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The role of small business in employment generation : a Manawatu study : a research paper presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies, Massey University
(Massey University, 1993) Sincharoenkul, Chindarat
Unemployment rates in NZ have increased steadily throughout the recessionary period dating back to the early 1970s. This study, using both quantitative and qualitative anysis, examines what role small businesses can play in both regional and national economic revival. In the literature review it is demonstrated both internationally and regionally, that small businesses contribute significantly to employment opportunities during recessionary periods - far more than large firms. This was supported in a Manawatu study of 56 small businesses. Quantatively small firms in the region are, albeit slowly, expanding their workforces despite the economic climate. The chances of setting up a small firm are still not too difficult. Qualitatively these small businesses are found to be positive and dynamic environments. Nearly all respondents had little difficulty in retaining workers and all stated that the working environment was based on 'friendship and trust'.Thus small firms not only contribute to the quantitative expansion of employment but also significantly improve the qualitative nature of the workplace. Finally, while government assistance in the form of direct financial assistance, has not been significant in these findings, it is argued that the role of government policy is critical in the role and success of small enterprises in the economy.
An analysis of the price behaviour of selected vegetables at a New Zealand auction : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies at Massey University
(Massey University, 1987) Wright, Stephen John
The immediate and short run behaviour of prices and volumes of eighteen vegetables at auction are examined. The objectives were to describe the behaviour of weekly prices and volumes and to investigate various relationships. The data analysed are weekly volume and turnover for eighteen vegetables at a Palmerston North auction for a three year period. Various climatological variables relating to the same period were also analysed. Much of the descriptive analysis relies on the techniques of Exploratory Data Analysis; boxplots, letterplots, and a resistant smoother are used extensively. These methods facilitate the analysis of the behaviour of prices and volumes over time. The auction marketing system is discussed at length, with particular emphasis on the effect of length of run on supply response. Various relationships are examined predominantly using stepwise reqression. These include: current price and quantity; current quantity and lagged price; quantity and month of the year; price and month of the year; price and various weather variables; quantity and various weather variables; current price and lagged price. Some transformations are used to try to get a more linear relationship between price and quantity. This relied on fitting several resistant lines, another EDA technique. The interdependence or interrelationship of prices examined using Principal Components Analysis, and principal components were extracted and described. Some useful insights into the behaviour of the market are gained. Immediate run price variation, that is from week to week, is quite large and this is reflected in low R-squared values for the price-volume relationships. The relationship between current marketed volume and lagged prices was also investigated. The results indicate that in the immediate run, using weekly prices, this relationship is weak. Arguably the most useful analysis was the monthly price boxplots which give a clear graphic display of the behaviour of prices. These and the other plots give indications as to when prices were highest and lowest. They may be useful to growers in planning production and harvesting. It was discovered that weekly prices were more variable than weekly volumes for 10 vegetables, less variable for six vegetables, and equally variable for two vegetables. 0ften the highest weekly price did not coincide with the lowest weekly supply, and the lowest price did not correspond to the highest supply. This suggests that bidders under or over estimate the quantity on the floor and each other's requirements.
Why study psychology at Massey University?: a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Massey University
(Massey University, 1999) Neilson, Maeve
The present study examined why students choose to study psychology at Massey University. In particular, the present study wished to determine whether or not students were driven by personality as stated in research carried out by J. L. Holland, or whether or not they were driven by the market-related model of career choice. That is, the present study wished to assess how effective the marketing of Massey University and/or psychology was in attracting students to these areas. The present study found that the marketing of Massey University and psychology did attract students. Further studies may research what keeps students interested in psychology and why there are large numbers of students enrolling in postgraduate courses in this area.
Selection for teaching in Tonga and Palmerston North, New Zealand : a paper presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University
(Massey University, 1986) Tongatio, Lesieli Pelesikoti
Teacher education in the Kingdom of Tonga has undergone many changes within the last two years. New directions in teacher development have included the introduction of a three-year diploma course for training primary and secondary teachers. This paper examines teacher selection processes used in Tonga in comparison with those used in Palmerston North. Section One introduces the paper by stating the concerns and the need for the study. A brief profile of Tonga Teachers' College and Palmerston North Teachers' College is presented. The research questions and the limitations of the study are stated. Section Two discusses the researcher's preparations for the research and describes her use of selected relevant literature on teacher selection and the techniques of questionnaire and interview. A brief note on the use of qualitative research methods is followed by a discussion of data gathering activities. In Section Three, the writer examines teacher selection processes used in Tonga by presenting responses to questionnaire and personal interviews as answers to the research questions. The same is done for Palmerston North Teachers' College in Section Four. Section Five presents the writer's discussion of each area investigated by means of the research questions. Following is a brief summary of the writer's conclusions to the study. The writer concluded that teacher selection processes in Tonga were not highly organised or structured, not extensive and not systematically conducted in comparison to selection processes used by Palmerston North Teachers' College. Tongan selection panelists were not well prepared and their functions not clearly identified or defined. Secondary students lacked adequate preparations before the selection interview and all sectors involved with teacher selection lacked co-ordination and clearly examined and stated criteria. Selection of teacher trainees in Tonga could benefit by co-operation between the various church education services and government to conduct a national selection programme whereby use of recruitment officers, vocational guidance counsellors and careers advisors would ensure that the best possible potential trainees are selected for teacher education; and, that this process should be highly organised, structured, extensive and systematically conducted. The section ends with a summary of the researcher's recommendations and final comments.
