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The current study employed an ABA design with a control group to assess the effectiveness of a commitment strategy in reducing meat consumption among university students (n=70). Participants who were randomly assigned to the commitment condition did not consume significantly less meat than participants in the control group, t (48)=.74, p=.47. 79% (n=19) of participants in the control group decreased their meat consumption from baseline to treatment phase, compared with 96% (n=27) of participants in the treatment group. Additionally, when both groups were collapsed, all participants reduced meat consumption from baseline to treatment phase t (51)=8.6, p<.001. Participants' scores on the Motivation Towards the Environment Scale, a measure of self-determined motivation towards environmental behavior, were not significant predictors of meat consumption behavior before or during the intervention, t(67)= -.26, p=.80, t(51)=.53, p=.60. Implications and directions for future research are discussed within the paper. / Master of Science

Against the background of growing competition in the global marketplace, understanding customers, is a significant aspect of marketing. In the search for competitive advantage, there is a need to measure service quality to better understand its antecedents and consequences, and establish methods for its improvement. In the Libyan economy, the banking sector is one of the most important. Its significance increased after the 2003 lifting of the United Nations sanction. This was followed by entry to the sector of a number of domestic and multinational firms. Despite this increased competition, domestic banks are still widely considered to suffer from low levels of service quality. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the actual level of service quality provided by Libyan public commercial banks as perceived by their customers. A modified SERVQUAL model was developed to measure service quality in Libyan commercial public banks. The resulting instrument is intended to help these banks to measure their service quality and focus on the service quality dimensions of most importance to their customers. It also aimed to gain an understanding of cultural and environmental influences on service quality in the Libyan banking sector, and their effect on banking management practices. It is also expected that this instrument, and its results, will contribute to future research into service quality. The findings of the present study have produced some important results. Firstly, the level of service quality offered by the Libyan public commercial banks as it was perceived by their customers was relatively high. Secondly, the theoretical five-factor structure of the SERVQUAL model was not confirmed in the Libyan banking context, and the service quality structure in the Libyan context appears to be four-dimensional. Furthermore, the study offers suggestions to banking managers to allocate their resources more efficiently to the most important dimensions, i. e. reliability and tangibles, to improve service quality, since the factor analysis indicates that these are the most important dimensions to customers. Finally, reflections on the methods used to modify SERVQUAL to make it more sensitive to a particular cultural context have implications for future researchers in terms of methodology, method and data analysis.

Libya is seen by many investors from across the World as a market of immense potential even though the degree of openness of the Libyan market has until recently remained comparatively limited. There are signs now however, that the government is pursuing a more conciliatory approach towards foreign businesses. The Libyan authorities are now encouraging private-sector involvement and inward investment, but appreciate that a fundamental change in organisational culture will be necessary. Therefore the movement in Libya today, toward improvement in organisations and the Government has introduced liberalisation of the economy, and is creating stronger ties with the Western world, now that sanctions have been lifted. This change is exemplified by the greater scope allowed to private enterprise in the retail trade, small-scale industries and agriculture. There has been previous research carried out, into the ways that the competitive nature of all Libyan organisations can be improved. There is a great need, in order to understand organisation's marketing capabilities and orientations, to investigate their validity in a wide variety of developing countries. However, there are only a few empirical studies which have investigated the development of MO in transitional economies and there is increasing pressure for the MO of organisations in these developing countries, where the process of economic diversification is taking place rather rapidly to be investigated (Anwar, 2008). This is mainly due to the fact that the contemporary research carried out in the West has provided evidence of strong links between MO and performance. There has been very little empirical research to investigate these links in developing countries with transitional economies. The strategy for this research consisted of specific objectives that had been derived from the research questions and it was the nature of these which suggested the use of a non-experimental fixed strategy such as a survey. The survey as a research tool has been widely used by others and is based upon the well-established statistical principles of sampling; additionally a survey offers a relatively simple and straightforward approach to the study of people's attitudes, values and beliefs. The MARKOR questionnaire allowed a tried and tested data collection tool to be used and as the most important aspects of such research are credibility, reliability and validity, the standardisation offered by the questionnaire provided a means to gather consistent answers to consistent questions. A group of these managers were subsequently interviewed at a different time when initial analysis of the quantitative data from the questionnaire prompted a set of follow-up interview questions. From this research it can be concluded that there is evidence of a significant relationship between market orientation and perceived business performance. But there are currently various levels of market orientation being operated within the Libyan manufacturing companies surveyed. Furthermore there are very marked difference in the levels of market orientation present between companies from the different sectors and between companies operating in the private sector compared with those which are under state control.

