https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145221 2026-10-29T23:17:13Z 2026-10-29T23:17:13Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150386 2026-10-23T07:02:25Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Navigating ethical challenges faced by professionals within the pharmaceutical industry in Malta Abstract: Objective The pharmaceutical industry operates at the intersection of medical innovation and commercial profit, creating a dual mission that poses significant ethical challenges. Apart from identifying the practices within the local pharmaceutical sector that cause most concern, this dissertation investigates the ethical orientation, recognition of ethical breaches, and levels of moral distress among pharmaceutical professionals in Malta and which factors bear most impact on the traits under investigation. Method Utilizing a quantitative research design, an anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to members of the Association of Medical Representatives (AMR), the central organization for medical representatives in Malta. The research employed the Ethics Position Questionnaire-5 (EPQ-5) to assess ethical orientation, vignette-based scenarios to measure recognition and tolerance of misconduct, and a scale composed of industry-specific items to evaluate moral distress. Key Findings Based on a response rate of 42.1%, findings indicate that marketing practices (70.3%) are perceived as the primary source of ethical concern. The local workforce is predominantly principled, with 39.1% classifying as Absolutists and 29.7% as Situationists, reflecting a collective priority on patient safety and harm avoidance. Ethics training appears to contribute significantly to ethical recognition, significantly improving a professional’s ability to identify misconduct such as misleading claims or the withholding of safety information. Notably, Maltese nationality was the strongest predictor of high moral distress, while pharmacists reported significantly higher distress than non-pharmacists, particularly regarding safety information and unethical incentives. Furthermore, a clear shift in ideology was observed with tenure, moving from Subjectivism at entry-level to Absolutism among more experienced professionals. Conclusion The study concludes that while the Maltese pharmaceutical workforce is fundamentally principled, individuals face significant distress when commercial pressures conflict with professional integrity. Description: M.A. Bus. Ethics(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150385 2026-10-23T06:54:16Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Guardianships and older adults from the perspective of dignity Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, classified under major neurocognitive disorder. According to Alzheimer Europe’s 2025 report, an estimated 9,476 people in Malta are living with dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2050. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience severe cognitive decline, affecting their ability to carry out daily tasks and make important healthcare decisions. In such cases, guardianship may be introduced to support decision-making. Guardianship refers to the legal relationship between a guardian and a person unable to manage their own affairs due to mental or physical incapacity. Despite its protective role, guardianship may threaten the dignity and autonomy of older adults when applied in a paternalistic manner within Maltese healthcare settings. This creates an ethical dilemma: balancing the protection of vulnerable individuals with respect for their autonomy and dignity. This dissertation critically examines Maltese guardianship law and explores how it may either support or undermine the dignity and autonomy of older adults under guardianship. The study addresses two main questions: Do guardianships in Malta adequately protect the dignity and autonomy of older adults in practice? If not, how can guardianship be reformed to better safeguard both? The study adopts a bibliographic approach using secondary sources, including peer reviewed articles, books, policy documents, medical society publications, and legal texts. Some anecdotal experiences observed by the researcher are also included. The dissertation is divided into three chapters: the first examines Maltese guardianship law and its ethical implications; the second explores the philosophical concepts of dignity and autonomy; and the third proposes recommendations for reform. Ultimately, this research aims to promote ethical discussion surrounding guardianship and raise awareness of the challenges it presents, while offering recommendations to better protect the human rights, dignity, and autonomy of older adults in healthcare decision-making. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146072 2026-04-30T10:02:10Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Recognising treasures in the dross : prayer according to Ruth Burrows OCD Abstract: The main focus of this dissertation is to elucidate the nature of prayer as understood by Sr. Ruth Burrows, OCD. Her experiences led her to believe that prayer should be viewed as our primary way of communicating with God. Therefore, we must have the confidence to stand before Him as we truly are—His children—while surrendering to and trusting Him as our Father. We need to embrace our humanness, with its inherent limitations, as a necessary aspect of our fundamental obedience to God. This calls us to follow the perfect example of Jesus Crucified, who fully emptied Himself in order to receive all that God wanted to offer. Burrows asserts that it is precisely our emptiness that creates the capacity to receive God and His love, which she believes is the essence of authentic prayer. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145439 2026-04-09T09:50:08Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of the Catholic school ethos on students : a case study Abstract: This research examines how a Catholic secondary school communicates and sustains its ethos through the lived experiences of its students. Focusing on St Michael School, administered by the Society of Christian Doctrine, the study examines how its Catholic identity—shaped by the SDC virtues, particularly humility and meekness—is lived and transmitted to students within the school community. A mixed-methods case study design was employed to provide both quantitative breadth and qualitative depth. Data were collected through a comprehensive student questionnaire administered to the entire school population, a semi-structured interview with a member of the school leadership team, and a post-survey student focus group. Statistical analysis of survey data complemented a thematic analysis of interview and focus group responses, identifying key patterns and recurring themes. Findings indicate that St Michael School’s Catholic ethos is communicated through both explicit and implicit dimensions—ritual practice, curriculum, relationships, and leadership witness. Students reported a clear awareness of the school’s Catholic identity, valuing opportunities for religious participation and identifying core Gospel values such as humility, respect, and care as central to their experience. The results also highlight that ethos is most effectively transmitted through teachers’ relational presence, personal example, and pastoral attentiveness. Leadership accessibility and continuous staff formation emerged as essential in ensuring coherence and authenticity between belief and practice. The study concludes that St Michael School exemplifies the Church’s vision of integral human formation, where faith, reason, and culture are harmoniously united. It recommends that sustained investment in educator formation, relational leadership, and ongoing reflection on the SDC charism remain central to nurturing a living and credible Catholic identity in a changing educational context. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z