Massey University and Palmerston North : an impact study of some relationships between university and city
(Massey University, 1978) Gover, Adrian Donald
An examination of the regional impact of a non-profit making institution is central to this study. This type of institution is seen as not merely a response to a local or national need but also as a determinant of regional population and economic change. The development of Massey University since 1966 was the example selected for analysis. The study seeks to add to the more usual type of impact analysis by examining population and spatial changes as well. It also seeks to derive relationships that may be of use to planners of other similar institutions. The population base prior to, and after 1965 was examined in terms of growth, structural change, and migration dynamics. The population components directly attributable to the university were also measured, then subtracted from the established base population. This revealed the probable population impact that the university had made upon the city of Palmerston Worth. It was estimated that the migration gain of 5000 from 1966 to 1971 would have been a net loss of 500 if the university had not intervened. Infrastructure additions of 874 dwelling units, and over 30 classrooms were estimated to have been needed to provide for the estimated 8% of the total population that could be directly attributed to the university. Suburban growth in new housing areas and in the central city area were seen as one consequence of this. Economic impacts were examined by way of an economic base ratio to derive a static employment, multiplier. When the calculated multiplier value of 1.36 was applied to the 788 Jobs created by the university it was estimated to have generated a further 286 in supportive industry. Regional income multipliers were derived from three surveys of income, consumption and expenditure patterns. The first survey was of academic staff, and a multiplier value of 1.34 was derived. The second survey was of non-academic staff members, and from this a multiplier value of 1.30 was established. The survey of students yielded a multiplier value of 2.27. The economic base multiplier value of 1.36 was applied to the regional expenditure of the university itself. From this information it was determined that an estimated $18.15 million was added to the regional income in 1976 from all the previous sources. The relationships between all of the estimates may be expressed in terms that may be of interest to those involved in the planning of other tertiary institutions within the region. They are as follows: For every 100 internal students enrolled, full-time and part-time; 35 staff members and dependents were added to the city population. 16 housing units were required. 19 jobs were created at the university. 6 jobs in supportive industry were created in the city. 0.72 classrooms were required for dependent children. $377,075 was added to the regional income from all sources.
Get off the bus : a study of redundancy amongst older workers in Palmerston North : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts
(Massey University, 1995) Swanston, Ross James
This thesis sets out to examine the experience of redundancy as it effected the lives of a small sample of older workers when they were laid off from their industrial site. The study begins by highlighting the extent to which previous research into the personal consequences of losing a job has to a large measure been limited because of a strong tradition of dualism within sociology. More specifically, the tensions and struggles of individuals as they endeavour to cope with the upheavals of suddenly finding themselves without a job have been divided into two schools of thought Either, autonomous, voluntary (freely choosing), vulnerable older workers have been portrayed as struggling against, or determined by an oppressive 'system', or redundancy has been subjectively interpreted from the point of view of the actor where autonomy once more or having 'choices' is the defining characteristic of research. These theoretical constructions wherein social life has been polarized into one of two 'camps' of thought are challenged by this thesis. I argue that the result has been to marginalise, or neglect the very construction of subjectivity by previous researchers when investigating this subject. This study is presented against the background of worsening economic conditions for a large number of citizens, escalating unemployment and the creation of a 'flexible' labour market in New Zealand after 1984 These conditions have led to far reaching and in many cases cruel changes in the working environment for those fortunate enough to be there. My argument draws upon the deconstructionism of Michel Foucault to put forward a more adequate sociological appreciation of the processes occurring during redundancy. By focusing on the relationship between power and subjectivity and utilising such an approach I hope to make visible and explain certain critical issues of control and dependency. This will show how subtle manipulations have a determining influence on the lives of the long serving employees at Zenith prior to, during and after they lost their jobs.
The developmental clinic, Palmerston North, 1977-78 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Education at Massey University
(Massey University, 1979) Behrens, Ann
The Palmerston North Development Clinic, also called the Dawn-Start Clinic, operates on Thursday afternoons between 1 o'clock and 4 o'clock. It is staffed by three people; a psychologist employed by the Psychological Service, Department of Education, Palmerston North, a physiotherapist and a speech therapist both employed on a part-time basis by the Palmerston North Hospital Board. The clinic meets in the playroom at the hospital. Children up to a developmental age of approximately 18 months are the main group catered for but older children up to about age 3 are also assessed and occasionally worked with over a period of time. All children attend with at least one parent. It is usual for six families to attend in one afternoon, their appointments lasting one hour. Parents of these children demonstrated a need to meet each other and share experiences so a Parents' Group exists which meets one evening a month at Terrace End School which has offered its staff room for this purpose. This is a parent-organised group which is informally structured and includes as its members parents of children who have graduated from the clinic as well as parents in families that still attend.
