The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996 (SA, 1996) makes provision for all citizens to receive quality health care. Legislation such as the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service of 1995, (SA, 1995a), the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele) (SA, 1997b), the Public Service Act 103 of 1994, as amended (SA, 1994), the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (SA, 1995b) and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (SA, 1998) enshrines this right for all citizens by ensuring that health authorities put measures in place to improve the performance of nurse employee (NE), and thus ensuring quality health care. NE are only able to improve the quality of their performance, if their performance is systematically appraised and their potential for development is identified. However, researchers, for instance Du Plessis (2002:116), Nkosi (2002:37–44), Narcisse and Harcourt (2008:1154), Thompson et al. (1999:139), Fletcher (2001:473) studied the perceptions and experiences of employees and managers of performance appraisal (PA) and these studies indicated that there is a gap in the implementation of PA. The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) policy (Policy no. NWPG 13) was implemented in the North West public health sector in clinics and hospitals in 2004 to provide guidelines for the implementation of PA. This policy is reviewed annually since it was first drafted. However the researcher’s personal experience with PA in practice was that there is a gap between the process provided by the PMDS policy (Policy no. NWPG 13) and the implementation thereof in the North West public health sector. This led to the following research questions: how is PA implemented from the perspectives of nurse line managers (NLM) and NE in clinics in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District (KKD) and what guidelines can be developed to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD? The study aimed to develop guidelines to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. The study had a cross–sectional quantitative design with exploratory, descriptive and contextual research strategies. Two questionnaires: one for NLM and the other for NE were developed from section 13.4.4 and 13.4.5 of the PMDS policy (Policy no. NWPG 13 amendment approved for 2008–2009 performance cycle) (SA, 2007), to explore and describe the perceptions of NLM and NE on the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. Twenty–three problems were identified from the empirical research with regard to communication, feedback and participation in PA, which served as the evidence base towards developing guidelines to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. The guidelines were developed using inductive and deductive reasoning and were based on the ten–point plan of Juran. Finally the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for practice, education, management, research and policy. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Background: Electricity tariffs charged by Eskom have sharply increased over the past three years, with a 25% annual increase approved by Nersa until April 2012. There is no indication on what to expect in the future with regard to electricity tariffs. Many South Africans are searching for ways to save on their monthly electricity bills by seeking out alternative water heating systems. Solar geysers became a popular investment option, but this might not be the best options available on the market. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the most financially viable investment option in order to reduce electricity cost when it comes to water heating systems for use in households. This is done by comparing the capital expenditure and operational cost needed with the financial benefits generated by the investment, taking into consideration the size of the household. Design and method: A literature study was done on the different alternative water heating systems in order to obtain a better understanding of how these systems operate and what savings they can generate. Different investment appraisals were identified and a literature review was performed in order to identify the most appropriate investment appraisals for the purpose of this study. It was found that the net present value, equivalent annual annuity, internal rate of return, modified internal rate of return, accounting rate of return, discounted payback period and the economic value added were the best investment appraisal methods to use for the purpose of this study. Findings and conclusion: It was found that the five investment options identified in the literature review would all, to some extent, be financially viable to implement within households with high as well as low volume hot water consumption. All the investment appraisals gave positive outcomes. The conclusion was made that a saving will be generated on the monthly electricity bill no matter what alternative water heating system were to be installed in the place of a conventional geyser. Recommendations: It is recommended that a household with low volume hot water consumption should install a time switch as this investment option renders the highest IRR, MIRR, ARR and discounted payback period. The second best investment option for a household with low volume hot water consumption is a heat pump and the third best option is a gas geyser. For a household with high volume hot water