Restricted Theses and Dissertations

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The electronic full-text versions of theses and dissertations in this collection are not publically viewable. In most cases the full-text is viewable only by current Lincoln University staff and students. See the item record of each thesis or dissertation for a description of access rights.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 2701
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    The organic and bio-dynamic food product markets in Canterbury : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Horticultural Science (Honours)
    (Lincoln University, 1991) Keir, J. M.
    Consumer, grower and retailer perspectives on the Canterbury organic and bio-dynamic markets were studied. The study consisted of two parts: a quantitative survey of Canterbury consumers coordinated in 1990 by Charlie Lamb and analyzed and written up by the author, and a qualitative series of interviews of Canterbury growers and retailers of organic and bio-dynamic food products. Literature reviewed suggested that a group of potential organic and bio-dynamic food purchasers existed, whose characteristics could be identified, to focus the promotion of the organic and biodynamic movements. Barriers of availability and lack of correct information, to the sale of organic and bio-dynamic produce were identified in the literature. Intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for organic and bio-dynamic food purchases were recognized. Results showed a group of potential organic and bio-dynamic consumers which consists of 32 % of consumers in the total New Zealand domestic market. Availability barriers were identified as restricting the potential increase of the organic and bio-dynamic markets. Health benefits were the drive behind the majority of organic and bio-dynamic food product purchases. It is concluded that a high profile of organic growers and retailers is essential to assist market expansion in Canterbury. This must involve an extensive education program and should target consumers concerned with their health, their family life and the environment. Involvement of controlling authorities in education and promotion would aid in this implementation.
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    Supervision of casual labour during fruit harvesting: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the diploma of horticultural management
    (Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1985) Newton, P. J.
    Contained in this report are details of a study made of NZ fruit grower's supervisory methods for casual labour during the fruit harvest "season". Research was by means of case study, using a standardised questionaire, of a total of twelve fruit growing properties, in three regions - Auckland, Nelson and Canterbury. The properties chosen for the study employed sufficient casual labour for supervision of this labour to be an identifiable need, and between them showed a range of fruit crops and labour force characteristics. The questionnaire aimed at defining the supervisory practices and problems of these growers. Results from the case studies, together with a discussion based on review of relevant literature, are presented. The report concludes with recommendations for supervisory methods to be considered in the selection of supervisors for casual harvest labour, and for general staff policy.
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    Improving labour productivity in apple harvesting
    (Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1978) Longley, Brett
    Very little study has been done on ways ofimproving labour productivity in horticulture in New Zealand. Productivity can be increased by increasingoutput and/or lowering inputs. In apple harvesting output can be raised by increasing the picking rate. Inputs can be lowered by lowering costs to the grower. Various factors affect picking rate. A number of these were selected for study and measured. Cropcondition was defined by the measurements of thesefactors. A work measurement technique was used to relate differences in picker performance to differences in crop condition, and to predict appropriate picking times. Different rates of pick under different crop conditions were related to different piece rates of pay via an "intended level of earnings" based on the award hourly rate plus allowances for holiday pay and a performance-related bonus. This variable piece rate system of payment enabled picker output to be increased by its incentive characteristic, and growers harvesting labour costs to be minimized by relating the per unit cost of picking the fruit to the crop condition. One main advantage of the variable piece rate system is that different rates are set according to objective measurements rather than subjective estimates. Another advantage is that the system outlined enables productivity-per man to be raised at much lower cost than by mechanizing harvesting operations.
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    The effects of contracts on orcharding : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Horticultural Management
    (Lincoln University, 1991) Homan, Grant
    Contained in this report are details of a study made of New Zealand fruit growers with regard to their systems of payment. Research was by means of case studies, using a standardised questionnaire, of a total of five fruit growing properties in two regions - Canterbury and Central Otago. The properties chosen for the study employed both contract labour and hourly rate labour, with comparisons between the two being made. The questionnaire aimed at defining the problems of both systems for the growers. Results from the case studies, together with a discussion on their interpretation, are presented. The report concludes with recommendations for growers wishing to consider using contract labour on their orchards.
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    Horticultural training for the intellectually handicapped : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the Diploma in Horticultural Management in Lincoln College, Canterbury
    (Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1986) Bodsworth, David Rawhiri S.
    This report describes the current horticultural training techniques employed on training units for the intellectually handicapped in New Zealand and discusses the therapeutic value of horticulture. It is based on case studies of two Rural Training Units of the New Zealand Society for the Intellectually Handicapped. Information was collected by means of semi-structured personal interviews with managers and supervisors of the units and the intellectually handicapped trainees themselves. Similar problems were found on both units. Some conflict appeared to exist between the production and training goals of management. There was also a regular turnover of the unit supervisors as a result of 'burnout'. Following the discussion of these and other findings the report concludes with recommendations for defining unit objectives, the use of horticulture on the units, staff selection and training, and other associated problems.