This study aimed to explore existing quality improvement activities in primary health care setting in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were used to collect data from both patients and nurse managers. Findings indicated that clinics were generally acceptable and affordable to patients, but should operate for longer time-periods, that sorting of patients and long waiting times, coupled with short consultation time-periods, warranted immediate remedial actions. Only five of the fourteen listed quality initiatives were satisfactorily practised. It was concluded that despite many obstacles and difficulties as mentioned by respondents, the issue of quality-improvement in primary health care is receiving attention, but should still be improved to a greater extent. / Health Studies / M.A. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)

The aim of this quantitative study was to develop and validate a model to measure the organisational effectiveness of a metropolitan municipality in South Africa. The literature review phase explored the concept of organisational effectiveness and the assessment thereof in both the Public and Private Sectors. The literature review indicated that there is a clear distinction between business performance (operational and financial performance) and the larger concept of organisational effectiveness, and also that the measurement of organisational effectiveness in the Public Sector differed from the measurement thereof in the Private Sector. The literature review also indicated that measures of Public Sector effectiveness could not be directly applied to measure the effectiveness of Private Sector organisations. From the literature review a proposed theoretical model for measuring the organisational effectiveness of a metropolitan municipality in South Africa was proposed. This proposed model included organisational and behavioural variables contained in traditional approaches to organisational effectiveness, variables that were identified in previous organisational effectiveness studies, as well as variables contained in existing assessment models of organisational effectiveness. This model was then validated during the empirical phase by conducting a survey of an existing metropolitan municipality in South Africa (n = 6514) and exposing the results of the survey to Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The confirmatory factor analysis conducted as part of SEM subsequently identified three main and 10 secondary statistically significant organisational and behavioural variables that could be used to measure the effectiveness of a metropolitan municipality in South Africa. The three main variables identified were (1) Healthy Systems, (2) Goal Achievement and (3) Service Delivery, while the 10 secondary variables identified were (1) Diversity, (2) Training & Development, (3) Rewards & Recognition, (4) Management Practices, (5) Internal Functioning, (6) Work Environment, (7) Interpersonal Relations, (8) Workforce Equity, (9) Customer Satisfaction and (10) Vision & Mission. It was thus recommended that metropolitan municipalities in South Africa could use this validated model as an assessment framework to measure their current organisational effectiveness, to identify aspects which need to be rectified to improve effectiveness, and to compare and benchmark their municipality in order to learn from other metropolitan municipalities to improve their effectiveness. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Admin. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The Thesis analyses modern trends in the management of Public Administration in Czech Republic. The reforms and changes in Public Administration are supported by the implementation of management tools and tools focused on quality of Administration. These tools, including elements of corporate governance and some principles of private sector market, aims to improve and make the Public Service more effective. New Public Management (NPM) can be considered as a general name for the tools and for the concept of the Management of Public Administration, in particular meaning the principles of Process Management, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), Benchmarking, the Common Assessment Framework and other methods and tools based on the models of TQM and EFQM. The practical part of the thesis contains the surveys and evaluation of the efficiency of the above mentioned models by the Regional Authority and selected municipalities, including their strengthts and weaknesses.

This thesis is dedicated to modern management approaches to Public Sector organizations with a special focus on projects of Public Private Partnership. This topic is one of the latest issues not only in the Czech Republic but also in numerous European countries. The public sector and its organizations are going through total modernization in these countries. This results in higher quality and more effective Public Services for citizens. I view this problem from 2 perspectives and ask the following questions which reflect the main hypothesis of this thesis: which modern approaches (tools, methods) are the most often used (intended to be used) including their contributions to higher quality and more effective management of organizations of municipalities in the Czech Republic, how is the principle of Public Private Partnership perceived and used in organizations of municipalities in the Czech Republic (Water sector) including barriers which hinder its use. It has been proven that for achieving higher quality and more effective results in the Public Sector, it is not only suitable but even systematically necessary to use modern tools of organization and management. These tools are nowadays commonly applied in the Public Sector. At the same time it has also been proven that Public Private Partnership can significantly support management in the Public Sector through its own implementation of modern tools. Further widening the use of modern tools of management and cooperation between the Public and the Private Sector is sustained through the spreading of knowledge. This is based on sharing ?good praxis?, transparent legislation and appropriate (procedural) methodology for implementation.

