This thesis is located within the field of Information Systems implementation. More specifically it focuses within Information Systems at the issues associated with implementation of business proves-based change. There is much evidence, both theoretical and empirical, to suggest that there are a high percentage of Information Systems and Business Process implementation failures (Meredith 1981, Lucas 1981, Walsham 1993, Land et al 1989). The aim of this thesis is twofold. Firstly to analyse the reasons behind the failures in process-based change implementations and secondly to provide a solution that will enable companies to overcome some of the problems and thus reduce the number of these failures. This research is based on a joint project between IBM PSS and the University if Plymouth. The research focuses specifically on the implementation of process-based change occurring in IBM Product Support Services (PSS). PSS is primarily responsible for the maintenance of IBM and non-IBM hardware and software and the selling of services associated with them. In order to understand what happens during implementation the researcher participated in three action research projects. All three projects were part of an IBM world-wide Business Process Re-engineering project called Customer Relationship Management. To ensure the validity of this action research process the researcher has closely followed the guidance compiled by Eden and Huxham. This research will present a framework that has been developed to improve the management of implementation projects. The framework is based on a synthesis of theoretical evidence and empirical findings. The empirical findings have been developed from investigating the reasons for failure in the three action research projects. All findings were analysed using the ‘Grounded Theory’ approach. The framework consists of five dominant themes, which are senior management commitment, analysis of problem situation, project planning and management, proves focus and user involvement. In the researchers view the problem of unsuccessful implementation is a complex one which may only begin to be improved when all the themes are addressed together as a whole. In order to test the themes of the framework a process for application was required. The process developed for using the framework involves applying a focus group at project initiation and questionnaires throughout the course of the project. The purpose of the focus group is to understand the themes of the themes of the framework within the context of the particular problem situation being investigated. The questionnaire is used to audit each theme of the framework to identify potential areas of implementation weakness. T-test analysis is carries out on the questionnaire results to measure whether any changes between questionnaires results are statistically significant. The framework was successfully applied to a fourth project. The T-test results indicated that applying the framework to the project throughout the course of the implementation had significantly improved the implementation. The originality of this research is in the framework and its application. This thesis will describe the history of implementation successes and failures at IBM, survey appropriate implementation theory and describe the synthesis and testing of the framework.

This study examined social support landscapes of People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Winnipeg, Manitoba through secondary analysis of the Positive Prevention Study (PPS) data. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were utilized to investigate prospective associations between demographics, measures of positively/negatively perceived social support, sexual and substance use related transmission behaviours. The PPS (2009), a cross sectional study, interviewed 135 Manitoban PLWHA about their experiences. The majority reported at least some positively perceived social support. Ongoing transmission behaviours were reported regardless of time since diagnosis. Several key demographic variables and measures of social support were found to be associated with risk behaviours in simple and multivariate analyses. Recommendations: strengthen capacity of health care providers to continue risk prevention education beyond time of diagnosis, bolster peer led knowledge transferring prevention programs, focus upon those most at risk of continued transmission behaviour, and ensure continued existence of successful support programming. / May 2016

Background: Telephone counseling is a multifaceted profession, which makes it possible to perform nursing care without meeting the care seeker physically. Nurses supports, assesses, guides and provides care seekers with self-care advice, which is of great importance to avoid health problems and complications for the care seekers. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of telephone counseling within health centers and 1177 Vårdguiden. Method: A method aimed to contribute to evidence-based care based on the analysis of qualitative research described by Friberg (2012), was used. Eleven articles were analysed and resulted in four categories, with fourteen sub-categories. Results: The four categories that emerged were; the importance of own knowledge and security, to face ethical dilemmas, stress and job demands and the use of decision support. The lack of visual contact requires specific knowledge by the nurses and communication with healthcare seekers from other cultures and with third parties to some extent created uncertainty. The nurses must be quick and do right in limited time. Decision support was perceived as both an obstacle and complement. Conclusion: Nurses´ experiences of working with telephone counseling was described as stressful, demanding but also positive and challenging. In order to best perform telephone counseling it required experience, vast competence and ability to apply knowledge. It was considered important to use oneself as a main asset and to be aware of strengths, weaknesses and reactions in different situations.

