1,777 research outputs found
Strategies to widen access to family planning in the Arab world : a case study of Zarqa, Jordan
No full textThis thesis identifies the
constraints to
FP
utilisation at the
policy,
service,
community and
household levels
based
on the
perspectives
of
policy
makers,
providers of services, and
men
and
women
in
different
communities
of
Jordan. It
contributes strategies to
widen
access to
FP that
are transferable to
other
countries
of
the Middle East and the
developing
world.
The policy environment
is
analysed to
assess
whether
it
encourages
or
deters
FP
utilisation. The National Population
Strategy is highlighted. Improving
co-ordination
between the different policy
players
is
a
major challenge
faced in its implementation.
FP utilisation
is
portrayed
in four
clinics
using
different
models
of provision.
Service statistics, clinic
observations,
in-depth interviews, focus
and natural
group
discussions are used to
compare the
degree
of access to
FP.
Strengthening
co- ordination mechanisms
between the
service
providers is
an
important
strategy
to
increase FP utilisation.
The findings suggest that
FP decisions
are
mostly
influenced by
men who
remain
concerned, to a varying
degree,
with the
permissibility
of
FP
utilisation
in Islam.
A culturally competent strategy
proposed to increase
utilisation
is to
communicate
to
men that FP is permissible
in Islam. Religious
men are
proposed
vehicles
for
implementing this communication strategy,
basing their
discourse
on socio-cultural
tradition, namely Islamic jurisprudence.
The thesis has three
sections
introduction, findings
and conclusions.
Chapter One
explores the literature. Chapter
Two
reviews the
Jordanian
setting.
Chapter
Three
sets
out the methods used
in this
research.
Chapter Four
examines the
policy environment
and policy makers' perspectives.
Chapters Five to
Eight
explore the
models
of
service
provision concluding with
an evaluation of the
strengths and
weaknesses
of the
different models. Chapter Nine
elaborates
on the
community's
perspectives.
Chapter
Ten is the concluding chapter that
sets out strategies to
widen access to
FP,
by
utilising the socio-cultural
context
of the
region
Business Continuity Management and Strategic Planning: the Case of Jordan
No full textBusiness Continuity Management (BCM) is a process that focuses on counteracting organizational risk, disasters and crises. Placing Business Continuity Management in the context of Strategic Planning (SP) will help organizations to cope with a wide range of unexpected incidents before, during and after their occurrence. Subsequently, this will help to ensure the long-term survival of an organization.
The aim of this research is to develop an understanding of the significance of placing BCM in the context of SP. This requires studying BCM, its significance, role and practice; Strategic Planning, its significance, purpose and potential vulnerability; the rationale for placing BCM in the context of SP; the factors that are likely to influence placing BCM in the context of SP including driving factors and obstacles; and managers’ views of BCM and the placing of BCM in the context of SP.
This research was undertaken in the Jordanian context. Data was collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires which were conducted with general managers and other key managers from Jordanian organizations from the banking, insurance, industrial and services sectors. 110 questionnaires were collected. The questionnaires were followed by 10 semi-structured interviews in order to support the quantitative findings obtained by the questionnaires.
