https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34857 2026-04-09T06:10:11Z 2026-04-09T06:10:11Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36992 2018-12-07T08:47:53Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A framework for modelling spatial transport vulnerabilities for the older population in Malta Abstract: In recent years, several countries around the world have continued to experience growing older populations. This increase is a reflection of social and economic progress. However it is also a major challenge in various sectors, including transport. Transport is an essential infrastructure for older people to be independent and maintain a good quality of life. The current generations of older people are becoming more active and mobile, primarily due to the rapid increase in older drivers. However, the older population is also ageing in itself which means that the number of older-old people is increasing. Due to physiological changes associated with ageing, these usually suffer from limitations in their travel. Travel behaviour in later life is therefore very heterogeneous, and the determinants of mobility very complex. Malta experienced a significant increase in its older population in recent years, is a country which suffers from very high car dependence and has the highest population density in Europe. Nevertheless, it is still an under-researched case study and mobility of older people is not given much consideration in transport policy. The aim of this study is to investigate the travel behaviour of older people in Malta and provide recommendations for independent mobility in later life. The research adopts a social psychological approach, using the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB) as its underpinning framework. The research method employed to fulfil this aim is a telephone-based questionnaire survey with older people in Malta. The aim of the study is primarily achieved through an understanding of the objective and psychological determinants of travel behaviour in later life. Clusters of older people are also developed to understand the differences and similarities between older road users and their implications for policy are discussed accordingly. The five top determinants that affect travel behaviour for older people in Malta are age, district, participation in social activities, occupation status and the presence of an assistive device. With regard to the psychological factors, travel behaviour of older people in Malta is mostly guided by their cognitive thinking i.e. intention. The latter is mostly affected by their social norms and self-concept. Although with a smaller impact than that of intention, habit and facilitating conditions are also positive significant factors predicting mobility in later life. The three clusters of older people in Malta are Complacent and Autonomous Younger-Old, Slightly Restrained Younger-Old and Pessimistic Limited-Mobility Older-Old. Significant differences emerge between these three clusters, even between the two composed of younger-old people. The study also provides recommendations for more independent mobility in later life. These range from a reduction in the car use habit, an understanding of the psychological characteristics of travel behaviour and improvements in the public transport system to further cater for the mobility needs of older people. The introduction of new flexible transport services, road safety training courses, informal seminars and volunteer driving programmes in Malta is also discussed. Older people in Malta should also be provided with a more “facilitating” transport infrastructure and should be encouraged to participate further in social activities. Description: PH.D.GEOGRAPHY

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/35051 2018-10-24T01:27:45Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: De Redin towers of Malta : a contemporary geographic evaluation Abstract: This work will investigate the contemporary geography of the De Redin towers in Malta and their utilization for touristic purposes. It will look at physical features, presence or lack of visitors, accessibility to the site, information provided and the possibility of carrying out the towers' original function. A map with the investigated features was created in order to visualize the information collected during field surveys. First and foremost, a history of fortifications in Malta will be established with particular focus on the Knight's of Saint John. The thesis will also look at cultural/heritage tourism in the past, its development, and its relevance today as well as its contribution to creating a more sustainable form of tourism. Moreover, several cases of fortifications in other countries will be examined, discussed and contrasted with the situation in Malta. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34981 2018-10-23T01:29:37Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The ‘F-word’ : feminism and gender equality perceptions across the Maltese islands Abstract: Gender equality and feminism within society have grown and evolved in the Maltese Islands throughout the years. Yet despite this progress, the country still ranks poorly when compared to other EU countries, primarily due to unequal economic participation and opportunity. To better understand this discrepancy, this study investigates the population’s perceptions of gender equality and feminism through interviews with key experts in Maltese society and a questionnaire sample from the Maltese population. The study examined the extent to which socio-demographic factors such as; age, gender, locality, level of education and current occupation, along with personal experiences, affect this perception. The results indicate that gender has the most significant impact on the perception of gender equality and feminism in the Maltese Islands. The results also suggest the importance for policies and incentives to acknowledge the underlying mechanisms that produce and impact people’s perceptions to ensure sustainable development in the Maltese Islands, in terms of gender equality. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34955 2018-10-20T01:29:45Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Food waste within Maltese restaurants Abstract: The study aims to explore the awareness of restaurant managers on food waste and how food waste is being reduced within Maltese restaurants. It attempts to analyse the manager’s knowledge and skill on how to reduce food waste. A qualitative approach was adopted throughout this study. The researcher visited family style, fine dining, take away and buffet restaurants from all over Malta. In each restaurant, the researcher held semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data took place by means of thematic analysis. The results indicated that Maltese restaurant managers have limited awareness on what causes food waste and what needs to be done to reduce food waste. Recommendations on what can be done to improve the restaurant manager’s knowledge on how to reduce food waste, together with further implications and further research are included in the conclusion. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z