This study re-conceptualises service quality in an Islamic context. The conceptual framework underpinning this re-conceptualization sees service quality as a process which emanates from the management of an organization and how the philosophy of this organization is operationalized in the delivery of its services. As such, frontline employees are key elements in service delivery, and contributors to the quality of the service. In the Islamic context, in areas such as service quality, banks' management should understand that the perspective of Islam requires other distinctive services to be provided in addition to functional banking services. These are not limited to the narrow view, namely providing the traditional services and being in compliance with the legal side of Islamic law. The wider meaning includes other services such as social responsibility, contribution to the development of society and the distribution of Islamic financial knowledge. With regard to employees, especially frontline employees in the area of service quality, the Islamic philosophy should mean that considering Itqan (quality is the synonym for this term) should be understood as both a functional and religious duty. Employees' dealings with customers should extend beyond the functional aspects to an approach where customers are considered as `friends'. To investigate this framework, the current research was applied to Egyptian Islamic banks. It used mixed method- interviews with frontline employees and questionnaires distributed to customers, as well as support from field notes and examination of banks' websites. Egyptian Islamic banks, including their employees failed to understand, embody or practice the Islamic perspective on service quality. In the case of management, the failure was evident in issues such as an imbalance between providing functional and distinctive Islamic services. Customers' views were positive about the functional aspects of services and the legal side of financial transactions, but their views on the distinctive Islamic services were negative. Although employees confirmed that quality has Islamic roots represented in the term of Itqan (quality is the synonym for this term) as an inherent duty, the practice of this concept was not apparent to customers. To re-conceptualise service quality in the Islamic context, Islamic banks, including their employees should understand that customer praxis, the process by which the Islamic perspective on service quality is translated into action, was the most important dimension from the customer perspective. The instrument suggested to measure service quality generally and apart from the Islamic context, should be a customized scale that is context, country, industry and religion specific at a particular time.

The current climate change crisis demands immediate and creative approaches for systemic shifts in our culture and actions. In the past several decades, education has played a role in bringing awareness regarding environmental issues, but has not necessarily resulted in all the needed behavior changes. A newer approach combines psychological theories with outreach and marketing techniques. This is the rationale behind a new kind of campus activism, peer to peer sustainability outreach programs – the subject of this research. This dissertation research aims to identify current peer to peer sustainability outreach programs and their operations; develop process and outcome evaluation protocols for the programs; clarify administrative procedures and their relationship to a program‘s success; and gain an understanding of how these programs contribute to the growing field of sustainability education and related human behavior change. Methods used include: case studies, peer surveys, interviews and focus groups, and program record analysis. These studies found that programs across the U.S. employ a variety of organizational models and delivery methods that are best suited to individual campuses‘ needs and resources with common motivations and desires for assessment techniques. An in-depth evaluation of one program found strong educational and cultural impacts, positive ecological and financial impacts, with a need for broadened outreach approaches and feedback loops. Combining findings and literature from social psychology, peer education, and program evaluation, this research concludes by identifying elements of successful and effective programs.

The thesis describes an exploration and analysis of the nature of strategic decision-making processes (SDMP) in Libyan Commercial Banks. The role of 'rationality‘, 'intuition‘ and 'political behaviour‘ in five strategic decisions of very high importance were explored in this study, by conducting sixteen face-to-face interviews with senior decision-makers, all closely involved with the decisions, from three commercial banks. Other observations of SDM behaviour and documentary information were also recorded. Field work enabled analysis and interpretation of the perceived influence of `decision importance` on the process, as well as an exploration of the three key influencing factors on the SDMP. Consistent findings for the nature of the process were found for all five decisions. Rationality was a key factor of the process. Considerable efforts were made by key staff to gather and analyse information, discuss issues, as well as engage consultants and seek advice from Commercial Banks outside Libya. This finding appeared to reflect the high importance of the decisions coupled with the inexperience of the senior management group. This lead to some anxiety and, as a consequence, risk-reducing activities. The SDs were based on analysis, advice and past experience, rather than on personal judgement. None of the banks exhibited strong political or intuitive behaviour in their DMPs. Instead there was constructive consultation in making decisions. DM was driven by clear decision motives, the importance attached to the decision, and a committed effort to minimize uncertainty and risk. Other factors considered were that the decisions were financially rewarding, delivered customer satisfaction and employee welfare, as well as being socially acceptable. Analysis of the data has enabled the development of a model which is consistent with an interpretation that places 'anxiety‘ in the senior management group as the dominant factor driving the adoption of a rational approach to DM, with low intuitive or political activity. Anxiety is derived from the crucial importance of the decision, the relative inexperience of the senior management group, and some policy pressure from the Central Bank of Libya to change and modernize banking methods. The availability of resources and time to the senior group, in a generally munificent environment, also made it feasible for senior staff to adopt rational methods of analysis for DM, and as a consequence reduce their degree of anxiety.

