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1
Hendricks, Clarence Nowellin. "Integrated leadership : a leadership approach for school management teams." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018610.
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School managers currently face major challenges of finding innovative ways to improve the quality of teaching and learning and ultimately student outcomes. This might be because contemporary leadership models promote either requisite curricular expertise or requisite leadership qualities or requisite norms and values which impact notably on teaching and learning. This study examined to which extent School Management Teams (SMT’s) contribute to the quality of teaching and learning when utilizing an integrated leadership approach in primary schools.The extent to which integrated leadership contributes to the quality of teaching and learning is investigated through an exploratory mixed method approach. Case studies in six different schools were conducted through both qualitative and quantitative research methods to obtain data regarding the thirty-six participants’ integrated leadership qualities. Data was gathered through focused group interviews, observations and a questionnaire. The Annual National Assessment results for two consecutive years (2010 and 2011) of grade three and six learners for literacy and numeracy were collected to determine the relationship between integrated leadership and quality teaching and learning and the extent to which integrated leadership impacted on student outcomes.The findings revealed that SMT’s confused integrated leadership with the utilization of qualities from a range of leadership styles each seeking to fit the purpose of an activity, and then claim they are employing an integrated leadership approach. Integrated leadership on the contrary is one leadership model with different qualities and when utilised as a complete package, in a unified manner, has the potential to have a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning and ultimately student achievement. The findings also indicated that the majority of SMT members are either not utilising integrated leadership or occasionally utilise some of the integrated leadership qualities. This might be one of the main reasons for unsatisfactory academic performance in schools. Integrated leadership thus, when implemented in its totality at all times, possesses all the qualities to have a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning nationally and internationally.
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Jacobs, Elfean Randall. "Teachers' perceptions whether school management teams contribute towards teacher leadership in primary schools." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6823.
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Teachers in South African schools are one of the most valuable role players in the execution and implementation of curricular and co-curricular activities. They perform almost every formal and informal task in their daily work to ensure the effectiveness of our schools. Teacher leadership, a relatively new leadership in South African education, which is embedded in a distributed leadership theory, places the emphasis of leadership not only on the principal and the school management team (SMT) but can be located to a wide range of people who work effectively to improve the organisation. The purpose of this study was to determine Post Level (PL) 1 teachers' perceptions of whether the SMT contributes towards teacher leadership in the school. In this case study, through purposive sampling, the researcher made use of one school in a case where a total of 19 teachers participated in the study. The researcher used one instrument to collect data on the PL 1 teachers' perceptions. A set of questionnaires was distributed to elicit responses from PL 1 teachers and the result was analysed by means of themes. Evidence revealed that teachers are not aware of the existence of the new model of teacher leadership. However, findings also revealed that some teachers are ready to perform as leaders. These findings can influence leadership practices, collaboration, improvements in the school, motivation, and job satisfaction, as well as learner performance.
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Maki, D. Michele Baker Paul J. "Learning leadership teams their history, structures, processes, and impact on school improvement in Illinois /." Normal, Ill. Illinois State University, 1999. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ilstu/fullcit?p9942646.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 1999.Title from title page screen, viewed July 24, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Paul J. Baker (chair), Dianne E. Ashby, Donald S. Kachur, Patricia H. Klass. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 276-280) and abstract. Also available in print.
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Malatji, Khashane Stephen. "Self-reflection practices of school-management teams in the Capricorn District : towards a reflective management strategy for South African schools." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3021.
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The study investigated the self-reflection practices of School Management Teams (SMTs) in the Capricorn District. The purpose of the study was to establish self-reflective practices employed by SMT in performing their management functions, and to suggest a reflective model for the enhancement of SMT performance. The study followed the qualitative approach with a case-study research design. The population consisted of SMTs from primary, secondary and special schools. Purposive sampling was utilised to select 8 Head of Departments from less experienced to more experienced in management positions, while 9 principal and 9 deputy principals were randomly selected. Literature reviewed focused on the aims of self-reflection; the functions of SMT; the strengths and weaknesses of self-reflection; self-reflective practices and enhanced performance; models of school management; challenges in school management; and previous studies on SMT and school management. Henderson’s Ethical Model of Enquiry on reflective practice was used. The theory discusses what characterises reflective practitioners. Data was collected from quest views, individual interviews and focus group interviews. The interpretation and understanding were organised in the form of descriptive accounts. Tape-recorded interviews and data from quest views were transcribed verbatim. After transcribing data a sense of the whole was obtained by reading carefully with understanding, and then summarizing the salient aspects. Themes were identified from the responses and discussed. The study found that SMT members were not fully aware of all of their daily functions and poor reflective practices made it difficult for them to effectively fulfil their management functions. Furthermore, the study revealed that SMT members experienced challenges, such as dealing with unprofessional teachers, poor parental involvement, poor communication, poor infrastructure and lack of resources amd these impacted negatively on their performance. The study provided insights into the practice of self-reflection and how SMT members could become reflective practitioners. A new framework was suggested that SMTs should continuously and critically reflect on their management practices and decisions. The study recommends that SMT be trained and oriented about management functions prior to their appointment in the positions. The study further recommends that SMTs consider self-reflection as part of their daily activities.
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Tyala, Zakunzima. "School management team members' perceptions of their roles in managing Grahamstown secondary schools." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003644.
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During the apartheid era, that is, before 1994, the education management system in South Africa was fragmented, authoritarian and top-down. Principals were expected to manage schools on their own without consulting the rest of the staff. The birth of political democracy in 1994 resulted in many changes in the education system. These changes include the creation of one national department. In line with this democratisation came the concept of school management teams (SMTs). Because of the democratic nature of this kind of a structure (SMT), it is required that educators work co-operatively and as a team. This has been problematic in some schools where the principal has traditionally felt comfortable taking decisions on his or her own without any input from relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, through the legacy of apartheid, teachers themselves have dogmatically been oriented to being the recipients of instructions and to view management as the prerogative of the principals only. The formalisation of SMTs thus brings new challenges to both principals and staff members, essentially the notion of democratic or team-management. The object of this study is to find out how the concept of democratic management is being received. This study includes all the government-aided high schools in Grahamstown (ten of them). Studying all 10 high schools - 6 from the local township, 3 ex-model C schools, and 1 from the coloured township – has produced a broad and varied picture of how SMTs are being received in Grahamstown secondary schools. The study was framed within the interpretive approach, and sought to unpack the perceptions of SMT members with regard to SMTs. An interpretive paradigm made it possible for me to gain an in-depth understanding of SMT members’ perceptions of team-management within their contexts. I used questionnaires, interviews and observation as research tools to gather data. This study has found that, although the concept of team management is well-received, there are significant obstacles to the acceptance of teamwork as an alternative form of management. Many of these may be the result of decades of disempowering governance strategies, resulting in impoverished notions of school ownership and joint responsibility. Some relate to the political nature of schools as organisations. Despite these problems, the study has confirmed that team-management is the preferred approach for a variety of reasons. Team-management usually results in enriched decision-making, the sharing of responsibilities and higher levels of support. A major systemic shortcoming highlighted by the study is the absence of meaningful training in democratic educational management.
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Toni, Nandi. "An assessment of the skills needed by school management teams to enhance their ability to manage schools effectively." Thesis, Port Elizabeth Technikon, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/205.
