Policy Determinants of Productivity Growth in Australia

reform, markets, institutions, Australia

The Changing Odds of the Chancery Lottery

Delaware is home to the majority of shareholder class action litigations related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). These cases usually result in settlements that provide shareholders with only disclosure in exchange for a broad release of future claims, which encompasses unknown and federal security claims. The Delaware Court of Chancery must review and approve these settlements under Delaware Rule 23(e), which has been interpreted as creating a fiduciary duty for the court to protect the interests of absent shareholders. Nevertheless, Delaware has a history of routinely approving disclosure-only settlements with laxity. Recently, members of the court have begun discussing the issues with this process and, in some cases, have begun rejecting settlements that were previously likely to be approved. This active discussion, combined with the discretion given to the individual members of the court to make their own business judgment, has resulted in each developing their own method of reviewing disclosure-only settlements and applying their fiduciary duty. After developing a backdrop of the prototypical M&A case and the rules that define the court’s role, this Note reviews recent decisions of each member of the court in order to understand their individual method of reviewing settlements and how they apply their duty to shareholders in this process. This Note then identifies the interest group theory as a potential explanation for the external factors that may influence the court’s diverging methodologies. This Note concludes that in order to create a more consistent standard that fully applies the court’s fiduciary duty to shareholders, the Court of Chancery should (1) adopt a new materiality standard based on the merits of the case at filing, and (2) limit approval to settlements that have releases that are proportional to the relief provided to shareholders

Does Access Equal Retention?: The Experiences of Long-term English Learners in Higher Education

Through this longitudinal, phenomenological study, I examined the experiences of (H)Mong Long Term English Learners (LTEL) conditionally admitted to Midwest State University through the English for Academic Success Program (EAP). Over the course of six years, I interviewed participants regarding their academic and social experiences during college. Their experiences primarily fit within Tinto’s (1993) framework of departure. The participants’ pre-entry attributes, experiences within the EAP, and experiences after their year in the EAP contributed to their decision to depart or persist. None of the participants had typical connections to campus; they lived off-campus, had significant external obligations, and were not active members of the campus community. Three of the four departers, left MSU because of incongruence, suggesting that MSU was not a good fit for the participant. The fourth departer left MSU because of external obligations. The departures prior to degree were greatly influenced by the pre-entry attributes of the participants (ACT scores nine points below the University average), indicating MSU may have been their only choice in a four-year institution of higher education. Choice appears to have a significant influence on persistence. The persisters chose MSU and had strong academic role-models, either parents or siblings, that helped them negotiate the college experience. Participation in the EAP provided a sheltered environment to improve academic English and college learning strategies, but flaws within the program made it difficult for participants to transition out of the sheltered environment, both academically and socially. As the participants progressed through college, both positive and negative experiences influenced their ways of knowing and self-authorship (Baxter Magolda, 1992, 2008). A holistic approach to higher education is necessary to retain at-risk and diverse populations, particularly those who are LTELs. Success begins by effectively targeting participants during the admissions process, providing access programs that are academically rigorous, and by long-term retention efforts to improve persistence

Musicking at home on the wood that sings : contemporary marimba performance practices in Zimbabwe

