Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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MOGBA dataset total school
No full textThe dataset presents data for the MOGBA Randomised Control Trial involving 229 children (51% girls) from nine different primary schools in the north of England. The average age of participants was 9.1 years (SD = 0.21). Participants were randomized at the school level into either the MOGBA intervention group (n = 128 students) or a wait-list control group (n = 101). The MOGBA intervention was delivered over nine weeks during PE lessons by trained deliverers. Pre-Post test design was employed, with participants being assessed at baseline and within 7 days post intervention. The assessment included measures of movement competence (Dragon Challenge), in-class PA (accelerometer), muscular fitness (standing long jump and plank), and perceived game and self competence (Game Play Perception Profile and Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children).</p
Patriarchal Policing: A Reflection on Abuse of Women by Serving Police Officers
No full textIn 2021, there was a nationwide public outcry following the brutal murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Metropolitan police officer. This vicious crime left many people, particularly women, with feelings of distrust towards the police and increased fear for women’s safety, resulting in vigils and campaigns to raise awareness of male violence against women. Sarah Everard was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Metropolitan police officer Wayne Couzens in the evening of the 3rd March 2021 when she was walking home from a friend’s house (Morton, 2021).</p
Higher Education as a Turbulence of Risk Society? Repercussions for Working Class Students
No full textIn today's society, which is underpinned by rapidly evolving socio-economic changes, the impact of neoliberalism can scarcely be trivialised. Neoliberalism, a term coined in the 1930’s, is a political and economical ideology which venerates the need for a free market laissez- faire economy and an emphasis on an anti-welfarism state (Maisuria, Cole, 2017). Education, a detrimental pillar of society, is not unsusceptible to the repercussions of neoliberalist ideology. As Harvey (2007: 24) showcases, the entangling of neoliberalism in higher education over the last three decades has been so deep, encompassing and rigorous, that it has virtually become natural and the ideology of neoliberalism has normalised the narrative that depicts Higher Education (Maisuria and Cole, 2017). To demonstrate this, this critical reflection will highlight the profound ways neoliberalism has seeped into higher education and the impact this has on working- class students.</p
APPLICATION OF ZEOLITE IN CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS FOR TREATMENT OF AGRICULTURAL WASTEWATER
No full textThis paper explores an innovative, multi-phase approach to enhancing agricultural wastewater treatment through constructed wetlands, targeting the reduction of pollutants. In addition to the necessity of using readily available, plentiful materials and the requirement to substitute sustainable compounds derived from renewable resources for chemicals derived from fossil fuels. To improve filtration and adsorption, all wetland beds are layered with different materials like, biochar and zeolite as an environmental friendly material and plant with various wetland plants. Over the course of the project, progressively complex treatments are introduced in different phases to maximise pollutant reduction. This paper intends to create optimised constructed wetlands for agricultural wastewater reclamation by combining natural and engineered treatment strategies, ultimately supporting sustainable green infrastructure solutions and assess the impact of Zeolite in wastewater treatment. The results will offer important insights into how artificial wetlands can improve water quality by focusing on a variety of pollutants, providing a useful, environmentally responsible method of managing wastewater in agricultural settings, the result shows using Zeolite in constructed wetlands is highly effective for reduction of heavy metals.</p
Sustainable Management of Engineering Assets in Regional Areas of Australia to Optimize Community Benefit
No full textThis paper examines sustainability and its management in rural and regional areas of Australia, with a focus on the role of local engineering assets, the integration of new technologies and the socio-economic impacts of these changes, with a focus on optimizing benefit to the rural and regional communities in Australia. These communities face unique challenges in achieving long-term sustainability due to a range of concerns, including geographic isolation, limited access to infrastructure and economic dependence on industries such as agriculture and mining. On the other hand, they also possess natural resources, strong community networks, and a growing capacity for the use of emerging asset management technologies that present them with opportunities.A key aspect of the analysis is the distinction between public and privately owned assets in these regions. Public assets, including infrastructure, land and natural resources managed by local government play a critical role in supporting community wellbeing and facilitating sustainable development. However, private assets – such as agricultural land, industrial operations and renewable energy projects – are increasingly central to driving technological innovation and economic growth. The management and cooperation between public and private sectors can create synergies for sustainable practices that are explored, and the importance of policies that encourage partnerships within local communities is reviewed.The introduction and adoption of emerging technologies as a catalyst for enhancing sustainability within these communities across Australia Is also examined. Technological advances in areas like renewable energy, precision agriculture, and digital connectivity are analysed for their potential to improve environmental outcomes, increased productivity, and reduced dependence on traditional, resource depleting industries. The role of government policies, private sector investments and community-driven initiatives in fostering technological adoption and innovation is explored.The paper concludes that there is a need for an integrated approach that leverages both public and private assets, embraces technological innovation, and considers the broader socio-economic implications to foster resilient and thriving rural and regional local government communities across Australia. Further research is discussed.</p
