Addressing issues of high complexity, such as societal or environmental transformations, require collaboration among a multitude of actors. Therefore, inter-organisational collaborations has evolved for approaching such large-scale problems. During the last decade, the orgasational theory of ecosystems has emerged further. Knowledge ecosystems is one evolved area that has limited empirical research. To evaluate how programs can be organised to sustain value to the actors, and provide further empirical research of ecosystems, this thesis explores the value creation and value capture mechanisms of a knowledge ecosystem. The thesis analyses a case study of a neutral collaborative platform, CLOSER, in Sweden. A conceptual framework, based on the open systems perspective, network theory, and the theoretical definition of a knowledge ecosystem, is used to analyse the empirical results. The value creation and value capture mechanisms for knowledge ecosystems in this empirical case study are identified as communication channels, projects and business initiatives. The findings from this study confirm the literature surrounding knowledge ecosystems and their value mechanisms. It is also elaborated that the incentives of individual participants in the ecosystem must be taken into consideration to enhance value creation and value capture, even in knowledge ecosystems. From a system level perspective, there also needs to be proper building mechanisms in place to handle the deliverance of the knowledge outside of the internal network of the ecosystem. This to ensure nothing is lost, or lessened. The notion that business ecosystems grow from knowledge ecosystems is also adressed. However, future research is still needed to provide empirical evidence of the theory. / Samhälls- eller miljötransformationer kräver samarbete mellan en mängd olika aktörer. Organiseringsfromer som bygger på interorganisatoriskt samarbete har därför utvecklats för att tillsammans kunna ta fram lösningar på sådana storskaliga problem. Ett område inom organisationsteori som har vuxit under det senaste decenniet är ekosystem, där kunskapsekosystem är ett koncept som under senare dit har blivit mer prevalent inom teoretisk forskning. Däremot saknas det underlag inom forskningen på uhr kunskapsekosystem fungerar i praktiken. Denna avhandling tillhandahåller ny empirisk forsknning inom området genom en empirisk studie på hur värde kan skapas och tas till vara på i ett kunskapsekosystem. Det görs genom att analysera hur program kan organiseras inom ett kunskapsekosystem för att upprätthålla värde för aktörerna. Avhandlingen analyserar en fallstudie av en neutral samarbetsplattform CLOSER, i Sverige. Ett konceptuellt ramverk, baserat på ett systemperspektiv, nätverksteori och den teoretiska defenitionen av ett kunskapsekosystem, används för att analysera de empiriska resultaten.  Mekanismerna för värdeskapande och värdefångande inom kunskapsekosystem i denna empiriska fallstudie identifieras som kommunikationskanaler, project och affärsincitament. Resultaten bekräftar delvis det som står i befintlig litteratur kring värdeskapande mekanismer inom kunskapsekosystem, men framhäver även att det inte räcker att fokusera på de gemensamma målen i ett storskaligt samarbete bland en mängd olika aktörer. De individuella målen som aktörerna har måste också beaktas, inklusive deras affärsmodeller, för att se till att hela ekosystemet arbetar i samma riktning. Ur ett systemnivåperspektiv måste det också finnas ordentliga uppbyggnadsmekanismer för att förmedla kusnkap utanför systemets interna nätverk för att säkerställa att värdefull kunskap inte går till spillo. Uppfattningen att affärsverksamhetsekosystem växer fram ur kunskapekosystem diskuteras också. Framtida forskning behövs dock för ayy ge empiriska bevis för den teorin.

This study explores and describes the experiences of hearing children growing up in Deaf Parented families in Gauteng. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the delegation of different roles including South African Sign Language interpreting in the family; the influence of having Deaf parents in occupational choices of hearing adult-children of Deaf parents; the availability of support services to CODAs and their perceptions of their parents in terms of disability. A purposive sampling strategy in conjunction with snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit participants. Two males and eight females between the ages of 21 and 40 years, with different occupations were recruited for this study. A qualitative design, embedded within the constructivism and interpretivism framework was used in this study. Data were collected through semi structured; open ended and in-depth interview questions were used to obtain data for the study. A pilot study was conducted prior to commencing with the main study. Thematic content analysis was employed to describe themes qualitatively. The following themes emerged from the study. Participants reported to have developed a bicultural identity; however, they primarily identify themselves as CODAs regardless of their racial identity. Participants expressed frustrations with the interpreter role and female children reported to have interpreted for their parents more than their male counterparts. Seven participants are currently employed as SASL interpreters. The study highlights that there are mixed emotions regarding interactions with the extended family members. The study identifies a strong need for support services for Deaf parented families. Lastly; participants viewed Deafness as a cultural minority, and not a disability. Findings revealed a need for audiologists to clearly define their role in Deaf parented families, and to also adopt emic view of Deafness and family system perspective model.

