Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nicole Webster
Author-Name: Shakoor Ward
Title: Pathways for youth mentoring: Merging communities of practice
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to elicit a richer conversation for youth development practitioners and academic researchers related to the approach of youth mentoring training based on Vygotsky's (1967) sociocultural and activity theory. More specifically to conceptualize and guide youth mentoring research, particularly in inner-city communities where the environments can be most challenging to the health, social and academic development of young people. Recently, there has been an increasing call for youth development researchers to direct their efforts toward solving contemporary social problems that plague today's youth, particularly in environments that are most challenging to the well- being and academic development of our young people. While youth development practitioners are seen as being on the 'front line' and continuously engaged in this endeavor, academic institutions are sometimes viewed by social activists as being self-serving and not fully committed to such endeavors. Using the principles of activity theory, this paper advances previous literature proposing a participatory paradigm as a basis for shared youth development work between practitioners and academic researchers. The paper describes the elements of a participatory youth mentoring training program and presents a case example to demonstrate its' characteristics
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/123/106
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: Mentor training; positive youth development; sociocultural and activity theory
Pages: 345-360
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3121
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3121

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Andries J. du Plessis
Author-Name: Jinming Chen
Author-Name: William TOH
Title: International students in New Zealand: Empirical evidence of their influence on future environmental sustainability
Abstract: International tertiary students could be some of the future inhabitants of New Zealand. They could be the leaders of tomorrow and it is important for a tertiary institution to determine what their perceptions, attitudes and behaviours are towards sustainability. Some similarities and differences of opinion were identified and discussed between the different nationalities, religions and ages between the two age groups under 20, and 20 to 39 years of age. Comparisons resulting from the 2011 data to identify trends in student approaches to sustainability issues add value to this research. This study determined that the demographic factors affects an individual’s thinking patterns to some extent, and the different religions have similar perceptions regarding protection of natural resources, limited resources and pollution caused by various sources. The research is based on the assumption that positive attitudes lead to positive behaviours and aims to establish what people’s attitudes towards sustainability and the environment are. The results show the development of a positive trend in terms of thinking and the behaviour towards environment conservation. Recommendations for tertiary institutions form the last section before the conclusions.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/123/106
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: International students; education; sustainability; perceptions; future
Pages: 361-379
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3122
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3122

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Iulian Stanescu
Author-Name: Vlad Achimescu
Title: The design of a nationwide sample for Romanian youths living in rural areas: A multiple solution problem
Abstract: This paper looks into methodological issues of sample design for a specific target population: Romanian youths (aged 16-35) that reside in rural areas. The first part of the paper will provide an overview into general issues that come from demographic trends, such as the overall population decline and especially the wave of emigration to Western Europe, and the pros and cons of the most widely used sampling techniques in Romania. The stages of the survey design itself comprise the second part. The most challenging part was how to reduce undercoverage problem by putting forward a sample frame, namely fieldwork procedures to identify as many elements of the target population as possible under real-life conditions. Multiple solutions were taken into consideration, before choosing one after field testing. The final part features an analysis of the survey focusing on the outcome of the sample design.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/127/109
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: youths; sample design; random route; electoral register; systematic sampling
Pages: 380-402
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3123
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3123

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Komol Singha
Title: Identity, contestation and development in north east India: A study of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland
Abstract: The buzz word 'development' encompasses growth with institutional changes. Despite some basic commonalities, India's North Eastern-most three immediate neighbouring states Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur have got asymmetric development performances due to asymmetric institutional structures. Of the states, Manipur is quite different from other two and experiencing nearly a complete breakdown of its development mechanisms in the recent years, especially in 1990s. Communal violence, human rights violation, and uncertain law and order condition, etc. are the fallout of institutional failure and consequently these factors led the State's economy to a crippled one. Infrastructure, especially, road and communication aggravates to the present state of condition, and also breaks relationship with the neighbouring states, among the communities within the State. Otherwise, this state should have been one of the most advanced states in the country when we traced the early history and its development trajectory. Why is the government (centre) apparently benign with the states of Mizoram and Nagaland when dealing with public demands while it appears to be malignant in Manipur? What factor(s) led to mass uprising, conflict in the State of Manipur and remains unsettled so long are also raised in this paper.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/129/110
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: Development; Institutional Structure; Infrastructure
Pages: 402-424
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3124
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3124

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Biljana Petrevska
Title: Tourism contribution to regional development: Best practice in Macedonia
Abstract: As one of the greatest sources for development, tourism is detected by many undeveloped and developing countries as the only way-out for economic prosperity. This research aims to investigate tourism contribution to regional development in Macedonia, highlighting the South-West region as the best practice. In particular, the paper makes an attempt to explore and compare eight planning regions from tourism prospective, pointing to the best one according to up-to-date results. For this purpose, it reports on analyses based on stylized facts obtained from secondary data spreading over a sample period from 2004- 2011. The outcomes point to the fact that the South-West region is the leading statistical region in Macedonia when referring tourism and regional development issues. So, the paper strongly recommends this empirical evidence as good example for boosting regional development through tourism application. Furthermore, it urges the need for identifying effective framework for mitigating modest results and creating sound public policies. Additionally, the contribution of this paper lies in the fact that it enriches the poorly-developed empirical academic work within this scientific area in Macedonia.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/130/111
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: Tourism; Regional development; South-West region; Macedonia
Pages: 425-440
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3125
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3125

