The Irish credit union movement: member participation and organisational effectiveness

This thesis explores the relationship between organisational effectiveness and member participation in Irish credit unions. It is hypothesised that a positive relationship exists between both variables. Co-operative literature suggests that co-operatives require the involvement of the members in identifying and meeting their own needs in order to be effective organisations. Previous research studies into the issue across a variety of organisational types have shown mixed results. Related research into credit unions is sparse. The primary research undertaken is both quantitative and qualitative in approach. Organisational effectiveness is examined in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Member participation, being an organisational process, is examined in qualitative terms. Indicators of organisational effectiveness, specific to credit unions, are drawn up and form a framework through which effectiveness is examined. A typology and indicators of member participation are also developed and form a framework through which member participation is examined. The case study method is used primarily, to examine organisational effectiveness and member participation in Irish credit unions. A case study of a theoretical credit union, which is based on a composite of good practice in credit unions in Ireland and internationally, is also drawn up to develop the analysis further. The case studies allow an analysis of both organisational effectiveness and member participation, as well as an exploration of the relationship between the two. The findings support the hypothesis that there is a direct relationship between the two variables. In order to be effective, credit unions must involve their members in identifying their needs and in designing services to meet these needs. At present, they do not do this to any large extent. In order to continue to meet the needs of their members and to compete in the financial services sector, credit unions will need to find ways of involving members, drawing on good practice in other co-operatives. This will be critical to their continued success.

Access to modified geiparvarins using Pd(0)-mediated C-C bond forming reactions

Geiparvarin is a natural product which contains both a 3(2H)-furanone and a coumarin moiety in its structure. The aim of this project was to investigate the use of Pd(0)-mediated C–C bondforming reactions to produce structurally modified geiparvarins. Chapter 1 consists of a review of the relevant literature, including that pertaining to the syntheses of selected naturally occurring 3(2H)-furanones. The known syntheses of geiparvarin and closely related analogues are examined, along with the documented biological activity of these compounds. The synthetic routes which allow access to 4-substituted-3(2H)-furanones are also described. Chapter 2 describes in detail the synthesis of a variety of novel structurally modified geiparvarins by two complementary routes, both approaches utilising Pd(0)-mediated crosscoupling reactions, and discusses the characterisation of these compounds. The preparation of 5-ethyl-3(2H)-furanones is described, as is their incorporation into geiparvarin and the corresponding 5″-alkylgeiparvarin analogues via formation and dehydration of intermediate alcohols. Halogenation of 5-ethyl-3(2H)-furanones and the corresponding geiparvarin derivatives is discussed, along with further reactions of the resulting halides. Preparation of 3″-arylgeiparvarins involving both Suzuki–Miyura and Stille reactions, using the appropriate intermediate iodides and bromides, is described. The application of Stille and Heck conditions to give 3″-ethenylgeiparvarin analogues and Sonogashira conditions to produce 3″-ethynylgeiparvarin analogues, using the relevant intermediate iodides, is also extensively outlined. Chapter 3 contains all of the experimental data and details of the synthetic methods employed for the compounds prepared during the course of this research. All novel compounds prepared were fully characterised using NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis; the details of which are included.