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1.1 MAIN PROBLEM A major concern in South African schools, especially in the disadvantaged areas, is the absence of effective leadership. Problems such as a lack of planning, an absence of vision, unfair resource allocation and feelings of uncertainty indicate a lack of meaningful leadership within the schools (Sterling and Davidoff, 2000:5). South Africa currently lacks a coherently explicit policy for the in-service training of school leaders. Until recently there has been no literature specifically addressing the problems school leaders face in black schools, no black professional organization for black school leaders, few opportunities for the discussion of ideas between departments, and few opportunities for training both before and after taking up a leadership position (Taylor and Tsukudu, 1995:111). The types of skills needed by School Management Teams(SMTs) for the effective management of schools depend on factors such as the needs of individual senior management members, the schools, the education system, the existing expertise of SMT members and their previous training. The purpose of skill development is to help develop and improve both the individual and the team performance of leaders responsible for managing schools in order to improve the functioning of schools(Mashinini and Smith,1995:133-135). In a growing number of developed and developing countries, a need for the more effective management of schools is becoming more important. Good management is regarded as essential if resources, both human and material, are to be used to maximum benefit so that schools make a valuable contribution to the economic and social well-being of societies (Taylor and Tsukulu, 1995:108). According to Sterling and Davidoff (2000:3), South African education is in a process of reconstruction and change. For those involved in education, the context feels unstable and at the point of delivery, the school, pressure is experienced. In addition to these problems, the socio-economic conditions result in many learners expecting not to be employed after completing their studies. This contributes to a feeling of despondence and demotivation amongst learners, which is often expressed in absenteeism, and a lack of commitment to their own education. Since 1996, reports by people in educational authority have confirmed a need for proper management training for managers in the South African educational system. In the past managers have been appointed to managerial positions such as head of department (HOD), deputy principal and principal without proper prior training. They have had to learn through trial and error and have made mistakes in the process. This situation is considered as neither inductive nor productive to a culture of teaching and learning (Deventer and Kruger, 2003:62). A study conducted by Steyn (1998:131-137) concluded that in the new South African dispensation, principals need to work closely with their first line managers in order to perform their 2 functions effectively. Steyn is of the opinion that a participative orientation in schools will be more effective than a centralized hierarchical orientation. The picture described above concerning the South African system and problems currently faced by teachers depicts a difficult environment which will not change overnight and one which requires effective intervention measures. This leads to the following problem, which will be addressed by this research. What management development skills do SMTs need to enhance their ability to manage schools effectively?.
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Mavuso, Mzuyanda Percival. "Education District Office support for teaching and learning in schools: the case of two districts in the Eastern Cape." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006259.
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The idea of district support for schools is based on the view that local education offices are best placed to play a critical role in the promotion of quality teaching and learning. In performing this mandate whose characterisation has, over time, moved away from ‘inspection’ and ‘supervision’ both of which are seen as old fashioned and undemocratic, to support, which is seen as developmental. The aim of this study was to understand how three categories of district based officers, Subject Advisors, Integrated Quality Management System Coordinators and Education Development Officers support teaching and learning in schools. This was a case study of two districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A total of six district officials and four school based officials participated in this study. In-depth interviews and document analysis were carried out. There were four main findings. First, support for schools by three district based officials was understood and practiced as administrative tasks, mainly consisting of monitoring policy implementation and monitoring resource provision to schools. School Management Teams saw district officers’ visits as focussing on compliance rather than support. Second, some pedagogical support was given by Subject Advisors through training teachers in subject content and methods of teaching that subject. This was done through workshops and demonstration lessons. However Subject Advisors did not at any time observe actual classroom teaching to see if teachers were implementing what they had learnt at workshops. Third, none of the officers mentioned direct support for teaching and learning at classroom level. Visits by officials were not directly linked to influencing teaching and learning classroom level. Fourth, schools saw district officials as working in separate pockets and sometimes sending different signals to them, despite claims by district officials that inter-disciplinary meetings were held among district officials, however, the nature of the coordination and the use to which it is put remains unclear. There were three main conclusions, first that although the district officials’ visits to schools were described as support, they exhibited the trappings of technicism of inspection; supervision and control; and appeared to neglect the developmental aspects implied in the notion of support. Second, the conception and practice of support visits by district officials were characterised by tension between support and control. Third, at district level support to schools lacked coordination among the three categories of officers who visit schools. This has implications for quality management in schools. Given the findings and conclusions of this study; it is recommended that the issue of support for schools be the focus of a survey research for which a probability sample must be drawn in order to generate findings that are generalisable across the participating target population. Other research could focus on investigating mechanisms by which the tension between support and control can be resolved. To improve practice of a framework for the development of a coordinated district support focusing on the core business of teaching and learning is suggested.
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Gardner, Stephen Wayne. "Analytic hierarchy analysis of leadership skills in education as rated by selected education, community, and business members in northwest Florida." [Pensacola, Fla.] : University of West Florida, 2005. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/WFE0000047.
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Chow, Wai-yee. "How do school leaders shape school culture? a multi-dimensional perspective /." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2005. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B35344222.
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Mabuku, Robert Nalisa. "Democratic leadership and management practices in a rural Namibian secondary school." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003370.
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The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the understanding and implementation of democratic leadership and management in schools by school managers and other members of the school community in leadership and management roles as advocated by the policy of Education for all. The study also aimed at identifying any gaps in the understanding and practice of the participants in order to enhance democratic leadership and management in schools. Qualitative research using the interpretive approach was the methodology employed in order to fulfill the intention of the study, namely to investigate the participants` experiences and understanding of democratic education leadership and management. The case study method was appropriate to understand the meanings the participants attached to their practice in their natural setting. Data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observation. The sample for the study consisted of ten participants: the principal, the head of department, two School Board members, two senior teachers, two Learner Representative Council members and two class captains. The findings suggest that the participants understood and practised democratic ELM in terms of broader participation, open communication, delegation for empowerment, learning organisation, shared decision-making, shared leadership and teamwork. However, the data suggest areas of concern in the participants` understanding and implementation of the policy which could be strengthened to entrench the policy. The study recommends that education policy makers, education managers, school managers, teachers, parents and learners all work towards improving democratic ELM in schools. In order to achieve this objective, policy makers are urged to avoid ambiguity to enable all implementers to fully understand policies. Education managers could ensure school-wide training on the policy while school managers and other stakeholders should engage in self-reflection and introspection and be more proactive towards improving their own understanding and practice.
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Link, Bill D. Baker Paul J. "Quality management and school improvement a comparative analysis of three elementary schools /." Normal, Ill. : Illinois State University, 2006. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1251859831&SrchMode=1&sid=4&Fmt=2&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1178890693&clientId=43838.
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Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 2006.Title from title page screen, viewed on May 11, 2007. Dissertation Committee: Paul J. Baker (chair), Joseph Pacha, Norman D. Durflinger, Jeffry B. Nelson. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 206-216) and abstract. Also available in print.
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Blackburn, H. Chris. "Administrator gender differences in conflict management style and the relationship to school culture /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3074373.
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Kambonde, Samuel Angaleni. "Teachers' perceptions of participative management in a primary school in Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003680.
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Participative management, a key theme in contemporary management literature, is one of the central aims of the decentralization policy in Namibian education. Current perceptions of participative management on the part of teachers in Namibia are therefore of topical interest. This study set out to explore such perceptions among teachers in a Namibian primary school. The study is an interpretive case study focusing on six individual teachers’ understanding and experience of participative management within their place of work, a primary school in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. Semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis were used to gather data. The study revealed a strong sense of commitment among the respondents to participative management and its accompanying practices, such as shared decision making and broad stakeholder involvement. Participative management was implemented chiefly through a committee structure for school organisation and government. Respondents also highlighted challenges facing participative management, such as the persistence of autocratic leadership, conflicts of interest in decision making, laziness and unwillingness among staff members, and a lack of understanding among parents concerning their role in the schooling of their children. HIV/AIDS was also seen to pose challenges to the free and frequent participation of stakeholders. The chief recommendation arising from these findings is that school leaders and managers’ understanding of tenets of participative management, such as site-based management and democratic management approaches, requires improvement and development.
