Implementing the English language syllabus (secondary level): the Singapore experience

[From the introduction]:This study attempts to illuminate the processes of planned change. More specifically, it examines the difficulties of implementing a revised English language syllabus in the context of Singapore's educational, cultural, socio-economic and political frameworks. It considers, too, those who plan change, the assumptions and models which inform their work, and the impact of their actions. A broad view, then, is taken of syllabus implementation as part of a larger pattern of systems, individuals and events which needs to be understood before a formal implementation programme begins (Kennedy, 1988).It is recognised that a knowledge of the successes and pitfalls of previous change efforts should inform the work of syllabus writers and implementors. So, this is a historical study, a diachronic comparison of two implementation exercises, separated by a decade

An integrated study of earth resources in the state of California using remote sensing techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. A weighted stratified double sample design using hardcopy LANDSAT-1 and ground data was utilized in developmental studies for snow water content estimation. Study results gave a correlation coefficient of 0.80 between LANDSAT sample units estimates of snow water content and ground subsamples. A basin snow water content estimate allowable error was given as 1.00 percent at the 99 percent confidence level with the same budget level utilized in conventional snow surveys. Several evapotranspiration estimation models were selected for efficient application at each level of data to be sampled. An area estimation procedure for impervious surface types of differing impermeability adjacent to stream channels was developed. This technique employs a double sample of 1:125,000 color infrared hightflight transparency data with ground or large scale photography

The application of a participatory evaluation method to the public library : the case of Tholulwazi Library, Besters Camp, Inanda, Durban.

Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1997.A participatory evaluation method used to evaluate development projects is applied to the public library. The Tholulwazi Library, Besters Camp, Inanda - the first library established by the Durban Municipal Library service in an informal settlement - is the case used in the study. The developmental context of public libraries in South Africa in the 1990s provided part of the justification for this approach. This context relates to community demands for libraries along with other development services, as well as claims of developmental and educational benefit used to motivate for public library funding. Diminishing public budgets and calls for efficiency and effectiveness in the public service, suggest the need to evaluate and demonstrate impact and community benefit. In addition a survey of the literature on library evaluation since the 1970s indicates that useful, easily applicable methods of library evaluation are unavailable to the practitioner, hence the justification for considering models developed in other sectors. This thesis surveys the library evaluation literature, and then looks to trends in the evaluation of social service and development projects and programmes. An approach which combines a systematic and objectives-oriented approach, effected by a participatory methodology is selected and applied to the Tholulwazi Library. The evaluation takes place via a questionnaire survey of a group of library users (students), a use register and library counter-based survey; supplemented by existing population data on the Besters area. A work group consisting of library staff and user representatives, facilitated by the author, conducted the evaluation. The evaluation results reflect on the validity of library planning, and quantify and qualify the extent and type of use of students users, and the benefit derived. These results are analysed in relation to library objectives, and the coincidence or deviation commented upon. Recommendations for action in the management of Tholulwazi Library are given, as well as recommendations applicable to the planning and establishment of new libraries in other informal settlements and townships. Suggestions as to further use of this evaluation approach are given, in addition to comments on the relevance and applicability of the methodology. These focus on the strategic and managerial benefit of demonstrating a link between library resources and activities (funded by public moneys), to use and user benefit. The use of a participatory methodology is shown to be technically necessary in demonstrating this link, as well as politically strategic. Valid and appropriate decision-making by management needs input from all levels, hence the value of utilising 'multiple realities' of all groupings involved with delivery at a particular service point, in such an evaluation. The approach used suggests a more conscious approach to management of libraries generally. It points to specific, periodic reflection on and analysis of the role of the library as a social institution and the societal problems addressed. This includes analysis of the library environment, focusing on existing and potential target groups. The analysis applies in relation to conscious planning procedures, as well as ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluation of endeavours

An anthropological study of longshoremen and of industrial relations in the Port of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

