Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 214-218). Also available on the Internet.

M.A. dissertation, University of Hong Kong, 1976.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1983.

No description available.

This thesis is concerned with promoting better environmental protection through the application of the precautionary principle in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The last four decades have brought a new awareness of the environmental risks of upstream oil and gas exploration and production in the Nigerian Niger Delta region. The enviro'nmental risks can be classified into certain (identified) and uncertain environmentaI risks. Uncertainties "associated with oil and gas pollution are manifested "in uncertainty as to probability of occurrence and uncertainty as to the magnitude of the environmental risk. For instance, there exist uncertainties as to impact of atmospheric emissions, uncertainty as to the full impact on biodiversity, uncertainty as to the impact on marine environment. The realisation that there are uncertain environmental risks in the oil and gas industry which cannot be completely ignored without consequence ne~essitated this research. In view of the uncertainties surrounding oil and gas environmental risks, this thesis argues that the best approach to deal with these uncertainties is through the adoption and application of the precautionary principle in the Nigerian oil and gas environmental regulatory framework. Through a comparative analysis of the UK and the Nigerian upstream oil and gas environmental laws the thesis shows that the precautionary principle has not been incorporated into the Nigerian laws. The research shows that the UK's upstream oil and gas environmental laws are more disposed to the application of the precautionary principle in the face of uncertainties than the Nigeria laws. The research recommends different ways through which the precautionary principle can be integrated into the Nigerian upstream oil and gas environmental legal framework. The recommendations made in this research do not arise solely from the positive sides of the UK experience. Measures that will promote the application of the precautionary principle which have not been implemented in the UK but are deemed to be beneficial to Nigeria are also recommended.

No description available.

Although franchising is growing in importance as a form of business with considerable benefits to all participants, little research has been done to evaluate the factors that contribute to a successful franchise relationship from the viewpoint of the franchisee. This study is intended to provide valuable information for establishing an effective management strategy, with a view to improving the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee. The study will include an analysis of the predictors of a quality relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee; and attempts to increase the understanding of the relationships between the predictors of a quality relationship, which may contribute to the franchisee's performance and satisfaction. Using the survey responses of the franchisees of the Convenience stores within the Petroleum Industry, this study identifies key factors that affect the franchisee's motivation to become a franchisee, the franchisee's perception of the franchisor's support, the quality of the relationship, loyalty/commitment to the franchisor and the franchisee's performance. The results of this study provide strong support for the idea that the quality of the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee plays a key role in ensuring that the contractual relationship will lead to financial success for both parties. Recommendations provided will assist the franchisor in establishing an effective management strategy to improve the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee and thus improve the rate of success for both the franchisor and the franchisee. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2007.

This thesis explores in detail intuition or the often neglected, non-analytical aspects of the strategic decision-making process.  In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge on strategic decision-making. In order to fully explore the strategic decision-making process, analysis (analytical aspects) and the interaction of both intuition and analysis are also considered.  Companies involved in the present study are classified according to three types based on the results:   Analytical, Intuitive and See-Saw.  This forms a useful means of comparison between companies. A model is developed drawn from the empirical analysis, which highlights that there are various aspects within the organisational and industry environment, including analysis and intuition, which influence inter-organisational variation in strategic decision-making.  Variation in the strategic decision-making process is important to consider because it may be a source of competitive advantage for individual companies.  The applied implications of the model are also discussed. The upstream oil and gas industry, a dynamic environment characterised by uncertainty, provided the setting for the current study.  Data was collected in both Australia and the U.K.  Fifty face-to-face interviews were conducted within eleven operators and one serve company.  This information was also supplemented with documentary material.  Grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) provided the research strategy.  It is intended the empirical results will increase the clarity and understanding of the strategic decision-making process, ultimately leading to better and more informed decisions being made.

This thesis attempts to determine whether the Russian chemist, Dmitrii Ivanovich Mendeleev, was open to Western ideas and capital in the Russian petroleum industry. It does so by examining five of his trips to study this business, as either an advisor to the Russian government or a private consultant. These voyages took place between 1863 and 1886 and saw Mendeleev in France, the United States and the Caucasus. Each trip produced a combination of personal letters, diaries, and published articles. This work employs a mixture of published and unpublished archival documents. In the process, much is revealed about the history of this industry, its industrialists, as well as Mendeleev's personality. / The introduction outlines the general questions that this thesis aims to answer. Chapter one summarizes Mendeleev's life until he first worked in the oil industry in 1863. These formative years were crucial for Mendeleev. His youthful travels around Europe, studies in Germany and personal inclinations, made him a multi-lingual and cosmopolitan individual. The remaining five chapters examine Mendeleev's trips to study the industry. An epilogue briefly recounts his final years. / The conclusion of this thesis is that contrary to Soviet scholarship, Mendeleev was open to the West. His only requirement was that Western ideas and capital assist in the growth of the Russian oil industry and result in abundant and cheap kerosene for the Russian population.

Thesis (M.S. in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy)--Joint Forces Staff College, Joint Advanced Warfighting School, 2007. / Vita. "National Defense Univ Norfolk VA"--DTIC cover. "23 May 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-66). Also available via the Internet.