title: Agglomeration externalities and 1981-2006 regional growth in Brazil

authors: Matlaba, Valente José

subjects: Convergence

abstract: This paper focuses on manufacturing employment growth across the 26 states of Brazil. We employ the Glaeser et al. (1992) approach to identify the role played by knowledge externalities in growth and convergence. To assess robustness of the results, we compare cross-section models, dynamic panel models and pooled-periods fixed-effect models. We find that cross-section models confirm the positive impact of Porter’s and Jacobs’ competition externalities on growth, whereas dynamic panel models and pooled-periods fixed-effect models are consistent with the predictions of Marshall-Arrow-Romer and Porter regarding the role of specialisation in manufacturing vis-à-vis other employment. The results provide new insights into the rapid growth since 1981 in particularly the North and Centre West of Brazil.

text: Agglomeration externalities and 1981-2006 regional growth in Brazil This paper focuses on manufacturing employment growth across the 26 states of Brazil. We employ the Glaeser et al. (1992) approach to identify the role played by knowledge externalities in growth and convergence. To assess robustness of the results, we compare cross-section models, dynamic panel models and pooled-periods fixed-effect models. We find that cross-section models confirm the positive impact of Porter’s and Jacobs’ competition externalities on growth, whereas dynamic panel models and pooled-periods fixed-effect models are consistent with the predictions of Marshall-Arrow-Romer and Porter regarding the role of specialisation in manufacturing vis-à-vis other employment. The results provide new insights into the rapid growth since 1981 in particularly the North and Centre West of Brazil.

year: 2012-06

title: Exploring Timorese family funds of knowledge and their use in education

authors: Soares Pinto, Zulmira Da Cruz

subjects: Timorese families

abstract: There are many factors that contribute to children’s development, including their social and cultural background. Families play a significant role in children’s development and the funds of knowledge that reside within a family and the wider community can be utilised in a preschool setting to make strong connections for children between their home and the preschool. Research suggests that including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool curriculum can enhance a child’s engagement in the learning environment and lead to positive educational outcomes. Drawing on Moll and Amanti’s concept of funds of knowledge and using a qualitative methodology, this thesis examines notions of funds of knowledge in preschool settings in Timor Leste. Through the exploration of what funds of knowledge are held by Timorese families and how these may be used in a preschool classroom by teachers, the thesis argues that there is a need for further understanding and acceptance by teachers of the importance of recognising and including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool classroom. The findings indicate that traditional attitudes about teachers being the authority in learning tend to prevail and this limits parents’ ability to contribute knowledge and assistance to the preschool classroom. There is clear evidence of family and communities’ holding a range of funds of knowledge that could be beneficial for children’s learning if included in classroom practices by teachers. The thesis calls for extensive professional opportunities for teachers to develop understanding about funds of knowledge and how they might make preschools more welcoming for parents.

text: Exploring Timorese family funds of knowledge and their use in education There are many factors that contribute to children’s development, including their social and cultural background. Families play a significant role in children’s development and the funds of knowledge that reside within a family and the wider community can be utilised in a preschool setting to make strong connections for children between their home and the preschool. Research suggests that including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool curriculum can enhance a child’s engagement in the learning environment and lead to positive educational outcomes. Drawing on Moll and Amanti’s concept of funds of knowledge and using a qualitative methodology, this thesis examines notions of funds of knowledge in preschool settings in Timor Leste. Through the exploration of what funds of knowledge are held by Timorese families and how these may be used in a preschool classroom by teachers, the thesis argues that there is a need for further understanding and acceptance by teachers of the importance of recognising and including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool classroom. The findings indicate that traditional attitudes about teachers being the authority in learning tend to prevail and this limits parents’ ability to contribute knowledge and assistance to the preschool classroom. There is clear evidence of family and communities’ holding a range of funds of knowledge that could be beneficial for children’s learning if included in classroom practices by teachers. The thesis calls for extensive professional opportunities for teachers to develop understanding about funds of knowledge and how they might make preschools more welcoming for parents.

year: 2018

title: Are You Listening? The Voice of Waitaha, A Forgotten People.

authors: Reese, Alistair William

subjects: maori

abstract: This thesis is a study of Waitaha, a Bay of Plenty iwi that has been marginalized through
the loss of most of its land, much of its language, tikanga, and mana. The purpose of the
work is to communicate, through the 'voice' and the history of the people, a chronicle, of
their alienation to a Pākehā audience that remains in large part ignorant and distant from
their plight.
The thesis is motivated by an academic responsibility to the Treaty of Waitangi and the
lack of understanding to the present needs of Māori as evidenced for example, by the
support for the January 2004 Orewa speech, by the leader of the National Party, Don
Brash. It is predicated upon the understanding that this response, which minimalises the
impact of colonization upon Māori, is constructed by many, through a convenience of
distance. It is motivated also on the understanding that most Pākehā who now inhabit the rohe of Waitaha, are completely ignorant of the identity of tangata whenua. It is hoped
that the presentation of the Waitaha story, will provoke a greater empathy from Pākehā,
and thereby facilitate an environment, whereby grievances can be addressed in an
environment of greater understanding.
The thesis is a qualitative based research exercise, carried out in consultation with
kaumātua and other Waitaha members, and attempts to acknowledge and integrate current kaupapa Māori epistemologies with traditional Western academic methodology.
The study uses interviews, Waitangi Tribunal evidence, and other historical references to
construct a narrative that conveys something of the 'voice' of Waitaha. Specifically, it
outlines a chronology of Waitaha settlement, followed by a description of their encounter
with Pākehā, the consequent alienation of the majority of their lands by the Crown, and
concludes, with a glimpse into the current circumstance of Manoeka, the papakainga of
Waitaha.

text: Are You Listening? The Voice of Waitaha, A Forgotten People. This thesis is a study of Waitaha, a Bay of Plenty iwi that has been marginalized through
the loss of most of its land, much of its language, tikanga, and mana. The purpose of the
work is to communicate, through the 'voice' and the history of the people, a chronicle, of
their alienation to a Pākehā audience that remains in large part ignorant and distant from
their plight.
The thesis is motivated by an academic responsibility to the Treaty of Waitangi and the
lack of understanding to the present needs of Māori as evidenced for example, by the
support for the January 2004 Orewa speech, by the leader of the National Party, Don
Brash. It is predicated upon the understanding that this response, which minimalises the
impact of colonization upon Māori, is constructed by many, through a convenience of
distance. It is motivated also on the understanding that most Pākehā who now inhabit the rohe of Waitaha, are completely ignorant of the identity of tangata whenua. It is hoped
that the presentation of the Waitaha story, will provoke a greater empathy from Pākehā,
and thereby facilitate an environment, whereby grievances can be addressed in an
environment of greater understanding.
The thesis is a qualitative based research exercise, carried out in consultation with
kaumātua and other Waitaha members, and attempts to acknowledge and integrate current kaupapa Māori epistemologies with traditional Western academic methodology.
The study uses interviews, Waitangi Tribunal evidence, and other historical references to
construct a narrative that conveys something of the 'voice' of Waitaha. Specifically, it
outlines a chronology of Waitaha settlement, followed by a description of their encounter
with Pākehā, the consequent alienation of the majority of their lands by the Crown, and
concludes, with a glimpse into the current circumstance of Manoeka, the papakainga of
Waitaha.

year: 2006