Modelling aspects of role among middle managers in English Further Education colleges

This thesis is copyright material and no quotation from it may be published without proper acknowledgment ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to offer thanks to my two supervisors: Marianne Coleman who gave excellent guidance, particularly in the early stages of the project, and Les Bell, who supported me through to its completion. Thanks also go to Jacky Lumby, whose insight into the management of Further Education has been invaluable. Acknowledgement is also due to the staff at the four case study colleges who gave generously of their time in order to enhance understanding of college middle management. I am particularly indebted to the Principal of College A, without whose advocacy the project in its current form would not have taken place. I have been fortunate in being professionally and personally supported in my research by colleagues at the Centre for Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Leicester, and by colleagues in the wider university and further education sectors. The University of Leicester granted me study leave during 2003, whic