Tesis sobre el tema "Special Development Section"

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Business Information Systems in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013
Event management is a very competitive field; therefore, event managers must work hard to distinguish themselves from other event management companies. One way of doing this is by using event management software to provide a holistic service which allows for better efficiency in the workplace. Technology is constantly changing; therefore it is imperative to keep abreast of trends in technology in order to improve one’s business and services. As an event manager, one should also consider what it takes in order to organise a successful event. The internationally accredited Event Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK) has identified several areas that are crucial for an event manager to constantly control and manage in order to create an exceptional event, and these domain areas encompass a set of guidelines to ensure successful event projects. However, one should determine if the software is able to assist event managers with all the necessary features and functions required to organise a successful event as per the outline from EMBOK. The research aimed to analyse the software in terms of its capabilities and compare it to the EMBOK guidelines. The aim of the study was to further identify whether the software is able to complete all the tasks outlined by EMBOK and if not, what else would be needed to fill the gaps. The research also reviewed what impact the software has on events, that is, how it assists or improves tasks conducted or how it does not assist or becomes problematic in accomplishing the various phases and tasks. Qualitative research was selected as the appropriate method in order to gain an understanding of the events managers’ point of view with regards to the software. The research required detailed descriptions and narratives of the software as well as the experiences and opinions of the user. For this reason it was determined that qualitative research would best suit the needs of the research. In order to get detailed answers a semi-structured in-depth interview guide was used and the answers transcribed in order to analyse and get results. The software was selected based on its international usability and because of its use by South African government departments such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The Cape Town-based individuals from the software’s client list were contacted and selected to participate in the study. The research was conducted with five representatives with previous experience of the software in the events industry in Cape Town. The interview guides were compiled with Likert-scale questions and open-ended questions. The questions were carefully compiled to link the functionality of the software and the criteria as identified by EMBOK. The answers were recorded and transcribed to analyse and determine the opinions of the representatives on the functionality and comprehensiveness of the software to be used for event management. The interviews established that the move towards technology is preferable as it creates efficiency in the workplace. The software assists in alleviating the workload of event managers; however, the interviews also indicated that the software does not always fulfil the requirements for all the tasks. Several tasks required the use of combinations of software; in some instances, the manager preferred to do the task manually. It was concluded that the software does not provide the level of flexibility required in event management, which is a vital criterion, owing to the field’s changing nature.

This thesis provided a systematic comparison of Religious Education (RE) as it has evolved in the secondary school curriculum of Scotland and Malawi, between 1970 and the present day (2010). It sought to draw analogies and, where valid, to indicate significant points of difference regarding key issues that underpin this development between two countries that also have a historical relationship dating back to 1859. This was a qualitative study which used the phenomenological research method. In both countries data was collected through field-based research using key informant interviews (n60), relevant documents and school surveys. The conceptual framework of the thesis was based on concepts and issues in the discourse of contemporary RE. The constant comparison strategy of data analysis was implemented in exploring issues that emerged in the research. To further facilitate the analysis of secondary school RE in Scotland and Malawi a thematic approach was adopted in which six key issues were identified and investigated. The first explored the historical problem of underdevelopment in RE. The second examined motives that engendered reforms in the RE curriculum. The third described the various curriculum changes in RE during the period under study. The fourth discussed contested spaces related to the micro-politics of RE. The fifth surveyed the level of provision in RE in different school contexts. The sixth and last assessed the current state of RE. The findings of this study suggested that despite some points of difference, there was greater similarity on salient issues that underpinned the nature of secondary school RE in the two countries, in areas such as the need for curriculum reform, micro-politics of reform, provision in schools and status of the subject. Given the challenges the subject faces in both Scotland and Malawi, the study concluded that without government intervention and support from other key stakeholders RE will continue to be regarded as a marginal curriculum subject.

