Thesis & Dissertations - ތީސީސް އަދި ޑެޒަޓޭޝަން
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Item Dharavandhoo : Baa atoll(Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Maldives National University, 1) މަރިޔަމް ލީވާން ޖަލީލް; އަޙުމަދު ރިޔާޒް ވަޙީދު; އާމިނަތު ފިރުޝާ; އާއިޝަތު ވިލްމާ; ޙަސަން ލަބީބް; އަޙްމަދު ނިހާޒް އަބޫބަކުރު; އިސްމާޢީލް ޔާނިމް; އަޙްމަދު މުސްތަޢުސިމް ޒުބެއިރު; އާއިޝަތު އަމްނު ޝަރީފް; އިސްމާޢީލް މާޢިޝް މުޙައްމަދު; އާމިނަތު ފަރަހު; އާއިޝަތު ރިޝްމާ; އަނާން އަލީ ރަޝީދު; ޠޯހާ އަބްދުލްރައްޒާޤު; ސުމައްޔާ އަބްދުލްސައްތާރު; މައުމަން ރަޝީދު; މާޒް ސައީދު; Jaleel, Mariyam Leevan; Waheed, Ahmed Riyaz; Firusha, Aminath; Vilma, Aishath; Labeeb, Hassan; Aboobakuru, Ahmed Nihaaz; Yanim, Ismail; Zubair, Ahmed Musthausim; Shareef, Aishath Amnu; Mohamed, Ismail Maaish; Farahu, Aminath; Rishma, Aishath; Rasheed, Anan Ali; AbdulRazzaq, Thoha; AbdulSattar, Sumayya; Rasheed, Mauman; Saeed, MaazItem The development and evaluation of a computer-assisted instructional strategy designed to change student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium(Department of Science Education, Edith Cowan University, 1990-12-14) Hameed, Hassan; ޙަސަން ޙަމީދުThe main aims of this thesis are twofold. First, to identify and describe misconceptions about chemical equilibrium held by Year-12 chemistry students in the Maldives. Second, to investigate the effects of using a computer-assisted instructional strategy in changing those misconceptions. A misconception identification test and an interview schedule developed by Garnett & Hackling ( 1984) were used to diagnose student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium. The remediation aspect of the study used a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) package. The package was designed in accordance with a model of conceptual change proposed by Posner, Strike, Hewson & Gertzog ( 1982) . The CAI package consists of eleven modules. The conceptual change strategies, as implemented in the package, mainly used simulations to create cognitive conflict to assist accommodation. The results of the study indicate that misconceptions about chemical equilibrium are common among Year 12 chemistry students in the Maldives. In addition, these misconceptions were found to be similar to those reported by Hackling and Garnett (1985) which identified misconceptions among Western Australian students. Results also indicate that the remediation aspect of the study, which used the CAI package, produced significant and lasting conceptual changes in students holding the misconceptions.Item Coral reef management in the Maldives, with special reference to reef monitoring: The use of line transect method for monitoring coral reefs in the Maldives.(Centre for Tropical Coastal Management Studies, Department of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 1993-09-01) Naseer, Abdulla; އަބުދުﷲ ނަސީރުThis study attempts to ascertain aspects of coral reef management in the Maldives, with emphasis laid on reef monitoring. The patterns of exploitation of reefs are described. Threats to reefs, both man-made and natural, are reviewed. The major human impacts on reefs in the Maldives appear to be coral mining, dredging and reclamation, tourist related activities and pollution. Acanthaster plancii predation is a significant threat to coral reefs in some atolls of Maldives. Aspects of coral reef monitoring are reviewed with emphasis on monitoring objectives, design and operation of monitoring programmes, and methods employed in reef monitoring. Transect methods, quadrat methods, photographic methods and visual surveys are reviewed. A monitoring programme developed at the Marine Research Section of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, in Maldives is described. Data collected under this programme were analysed in chapter 4. This is a long-term monitoring scheme being developed to detect anthropogenic impacts on coral reefs. The problems and short comings of the data as well as their usefulness is discussed. It was concluded that the data collected under the monitoring programme can be put to management use only with further studies and refinements to the sampling procedures.Item The elite of the Maldives : sociopolitical organisation and change(London School of Economics and Political Science, 1995-01-01) Colton, Elizabeth OvertonThis thesis exam ines the elite o f the M aldive Islands, during a period o f great technoeconom ic change from 1976 until 1983. This ethnographic study is concerned with the nature o f the M aldivian national elite, in particular the reiterative evidence o f both repetition and change in its sociopolitical organisation. The first part o f the thesis presents the principles o f the study and introduces the ethnographic setting o f the elite o f M aldives. The Preface establishes the historical and m ethodological fo u n d a tio n o f the study. Chapter 1 outlines the fo c i o f the thesis and places it within a general anthropological fram ew ork. Chapter 2 places the elite w ithin the context o f the M aldivian geographical setting, history, and