Text in English, abstracts in English and ZuluThis thesis explores the current state of marimba music performance practice in Zimbabwe. I begin by presenting a historical perspective of the marimba, and then discuss how the Zimbabwe marimba tradition came into being at Kwanongoma College of African Music in Bulawayo. The study continues to unveil how the relatively new marimba tradition has grown to popularity in its 55-year history in the country, with the phenomenal emergence of professional Zimbabwe marimba musicians. The thesis includes analyses of marimba musicians’ lived experiences, traditional and contemporary marimba music compositions, marimba music education programs and mentors, as well as the Zimbabwe marimba construction industry. Using ethnographic methods, the analysis in this qualitative study draws on an application of Christopher Small, Richard Schechner, and Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical perspectives, amongst others. Results show that marimba music performance practice in Zimbabwe has been kept alive in various permutations, albeit in a harsh economic environment. Education, passion for marimba music, cultural tourism, and festivities are the main avenues where Zimbabwe marimba music performance practice has survived on the margins of Zimbabwe’s popular musical cultural traditions.Le thesis ihlola isimo samanje somculo wemarimba kanye nokuqhutshwa kwawo eZimbabwe. Ngiqala ngokwethula imibono yezomlando ngemarimba, ebese ngixoxa ngokuthi ngabe usiko lwenkambiso yemarimba eZimbabwe lwaqhamuka kanjani eKwanongoma College of African Music eBulawayo. Ucwaningo luqhubeka luveze ukuthi umculo wemarimba omusha usheshe kangakanani ukukhula nokuba nedumela kumlando weminyaka engu 55 ezweni, kanti futhi nokwenza ukuthi abaculi bemarimba eZimbambwe basebenze ngesiprofeshini. Le thesis ibandakanya ukuhlaziya izipiliyoni zabaculi bemarimba, usiko kanye nokuqanjwa komculo wemarimba, izinhlelo zemfundo yomculo wemarimba kanye nabaqeqeshi abafundisa abasha emculweni, kanye nokwakhiwa kwemboni yomculo wemarimba eZimbabwe. Ukusebenzisa izindlela zesayense yokuchaza abantu eyaziwa ngokuthi yi-ethnography, uhlaziyo kulolu cwaningo olubheka kanzulu, lufunde nokuchaphuna kwimibono yochwepheshe yethiyori yabantu abafana no-Christopher Small, uRichard Schechner kanye no-Pierre Bourdieu phakathi kwabanye. Imiphumela ikhombisa ukuthi ukwenziwa komculo wemarimba eZimbabwe wenziwe ukuthi uqhubeke ngokusebenzisa inqubo yokuhlela izinto ngokuhambelana noma inqubo ye-permutations, kodwa ngaphansi kwesimo esinzima kwezomnotho. Imfundo, ugqozi lomculo wemarimba, inqubo yezovakasho lokufunda ngamasiko kanye nemicimbi ngenye yezindlela lapho khona umculo wemarimba eZimbabwe oboniswa khona nokwaze ukuqhubeka ngayo, nangendlela esetshenzisiwe ukwenza ukuthi umculo uqhubeke nokuba nedumela ngisho nangaphansi kwesimo esinzima eZimbabwe.Art History, Visual Arts and MusicologyD. Litt. et Phil. (Musicology

Abolition Is Not Abstract: Zines and the Transmission of Revolutionary Cultural Capital

Abolition as a theory and practice-whether in relation to the institution of the prison, systems of policing, or the carceral state as a whole-has received relatively little attention or serious appreciation within the discipline of Sociology. Calls for the abolition of policing and prisons are often taken for granted as naïve and radical demands, perceived as being disassociated from the material conditions of reality. Nonetheless, abolitionist analyses provide a unique and critical perspective from which to explore alternatives to addressing pervasive police violence and mass incarceration through strategies which do not rely upon, or increase the power of, the criminal justice system. Furthermore, in the wake of the devastating effects of the FBI’s domestic counterintelligence program, many radical activists and abolitionists recognized the necessity for either going underground or developing a more de-centralized organizational structure which would be harder to infiltrate and disrupt. This change in structure led to the development of new techniques and strategies in addition to the re-emergence of previously used forms of communication. One of these forms, prominently utilized today, is that of the ‘zine’. This thesis aims to address how zines operate as a mechanism of organizing for abolitionist activists and authors. More specifically, I am interested in exploring how activists use zines to spread abolitionist theory, build networks and solidarity with organizations and individuals throughout the country, and ultimately attempt to provide interested parties with the knowledge and resources to advance abolitionist objectives in their communities

Gender dynamics of the small house phenomenon in the Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Text in EnglishThe small house phenomenon amongst the Shona people in contemporary Zimbabwe forms part of the relationship and household arrangements amongst certain heterosexual couples. In cases where partners engage in small house relationships, it has specific implications for existing marriage and family dynamics. The study sought to address the question: What are the perceptions on gender dynamics of the small house phenomenon as an emerging family structure in contemporary Zimbabwean society? The relative newness as well as the secretive nature and complexity of the small house relationship, render the nuances of gender dynamics in such contexts worth exploring to add value to the Sociology of Families and gender dynamics. The research was conducted in Harare metropolitan province and adopted social exchange theory and African feminism to illuminate the gender dynamics in small house households. It utilised a qualitative research paradigm and employed in-depth interviews to collect data from 30 participants who were purposively sampled. Findings of the study reveal that although the small house relationship may at times be informed by the ideals of traditional Shona polygynous marital practices, it differs in several respects with polygyny as it attempts to adapt to the socio-economic demands of the 21st century. The study uncovers that the social exchanges in small house relationships are not only gendered, but also based on inequalities relating to class, age and lineage. The small house relationship at times perpetuates gender inequalities between the partners involved. The study exposed how certain small house relationships were inundated with a myriad of problems including gender-based violence, financial constraints and increased susceptibility to HIV and AIDS and other STIs. Problems experienced in small house households are often exacerbated by the secretive nature of the relationship. Furthermore, a form of hegemonic masculinity and emphasised femininity, which are manifestations of the deeply entrenched patriarchal hegemony in the Shona culture, results in asymmetrical intimate relations. It was also revealed that small house households may inadvertently violate children’s rights, including opportunities to access and secure education and social security. Reportedly, disengaged fatherhood in the context of the small house can affect children’s welfare and socialisation negatively.SociologyD. Phil. (Sociology