A Review of Key Criteria for Value for Money Assessment in Public Private Partnership Projects
No full textGovernments not only adopt Public Private Partnership (PPP) to leverage private sector finances but also expertise, aiming to deliver projects that are effective and foster innovation. Value for Money (VfM) remains a crucial objective in the procurement and delivery of PPP projects. While several models such as the Public Sector Comparator (PSC), Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), Competitive Bidding and Outline Business Case (OBC) are commonly used to evaluate VfM, the robustness in the assessment process lies in the application of comprehensive and context specific criteria. Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine the key criteria for VfM assessment in PPP projects. This study reviews seven key criteria for assessing VfM in PPP infrastructure projects: cost efficiency, risk allocation and management, service quality, innovation and expertise, sustainability, flexibility and adaptability, and transparency and accountability. Through a review of literature, this paper provides insights to guide policymakers and practitioners in assessing VfM in a holistic manner. Furthermore, it will lead to the development of hybrid models that incorporate qualitative factors to the existing VfM assessment models.</p
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Office Buildings Through Façade Retrofit Strategies in the Tropical Regions
No full textFaçade retrofit represents a strategic approach to improving energy efficiency, particularly in tropical climates where extensive building surfaces are exposed to high solar radiation throughout the year. Integrating passive façade technologies into old buildings with poor thermal performance offers a more sustainable and effective means of achieving long-term energy conservation compared to the exclusive enhancement of mechanical systems. Despite the advantages of advanced façade materials in the market, its adoption for retrofit applications remains notably low. This is primarily due to the uncertainty of potential energy savings, along with limited knowledge among building owners, technical challenges and the structural constraints associated with existing buildings. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate the energy performance of several passive façade technologies via simulation in Malaysia. Five clusters of advanced façade technologies were selected to perform simulations for 30 single options and 45 combined choices, aimed at achieving optimal energy savings. The performance of each simulation scenario was evaluated against a baseline model to quantify improvements in energy efficiency. The final results indicated all selected façade technologies outperformed the baseline façade in terms of energy efficiency. A maximum energy savings of up to 37% was achieved through the integrated application of aerogel-filled double glazing, aerogel blanket insulation, and aluminium louvres with 60% shading coverage. These technologies are particularly effective in Malaysia's tropical climate, where managing solar heat gain is crucial. The overall findings underscore the importance of passive façade technologies in improving the building energy performance, suggesting retrofit decisions that are climatically and technically feasible within the local context. This research offers valuable insights for all building stakeholders, helping to accelerate façade retrofit initiatives and support the shift toward more sustainable construction practices.</p
Digital Disruption in Quantity Surveying: A Blueprint for Triple Bottom Line Sustainability in South Africa
No full textThe study examines how digital transformation impacts the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) of Quantity Surveying (QS) firms in South Africa. Focusing on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability, the research aims to provide actionable insights for QS firms, policymakers, and educators. The research addresses a gap in understanding the implications of digital strategies for sustainability within the QS profession.Guided by an interpretivist paradigm, the study employed a qualitative research design, conducting semi-structured interviews with directors and senior quantity surveyors from five established firms. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns across the three TBL dimensions.The findings reveal economic benefits such as improved cost management, operational efficiency, and competitiveness. Environmental gains include reduced material waste and optimised resource use, although challenges like e-waste and energy consumption persist. Socially, digital tools enhance collaboration and workplace satisfaction, but they also highlight generational skill gaps. These insights underscore the transformative potential of digital technologies for QS firms, while acknowledging the barriers to their adoption.The study's small sample size and cross-sectional design limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could explore the longitudinal impacts, emerging technologies such as blockchain, and the experiences of smaller firms and freelancers.The research recommends that QS firms invest in upskilling initiatives, adopt scalable digital tools, and integrate sustainability metrics into workflows. Policymakers are encouraged to provide financial incentives for technology adoption, and educational institutions should focus on enhancing digital literacy in QS training.The paper bridges a critical gap by holistically examining the economic, environmental, and social impacts of digital transformation on QS firms. It offers valuable insights for QS professionals, industry stakeholders, and educators, promoting informed decision-making and sustainable practices.</p