The major aim of this study is to develop an integrative framework of the determinants and consequence of international human capital, the human capital which enables a firm to compete globally. The open systems view is introduced to develop a comprehensive measurement of international human capital, which includes input-based, transformational, output-based, and managerial international human capital. Human capital accumulation modes (the documentation mode and the socialization mode) are identified as the potential determinant, and global initiatives (global learning and global marketing) and financial performance as the potential outcome. The Structural Equation Modeling technique is employed to investigate the determinants and outcome of the human capital system. The results support our expectation that human capital accumulation modes foster the development of international human capital, which in turn enhances a firm¡¦s global initiatives and financial performance. Important role of output-based and managerial international human capital are also identified. Output-based international human capital not only enhances a firm¡¦s financial performance, but also facilitates its global initiatives. Managerial international human capital, on the other hand, indirectly fosters a firm¡¦s financial performance and global initiatives through its direct positive influences on the other international human capital components.

Postmodernism affects views and lifestyles, which in turn determine how an individual fulfils his roles, meets his needs, and grows and adjusts in his different systems. The nature of this impact on the social functioning of young adults from an ecological systems perspective is relevant for the social work profession and to social work practitioners working with young adults. Discovering more about this impact therefore formed the rationale for this study. In this study, the mixed methods research approach was utilised seeing that it comprises both a qualitative and a quantitative component which, when mixed, provided a comprehensive analysis of the research problem. Young adults’ experiences and views of postmodern society could be considered as phenomena in the ‘real world’ which necessitated a qualitative approach to this study. In order to claim scientific accuracy, the impact had to be quantified. This implied measurement within a quantitative approach in order to produce precise and generalisable statistical findings. The researcher started the empirical study with the qualitative approach. In this manner, rich data could be obtained to assist in the compilation of suitable questions to construct a questionnaire. Sequential timing, within the exploratory mixed methods design, with the qualitative data collected and analysed first, followed by the quantitative data, therefore allowed for the one dataset to build upon the other. Mixing the datasets by means of an exploratory mixed methods research design provided a better understanding of the problem than if either dataset had been used alone. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the data and promote the measurement of the impact of postmodernism. From the conclusions it is apparent that global issues observed in the macrosystem affect all the ecological systems and impact the social functioning of the young adult. The reciprocal impact of people and environmental systems on the social functioning of young adults within a postmodern paradigm was evident in this research. Personal experiences were highly valued, as well as a tendency towards ‘own authority’. Postmodernism affects views and lifestyles, which in turn affects the young adult’s performance of roles and his interactions within all his different social systems. A strong attachment to family and home, as well as the importance of roles as sons/daughters were found. It was found that young adults focus on ‘the self’ and on own needs and satisfactions, with contrasting views on the significance of formal structures, image and consumerism, (electronic) communication and interaction, diversity and personal future. Views regarding an uncertain future and personal roles evolve and change constantly, depending on social and economic factors. An increase in a need for spirituality in postmodern times was found. The contemporary young adult between the ages of 18 and 25 years explores and experiments in terms of identity and lifestyle. Thinking, questioning, feeling and a strong focus on ‘self’ characterise this young adult. Views and values seem to be person-specific and based on emotions and experiences. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / hb2013 / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

This study focussed on the development and pilot testing of a research based preemployment core skills programme for young adults in order to equip them for the open labour market, to improve the young adults’ knowledge and application of employment core skills, which in turn could increase the likelihood of securing employment. This programme can also help to alleviate unemployment and poverty by contributing to the social development of young adults, enhancing human capital development, increasing opportunities to reach full educational potential, enhancing economic development and increasing the opportunity to be self-sufficient and raising the quality of life. The motivation for this study is based on the high unemployment amongst young adults, the lack of intervention programmes that address core skills for employment for young adults that are making the transition from school to work in South Africa and the apparent lack of core skills support for young adults at places of employment. The study was conducted from an ecological systems perspective which is relevant for the social work profession and to the “help professional” who engages with young adults. The applied research was used and a quantitative research approach was undertaken by using self-administered and group-administered questionnaires to collect data in a standardised way under controlled circumstances with procedures planned prior to the commencement of the study in order to test a hypothesis. The study was conducted in two phases namely (A) an exploration of core employment skills needed by young adults by using a quantitative descriptive survey research design and (B) the development and pilot testing of a pre-employment core skills programme for young adults by using a one-group pretest-posttest design to assess the change in knowledge of core skills of young adults through the deployment of an intervention of the programme. The discussion of young adulthood as a life phase highlighted the nature of human development. The discussion of the different development theories gave a good indication of what development tasks are of importance during young adulthood and especially in terms of preparation for entering into the labour market (career). Unemployment has various impacts on the young adult who in turn has an effect on the social system and the economy of South Africa. From the empirical findings of phase A and combining the literature study it became apparent that young adults who can communicate well, solve problems and work with others are more employable as they can assume an active, adaptive and responsible role in the workplace and society. This information was used to develop a pre-employment core skills programme for young adults. The conceptual programme model, the experiential learning approach and problem-based learning were used for the basis of the core skills programme. The aim of the core skills programme was to enhance the young adults’ knowledge and application of core skills necessary for employment and their employment opportunities. The findings from phase B indicate that the developed programme did enhance the young adults’ knowledge of core skills necessary for employment and that the developed programme can be implemented with young adults between the ages of 18-25 years. / Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / Unrestricted

