In many countries the focus of the employer's health policy has shifted from the emphasis of treating the disease to the preventative paradigm, which focuses more on the promotion of employees' health. Literature indicates that health promotion programmes have various positive consequences. The aim of this research is therefore to establish some physical, physiological and bio-chemical health profiles of colliery executives in South Africa as well as to determine the effect of a physical and a combined physical and health promotion intervention programme on the parameters mentioned above. Finally, this study aims to determine the effect of a physical and a combined physical and health promotion intervention programme on coronary prone South African colliery executives. In this study an availability, non-randomized sample of 143 white male executives from five collieries, aged 26-58 (x 41.7, ± 7.98 years), was used. These collieries are spread over two South African provinces namely Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Subjects who were on medication that could affect their cholesterol, blood pressure and aerobic fitness values were excluded from the study. The following parameters were used in this study: aerobic fitness, shoulder/arm, strength/endurance (push-ups) abdominal strength/endurance (sit-ups), flexibility, fat percentage, waist-and-hip circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and leisure-time physical activity participation. ANOVA was used for statistical data analysis - providing descriptive and summarising statistics. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine relationships between variables. The Tukey post-hoc test was used to determine whether certain groups differed statistically significant from each other. It is clear from the descriptive data that flexibility (56.7%), sit-ups (39.7%), aerobic fitness (44.8%), fat percentage (31.4%), BMI (35.7%) and WHR (44.7%) fall into the undesired health zone. Regarding the physiological parameter blood pressure, 16.8% (systolic blood pressure) and 21.7% (diastolic blood pressure) fall into the undesired health zone; regarding the bio-chemical parameter cholesterol, 53.2% falls into the undesired health zone. With regard to some parameters, it appears that the experimental group showed statistically significant changes from Test 1 to Test 3, while the control group showed no statistically significant changes. The reason for this may vary from respondent to respondent already showing "normal" baseline values, probably due to their relative young age (Z=41 years) as to programme preferences and programme adherence. It must, however, be kept in mind that only physical, physiological and bio-chemical parameters were assessed. The health promotion activities focused more on the participants' knowledge empowerment. If these parameters were also included in the assessments the "enriched" programme might have provided some advantages that may have led to long term commitment and behaviour change. Physical fdness intervention (control group) is equally effective in addressing the primary coronary risk factors compared to a programme enriched with health promotion activities (experimental group). However, it seems that the experimental group showed a better response as far as lifestyle change (smoking) and physical activity were concerned. Assessment of other psycho-emotional parameters might indicate a different picture. Respectively 11.7% and 7.6% of the experimental and control group stopped smoking while 20.8% and 16.3% of the experimental and control group respectively reported a higher leisure-time physical activity participation. Regarding aerobic fitness and blood pressure, the average baseline values moved from the high risk category to the "normal" category, while the total cholesterol concentration in the post training values decreased with 12.5% and 14.8% in the experimental and control group respectively. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The movement of passengers, goods, and information has always been fundamental components of human societies. It is all related to transport costs as well as to the attributes of what is being transported. However, regulations, laws, and tariffs can influence transportability. Countries around the world have been changing their international trade policies by reducing both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Informal barriers hinder trade and the benefits of export, such as economic growth, that come with the achievement of trade liberalisation. It was found that the impact of transport costs on trade patterns has become an important study. Theoretical and empirical work in international trade only recently began considering the geography of exports as a possible explanation for high transport costs. For instance, factors such as distance, market size, scale economies, and agglomeration affect transportation costs around the world. Transport costs in South Africa are a relevant issue due to its geographical position. South Africa is situated far from its major trading partners. In addition, the majority of South African exports originate in Gauteng, which is around 600km from the nearest seaport. For South African exports to remain