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Adrian Otovescu
Title: Identity features of the Romanian immigrants from Italy
Abstract: The Romanian transnational migration represents one of the most important social processes that our country had to face during the past two decades, involving over 3,5 million citizens. The most compatriots have left, especially for working, to Italy, Spain, France, England, Greece, and to other continents. The biggest Romanian immigrant community in different European states is in Italy and Spain, and the migration phenomenon form Romania is still in process. The main purpose of this article is to respond at three important questions: Who are those who have left from Romania to Italy, in what regions they are living and working? Which are the most important reasons of their options for this country? In what measure living in a foreign society has influenced their cultural identity and their value options? In the article is also presented a brief history of the sociological researches on Romanian immigrants from Italy, socio-demographical data and comparative analyses. The main research methods that we have used are the statistical method and the opinion query based upon questionnaire. The initial hypothesis, that Romanians from Italy have preserved, generally, their cultural identity, was confirmed by the results of the sociological field research
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/131/113
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: immigrant population; socio-demographic structure; stages of emigration; reasons for emigration; potential migration
Pages: 441-461
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3126
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3126

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mihajlo Fejsa
Title: Improving the situation of the ruthenian minority in Serbia
Abstract: The author deals with several factors that undoubtedly influence and improve the life conditions of the Ruthenian / Rusyn national community in Serbia / Vojvodina at the beginning of the third millennium. The factors are: National Council of the Rusyn National Minority; Institute for Culture of the Vojvodinian Ruthenians; Apostolic Exarchate for Greek Catholics in Serbia and Montenegro; Ruthenian-language educational vertical; Internet; new cultural organizations and manifestations; revolutionary changes in the Carpathian Area; favourable international conditions etc. Being recognized administratively the Ruthenian minority enjoys as high degree of self-government as possible. Legislative, executive and judicial bodies exercise power in all areas in which the language and cultural rights of the Ruthenian minority are especially important. This applies particularly to education, culture, media and local authorities.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/133/114
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: minority; administration; minority rights; factors of preservation; educational plans
Pages: 462-477
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3127
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3127

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Hongping Lian
Title: The resistance of land-lost farmers in china: 'Interests-striving' and 'struggle by order'
Abstract: This paper discusses the nature of activities brought about by land-lost farmers whose collectively-owned land has been expropriated in China. Through a case study, it is argued that the ultimate purpose of land-lost farmers' activities is mostly to improve their economic status, thus their responses to land expropriation are characterised as 'interests-striving' activities. Their activities are mainly based on a paradox combination of institutionalized and paternalist order and are much contingent under the macro policy of 'maintaining stability' (weiwen, 维稳), thus the most effective means of resources that they try to mobilise can be claimed as 'struggle by order'.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/134/116
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: land-lost farmers; resistance; interests-striving; struggle by order
Pages: 478-499
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3128
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3128

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Muhammed Kürşad Ozlen
Title: Current enterprise resource planning snapshot in Bosnian small and medium enterprises
Abstract: For the companies relying on hundreds of internal and external suppliers for the millions of components required to produce goods and services, it is quite important to integrate all these functions and departments in order to prevent information inconsistencies, to leverage multiple sources of information within the enterprise and to gain dominance among competitors, and to perform much higher efficiency levels and sustainable performance standards. Therefore, the importance of Enterprise Resource Planning emerges as a major area of interest for many enterprises in order to facilitate the flow and share of information among the different functions within and outside a company. However, especially in low income countries, there may be various barriers such as bureaucracy, poor technology infrastructure, and lack of consultancy firms in order to plan, develop and implement an Enterprise Resource Planning project. This study becomes important that it presents the Enterprise Resource Planning implementation through the leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A survey-based study is applied to empirically test the Enterprise Resource Planning implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the short interviews with relevant respondents are considered to observe the current Enterprise Resource Planning scenarios of their organizations. Furthermore, some of the surveys can also be considered as interviews. In the conclusion and discussion parts the survey and interview results are discussed and future research areas are addressed.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/136/119
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: Enterprise Resource Planning; survey; interview; small and medium-sized enterprises
Pages: 500-519
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 3129
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:3129

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Victor Nicolaescu
Author-Name: Corina Cace
Author-Name: Sorin Cace
Title: Importance of financing the social economy projects
Abstract: The re-emergence of the social economy sector as important agent for occupation, economic growth, social solidarity, associationism and social services, coincided with a higher importance of running program and project- based activities in all European countries, irrespective whether they are member states of candidate states. Within the context of the benefits specific to the social economy projects it is important to debate and analyse the subject of continuing the activities of this form of economy by consolidating the financial allocations. Thus, complementary to the identification of new consistent sources of financing of the activity performed by the social economy organisations, it is important to know the position of the initiatives within the current context of the global economy and to apply rigorously the project implementation methodology.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/138/120
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: social economy; project; financial allocation; evaluation; project management
Pages: 520-536
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 31210
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:31210