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Garchinsky, Christopher Richard Dugan Marion. "Planning for the continuity of a school's vision and culture before leadership succession events /." Philadelphia, Pa. : Drexel University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1860/2997.
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Mungunda, Charles. "An investigation into school principals' experience and perceptions of participative management." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003481.
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The purpose of this research was to investigate three principals’ perceptions and experience of participative management and to gain insight into and understanding of the dimensions involved in participative management from the perspective of the three principals. The research was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, since I was interested in understanding the subjective experience and individual perceptions of three principals with regard to participative management and the meaning they attach to it in their natural settings: how they describe, interpret and make sense of participative management. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings indicate overwhelming support for the notion that participative management (collegiality) does have a positive influence with regard to creating a sense of common goals, shared vision, a sense of ownership, commitment and improved human relations. The respondents emphasized the critical role of the leader in facilitating the implementation of collegiality as well as an increasing awareness of the potential of participative management to improve human development through delegation. The responses revealed interesting paradoxes with regard to the tensions between leadership and leaderless organizations, as well as between autonomy and interdependence. Responses also reflect the sentiment that participative management should be selective, involving only those with the necessary skills and expertise in the decision-making process. While there is an appreciation of the benefits to be derived from collegiality, critical statements about participative management include the time-consuming nature of participative management, and the notion that participative management impinges on the authority of the principals.
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Vogel, Linda R. Baker Paul J. "Moving schools from testing to assessment a case study of education leadership in state-initiated school improvement for assessment literacy /." Normal, Ill. Illinois State University, 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ilstu/fullcit?p3106766.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 2003.Title from title page screen, viewed October 12, 2005. Dissertation Committee: Paul J. Baker (chair), Dianne Gardner, William Rau, Albert Azinger. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 270-283) and abstract. Also available in print.
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Meyer, Kathleen A. "Catholic School Leadership and the Role of Consultative School Boards in Catholic Elementary Schools." Digital Commons at Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School, 2009. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/558.
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Catholic schools are important institutions in the United States educational system. They demand discipline, high academic standards, and religious moral values rooted in Catholic beliefs which are designed to have an impact throughout life (Ciriello, 1998). A critical component in determining school quality lies with the principals' leadership (Sergiovanni, 1997). Principals are critical to successful K-12 schools and must exercise considerable responsibility for establishing collegial learning cultures among the instructional team and stakeholders, including parents, community members, and students. The principal can no longer accomplish such a momentous task alone. Success of today's Catholic relies on the competent and committed performance of many people acting together with common goals.
Catholic schools do not mirror those of twenty years ago (Cummings, 2003). Within the past five years, principals in Catholic schools have increasing job responsibilities and expectations. With the implementation of the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Strategic Plan in 2003, Catholic school principals in the Archdiocese must fulfill their primary function as instructional leader, and the additional roles outlined by the plan. Declining enrollment, lack of funds, and a perceived lack of quality, has forced principals to market their school to increase enrollment and solicit substantial funds for the school to remain viable. New roles create a problem for principals lacking training or knowledge in specialized areas.
Based on a review of available literature, including (a) distributive leadership, (b) collaborative leadership, (c) shared leadership, and (d) school boards, this study investigated principal perceptions of collaboration and implementation of consultative school boards.
This study employed a mixed method research design including a survey, interviews, and a document review of the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Strategic Plan to answer research questions.
This study found a leader who needs collaborative leadership skills to lead a quality school involving all stakeholders to assist the school in remaining viable. Principals confirmed a need for greater participation by all stakeholders and assistance in forming consultative school boards. Information gathered contributes to the limited literature on Catholic school leadership, specifically a principals' role in implementing collaborative leadership in Catholic elementary schools through consultative school boards.
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Van, Vuuren Nelius Jansen. "A comparative study of new senior school leader perceptions of development programmes in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2500.
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Thesis (DEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Vice-principals and principals play an essential role in school leadership teams, and the development programmes in which they participate to ensure effective Strategic Leadership in schools, have been the subject of intense debate for many years. Employing a mixed-method case study approach, this study examines and compares the perceptions, roles and responsibilities of newly appointed senior school leaders in two country contexts, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Specifically, it explores the professional development opportunities that newly appointed senior school leaders in Abu Dhabi, UAE and the Western Cape, South Africa, have been exposed to. It further investigates the particular professional development needs of these senior school leaders. This study uses Critical Realism theory as a philosophical lens through which to explore the perceptions of newly appointed senior school leaders on their roles, responsibilities, competencies and developmental needs. A comparative case study approach with qualitative and quantitative techniques was employed, and comprised of three elements. Firstly, a detailed questionnaire survey was administered at Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Secondly, follow-up interviews were conducted with 25 per cent of the respondents for clarification and to establish the accuracy of data collected during the first phase. Finally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with officials from both ADEC and the WCED to gather further contextual data for each case. The main study findings confirm that as senior school leaders transition into their roles at ADEC and the WCED they require distinctive support in a variety of ways. It was found in both systems for instance that the training programmes are not appropriately designed, delivered, and aligned to the perceived needs of the respondents, and that they need appropriate and more contextualised, individualised, in-office support once appointed. The study's findings are consistent with the literature that newly appointed senior school leaders welcome support from mentors and role models but require to a lesser extent formal courses. They confirmed the current gap between the perceived needs of newly appointed senior school leaders and the current development programmes provided to support them, and identified a clear shortfall in their current competencies.
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Bogotch, Ira Elliot. "A model of school managerial control : the systematic analysis of managerial behaviors, processes, and indicators." FIU Digital Commons, 1989. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1769.
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The theoretical construct of control has been defined as necessary (Etzioni, 1965), ubiquitous (Vickers, 1967), and on-going (E. Langer, 1983). Empirical measures, however, have not adequately given meaning to this potent construct, especially within complex organizations such as schools. Four stages of theory-development and empirical testing of school building managerial control using principals and teachers working within the nation's fourth largest district are presented in this dissertation as follows: (1) a review and synthesis of social science theories of control across the literatures of organizational theory, political science, sociology, psychology, and philosophy; (2) a systematic analysis of school managerial activities performed at the building level within the context of curricular and instructional tasks; (3) the development of a survey questionnaire to measure school building managerial control; and (4) initial tests of construct validity including inter-item reliability statistics, principal components analyses, and multivariate tests of significance. The social science synthesis provided support of four managerial control processes: standards, information, assessment, and incentives. The systematic analysis of school managerial activities led to further categorization between structural frequency of behaviors and discretionary qualities of behaviors across each of the control processes and the curricular and instructional tasks. Teacher survey responses (N=486) reported a significant difference between these two dimensions of control, structural frequency and discretionary qualities, for standards, information, and assessments, but not for incentives. The descriptive model of school managerial control suggests that (1) teachers perceive structural and discretionary managerial behaviors under information and incentives more clearly than activities representing standards or assessments, (2) standards are primarily structural while assessments are primarily qualitative, (3) teacher satisfaction is most closely related to the equitable distribution of incentives, (4) each of the structural managerial behaviors has a qualitative effect on teachers, and that (5) certain qualities of managerial behaviors are perceived by teachers as distinctly discretionary, apart from school structure. The variables of teacher tenure and school effectiveness reported significant effects on school managerial control processes, while instructional levels (elementary, junior, and senior) and individual school differences were not found to be significant for the construct of school managerial control.
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Jubilee, Sabriya Kaleen. "The Middle Management Paradox of the Urban High School Assistant Principal: Making It Happen." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2013. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/216575.
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Urban EducationPh.D.