The research findings revealed that 80.9% of the surveyed organizations in Jordan used BCM. Those organizations that used BCM differed to some extent in their practice of BCM. 51.8% of the surveyed organizations had BCM placed in the context of SP. SP was important for achieving organizational purposes including those related to BCM. The approach to BCM, which is adopted in Jordanian organizations, helped to place BCM in the context of SP. There were a number of factors that discouraged some Jordanian organizations from placing BCM in the context of SP. However, there were also a number of factors that encouraged some other Jordanian organizations to place BCM in the context of SP. Managers had positive views regarding BCM. They either agreed or strongly agreed that BCM can be integrated with SP; BCM would help their organizations to cope with various types of disasters and crises if it is integrated with SP; BCM was an integral part of their organizations’ approach to risk; and BCM was not an extra burden to their businesses
Chilicola (Chilioediscelis) mirzamalae Willis and Packer, new species
No full text<i>Chilicola (Chilioediscelis) mirzamalae</i> Willis and Packer new species <p> <b>Diagnosis:</b> <i>C. mirzamalae</i> females possess a triangular flange on their hypostoma, a trait that does not appear in any other species of the subgenus. <i>Chilicola mirzamalae</i> males can be distinguished by the entirely dark metatibia (all other species have at least some yellow) and by the punctation of their mesopleuron: <i>C. mirzamalae</i> males have punctures equally dense above and below the scrobe, in all other species the punctures are sparser above. Lastly, the tegula of <i>C. mirzamalae</i> females is entirely dark. In the other species the tegula is pale straw.</p> <p> <i>Pubescence:</i> As in <i>C. andina</i>.</p> <p> <i>Surface Sculpture:</i> As in <i>C. andina</i> except as follows, labrum with sparser and more uneven punctures (i=1–2d); clypeus impunctate; mesoscutum densely and regularly punctate (i~d); mesopleuron more evenly punctate (i=1–2d).</p> <p> <i>Structure:</i> As in <i>C. andina</i> except as follows: <i>Head</i>: Labrum not concave dorsally. Frontal line not raised indetectable amongst striae. Ratio of pedicel:F1:F2:F3 (5:6:6:8). Flagellomeres slightly longer than broad. Malar space slightly more than two-thirds the basal depth of mandible (5:6). Gena narrower, ratio of width:eye (11:19);</p> <p> <i>Mesosoma</i>: Pronotal collar short, noticeably less than diameter of median ocellus, present medially. Ratio of scutellum:metanotum:propodeum (18:8:11). Scrobal groove entire. Ventral surface of metatrochanter acutely angulate in lateral view. Carina of metatibia incomplete. Metabasitarsus 6 times as long as deep (36:6). Ratio of length of stigma to marginal cell on wing margin (20:42). Stigma convex in marginal cell;</p> <p> <i>Metasoma</i>: S1 slightly swollen apically. S7 with ventral lobe elongate, broadly triangular, with long setae on outer margin; dorsal lobe elongate, parallel-sided, with small concave process at base anteriorly and very long robust setae arising from basal ridge, basal portion of lobe glabrous. S8 with apical lobe weakly concave, lateral lobe very large. Genital capsule broadest at apical third.</p> <p> <b>Description: Female:</b> Length 8.4mm, forewing length 4.9mm, head width 2.2 mm, intertegular span 1.7mm.</p> <p> <i>Colouration:</i> Black to dark brown with yellow spot on protibia basally and often on the base of the mandible. Ventral surface of flagellum light brown.</p> <p> <i>Pubescence:</i> As in <i>C. andina</i>.</p> <p> <i>Surface Sculpture:</i> As in male except punctures finer and facial striae stronger.</p> <p> <i>Structure:</i> As in male except as follows: <i>Head</i>: Clypeus broader (34:22). Subantennal sutures less strongly convergent below. Compound eyes only slightly convergent below (46:43). Scape almost 6 X as long as broad (23:4). Ratio of pedicel:F1:F2:F3 (6:5:5:4). Flagellomeres about as long as broad. Gena narrower (15:21);</p> <p> <i>Mesosoma</i>: Hind leg unmodified. Metabasitarsus less than 3 X longer than greatest depth (23:8);</p> <p> <i>Metasoma</i>: S1 not swollen apically. Apical impressed areas less extensive, less than 0.33 X as long as corresponding tergum.</p> <p> <b>Material Studied:</b> Holotype male, allotype female and one female paratype: CHILE, <b>Region VIII</b>: Shangrila, Las Trancas, Chillán area, SE Recinto, 1600m, 19–22.i.1979, L. Peña. One male paratype with data as in holotype except collected on xii.1983. Two paratype females with data same as holotype male except 1500m, 13–17.xii.1983 for one and 1200m, i.1984 for the other. Additional paratype females: CHILE, <b>Region IX</b>: Malleco, La Raices, Lonquimay area, 1600m, 13–20.ii.1980, L.Pena, one female and ARGENTINA, Rìo Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche, 2.xii.1964, A.J.Giai, one female. Four additional paratype males and two paratype females with same data as holotype except 78 km E of Chillán, S36.54.5 W71.29, 12.xii.03, F.D. Parker, one male collected in net, all others collected in pan traps. All material except one male and one female paratype (PBYU) are in the AMNH.</p> <p> <b>Etymology:</b> This species is for the senior author’s good friend Nancy Mirza. The species name is a reference to both her unique jaw structure and the flange found on the hypostomal area of the female bee; <i>malae</i> is latin for jawbones or cheeks.</p>Published as part of <i>Willis, Erin & Packer, Laurence, 2008, Revision and phylogenetic analysis of Chilioediscelis (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) with descriptions of three new species, pp. 29-52 in Zootaxa 1762 (1)</i> on pages 40-41, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1762.1.2, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/180172">http://zenodo.org/record/180172</a>