In the service of child protection organisations, where services are focused on the protection of children within the preservation of families, social workers are exposed to the adverse conditions of children and families forming part of their caseload. Social workers must remain objective and make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of children and families, while they themselves might be traumatised by the circumstances of these children and families. Various studies have been done about occupational stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and the role of supervision in this regard. Less is however known about support as a function of supervision for social workers employed by child protection organisations and the social workers’ experience(s) of this support. The aim of this study was to investigate and to descripe, by means of a descriptive qualitative design, social workers employed by child protection organizations' experience of support as function of supervision. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used a purposeful non-probability sampling. Ten social workers from seven child protection organisations within the specific field of child protection were selected according to their willingness to participate. Unstructured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews, with one question to initiate the interview, were conducted with social workers to investigate their experience of the support as function of supervision. During interviews with the individual social workers the researcher made use of observations and field notes as tools for data collection tools. A focus group with eight social workers was also utilised to verify initial findings and to allow for any additional data that would emerge. The first theme deals with participants’ view of support as a function of supervision, which includes receiving guidance and emotional support. Theme two is about participants’ experience of support as a function of supervision in terms of task-oriented as well as emotional support. The third theme that came up was alternative sources of emotional support, including colleagues, external counselors, family members and selfcare. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories and discussed according to relevant quotations from interviews and literature reviews. Conclusions and recommendations were made according to these results. One of the most important recommendations arising from the findings of the study, is that the support function of supervision should be used more effectively. Social workers and supervisors must develop a greater awareness of the importance to discuss emotions and the dangers of suppressing emotions. Social workers that receive the opportunity to reflect on their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, appreciation and experience job satisfaction and motivation, which leads to an increase in service quality. / MSW, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