Rural and remote areas of Australia remain the last bastion of health disadvantage in a developed nation with an enviable health score-card. During the last ten years, rural and remote health has emerged as a significant issue in the media and the political arena. This thesis examines print media, policy documents and interviews from selected informants to ascertain how they represent medical practitioners and health services in rural and remote areas of Australia, why they do so, and the consequences of such positions. In many of these representations, rural and remote medical practitioners are aligned with national and cultural mythologies, while health services are characterised as dysfunctional and at crisis point. Ostensibly, the representations and identity formulations are aimed at redressing the health inequities in remote rural and Australia. They define and elaborate debates and contestations about needs and claims and how they should be addressed; a process that is crucial in the development of professional identity and power (Fraser; 1989). The research involves an analysis and critical reading of the entwined discourses of culture, power, and the politics of need. Following Wodak and others (1999), these dynamics are explored by examining documents that are part of the discursive constitution of the field. In particular, the research examines how prevailing cultural concepts are used to configure the Australian rural and remote medical practitioner in ways that reflect and advance socio-cultural hegemony. The conceptual tools used to explore these dynamics are drawn from critical and post-structural theory, and draw upon the work of Nancy Fraser (1989; 1997) and Ruth Wodak (1999). Both theorists developed approaches that enable investigation into the effects of language use in order to understand how the cultural framing of particular work can influence power relations in a professional field. The research follows a cultural studies approach, focussing on texts as objects of research and acknowledging the importance of discourse in the development of cultural meaning (Nightingale, 1993). The methodological approach employs Critical Discourse Analysis, specifically the Discourse Historical Method (Wodak, 1999). It is used to explore the linguistic hallmarks of social and cultural processes and structures, and to identify the ways in which political control and dominance are advanced through language-based strategies. An analytical tool developed by Ruth Wodak, Rudolf de Cillia, Martin Reisigl and Karin Leibhart (1999) was adapted and used to identify nationalistic identity formulations and related linguistic manoeuvres in the texts. The dissertation argues that the textual linguistic manoeuvres and identity formulations produce and privilege a particular identity for rural and remote medical practitioners, and that cultural myth is used to popularise, shore up and advance the goals of rural doctors during a period of crisis and change. Important in this process is the differentiation of rural and remote medicine from other disciplines in order to define and advance its political needs and claims (Fraser, 1989). This activity has unexpected legacies for the rural and remote health sector. In developing a strong identity for rural doctors, discursive rules have been established by the discipline regarding roles, personal and professional characteristics, and practice style; rules which hold confounding factors for the sustainability of remote and rural medical practice and health care generally. These factors include: the professional fragmentation of the discipline of primary medical care into general practice and rural medicine; and identity formulations that do not accommodate an ageing workforce characterised by cultural diversity, decreasing engagement in full time work, and a higher proportion of women participants. Both of these factors have repercussions for the recruitment and retention of rural and remote health professionals and the maintenance of a sustainable health workforce. The dissertation argues that the formulated identities of rural and remote medical practitioners in the texts maintain and reproduce relationships of cultural, political and social power. They have also influenced the ways in which rural and remote health services have been developed and funded. They selectively represent and value particular roles and approaches to health care. In doing so, they misrepresent the breadth and complexities of rural and remote health issues, and reinforce a reputational economy built on differential professional and cultural respect, and political and economic advantage. This disadvantages the community, professions and interest groups of lower value and esteem, and other groups whose voices are often not heard. Thus, regardless of their altruistic motivations, the politics of identity and differentiation employed in the formulated identities in the texts are based on an approach that undermines the redistributive goals of justice and equity (Fraser 1997), and works primarily to develop and advantage the discipline of rural medicine.