Using system dynamics to model the social care system: simulation modeling as the catalyst in linking demography to care delivery
No full textThis paper describes a system dynamics model for social care, developed in collaboration with a local authorityin England, as part of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Care Life Cycleproject based at the University of Southampton. The model was populated with data from a widerange of sources, local and national. We present some illustrative results, and discuss the process of modeldevelopment and the challenges around data collection. We also discuss the benefits derived from codevelopingsuch a model with practitioner users and as part of a multi-disciplinary team involving demographersand social statisticians
An Interview with Paul Willis: Commodification, Resistance and Reproduction
No full textAn Interview with one of the founders of British Cultural Studies, introduced by a text which contextualizes both the interview and the author (and British Cultural Studies). The issues discussed are the three in the title: commodification, symbolic resistance and cultural reproduction. But also creativity and methological issues in the analysis of culture
THE STRUCTURE OF FARMERS' PERCEPTIONS OF GROUND WATER POLLUTION
No full textData from a 1992 Georgia Farm Practices survey are used to examine the structure of farmers' perceptions of ground water pollution and their support of regulations to protect ground water. Estimates of the influence of farm and farmer characteristics on pollution perceptions and support for pollution control were computed using a multiple-indicator model. Results show that the willingness to change farm practices to protect ground water is positively related to how an operator perceives the seriousness of the pollution problem. Regulatory policies that negatively affect farmers' income are likely to be opposed by farmers.Factor analysis, Latent variable model, Water quality, Environmental Economics and Policy,
Will rains and a national recovery bring rural prosperity?
No full textDrought and a jobless recovery battered the rural economy in 2002. The worst drought since the Dust Bowl gripped many parts of rural America, leading to forest fires, livestock liquidations, short crop supplies, and a plunge in farm incomes. After a solid start, a soft period for the national economy limited the ability of rural businesses to create new jobs. As rural stakeholders looked at their new menu of economic options, many were left wondering if rains and a stronger national recovery would be enough to lead rural America back to prosperity. ; Henderson and Novack examine the rural outlook in the face of drought and a weak national recovery. They analyze the current state of the farm economy, focusing on the drought and its impacts on the farm sector. Next, they explore the jobless recovery on the Main Streets and industrial parks of rural communities. They conclude that the return of rain and stronger national economic growth should improve the prospects for rural areas in 2003. To prosper in the long run, however, many rural places must create new opportunities forged on a renewed commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.Droughts ; Rural areas
A survey on the use and impact of information technology in quantity surveying service delivery in Nigeria
No full textThe construction industry has recently witnessed a paradigm shift from traditional paper-based method of service delivery to electronic information exchange using Information Technolog (IT), at least in the western world like UK. It is now evident that the adoption of IT can enhance construction productivity and improve communications for effective decision-making and coordination among construction participants. The ability of the industry to avail itself of technology depends on the level of usage by construction participants including the Quantity Surveyor (QS) who plays a major role in the management of project success determinants, such as cost, time and quality. This research therefore evaluates the level of adoption of IT by QS in Nigeria and its impact in discharging their professional obligations to achieve improved service delivery. A review of the relevant literature using published sources was conducted to identify the current state and use of IT in the industry in various parts of the world. In order to assess the level of adoption of technology by QS in Nigeria and to evaluate its impact on their service delivery, data collected through questionnaires administered to practicing professionals were analysed and subsequently ranked using their mean item score (MIS) and the Kruskal Wallis H test. The research revealed that despite the average to high awareness of the importance of IT in improving service delivery and productivity, QS in Nigeria are still reluctant in using these technologies mainly due to the high initial cost of acquisition; lack of infrastructures to support its use and security concerns such as the susceptibility of IT system. It is concluded that the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors should act as a champion in raising the awareness of IT among its members and the Government should provide an enabling environment for its importation and usage
- …