Detta examensarbete handlar om hur par upplever att vara infertila och deras längtan efter att bli föräldrar. Infertilitet väcker starka känslor hos paret och är någonting som de själva inte kan styra över. Arbetet baseras på tio vetenskapliga artiklar som funnits via sökningar i databaser som låg till grund för analysen. Av dessa artiklar delades deras resultat in i tre teman med tre underteman vardera. Dessa teman svarar på arbetets syfte i resultatdelen, det vill säga parets upplevelse av infertilitet. Resultatet visade att par upplevde infertiliteten som en omtumlande tid i livet då de kände sig maktlösa i situationen. Par försökte hitta en annan mening i vardagen och det var vanligt att istället satsa på karriär, utbildning, resor eller hobbys. Infertiliteten påverkade individen och paret i och med de känslor som uppkom. Detta medförde tankar på om relationen exempelvis skulle vara hållbar utan barn. Resultatet visade även att par upplevde ett tryck ifrån vänner och familj. De hade svårt att glädjas när vänner och syskon fick barn och kände skuld över att inte kunna erbjuda deras föräldrar barnbarn. Stöd i olika former efterfrågades där andra par i samma situation tycktes vara de enda som förstod vad de genomgick. Hälso- och sjukvården sågs som en viktig källa till information. Det är tydligt att infertilitet påverkar paret med många känslor och påfrestningar men i slutändan har det dock visats stärka paret på ett eller annat sätt. I våra slutsatser framkommer det att sjuksköterskan har en viktig roll i mötet med paret. Genom att sjuksköterskan tillämpar personcentrerad vård ges  örutsättningen att förhindra vårdlidande. / Background: Infertility is more common than many people think and can be due to various factors. The occurrence is equally common in both sexes and various treatment methods are available to take. Infertility rarely go unnoticed and couples affected more or less. Aim: The aim of the study was to highlight the heterosexual couple's experience of infertility. Method: A literature based study was done through a qualitative approach. The database Cinahl was used in the systematic searches. In total, the study is based on ten qualitative articles and the analysis resulted in three themes with three subthemes each. Results: The couples felt that their relationship was put to the test. They isolated themselves from family and friends because they constantly were reminded of their situation. Seeking support from others with infertility problems on Internet was common. Conclusion: The desire to become a parent was for all couples central but with the diagnosis life couldn’t take the way that was intended. The relationship was affected more or less, and support from various sources and of different types were needed. The importance of the nurse responds couple on a person-centered way highlighted. Person- centered care took advantage of the patient's resources and reduced suffering.

Schools implement school-wide positive behavior support systems to enforce rules, shape maladaptive behaviors, and promote positive climate where students’ wellbeing can improve. A way to reduce disruptive behaviors is with Accept. Identify. Move (AIM) curriculum with reinforcement system and social-emotional components. Statistical t-test of between group of Intervention Classroom and Control Classroom, within Intervention Classroom group, and within Control Classroom group to evaluate changes in psychological flexibility changes after students received the AIM intervention and control classroom intervention. The between group and within Intervention Classroom group t-test produced statistically significant results, and the within Control Classroom group produced no statically significant results. An ABA design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the two classrooms receiving separate interventions. This study suggests that the AIM intervention can help students develop physiological flexibility skills and decrease disruptive behaviors in the classroom setting.

Student Number : 8609118F - MSc(Eng) project report - School of Electrical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment / Technical support organisations (TSOs) and service groups are becoming increasingly important in the upkeep and maintenance of the highly sophisticated and optimised automation equipment and systems that drive production in the mining and manufacturing industries. This study presents a methodology for designing and analysing the performance of a TSO, with a view to ongoing optimisation. The method of approach is the ‘System Dynamics’ (SD) simulation technique, which has at its core a mathematical model of the organisational unit, and which attempts to model its behaviour over time. The organisational design is based on Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) principles. It was found that the System Dynamics modelling approach was useful for a technical support organisation. For managers and organisational strategists, the quantitative ability of SD provides an intuitive and practical way to evaluate the impact of different structural and operational scenarios in response to ever-demanding business imperatives.