consumption, the best investment options is again a time switch, as this renders the best IRR, MIRR, ARR and discounted payback period. The second best investment option is a heat pump, with a gas geyser as the third best investment option. Value of the research: This study focuses on five alternative water heating systems for a household within South Africa in times where electricity charges sharply increase. The financial viability of each of the alternatives is determined through various investment appraisals and the best option can be identified by comparing the outcomes of the alternatives. Furthermore, each individual is able to determine the viability of the alternatives by using the Excel model attached to this study and by inputting his/her own variables, where applicable. Research limitation: Limited literature was available on the different alternative water heating systems. No indication could be found of the maintenance cost of the different water heating systems. Assumptions had to be made with regard to households, although no two households are the same. Areas for further research: The same study could be performed, but with the focus on small businesses and large organisations. Furthermore, a study could be performed to determine the appropriate discount rate for individuals as well as the maintenance cost for water heating systems. / Thesis (MCom (Management Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

目前我國地價制度，主要係依地價調查估計規則規定，查估公告土地現值及公告地價。價格評估主要採區段地價方式，可能造成忽略土地個別因素影響，造成評估價格明顯遠離市價。近年來我國推行地價基準地制度，期透過引進不動產估價技術規則之規範，以個別估價方式評估基準地價格，以真實反映價格與市場波動情形。然基準地評價屬一序列式之估價方式，其評估過程是否為獨立且客觀仍須進一步加以驗證。本文依循Quan-Quigley部分調整模型之理念，對高雄市地價基準地之重估價案例進行研究，透過迴歸分析分別衡量估值與當期市場價格、前期估值之關係，推估地價人員之信心水準，並進一步分析地價基準地制度是否能確實反映市場價值波動情形。研究結果顯示估價人員存在價格部分調整策略，信心水準值偏低，存在嚴重依賴前期估值之行為，隱含地價基準地評價存在估價平滑之現象。 / Previous studies defined appraisal smoothing as reduced volatility or the lag structure of appraisal-based index as compared to transaction-based index. Most of these studies examined by aggregate level and used extensive data sets to de-smooth the appraisal-based index. This paper aims to observe smoothing behavior amongst appraisers in Taiwan. It uses re-appraisal data of the land value benchmark in Kaohsiung city and modifies the partial adjustment model, developed by Quan and Quigley. Use the concept of regression analysis to measure the ratio between the current appraisal, current market value and the pre-appraisal. By establish the confidence value, we may observe the behavior of appraisers and public assessors, and distinguish if the behavior is rational or not.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2003. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / As a means to measure job performance, performance appraisal plays a central role in effective individual and organisational management (Behn, 2003). Sound performance management and performance measurement are fundamental to a productive workplace and critical for a high-performing organisation (Jordan, 2002). Performance appraisal research has shifted its emphasis from psychometric issues to the examination of rater cognitive processes and the social and contextual variables which affect performance evaluation. Since raters are important factors in successful performance measurement, one line of research has investigated the effect of similarity, between rater and ratee, on subsequent performance ratings. These studies have mostly relied on similarity measures based on physical similarity characteristics, such as demographic variables. The inconclusive nature of these studies’ findings suggests that the complexity of interpersonal similarity and its effect on ratings has most likely been oversimplified. In the social-cognition literature, substantial evidence exists that rater-ratee acquaintance shifts the focus of similarity judgment to “deeper”, sometimes unobservable, characteristics, like values, motives and attitudes. This research study investigates whether rater-ratee similarity in Big Five personality traits unduly influences task-orientated performance ratings. Self-report personality data (IPIP; Goldberg, 2006) were collected from university lecturers and their students (N = 152). Actual lecturer task performance assessment data (end-of-semester student feedback ratings) were gathered concurrently. Data were analysed through polynomial regression analysis and response surface methodology. Results indicated that ratee (i.e., lecturer) extraversion (r = .357), conscientiousness (r = .413) and openness (r = .178) had significant main effects on average performance ratings. Also, rater-ratee personality similarity in extraversion (p < .001), neuroticism (p < .01) and openness (p < .001) had a significant effect on performance ratings, with the effects of agreeableness and conscientiousness also approaching significance. The present study further extends earlier research by using task performance ratings as criterion measures — as opposed to earlier studies that used contextual performance ratings — and also used “upward” ratings of seniors, instead of peer- or ‘downward’ ratings of performance, as was done in earlier studies of personality similarity effects. The results suggest that (a) earlier conclusions that personality similarity does not affect performance ratings seem to be premature, (b) more research is needed to investigate why personality similarity affects ratings and last, (c) we do not yet understand the boundary conditions that affect this phenomenon.

