C/S/101. Proposal. Meeting the Needs of Library Service Users: Survey of Staff in the Health Service Executive

The paper proposes research into the needs of library service users, specifically health care executives (HCE). The rationale, aims and objectives of the research are presented; theoretical approaches and research methods are outlined indicating the areas of the prospective research, service quality assessment tools, etc. The plan of work and the ethical considerations of the study are defined.

P/M/759. Dissertation. Does tobacco promotion induce smoking in children and adolescents?

The dissertation investigates the effects of tobacco marketing on the smoking behaviour of children and adolescents discussing promotional techniques used by tobacco companies, the attitudes towards smoking among youngsters, etc. A literature review touches on the theory of marketing and branding, tobacco sales promotions, psychological factors behind smoking, etc. The methods of research include a focus group study based on primary data collection (through interviews and a questionnaire) and survey. Conclusions are made about the knowledge of cigarette brand names in school children and the influence of tobacco marketing techniques on the under-age smoking behaviour.

P/EI/99. Dissertation. Online gambling among under-graduate students

The dissertation investigates the practices of online gambling among under-graduate students. Literature is reviewed on the history of the gambling industry, the development of the Internet, online gambling technologies, gambling legislation, demographic trends within Internet users, gambling in students, theories of learning, etc. The methods of research include secondary data analysis and primary research based on the analysis of questionnaires and sampling techniques. Conclusions are made about the factors behind the increasing levels of participation in gambling among undergraduate students.

C/S/34. Research Methods: To evaluate whether replacing the Sure START initiative with local authority approach will have a positive or negative effect upon the development of criminal behaviour in North-East London over the next 20 years.

This research proposal deals with the evaluation of Sure Start initiative on a population in North East London. The proposal is based on studies on Sure Start programmes by the government and analyses its impact on the development of criminal behavior by using a cross sectional quasi experimental design on different groups of children and families in North east London.

P/S/139. Dissertation. Male and female experiences in work-life balance

The dissertation investigates the changing social roles of men and women focusing on the difference in balancing their work and personal responsibilities. A study is conducted among the employees of Wyeth Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company. The review of literature touches on the theory of work-life balance, employment patterns in men and women, the issues of domestic chores, child care, organisational support, etc. Research methodology includes a qualitative (inductive) approach to collecting primary data through sampling and semi-structured interviews. Conclusions are made about male and female perceptions of their responsibilities in work and home domains.

P/S/136. Dissertation. Corporate culture of IBM: trainees’ perception

The dissertation examines the corporate culture of the IBM Company seen through the eyes of a group of students who had a work placement in the organisation under the IBM Industrial Trainee (IT) scheme. The background of IBM, their corporate culture and values is presented. A review of literature is offered touching on the theories of social anthropology, culture, values, reward, etc. The state of culture in large organisations is described. Qualitative research methods are applied including unstructured telephone interviews, interactive focus group studies, etc. Conclusions are made about the students’ perception of the company’s culture highlighting the areas of concern.

P/EC/34. Dissertation. Reaction to exam stress in male and female students

The dissertation investigates the gender differences in coping with stress conducting a study of German students’ coping strategies related to examination stress. A literature review touches upon the theories of stress and coping, cultural dimensions, depression, gender coping styles, test anxiety, gender relations in German history, social and educational changes for women in Germany, etc. A case study of the Heinrich Heine University students is conducted using primary research methods (structured and semi-structured interviews) and analyzing the data with reference to the secondary research of academic sources. Conclusions are made about the reaction to exams stress in male and female students.

P/MD/89. Dissertation. Methods of effective campaigning against binge drinking

The dissertation examines the heath dangers of binge drinking reviewing the situation in the UK and investigating the effectiveness of the campaign against binge drinking in the media and through advertising. Literature is reviewed on the ways of reaching the target audience through the media mix, advertising format, etc. Previous anti-binge drinking campaigns are described commenting on the effectiveness of shock advertising. The methods of research are outlined including surveys in the form of a questionnaire and focus group interviews. Conclusions are made about the optimal methods of a successful anti-binge drinking campaign.