classification systems. The second part o f the study sets out the basic building blocks o f the elite system. Chapter 3 essentially defines the M aldivian elite and describes the stratification system, politics, and the econom ic basis fo r the elite's power. Chapter 4 presents the basic building blocks o f kinship and affinity-- including sibling group, affines (especially brothers-in-law, lia n o o ). and friendship. Chapter 5 focuses upon the special role o f the “h o u se” as the basic p o litical unit o f the M aldivian elite. The third part o f this thesis discusses the use o f the elite system over time. Chapter 6 provides a detailed description o f the “po litica l g a m e ”, including the im portance o f protocol, ritualistic functions, and governm ent service. Chapter 7 details the m eans o f social control, including the rewards and punishm ents fo r the elite. Chapter 8 describes the patterns and cycles o f political conflict within the M aldivian elite system. The conclusion argues that the com plex M aldivian elite system, with its evidence o f change at the tim e o f this study as a result o f com plex processes o f m odernisation in com bination with a clear repetition o f patterns and reiterative cycles over time, presents a m odel o f evolutionary replication o f a sociopolitical system.Item Global warming and small island states : the search for environmental security(Dalhousie University, 1995-11) Shameem, Aly; ޢަލީ ޝަމީމްItem Security problems of small island developing states (SIDS) : with particular reference to the Indian Ocean(The University of Hull, 1996-02) Faizal, Farahanaz; ފަރަހަނާޒު ފައިސަލްItem Foreign policy orientation of small island states : an evaluation of the foreign policies of Vanuatu and the Maldives(University of Canterbury, 1999-01-01) Khaleel, AliThe limited literature on the foreign policy of small states is riddled with diverse views on the most effective policy orientation for these countries. Some scholars have specified multilateralism as the most effective strategy while others have suggested regionalism and some others have stressed bilateralism. While this is the case, small states being heavily dependent on the external environment and the least equipped to influence vents or processes at the international level, find it essential to ensure that their foreign policy orientation is the most effective. As such, there is a need for additional research on the subject, as that undertaken in this thesis. Guided by the framework for evaluation suggested by G.A. Raymond, this thesis attempted to evaluate the foreign policies of Vanuatu and the Maldives to determine whether there is any justification to argue in favour of multilateralism, regionalism or bilateralism as the most effective foreign policy strategy for small island states, a sub-group within the category of small states. Vanuatu and the Maldives were used as case studies since their policies were of the same class or universe rendering them suitable for comparison. Three foreign policy goals that have been identified for evaluation included, preserving and enhancing security and sovereignty; economic development; and environment protection. These goals were tied to several objectives. The thesis, using the comparative method, attempted to determine the relative effectiveness of the strategies, multilateralism, regionalism and bilateralism, in contributing towards realising the foreign policy objectives and thereby the goals. The evaluation revealed that multilateralism was more effective overall in contributing towards the security and sovereignty related objectives and the environment related objectives of Vanuatu and the Maldives. Both bilateralism and multilateralism were equally effective for Vanuatu and the Maldives in contributing towards their economic development related objectives. The evaluation also revealed a slight bias in favour of multilateralism as more effective overall compared to regionalism and bilateralism, in contributing towards the three foreign policy goals of the two countries. This was because all of the objectives were given equal weight in the analysis. If the objectives were prioritised then the results would have been different. In fact, different strategies proved effective in contributing towards different objectives and goals. Often more than one strategy had to be used in furthering a single objective or goal. As such, based on the evaluation of this thesis, there is no justification to argue in favour of any one strategy as more effective for the foreign policy of small states.Item Population human capital and development in the Maldives(The University of Waikato, 2000) Hussain Niyaaz; ނިޔާޒް ހުސައިންItem Reef island geomorphology: formation development, and prospective of islands in Eta atolls, South Maalhosmadulu, the Maldives(University of New South Wales, 2000-01) މުޙައްމަދު އަލީ; Ali, MohammedItem Competency-based assessment : a holistic approach for developing and demonstrating 'competence' : a literature review(The University of Newscastle, 2000-06) Ibrahim, AsiyaThis