The new outcomes based education (OBE) in the form of the Revised National Curriculum Statements (RNCS, 2002) advocates for the use of contexts in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The motivation for this advocacy is the expectation of the promotion of understanding of the subject. Such expectations however cannot be achievable without consideration of factors such as what contexts are appropriate for use in the teaching and learning of mathematics, how the contexts have to be used in order to promote understanding and more importantly how are teachers involved in this process. The study explores the ways in which a Grade 7 teacher selects contexts in the learning support materials or in any other source for use in order to promote understanding of the concept of variable among learners. It draws on socio-cultural theories and is underpinned by the notion that understanding of a concept presupposes and is presupposed by the formation of the concept. The research method employed was a case study and data was mainly collected through interviews as well as materials that were availed by the teacher. The following three key issues emerged from the study and were taken up for discussion: a) what does it take to make the transition from context to mathematics in terms of the promotion of the understanding of the concept of variable? b) to what extent were the materials selected by the teacher adequate to deal with issues of transition from context to mathematics in terms of the promotion of the understanding of the concept of variable? and c) what possibilities were available for the teacher to use context in order to promote understanding of the concept of variable? This study further explores the extent to which the notions of mathematisation and transition from context to mathematics may be used as the means by which the selection and use of contexts in the learning and teaching of the concept of variable may facilitate the promotion of understanding of the concept variable.

This research project explores the use of virtual support groups by women diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa. Through a content analysis of the online forums and eight in-depth interviews with women of various backgrounds (age, race and socio-economic status) it becomes evident that women use these virtual spaces for information exchange, sense of belonging, search for meaning and most significantly support. Various factors within the illness experience of breast cancer influence the initial use, continuation, breaks and withdrawal from of these online forums. The analysis of online forums is framed around concepts of lay consultation, gender, adaptation theory and social capital to conceptualise and make sense of these virtual interactions. The virtual groups allow women to read and write on breast cancer according to their perceptions and experiences, thereby lessening the dominant medical power to create space for their personal voices. The interactions on the forums foster a sense of empowerment, social support and social engagement critical to their wellbeing and adaptation to the condition. This study also brings attention to the lack of studies about virtual groups within the South African context which is increasingly becoming significant as more and more individuals use virtual groups as part of health lay interaction and consultation.

Faculty of Science School of Statistics snd Acturial Science 9907894x craig.morgan@goldfields.co.za / This dissertation presents a detailed study of geostatistics. Included in this work are details of the development of geostatistics and its usefulness both in and outside of the mining industry, a comprehensive presentation of the theory of geostatistics, and a discussion of the application of this theory to practical situations. A published debate over the validity of geostatistics is also examined. The ultimate goal of this dissertation is to provide a thorough investigation of geostatistics from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. The theory presented in this dissertation is thus tested on various spatial data sets, and from these tests it is concluded that geostatistics can be effectively used in practice provided that the practitioner fully understands the theory of geostatistics and the spatial data being analyzed. A particularly interesting conclusion to come out of this dissertation is the importance of using additive regionalized variables in all geostatistical analyses.

Thesis advisor: Fr. Joseph O'Keefe / One of six studies examining one district’s implementation of the Massachusetts Model System of Educator Evaluation (MMSEE), this study examines how central office administrators (COAs) implement one of the central components of MMSEE, feedback. Feedback is intended to provide educators information and insight from supervisors with the intent to reflect on, improve and develop educators’ professional practice. Although there has been much research on principal evaluation, there has been little research on how feedback supports principals through the evaluation process making this study relevant and timely. By analyzing data collected through semi-structured interviews, findings revealed that principals and COAs had differing views of the type, frequency and relevance of feedback. To create a coherent and supportive structure for principal feedback recommendations include ensuring structures for effective communication and creation of collaborative professional development – COAs and principals – that include principal voice with explicit discussion and instruction on feedback. / Thesis (EdD) — Boston College, 2016. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Leadership and Higher Education.