P/M/686. Dissertation. Impacts of tobacco products placements in films on smoking behaviour

The dissertation investigates the impacts of tobacco products placements (TPP) in films on creating attitudes to smoking. The need of product placement research in Scotland is emphasized on the basis of the smoking level statistics. The review of literature touches upon the history and power of TPP, the background of tobacco smoking in Glasgow, the hierarchy of needs theory, the theory of planned behaviour, the excitation transfer theory, etc. Secondary research methods are used in combination with primary research conducted through discussions in focus groups and self completion questionnaires. Conclusions are made about the role of TPP in shaping positive / negative perceptions of smoking behaviour.

S/S/51. Dissertation. Non engagement with mobile telephony: motivations and impacts

The dissertation investigates the reasons why some people do not use new information and communication technology (ITC) focusing on the reluctance to use mobile phones and the impacts of this reluctance on society. Literature is reviewed on the penetration of ITC in today’s society. A research is conducted into the characteristics, and motivations behind those who choose not to engage in mobile telephony, using the methods of secondary data analysis and primary data collected through surveys and interviews. Conclusions are made about the motivations and consequences of being a non-user of the mobile telephone in 2005.

P/S/125. Dissertation. Interrelation between domestic and public spheres of women’s life

The dissertation investigates the position of women in the UK labour market addressing the issues of the ‘the glass ceiling’ and critically analysing equal opportunity policies. Literature on women’s role identity, civil rights and work-related discrimination against women is reviewed. The conflict between the sexual division of labour in the household and role responsibilities in women is studied on the basis of secondary research methods. Conclusions are made about the interrelationship between the domestic sphere and the public sphere of women’s life.

P/S/124. Dissertation. Child abuse vs. disciplinary punishment

The dissertation investigates the issue of the divide between child abuse and disciplinary punishment. A literature review touches upon the problems of child maltreatment, domestic violence, government strategies in protecting children’s rights, etc. The attitudes of students in relation to child abuse are studied using direct methods (data collection through questionnaires) and secondary data analysis. Conclusions are made about the factors that distinguish child abuse from disciplinary punishment.

S/S/48. Dissertation. The Problem of ‘Bi-Cultural’ Identity in Relation to Arranged Marriages Between First and Second Generation Asians

The dissertation focuses on how Indian sub-continent marriages are traditionally arranged by parents or friends of the family. These traditions are the grapevine and an unshakable sense of culture. Among the Asian community in Britain the culture remains, but the way of life is withering. As some second generation Asians desire to replace their parents, and family friends by a modified, redefinition of marriage. The study further highlights views of first and second generation Asians towards the western culture and maintaining traditional roots.

P/S/116. Dissertation. Causes of gun crime in black males

The dissertation investigates the reasons behind a dramatic rise in gun crime committed by black males in England and Wales. The review of literature touches upon the issues of gun violence in the USA and UK, racial issues in the media and politics, socio-psychological aspects of masculinity, etc. Research methods include secondary analysis of existing crime statistics and primary analysis of focus group interviews. Conclusions are made about the social and political factors behind black males’ involvement in gun crimes.

P/S/113. Dissertation. Ethnic minorities in UK

The dissertation investigates the position of ethnic minorities in the UK. A literature review touches upon the issues of ethnic minority employment and education, cultural and gender stereotypes, ethnic minorities in the UK labour market, etc. Research methods include a quantitative and qualitative study of secondary data and a case study conducted in a higher educational institution on the basis of primary data collection (through questionnaires and interviews). Conclusions are made about equal opportunity policies, differences between the first and the second generations in ethnic minorities, a divide between ethnic groups, etc.