Understanding Race Craft in Elite Men’s Omnium Competitions: Performance Analysis Insights and Coaching Perspectives
No full textIntroduction: This thesis addresses a critical gap in track cycling research, presenting the first academic study focused on identifying performance factors in the elite men’s Omnium Points Race, a field where, until now, coaches have largely relied on experiential insights, or extrapolated data from other cycling disciplines. Grounded in the author’s dual role as a coach and analyst with national cycling teams from Japan and the USA, the thesis is shaped by three primary aims: (1) to investigate elite coaches' perceptions regarding key performance factors in the Points Race, and the role of data in competitive decision making and outcomes; (2) to analyse physical, tactical, and strategic performance factors in the Points Race; and (3) to develop an actionable framework to support coaches and analysts in integrating insights from data to enhance training, competition strategies, and overall performance.Methodology: A multi-method approach was employed, including semi-structured interviews with elite coaches and video-based performance analysis of seven world-class Points Races from the 2019/20 season. These data informed the development of the Racecraft Framework – a systems informed conceptual model that reflects the complexity of Omnium racing, mapping how multiple interdependent factors underpin race outcomes.Results: In Chapter 5, coaches of elite male Omnium cyclists revealed that performance is conceptualised as a multifaceted combination of physical attributes (e.g., power and aerobic capacity), tactical intelligence, strategic awareness, and psychological resilience. Chapter 6 reveals that repeatable access to high speed, rather than peak speed alone, is more indicative of performance, aligning with a view of racing as a dynamic system of shifting demands. Chapter 7 highlights that there was a variation in the speed of points scoring sprint ranks throughout the subsectionTenLaps leading into each intermediate sprint highlighting a variety of tactics used. Positional analysis showed the top-ranked cyclists achieving advanced positions earlier in the subsection to make the most of point scoring opportunities. Analysis of successful lap gains reveal that they often occur as part of broader strategic plays that include intermediate point accumulation, with most lap gains made by small groups, and most frequently take between 9.5-10.5, or 15.5-16.5 laps to complete. Chapter 8 then explores the strategies among cyclists, emphasising the systems thinking needed to manage energy, positioning, and point scoring over time. High-ranking cyclists score consistently across intermediate sprints and secure positions by capitalising on speed variations throughout the race, often establishing an unassailable lead before the final sprint.Practical Applications: The Racecraft Framework, developed iteratively through a review of and reflection on existing literature, interviews with coaches, video analysis, and the authors own experiences of working as a track cycling coach and performance analyst at the highest level, provides a conceptual model for coaches and analysts to evaluate the physical, tactical, and strategic complexity of Points Race performance. Its real-world utility was demonstrated in athlete preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. A final reflections chapter draws together methodological, applied, and personal insights, reinforcing the thesis’s value as both an academic and practical contribution to enhancing track cycling performance.</p
Movement Characteristics of International and Elite Domestic Netball
No full textA base of high-quality research is necessary for developing robust literature, and is required before advancing to more complex research. In applied sports settings, practitioners can apply research to practice to support athlete development (e.g., physical preparation). Although netball is among the most popular women’s sports, a limited literature base currently exists in comparison to other team sports. Therefore, this thesis aims to contribute to building the foundation of netball literature, focused on the characteristics of netball match-play. This thesis includes four studies which 1) develop a framework of descriptors and definitions for netball literature and practice, 2/3) assess the reliability and validity of a commonly used microtechnology device in court-sports, and 4) quantify and compare the movement characteristics of elite domestic and international level match-play. Using a Delphi consensus method, study 1 established 25 physical, 29 technical and 41 contextual descriptors and definitions to standardise netball terminology. Studies 2 and 3 identified only inertial movement analysis (IMA) detected jump events and PlayerLoadTM variables are recommended for use in court-sports, following the reliability and validity analysis. The IMA event algorithm for detecting accelerations, decelerations and change-of-direction (COD) events was limited in female court-sport athletes and requires further development. Study 4 observed differences in match-play movement characteristics between competition levels and playing positions. Intensity metrics (e.g., PlayerLoad per minute) were greater at the international level, whereas volume metrics (e.g., PlayerLoadTM) were greater at the domestic level, suggesting that practitioners should focus on match-play intensity when transitioning players from domestic to international competition. Advanced analysis also identified individual variations in movement characteristics for players competing at both levels, supporting more individualised training. In conclusion this thesis develops a framework to support the standardisation of terminology in netball literature and practice, provides guidance on the recommended metrics for quantifying court-sport movement characteristics, and establishes these movement characteristics of elite domestic and international level netball match-play, contributing to the foundation of netball literature.</p