Until the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), policies regarding discipline of students with disabilities were set primarily by case law. In 1995, the debates over reauthorization of the IDEA focused on proposed provisions designed to describe. at the federal level. the measures and procedures to be used by public school officials when disciplining students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the factors influencing key actors involved in the development of the two sections ofthe I997 IDEA that address discipline of students with disabilities. A review of the literature suggested that certain factors had influenced the development of other federal special education legislation. These factors were: case law: special interest group activity: views of federalism: and other related federal legislation passed at about the same time. The design of this study was a case study. Interviews were conducted with key informants from government and special interest groups identified through a review of historical documents addressing the reauthorization of IDEA and through snowball sampling techniques. Interview data were corroborated with appropriate historical documents. Analysis of the data revealed that the key actors’ goal was to develop a federal discipline policy that balanced maintaining school environments conducive to learning and safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities. They used a policy development model to balance seven policy issues and seven influential factors as they developed the 1997 IDEA discipline provisions. The influential factors were: beliefs; other federal legislation: case law: conflicts between doctrinal. functional. and strategic views of federalism; lack of data: stories: and emotions. Of these, the factors that most influenced key actors were their beliefs and their functional view of federalism. The study suggested further research on the applicability of the policy development model and its aspects to the development of other federal-level education legislation. Further research was also recommended on the influence of case law on future versions of special education legislation. The study suggested that policy development at the state and local school levels focus on data collection, proactive approaches to managing discipline of students with disabilities. and means by which all students suspended long-term or expelled from school can continue to receive educational services.

La present tesi doctoral s’ha centrat en el repte d’aconseguir, mitjançant Fabricació Additiva (FA), models per a assaig quirúrgic, sota la premissa que els equips per fer-los haurien de ser accessibles a l’àmbit hospitalari. L’objectiu és facilitar l’extensió de l’ús dels prototips com a eina de preparació d’operacions quirúrgiques, transformant la pràctica mèdica actual de la mateixa manera que en el seu moment ho van fer tecnologies com les que van facilitar l’ús de radiografies. El motiu d’utilitzar FA, en lloc de tecnologies més tradicionals, és la seva capacitat de materialitzar de forma directa les dades digitals obtingudes de l’anatomia del pacient mitjançant sistemes d’escanejat tridimensional, fent possible l’obtenció de models personalitzats. Els resultats es centren en la generació de nou coneixement sobre com aconseguir equipaments d’impressió 3D multimaterials accessibles que permetin l’obtenció de models mimètics respecte als teixits vius. Per facilitar aquesta buscada extensió de la tecnologia, s’ha focalitzat en les tecnologies de codi obert com la Fabricació per Filament Fos (FFF) i similars basades en líquids catalitzables. La recerca s’alinea dins l’activitat de desenvolupament de la FA al CIM UPC, i en aquest àmbit concret amb la col·laboració amb l’Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona (HSJD). El primer bloc de la tesi inclou la descripció de l’estat de l’art, detallant les tecnologies existents i la seva aplicació a l’entorn mèdic. S’han establert per primer cop unes bases de caracterització dels teixits vius -sobretot tous- per donar suport a la selecció de materials que els puguin mimetitzar en un procés de FA, a efectes de millorar l’experiència d’assaig dels cirurgians. El caràcter rígid dels materials majoritàriament usats en impressió 3D els fa poc útils per simular tumors i altres referències anatòmiques. De forma successiva, es tracten paràmetres com la densitat, la viscoelasticitat, la caracterització dels materials tous a la indústria, l’estudi del mòdul elàstic de teixits tous i vasos, la duresa d’aquests, i requeriments com l’esterilització dels models. El segon bloc comença explorant la impressió 3D mitjançant FFF. Es classifiquen les variants del procés des del punt de vista de la multimaterialitat, essencial per fer models d’assaig quirúrgic, diferenciant entre solucions multibroquet i de barreja al capçal. S’ha inclòs l’estudi de materials (filaments i líquids) que serien més útils per mimetitzar teixits tous. Es constata com en els líquids, en comparació amb els filaments, la complexitat del treball en processos de FA és més elevada, i es determinen formes d’imprimir materials molt tous. Per acabar, s’exposen sis casos reals de col·laboració amb l’HJSD, una selecció d’aquells en els que el doctorand ha intervingut en els darrers anys. L’origen es troba en la dificultat de l’abordatge d’operacions de resecció de tumors infantils com el neuroblastoma, i a la iniciativa del Dr. Lucas Krauel. Finalment, el Bloc 3 té per objecte explorar nombrosos conceptes (fins a 8), activitat completada al llarg dels darrers cinc anys amb el suport dels mitjans del CIM UPC i de l’activitat associada a treballs finals d’estudis d’estudiants de la UPC, arribant-se a materialitzar equipaments experimentals per validar-los. La recerca ampla i sistemàtica al respecte fa que s’estigui més a prop de disposar d’una solució d’impressió 3D multimaterial de sobretaula. Es determina que la millor via de progrés és la de disposar d’una pluralitat de capçals independents a fi de capacitar la impressora 3D per integrar diversos conceptes estudiats, materialitzant-se una possible solució. Cloent la tesi, es planteja com seria un equipament d’impressió 3D per a models d’assaig quirúrgic, a fi de servir de base per a futurs desenvolupaments.