thesis presents an analysis of competency-based approaches to assessment. An extensive literature review was conducted to explore aspects and issues involved in developing and implementing competency-based assessment. The review was based on the premise that literature can provide useful information to implement an ongoing competency based approach to assessment of undergraduate nursing students in The Republic of Maldives. The recent literature relating to competency-based approaches to education and assessment values this method for its contribution to the development of a more comprehensive view if education and assessment, particularly in nursing. The main theme that developed from analysis of the literature was that developing a competency-based assessment framework could facilitate an individual to develop and demonstrate competency for professional practice. Competency-based assessment has been described in the literature as a process of measuring an individual's competence against established competency standards, These competency standards when explicitly stated will clearly identify for the student, the competencies that need to be developed by the end of the course of study and which are necessary to enter into a profession. Review of literature reveals that there is confusion arising in the term competency. However, the contemporary view of competency is that they are attributes which need to be acquired to perform successfully in a profession. There is consensus in the literature that this method of education and assessment facilitates learning that is meaningful, personal, challenging and relevant to practice. There are several studies that have focused on the development and implementation of effective competency-based approaches, especially in practice based professions, such as nursing. Thus, it is proposed that, competency-based assessment is the most effective method of assessment to be implemented in the undergraduate nursing in the Maldives.Item The integrated growth response of coral reefs to environmental forcing: morphometric analysis of coral reefs of the Maldives.(Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2003-07-01) Naseer, AbdullaCoral reefs are bioherms whose structure comprises a dynamic mixture of geologically inherited and environmentally forced morphologies. The major debate of coral reef history is over the relative importance of antecedent, erosional and recent, constructional processes in controlling the pattern and pace of reef growth. Landscape scale studies of reef morphology enable us to distinguish between these two morphological lineages on modern reefs. This thesis quantifies empirical relationships among spatial patterns of coral reef growth, geomorphology and environmental forcing in the archetypal atoll nation of the Maldives. The main hypothesis is that asymmetric ocean wave forcing interacts with antecedent reef platform structure to produce characteristic growth configurations and predictable reef morphologies during the Holocene (at least). The hypothesis is tested by regressing a set of reef growth morphometrics derived for every single coral reef larger than 1 ha on impinging wave energy for the entire archipelago (n = 2041). The methods involved the classification of eight Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) satellite images covering all reefs of the Maldives, and the calculation of morphometric indices using a geographical information system (GIS). The spatial pattern of coral reef growth, as defined by the distributions of distinct reef geomorphologies, was quantified by multiple morphometrics of well-defined geomorphic zones: reef slope, reef crest, coral rubble, sand flats, reef lagoons and reef islands. These features were delineated with an overall accuracy of 81%. The total area all coral reef and lagoon habitats that comprise Maldives is 21,372.72 km2 . A total of 2,041 ±10 distinct coral reef structures larger than 0.01 km2 occupy a vertically-projected surface area of 4,493.85 km2 . Smaller areas of coral reef substratum cover another 19.3 km2 , bringing the total area of coral reef to 4,513.14 ±135.40 km2 . Islands occupy only 5.1% of the total reef area. Spatial gradients in environmental forcing (i.e., southern ocean swell and monsoon wind-wave fields) were characterized and quantified along the same dimensions as the reef geomorphology, and statistically related to the reef morphometrics. Nonparametric Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) procedures identified statistically significant differences among groups of reefs located on atoll rims that were exposed to nine differing hydrodynamic regimes. The widths of rim reef slopes, crests and flats widths were significantly related with incident wave power (r2 > 0.07, p<0.01, n=488), with the largest reef growth zones facing the major monsoon wind direction, and the smallest facing the relatively calm Maldives Inner Sea. The hydrodynamic openness of the 16 complex atolls of the Maldives was quantified by a rim aperture index (range from 0.03 to 0.35). The total area