title: The effectiveness of assessment instruments in measuring change in persons with an intellectual disability who have sexually offended

authors: Burrett, Vanessa Mary

subjects: Sexual offender

abstract: The present research was designed to examine a set of assessment measures for their effectiveness in evaluating risk and treatment needs in a small sample of intellectually disabled sex offenders (IDSOs). IDSO assessment and treatment is a developing field in terms of research and practice. Many of the current assessment measures and treatment models used to date have been based on models for the non-ID offender population (Lambrick, 2003). Measures included in the present study were: the Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offender Recidivism (RRASOR), STATIC-99, the Sexual Violence Risk - 20 (SVR-20), the Assessment of Sexual Knowledge (ASK), the Questionnaire on Attitudes Consistent with Sex Offending (QACSO), and the Assessment of Risk and Manageability of Intellectually Disabled IndividuaLs who Offend - Sexually (ARMIDILO-S). 
	A within-subject pre-post design was utilised, with participants acting as their own controls. Participants were assessed on all measures in the pre-treatment phase, and on the SVR-20, ASK, QACSO and acute items of the ARMIDILO-S in the post-treatment phase. Treatment involved engagement in a SAFE-ID group (modelled on the SOTSEC-ID treatment program) over a 7 month period. Although the sample was small, some changes in risk-relevant variables were found. Expected changes were found with the SVR-20, ASK and the client and environmental protective factors of the ARMDILO-S. Unexpected changes were found with the QACSO and the client and environmental risk factors of the ARMIDILO-S. Further research is suggested, including the use of a larger sample.

text: The effectiveness of assessment instruments in measuring change in persons with an intellectual disability who have sexually offended The present research was designed to examine a set of assessment measures for their effectiveness in evaluating risk and treatment needs in a small sample of intellectually disabled sex offenders (IDSOs). IDSO assessment and treatment is a developing field in terms of research and practice. Many of the current assessment measures and treatment models used to date have been based on models for the non-ID offender population (Lambrick, 2003). Measures included in the present study were: the Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offender Recidivism (RRASOR), STATIC-99, the Sexual Violence Risk - 20 (SVR-20), the Assessment of Sexual Knowledge (ASK), the Questionnaire on Attitudes Consistent with Sex Offending (QACSO), and the Assessment of Risk and Manageability of Intellectually Disabled IndividuaLs who Offend - Sexually (ARMIDILO-S). 
	A within-subject pre-post design was utilised, with participants acting as their own controls. Participants were assessed on all measures in the pre-treatment phase, and on the SVR-20, ASK, QACSO and acute items of the ARMIDILO-S in the post-treatment phase. Treatment involved engagement in a SAFE-ID group (modelled on the SOTSEC-ID treatment program) over a 7 month period. Although the sample was small, some changes in risk-relevant variables were found. Expected changes were found with the SVR-20, ASK and the client and environmental protective factors of the ARMDILO-S. Unexpected changes were found with the QACSO and the client and environmental risk factors of the ARMIDILO-S. Further research is suggested, including the use of a larger sample.

year: 2010

title: The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study

authors: Sharma, Umesh Prasad

abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings: The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications: The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications: The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications: There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value: This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

text: The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study Purpose: This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings: The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications: The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications: The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications: There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value: This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

year: 2025

title: Kimihia, rangahaua ngā tikanga heke iho. He taonga huahua e riro mai: Exploring whakapapa as a tool towards a kaupapa Māori assessment framework in early childhood education

authors: Paki, Vanessa Anne

subjects: kaupapa Maori assessment

abstract: This study explores whakapapa as a tool, which can be used as a kaupapa Māori assessment framework in early childhood education, positioning kaupapa Māori theory as a paradigm base underpinning a philosophical and theoretical discourse towards assessment for children's learning. This thesis represents the culmination of a personal and professional journey, derived from the writer's longstanding interest in and commitment to kaupapa Māori early childhood education, and more specifically, philosophies and practices for assessment in this context. The study has canvassed a vast terrain of kaupapa Māori philosophy in its search for a theoretical grounding for a kaupapa Māori assessment framework for early childhood education.
Foundation to the study has been the premise that the notion of whakapapa serves as an overarching philosophical matrix, encompassing the interconnected realms of genealogy, spirituality, and knowledge that precede, surround, and embrace the Māori child. Throughout the thesis, diagrams are employed to demonstrate and model the whakapapa underpinning the conceptualisations being explored. After contextualising the study within a historical overview of the impact of colonisation of kaupapa Māori education and research, it is suggested that a re-examination of key concepts from tikanga Māori will illuminate transformative possibilities applicable to the study's focus on the development of a theoretical base for an assessment tool within kaupapa Māori early childhood settings. Drawing from the literature, the thesis re-positions the view of the Māori child to one of being nurtured within a philosophical construct underpinned and immersed in tikanga such as whakapapa, ira tangata, whanaungatanga, mana and tapu, and ako, providing a strongly Māori theoretical base for the envisioning of the assessment process. The outcome of this study is to propose an assessment framework, which embodies and reflects these core kaupapa Māori philosophies as praxis.

text: Kimihia, rangahaua ngā tikanga heke iho. He taonga huahua e riro mai: Exploring whakapapa as a tool towards a kaupapa Māori assessment framework in early childhood education This study explores whakapapa as a tool, which can be used as a kaupapa Māori assessment framework in early childhood education, positioning kaupapa Māori theory as a paradigm base underpinning a philosophical and theoretical discourse towards assessment for children's learning. This thesis represents the culmination of a personal and professional journey, derived from the writer's longstanding interest in and commitment to kaupapa Māori early childhood education, and more specifically, philosophies and practices for assessment in this context. The study has canvassed a vast terrain of kaupapa Māori philosophy in its search for a theoretical grounding for a kaupapa Māori assessment framework for early childhood education.
Foundation to the study has been the premise that the notion of whakapapa serves as an overarching philosophical matrix, encompassing the interconnected realms of genealogy, spirituality, and knowledge that precede, surround, and embrace the Māori child. Throughout the thesis, diagrams are employed to demonstrate and model the whakapapa underpinning the conceptualisations being explored. After contextualising the study within a historical overview of the impact of colonisation of kaupapa Māori education and research, it is suggested that a re-examination of key concepts from tikanga Māori will illuminate transformative possibilities applicable to the study's focus on the development of a theoretical base for an assessment tool within kaupapa Māori early childhood settings. Drawing from the literature, the thesis re-positions the view of the Māori child to one of being nurtured within a philosophical construct underpinned and immersed in tikanga such as whakapapa, ira tangata, whanaungatanga, mana and tapu, and ako, providing a strongly Māori theoretical base for the envisioning of the assessment process. The outcome of this study is to propose an assessment framework, which embodies and reflects these core kaupapa Māori philosophies as praxis.

year: 2007