for the regulating bodies of the profession in Brazil, the International Standards for quality controlling the audit works and identifying how these standards are being applied by the medium and small Brazilian audit companies. Finally, we my conclude that there has been full adoption of the quality control standards by the Network and by his member companies in Brazil. It is possible to realize, still, the success of the of External Quality Review Program implemented in Brazil, by the Federal Board of Accountancy - CFC, since 2002, and its full acceptance by the medium and small audit companies / O principal objetivo desta dissertação é investigar o impacto na organização das pequenas e médias empresas de auditoria após a adoção da Revisão Externa de Qualidade efetuada pelos órgãos reguladores. Além disso, procura-se identificar até que ponto essas empresas estão preparadas para executar auditorias de nível internacional, cumprindo exigências dos organismos regulamentadores nacionais e internacionais da profissão. Nos capítulos de 1 a 3, através de pesquisa bibliográfica, aborda-se o desenvolvimento da auditoria independente e dos conceitos de qualidade total. Em seguida, analisa-se as normas internacionais e brasileiras para o controle de qualidade dos trabalhos de auditoria. Adicionalmente, são examinados o Programa de Revisão Externa de Qualidade em vigor e os seus resultados de 2002 até 2005. No capítulo 4, apresenta-se um estudo de caso, efetuado no intuito de averiguar os procedimentos utilizados por uma Network Internacional de empresas de auditoria de porte médio que possuem membros no Brasil. Os resultados obtidos durante a realização deste trabalho possibilitam demonstrar a adoção, pelos órgãos reguladores da profissão no Brasil, das Normas Internacionais para o controle de qualidade dos trabalhos de auditoria e identificar como essas normas estão sendo aplicadas pelas médias e pequenas empresas brasileiras de auditoria. Finalmente, conclui-se que houve plena adoção das normas de controle de qualidade pela Network e por suas empresas membros no Brasil. Pode-se perceber, ainda, o sucesso do Programa de Revisão Externa de Qualidade implementado no Brasil, pelo Conselho Federal de Contabilidade - CFC, a partir de 2002, e sua plena aceitação pelas médias e pequenas empresas de auditoria

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) identifies the intended and unintended impacts that proposed projects or developments are likely to have on a community or individuals and suggest mitigation measures to prevent these impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the significance and the status of SIA in a South African context. EIA is currently in its third era of mandatory practice and with an increasing number of SIAs, it is essential that the practice of SIA should be investigated. The aim of this dissertation was firstly reached by exploring the perspectives of SIA practitioners in South Africa through a questionnaire. The practitioners’ perspectives showed that despite distinct weaknesses in the practice of SIA, i.e. the lack of a fixed set of guidelines and a shortage of SIA skill in the practitioner community, SIA practice has improved since 1997 with the promulgation of ECA, although there is still room for improvement. Secondly a quality review was conducted on a sample of SIARs in South Africa using an adapted review package. The results revealed relatively weak report quality compared to EIA report quality, but with an improvement, in report quality since 1997. The quality review findings appear to confirm the perspectives of the practitioners regarding the state of SIA practice in South Africa. Despite the weaknesses in the SIA process, it appears that the SIA practitioner community is driven by best practice considerations, and that SIA practice is in line with international trends. It appears therefore that despite the observed weaknesses, SIA practice in South Africa is relatively healthy. It is recommended that instead of seeking to strengthen SIA practice by means of regulation and guidelines, SIA practitioners should rather ensure that SIA delivers what it is intended to deliver by ongoing pursuance of best practice, and by improved training and skills development. / Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013