La presente tesis doctoral se ha centrado en el reto de conseguir, mediante Fabricación Aditiva (FA), modelos para ensayo quirúrgico, bajo la premisa que los equipos para obtenerlos tendrían que ser accesibles al ámbito hospitalario. El objetivo es facilitar la extensión del uso de modelos como herramienta de preparación de operaciones quirúrgicas, transformando la práctica médica actual de la misma manera que, en su momento, lo hicieron tecnologías como las que facilitaron el uso de radiografías. El motivo de utilizar FA, en lugar de tecnologías más tradicionales, es su capacidad de materializar de forma directa los datos digitales obtenidos de la anatomía del paciente mediante sistemas de escaneado tridimensional, haciendo posible la obtención de modelos personalizados. Los resultados se centran en la generación de nuevo conocimiento para conseguir equipamientos de impresión 3D multimateriales accesibles que permitan la obtención de modelos miméticos respecto a los tejidos vivos. Para facilitar la buscada extensión de la tecnología, se ha focalizado en las tecnologías de código abierto como la Fabricación por Hilo Fundido (FFF) y similares basadas en líquidos catalizables. Esta investigación se alinea dentro de la actividad de desarrollo de la FA en el CIM UPC, y en este ámbito concreto con la colaboración con el Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona (HSJD). El primer bloque de la tesis incluye la descripción del estado del arte, detallando las tecnologías existentes y su aplicación al entorno médico. Se han establecido por primera vez unas bases de caracterización de los tejidos vivos – principalmente blandos – para dar apoyo a la selección de materiales que los puedan mimetizar en un proceso de FA, a efectos de mejorar la experiencia de ensayo de los cirujanos. El carácter rígido de los materiales mayoritariamente usados en impresión 3D los hace poco útiles para simular tumores y otras referencias anatómicas. De forma sucesiva, se tratan parámetros como la densidad, la viscoelasticidad, la caracterización de materiales blandos en la industria, el estudio del módulo elástico de tejidos blandos y vasos, la dureza de los mismos, y requerimientos como la esterilización de los modelos. El segundo bloque empieza explorando la impresión 3D mediante FFF. Se clasifican las variantes del proceso desde el punto de vista de la multimaterialidad, esencial para hacer modelos de ensayo quirúrgico, diferenciando entre soluciones multiboquilla y de mezcla en el cabezal. Se ha incluido el estudio de materiales (filamentos y líquidos) que serían más útiles para mimetizar tejidos blandos. Se constata como en los líquidos, en comparación con los filamentos, la complejidad del trabajo en procesos de FA es más elevada, y se determinan formas de imprimir materiales muy blandos. Para acabar, se exponen seis casos reales de colaboración con el HJSD, una selección de aquellos en los que el doctorando ha intervenido en los últimos años. El origen se encuentra en la dificultad del abordaje de operaciones de resección de tumores infantiles como el neuroblastoma, y en la iniciativa del Dr. Lucas Krauel. Finalmente, el Bloque 3 desarrolla numerosos conceptos (hasta 8), actividad completada a lo largo de los últimos cinco años con el apoyo de los medios del CIM UPC y de la actividad asociada a trabajos finales de estudios de estudiantes de la UPC, llegándose a materializar equipamientos experimentales para validarlos. La investigación amplia y sistemática al respecto hace que se esté más cerca de disponer de una solución de impresión 3D multimaterial de sobremesa. Se determina que la mejor vía de progreso es la de disponer de una pluralidad de cabezales independientes, a fin de capacitar la impresora 3D para integrar diversos conceptos estudiados, materializándose una posible solución. Para cerrar la tesis, se plantea cómo sería un equipamiento de impresión 3D para modelos de ensayo quirúrgico, a fin de servir de base para futuros desarrollos.

