http://hdl.handle.net/2436/21615 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:58:51 GMT 2013-06-19T08:58:51Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/29559 Title: An Analysis of the Role of Extension Methodology on Poverty Reduction: A Comparative Study of Aquaculture Extension Programmes in the Northwest Fisheries Extension Project (NFEP) Command Area, Bangladesh Authors: Islam, Mohammed Mehrul Abstract: The current deficiencies of extension interventions in aquaculture in Bangladesh, in particular, in the North-west have been examined. The importance of the inclusion of a social dimension in development interventions has been reviewed. Aquaculture, extension, social development and poverty are defined in the context of the study and a model of their interactions is proposed and used to elucidate the role of aquaculture in poverty reduction. Research questions were generated to examine the contention that ‘Aquaculture Extension Approaches that fail to substantially address social development will lead to no more than a superficial reduction of poverty’. The study approach chosen was comparative case study (the first use of its' kind in this context). Within the study, communities representing four different aquaculture extension approaches and a, null-case, control were selected and then engaged in the research process. The findings that emerged from the study were matched and linked to the proposed model to establish patterns and linkages between aquaculture and poverty; extension and aquaculture; aquaculture and social development; social development and poverty; extension and poverty. The study suggests that all these aspects go hand in hand within communities, and that it is the degree of marginalisation that defines the success of any intervention as much as the intervention approach itself. The study indicates that aquaculture could be an entry point for a poverty alleviation strategy but the inclusion of a social dimension, together with the chosen technical intervention, is essential in achieving higher impacts on a sustainable basis. A number of recommendations for greater poverty impact through aquaculture intervention as an entry point are put forward, including the targeting of women as well as men, emphasise a learning approach, and the building of networks through forming community producers groups, fish clubs, Fry Traders and fingerling producers groups. Description: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/29559 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/26812 Title: Development - paradox, paralysis and praxis Authors: Kowalski, Robert Abstract: Development is permeated by paradoxes. These are primarily the result of a confusion of logical types that characterises human communication. When these paradoxes are turned into double binds they have a distinctly disabling impact upon the partners and the processes of development. The two main causes of double binds are an inability to withdraw from the no win choices of paradox, and an interdiction against discussing the existence of the paradox. A number of examples of double binds in development and their causes are discussed and a series of suggestions to improve the practices of development are made. Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/26812 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/21618 Title: The paradoxes of management with particular reference to the conduct of Development Assistance Authors: Kowalski, Robert Abstract: The paradoxes of management are explored at two levels. The overall challenge of 'getting things done by other people' is broken down into the processes of providing direction, control (presented as planning) and motivation, with their associated paradoxes. These are formulated in relation to the management role of deciding as a fractal model of management and the attendant management contributions discussed. Finally, these issues are placed in the specific context of managing Development Assistance (DA). Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/21618 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/21652 Title: On twinning: the impact of naming an EU accession programme on the effective implementation of its projects Authors: O'Connor, Stephen; Kowalski, Robert Abstract: The introduction of the Twinning instrument as its principal institution-building mechanism in countries applying to join the European Union saw the appearance of a vocabulary very much at divergence with the language associated with other Technical Assistance programmes. The arbitrary and connotational character of this heavily metaphorical terminology has differentiated Twinning from other programmes in the minds of those involved in the programme. At the same time, however, it has also resulted in a measure of ambiguity and confusion among project partners - principally over their roles and responsibilities. This problem could be overcome by targeting any one of the three points in Peirce's semiotic model: by changing the signs of twinning; by re-attuning the users' interpretants; or by bringing the object, the Twinning programme itself, closer to how the signs of twinning are actually perceived and understood. Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/21652 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z