competitive, domestic transport costs must be reduced. One method of cutting costs is by connecting a container dry port with an intermodal transport system to the major seaports (namely Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town). The empirical study was conducted in the form an interview-based questionnaire. A total of 18 questions were asked to individuals at a terminal in Gauteng. The purpose of the questionnaire was to gather information on the service delivery of South African inland terminals. This led to the conclusion that City Deep functions well in terms of service delivery and provides extra services to both exporters and importers. Potential problems regarding City Deep's infrastructure were identified. It was found that train and truck congestion within City Deep is an everyday phenomenon. The existing infrastructure cannot handle the train and truck traffic entering City Deep. It was found that clients prefer road transportation to rail transportation, therefore, the amount of trucks entering and leaving City Deep causes congestion. This not only affects the infrastructure at City Deep, but also that of South Africa. More trucks on the roads exacerbate air pollution and road accidents, and overloaded trucks damage South African roads. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

With recognition of turnover as a financial issue increasing, companies are searching for strategies to confront the problem in ways that generate a good return on investment. Successfully managing turnover is a matter of understanding its costs, causes and cures. In service–oriented industries such as banking, people are considered among the most important assets of a firm. Forward–thinking banks are looking for ways to leverage people, along with processes and technology, to achieve their objectives. Employee expectations are changing, too, forcing organisations to place a greater emphasis on talent management strategies and practices. Employees rarely quit on the spot. Generally, an employee becomes dissatisfied and stays disengaged for quite a while before leaving. However, from the moment of disengagement, most employees are no longer as dedicated or productive as they once were. Nearly all the real reasons why employees quit, fall into four basic categories of human needs: the need for trust, the need for hope, the need to feel competent, and the need to feel valued and trustworthy (Branham, 2005). Thirteen possible reasons for resignations were identified within the banking sector, namely: desire to take on a new challenge, bad relationship with management, bad relationship with colleagues, lack of opportunity for advancement, lack of appreciation (perception of recognition), better compensation and benefits elsewhere, long working hours, lack of control over work or working environment, travelling distance to work, personal satiation at home, lack of training and support to reach potential, the department is conducive to black advancement, the bank embraces diversity for all. Most of the employees that resigned voluntary did so because of lack of opportunity for advancement, a desire to take on a new challenge and a lack of appreciation. The statistical analysis revealed that amongst position title, there is a statistical significance for the bank embraces diversity for all as a reason for resignation and that the effect between junior managers and team leaders has a large effect. Analysis by gender differences shows that there is a statistical significance for personal situation at home as a reason for resignation and that females feels stronger about this than males. When looked at the difference between ethnic group, there are two reasons that are statistical significant namely, better compensation elsewhere and long working hours. Africans, coloureds and white‘s size effect is large, meaning that Africans and coloureds feel stronger about leaving for better compensation elseware than whites. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The movement of passengers, goods, and information has always been fundamental components of human societies. It is all related to transport costs as well as to the attributes of what is being transported. However, regulations, laws, and tariffs can influence transportability. Countries around the world have been changing their international trade policies by reducing both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Informal barriers hinder trade and the benefits of export, such as economic growth, that come with the achievement of trade liberalisation. It was found that the impact of transport costs on trade patterns has become an important study. Theoretical and empirical work in international trade only recently began considering the geography of exports as a possible explanation for high transport costs. For instance, factors such as distance, market size, scale economies, and agglomeration affect transportation costs around the world. Transport costs in South Africa are a relevant issue due to its geographical position. South Africa is situated far from its major trading partners. In addition, the majority of South African exports originate in Gauteng, which is around 600km from the nearest seaport. For South African exports