This study analyzes the long-term evolution of the North American pulp and paper industry, and offers a new synthesis of the dynamic forces that spearheaded the expansion and transformation of this large manufacturing industry. The evolution of the North American pulp and paper industry between 1860 and 1960 was driven by successive waves of technological learning that spawned structural change. Such waves transformed and expanded the sulphite and sulphate pulp, envelope, paper container, paper bag, magazine and printing paper, coated paper, board, and many other pulp and paper industries between 1860 and 1960. These waves repeated a pattern of co-evolution of technology and industrial organization that enveloped dynamic forces of change, such as innovation, corporate strategies, industrial relocation, and policy. As distinct branches of the pulp and paper industry passed from the early nascent phase to full maturity, the sources of innovation, nature of technological change, strategy and structure of leading firms, and industrial organization underwent throughout transformation. As these waves of industrial change passed from a nascent phase to maturity, the reciprocal dynamics between organization, corporate strategy, policy, and technological learning co-evolved, and established the evolutionary path of the North American pulp and paper industry.

Finding ways to deal with complex situations has been a long issue of interest by researchers and scholars alike. Researchers and scholars have provided the strategy community with an insightful understanding of the phenomenon of complexity. The traditional understanding of complexity in strategic management, mainly coming from the design school of strategy, has given way to modern complexity perspectives. These perspectives are from Chaos Theory, Dissipative Structures and Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). Complexity sciences seek to look at the challenges associated with knowing and understanding the unknowable by focusing on the interactions in complex systems. The properties of complex systems in turn provide lessons that can be transferred to the field of strategic management in a form of approaches to deal with complexity. The CAS metaphor will be used as a model to contrast the approaches in current use by the organisation of study in strategic management. Insights from studies on complex systems points to a need for constant exploratory studies in organisations to determine how well organisations are responding to complexity. The aim of this study is to explore approaches that inform thinking and management practices in strategic management by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (department) in view of complexity - increasing difficulties to understand the world. Firstly, results of the study are intended to contribute to understanding how insights arising from the study of complex systems, in the world, are being used to rethink and design government departments – public sector organisations - systems and strategic approaches, so that they are more flexible, adaptable and able to respond efficiently and effectively to changes in larger environment. Secondly, where the study finds that the current complexity approaches of the department are not informed by the latest thinking on complexity, recommendations are made on ways the department can improve its approaches. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Michigan.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-224). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1992.

Dissertation (D.P.H.)--University of Michigan.

Thesis (MScEng (Industrial Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this study is to develop a tool to enable manufacturing enterprises to develop a sustainability strategy suited to their specific business. In the study, the business reality that faces enterprises is discussed from a systems perspective. The concepts of sustainability and sustainable development are explored. Specific attention is paid to building mental models of what these concepts entail and the application thereof in individual manufacturing enterprises. Specific strategies and concepts, such as the Five Capitals Model, the Natural Step and Industrial Ecology, are highlighted. These tools and strategies are then consolidated into a ―Sustainable Roadmap‖, a tool to facilitate the development of a sustainability strategy. The ―Sustainability Roadmap‖ is tested by applying it to a case study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: maatskappye sal help om ‗n onderneming spesifieke volhoubaarheids strategie te ontwikkel. In die studie word die besigheids realiteit van vervaardigingsmaatskappye bespreek van sistemiese perspektief. Die konsepte van volhoubaarheid en volhoubare ontwikkeling word verken. Spesifieke aandag word gegee aan die bou van modelle van wat hierdie konsepte behels. Spesifieke strategieë en modelle soos die ―Five Capitals Model‖, ―Natural Step‖ en ‖Industrial Ecology‖ word uitgelig. Hierdie konsepte en strategieë word dan saamgevat op ‗n sistematiese manier in ‗n ―Volhoubaarheids Padkaart‖, ‗n padkaart wat maatskappye kan volg om ‗n volhoubaarheids strategie te ontwikkel. Die ―Volhoubaarheids Padkaart‖ word getoets deur dit toe te pas op ‗n gevallestudie.