Lo scopo della tesi di dottorato è comprendere gli effetti dell'adozione degli approcci agroecologici sul Sustainable Livelihood Framework dei piccoli agricoltori. Sono state adottate tre metodologie di ricerca, revisione della letteratura, meta-analisi e caso di studio, al fine di valutare i benefici derivanti dall'attuazione degli approcci agroecologici sul capitale umano, sociale, naturale, finanziario e fisico. I risultati della tesi hanno mostrato come l’adozione dei sistemi agroecologici possono migliorare i mezzi di sussistenza dei piccoli agricoltori, senza che si verifichino trade-off su una serie di indicatori socio-economici e ambientali selezionati. La tesi evidenzia come i metodi agroecologici possano essere considerati uno strumento praticabile ed efficace per promuovere l’Obiettivo di Sviluppo Sostenibile 1 "Porre fine ad ogni forma di povertà nel mondo" e l’Obiettivo di Sviluppo Sostenibile 2 "Porre fine alla fame, raggiungere la sicurezza alimentare, migliorare la nutrizione e promuovere un’agricoltura sostenibile", in particolare per i piccoli agricoltori con scarse risorse nei paesi in via di sviluppo. / The purpose of the PhD thesis is to understand the effects of the adoption of agroecological approaches, both systems and practices, on the Sustainable Livelihood Framework of smallholder farmers. Three research methodologies, literature review, meta-analysis and case study, have been adopted in order to assess the benefits derived from implementing agroecological approaches on human, social, natural, financial and physical capitals. The results of the thesis have contributed to building evidence which demonstrates that agroecological approaches can improve the livelihood of smallholders farmers, without any trade-offs occurring in a wide range of socio-economic and environmental indicators. The thesis highlights that agroecological methods can be considered as a viable and effective tool to promote SDG1 “End poverty in all its forms everywhere” and SDG2 “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”, especially for poor-resource farmers in developing countries.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how food start-ups (FS) can make their primary food packaging (PFP) more eco-friendly by identifying and evaluating the performance of suited packaging alternative. The purpose was fulfilled by answering the three research questions:  RQ1) How to assess the eco-friendliness of PFP? RQ2) Which are areas of improvement in environmental performance? RQ3) What are the differences in performance across similar PFP’s?  Methods: To answer the research questions both the literature review and empirical data was required. The literature study was conducted to gather relevant theories about primary food packaging in food start-ups. To get the required empirical data, a single case study was conducted at a case company that suited the subject. The case study consisted of multiple interviews and document study. This enabled for an analysis in the form of pattern matching in order to answer the research questions and achieve the purpose.  Findings: The Study found that to assess the PFP that have direct impact on the environment the functional features and the environmental framework play a central role in the eco- friendliness of PFPs which analyzed the requirements for the PFP and a multi criteria decision making approach for the environmental assessment for the Green-PE. The stakeholder expectations were found by analyzing the criterion for the PFP. In addition, a comparison for an eco-friendlier alternative was analyzed with the current Green-PE to justify the performance for the PFP in FS.  Implications: The study results present practical implications with assessing the current Green-PE and evaluating the gaps for improvement areas, while also comparing similar PFP which is an eco-friendlier option for food packaging start-ups. As there has been no general theoretical implications, the findings of the thesis can be used as a basis for deeper insights into the subject through more extensive research.  Delimitations & Scope: The focus was to identify and evaluate the current PFP environmental impact and not the other aspects of the life cycle assessment since the scope was limited. Also, a single case study was used rather than multiple case studies to analyze the eco-friendliness for PEPs.

