A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Needs at the University Of Zululand, South Africa, 2016 / The present study examines the intervention strategies used by educators to reduce bullying behaviour in high schools in KwaDlangezwa. The objectives of the study include the following: • To determine educators’ intervention strategies to reduce bullying behaviour in high schools in KwaDlangezwa. • To determine educators’ perceptions concerning bullying behaviour in high schools in KwaDlangezwa • To determine learners’ perceptions of educators’ intervention strategies to reduce bullying behaviour in high schools in KwaDlangezwa. The study involved both quantitative and qualitative approach (mixed method approach). Data was collected using purposive sampling in selecting educators and learners. The study contained seventeen educators and twenty learners. To collect data, semi-structured interview schedule were formulated. Interview questions of both educators and learners consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions. A descriptive and exploratory design was used in this research. Qualitative data analysis was utilised and quantitative frequency distribution. The findings of the study indicated that educators are doing enough to minimise bullying behaviour in schools and different strategies are being utilised to reduce the issue. Some of the positive strategies used include the following: reporting procedures, discipline, advocacy and supervision of learners. However, obstacles have been reported in the process of intervening such as gender related problem, un-reported bullying behaviour and outside school bullying. Ideal strategies which could be used in future to improve the interventions of educators in the issue of bullying behaviour suggested by learners include role playing, segregation of learners and strict security. The study concluded with suggestions on the avenue for further research and recommendations with regards to bullies and victim assistance when bullying behaviour occurs.

Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the Degree of MA in Communication Science, University of Zululand, 2008. / The concept of sustainability has been adapted in business context to achieve balance, integrity, economic, social and environmental performance (Naidoo 2002:129); however Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is a relatively new concept to some companies. This study measures the growing debate over the responsibilities of business and the examination of communication strategies and CSI programmes being implemented by the banking sector in the Chatsworth District The first part of the study reviews literature pertaining to the communication process, electronic communication, mass communication, organisational communication, public communication, communication strategies in corporate social investment and community development. Subsequent chapters deal with the construction of a survey instrument employed to measure and evaluate the extent of CSI programmes by the banking sector and the findings of the survey. Penultimate chapters blend the insights gained from this literature review to interpret the results, obtained through the quantitative research methodology, to describe a set of conclusions and recommendations in the context of community upliftment through CSI initiatives.

Indirect procurement is becoming one of the most challenging function in food processing organizations, which need strategies to enhance supply chain sustainability. Food processing organizations could expect more than 50% maverick indirect costs out of the 80% procurement cost from total annual costs. The focus of the research question was on strategies procurement managers responsible for food processing indirect procurement could use to enhance supply chain sustainability. The conceptual framework for this study was resource dependency theory, and the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies some procurement managers responsible for food processing indirect procurement could use to enhance supply chain sustainability. Face-to-face semistructured interviews were used from 2 procurement managers from food processing organizations in Nairobi, Kenya, who were recorded and gave responses to 9 interview questions. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed into themes. Data were triangulated and then subjected to member checking to ensure reliability and strengthen credibility of collected data. The data revealed 2 major themes, which included, indirect procurement strategies, and resource availability. The identification of indirect procurement strategies was important because participants believed stakeholder partnering and collaboration in formulating procurement strategies could enhance value for money in indirect procurement. The resource availability was important to enhance supply chain sustainability. Implications for social change include cost reduction in the supply chain, increasing organization profits, lower products costs, which could improve economic, and social benefit.

Most family-owned businesses in Nigeria fail to survive to the second generation, and even more fail to survive to the third generation. The problems with sustainability pose issues for individuals and communities but have not been adequately examined by researchers. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies that family business owners use to implement succession planning required for business continuity. Succession planning theory was used as the conceptual framework. The participants for the study included leaders of 4 family businesses in Lagos, Nigeria, who have successfully implemented a succession planning strategy required for business continuity. The data were collected through semistructured face-to-face interviews. To enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the interpretations, methodological triangulation of the data sources and member checking were used. The process of data analysis included word frequency analysis, coding of related phrases, identification of patterns, and generation of themes around the codes. The results of the data analysis revealed five themes: identifying successor leaders, focusing on leadership development, reinforcing knowledge transfer, enhancing longevity of service, and emphasizing mentor and mentee processes. Providing potential successors with valuable skills in the short term becomes valuable for the family business in the long-term, study results show. The findings may raise owners' awareness about how to implement succession planning. The positive social change implications of business longevity include stable employment opportunities and investments in communities.

Fifty percent of small businesses launched survive 5 years or more and about 33.3 percent continue operating for 10 years or longer. This transcendental phenomenological study included Cantillion's theory of entrepreneurship to explore strategies used by successful second-time business owners after a failed first launch. Face-to-face interviews took place with 12 successful second-time business owners in Fairfax County, Virginia, whose first business had failed. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a modified Van Kaam method to identify strategies small business owners used to succeed beyond 5 years after a failed first business venture. Data analysis revealed 4 themes: (a) owners assimilated and accommodated lessons from the previous failure, (b) owners did not view obstacles as barriers, (c) owners acquired the ability to have successful plans, and (d) owners valued people who make businesses successful. Implications for social change include presenting the strategies in focus groups to train prospective entrepreneurs in local communities. The prospective entrepreneurs might learn new insights and strategies used by successful second-time business owners after a failed first launch that were critical to the success of their business. The findings of the study might offer applicable ideas, strategies, and actions that may promote the worth, dignity, well-being, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, and cultures.