to remain competitive, domestic transport costs must be reduced. One method of cutting costs is by connecting a container dry port with an intermodal transport system to the major seaports (namely Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town). The empirical study was conducted in the form an interview-based questionnaire. A total of 18 questions were asked to individuals at a terminal in Gauteng. The purpose of the questionnaire was to gather information on the service delivery of South African inland terminals. This led to the conclusion that City Deep functions well in terms of service delivery and provides extra services to both exporters and importers. Potential problems regarding City Deep's infrastructure were identified. It was found that train and truck congestion within City Deep is an everyday phenomenon. The existing infrastructure cannot handle the train and truck traffic entering City Deep. It was found that clients prefer road transportation to rail transportation, therefore, the amount of trucks entering and leaving City Deep causes congestion. This not only affects the infrastructure at City Deep, but also that of South Africa. More trucks on the roads exacerbate air pollution and road accidents, and overloaded trucks damage South African roads. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

With recognition of turnover as a financial issue increasing, companies are searching for strategies to confront the problem in ways that generate a good return on investment. Successfully managing turnover is a matter of understanding its costs, causes and cures. In service–oriented industries such as banking, people are considered among the most important assets of a firm. Forward–thinking banks are looking for ways to leverage people, along with processes and technology, to achieve their objectives. Employee expectations are changing, too, forcing organisations to place a greater emphasis on talent management strategies and practices. Employees rarely quit on the spot. Generally, an employee becomes dissatisfied and stays disengaged for quite a while before leaving. However, from the moment of disengagement, most employees are no longer as dedicated or productive as they once were. Nearly all the real reasons why employees quit, fall into four basic categories of human needs: the need for trust, the need for hope, the need to feel competent, and the need to feel valued and trustworthy (Branham, 2005). Thirteen possible reasons for resignations were identified within the banking sector, namely: desire to take on a new challenge, bad relationship with management, bad relationship with colleagues, lack of opportunity for advancement, lack of appreciation (perception of recognition), better compensation and benefits elsewhere, long working hours, lack of control over work or working environment, travelling distance to work, personal satiation at home, lack of training and support to reach potential, the department is conducive to black advancement, the bank embraces diversity for all. Most of the employees that resigned voluntary did so because of lack of opportunity for advancement, a desire to take on a new challenge and a lack of appreciation. The statistical analysis revealed that amongst position title, there is a statistical significance for the bank embraces diversity for all as a reason for resignation and that the effect between junior managers and team leaders has a large effect. Analysis by gender differences shows that there is a statistical significance for personal situation at home as a reason for resignation and that females feels stronger about this than males. When looked at the difference between ethnic group, there are two reasons that are statistical significant namely, better compensation elsewhere and long working hours. Africans, coloureds and white‘s size effect is large, meaning that Africans and coloureds feel stronger about leaving for better compensation elseware than whites. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Disertacijoje vertinta su alkoholio vartojimu siejama socialinė ir ekonominė žala Lietuvoje. Pagrindiniai darbo uždaviniai buvo įvertinti su alkoholio vartojimu susijusį mirtingumą, ligotumą ir netektą darbingumą, nustatyti su alkoholio vartojimu susijusių teisėtvarkos pažeidimų apimtis bei įvertinti su alkoholio vartojimu susijusią ekonominę žalą Lietuvoje 2010 m. Tyrime analizuoti Higienos instituto, SVEIDRA, Neįgalumo ir darbingumo nustatymo tarnybos, Statistikos departamento, Informatikos ir ryšių departamento, Valstybinio psichikos sveikatos centro, Valstybinės ligonių kasos, Lietuvos kelių policijos tarnybos, Kalėjimų departamento bei Socialinės apsaugos ir darbo ministerijos duomenys. Analizuojant alkoholio vartojimo žalą sveikatai iš viso buvo vertintos 55 ligos ir būklės (ar jų grupės), visiškai ar iš dalies siejamos su alkoholinių gėrimų vartojimu. 