An important prerequisite for successful supply chain integration is the ability to convert data into information combined with structured storing and sharing processes. The purpose of this master thesis is to investigate potential relation between supplier data quality and performance of purchasing of transport services. The output of the thesis generates evidence about the imperative to emphasize on the supplier data quality throughout the supplier selection process. A supplier data quality assessment framework consisting of 4 dimensions - ease of manipulation, accessibility, accuracy and completeness, is developed as the core product of this research project. The weights of these dimensions were assigned specifically for the case company - Cramo, to determine the quality score for a selected sample of carriers. A coefficient k1 representing the ratio of transport expenditure over sales was introduced to facilitate the identification of relation between supplier data quality and transport expenditure. Business units served by transport companies with higher quality data displayed a lower k1, consequently, paying less for the transport services in comparison to their revenue than business units served by carriers with lower data quality score. The framework developed is adaptable - dimensions and metrics can be added or excluded according to situational factors and case peculiarities. The application of the supplier data quality assessment framework allows for a more objective and streamlined supplier selection. It stresses on the overall costs experienced during the period of cooperation. The finding regarding the importance of supplier data quality in purchasing of transport services can be nonetheless generalized for other cases when companies strive for achieving better informed strategic decisions. / En viktig förutsättning för framgångsrik integration av leverantörskedjor ligger i förmågan att omvandla data till information, kombinerat med en strukturerad lagrings- och delningsprocess. Syftet med denna masteruppsats är att undersöka potentiell relation mellan leverantörers datakvalitet och hur effektivt inköpet av transporttjänsterna är. Utfallet av uppsatsen understryker vikten av att beakta leverantörers datakvalitet i alla delar av en upphandling. Som produkt av denna uppsats har en utvärderingsmall för leverantörers datakvalitet utvecklats. Den består av fyra dimensioner – Hanterbarhet, tillgänglighet, noggrannhet samt fullständighet. De olika dimensionerna är viktade specifikt för det studerade företaget – Cramo, för att fastslå kvalitetsindex för ett urval av deras transportörer. En koefficient - k1- infördes för att representera förhållandet mellan transportkostnad och försäljning. Detta för att underlätta identifieringen av potentiell relation mellan datakvalitet och transportkostnad. Depåer vars transportörer kunde uppvisa en högre datakvalitet hade ett lägre koefficientvärde (k1). Alltså fanns ett samband mellan hög datakvalitet och lägre transportkostnad i förhållande till försäljning. Den utvecklade bedömningsmallen är anpassningsbar – dimensioner och mått kan enkelt adderas eller elimineras utifrån rådande omständigheter i varje fall. Bedömningsmallen ger möjlighet till en mer objektiv och harmoniserad leverantörsbedömning. Mallen understryker även vikten av att beakta den totala kostnaden under avtalstiden. Kunskapen från denna uppsats kring vikten av datakvalitet gällande just transportinköp kan även generaliseras till andra fall där företag strävar mot bättre informerade strategiska beslut.

This study on technology in the South African school curriculum investigates the nature and value of this subject as a catalyst in developing Foundation Phase learners’ creative thinking skills Technology as school subject is defined as the use of knowledge, skills and available resources to develop solutions to meet human needs and wants, taking social and environmental factors into account. Central to this subject, is the design process of investigating, designing, making, evaluating and communicating solutions to problems identified in the environment. The notion and nature of creativity as researched by respected psychologists and researchers over the last few decades, with particular reference to Matlin’s theory of problem-solving and creativity, provides a theoretical underpinning with the aim of linking the problem-solving nature of technology with creative thinking. A qualitative case study research project, comprising a sample of six Foundation Phase learners at an independent school, has been conducted. Key characteristics of qualitative educational research such as sensitivity, precision, verification, empiricism, natural setting, inductive data analysis, validity and reliability and triangulation, have been taken into consideration. This study highlights the potential of technology as a school subject that provides learners with the opportunity to solve problems in creative ways and use authentic contexts rooted in real life situations. In addition, learners are afforded the opportunity to work collaboratively with others and engage in meaningful activities in the indoor and outdoor environment. Technology as a school subject in the Foundation Phase catalyzes learners’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills and provides a solid foundation for preparing young citizens for the demands and challenges of the 21st century. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Η Εργασιακή Ικανοποίηση αποτελεί τον συνδετικό κρίκο ανάμεσα στις θεωρίες των κινήτρων και την εφαρμογή τους στον εργασιακό χώρο και αποτελεί την πιο μελετημένη μεταβλητή στο εργασιακό γίγνεσθαι. Συνοπτικά η επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση μπορεί να περιγραφεί ως ένα σύνολο στάσεων που οι εργαζόμενοι έχουν απέναντι στη δουλειά τους, ή ως μια ψυχολογική προδιάθεση που περιλαμβάνει πολλές επιμέρους στάσεις και συναισθήματα για διάφορες όψεις της εργασίας (Schultz, 1982). Σκοπός της διατριβής είναι η εκτίμηση του βαθμού ικανοποίησης των επαγγελματιών υγείας από την εργασία τους και η ανάδειξη των παραγόντων εκείνων που την επηρεάζουν. Το δείγμα αποτελείται από 572 εργαζομένους των δημόσιων νοσοκομείων της Περιφέρειας Πελοποννήσου όλων των κατηγοριών ιατροί, νοσηλευτές, καθώς και διοικητικό, τεχνικό, βοηθητικό και παραϊατρικό προσωπικό. Τα δεδομένα συλλέχθηκαν με τη μέθοδο του δομημένου ερωτηματολογίου για την περίοδο 2006. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι η ηλικία και το επίπεδο εκπαίδευσης είναι οι πρωταρχικοί παράγοντες οι οποίοι επηρεάζουν την υποκειμενική αντίληψη για την ικανοποίηση των επαγγελματιών υγείας από την εργασία τους. Επιπλέον, περισσότερο συνολικά ικανοποιημένοι είναι οι άνδρες, οι εργαζόμενοι υποχρεωτικής εκπαίδευσης και το βοηθητικό προσωπικό. Μικρότερη ικανοποίηση φαίνεται να βιώνουν οι γυναίκες, οι κάτοχοι μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου και το διοικητικό και νοσηλευτικό προσωπικό. Τα θέματα τα οποία αναδεικνύονται ως μείζονος σημασίας στη διαμόρφωση του επιπέδου ικανοποίησης από την εργασία είναι (α) η αντίληψη των εργαζομένων για τον οργανισμό και τη θέση απασχόλησής του, (β) η αίσθηση επαγγελματικής επάρκειας και προσφοράς αποτελεσματικού έργου και (γ) η έλλειψη επιβράβευσης της Διοίκησης στις περιπτώσεις αποτελεσματικής απόδοσης. / --

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF or Commom Assessment Framework), used in the education sector in European countries and the assessment tool of the National Quality Foundation (FNQ) named Model Management Excellence (MEG) used in public and private organizations in Brazil are assessment models of organizational performance, specially developed to help organizations apply the techniques of Total Quality Management (TQM) in order to better their performance levels and their management. However, the study lies in the general assessment of the quality management of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil based on the external evaluation component of the National Higher Education Evaluation (SINAES). Had the motivation to empirical perception about the difficulties that, in general, undergraduate courses face in adopting a system of quality management and implementation of a system with features evaluative management and continuous improvement. This thesis aims to propose the integration of Model Management Excellence Foundation National Quality - FNQ with the Common Assessment Framework - CAF, making a conversãoBrasil / Europe. Using the method of action research as directed qualitative research strategy, the study sought to reconcile the two models and processes your criteria with indicators of the National Assessment of Higher Education SINAES, generating a guidance booklet called SIMECA. This work will serve as support to managers of undergraduate seeking quality assurance and support for the IES rumen toward excellence, fulfilling the main objective of this work. For future research, it is recommended to deepen, through case studies, the study demonstrated the application. / A Estrutura Comum de Avaliação (Commom Assessment Framework ou CAF), usada no setor da educação em países europeus e o instrumento de avaliação da Fundação Nacional da Qualidade (FNQ) denominado Modelo de Excelência da Gestão (MEG) utilizada em organizações públicas e privadas do Brasil são modelos de avaliação de desempenho organizacional, especialmente desenvolvidos para ajudar as organizações aplicarem as técnicas da Gestão da Qualidade Total (TQM) a fim de melhorar os seus níveis de desempenho e da sua gestão. Contudo, o estudo situa-se no quadro geral da avaliação da gestão da qualidade das Instituições de Educação Superior Privada (IESP) no Brasil tendo como base o componente de avaliação externa do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (SINAES). Teve como motivação a percepção empírica acerca das dificuldades que, de modo geral, as IES enfrentam na adoção de um sistema de gestão da qualidade e na implementação de um sistema avaliativo com características gerenciais e de melhoria continua. A presente dissertação visa propor a integração do Modelo de Excelência da Gestão da Fundação Nacional da Qualidade FNQ com a Estrutura Comum de Avaliação CAF, fazendo uma conversão Brasil / Europa. Com a utilização do método de pesquisa qualitativa direcionada como estratégia de pesquisa, o trabalho buscou a compatibilização dos dois modelos e seus critérios processos com os indicadores do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior SINAES, gerando uma cartilha de orientação denominada SIMECA. O presente trabalho servirá como apoio aos gestores educacionais que buscam a garantia da qualidade além do suporte para que as IES rumem em direção da excelência, cumprindo o objetivo principal deste trabalho. Para futuras pesquisas, recomenda-se aprofundar, por meio de estudo de casos, a aplicação do estudo demonstrado.