E/S/14. Dissertation + Proposal. Why do children want junk food? Causes and consequences of unhealthy diet

The dissertation aims to investigate the issues of unhealthy food in childrens diets leading to obesity and health problems. A review of literature provides information on the international consumer studies, means and effects of food promotion to children, etc. The research uses quantitative methods of analysis based on a deductive approach to survey, sampling and questionnaire techniques in conducting a case study of Longford Park Primary School. Conclusions are made about the main factors that influence childrens requests for and consumption of junk food.

E/S/12. Proposal. Research approaches to student absenteeism

The paper contains a research proposal for investigating the roots and implications of student absenteeism and reviewing literature on university performance, issues of attendance, socialization, etc. Research methodology is described; time table and budget issues are outlined.

P/S/109. Dissertation. Values behind gym culture

The dissertation aims to investigate how the social environment in the gym contributes to the motivation to work out among UK gym-goers. A review of contemporary sociological theories is given covering the debate on health, gym and fitness culture. The study of gym-going histories is conducted providing primary data (interviews) for the analysis of gym-going motivation. Conclusions are made about the values of the gym culture.

P/FC/23. Dissertation. Uses of ‘English name in Hong Kong

The dissertation aims to investigate the ‘English name phenomenon in Hong Kong describing the countrys background, the nature of ‘English name used as a greeting nickname instead of the real Chinese name and the reasons behind its existence. A literature review touches on Chinese cultural attitudes towards the name, linguistic and pragmatic aspects of the name, etc. Research methods include primary data collection (interviews, sampling) and secondary data analysis.

P/S/104. Dissertation. Why are women in the minority in senior posts within Welsh civil service?

The dissertation investigates the causes and implications of womens under-representation in senior posts within the Welsh civil service organisations seeking to identify whether the introduction of new policies improved womens positions. The review of literature provides information on the British labour market, women employment, barriers to reach the higher positions faced by women within an organization, part time work and home responsibilities, traditional bureaucratic organizations, Civil Service history and current situation, organisational structure, etc. A case study of the Agency is conducted collecting primary data (through semi-structured interviews) and interpreting them on the basis of secondary data. Conclusions are made about attitudes to promotion and the impacts of modernization programme in Civil Service.

P/EC/23. Dissertation. Migrant school education in China: documentary research

The dissertation aims to investigate the impacts of internal migration in China on the education of school-age children offering a review of the types of migration, social make-up of migrant population, economic and demographic characteristics of Chinese migrant children, current developments in migration education, legislation on migrant education, etc. Case studies of local migrant schools in Beijing are conducted highlighting their poor conditions, low incomes of the teaching staff, frequent mobility of the students, issues of school financing, etc. Policy proposals are made on managing migrant education.

P/S/102. Dissertation. Motivations of a female gym goer: technologies of self and domination

The dissertation investigates the values behind gym culture reviewing literature on the issues of women liberation, history of the gym, the sociology of sport with a focus on Foucaults ideas, technologies of power, mastery of oneself, etc. Research methodology, in addition to secondary data analysis, includes primary data collection (observation, interviews) and interpretation. Motivations for attending the gym are identified and discussed as technologies of self and domination.

P/S/101. Dissertation. Effects of globalisation on child labour participation

The dissertation aims to identify the relationship between child labour participation rates and the openness of the country to trade. The review of literature touches upon liberalization of trade in developing countries, globalization impacts on economies, market integration, child labour in Vietnam, UNISEF data on child labour, etc. The data for 90 developing countries is analysed on the basis of a set of variables. Conclusions are made about the effects of globalization on reducing child labour participation.

P/S/95. Dissertation. Batailles theory of erotic transgression and its feminist critique

The paper looks at gender issues raised in Georges Batailles theory of transgression reviewing its background and main themes, i.e. eroticism, prohibition, general economy, the essence of ‘femininity and ‘masculinity, etc. Feminist critique of the theory by Cixous, Diprose, and Irigaray is presented.