Thesis (MEng)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Performance management systems are integral to many organisations. On all levels of management such performance measurements are used to drive a desired behaviour and business units, departments, as well as individuals are rewarded for meeting or exceeding set targets. In large silo-structured organisations, divisions are particularly focused on their own targets and responsibilities. This may result in a diminished view of the effect their strategies and processes may have on overall stakeholder value. These divisions execute strategies to enhance the achievement of their own goal. The execution of these strategies sometimes hampers other divisions in meeting their goals. The net effect of this hampering may result in reduced stakeholder value. A mechanism is needed through which organisational divisions can evaluate the systemic environment, in order to identify hampering processes. The case may be that their processes are hampering other divisions, or that their processes as such are being hampered. The main objective of this research study was to develop such a mechanism. This mechanism emerged through a framework which can be used during investigations of hampering processes. Such investigation is conducted by following six predefined steps to guide the investigator in identifying the hampering factors. This framework was developed by combining primarily three disciplines: Systems thinking, Performance evaluation and Supplier perceived value. The evaluation framework was validated through three case studies. In all of the cases the framework delivered the expected result. It is thus concluded that organisations can apply the framework to help identify systemic environmental factors that may hamper business processes. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Prestasiebestuurstelsels maak ʼn integrale deel uit van die meeste organisasies. Prestasiebeoordeling word op alle vlakke van bestuur ingespan om die verlangde gedrag aan te moedig. Sake-eenhede, departemente en individue word vergoed indien hulle die gestelde doelwitte haal of oorskry. In groot silo-gedrewe organisasies is afdelings grootliks gefokus op hulle eie verantwoordelikhede en om hulle eie doelwitte te bereik. Gevolglik verminder dit soms die uitwerking wat die uitkomste van hulle strategieë en prosesse het op die belanghebbendes van die organisasie. Hierdie afdelings voer dus strategieë uit om hulle eie doelwitte te behaal. Soms verhinder hierdie strategieë ander afdelings om hulle doelwitte te bereik. Die basiese effek hiervan kan wees dat minder waarde aan die belanghebbendes deurgegee word. ‘n Organisasie het dus ʼn meganisme nodig om die sistemiese omgewing mee te evalueer en sodoende prosesse te identifiseer wat belemmer is of wat belemmering kan veroorsaak. Die hoofdoel van hierdie navorsingstudie was om so ʼn meganisme te ontwikkel. Hierdie meganisme het na vore gekom in ʼn raamwerk wat tydens ondersoeke gebruik kan word om belemmering te identifiseer. Die raamwerk is ontwikkel deur hoofsaaklik drie dissiplines in gedagte te hou: Sistemiese Benadering, Prestasie-beoordeling en die Begrip van verskafferwaarde. Die raamwerk is aan die hand van drie gevallestudies getoets en in al drie gevalle het die raamwerk die verwagte resultate opgelewer. Die gevolgtrekking is dus gemaak dat organisasies wel die raamwerk kan toegepas kan om die sistemiese omgewing te evalueer en sodoende die belemmering van prosesse op mikrovlak uit te wys.

The present study focuses on the research and evaluation of a profit- and/or result-sharing plan (PRSP) applied during 7 years at the CERTHIL Company. Multi-variable and descriptive analyses were the methods used. The objective of the research was to propose a methodology that would facilitate the implantation and evaluation of future profit-sharing plans at other companies. It is classified as a quantitative study. A questionnaire (Likert scale) was given to directors and collaborators of CERTHIL and directors of the company CERMISSÕES, which intends to implant the PRSP. The evaluation of indicators by the multi-variable analysis allowed for the selection of an ideal group of variables for analysis. The factorial analysis enabled the identification of the degree of importance of each indicator analyzed, facilitating the study of those indicators that have greater and lesser influence in the plan. The analysis of the principal components allowed for the reduction and identification of variables of greater statistical relevance, that better explain the factors to be analyzed and identify those that will maintain greater management control. The methodology proposed proved to be important and highly applicable in the evaluation and implantation of Profit- and/or Result-Sharing plans. This method can be used as a tool to monitor performance indicators applied to the PRSP and contribute to business planning. / O presente estudo concentra-se em uma pesquisa e avaliação do plano de participação nos lucros e resultado PLR aplicado há 7 anos na CERTHIL. Utilizou-se os métodos de análise descritiva e multivariada. O objetivo da pesquisa é avaliar os critérios do PLR por meio dos indicadores de desempenho aplicado aos processos produtivos. Classifica-se como pesquisa quantitativa. Aplicou-se um questionário valendo-se de uma escala Likert onde foi aplicado junto aos gestores e colaboradores da CERTHIL e gestores da CERMISSÕES - que pretende implantar a PLR. A análise descritiva foi útil para fazer o comparativo do entendimento e opinião dos respondentes de ambas as cooperativas sobre a PLR, quanto a sua implantação, influência na qualidade, lucratividade, gestão administrativa, motivação, relacionamento e comprometimento. A avaliação dos indicadores, através da análise multivariada, possibilitou selecionar um grupo ideal de variáveis para análise. A análise fatorial proporcionou a identificação do grau de importância de cada indicador analisado, facilitando o acompanhamento dos indicadores que influenciam em maior e menor importância na composição do plano. A análise de componentes principais possibilita reduzir e identificar as variáveis de maior relevância estatística, que mais expliquem os fatores a serem analisados e identifiquem as que deve manter um maior controle gerencial. Os procedimentos multivariados confirmam sua importância e aplicabilidade na avaliação e implantação de planos de participação nos lucros e resultados nas empresas. Pode-se utilizar,esse método, como ferramenta para monitorar indicadores de desempenho aplicados a PLR e contribuir na gestão administrativa.