Scholars of transformational leadership literature assert that school-based management teams are a vital component in transforming schools. Many of these works focus heavily on the roles of principals and teachers, ignoring the contribution of Assistant Principals (APs). More attention is now being given to the unique role that Assistant Principals play in school leadership teams (see for example, Muijs & Harris, 2002). While there is a good amount of literature on what APs do in terms of their roles and responsibilities, what remains unclear; is how and why they enact their role in particular ways, especially under the umbrella of urban school reform. This work will address this gap by examining: how Urban High School Assistant Principals come to understand their role as both leader and staff, particularly in the context of transformational models of leadership? Guided by the theoretical framework of middle management, this study utilized a qualitative case study approach to interview seven Assistant Principals in three urban high schools in a large Northeast coast school district. Additionally, a one-time 15 minute interview with the principals and direct reports to the APs was employed to gain a better understanding of the leadership dynamic within the schools. The interviews were transcribed and coded by the researcher using Atlas.Ti. Through the lens of middle management theory, this work focused on a specific group of Assistant Principals working under a distributed leadership model. The findings revealed that the role of the AP is nebulous position that when not appropriately defined can cause professional difficulties that impede the leadership capacity of APs and the growth of school success. As such, stakeholders involved in schooling need to gain a greater understanding of the psychological and sociological underpinnings that impact the functionality of their middle leaders (those not operating in senior level positions). The findings of this work speak to the intricacies of the Assistant Principalship and contribute to a growing body of literature centered on how Assistant Principals navigate their space as leader and staff in an educational setting where leadership is more shared and collaborative.
Temple University--Theses
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Duffin, Michael Thomas. "Portrait of an Urban Elementary School: Place-Based Education, School Culture, And Leadership." [Yellow Springs, Ohio] : Antioch University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1165326163.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Antioch University, 2006.Title from PDF t.p. (viewed April 11, 2007). Advisor: Carolyn B. Kenney. Keywords: place-based education, school culture, leadership, portraiture, program evaluation, urban elementary, environmental education. Includes bibliographical references (p. 126-139).
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Pathomporn, Oumthanom Lyman Linda L. "Principal leadership behaviors differences in perceptions /." Normal, Ill. Illinois State University, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ilstu/fullcit?p3064497.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 2001.Part of Appendix A in Thai. Title from title page screen, viewed March 21, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Linda Lyman (chair), John Rugutt, George Padavil, David L. Tucker. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-130) and abstract. Also available in print.
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Titus, David Petrus. "The implementation of multigrade teaching in rural schools in the Keetmanshoop education region : leadership and management challenges /." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2004. http://eprints.ru.ac.za/40/.
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Matthew, Sonia Amarisse. "Exploring Leadership in a Multicultural School." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2559.
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The educational problem addressed in this study was the lack of empirical research of the effects of how principal leadership characteristics and style influence the culture of multicultural schools. This qualitative case study identified and explored the leadership strategies used by a reputedly successful principal of a multicultural school. A successful principal was the case being studied. The conceptual framework was anchored in Burns' transformational leadership theory. Three research questions focused on the principal's leadership characteristics, the participants' perceptions of how the principal applied the leadership style, and the influence of the principal's leadership style on school culture. A principal, an assistant principal, and 8 lead teachers knowledgeable of the principal's leadership style participated in semistructured interviews. School climate surveys were examined to enhance understanding of school climate under the principal's leadership. Data analysis strategies included transcribing interview data, thematic development, and data triangulation. Results showed that the principal's abilities to share decision-making and communicate the school's vision were important skills. The principal had profound influence on school culture and also shaped how teachers created a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment sensitive to multicultural students. A central recommendation of the study is that principals in similar settings should build trust and collaboration to create inviting and equitable learning environments for diverse students and their families. This study contributes to positive social change by providing insight that may help current and emerging principals in similar situations lead school personnel in ways that contribute to positive and productive learning environments that ultimately provide increased awareness of diversity and ensure student success.
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Xu, Shuqin, and 徐淑芹. "School leadership and citizenship education in junior secondary schools of Shanghai, China." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2013. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B50899910.
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With specific reference to junior secondary schools in Shanghai, China, this qualitative empirical study examines the dynamics and complexities of leadership in school and, in particular, citizenship education exercised by principals and school party secretaries (SPSs), who are de facto equally-ranked school leaders. Specifically, it examines, from a macro- and micro-political theoretical perspective, the interactions between these two types of school leaders, and how they respond to the demands of various school stakeholders, including macro-political actors (e.g., the state) and micro-political actors (e.g., other school leaders, teachers, students and parents), at the school level. Data were gathered from document analysis, non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 44 school leaders from 24 schools and two educational officials in Shanghai, conducted in 2011.
This study has four major findings. First, in addition to the leadership responsibilities inherent to their particular portfolios, the interviewed principals and SPSs were also politically and administratively responsible for leading the school and citizenship education, and struggled to balance these (at times conflicting) responsibilities. Second, there were four major school leadership/citizenship education scenarios in which principals and SPSs were torn between faithfully executing state policy demands, adapting those demands to suit the specific needs and conditions of their school, pursuing their professional autonomy, and addressing the interests of different micro-political actors. Third, principals and SPSs enjoyed a complicated working relationship at the micro-political (school) level in which they collaborated to fulfill their responsibilities and respond to school macro- and micro-political actors, while simultaneously competing for power over school leadership and citizenship education. Fourth, principals’ and SPSs’ leadership in school and citizenship education was shaped by inter-related factors, including diverse influences in a multi-leveled world, the integration of politics and education, the demands of macro- and micro-political actors, and personal factors.
To interpret these findings, this study proposes a theoretical framework for understanding leadership in school and citizenship education in China as a political exercise in which school leaders actively use their influence and resources to lead and administer school and citizenship education, resist other school leaders’ (at times contradictory) administrative and political responsibilities, and interact with and mediate between the interests of various actors at the macro- and micro-political levels in response to political, economic and social needs. This theoretical framework is useful for understanding the complexity of school and citizenship education leadership, the micro-political relationship between Chinese principals and SPSs, and their dynamic and complex interactions with macro- and micro-political actors as they fulfill their intertwined political and administrative responsibilities in school leadership and citizenship education.published_or_final_version
Education
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy
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Keith, Joseph D. "The Relationships Among Leadership Behaviors of Leaders in Training Organizations, Training Methods, and Organization Profitability." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1996. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2930.
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Business organizations are decreasing funding for training. The problem investigated in this study was to determine if there was a relationship among the leadership behavior of training leaders, the use of newer methods of training, and organizational profitability. A sample of 57 organizations from the Fortune 500 was surveyed to determine leadership behavior and the use of newer methods of training. The Leadership Practices Inventory was used to measure leadership and the Affective Communication Test was used to measure charisma. Profitability data were obtained from the literature. Return on assets, return on equity, the Moody's Corporate Bond Rating, and the Standard and Poor's Opinion were used as profitability measures. Correlation and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. No relationships were shown between leadership behaviors and training methods or between leadership behaviors and profitability. A positive relationship was shown between the number of newer training methods used and organization profitability as measured by return on assets. The following were the newer training methods: (a) accelerated learning, (b) case study methods, (c) computer-based training, (d) experiential exercises/games/simulations, (e) interactive video instruction, (f) multimedia, (g) non-computerized self-study, (h) problem-based learning, and (i) video teleconferencing.
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Kasokonya, Sinvula Martin. "An investigation of how members of a school board perceive and experience their roles in a secondary school in the Rundu Education Region of Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004558.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate School Board members' perceptions and expenences of their roles in a secondary school in the Rundu Education Region of Namibia. A case study was conducted within the interpretive paradigm. Six School Board members from the selected school were interviewed. The data were analysed using qualitative data analysis practices. The findings of the study indicate that there are numerous constraints that interfere with the Board members' ability to effectively carry out their role as a school governing body. These constraints include a lack of knowledge and understanding of the Education Act, a lack of skill in conducting basic management and organization processes and a lack of support from the circuit inspector and Regional Education officers. This study provides some understanding of the circumstances of the School Board in trying to execute its role in implementing the Education Act, especially the section dealing with School Boards. As such, this research provides an agenda for the support and improvement of the work of School Boards in Namibian secondary schools.