The introduction of standardized quality systems and their development into quality management systems offers the opportunity to evaluate the organizational quality of business entities, regardless of their industry. For professional purchasers it has become common practice to demand evidence of the successful application of a quality management system-a necessary step in the process of pre-qualifying potential suppliers. It has become common practice to have the introduction and operation of a quality management system as a minimum requirement for contract as part of a value chain of potential clients or contracting authorities as a future or continuous supplier or service provider. Moreover, this has to be approved. To do so, purchasers can perform supplier audits or ask for evidence provided by certificates. Typically, certificates stating conformity to the requirements of a quality management system are issued by professional audit service companies, so called certification bodies. This study helps to remedy the dearth of studies concerning the effectiveness of audits conducted by certification bodies. This qualitative study uses a limited number of case studies to analyse and assess the approaches and techniques used by auditors for certification or re-certification audits. Additionally, this study attempts to understand whether auditors involved have taken into account the paradigm change of the early 2000s. To this end, auditors involved in the case studies were interviewed. The interviews were dedicated to understanding the cognitive processes of data analysis and the resulting judgements which led to the issuance of certificates stating conformance to the relevant standards. The study was completed on quality management system audits founded on the ISO 9001:2008. This standard establishes the foundation for various further industry-dedicated standards, for example the IRIS or the ISO/TS 16949. Cases studies were performed out in small sized companies and recorded through audio tape recordings, as well by notes concerning auditors’ observed actions. These were transcribed and coded. Analysis of the data indicates that auditors have a detailed idea of what is to be found, regardless the type of business an auditee conducts and the aims of a company. The structure, policy, and individual processes of the audited company did not seem to be of interest. Additionally, audits were performed on the results of audited processes more so than on the progress of the process action and their input/output relation. The interviews shed light on auditors’ understandings of the underlying concepts of the ISO 9001:2008. The results show that the auditors examined still have problems with applying these concepts for their audit practices. Furthermore, the study shows the relationship between power and independence of auditors and their impact on effectiveness. Consequently, the study shows that a certificate issued by a professional audit service does not guarantee conformance to the ISO 9001:2008.

Managing and transferring knowledge within a corporation becomes the ultimate key for survival in the Knowledge Age. Internal knowledge is often unique and lays the foundation for a company’s competitiveness. Effective and fast knowledge transfer (KT) is particularly critical to KIFs such as IT consultancies, R&D based companies or firms in the software industry. Intrafirm KT is a complex undertaking though and a number of initiatives fail. Therefore, achieving optimal KT is a compelling need. The aim of this thesis is to explore what kind of process-oriented framework helps create optimal KT practices in a KIF by applying and adapting the Scrum management and control practices. Scrum was initially formalised for the development of software and can be used to manage complex projects. Enhancing Scrum to enable intra-firm KT represents a novel approach, involving diverse roles across a team of employees and making use of their respective capabilities. The work makes a contribution to knowledge by introducing clearly defined KT process steps and documentation tools - underpinned by motivational practices, transparency and accountability of individual employees to find ways for them to impart their knowledge. It proffers an extension to existing frameworks and models. The study could be highly relevant for practitioners concerned with intra-firm KT for two reasons. Employing the newly developed approach helps investigate appropriate organisational contexts and, more importantly, provides a practical set of tools to assist with the task of enabling KT. The form of a case study within a KIF, a consultancy firm focussed on digital business transformation, has been chosen as the foundation for the inquiry. The research strategy is rooted in a participatory paradigm. Qualitative data captured in the company were specifically developed through participatory action research (PAR). Documentary analysis, non-participant observation, and open-ended interviews ahead of iterative action-reflection cycles contributed to providing new learning for a team of highly qualified Knowledge Workers (KWs). Overall the team of consultants that was the focus of this case study believes that knowledge in the firm will be transferred faster and sustainably by employing practices of interaction and adaptation within a knowledge-friendly and motivational environment. The time required to phase new consultants into existing projects, where KT was indispensable, was reduced significantly by 50% from four to two weeks. The research suggests that the newly developed process-oriented framework can greatly improve KT practices in a KIF by applying practices of gathering data and information (Aggregating), prioritising them (Featuring), reviewing KT progress (Reviewing), and utilising newly acquired knowledge (Doing). The key findings of this work, the AFRD-process and the AFRD-framework, were subject to an audit by an expert panel from the Fresenius University of Applied Science in Munich, Germany, and practitioners in a machine engineering company in Augsburg, Germany.