This thesis examines the social organisation of longshoremen and their families and its implications for industrial relations in the Port of St. John's, Canada. The analysis focusses on effects of an extreme in casual labour markets operating against a background of chronic unemployment. Although concentrating on activities within the port it is essential to place these within Newfoundland's geographic, economic, political and legal contexts; these accordingly form the basis of Chapter 1, which also introduces the actors. Chapter 2 sets the longshore family within the context of Newfoundland's rurally based kinship system and shows how structural divisions and alliances derived from within the family are manifest on the dock. It demonstrates how physical strength and prestige are related and as men age, wives and sons assume familial authority. Religion is ezamined in Chapter 3 as providing a social bond for pious women through whom are allocated scarce resources, both economic and social. Economic resources, as collectively organised welfare payments, are offered in cases of family misfortune, whilst piety permits social mobility of children. Mothers are thus able to alleviate some disadvantages of a father's low class occupation. Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 concentrate on the longshore work gang as basic unit of work and leisure. Chapter 4 examines how gang workers cooperate and emerge able collectively to modify the foreman's apparently absolute powers in hiring, firing and discipline. The methods by which collective opposition is mounted and prior structural divisions overcome are analysed through an extended case study, the subject of Chapter 5. Chapter 6 examines how pilferage is organised in the docks; analyses alliances and dependencies involved and the institutionalised limits set. It then considers implications of limits as an aspect of longshore morality and an indication of managerial collusion. The articulation of gang organisation derived from work and that found in leisure activities is considered in Chapter 7. The gang is examined as an insurance agency parallel to women's organisations discussed in Chapter 3. Integration and membership within gangs is derived from conformity to work and sociability norms - particularly in drinking. Relationships within drinking groups are then considered in detail. Some men, outsiders to these norms, are found in the gangs; their special role as gang spokesmen against management is considered as they articulate with the Union's political life. Chapter 8 considers Union political activity and relations with employers together. Membership participation is constrained by divisive aspects of membership and Union structure. These are moveable when preconditions allow cross wharf alliances. Resulting turbulence can be focussed on Executives or through them to Employers. In the concluding chapter I briefly summarise the argument

Professional Competence-Complexity, Concepts and Characteristics: a Case Study of New Zealand Pharmacy

This thesis sets out to develop a model of professional competence that takes into account the complexity associated with pharmacy practice. The resulting model conceptualises competence in a way that recognises it is a multi-leveled entity that develops and changes over a practitioner's practicing life. The model enables the characteristics that differentiate between levels of performance to be identified and explored. The thesis responds to the issues raised by the emerging emphasis on audit and competence assurance resulting from the introduction of The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 in New Zealand. It investigates the concept of professional competence as exhibited by experienced practising pharmacists, how it is defined, and how it evolves through ongoing practice. The research identifies behaviours that differentiate expert, competent and not-competent performance. As a result of the research undertaken, a new model of professional competence for pharmacists is proposed. This model uses complexity theory to move beyond traditional conceptions of competence, which are based on performance of roles and functions and focus on separate tasks and knowledge. Instead, it proposes that professional competence is a complex, separate entity in its own right, which is reflected in the roles and functions pharmacists perform. In the model, the ability to perform professional tasks competently is termed the domain of technical competence, but is only one component of professional competence. The other components are contained in four other domains of competence - cognitive, legal/ethical, organisational, and inter/intra-personal. Each of these domains is expressed in a continuum of behaviours, which at one end reflects the characteristics of the domain totally unconnected with the other domains. At the other end of the continuum the behaviour exhibited reflects the full integration of all the domains. "Competent" pharmacists are able to integrate the five domains of competence when performing their professional roles. Conceptualising professional competence in this way enables the importance of complex integrated behaviours of professional practice to be recognised without trying to break them into component parts. An example is the ability to draw apparently unconnected pieces of information together when deciding on appropriate actions for particular situations. "Not-competent" performance is characterised by a lack of ability to fully integrate the five domains of competence. This is often exhibited in a lack of ability to integrate one of the domains, for example, not applying legal or ethical judgments to decisions made or not communicating clearly in English. "Expert" performers on the other hand are able to integrate the skills and knowledge within each of the domains across a wider range of practice situations more consistently than competent performers. In doing so, experts are less reliant on standard professional and process knowledge, and instead use personal knowledge and experience to underpin their practice. This is reflected in their ability to act in more intuitive and creative ways. The model also provides a means of differentiating between "specialist" and "expert" performers. While experts are able to integrate the domains of competence more consistently and across a wider range of practice situations than competent performers, specialists demonstrate a greater ability in just one or two of the domains. This is most commonly exhibited by a specialist having a body of in-depth clinical knowledge within the cognitive and technical domains, or a specialist manager having a high level of proficiency in the organisational domain. In merging the domains together, the competent professional will perform professional tasks and functions and in doing so will exhibit patterns of behaviour appropriate to their situational context. Judgments of competence can be made based on such behaviours. Competence assurance is, therefore, viewed as situational, and evaluation methods are required that take this into account. The thesis proposes that the methods used for competence assurance of health professionals should take a complex view of professional competence, and focus on the integrated behaviours that differentiate performance. It also proposes that the integrated, complex model of professional competence can have profound impacts on curriculum development for initial pharmacist education and continuing professional development activities