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Dobozy, Eva. "Education in and for democracy and human rights : moving from Utopian ideals to grounded practices /." Dobozy, Eva (2004) Education in and for democracy and human rights: moving from Utopian ideals to grounded practices. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2004. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/23/.
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This thesis is set in the Western Australian education system and centres on the question of how primary schools can actively foster conditions conducive to creating and sustaining education in and for democracy and human rights. In Australia, as elsewhere, there is a widespread acceptance of the need for democratic education also referred to as civics and citizenship education. The perceived lack of public understanding of democratic principles and practices has, in the last decade, led various Australian governments to commit significant resources ($ 31.6 million) to civics and citizenship education programmes such as Discovering Democracy (DD).
This thesis argues that political engagement and civic learning is most effective when schools commit themselves to deliberately embedding a set of democratic educational principles in everyday practices. In contrast to traditional approaches to citizenship education that tend to focus on the operational aspects of representative governments, institutions and history, this thesis argues that education for Democracy and Human Rights (DaHR) can be effectively achieved through the fostering of DaHR in education. In this task the thesis draws on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC is rooted in a range of basic values about the treatment of children in schools and elsewhere, and encompasses basic rights to which children are entitled.
The study empirically investigates through up close observations, interviews and surveys the efficacy of pedagogy for civic and citizenship learning in four schools identified as places of strong democratic practice. This study was able to identify particular commonalities between the four case study schools that were conducive to creating and sustaining democratic principles and practices. These schools, although very different in their composition, were lead by principals who shared the view that children under their care were subjects in the making with increasing rights and responsibilities rather than objects to be manipulated, controlled and protected. The findings suggest that experiencing democracy and human rights in daily school life in a variety of situations and on a number of different levels can effectively contribute to the learning of the meaning and advantages of democratic values such as the rule of law, participatory decision-making and due process. It also concludes that there may be a relationship between parental socio-economic background and the possibilities available for students to engage in effective civic learning and citizenship practices. The relationship between socio-economic background and other structural factors including gender and ethnicity in relation to possibilities of civic learning needs to be investigated in a larger study.
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Akao, Shalom Maiasi. "Seen but not heard women's experiences of educational leadership in Solomon Islands secondary schools /." The University of Waikato, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10289/2379.
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This study is concerned with the representation of women in leadership positions in Solomon Islands. In particular, it explores the educational leadership experiences of women working in Solomon Islands' secondary schools. While much research to date has been carried out in the developed and developing countries, very little has been undertaken in Melanesian countries. As such, we know very little about women's experiences in educational leadership in Melanesia. Research data was gathered using qualitative methods. Specifically, interviews were conducted with eight women, five were deputy principals and three were Heads of Departments. All the participants were teaching in schools in an urban centre. Data gathered were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The data gathering was conducted in the Solomon Islands in October 2007. The key findings revealed a number of issues that impacted on the women's leadership in their respective schools. Findings include lack of self confidence, difficulties in balancing work and family, discriminatory attitudes and the influence of the cultural patriarchal norms on the attitudes towards women in leadership positions. Other key findings related to the nature of the organization, in this case, the school. This included a lack of initial preparatory and on - going professional development programmes and a lack of consultation in the decision making process. This study also found that while the women embraced the collaborative approach to leadership, the structural barriers through the hierarchical organization of the schools meant they could not lead the way they would like to.
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Shilima, Christine. "An investigation into perceptions of participative management in a Namibian secondary school." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005874.
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This study examines the perceptions and experiences of school stakeholders about the practices of participative management in a Namibian Secondary School. Data was collected by using interviews, observation and document analysis. The study revealed that participative management has some benefits for the school such as it promotes democracy in school management, school as an open system, sharing of ideas and skills, teamwork and that ownership and commitment enhance the chances for organization change. Participatory decision making and shared leadership are the practices of PM that emerged from this study. However the school does experience challenges such as lack of knowledge on the practice and potential of PM in school management and leadership, illiteracy among parents that prevent them from participation in management and autocratic management practices from some members in formal leadership. The study suggests that trust, relationships and openness are good interpersonal skills that can help enhance the practices of PM in the school. Other strategies were to sensitize stakeholders on the practices of PM.
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Hulshult, Nancy Kay. "MORAL LEADERSHIP IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION." Connect to this document online, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=miami1114085889.
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Thesis (Ed. D.)--Miami University, Dept. of Educational Leadership, 2005.Title from second page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains [2], v, 117 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-97).
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Cargill, Barbara Joan. "Leadership in institutions of higher education, 1988-1991 : on the experience of coping with crises /." Connect to thesis, 1995. http://eprints.unimelb.edu.au/archive/0002040.
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Moelanjane, Porgarius Porgacy Rukee. "The perceived impact of policy change on leadership and management : a case study of a Namibian school." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007670.
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The transformation of education has been central to the programme of the first democratically elected government in Namibia, both because of the democratic demands for equality, equity and access, and as a means towards the wider transformation of Namibian community. The study provides a brief history of the pre- and post-independence education policy environment in Namibia with regard to how management and leadership of schools gave rise to opportunities for the development of democratic participation. Adopting an interpretive approach, the study examines several key stakeholders' perceptions of the impact of transformation initiatives on their leadership and management thinking and practice. The sample comprised four teachers, a principal, a director, a school board member, two learners and a hostel matron. The findings reveal that, in order to create a democratic school community, the stakeholders' role is largely a matter of opposing and transcending the contradictions, inadequacies and limitations inherent in the educational ideas, policies and practices caused by the previous Apartheid education system. There is a reasonable amount of success in the implementation process of democratic leadership and management of schools. The findings further highlight contradictory tendencies, in that the Ministry of Basic Education Sports and Culture established a uniform system of education but also entertained the principle of decentralised governance through the introduction of school based management practice incorporating the main stakeholders at local level. The data confirms a communication gap between stakeholders, lack of adequate education and training in participatory management and leadership for learners, parents, teachers and school boards, and insufficient support from the national and the regional authorities. The study concludes with some specific recommendations that might strengthen stakeholders' sense of their participation in democratic practices for longer-term cost effective implementation to occur. This is supported by the belief that education policy change only becomes a reality once understood, owned and appreciated at local level.
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Botha, Marius Johan. "Die rol van die bestuurspan van 'n skool in die vestiging van 'n gesonde leerkultuur." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/49760.