O objetivo do estudo é apresentar um conjunto de alternativas ao mercado de seguro florestal que sistematize o processo de valoração da floresta em apólices de seguro e que proponha os indicadores mais importantes para mapeamento de riscos. Atualmente o cálculo do Valor em Risco (VR) se baseia no custeio ou no valor comercial da floresta. Esse método de cálculo apresenta limitações, pois é comum a seguradora ter que estimar esses valores. Um novo cálculo do VR é aqui proposto e leva em consideração o valor da floresta em função do seu potencial retorno econômico. Esse novo VR considera o fato de que um sinistro interrompe a expectativa de conclusão do atual ciclo de exploração, tendo como conseqüência (i) a perda de uma receita futura que seria obtida com a madeira produzida pela floresta atual, deduzidos os custos futuros; e (ii) a antecipação da ocupação da área com uma nova atividade, que só aconteceria após o término do atual ciclo de exploração. O método proposto é ilustrado com exemplos, sugerindo três modelos base de custeio: Alta, Média ou Baixa tecnologia, aplicáveis em qualquer parte do Brasil. Para o cálculo das receitas, foram geradas oito curvas de crescimento para eucalipto, com incrementos médio anuais (IMA), aos 7 anos, de: 24, 27, 32, 35, 41, 52, 47 e 60 m3ha-1ano-1, nomeadas de BP1, BP2, MP1, MP2, MP3, AP1, AP2, AP3, respectivamente. O novo VR foi aplicado em sete casos reais, em diferentes estados brasileiros. Cada local foi associado com uma estratégia de custos conforme a tecnologia empregada (Alta Média ou Baixa) e vinculado a uma das curvas de crescimento. O preço da madeira considerou valores regionais, e a taxa de desconto utilizada foi de 12% ao ano. Para o Local 1(PR), onde se considerou baixa tecnologia, curva MP1 de produção e madeira a R$45,00m-3, o novo VR se mostrou 5% inferior ao valor da apólice; para o Local 2(GO), alta tecnologia, AP2 e madeira a R$45,00m-3, o método sugere VR 29% inferior; Local 3(MA), média tecnologia, MP3, R$45,00m-3 a estimativa foi 17% superior; Local 4(MG), média tecnologia, MP3, R$33,00m-3, o resultado foi 66% inferior; Local 5(MS), alta tecnologia, MP3, e R$42,50.m-3, a estimativa resultou 41% superior; Local 6, média tecnologia, AP1, e preço R$46,50.m-3 observou-se um resultado 30% superior; e Local 7, média tecnologia, curva MP2, e preço de R$45,00m-3, a estimativa foi 11% superior. Sugeriu-se a utilização de sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG) e da fórmula de Monte Alegre (FMA) como alternativas para mapeamento de riscos. Foram identificados na literatura mapas de riscos de geada (Estado de SP) e de seca (Brasil) e aplicada a FMA em dados de Piracicaba/SP, indicando o benefício de sua utilização. Recomenda-se que o modelo de cálculo e mapas de risco aqui apresentados sejam incorporados pelas seguradoras em suas rotinas de elaboração de apólices de seguro floresta, para que se garanta um adequado respaldo técnico / The study objective is to present a set of alternatives to the forestry insurance market, to systematize the process of forest valuation and to propose the most important indicators for risk assessment. Currently the forest risk valuation (VR) is based on cost or market value of the forest. This calculation method has limitations because it is common for the insurer to have to estimate these values. A new calculation of the VR is proposed here and takes into consideration the value of the forest in terms of its potential economic return. This new VR considers the fact that hazards interrupts the expected completion of the current exploration cycle, resulting in (i) the loss of future revenue that would be obtained with the wood produced by the current forest, less the costs that would be spent and (ii) the anticipation of the area occupation with a new activity, which would only happen after the current cycle of exploitation. The proposed method is illustrated with examples, suggesting three model based costing: High, Medium or Low technologies, applicable anywhere in Brazil. For the calculation of revenues eight growth curves for eucalyptus were generated, with mean annual increments (MAI) at age 7, 24, 27, 32, 35, 41, 52, 47 and 60 R$.m-3.ha-1, named BP1, BP2, MP1, MP2, MP3, AP1, AP2, AP3, respectively. The new VR was applied to seven real cases in different states. Each site was associated with a strategy of cost as a function of the technology employed (high medium or low) and linked to one of the growth curves. The price of wood considered regional values, and the discount rate was 12% per year. For Local 1 (PR), was consider low-tech, production curve MP1, and wood to R$ 45,00m-3, the new VR showed 5% less than the value of the policy; for the Local 2 (GO), high technology, AP2 and wood to R$ 45,00m-3, the method suggests 29% lower than the policy VR; Local 3 (MA), medium-tech, MP3, R$ 45,00m-3 estimates a 17% higher VR; Local 4 (MG), medium-tech, MP3, R$ 33,00m-3, the result was 66% lower; Local 5 (MS), high-tech, MP3, and R$ 42,50m-3, the estimate suggests 41% higher; Local 6, medium technology, AP1, and price R$ 46.50m-3 was observed a 30% higher result, and Local 7, medium technology, MP2 curve, and price of R$ 45,00m-3, the estimate was 11% higher. It was suggested the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and Monte Alegre formula (FMA) as alternatives for risk assessment. Maps of frost risks (for SP state) and drought (Brazil), were indicated. The FMA was applied on Piracicaba/SP database, indicating the benefit of its use. It is recommended that the model calculation and risk maps presented here are incorporated by insurers in their daily development of forest insurance policies to ensure adequate technical support.