碩士
國立臺北科技大學
技術及職業教育研究所
94
The purpose of this study were to explain to action research on development of horticultural curriculum on moderate and severe mental retardation in special education vocational school. It is a basic idea to establish to teach terms, learn environment and students ability analysis . The results built up the Mandala thinking method and to decision direction of class development. Furthermore we concluded the following factors relating to students characterter, physical agility and operation. This syudy intends to： 1.The pressure of teacher relaxed in a teaching. 2.It knows to need and standard between vocational place and society. 3.A scheme of vocational class comes from daily life. 4.Class evaluation is necessary going with household, student and individualized transition plan.

碩士
崑山科技大學
房地產開發與管理研究所
106
The prosperity of real estates is affected by the demand-supply of market, and by seeing the population, residents in Tainan almost are stagnant and aged; residential demands therefore are declined. Whereas the housing market in Tainan is strait, how to change the future of the housing market in Tainan is an issue. The research is to discuss whether the leisure hotels would be the solution in the special housing 4-1 area in Anping district from the perspectives of legislation, tourism market, engineering techniques, finance, environmental protection, and transportation. The findings reveal that the location of the case is quite well, and the case run with good financial plan, engineering plans, and environmental protection plans. However, the process of construction of leisure hotel is easily affected by external influences such as politics, economies, war, international status. The recommendations of research are that the relevant regulations and laws are outdated, it should be revised as soon as possible; furthermore, the industry of leisure hotel could cooperate with other industries.

This study focuses on the strategic employee training and development initiatives of private sector employment as a means to develop employees in gaining a competitive advantage in the market. This study takes a theoretical and descriptive stance as it draws from the work of authors in the field of human resources and strategic training and development. There is a strong focus on human relations and the transformation of human resources in South Africa that brings to light practices of human resource management. Furthermore, the concepts training, education and development are defined and discussed as cornerstones to the employee growth process. Theories, techniques and models are used as a tool in highlighting the needs analysis and designing of training programmes in the South African private sector. Business strategy and its connection to training and development are expanded upon as this topic entails a strong future-oriented approach. Pick In Pay was chosen as a case study as it is a South African company. The company's training and development policies and procedures are discussed, unstructured interviews were conducted with Jackie Suhr who is the Senior Human Resource manager, Ravi Naidoo who is the Area manager at Durban North as well as staff members from Pick In Pay. The information gathered will be discussed to evaluate the effectiveness of the company's training and development initiatives as a means to empowering, developing and positively reenforcing their employees.
Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu Natal, 2005.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce. Johannesburg 1991.