In the service of child protection organisations, where services are focused on the protection of children within the preservation of families, social workers are exposed to the adverse conditions of children and families forming part of their caseload. Social workers must remain objective and make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of children and families, while they themselves might be traumatised by the circumstances of these children and families. Various studies have been done about occupational stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and the role of supervision in this regard. Less is however known about support as a function of supervision for social workers employed by child protection organisations and the social workers’ experience(s) of this support. The aim of this study was to investigate and to descripe, by means of a descriptive qualitative design, social workers employed by child protection organizations' experience of support as function of supervision. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used a purposeful non-probability sampling. Ten social workers from seven child protection organisations within the specific field of child protection were selected according to their willingness to participate. Unstructured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews, with one question to initiate the interview, were conducted with social workers to investigate their experience of the support as function of supervision. During interviews with the individual social workers the researcher made use of observations and field notes as tools for data collection tools. A focus group with eight social workers was also utilised to verify initial findings and to allow for any additional data that would emerge. The first theme deals with participants’ view of support as a function of supervision, which includes receiving guidance and emotional support. Theme two is about participants’ experience of support as a function of supervision in terms of task-oriented as well as emotional support. The third theme that came up was alternative sources of emotional support, including colleagues, external counselors, family members and selfcare. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories and discussed according to relevant quotations from interviews and literature reviews. Conclusions and recommendations were made according to these results. One of the most important recommendations arising from the findings of the study, is that the support function of supervision should be used more effectively. Social workers and supervisors must develop a greater awareness of the importance to discuss emotions and the dangers of suppressing emotions. Social workers that receive the opportunity to reflect on their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, appreciation and experience job satisfaction and motivation, which leads to an increase in service quality. / MSW, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Bakgrund: Sjukfrånvaron i Sverige 2004 var högst i Västeuropa och landets enskilt största ekonomiska problem. Regeringen vidtog åtgärder för att minska sjukfrånvaron. En del var att ge incitament för att sjukskrivningsprocessen skulle finnas med i hälso- och sjukvårdens ledningssystem, delvis på grund av förändrade krav och därmed brister i läkarintygens kvalitet. En lokal undersökning vid ortopedkliniken Kärnsjukhuset visade att 23 % av patienterna var missnöjda i samband med sjukskrivning. Syfte: Genom Sex Sigmas problemlösningsmodell DMAIC i kombination med mikrosystemperspektivet förbättra kvaliteten på läkarintygen, skapa mål och rutiner i sjukskrivningsprocessen samt öka patientnöjdhet  Metod: Utifrån ett mikrosystemperspektiv intervjuades projektgruppsdeltagare. Genom Sex Sigmas problemlösningsmodell fokuserades förbättringsområden på informationsutbyte till patienter och läkare samt utformande av mål och skriftliga rutiner. Femtioåtta patienter intervjuades om hur nöjda de var med sin sjukskrivning. Mätningar av ”onödiga” åtgärder utfördes och kvaliteten i läkarintygen följdes med styrdiagram. Förbättringsprojektet utvärderades kontinuerligt genom reflektion i projektgruppen. Resultat: Förbättringsarbete med hjälp av Sex Sigma och mikrosystemperspektiv har bidragit signifikant till ökad kvalitet i läkarintygen, p<0,001. Rutiner och mål för sjukskrivningsprocessen har implementerats i ledningssystemet. Hundra procent av patienterna på ortopedkliniken är nöjda och telefonsamtal om brister och felaktiga ärenden har minskat. Förbättringsmetodiken har bidragit till ett vidgat synsätt, ökad förståelse för patienten och mellan personalkategorier. Åtgärderna har haft genomslagskraft genom att förbättringsförslagen kom från dem som arbetar i verksamheten och genomfördes med egen personal. Diskussion: Sex Sigma och mikrosystemperspektivet har patientfokus vilket kan påverka värderingar och vilja till förändringar. Resultatet från denna studie stöder det som kommit fram i andra studier och arbetssättet gav signifikant förbättrat resultat. Förbättringsåtgärderna är inte generaliserbara men arbetssättet kan med fördel tillämpas i förbättringsarbete. Ytterligare studier av arbetssättet och dess hållbarhet över tid behövs för att stärka evidensen. / Background: The sickness absence in Sweden 2004 was highest inWestern Europe and the country's main economic problem. The government gave incentives to make the sick-leave process included in healthcare management system, partly because of changing requirements and deficiencies in the quality of medical-certificates quality. A local study at an orthopedic clinic showed that 23% of patients were dissatisfied with sick-leave. Purpose: Through Six Sigma's DMAIC problem-solving model in combination with micro-systems perspective, improving the quality of medical certificates, create goals and routines in the sick-leave process and increase patient satisfaction Method: Interviews of project participants were carried out using a micro-systems perspective. Through Six Sigma problem-solving model areas of improvement were focused on information exchange to patients and physicians as well as formulating goals and written routines. Fifty-eight patients were interviewed about their sick-leave satisfaction. Measurements of "unnecessary" actions were performed and the quality of medical certificates was followed with control-charts. The improvement project was evaluated by reflection in the group continuously. Results: Improvements with Six Sigma and micro-systems perspective has contributed to improving the quality of medical certificates significantly p<0.001. Routines and goals for sick-leave process have been implemented in the management system. 100% of the patients at the orthopedic clinic are satisfied. Phone calls about deficiencies and incorrect cases have decreased. This methodology has contributed to a broadened understanding of patients´ experiences and between different staff-categories. The actions have had impact because the improving proposals came from and were carried out by its own staff. Discussion: The Six Sigma and the micro-systems perspective has patient focus which can affect the values and willingness to change. The result from this study supports other studies and the approach in this study resulted in significantly improved results. Improvement actions are not generalizable, but the approach can be usefully applied in improvement efforts. Further studies of the approach and its sustainability over time are needed to strengthen the evidence.

The impact of transportation concerning older adults is under scrutiny as the number of older adults is expected to significantly increase in the coming years. The World Health Organization (WHO) spearheaded a world wide initiative that sought to examine what contributed to an “age-friendly community” in both developed and underdeveloped nations. This paper examines, in particular, the role that transportation plays in relation and contribution to an “age-friendly” community in Saanich, British Columbia, as an addition to the WHO initiative. Focus groups were conducted to ensure that information received was the lived experience of the individual. Results suggested that transportation was more than the ability to operate a vehicle, but in the ability to move safely within an environment. Additional information provided by participants spoke to the necessity of increasing awareness of licensing systems and improvements that could be implemented to ensure safety for older adult drivers and the community.

The impact of transportation concerning older adults is under scrutiny as the number of older adults is expected to significantly increase in the coming years. The World Health Organization (WHO) spearheaded a world wide initiative that sought to examine what contributed to an “age-friendly community” in both developed and underdeveloped nations. This paper examines, in particular, the role that transportation plays in relation and contribution to an “age-friendly” community in Saanich, British Columbia, as an addition to the WHO initiative. Focus groups were conducted to ensure that information received was the lived experience of the individual. Results suggested that transportation was more than the ability to operate a vehicle, but in the ability to move safely within an environment. Additional information provided by participants spoke to the necessity of increasing awareness of licensing systems and improvements that could be implemented to ensure safety for older adult drivers and the community.