Immigrant Job Search in the UK

Most immigrant groups in the UK experience higher unemployment rates than otherwise similar UK born whites. Empirical research to date has attributed this finding to discrimination, lack of English Language fluency and the (non-) transferability of skills acquired before immigration. In this paper, we investigate how the job search methods of unemployed white and ethnic minority immigrants, and their success in exiting unemployment, compare with the UK born, using the panel element of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, pooled over 1997-2001. We condition, amongst other things, on some observable immigrant characteristics and discuss the policy implications of our findings.unemployment, job search, immigrants

Discovery Potential for New Phenomena

We examine the ability of future facilities to discover and interpret non-supersymmetric new phenomena. We first explore explicit manifestations of new physics, including extended gauge sectors, leptoquarks, exotic fermions, and technicolor models. We then take a more general approach where new physics only reveals itself through the existence of effective interactions at lower energy scales. [Summary Report of the New Phenomena Working Group. To appear in the Proceedings of the 1996 DPF/DPB Summer Study on New Directions for High Energy Physics - Snowmass96, Snowmass, CO, 25 June - 12 July 1996.]Comment: 18 pages, LaTex2

A systems approach to the development of large Geographic Information Systems

Includes bibliography.Large computer-based information systems seldom achieve unqualified success. The major problem is organisational rather than technical, hence to achieve greater success in system implementation greater emphasis must be given to organisational issues than to technology. Current practise, however, tends to focus on technical issues. The aim of this research was to investigate whether a systems-based approach would lead to better understanding of the system development process, and hence form the basis of a methodology which would lead to greater success in computer-based information system implementation. The thesis comprises four parts. In the first part (Chapters 1 - 5) the literature on systems theory in sociology with particular reference to business organisations is reviewed. This review focuses on the historical development of systems thinking, particularly in business management. Beer's Viable System Model, Checkland' s Soft Systems Methodology, and Hoebeke' s ideas on the adoption of new technology provided the main ideas for developing a conceptual model for the information system development process. In the second part (Chapters 6-9) this model is applied to the information system development process to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current methods. Each stage of system development from planning to implementation is considered from a systems perspective. This involves identifying the key stakeholders, and understanding their role in the development process. In the next part three case studies are examined in the light of the theoretical material. The impact of inter-cultural communication is highlighted in these studies as the developers and customers were from· several different cultures. The author was personally involved as project manager and chief consultant in the development of two of the systems described. He was also fully aware of the progress of the other case because that development was being undertaken in the same office. Regular exchanges of views on the progress of each project took place. In the final chapter the conclusions are presented. The main conclusion is that information system implementation must be undertaken within the overall context of the organisation, must be closely aligned with the organisational business processes, and must address the conflicting needs of the different stakeholders. Effective Communication between system developers and system users is crucial to success. A focussed effort is required to achieve effective communication in a multi-cultural environment

Evaluation and modeling of repeated load test data of asphalt concrete for mechanistic-empirical flexible pavement design

The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) uses a power model that incorporates Dynamic Modulus (DM) as a factor in predicting rutting performance of asphalt concrete. The rutting model is empirical and the rutting profiles obtained from the model are largely based on the adjustment of calibration constants not the DM. Various DM values would be capable of producing similar rutting profiles based on the current model. This study evaluated using accumulated strain data obtained from the Repeated Load Test (RLT) as an alternative to using DM. In addition, a model to represent the accumulated strain data obtained from the RLT was developed. The accuracy and behavior of the current model and the model developed in this study in representing a mix from Louisiana were compared. Alternatives for incorporating the RLT data into the MEPDG are also presented. In addition, a conceptual framework for materials characterization of routinely used HMA mixtures was developed. The conceptual framework will aid state highway agencies in developing a mixture catalog that will help streamline the mix design process, it will also provide guidance in obtaining flexible pavement design inputs for the new MEPDG

Examining the role of psychological capital as a mediator between perceived authentic leadership, work engagement and workplace commitment among school teachers

Abstract Teachers have an integral role to play in the education system of any community. However, in developing countries such as South Africa, teachers often face unique challenges in fulfilling their roles effectively and it is therefore essential that they can draw on various resources in order to do so. Research in positive organisational behaviour has argued that one category of resources that can be beneficial in the workplace is psychological resources, such as psychological capital (PsyCap). This study examined the role of PsyCap in equipping teachers at work. The key focus of this study was to investigate whether or not the level of authentic leadership displayed by school principals may help to foster PsyCap among teachers and whether or not increased levels of PsyCap may help to foster work engagement and workplace commitment among teachers. A descriptive research design was utilised with a cross-sectional, quantitative approach. A convenient sample of 291 primary and high school teachers were sampled from 25 government schools in Cape Town. They completed a hardcopy questionnaire which assessed their levels of PsyCap, work engagement, workplace commitment and the degree to which they perceived their principals as authentic leaders. PsyCap was significantly related to teacher work engagement and commitment to both the school and the teaching profession in that teachers with higher PsyCap tended to be more engaged and committed. No significant relationship was found between PsyCap and the degree to which teachers perceived their principal as an authentic leader. PsyCap thus did not act as a mediator between authentic leadership, work engagement and commitment. Authentic leadership did not significantly predict these two outcomes directly either. The study results suggest that PsyCap is an important resource for teachers as it is associated with higher levels of work engagement and commitment. However, while authentic leadership may be important for other reasons, it is unlikely to foster PsyCap, work engagement or commitment within teachers. It is recommended that further research explores what factors assist in developing PsyCap among school teachers in South Africa