22 iš šių būklių visiškai siejamos tik su alkoholinių gėrimų vartojimu. Likusi dalis – iš dalies alkoholio sąlygojamos būklės, kurių tam tikros proporcijos priskyrimas alkoholio žalai pagrįstas remiantis Lietuvai apskaičiuotomis alkoholiui priskiriamomis dalimis (angl. Alcohol-attributable fractions). Disertacijos rezultatai parodė, kad alkoholio vartojimo sąlygojama socialinė ir ekonominė žala atsispindi daugelyje socialinės gerovės sričių, o tiesiogiai sveikatos priežiūrai tenkanti alkoholio vartojimo sukeliamos socialinės ir ekonominės žalos dalis tėra tik vienas iš daugelio šios žalos komponentų. / The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate the social and economic harm of alcohol in Lithuania. The main objectives were to estimate alcohol-attributable mortality, morbidity, disabilities, to evaluate alcohol related violations of law, and to estimate alcohol-attributable economic costs in Lithuania in 2010. The study includes the data from Institute of Hygiene, SVEIDRA, Disability and Capacity Assessment Service, Department of Statistics, Information Technology and Communications Department, State Mental Health Center, State Patient Fund, Lithuanian Traffic Police Office, Prison Department and Ministry of Social Security and Labour. In total this study included 55 conditions and groups of conditions that are fully or partially attributable to alcohol. 22 of those conditions are 100 per cent attributable to alcohol. The rest were partially attributable to alcohol, which were estimated by applying the Lithuanian specific Alcohol-attributable fractions. The results of this dissertation have identified that alcohol-attributable social and economic harm to society is widely spread across many social welfare sectors, as well as direct health care costs is only one of many alcohol-attributable harm components.

The role of shelterbelts within prairie agriculture is changing. In the past, shelterbelts have been promoted and adopted for soil stabilization and their ability to protect farmsteads and livestock from harsh prairie climates. In today’s agricultural landscape advances in production technology, an increase in farm size, and changes to policy have changed the circumstances in which decisions related to shelterbelts are made. The objective of this research is to identify the costs, benefits and the barriers to adoption and retention of shelterbelts that influence agricultural producers and landowners’ management decisions related to shelterbelts in the Canadian Prairies. In the summer of 2013, surveys of producers and landowners from throughout the province of Saskatchewan (and several from Alberta) were conducted. Using the information collected in the surveys, the costs and benefits (both economic and non-economic), and potential barriers to adoption and retention of shelterbelts that influence producer’s management decisions were identified and analyzed. This research identified that overall shelterbelts removal is increasing and that there are many barriers to adoption and retention for agricultural producers related to the economic costs. In addition, it was found that many of the benefits of shelterbelts are non-economic and more difficult for producers and landowners to recognize within their operations. Going forward, shelterbelts have the potential to play a major role in climate change mitigation by sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into the soil and as biomass carbon in aboveground and belowground parts of planted shelterbelt trees or shrubs within the agricultural landscape. In addition, shelterbelts provide many ecological goods and services to landowners and society. In conclusion, understanding the context in which producers are making decisions related to shelterbelts within their operations is important from an agricultural production, climate change, and policy perspective.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate hospital costs in Kaunas Medical University Hospital (KMUH). KMUH is the largest hospital in Lithuania, having 1995 in-patient beds, 26 specialised in-patient departments, 5130 employees, and providing wide range of in-patient services. Methods. Methods, used in the study include assessment of inputs and outputs, evaluation of average cost per case, estimation of cost structure, estimation of case-mix dimensions in in-patient departments and clinical categories and assessment of impact of case-mix dimensions to cost per case, using multiple regressionanalysis. Cross-sectional study designwas used in the study, evaluating mainly cases and expenses of all 26 specialised in-patient departments of KMUH per year 2002. Five cost groups have been used and defined inmonetary terms in each in-patient department: labour costs; medication costs; laboratory, radiology and anaesthesiology costs; running costs of medical equipment supply andother costs (including in-patients’ mealcosts, transportation, laundry, communication, etc. costs). Case was defined as one treatment episode in particular in-patient department. Cases were analysed using following case-mix dimensions: sex, age, absenceor presence of surgical operation, patient separation status and in-patientservice group. Results. Average costs per case vary widely among in-patient departments, ranging from 126.01 Litas (36.52 Euro) to 3451.68 Litas (999.73 Euro) per case.During the study average cost per case were also estimated in clinical profiles – surgery – 1161.0 Litas (336.24 Euro), therapy – 1312.15 Litas (380.02 Euro),obstetrics and gynaecology –685.82 Litas (198.62 Euro), newborn and child care – 893.54 Litas (258.78 Euro) and intensive care – 1292.92 Litas (374.45 Euro). Using multiple regression analysis method, costper case ineach in-patient department and clinical category according case-mix dimensions were predicted. In all in-patient departments predicted values of average costs per case according case-mix dimensions, comparing with actual values, did not differ so much. Positive contributions to predictedvalue of cost per case, shows only one variable – IA in-patient service group. In any predicted case contributions of independent variables have notbeen observedas significant (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions. Inputs (measured in the number of beds) and outputs (measured in the number of in-patientcases and the number of bed-days) are different across in-patient departments, as well as outputs (measured inthe number of treatment episodes according to case-mix dimensions). The average costs per case vary widely across in-patient departments and clinical categories. The analysis of the structure of average costs per case demonstrated striking differences in in-patient departments. In all in-patient departments the predicted values of the average costs per case according to case-mix dimensions, do not differ so much comparing with theactual observed costs per case. Positive contributions to the predicted value of the cost per case, shows only onevariable – IA in-patient service group. The results of the study have proved the evidence that clinical casestreated within the same in-patient department of the hospital are not similar. The results of studyhave showedthe failure of use of “in-patient service groups” as proxy of International Disease Classification due to numberof reasons / <p>ISBN 91-7997-101-6</p>

Protected areas, such as national parks, can provide nearby communities with a wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as ecosystem services and tourism development. However, protected areas can also subject communities to a number of costs, such as displacement and an increase in negative human-wildlife interactions. This study investigates how the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada perceive they have been impacted by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR). Specific areas of focus include respondents’ attitude and level of support for PRNPR and their perceptions of concerns and benefits related to the park. Data for this study was collected using a focus group and questionnaire administered using the “drop-off” method. The results of this study suggest that residents of Tofino and Ucluelet generally have a positive attitude towards the park and perceive PRNPR subjects their communities to a number of concerns and benefits. It was found that attitudes were linked to perceived concerns and benefits, perceived changes in the community, and level of involvement with PRNPR. With regards to concerns and benefits, it was found that respondents were most concerned with financial costs related to PRNPR and most valued benefits related to conservation. / Graduate

This Thesis is concerned with the development of a strategic model for assisting with the implementation of Best Value into policing in Northern Ireland. Best Value is a legislative requirement for public sector organisations that is primarily concerned with improving the efficiency and effectiveness of policing; thereby improving the overall quality of service provided to the community. This study approaches the issue of Best Value implementation from the perspective of organisational culture. It seeks to assess the impact of organisational culture on the implementation of Best Value and to provide senior managers within PSNI with a strategic model to assist with full and effective implementation. The thesis opens with an examination of the history of policing in Northern Ireland and relates the development of the organisational culture of the service to the influence of the lengthy period of conflict and violence known as 'The Troubles' that made up the external environment in which police officers delivered a service to the community. The background and rationale of Best Value are explored, and through a detailed review of literature, the main operating principles of Best Value are identified. It is through the use of the Best Value principles that the current organisational culture of the PSNI was examined through a research strategy that had a balanced approach of qualitative and quantitative methods. The analysis of the data gleaned from the research identified a significant level of negativity towards Best Value. This was such that if strategic measures were not developed to assist with implementation, this would have led to potential improvements in service delivery and benefits for the Northern Ireland community being lost. Having examined the organisational culture of PSNI with regard to Best Value the study concludes that there is a need for a strategy to be used that effectively manages the influences of the organisational culture. The proposed strategy addresses issues that will directly impact the organisational culture, and provides a series of practical Constructs that can be introduced by PSNI. The strategy provides an effective framework to enable effective Best Value implementation.