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Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary goal of this study is to provide a functional description of the function and the role of management teams, in the promotion of a culture of learning, at High School level. Teachers, management teams, but also parents have an important role to play in creating a culture of learning. Thus, the parents can make a valuable contribution to the development of a learning culture and ultimately enhance lifelong learning and education. Presently, schools are in the process of developing a culture of learning, unfortunately the majority of schools are still attempting to recover from the negative effects of apartheid. In order to develop such a culture of learning, aspects such as discipline, commitment and self-discipline must be addressed. We have to strive towards educating learners to accept authority and discipline, as well as learners that will be committed and motivated. One has to remember that a culture of learning starts at home. Since culture is a dynamic entity, it has an influence on the culture of organisation and management. Through effective management, we have to create opportunities for every individual to develop his/her full potential. The management team thus plays a significant role in establishing and maintaining a learning culture. A school culture is determined by the value, attitude and behaviour of certain situations that lead to insufficient, unacceptable learning activities. Through projects, initiated by government, we will be able to create more awareness and participation in the development of a culture of learning. The role of parents is placed under the spotlight, because of different needs within a culture of learning. By placing parents under this spotlight, we can focus on the management team and also the governing body. This implies that there has to be a management and strategic plan in place. By having these factors in place, one can create and build a better and healthy relationship between the parents and the school. The approach followed in the study was firstly to contextualise the need for a learning culture against the background of changes in the South African education system in the last few decades. Thereafter, relevant concepts were identified and defined: the general concept of culture was was more closely explained and differentiated by investigating the relationship between concepts such as organisational culture, school culture, learning culture and teaching culture, as well as the connection between school based management and a learning culture. Two important steps follow: firstly, the study investigated the preconditions for the establishment of a learning culture, including the potential participation of stakeholders - especially with the aid of information obtained through personal inputs from role players in a specific school project of which the writer was part - and secondly, the study looks at conditions necessary, once it is established, to maintain and sustain a healthy learning culture, with special reference to the cardinal role of the management team. The study concludes with recommendations and suggestions for further research.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel van die studie was om 'n beskrywing te gee van die funksie en die rol wat bestuurspanne, in die bevordering van 'n leerkultuur op hoërskoolvlak, moontlik kan speel. Soos die onderwyser en die bestuurspan 'n belangrike rol het om te vervul in die vestiging van 'n leerkultuur, het die ouers ook 'n belangrike rol om te vertolk. Die ouer behoort dus 'n bydrae te kan lewer tot die ontwikkeling van 'n leerkultuur en uiteindelik ook tot lewenslange leer en opvoeding. Skole is tans besig om 'n leerkultuur daar te stel, maar die meerderheid van skole is nog besig om te herstel van die negatiewe gevolge van apartheid. As ons 'n leerkultuur wil vestig, moet daar dissipline, toewyding en self-dissipline wees. Ons moet streef na leerders wat gesag en dissipline sal aanvaar, asook leerders wat toegewyd sal wees met 'n positiewe ingesteldheid teenoor die opvoedingsstruktuur. Wat ons wel moet onthou, is dat leerkultuur by die huis begin. Met dié dat kultuur dinamies is, het dit ook 'n invloed op organisasie- en bestuurskulture. Met effektiewe bestuur moet ons elke individu die geleentheid gee om te ontwikkel tot sy volle potensiaal. Die bestuurspan speel dus 'n beduidende rol in die vestiging of handhawing van 'n leerkultuur. Skoolkultuur word bepaal deur die waarde, houding en gedrag van sekere situasies wat bydra tot 'n ontoereikende onderrigaktiwiteit. Deur die vestiging van projekte wat geïnisieër is deur die regering, salons baie meer betrokkenheid kry by die vestiging van 'n leerkultuur. Die rol van die ouers word onder die soeklig geplaas as gevolg van die verskillende behoeftes in 'n leerkultuur. Deur die ouers onder die soeklig te plaas, kom die bestuurspan en die beheerraad na vore. Dit impliseer dat daar 'n bestuursplan en 'n strategiese beplanning in plek moet wees. Deur dit alles daar te stel, kan ons 'n beter verhouding bou, tussen die ouer en sy skool, en daardeur die leerkultuur van die skool versterk en uitbou. Die benadering in die studie was om eers die behoefte vir 'n leerkultuur te kontekstualiseer teen die agtergrond van veranderinge in die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysstelsel in die laaste paar dekades. Daarna is relevante begrippe geïdentifiseer en omskryf: die algemene begrip kultuur is nouer verduidelik en gedifferensieer deur die verwantskap te ondersoek met begrippe soos organisasiekultuur, skoolkultuur, leerkultuur en onderrrigkultuur, sowel as die verwantskap tussen skoolgebaseerde bestuur en leerkultuur. Twee belangrike stappe volg: eerstens is die voorvereistes vir die vestiging van 'n leerkultuur ondersoek, insluitend die potensiale deelneme van belanghebbendes - veral met behulp van inligting bekom deur persoonlike insette van rolspelers in 'n spesifieke skoolprojek waarby die skrywer betrokke was - en tweedens, word die voorwaardes vir volhoubaarheid, nadat dit wel gevestig is, van 'n gesonde leerkultuur bespreek, met spesiale verwysing na die kardinale rol van die bestuurspan. Die studie word saamgevat met aanbevelings en voorstelle vir verdere navorsing.
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Mphahlele, Rennie Esther. "A decade of educational change grounded narratives of school principals /." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2009. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02232009-085412.
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Ipangelwa, Anna. "The impact of US Peace Corps volunteers on the management and leadership of a school in Namibia: a case study." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003443.
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Peace Corps Volunteer teachers have played a significant role in Namibia’s attempts to restructure education in line with its policy of education for all. While we have learned a great deal in recent years about how Peace Corps Volunteer Teachers have achieved their stated goals and objectives of teaching students and training serving teachers, we still know relatively little about the role they may have played in school management. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Peace Corps volunteers work on the management and leadership of the schools they serve. The study focuses on the work of two volunteers based in a combined school in the Ondangwa West educational region of Namibia. The study adopts a qualitative approach and seeks to establish whether there has been an impact by Peace Corps volunteer’s work on the management and leadership of this school by focusing on (a) activities performed by Peace Corps volunteers; (b) the experiences of both management and staff in working with Peace Corps volunteers; (c) whether the presence of Peace Corps volunteers that served at the school influence the management and leadership of the school; (d) how the duties and activities performed by these volunteers were perceived by the students, teachers and community. The interview questions that were used to collect data from seven respondents were based on the literature from Peace Corps and the Ministry of Basic Education, Culture and Sport as well as education management and leadership literature. The findings indicate that volunteers that served at this school performed management and leadership related activities with the students, teachers and community and that these activities are having an effect on the management and leadership of the school.
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Aipinge, Lydia P. "Cluster centre principals' perceptions of the implementation of the school cluster system in Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003330.
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The School Clustering System (SCS) was introduced five years after Namibia’s independence in 1990. The rationale for its implementation was to improve the quality of education in Namibian schools by enabling the sharing of resources, experience and expertise among clusters and facilitating school administration by pooling resources from several schools to be shared equally. It was piloted in Rundu and then gradually expanded to the whole country. The cluster system groups 5-7 schools that are eographically close and accessible to each other in one cluster under the leadership of one of the principals known as a Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of CCPs of the implementation of the SCS in two clusters of a particular circuit in the Omusati region. It is a case study involving two CCPs, one serving Inspector of Education (IE), a former Inspector of Education, several teachers, principals and parents. Data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and focus group discussions. The study found that the practice of cluster leaders is informed by contemporary leadership and management thinking. The participatory approach employed in clusterbased committees enables site-based management and collaboration. This has led to organisational learning. It was also found that a number of challenges are hampering the implementation of the SCS. These include lack of system support and inadequate resources. However, the human potential coupled with a high degree of readiness exhibited by cluster members are seen as potential drivers of further development of the system. The study recommends the adoption of a national policy that formalises the SCS as well as the strengthening of system support to build cluster capacity. It also makes suggestions for further research in organisational culture and behaviour with the aim of developing leadership and management practices in the SCS.
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Topnaar, P. E. "Stakeholders' perceptions of the cluster system in a secondary school in Rundu, Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004516.