The diploma thesis concerns the appraisal of residential real estate, provision of mortgage loans and development of prices on the real estate market in the Czech Republic. The aim of the diploma thesis is to clarify above all the purpose and meaning of appraisal and selected problems. The theoretical part of the diploma thesis is devoted to immovable property as such, its characteristics, individual types, etc. It then discusses the mortgage loan and its specifications. The theoretical part also includes appraisal methods that can be used for the purpose of appraisal. The final point of the theoretical part of the diploma thesis is devoted to real estate insurance, which is one of the forms of securing a mortgage loan. In its practical part, the diploma thesis examines the appraisal of a mortgage loan as a subject of a pledge, in particular the occurring differences in appraising real estate compared to a classic market appraisal. It is supplemented by other active factors, which affect the resulting price estimate. The diploma thesis attempts to compare the differences in appraisal over the course of several years. It also compares the real estate appraisal methods of banks and insurance companies and the final result of the diploma thesis is designated primarily for the banking sector. In both cases it is a comparison of when the real estate is used for the purpose of securing a mortgage loan. The aim of the diploma thesis is therefore to find and describe the specific characteristics of real estate appraisal for banking purposes with selected problems from the area of insurance. The result of the work are personal recommendations concerning the appraisal of real estate as a pledge when providing mortgage loans with the aim of generalising them for the banking sector as a whole.

Sabe-se bem que as pessoas se comportam de acordo com a com que elas estão sendo avaliadas. No campo da assistência à saúde, a busca por uma avaliação sistemática com o objetivo de avaliar a efetividade de um sistema, criou a necessidade de se trabalhar com indicadores de desempenho, ferramentas adotadas com sucesso pela indústria e pelo sistema bancário. Entretanto, no contexto da saúde, esses recursos continuam sendo um desafio real. Na assistência à saúde, as falhas podem ser direcionadas a erros humanos que poderiam impor implicações pessoais e de confiabilidade. Portanto, a pesquisa que objetiva melhorar os processos de avaliação institucional é necessária para mudar a atual cultura. Este estudo foi realizado a fim de criar um modelo sistêmico de avaliação de performance de eventos de saúde, por meio da monitorização de indicadores de processos. O evento escolhido foi à dor e os indicadores desenvolvidos para iniciar a construção do modelo foram relacionados à atenção à dor aguda no perioperatório. Um estudopiloto foi realizado para avaliar variáveis relacionadas com o desempenho de processos e da Instituição. Os resultados indicam que o modelo testado propicia grande potencial para avaliar Sistemas de Saúde e estabelecer boas práticas. / It is well known that people behave according to the way they are being evaluated. In the healthcare environment, the search for a systematic evaluation with the purpose to assess the effectiveness of a system created the need to work on performance indicators, successfully adopted tools by the industries and banking systems. However, in the health context these resources remain a real challenge. In the former they are being used to control and even admonish the staff, since individuals are under the influence of different managing styles. In healthcare, the flaws can be addressed to human errors which might impose personal and reliability implications. Therefore, the research aiming to improve the institutional evaluation processes is required to change the present culture. This study was carried out to create a systemic model of performance evaluation of health events, through the processes indicators monitoring. The chosen event was the Pain and the indicators developed to start the model construction were related to the atention to the acute pain in the perioperatory period. A pilot study was carried out to evaluate the variables connected to the processes and institution performance. The results indicate that the model tested offers great potential to evaluate health systems and establish good practices.

La modernisation du service public nécessite un accompagnement en matière de GRH pour évaluer les compétences des personnels. Cette démarche passe par la nécessité de disposer d’un outil de gestion adapté, faisant appel aux NTIC, et permettant d’agréger des données qualitatives. Un moteur d’inférence interne a été créé, basé sur l’intelligence artificielle et utilisant la logique floue. Il apparait, à l’issue de la réalisation de l’outil d’Evaluation Assistée par Ordinateur, qu’il doit posséder des qualités particulières permettant de réaliser l’évaluation la plus objective et équitable possible. Sa mise en usage dans des conditions réelles indique que pour pouvoir faire l’objet d’une acceptation et d’une appropriation par les managers et les personnels évalués, il doit être crédible et efficace. Les tests réalisés nous permettent d’affirmer que la perception essentielle de son rôle, de son utilité, et de sa facilité d’utilisation est une nécessité qui est le corollaire de sa pérennité. / The modernization of the public sector requires an HRM accompaniment, for the evaluation competencies of the supervisory staff. This approach relies on the necessity of having an adapted management tool, requiring NICT, and allowing the aggregation of qualitative data. To achieve our objectives, we used an innovative, internal, interference engine based on artificial intelligence, namely the “fuzzy logic”. It would seem, at the conclusion of the realization of our Computer-Aided Evaluation tool, that it must possess particular qualities allowing it to carry out the most objective and fairest evaluation as possible. Its use in real conditions indicates that it must, to be accepted and an appropriation, at once by the managers and the estimated staffs, be credible and effective. The realized tests allow us to assert that the essential perception of its role, its utility, and its facility of use, are a necessity which will be the corollary of ensuring its continual existence.