All research activity may b argued to be collaborative in nature. This dissertation is no exception and the effort, ideas and invaluable support of a number on individuals is acknowledged. Thanks may be extended along the lines of supervision, empirical support and in more general sense as follows:Firstly the research process would have been far more tortuous, if not impossible, were it not for the experience and guidance of my supervisor. On this account, gratitude is extended to Mr. Carlos Ribeiro for his experienced "invisible hand" of guidance and his soft, gentle and affectionate style...