of various reef growth forms in atoll lagoons (i.e., patch reefs, knolls and faros) was significantly positively related with the aperture index (r2 > 0.62, p < 0.001, n=16). The extensive, detailed and accurate data provided by this study for the first time on the exact numbers, sizes, shapes and areas of reef features of the entire Maldivian archipelago demonstrates the value of synoptic technologies to seascape ecology, supports the hypothesis that the spatial patterns of coral reef growth predominantly reflect recent hydrodynamic forcing, and provides a sound basis for predictive modelling and management decision support in a developing nation of 300,000 people living on coral reefs and confronted with rising sea level.Item ކަންކުރާއާ ގުޅިގެން ކަމަށް ބަދަލު އަންނައިރު ހުވަދު އަތޮޅު ދެކުނުބުރީގެ އެކި ރަށްރަށުގައި ގެންގުޅޭ އުސޫލުތަކުގެ މެދުގައި ހުރި މޯފޮލޮޖިކަލް ތަފާތާއި ރަސްމީ ބަހުރުވައިގައި ގެންގުޅޭ އުސޫލާ ދެމެދު ގައި ހުރި މޯފޮލޮޖިކަލް ތަފާތު(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް މެނޭޖުމަންޓް އެންޑް ކޮމްޕިއުޓިންގ، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2003-11) ވަލީދާ ޢީސާ; Eesa, ValeedhaItem Ethnomathematics in the Maldivian curriculum : trailling an implementation(University of Auckland, 2004-08-09) ޢާއިޝަތު ޝެހެނާޒު އާދަމް; Adam, Aishath ShehenazItem Small islands and global action : coming of age in global change(The University of Waikato, 2005) ޢަލީ ޝަމީމް; Shameem, AliThis study aims at advancing theoretical understanding of the role of small island developing states (SIDS) in contemporary international relations (IR). It does this by examining their interaction between, participation in, and contribution to, IR within the framework of the UN. The literature on small states in IR was reviewed, in order to develop a conceptual framework for critiquing the small states paradigm, which is based on realist theory. This paradigm views the role of small states in IR as determined by inherent internal factors (physical size and capacity to act) and prescribes them as being insignificant and passive actors in IR. Contrary to the small states paradigm, a review of literature showed SIDS to be highly visible and proactive in IR in recent times. Thus, the research question the thesis pursued was: How can the small states paradigm in JR be strengthened to better explain the rising importance of the role of SIDS in contemporary JR? The literature review also suggested a proposition for testing empirical research: that external factors outside states are facilitative of the proactive and contributory behaviour of small states in JR. Two case studies of the role of SIDS in UN negotiations were selected to assess the extent to which they may have been influential on outcomes: Law of the Sea and Climate Change. The role SIDS played in the negotiations for each case was explored through analysis of relevant documents and interviews with diplomatic and resource persons from a selection of participating SIDS. Results strongly suggest that external factors are instrumental in facilitating proactive and influential behaviour of SIDS in these two UN negotiations. The key external factors numbered 18 and were grouped into the following dimensions: developments, events, trends, issues, circumstances and actors. These results call for revising the small states paradigm, so that it includes external factors as explanatory variables for the proactive and contributory behaviour of smallstates. Thus, external factors were added to the paradigm as open-sky dimensions which, unlike closed-ground dimensions (internal factors), are dynamic, flexible, optimistic and open elements (like the sky), and thus provide far wider potential or opportunities for small states in IR.Item Small islands and global action: coming of age in global change(The University of Waikato, 2005) އަލީ ޝަމީމް; Shameem, AliThis study aims at advancing theoretical understanding of the role of small island developing states (SIDS) in contemporary international relations (IR). It does this by examining their interaction between, participation in, and contribution to, IR within the framework of the UN. The literature on small states in IR was reviewed, in order to develop a conceptual framework for critiquing the small states paradigm, which is based on realist theory. This paradigm views the role of small states in IR as determined by inherent internal factors (physical size and capacity to act) and prescribes them as being insignificant and passive actors in IR. Contrary to the small states paradigm, a review of literature showed SIDS to be highly visible and proactive in IR in recent times. Thus, the research question the thesis pursued was: How can the small states paradigm in JR be strengthened to better explain the rising importance of the role of SIDS in contemporary JR? The literature review also suggested a proposition for testing empirical research: that external factors outside states are facilitative of the proactive and contributory behaviour of small states in JR. Two case studies of the role of SIDS in UN negotiations were selected