E/S/11. Dissertation. Social enterprises and networks in community development

The dissertation aims to investigate the role of social entrepreneurship in community development studying entrepreneurial networks in the region of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales. An overview of the area is given; literature on social entrepreneurship, social and community enterprises and networking structures in the UK is reviewed. Qualitative methods of research on the basis of primary data collection (questionnaire surveys, interviews, and case studies) are combined with secondary data collection and analysis. Conclusions are made about the structure, role and present state of networks employed by community-based organisations in South Wales. Recommendations are given to the government, local authorities and the existing business support agencies to help bring social capital into the businesses.

P/S/87. Dissertation. Effectiveness of closed circuit television (CCTV) in crime reduction

The dissertation examines the use of the UK system of CCTV (closed circuit television) in crime investigation and prevention reporting on the CCTV scheme in Loughborough town centre. The review of literature touches upon the effectiveness of CCTV in crime reduction, public and police attitudes to CCTV, the role of retail radio operations, etc. Methods of direct data collection (questionnaires and semi-structured interviews) are combined with qualitative and quantitative analysis of secondary data. Conclusions are made about the effectiveness of the Loughborough CCTV scheme highlighting its successes and shortcomings.

S/S/44. La question du foulard islamique en France - The Question of the Islamic Headscarf in France (In French Language)

This dissertation written in French will attempt to analyse the concept of French secularism and the recent ‘‘issue of the Islamic headscarf in classrooms through a political, sociological and historic approach. This dissertation will equally try to analyse the mechanisms which have triggered the rise of such an ‘‘issue of the headscarf in France. Finally, it will discuss and question the modern conceptions and representation of what French society, nowadays, means by democracy, secularism (laßcitù) and Islam, as well as why the Islamic headscarf is perceived as a threat to the survival of French secularism. The main objective of this work will be to ‘‘unveil the real social, economic and historic issues hidden behind such an overly mediatized social phenomenon, which saw a significant increase in the number of young school-girls choosing to wear the Islamic headscarf towards the end of the 21st Century.

P/S/81. Dissertation. Role of women in Poland

The paper looks at the role of women in Poland during and after the communist period. Literature review covers theoretical issues of gender, citizenship, democracy, emancipation, nationalism, etc. touching upon the attitudes of the Catholic Church towards womens rights, female representation in politics, female unemployment, womens movements and other gender-related issues in Poland.

S/S/41. Dissertation. Wealth defence in the UK: A consideration of the potential repercussions following an increase in the number of gated communities

This dissertation gives forethought to the potential ramifications of an increase in the number of gated communities in the UK. Numerous commentators in the US have asserted that the effects of gated communities are overwhelmingly negative (Blakely and Snyder, 1999; Low, 2003). Very little has been written on gated communities in the UK context but similar pessimism does exist among those who have taken an interest (Webster; 2001; Minton; 2002). Although Britain has a far less number of these gated enclaves, than the US, the chief objective of this dissertation was to establish that, Britain will witness, a multiplication of gated communities in the near future and that the effects on society will be dramatically deleterious. Evidence from a plethora of secondary sources was utilised in order to support this argument. These sources, particularly relevant theory and UK policy, were then critical analysed. The main findings of this research were that the number of gated communities in Britain is growing. Moreover, this is most likely due to increasing levels of social and economic polarisation. Gated communities are the physical manifestation of this trend. The wealthy (middle-upper-classes) are opting out of the public realm to protect their best interests (security, prestige, wealth etc) in these elitist enclaves. This has left those, who cannot afford to reside within these gated complexes, to contend with diminishing public space, decaying public services, and a skewed level civic responsibility. The government has failed to acknowledge this as a significant threat to British society and has made no adequate stand against ‘voluntary exclusion. Instead, it has disproportionately focused on the problems associated with concentrations of poverty and encouraged the public to protect themselves. As a consequence, barriers between the rich and poor in Britain are, more commonly taking physical form and intensifying the already unacceptable situation.