Small businesses in the United States employ 98% of workers, yet approximately 47% of small businesses shut down in less than five years. Business leaders who fail to implement adequate strategic strategies experience reduced profits and sustainability challenges. These business closures cause unemployment rates to rise and inflict damages to the economic growth of economies in the United States. This multiple case study was grounded in the theory of transformational leadership. The purpose was to explore strategies used by small financial business owners to sustain their businesses beyond five years. The population consisted of 8small financial businesses in Southwest Florida; these businesses all have been in operation beyond 5years. Using methodological triangulation, data were collected from interviews with the leaders, company documents, physical artifacts such as the company websites and social media pages, to assess culture similarities and differences. Thematic analysis involved developing codes and themes from data collected and member checking. Four themes emerged transformational leadership, establishing trust, maintaining adequate capital, and proficient time management. These themes applied by business owners may help business owners experience greater success in remaining sustainable. The findings of this study could contribute to positive social change by providing insights for small financial business owners on the strategic implementations for business longevity that would possibly increase workplace stability for employees supporting their families as well as contributing positively to their communities in Southwest Florida

In the United States, total small business outstanding loans declined by 2.5 % in 2013, compared to a 10.4% increase in 2012. Scholars and business practitioners have indicated that small business entrepreneurs experience constraints in accessing capital to grow their businesses. Many small firm owners lack the financial strategies for gaining access to capital to sustain their businesses. Building on system functionality theory, the purpose of this exploratory multiple case study was to explore the financial strategies among 3 purposefully-selected small business owners in Washington DC metro area who successfully overcame the financial constraints. Six themes emerged from the thematic analysis of interview data: credit cards, family and friends, own financing, bank financing, crowdfunding, and government grants and loans. These small firm owners preferred to use their own financing or to borrow from family and friends rather than lending from the banks because of borrowing constraints. Some of the lending limitations included high-interest rates, lack of collateral, provision of a robust business plan, and availability of good financial records. The findings from this study may contribute to social change by providing business owners with more knowledge on financial strategies to use in accessing capital to sustain their businesses. With the improvement in business profitability, business owners will contribute to the economic growth of the local community through the provision of employment opportunities and social amenities.

Mortgage managers lack the organizational strategies to evolve after the 2008 economic decline of the U.S. and the global economy. The significance in the lack of organizational strategies threaten the U.S. and global communities with challenges in defaults for homeowners, performance and profits for the mortgage industry that jeopardize solvent economies. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore the strategies mortgage loan managers use to avoid mortgage crises and maintain profitability. The conceptual framework for this study was the social audit theory. The participants of the study were 7 mortgage managers, in the North-Eastern region of the U.S. Data were collected using semistructured interviews as the primary source, and as the secondary source data from public files, press releases, archives, public databases, and the company website. Using methodological triangulation, data, were analyzed and the following 5 themes emerged: adherence to government regulations, training strategies, credit history strategies, work history strategies and income-to- debt-ratio strategies. The potential implications for positive social change include increasing the success rate of lending for mortgage managers, which in return could create profit for mortgage firms, generate employment opportunities, increase the government tax revenues, and contribute to the growth of the U.S economy.

Adjusting socially and emotionally to a new cultural environment can be challenging for immigrants. Yet, the academic and behavioral performance of immigrant children can be enhanced when acculturative strategies are implemented in schools to address their unique cultural differences and needs. However, a scarcity of information exists pertaining to educational strategies to support acculturation of Haitian students, particularly those with disabilities. A qualitative case study was conducted to explore strategies that support acculturation of Haitian students with disabilities and the link between the use of acculturation strategies and student achievement from the perspectives of 3 regular education educators, 2 special education educators, 2 transition specialists, a school counselor, and a school psychologist at a high school in the northeastern United States. The bidimensional theory of acculturation provided the conceptual framework for this study. Qualitative data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 9 secondary school educators. Purposeful sampling was used in this study as part of the qualitative approach. Data from interviews were coded and themes were developed consistent with the conceptual framework. Results were that most participants felt positively about cultural maintenance but expressed concern with their ability to meet the acculturative needs of Haitian students with disabilities. In addition, most participants were unable to identify specific acculturation strategies that they used to support Haitian students with disabilities beyond language acquisition resources. The findings of this study may be instrumental in the creation of school-based systems of support for educators and students to increase the social integration and academic achievement of immigrant children with and without disabilities.

Small business owners bolster the emergence and growth of local communities. However, many small businesses do not survive beyond 5 years. Based on systems theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by small business owners to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. Using a multiple case study design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 retail business owners in DeKalb County, Georgia who were able to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. These small business owners provided detailed information on strategies used to sustain their businesses. Semistructured interviews allowed for in-depth conversations with each participant. The use of field notes, as well as member checking of interview transcripts, facilitated the verification and triangulation of key themes. Three prominent themes emerged from the thematic analysis of data collected from the interviews: assessing capital, providing good customer service, and choosing a good location. The respondents' strategies provide guidance for small business owners hoping to stay in business for the long-term. New and existing small business owners may benefit from the study by expanding knowledge gained from successful strategies; thereby, contributing to job creation and business growth in local economies.