to assess the extent to which they may have been influential on outcomes: Law of the Sea and Climate Change. The role SIDS played in the negotiations for each case was explored through analysis of relevant documents and interviews with diplomatic and resource persons from a selection of participating SIDS. Results strongly suggest that external factors are instrumental in facilitating proactive and influential behaviour of SIDS in these two UN negotiations. The key external factors numbered 18 and were grouped into the following dimensions: developments, events, trends, issues, circumstances and actors. These results call for revising the small states paradigm, so that it includes external factors as explanatory variables for the proactive and contributory behaviour of small ii states. Thus, external factors were added to the paradigm as open-sky dimensions which, unlike closed-ground dimensions (internal factors), are dynamic, flexible, optimistic and open elements (like the sky), and thus provide far wider potential or opportunities for small states in IR.Item Teaching economics at secondary school level in the Maldives a cooperative learning model(The University of Waikato, 2006) Nazeer, AbdullahThe dominant approach to the study of economics at secondary school level in the Maldives is teacher-centred methods based on behaviourist views of teaching and learning. Despite considerable research on the benefits of cooperative learning in economic education at the post-secondary level, very limited research has been conducted in secondary school classrooms in order to find ways of improving teaching and learning of economics. The purpose of this study was to enhance the teaching and learning of economics at secondary schools in the Maldives by trialing a cooperative learning model to enhance economics teachers’ awareness of the impact that cooperative learning might have on student learning. This study explored a cooperative learning approach to teaching and learning economics in secondary schools and investigated teachers’ and students’ perceptions of cooperative learning. Some elements of both ethnographic and grounded theory methodologies were employed and specific data collection methods included workshops, classroom observations, interviews, video tapes and student questionnaires. Nine teachers and 232 students were involved in this study. The research was conducted in three stages (pre-intervention, workshops to train the participants, and post-intervention) over a period of three months in three selected schools in Male’, the Maldives. Four research themes were derived from the analysis of both pre and post intervention data. These themes were teaching issues, learning issues, cooperative learning implementing issues, and students’ and teachers’ reactions to cooperative learning. In the pre-intervention phase, the teachers taught in a traditional manner, but after the intervention they incorporated elements of cooperative learning method to teach economics in their selected classes. The overall findings showed a considerable change in teachers’ and students’ attitudes and perceptions about traditional teacher-centred methods towards more student-centred methods of T Teaching and Learning of Economics in the Maldives: A cooperative Learning Model ii cooperative learning. It was evident that both teachers and students perceived cooperative learning to be an effective method of teaching. For example, the findings revealed that both teachers and students understood and could see the benefits that cooperative learning offered to the teaching and learning of economics. The students indicated that they liked working in groups and appreciated getting help from other students. In addition, the results revealed that students’ interactions and involvement in classroom activities, as well as interest and motivation to learn economics, increased during the implementation of the cooperative learning model. Furthermore, this study found a mismatch between home and the traditional teacher-centred school culture in the Maldives. In contrast, the findings suggest that the principles of cooperative learning match well with the cultural values of Maldivian society. Consequently, a revised model of cooperative learning is presented that includes the aspects of culture. Jordan (1985) argued that “educational practices must match with the children’s culture” (p. 110) and thus culturally responsive teaching can help to minimise confusion and promote an academic community of learners that enables students to be more successful learners (Gay, 2000). This study suggests that training teachers and students for cooperative learning is salient for effective implementation of cooperative learning for a positive influence on students’ learning and teachers’ pedagogy. However, further research should be conducted to examine other aspects of teaching and learning which may also enhance this relationship.Item An exploratory study of the interplay between teachers, beliefs, instructional practices & professional development(The University of Auckland, 