P/S/74. Dissertation. Social impacts of mobile phones

The dissertation aims to investigate social and behavioural aspects of using mobile telephones in modern society. The study is based on a comprehensive review of literature dealing with communication technologies, global impacts of the Internet, conscious and subconscious perceptions of mobile phones and the effects of enlarged social networks on peoples everyday life. The author combines direct research methods (questionnaires, non-participant observation, interviews) followed up by the analysis of the findings with secondary data collection (theories, reports). Conclusions are made about personal space, bodily responses, social characteristics of phone users, and the contribution of mobile phones in globalization process.

P/S/63. Dissertation. Demographic situation in Less Developed Countries: economic and social perspectives

The dissertation deals with the problems of demography concentrating on the population growth in the so-called Less Developed Countries (LDCs), namely, India and China. Statistical data reflecting the changes in population are analysed; social and economic factors influencing population growth are outlined; the drawbacks of the Malthusian model are discussed.

P/S/61. Dissertation. Gender roles in Dating

The dissertation looks at the social, psychological and legal aspects of dating in Britain and the USA focusing on the impacts of 'date rape'. The review of literature provides comparative information about dating experiences in various countries showing attitudinal variables on ideas about rape and gender roles among heterosexual and homosexual individuals. The author uses qualitative methods of research collecting primary data through interviews stressing their anonymity and confidentiality. The findings of the research lead to the conclusions about prevailing gender role stereotypes.

P/S/60. Dissertation. Modern Turkey: problems of national identity

The dissertation seeks to explore the notions of identity in relation to social, political and economic environment. The translation of "The Black Book" ("Kara Kitar") by the Turkish author Orhan Pamuk is analysed to provide philosophic, religious and psychological insights in the current historic climate in Istanbul and the problems of Turkish identity. Conclusions are made about the post-modern character of the book.

P/S/42. Max Stirner and young Karl Marx: a debate of two centuries

The paper studies the philosophic legacy of Max Stirner often labelled as anarchist, nihilist, and a ´proto-NietzscheÎ, and claims that his influence on young Karl Marx and hence on all modern European philosophy is misinterpreted and grossly underestimated. The historiographical sketch of Max Stirner's life is presented covering his activity as a member the club áThe Free Ones (Die Freien) uniting a group of radical Berlin publicists, poets and philosophers in the middle of the XIX century. The history of the Hegelianism is reviewed with the focus on the radical Left Hegelian movement and the impact of its failure on Stirner. His book 'The Ego and Its Own' written in that period is compared to 'The German Ideology' by Karl Marx - a critical response to Stirnerian 'conscious egoism', yet showing similarities in the ideas and revealing the origins of historical meterialism. Friedrich Engelss essay áLudwig Feuerbach and the End of Classical German Philosophy is referred to as an attempt to minimise the importance of Stirner's ideas for the Marxist theory of communism and world revolution. The paper concludes that 'The Ego' highlighted the contradictions and problems inherent to any form of socialist or communist society and thus was a powerful attack on Marxism.

P/S/21. Dissertation. The gender social dichotomy and the external factors

This dissertation performs a research in gender inequality problem. It is made through exploration of history and evolution of gender in development and effects of social, economic and political factors. For this, the case study in Myanmar is examined; health and education are the factors to consider in the light of gender dichotomy. The dissertations main argument is that theory and practice do not coincide in reality. The qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in the research to backbone the empirical discussion. Finally, the dissertation concludes about gender inequality theorys justice and effect of external environment on the main argument.

P/PS/27. Dissertation. Binary Thinking in Gender Conception

The dissertation aims to analyses the extent to which binary thinking can be escaped in the theoretical understanding of gender. (Further information is available on request)

P/S/20. Master's dissertation. Health and Education as Tools for Equalising Gender Inequalities in Development

The dissertation aims to identify whether poor health and education are the causes of inequalities between male and female. (Further information is available on request)

Page 2>Page 3>