Asian community needs and participation in the New Zealand local democracy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Resource and Environmental Planning, Massey University,
(Massey University, 2002) Ampanthong, Panjama
The increased cultural diversity of the New Zealand population has generated challenges for local government. Ethnic groups have different needs and expectations of the services local government provides. Section 37K of the Local Government Act (1974) states that local government has an important role in providing for the wellbeing of local communities. As local communities today increasingly consist of diverse ethnic groups, local government has the challenge of meeting community needs in more difficult social, economic and cultural areas. As well, the local government also has responsibilities to provide avenues to accommodate the input of these increasingly diverse groups. The research presented in this dissertation examines (1) whether the needs of the Asian community are being met, and (2) what is the pattern of Asian participation in the local government democracy. Palmerston North City Council was used as a case study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from the resident Asian population. The findings of the research indicate that the majority of Asians felt their needs were being met. Though the overall assessment of the Council's services was positive, some people made suggestions on possible ways that the Council should improve its services to the Asian community. These suggestions include promoting cultural awareness, encouraging cultural activities, providing more English language classes and enhancing employment opportunities for new migrants. The research also showed that the number of Asian people participating in the Council decision making processes is low. The survey results indicated that this is due to limited understanding of the participation process and lack of awareness of the opportunities the citizens have for participating in local affairs.
An anthropological investigation of urban land development : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M.A. in Social Anthropology at Massey University
(Massey University, 1999) Coles, Michael Manoa
The impetus for this project came from examples of neighbours' disempowerment in the land and property development process. There is a growing academic consensus that dominant approaches to land development fail to adequately address this issue. NeoMarxist approaches focus on conflict, power, and exploitation, but effectively eliminate the role of the actual developer in exercising power. Case study approaches, on the other hand, have been concerned with conflict and disempowerment, but have focused on specific instances of neighbourhood opposition and resistance. Explanation is often confined to local and national features of the social and geographical environment. These inadequacies pointed to the need to investigate the increasingly significant role that professional, entrepreneurial developers play at the nexus of the contemporary development process. An ethnographic methodology was used to provide a richer understanding of the land and property development process. The principal participants in the study are a set of 'entrepreneurial developers' operating in and around Palmerston North. Interviews, participant observation, and the examination of case studies are employed. This is complemented by an investigation of the Regulatory Procedure, including interviews with Council Officers, and examination of Council case studies. The research also uses interviews with neighbours, and a wide body of material published within the development industry. Planning for the study drew on Giddens' 'Theory of Structuration' (1979,1984) which stresses the interrelationship between the social structures of the development process, and the agency of developers. The research sought to elucidate the dominant forms of action and ideology which development agents acknowledge, and which therefore constitute the action and ideology of the development industry. The interpretation of the empirical data uses three interrelated perspectives: The first, provides a broad, industry-level, perspective on the local development industry. It asks, 'What are the major influences which shape and structure the contemporary development industry?'; The second, examines the level of action. It asks 'What are the actions of most significance to developers?', and 'What forms of conduct constitute the Institutional structures of the Regulatory Procedure?'; The third focuses on ideology. It asks, 'What are the dominant motivations which direct and influence developers' conduct?', and 'How do developers legitimate and rationalise conduct?'. An interesting aspect to the thesis is the extent to which developers share patterns of ideology, not only with each other, but also with a wider business community. Much of this characteristic ideology parallels findings in other ethnographic studies of capitalistic systems. The research highlights the fact that ethnography, and the notion of 'culture', provide an insightful and useful perspective of both the business world, and the study of development.
The application of the product development process in the development of architectural products : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology in Product Development at Massey University
(Massey University, 1997) Perkins, Natasha
Historically, methodologies in architecture and product development have differed with one based in art, the other in industry but their similarities are bringing them together. This research compares the Product Design, Product Development Process and Architectural Design Methodologies, showing the differences between them and how they are developing to common structures. Architectural design in the 1990s is presented as a multi-disciplinary solution for complex building systems, including purpose built products, and examples of European architectural firms who develop products with manufacturers are presented. Opportunity exists in New Zealand for product development to be utilised in architectural projects. A project investigated the design, development and production of an architectural product in New Zealand, where a combined Product Design and Development Process was integrated with Architectural Design. This was the design and development of a trolley system for the new Palmerston North Library. The Product Development and Architectural Processes need to be interrelated for a total design approach in development projects to produce and market products. This requires a greater emphasis on the inclusion of end user involvement in the building up of ideas and evaluation procedures throughout the development process. Also needed is a better understanding of manufacturing processes and product development. This integration of the Product Development Process including final marketing with architectural design can be achieved by forming multi-disciplinary teams or networking with other professionals for example manufacturing engineers and consumer researchers. This integration should produce marketable products. The research concludes that Product Development is an effective method for designing architectural products in New Zealand for the local market and for export.

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