2006) Mohamed, Naashia; ނާސިހާ މުހައްމަދުPrevious research has revealed the influential role of teachers’ beliefs in determining their professional behaviour. Teachers’ beliefs affect not only their teaching, but also filter new input, suggesting significant implications for the implementation of educational innovations and teacher development. This study explores the interconnections between teachers’ beliefs, their instructional practices and professional development, examining the extent to which the introduction of an innovative teaching approach impacts teachers’ beliefs and behaviour. It focuses particularly on grammar instruction in the context of English teaching in secondary schools of the Maldives. Combining descriptive ethnography with a quasi-experimental design, the study was implemented in two phases. Phase One, based on questionnaire data from 197 teachers from 51 schools, explored teachers’ beliefs and their self reported practices. Findings indicated that teachers placed great emphasis on grammar and that they were unfamiliar with inductive approaches to grammar instruction. In Phase Two, inductive grammar teaching methods were introduced to 14 teachers from two schools, in a 12 week professional development programme. Drawing largely on data from observations and interviews, the results from this phase showed that although teachers were observed to generally follow their pedagogic beliefs, several points of difference between their beliefs and practices existed. While the professional development may have increased their understanding of inductive approaches to grammar instruction at the level of awareness, only limited changes to beliefs and practices were observed. Changing instructional practice appeared to be a difficult task with only two teachers uptaking the innovation. Some subsidiary changes were however observed in the practices of several other teachers. Various impediments constrained change efforts, including teachers’ lack of openness to change, their low professional motivation and the lack of a supportive school culture. Contextual factors such as large classes and difficult working conditions also negatively affected the change process. Findings indicate that development activities which provided regular one-on-one support for the teachers were more likely to lead to uptake than those involving mainly workshops. The individual nature of the uptake process, its lack of uniformity and the challenges faced by the teachers are discussed, as are the implications for the provision of professional development.Item Mathematics in cultural contexts: salmon fishing investigation into probability(International Conference on Ethnomathematics, 2006-02) Jerry Libka and Shehenaz AdamItem A Study of the Cluster Schools Policy in the Maldives(University of London, 2006-05) Ali, AamaalIn the Maldives, despite everyone having access to primary education, there are wide disparities in the quality of education provided by schools in the capital and schools on the rural islands. In an attempt to address the ongoing concern of the rural communities to improve their schools, the Ministry of Education introduced a new policy in July 1999. This policy led to the formation of clusters of schools which consisted of a 'lead' government school intended to serve as a resource and support to a number of nearby community schools. Each cluster is usually made up of 6 to 11 schools. The cluster policy has not been studied since its introduction six years ago. This research study aims to investigate the cluster policy - its rationale, processes of implementation and impact on the schools, through the perceptions of key stakeholders, with a broader view to improve schools in the Maldives. For the research, I travelled to four regions to carry out four case studies. Each case study is based on a full cluster of schools of an atoll and a selection of schools in neighbouring clusters within the same atoll. Fifty schools were targeted in fourteen clusters. Data were collected from interviews with key stakeholders - the cluster heads, lead teachers, island chiefs and officials of Ministry of Education. The conceptual framework of antecedents, processes and impact, developed by Lunt et al. (1988) in their study of clusters in the UK, was used to structure the inquiry. The interview data were analysed thematically. This study found that the cluster policy was not sufficiently resourced and comprehensively conceptualised to engender the intended school improvement. Set within a context of small developing islands, the policy lacked the essential ingredients for a collaborative venture of this kind to succeed. However, among the stakeholders there is an acceptance of the potential good such a policy can bring about. The problems identified in this research go some way to explain why the cluster policy was short-lived and has now effectively ceased to exist.Item A study of the cluster schools policy in the Maldives(Institute of Education, University of London, 2006-05) Ali, Aamaal; އާމާލް އަލީIn the Maldives, despite everyone