Public speaking in a cross-cultural classroom environment: a survey of student attitudes and perceived needs

The purpose of this study was to gather evidence about whether or not students would be interested in taking the public speaking course in the cross-cultural format, and whether or not NNS would be likely to fit well in such a class with NS. To determine student interest in cross-cultural programming and perceived needs in the public speaking course, a survey was given to the students enrolled in speech communications 212 at Iowa State University during the spring semester of 2000. This study reports the findings and results of the Public Speaking and Cultural Perceptions Survey. Responses were collected from NS and NNS enrolled in the course and compared to determine similarities and differences between the two groups. Using this information, the study assessed the student attitudes toward cross-cultural programming and perceived needs in the public speaking course and made suggestions on how to use cross-cultural programming in the public speaking program at Iowa State. The study also provides a framework for further research on the effectiveness of cross-cultural programming

Understanding Choice As A Dimension Of Literature Based Reading Instruction

Literacy instruction is supported by educational theories of teaching and learning that put students at the center of the curriculum. In learner-centered classrooms students are actively involved in authentic reading and writing that allows them the autonomy to read and write for their own purposes. In these settings teachers share the responsibility for learning with students and create learning environments that support student ownership. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate what happened in an elementary classroom when students were given literacy choices. This qualitative study provided an in-depth picture of literacy in a fourth grade classroom. It described the planning and organizational structure used by the teacher, as well as her perceptions of how she influenced and facilitated choice within the curriculum. Student interviews provided insight into their perceptions of literacy choices. Data for this study came from classroom observations, classroom artifacts, and teacher and student interviews. Observations in the classroom were conducted for four months and occurred during reading, writers\u27 workshop, social studies, sustained silent reading, and while students were at the school library. The student and teacher interviews were all completed at various times throughout the study. As the data were analyzed, common themes emerged that resulted in the conclusions of this study. Three major assertions came from the data: (1) Choice is woven throughout the curriculum and does not lie solely in students\u27 book choices; (2) when students were able to make choices in their learning, off-task behavior was minimal; and (3) students rely on the teacher\u27s knowledge of good literature as they make their personal book choices. This study has direct educational implications for literacy instruction. As teachers reconsider their role in the classroom they make a commitment to creating a balance between teacher support and guidance and student ownership. As they make this paradigm shift they create conditions that permit students to assume responsibility for their learning and make choices in reading to suit their own needs and interests

The entrepreneurial intention (EI) of the bachelor of commerce accounting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The South African labour market is struggling to create job opportunities for citizens and it is hard to counteract unemployment with relevant skills demanded by various industries. The unemployment rate was 25% in 2015; however, it has increased to 27.7% (Stats SA, 2017). Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in reducing poverty by creating job opportunities. Countries like South Africa should focus on developing young innovative entrepreneurs at university level specifically. Efforts started in 2017 when the Department of Higher Education and Training launched a national student entrepreneurship programme. This is a positive initiative; however, various degrees need to be aligned to this initiative to support the venture theoretically to develop and enhance entrepreneurial thinking, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial action amongst students and graduates. The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) students follow a structured academic program of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This accounting body defines the minimum qualifications and standards expected for accountants. The University of KwaZulu-Natal employs standards and procedures that are in line with SAICA policies. The Accounting degree also focusses specifically on money management modules. The main purpose of this study was to assess the levels of Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) final-year students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention at the Westville campus. The study investigated whether a gap exists between the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) curriculum versus the knowledge and skills required for successful entrepreneurs. The researcher used the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to determine if Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) students are capable and ready to become entrepreneurs. There were 303 Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) final-year students in 2017 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus. From the population of 303 students, a sample size of 170 students was identified to participate in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics that are common in the sample. Data analysis tools included mean scores, standard deviation and variance. Inferential statistics were used to compare data between males and females. The reliability of the results on each construct was measured using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. The results showed that students are willing to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs, but they lack entrepreneurship education to equip them with the necessary skills to start their businesses. The results also revealed that students have positive attitudes towards becoming entrepreneurs, especially when they are supported by family, friends, classmates and society. Even with these positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship, the Perceived Behavioural Control construct showed that students are not likely to start businesses because they lack entrepreneurial skills and have limited knowledge and understanding about operating and managing a business. Despite their strong positive attitude towards starting businesses, students need entrepreneurship education