This dissertation has studied the past and present problems together with the advances associated with the affordability of special residential housing for middle-income whites in the private sector, residing in the Republic of South Africa. The emphasis of this study has been in the assessment of the problem from the viewpoint of the specific factors which tend to influence affordability for a potential purchaser specifically when involved in a first-time homeownership situation. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version]

碩士
國立中興大學
歷史學系所
104
In Taiwan’s tea production areas, there exists a well-known local specialty tea sector. Most residents of the areas live largely from growing tea and develop the local tea culture mixed with natural environment and similar living tradition. With local agriculture on the decline and farmers lamenting low profits from traditional crops such as rice, the tea industry has given rural Taiwan its greatest economic boost in recent years. Many tea farms have also been gradually transformed into leisure agriculture, integrating local tourism resources and traditional culture assets. This study aims to investigate the two Taiwan''s main black tea producing areas: Sun Moon Lake Black Tea at Yuchi Township, Nantou County and Wuhe Honey Black Tea at Ruisui Township, Hualien County. The objectives of this study are to examine how the specialty black tea sector has evolved and transformed into leisure agriculture, and also to analyze the relationship of tea sector, community-based tourism and local culture for sustainable development. The tea production atYuchi Township and Ruisui Township faced the severe challenges of increasing labor costs, competition of low-priced tea from Southeast Asia, and changing consumer tastes for high mountain tea after Taiwan’s rapid economic development in 1980. Many growers at Yuchi Township had abandoned their tea plantations until the Sun Moon Lake Black Tea recovered and returned its glory after the 921 earthquake, whereas Ruisui Township promoting organic tea cultivation found a way to successfully market award-winning Wuhe Honey Black Tea. Both Sun Moon Lake Black Tea and Wuhe Honey Black Tea are considered geographical regional products. Behind their success, farmers, tea manufacturers/traders, the Tea Research and Extension Station, and local residents work closely to achieve the brand awareness and local competitive advantage. Seshui Community at Yuchi Township has become a popular site for drinking black tea, playing with pottery clay and experiencing nature beauty. The community development and landscape planning further combined natural resources with tourism resources such as home stay, local specialties cuisine, narration services for natural environments to develop leisure agriculture. With a great variety of industries and an outstanding history of culture, Wuhe at Ruisui Township has changed from a tea village to the center of leisure activities due to the promotion and assistance of various government organizations over the years. Its renowned tea sector has thoroughly integrated with the leisure and recreational businesses, providing visitors to experience rural lifeand casual rustic atmosphere.

This thesis reviews trends and developments concerning national information policy both internationally and nationally and inform the understanding of the situation in South Africa. Three research questions are investigated in this study, namely: (a) what are the main trends relevant to national information policy development worldwide, based on relevant literature, (b) what are the main trends and developments in other countries, and (c) what are the implications of the current global and national developments regarding national information policy for South Africa, based on the findings of the study? The methodology for this study involved a qualitative textual analysis, addressing these three research questions, and the selection of theoretical frameworks to define the scope of the research. The study discussed the main aspects of concern regarding the following information-related issues: access to information; access to government information; literacy levels; computer literacy levels; levels of education and skills; information society development; the North-South Divide (including the digital divide); information content and industrial competitiveness; other issues such as e-commerce; telecommunication issues; copyright issues; industrial property rights; freedom of speech; censorship; information ownership; library services and archives; the value of information and the flow of information in the public domain in South Africa. The multiplicity of issues reviewed demonstrated the complexity regarding access to information and related issues in the country. The study concludes with a situational analysis of developments relevant to national information policy for South Africa. The findings indicate that the South African government needs to take into account the unevenness of past developments and the challenges created by the emergent global information policy regime. The Government needs to develop a national information policy to address and balance two realities, namely: (a) the technocratic and capitalist values of globalisation pushing global information policy development from outside the country, and (b) national economic, social and cultural developmental needs inside the country. Both these realities are relevant and need to be addressed in a national information policy, as the Government needs to take into account the unevenness of past developments and the challenges created by the emergent global information policy regime.
Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

A presente dissertação de Mestrado em Estudos de Desenvolvimento analisa as conceções práticas e teóricas de três Organizações Não Governamentais para o Desenvolvimento portuguesas, em torno da temática da Educação para o Desenvolvimento. Esta análise pretende responder à pergunta: “Como tem sido implementada a Educação para o Desenvolvimento pelas ONGD portuguesas nos últimos três anos (2014-2017)? Assim, como é possível observar nas várias dinâmicas mundiais, também a Educação para o Desenvolvimento tem sofrido mudanças profundas nas suas várias vertentes, em particular, em Portugal. Por essa razão é proposto tratar este tema, considerado uma problemática atual do vasto universo do Desenvolvimento. Através de um modelo de estudo qualitativo assente num estudo múltiplo de casos, conhecemos três casos distintos de práticas em Educação para o Desenvolvimento, nas ONGD portuguesas. Esta dissertação procura fornecer uma visão empírica das abordagens conceptuais, as formas de atuação e a relação institucional destas com o Estado português. Desta forma, foi possível concluir sobre os novos desafios que esta temática enfrenta. A informação recolhida foi complementada pela análise documental, incluindo bibliografia, fontes e relatórios de avaliação das práticas das ONGD. Concluímos que a ED atravessa, na atualidade, uma fase de mudanças, onde se afirmam novos atores de Desenvolvimento e sobre os quais as ONGD não querem ficar atrás, encontrando todas as oportunidades para deixar uma marca significativa do seu trabalho junto do público.
The present master’s dissertation in Development Studies seeks to analyze the practical and theoretical conceptions of three Portuguese Non-Governmental Development Organizations, about the theme of Development Education. This analysis intends to answer the question: "How has Development Education been implemented by the Portuguese NGDOs in the last three years (2014-2017)? Thus, as it is possible to observe in the worldwide dynamics, also the Development Education has undergone profound changes in its various aspects, in Portugal. For this reason, it is proposed to treat this theme, considered a current problem of the vast universe of Development. Through a qualitative research, the present multiple case study, planned to identify three distinct cases of practices in Development Education in the Portuguese NGDOs. This dissertation seeks to provide an empirical view of the conceptual approaches, the work procedures and the institutional relationship with the Portuguese State. Accordingly, it was possible to conclude on the new challenges that this theme faces. The information collected was complemented by documentary analysis, including bibliography, sources and evaluation reports of the practices of the NGDOs. This work concluded that Development Education is currently experiencing a phase of change, where new development actors are affirmed and on which the NGDOs do not want to stay behind, finding all the opportunities to leave a meaningful mark with the public.

The introduction of PPPs in infrastructure provision has changed the way in which governments around the world now view infrastructure provision. However, the introduction of PPPs to deliver the needed infrastructure has benefited only a few companies. Most of these companies are the big construction firms that possess technological know-how and those that have the financial ability to execute large infrastructure projects. Although SMEs are important for employment creation, inequality and poverty reduction, the participation of SMEs in these PPP projects is very low. This is because PPP models in developing countries are based on those used in developed economies, and such models ignore the socio-economic problems facing developing countries. Therefore, this study argues that PPP projects in developing countries present an opportunity for growing the SME sectors in developing countries. It challenges the viewpoint of seeing infrastructure backlogs only as providing opportunities to big private sector companies and argues that infrastructure backlogs can be used by governments to reduce the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality by linking SMEs to PPP projects. The traditional PPP model that is being applied by many developing countries does not fully encourage the participation of SMEs in PPP projects, as most of the projects executed through this model are bundled into big projects that SMEs cannot execute due to a lack of technological know-how and weak balance sheets. The study therefore suggests different ways in which the participation of SMEs in PPP projects could be improved based on the results of the survey conducted for this study. The study then proposes an “innovative conceptual PPP model for sustainable SME development” that takes into account the needs for developing countries to create jobs, reduce poverty and inequality. It also takes into account all challenges for SMEs identified through the review of literature and the study survey.
Economics
D. Litt. et Phil. (Economics)