having access to primary education, there are wide disparities in the quality of education provided by schools in the capital and schools on the rural islands. In an attempt to address the ongoing concern of the rural communities to improve their schools, the Ministry of Education introduced a new policy in July 1999. This policy led to the formation of clusters of schools which consisted of a 'lead' government school intended to serve as a resource and support to a number of nearby community schools. Each cluster is usually made up of 6 to 11 schools. The cluster policy has not been studied since its introduction six years ago. This research study aims to investigate the cluster policy - its rationale, processes of implementation, and impact on the schools through the perceptions of key stakeholders, with a broader view to improve schools in the Maldives. For the research, I travelled to four regions to carry out four case studies. Each case study is based on a full cluster of schools of an atoll and a selection of schools in neighbouring clusters within the same atoll. Fifty schools were targeted in fourteen clusters. Data were collected from interviews with key stakeholders - the cluster heads, lead teachers, island chiefs and officials of Ministry of Education. The conceptual framework developed by Lunt et al. (1988) of antecedents, processes and impact in their study of clusters in the UK was used to structure the inquiry. The interview data were analysed thematically. This study found that the cluster policy not sufficiently resourced and comprehensively conceptualised to engender the intended school improvement. Set within a context of small developing islands the policy lacked the essential ingredients for a collaborative venture of this kind to succeed. However, among the stakeholders there is an acceptance of the potential good such a policy can bring about. The problems identified in this research go some way to explain why the cluster policy was short-lived and has now effectively ceased to exist.Item ސާނަވީ މަރުހަލާގެ ދަރިވަރުން މާދަރީ ބަސް އުގެނުމަށްދޭ ސަމާލުކަން ކުޑަވަނީ ކީއްވެހެއްޔެވެ؟(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން، ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ޔުނިވަރސިޓީ, 2006-11) ޙުސައިން ރަޝީދު އަޙުމަދު; Ahmed, Husaain RasheedItem ޘާނަވީ ތަޢުލީމު ނިންމާ ދަރިވަރުންގެ ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ފެންވަރު(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11) މުޙައްމަދު ނާޝިދު; Mohamed, NaashidItem މާލޭ ސްކޫލުތަކުގައި ގްރޭޑު 7 ގައި ކިޔަވާ ދަރިވަރުން ދިވެހިބަސް ކިޔަވަން ހުންނަ ޝައުޤުވެރިކަން(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11) ޢަބްދުއްލާ ޙަމީދު; Hameed, AbdullaItem ދިވެހި ލިޔާއިރު 'އައިބައިފިލި' ލިޔުމުގައި ގެންގުޅޭ އުޞޫލު(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11) ޢަބްދުލ ޤާދިރު އިސްމާޢީލް; Ismail, Abdul QadirItem އިތުރު" ބޭނުންކުރުމުން މާނައިގެގޮތުން އަންނަބަދަލާއި ބޭނުންކުރެވޭ ތަފާތު ގޮތްތައް"(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11) ނާއިލާ ޙުސައިން; Hussain, NaailaItem މާނައާއި ޤަވާއިދުގެ ގޮތުން ބަލާއިރު، ބަސްވަކިކޮށް ތާނައިން ލިޔުމުގައި "އަކުރުތައް" ބޭނުންކުރެވޭ އުސޫލު(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-02) އަޙުމަދު ހާޝިމް; Hashim, AhmedItem މެދުމަދަރުސީ ތަޢުލީމުގެ ފަހުމަރުހަލާއާއި ޘާނަވީ ތަޢުލީމުގެ ފުރަތަމަ މަރުޙަލާގައި "ދިވެހި" މި މާއްދާއިން ދަރިވަރުން ހޯދާ ނަތީޖާގެ ފަރަގު(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) ޙަމީޒާ ޢަފީފު; Afeef, HameezaItem ކުޑަކުދިން ވާހަކަދައްކަން ދަސްކުރުމުގައި ބޮޑެތި މީހުންގެ ޙިއްޞާ(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) އައިޝަތު ޝާކިރާ; Shaakiraa, AishathItem އަމީނިއްޔާ އާއި މަޖީދިއްޔާ ސްކޫލުން ގްރޭޑް 10 ނިންމާ ދަރިވަރުން ދިވެހި ބަހުން ލިޔުމުގައި ރަގަޅަށް ސުކުން ކުރަން އެނގޭ މިންވަރާއި ސުކުންކުރެވޭ އަކުރުގެ ސަބަބުން މާނައަށް އަންނަ ބަދަލު(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) ޚުވައިލަތު ހަސަން; Hassan, KhuvailathItem ދިވެހިބަހުގައި އަލިފު ސުކުނާއި ށަވިޔަނި ސުކުން އޮތުން މުހިއްމު ހެއްޔެވެ؟(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) ޢަލީ ސަމީޙު; Sameeh, AliItem ކުޑަކުދިން ވާހަކަ ދައްކަން ދަސްކުރުމުގައި ބޮޑެތި މީހުންގެ ޙިއްޞާ(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) އައިޝަތު ޝާކިރާ; Shakira, AishathItem "ދިވެހި ބަހުގެ ޤަވާޢިދުގައި "އޮތުން(ފެކަލްޓީއޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) ޝާދިޔާ ޢަލީ; Ali, ShaadiyaItem އާލަފުޒު އުފެއްދުމާއި ބޭނުންކުރުން(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) އައިމިނަތު މުޙައްމަދުފުޅު; Mohamedfulhu, AminathItem ދިވެހިބަހުގައި އަލިފު ސުކުނާއި ށަވިޔަނި ސުކުން އޮތުން މުހިންމު ހެއްޔެވެ؟