Com base na relevância dos estudos da inovação como elemento que contribui para o desenvolvimento econômico e na teoria da Visão Baseada em Recursos, que apresenta os recursos estratégicos da firma como uma fonte para obter vantagens competitivas, este trabalho tem como objetivo principal investigar as inovações em produtos pela perspectiva da Visão Baseada em Recursos, especificamente nas microcervejarias do Rio Grande do Sul. O método selecionado foi a pesquisa qualitativa exploratória e descritiva com estratégia de estudo de caso e método de coleta de dados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicada aos gestores das microcervejarias que tiveram o reconhecimento dos seus produtos em premiações nacionais ou internacionais. A análise de dados se deu pela interpretação das transcrições das entrevistas. A categorização foi estabelecida previamente para atender a três objetivos específicos propostos: identificar as inovações em produtos nas microcervejarias do Rio Grande do Sul; identificar os recursos explorados pelas microcervejarias que geram a inovação; e, identificar os recursos que têm potencial para gerar vantagem competitiva sustentável. Como resultado, foi possível identificar as inovações em produtos na embalagem, quantidade de envaze e no que tange a cor, a textura, o aroma e o sabor, dentro dos estilos das cervejas produzidas. Foram identificados como recursos físicos para a inovação em produto a localização geográfica, o acesso à matéria-prima, a estrutura fabril e o laboratório cervejeiro. Os recursos humanos aparecem no processo de desenvolvimento dos novos produtos na forma de troca de experiências entre funcionários e sócios, cursos técnicos e a troca de experiência com mestres cervejeiros e demais colaboradores de empresas parceiras, incluindo outras microcervejarias. Como recursos organizacionais identificados estão a relação entre grupos da firma com o ambiente externo. Quanto aos recursos financeiros destaca-se o planejamento ligado à aquisição de recurso físico, em especial para a compra de matéria-prima, como facilitador da inovação. Os recursos que passaram pelo modelo VRIO e que geram a inovação em produto com características imperfeitamente imitáveis apontados pelos entrevistados são os recursos organizacionais e humanos. A ação de interação entre as microcervejarias é baseada em conhecimentos tácitos e ocorre de forma informal. A característica dos recursos organizacionais identificados usa a estratégia para a criação de novos produtos que podem gerar vantagem competitiva sustentável, apoiada nas redes de inovação e na reputação do produto frente aos canais de distribuição. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2016-09-12T14:14:11Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Greice Daniela Back.pdf: 1921749 bytes, checksum: ea0004c000f22adc0aa9e85960d6a1b0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-12T14:14:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Greice Daniela Back.pdf: 1921749 bytes, checksum: ea0004c000f22adc0aa9e85960d6a1b0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-12 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, CAPES. / Based on the relevance of studies of innovation as an element that contributes to economic development and the theory of Resource Based View, which presents the strategic resources of the firm as a source for competitive advantage, this paper aims to investigate the innovations in products from the perspective of Resource Based View, specifically in Rio Grande do Sul microbreweries. The selected method was the exploratory and descriptive qualitative research with case study strategy and data collection method through semistructured interviews, applied to microbreweries managers that had recognition of their products in national and international awards. Data analysis was done through the interpretation of interview transcripts. The categorization was previously established to answer the three specific objectives proposed: identify the product innovations in Rio Grande do Sul microbreweries; identify the resources explored by microbreweries that generate innovation; and identify the resources that have the potential to generate sustainable competitive advantage. As a result, it was possible to identify the product innovations in packaging, bottling and quantity when it comes to color, texture, scent and flavor within the styles of the beers produced. It was identified as physical resources in product innovation, geographic location, access to raw materials, the industrial structure and the brewing lab. Human resources appear in the development process of new products in the form of experience exchange between employees and partners, technical courses and the experience exchange with brew masters and other partner employees companies, including other microbreweries. As organizational resources identified are relationship between company groups with the external environment. As for financial resources stands out planning on the acquisition of physical resource, especially for the purchase of raw material, as a facilitator of innovation. The resources that have gone through VRIO model and that generate innovation in product with imperfectly imitable features mentioned by respondents are the organizational and human resources. The action of interaction between the microbreweries is based on tacit knowledge and occurs informally. The characteristic of the identified organizational resources uses the strategy to create new products that can generate sustainable competitive advantage, based on an open innovation and reputation of the product ahead to distribution channels.