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Claudia Osvat
Author-Name: Florica Stefanescu
Author-Name: Amalia Jurj
Title: Grounds for the development of social economy in romania
Abstract: This paper sets out as an explanatory approach, supported with theories and statistical data, for the development of the social economy sector in Romania. Following a brief review of the literature, which informs the theoretical basis of this paper, We presented a series of economic and social data, expressing the needs of several social groups, potential actors in the social enterprise arena. The study has dealt with the issue of social economy by analysing two daily papers and a professional journal, as well as by interviewing 14 experts who work in the social field, in state institutions and NGOs. After analysing the articles published in the two papers and the journal, it can be stated that there is, in the context presented, a certain interest in the issue of social economy. The articles on this subject referred to different approaches in the field of social economy, the main idea being, particularly in the journal, that social economy represents a potential for creating jobs and for the social integration of the disadvantaged. As far as the results obtained after analysing the interviews are concerned, social economy is seen by experts as an opportunity to integrate disadvantaged groups into the labour market, to reduce social marginalization and to improve local communities’ quality of life. The conclusions of the paper point to the need, but also to the possibility of developing social economy in Romania, the need to stimulate and sustain it, especially in regards to social entrepreneurship.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/138/120
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: social economics; social entrepreneurship; development; social enterprise
Pages: 537-555
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 31211
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:31211

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mariana Stanciu
Title: Positive practices in reorganising the consumption patterns
Abstract: The current rhetoric together with the ecologist practices from the developed societies might give the impression that mankind reached a rather high level of awareness about the risks which the preservation of the consummatory behaviour generates on the rural environment, implicitly on the quality of the global life, reaching both the present generations and the future ones. Can any act of consumption be truly free and unlimited, just in the name of the liberty of manifestation of the person who, at a particular moment, may buy access with the money he/she can afford to pay? Which are, actually, the consequences of consumption acts that may seem insignificant or benign and which the consumer is often unaware of? What are some countries doing to increase the awareness and to decrease the unwanted consequences of some categories of consumption? Such questions and other ones are answered by this article.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/141/121
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: Consumption patterns; responsibility; prevention policies; positive practices
Pages: 556-570
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 31212
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:31212

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Silvia Branea
Title: Organisational analysis: The environmental guard from Romania - getting ready for change
Abstract: Researchers in the sociology of organizations are increasingly attracted in recent years, the subfield of organizational change, the speed with which new types of organizations appear and the speed with which the change or even disappear, justifying the increased interest. The present study includes a theoretical approach on the organizational change issues and an analysis on some semi structured interviews with Environmental Guard (Garda de Mediu) managers. «Interrogation» and the interpretation of the interviewees’ speeches will be made in terms of their attitude towards the changes made in their organization, alongside with Romania joining the European Union. In this analysis a part of the data collected through research undertaken in the CNCSIS 707 Grant “The public construction of Europeanization. Institutional practices and adjustment to European norms”. The research and scientific diagnoses dedicated to the organizational development processes reveals special emphasis to be placed on issues like: change agents, internal and external factors of change, new change models – Learning Organization. The analysis of the interviewees’ speeches (two deputy chief commissioners and three managers) show the importance of creativity in the adaptation process of Romanian institutions to the European regulations as well as acquisition of some procedures which led to obtaining good results in managing environmental issues by other member states in the European Union. Also worth mentioning are the concerns towards the local aspects of the environmental field but also to the necessity of connecting change objectives with financial and human resources.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/142/123
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: Organizational change; Internal and external factors; European
Pages: 571-588
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 31213
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:31213

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Victoria A. Redd
Title: Book review: "Radical reform: Interracial politics in post-emancipation north Carolina Deborah Beckel"
Abstract: As Edwin Alderson, a prominent North Carolina educator stated biracial organizations attracted "plain people ...demanding their share in the government, and their right to be trained for its responsibilities" and created more self-reliant and resourceful people who were wiser when it came to local government. I found Beckel's book reads like an interesting historical story about how North Carolina was affected by civil equality. Beckel starts out her book with an Introduction about biracial relationships. This led to interracial cooperation, and eventually influenced North Carolina organizations. The State’s organizations were massive, and the North Carolina Knights and the Alliancemen had plans to pass some labor laws and get involved politically. At this time, around 1890, the Knights of Labor has 250 locals in 50 counties with the members half and half, Black and White. The Alliance had 55,000 Blacks and 90,000 Whites. In the last chapter "Race and Home Rule," (p. 178) Beckel shares with us that the voting rights were expanded for both the Blacks and the Whites. In conclusion, Beckel tells us: "Many of the state's most energetic citizens simply left for what they hoped would be greater rights and opportunities outside North Carolina."(p.211). In 2010, North Carolina statistics showed 21.6% of the registered voters are Black, where there are 73.2% registered voters who are White.
Publication-Status: Published in "Journal of Community Positive Practices", 3 2012
File-URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/144/124
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2012
Keywords: social exclusion; improving the situation of minorities; racial; creed
Pages: 589-695
Issue: 3
Year: 2012
Number: 31214
Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:31214