(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިޔުކޭޝަން, 2006-11-21) ޢަލީ ސަމީޙު; Sameeh, AliItem Government budget in statistics financial year 2007(Ministry of Finance and Treasury, 2007)Item A model to integrate the management of hazards and disasters in the National sustainable development planning of the Maldives(University of Canterbury, 2007-01-01) Jameel, AhmedThe small land area of the islands of the Maldives, combined with high population density, makes the communities of these islands vulnerable to natural disaster events such as flooding and tsunami. The Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26 December 2004 impacted 69 islands of the Maldives, killing 82 people, leaving 26 people missing and 15, 000 people internally displaced, making it the worst disaster in recorded history. Following the event, the Government of the Maldives announced a Safer Island Development Programme which seeks to provide the infrastructure necessary to adapt to natural disasters. The key focus of disaster management is to reduce the vulnerability of the communities exposed to hazards and risks, and to help them to enhance their resilience. Efforts have been made to develop safer and sustainable communities in all corners of the developed and developing worlds. New Zealand Government announced its effort to build safe and secure communities in 2007 while at a local level the Christchurch City Council published the Safer Christchurch Strategy in 2005. Overseas, the Community Strategy 2000, outlines the vision of “A safe and strong Island” at Isle of Wight United Kingdom. The islands of the Maldives have natural characteristics which make them vulnerable to disasters such as tsunami. This research has been able to identify the relationship between these characteristics and the natural vulnerability of the islands using the data that was collected following the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Out of 11 island, that have been identified for the Safer Islands Development Programme, one island is found to have very high natural vulnerability and 5 islands a high natural vulnerability, from the island vulnerability index model developed through this study. The Island Vulnerability Index model could be used to enhance the present Safer Island Development Programme island selection criteria, to reduce the possibility of ‘building risk’ into the infrastructure development on the islands. The index could also be used in the Environmental Impact Assessment studies to address the issue of disasters, effective resources allocation in the Public Sector Infrastructure Programme for ‘building back better’, and resource identification in land use planning.Item Economic valuation of coral reefs : a case study of the costs and benefits of improved management of Dhigali Haa, a marine protected area in Baa Atoll, Maldives(University of Canterbury, 2007-08-01) Mohamed, MiznaCoral reefs are a vital resource in the low-island Republic of Maldives, where the sustainable use of these resources is central to the continued economic success of the country’s two largest sectors: tourism and fisheries. This recognition has led to numerous reef conservation and protection activities, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). As in many MPAs of the world, those in the Maldives exist only as paper parks: areas protected on paper but not in practice. Despite general recognition of the importance of reef resources, insufficient funds are allocated by government to implement these parks. This situation is compounded by the absence of specific information and detailed understanding by policy makers of the true value and economic benefits of reef resources. This thesis examines the an economic valuation of improved management of MPAs in the Maldives using Dhigali Haa, an MPA in Baa Atoll, Maldives, as a case study. A contingent valuation survey to elicit the willingness to pay of tourists visiting Baa Atoll to see improved management at the MPA was used in estimating the potential benefits. In addition, local community consultations were conducted to understand local perceptions of MPAs and their effectiveness, and to develop a feasible improved management scenario. The local consultations confirmed that Dhigali Haa was not effectively managed, leading to continued illegal use and degradation of the reef. The results of the CV survey revealed support from tourists visiting Baa Atoll to pay for improved management of Dhigali Haa. A one-off conservation fee per visit for all tourists visiting Baa Atoll was preferred over a user fee solely for divers visiting Dhigali Haa. The estimate for the mean WTP for the conservation fee was US$35±5 compared to a mean WTP of US$15±5 for the user fee. Comparisons between the cost of implementing improved management and the benefits gained from tourist fees showed that a conservation fee would be more beneficial than a user fee. The estimated net present value for funding the improved management via a conservation fee was US$8.65 million.Item The role of fine needle aspiration cytology in determining the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy.(The Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2007-09-01) Thasneem, ShimalItem The role of hemoconcentration in progression of acute pancreatitis.(The Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2007-09-01) Shifan, MohamedItem ކަށިކެޔޮ - ދިވެހިބަހާއި ދިވެހި ޘަފަތުގައި ހިއްސާވާ މިންވަރު(ފެކަލްޓީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލެޖް އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2007-11-01) ޙާމިދާ ޢަބްދުﷲ; Abdulla, Haamidha