Organizations are continuously confronted with decision-making in their daily business practice. Information technology plays a key role, supporting and automating decision-making processes, enabling the flow and distribution of information and knowledge and enhancing collaboration and exchange across the entire organization. Both, decision-making and information technology combine social and technological aspects of collaboration and collective action within a socio-economic system. Social media technologies such as corporate social networks, collaborative projects, instant messengers, content sharing platforms, blogs, micro-blogs, rating and voting systems, influence how human beings collaborate, build communities, exchange information, and jointly create content. This thesis combines aspects of social and behavioural science, collective decision-making and information technology into a qualitative research project. The main objective of this thesis was to explore and to gain a deep understanding of the implications of the integration of social media technologies to enhance collective judgement and the complex decision-making processes within corporate and less formal contexts. Therefore, this research identified real, potential and perceived benefits, disadvantages and barriers of social media integration in collective decision-making processes. The outcome focusses on evidence to establish whether social media technologies are capable of advancing the collective decision-making process. This study applied an exploratory qualitative research approach, which incorporated semi-structured interviews, multiple case studies and documentary data. Three case studies built the foundation of the field research conducted over a period of nine months, resulting in thirty semi-structured interviews. For each investigated site, ten individuals from various departments and different roles participated in thirty to forty minutes, semi-structured interviews recorded at their premises. Documents shared by the interviewees such as internal presentations, videos, meeting minutes and communication notes added to the overall data set. The key findings can be divided into three focus areas, (a) social media within a business environment and organizational readiness, (b) social media and collective action in business such as mass collaboration and problem solving and (c) social media integrated in collective decision-making derived from the benefits, disadvantages and barriers identified. Real benefits surfaced in the area of communication, interaction, involvement, reproducibility, aggregation and the independence of physical presence. From a communication perspective, the decision-making process benefits from utilizing different channels to convey and present information. These communication channels facilitate synchronous and asynchronous interaction, engaging different parties such as stakeholders, committees, experts, management and other participants in the process. Since the information created is continuously captured and stored, social media adds the benefit of reproducibility to the collective decision-making process. Rating and voting functions aggregate thoughts, opinions, and monitor, at an early stage of the process, tendencies and reflective developments in the group. Finally, rating and voting mechanisms build a collective choice acknowledged by a majority of a business collective. Social media relieves the requirement of physical presence in a collective decision-making process utilizing the corporate Intranet and the Internet. This adds flexibility to the selection of the participants and provides a basis of employee engagement from small to large-scale endeavours. Potential benefits relate to some extent to the explored real benefits. They focus on motivation of social interaction and collaboration, building relationships, enhancing the flow of information and fostering a reflective culture capable of collectively solving problems. From an organizational behaviour perspective, these benefits are capable of stimulating employees to engage in organizational topics, and utilizing organizational intelligence by sharing knowledge and experience to support collective decision-making. Perceived benefits include enhanced communication, interaction, involvement, and acceptance, variety of opinions, engaging employees in collective actions and integrating experts. Perceived disadvantages concentrated around social interaction. They manifested as distraction, losing focus on objectives, biased information, and loss of control, opinion manipulation, information overload and a less formal nature of the process. Barriers were identified in the area of abuse of personal information, additional workload in the daily business, unclear benefits, refusal to share knowledge, lack of trust about the information created and presented, manipulation of opinions, and continuous availability. The results of the thesis provided the evidence that utilization and integration of social media in the collective decision-making process depend on organizational readiness, which relates to the context. Social media application differs from the application in the Internet since social conformity, cohesion and internal competition influence participation and outcome. This means, the ability to integrate employees in collective action and the utilization of social media requires, besides acceptance of the new technology, a culture of openness, and willingness to share, engage and contribute. Therefore, this research suggests, from a managerial perspective, focussing on collective action capabilities, utilizing social media as an enabler to connect employees, to stimulate interaction, participation, and capture and support the information flow during a decision-making process. Recommendations for future research suggest analysing organizations in longitudinal studies to explore how they gain advantage of collective action concerning aggregation of knowledge using social media as a platform.