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Since independence in 1990, various efforts have been made to improve the quality and management of Namibian schools, including the Basic Education Project (BEP-Project). In collaboration with the Geselschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), the BEP-Project has supported the implementation of important Government programs, such as Lower Primary reform and the cluster system. In 1995 the BEP-Project began to address educational needs in the Rundu education region. It was believed that Rundu had in the past been the most neglected region, especially with regard to education. The school cluster system was devised to facilitate new ways of education service delivery and to address the question of improving education standards. The purpose of this research is to answer the question: "How do the management and staff of a secondary school in the Rundu region of education experience a school cluster system?" To this end, the research seeks to determine what potential the cluster system holds and how that may be realised, and to also establish whether there is any evidence of change in management practices. A case study method has been employed to gain insight into the cluster system as a management tool. Ten respondents, all of whom have been employed at the school in question for a considerable period of time, were interviewed before and after the implementation of the cluster system. The research disclosed that disparities and tension in the school were legacies of the colonial education system, but that the cluster system had bridged the gap and enhanced uniformity and cooperation. Sharing of ideas on educational issues and constant interaction created a conducive environment for academic performance. The case study further disclosed that parental involvement in decision making is still a course for concern and that the cluster system has not yet addressed this issue. The study has shown that decentralisation has taken place and that rural schools are no longer operating in isolation. A lack of innovative ideas has hampered training as a cluster activity. From the research, it is evident that schools have previously operated on an individual basis, but that the cluster system has created the opportunity for schools to interact on a regular basis. This study is timely and of national importance. I anticipate that this study will be of use to policy makers in making decisions for the future development of the cluster system.
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Nghatanga, Ponny Haggai. "The role of cluster centre principals in the Ohangwena education region in Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003632.
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The Namibian Ministry of Education introduced the School Clustering System (SCS) in 1996. The system entails the grouping of schools into clusters to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise. One school in a group is selected to serve as the Cluster Centre and the principal of the centre is identified as the Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). This has created a new level of educational leadership which is still relatively under-researched and the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of this new role since it is perceived to be pivotal to the effective functioning of the cluster. This study is an interpretive case study of Cluster Centres in the Komesho Circuit in the Ohangwena Educational Region. Three data collection instruments were used, namely document analysis, observation and interviews. The collected data provided insight into participants' views on the role of Cluster Centre Principals (CCPs), which shed light on the challenges faCing the roles of CCPs. The findings revealed that respondents welcomed the decentralisation of an education system that involves cluster members and parents in decision making. Furthermore, the perceived role of CCPs is perceived as delegation through participative leadership and management approaches. This involves groups in teamwork to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The study has, however, also exposed tensions surrounding the role and function of CCPs. This is partly because the role has not been formalised and is perceived as existing in a legal vacuum. This study will benefit the Cluster Centre Principals, Inspectors of Education, Advisory Teachers, non-governmental Organisations, the community and the Ministry of Education by placing the role of Cluster Centre Principals in perspective.
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Udjombala, Josia S. "An investigation into the perceived effects of a school management/leadership training programme in the Ondangwa East Education Region of Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004447.
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The study set out to investigate the perceived effects of the Leadership Development Programme, a two-years training programme for school principals in the Ondangwa East Educational Region of Namibia. The objective has been to find out whether the training curriculum and content were related to what participating principals thought they needed to help them to do their work better, and improve their schools. Data were collected through interviews with two of the first group of nine principals who have completed the training. The study has found that the Leadership Development Programme helped the participating principals to experience personal changes and professional growth. Through the process of participatory action research, the Leadership Development Programme has been able to bring together theory and practice. It has also helped the principals to recognize their responsibility for planning, implementing and evaluation of action, and problem solving initiatives in their schools. The study has also found that the Leadership Development Programme recognized, and therefore applied, the element of experiential/adult learning. Although the Programme has had its basic core curriculum, its content and training process have been flexible in the sense that the Programme tried first to establish what participants knew, and then assisted them to gain a new and enquiring perspective on their knowledge and practice, which helped them to become reflective practitioners. While the study could not establish with a degree of certainty as to what extent the principals have taken up the processes of the training Programme in their schools, it has, however, found that there are many positive changes brought in about schools during the time the training was running. Secondly, while the study could obviously not establish a direct link between every change and the inputs made by the training Programme, it concluded, however, that the Programme at least brought about changes in the mindsets of principals, which were conducive to teaching and learning. What was important, though, was the question of how many of the initiatives were still bearing fruit three years after the training has taken place.
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Muzvidziwa, Irene. "A phenomenological study of women primary school heads' experiences as educational leaders in post colonial Zimbabwe." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008200.
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This research study was carried out in order to gain an understanding of the experiences of women primary school heads, their perceptions of their roles as leaders, the challenges they face and how they dealt with them. The study focused on the lived experiences of five women in Zimbabwe's primary schools. Literature relating to the issues and experiences of women in educational leadership within school contexts and the conceptual framework is examined. The importance of leadership has been emphasised in the literature of school effectiveness. Leadership theories tended to emphasise measurability and effectiveness of leadership, oversimplifying the complexity of leadership phenomenon. These features reflect research approach adopted by researchers from a positivist orientation. This study is an in-depth qualitative study conducted along the lines suggested by a phenomenological-interpretivist design with emphasis on rich contextual detail, close attention to individual's lived experience and the bracketing of pre-conceived notions of the phenomenon. Views and experiences based on the participants' perspectives are described through in-depth interviews which were dialogical in nature. Through this approach, I managed to grasp the essences of the lived experiences of women The research highlights the women's perceptions of themselves as educational leaders. What emerges is the variety of approaches to handling challenges. My findings show a rich and diverse culture of creativity in the way participants adopted a problem-solving strategy, which is not reflected in the mainstream leadership. Though educational leadership emerges as a complex phenomenon, with alternative approaches to educational research, there is high potential for increased understanding of woman's leadership, its importance and implications for school.KMBT_363
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Ngmenkpieo, Frederick. "The nature of instructional support HoDs provide to mathematics and science teachers in Cape Town primary schools." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1965.
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Thesis (MEd (Education and Social Science))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010The thesis examined the instructional support that Heads of Departments (HoDs) in four Cape Town primary schools provided for mathematics and science teachers. The main research focus was: To investigate the activities and strategies that HoDs in Cape Town primary schools use to provide support to mathematics and science teachers in their departments. A qualitative interpretative approach was used for the study. Face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews were used to enable the researcher to obtain in-depth responses to the questions and probe the participants' responses. The sample for the study consisted of four HoDs and four Grade 6 mathematics and science teachers. The results indicated that among other things, the HoDs used mentoring or coaching and motivation to support mathematics and science teachers. It was also found that, in the course of mentoring the teachers, the HoDs encountered several challenges. In the light of the findings, the researcher recommends that HoDs be provided with formal leadership and management programmes to ensure efficacy in their practices.
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Spooner, Kevin Eugene. "Leadership and Decision-Making Skills of High Poverty Elementary School Principals in an Era of Reduced Resources." Thesis, Portland State University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3722085.
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Recently, a great deal of interest has been generated around the role of principal and its effectiveness, especially its impact on improving teacher instruction and student learning. Waters, Marzano, and McNulty (2003) concluded that one quarter of all “school effects” on achievement can be attributed to principals. While there is general agreement on the principal’s importance and affect, do we understand how principals have adapted to changes in schools with reduced resources and increased learning needs of students? How have principals made decisions in an environment where resources have been reduced over time? Given the stories of retired principals from high poverty elementary schools, the purpose of this narrative inquiry is to understand how principals made sense of their experience when having to respond to decreasing resources and the need for increased student achievement. Participants in the study included retired principals from high poverty elementary schools who were employed during the time period extending from 2008 through 2014. Findings from the study make sense of the meanings elementary principals have constructed and attached to the phenomena of decision-making in times of financial reduction in order to help other principals who have been challenged by similar circumstances. Three categories of leadership styles and seven skill areas emerged in the study. Principals made use of these styles and skills in their responses to the crisis.
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Adams, Janice Marie. "Principal Leadership Practices in High Poverty K-5 Model Schools in Oregon." Thesis, Portland State University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3740348.
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Children living in poverty in the United States face some of life’s greatest challenges, including achieving academic success in school. Evidence is also emerging of a growing income disparity in America that affects families, communities and local labor markets in ways that can undermine the effectiveness of schools serving disadvantaged populations (Duncan & Murnane, 2011). Evidence exists, however, that high academic performance is within the reach of all children in high poverty schools, and that principal leadership is a contributing factor.
This study examined principal leadership practices in three high poverty K-5 elementary schools in Oregon identified as Model schools under the Oregon ESEA waiver to No Child Left Behind. This study identified themes of leadership practices including 1) high expectations, 2) meeting children’s basic needs, 3) shared leadership and teamwork, 4) use of data, and 5) personal attributes of the principal. Other themes considered important to one or more groups of respondents but not necessarily to all included 1) caring, 2) positive support, 3) addressing biases about children and families in poverty, 4) principal’s elementary teaching experience, and 5) pride in the local school. As such, the findings of this study support the knowledge base in educational leadership regarding principal leadership as a factor in schools that impact the academic growth of children (Hallinger, 2005; Hallinger, Bickman, & Davis, 1996; Hallinger & Heck, 1998; Hattie, 2009; Jacobson et al., 2004; Leithwood & Jantzi, 2012; Leithwood & Louis, 2012; Leithwood et al., 2004; Lyman & Villani, 2004; Marks & Printy, 2003; and, Water, Marzano, & McNulty, 2003).
This study has implications for district hiring and planning for principal succession, teacher hiring, resource allocation, community engagement, and district support for schools serving students in high-poverty communities.
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Uiseb, Gerson. "An exploration of teacher leadership: a case study in a Namibian rural primary school." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001715.
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The Namibian education system has undergone a policy shift from a top-down leadership practice or head-centred leadership to a more shared form of leadership in schools. Existing policy documents call for teacher participation in school level decision-making structures and processes as teachers often are involved in other activities and have been through life experiences which equip them with leadership skills. These policies clearly stipulate that school principals cannot lead and manage the schools alone, but should involve teachers and other stakeholders in leadership activities. This study explored teacher leadership in a rural primary school in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia. The study explored the understanding of the concept teacher leadership, the practice of teacher leadership and the enhancing factors as well as barriers to teacher leadership practice. A qualitative interpretative case study was conducted. Interviews, document analysis, focus group interviews, a questionnaire and observation were employed to produce data with regard to teacher leadership practices in the case study school. The data were analysed thematically using Grant’s (2008) model of teacher leadership. Findings revealed that the concept of teacher leadership was understood as teachers leading both within and beyond the classroom. Teacher leadership was practiced across the fours zones of teacher leadership (after Grant, 2008), but to varying degrees. It could be categorized as emergent teacher leadership (after Muijs and Harris, 2005) within a formal distributed leadership framework (MacBeath, 2005). Teacher leadership in the case study school was enhanced by collaboration among staff and involvement of teachers in school level decision-making. However, barriers to teacher leadership at the case study school included holding on to power by the principal, teachers’ negative attitudes towards teacher leadership, a lack of incentives, a lack of time due to a heavy work load and a lack of professional development.
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Chow, Wai-yee, and 鄒慧儀. "How do school leaders shape school culture?: a multi-dimensional perspective." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2005. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B35344222.
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Tyala, Zakunzima. "School management team members' perceptions of their roles in managing Grahamstown secondary schools /." 2004. http://eprints.ru.ac.za/170/.
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Baloyi, Masenyani Joseph. "The perceptions of the School Management Teams towards the effectiveness of the new management system within Malamulele West Circuit of Limpopo Province." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/721.
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Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2011The functioning of the school within the new education dispensation has brought about radical changes in the management of schools where the formation of school management teams (SMTs) became a necessity in order to assist principals in the day to day management of schools so that effective, proper management can be applied. The introduction of the New Management System compelled the heads of institutions and all other relevant stakeholders to undergo comprehensive management training in order to contribute towards the management of schools. However, very little has been done to evaluate the perceptions of people who have to implement the new management system as to whether it is working or not. This study was aimed at finding out the perceptions of the School Management Teams (SMTs) and School Principals towards the effectiveness of the new management system within the Malamulele West Circuit of the Limpopo Province. The study also intended to explore the gap existing between schools management policy and the way it is understood and implemented by the School Management Teams in schools. The study utilized a questionnaire as an instrument of collecting data. Interviews were arranged with the respondents and they were interviewed following the standardized questionnaire. The findings show that School Management Teams did not feel effective in managing schools using the new management system. The SMTs did not have confidence in implementing the strategic management plans and practicing management effectively. The School Management Teams recommended amongst others, that they be sent for training. They envisaged that training programmes would assist School Management Teams in developing the competencies they need to perform their best in their current jobs. The study has also revealed that both School Management Teams and School \principals feel that they are not properly trained in management skills.
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Chrisomalis, Caridad Vivian. "Mindset and Feedback Receptivity in a Team Facilitation Setting: Exploring Factors Perceived by Adult Educators That Influence Their Learning in Role." Thesis, 2021. https://doi.org/10.7916/d8-z1jq-7p72.
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The aim of this qualitative case study was to shed light on factors perceived by facilitators of adult learning to influence the transformation of their fixed/growth mindsets with the potential for enhanced or sustained feedback receptivity. This was achieved by exploring the experiences of a core team of facilitators of adult education in an elite Tier I University Based Coaching Certification Program (UBCCP) located in the northeast United States. Informed through an extensive review of the literature, I hoped to identify commonalities/differences among the various core team members (whose experiences are so varied) regarding their perceptions of high impact adult learning in this team facilitation context.
Specifically, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore their experiences as a means of identifying, describing, and furthering an understanding of the factors perceived to promote the perspective transformation required to ensure the UBCCP program can be scaled efficiently, effectively, and most importantly, with integrity and fidelity.Toward that end, I collected relevant assessment data from each core team member to inform the one-to-one interviews. Data collection methods included document analysis, pre-interview data forms, the results of four survey instruments (two self-focused and two context-focused), and in-depth interviews (including verbal examples of each facilitator’s high and low point experiences in the UBCCP setting). A data analysis process was developed to examine the potential connection between mindset, feedback orientation, feedback environment, and the learning climate of the UBCCP.
The study’s findings confirmed that an interplay does exist between an individual’s mindset and feedback orientation and the feedback environment. The study also confirmed that although that interplay appears to influence the learning climate to some degree, different factors, (e.g., professional development, psychological safety, etc.) have a greater impact on how the facilitators of adult education of the UBCCP are experiencing the learning climate. Finally, the study confirmed that mindset, feedback orientation, the feedback environment, and the learning climate are interconnected, and all contribute to the perspective transformation that leads to feedback receptivity.
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Sejanamane, Carol Malekwa. "The perceptions and experiences of school management teams (SMTs) on teamwork." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20098.
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The changes within the South African education system have turned-around the view that regards principals as “sole” people responsible for leadership and management of schools. The task of the school principal has undergone a radical change. Over the years the notion has been replaced by the view that sees management and leadership as prerogative of many, including stakeholders within and outside education. The move has become world-wide phenomenon compelled by the dual imperatives changing societal values and the rate of change.
This study is aimed at investigating the perceptions and experiences of School Management Teams (SMTs) on teamwork as an alternative to school management. The investigation was framed within the mixed-method approach, and sought to unpack the experience of SMT members with regard to teamwork. An interpretive paradigm made it possible for me to gain an in-depth understanding of SMT members’ experience of teamwork within their school contexts. I used interviews and questionnaires as research tools to gather data. This study has found that, although the concept of teamwork is well-received, there are still significant obstacles to the implementation of teamwork as an alternative form of school managementEducational Leadership and Management
M. Ed. (Education Management)