Bakgrund: Då kriser inträffar allt oftare är det av stor vikt för organisationer att ha en utvecklad strategi för att hantera dessa störningar. Ett sätt för att hantera risker och kriser är Business Continuity Management som involverar hela processen med planering av åtgärder i förväg, krishantering samt utvärdering efter krisen. Syfte: Syftet med uppsatsen är att identifiera och analysera teorierna kring Business Continuity Management samt huruvida dessa tillämpas praktiskt i stora svenska tillverkande företag. Vidare ämnar studien skapa en djupare förståelse kring hur de studerade företagen, med hjälp av jämförelser och granskning, agerar under en rådande krissituation. Metod: Uppsatsen bygger på en kvalitativ forskningsmetod med där den empiriska materialinsamlingen har skett via semistrukturerade intervjuer. Ytterligare empiriskt material är de studerade företagens års- och kvartalsrapporter. En komparativ forskningsdesign har tillämpats, vilken möjliggör för jämförelser mellan de studerade företagens användning av BCM. Slutsats: Studien kan konstatera att inget utav de studerade företagen tillämpar Business Continuity Management fullt ut. Däremot nyttjas modeller och strategier som ligger i linje med den teoretiska referensramen för BCM. / Background: As crisis occur more and more frequently around the world, it is vital for organizations to have an implemented strategy to cope with these disruptions. One way to manage these crises is Business Continuity Management which involves the entire process of planning actions in advance, crisis management and post-crisis evaluation. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to identify and analyse the theories related to Business Continuity Management and whether these theories practically applies in Swedish manufacturing companies. Furthermore, the study aims to create a deeper understanding of how the studied companies, by means of comparisons and review, act in a crisis situation. Method: The thesis is based on a qualitative research method where the empirical material collection has been done via semi-structured interviews. Further empirical material is the annual and quarterly reports of the companies studied. A comparative research design has been applied, which allows for comparisons between the studied companies' use of BCM. Conclusion: The study finds that none of the studied companies fully applies Business Continuity Management. However, models and strategies that are in line with the theoretical frame of reference for BCM are used.

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PhD (Business Management) / Department of Business Management / Contemporary cloud-based computing is crucial for the efficient delivery of ICT systems to users, as well as for versatile disaster recovery and business continuity management (BCM) platforms. Based on the need for efficient and fault-tolerant port operations, this study proposes a cloud-based business continuity framework (BCM) for the container terminal operations (CTO) in South Africa. The study examined the impact of ICT systems and services on Container Terminal Operations (CTO); determined Critical Business Functions in operations that must stay operational and analysed the impact of the unavailability of ICT systems and services on critical operations. This empirical study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs and collecting data through self-constructed and self-administered questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) Version 23 while qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis of interviews. Results show that to realize effective organizational resilience using BCM, three insights, as underlying mechanisms for assimilating cloud computing in BCM can be inferred: the first is that a digitalized BCM architecture ‘fits’ the cloud computing model. The specific BCM characteristics that befits cloud computing are continuous data processing; continuous data access and delivery; multi-platform data access; always – on ICT Services; and better decision making. Secondly, the cloud computing model is a ‘viable’ model that can contribute to managing complex organizations characterized by business units that are highly differentiated in terms of size, structure, ICT and investment levels. For such complex organizations, viability is visible in terms of how the multi-units can harness collective intelligence (CI) for more effective BCM. Collective intelligence, as a form of universally distributed intelligence that is constantly enhanced, coordinated in real time, and which results in effective mobilization of organizational competence, is a core organizing metaphor for achieving BCM in a complex organization. Lastly, to realize BCM, underpinned by greater digitalization of BCM and harnessing of CI; there is need for rethinking strategy towards adoption of an ‘Intelliport strategy’ or ‘smart’ BCM for ports, currently intertwined with the notion of the 4IR. That the ‘smart’ nature of BCM require the assimilation of 4IR technologies that enable ubiquitous presence and real time information regarding organizational processes. Adopting an ‘Intelliport strategy’ is likely to have two main implications for BCM and practice: the first is linked to the development of a circular economy, in which aggregation of BCM activities can enhance sustainable development of the seaports; and secondly, adoption of a cloud computing model that can result in the enhancement of business growth of the units promote collaborative problem solving and decision making in BCM. / NRF

Semi-natural grasslands of the eastern Moravia have big potential to host species-rich plant communities. However, changes in land-use during the second half of the last century were rapid and vast and many grasslands had been ploughed over. In the early 80s some arable lands were sown with low diversity clover-grass mixture and transferred back to grassland. Restoration of grasslands on former arable fields is a major challenge. Their colonisation by grassland species may be complicated by initial seeding productive low diversity seed mixtures. The aim of this study was to estimate differences in species composition and species diversity between ex-arable artificially seeded grasslands and fragments of grasslands with continuity over 70 years in the north part of White Carpathian Mts., SE Czech Republic and identify species traits limiting species ability to colonize the ex-arable grasslands. Target plant species (total of 137) were surveyed on 66 grasslands. Surveyed grasslands were according to continuity and type of management. Coordinates of centroids from each polygon (i. e. surveyed grassland) were used to treat the spatial correlation of the surveyed grasslands. The effect of continuity on species composition and diversity was tested after accounting for differences in the management and...

Este trabalho propõe diretrizes de Gestão de Continuidade de Negócios (GCN) para a tecnologia de Ensino Presencial Mediado por Recursos Tecnológicos (EPMRT), que conta, para a realização de suas atividades acadêmicas, com um sistema complexo para transmissão de aulas e exige um grande esforço para o controle das suas operações e das respostas coordenadas diante de erros, falhas e defeitos, ou quaisquer incidentes que resultem na interrupção das suas atividades. A manutenção deste ambiente tecnológico está relacionada com a implantação de processos eficientes de gestão de risco e do ciclo de melhoria contínua em ambiente de TI com a adoção do ITIL® e através da construção das diretrizes de um Plano de Continuidade de Negócios (PCN), documentado por meio de elementos da UML, utilizando a Análise de Impacto nos Negócios (BIA), a Avaliação dos Riscos (RA) e os atributos de Dependabilidade para os elementos tecnológicos: disponibilidade, confiabilidade, segurança, confidencialidade, integridade e manutenibilidade. / This paper proposes guidelines for Business Continuity Management (BCM) that uses a technology called Education System Mediated Classroom Resources Technology (SPMRT), which needs, for the achievement of their academic activities, a complex system for transmission of lessons and requires a great effort to control their operations and coordinated fast responses in case of errors, faults, attacks and defects, or any incidents that result in the disruption of their activities. Maintaining this technological environment is related to the implementation of efficient processes of risk management and continuous improvement cycle in the IT environment with the adoption of ITIL® and through the construction of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), documented by elements of the UML using the Business Impact Analysis (BIA), Risk Assessment (RA) and the attributes of Dependability: availability, reliability, security, confidentiality, integrity and maintainability.

Este trabalho propõe diretrizes de Gestão de Continuidade de Negócios (GCN) para a tecnologia de Ensino Presencial Mediado por Recursos Tecnológicos (EPMRT), que conta, para a realização de suas atividades acadêmicas, com um sistema complexo para transmissão de aulas e exige um grande esforço para o controle das suas operações e das respostas coordenadas diante de erros, falhas e defeitos, ou quaisquer incidentes que resultem na interrupção das suas atividades. A manutenção deste ambiente tecnológico está relacionada com a implantação de processos eficientes de gestão de risco e do ciclo de melhoria contínua em ambiente de TI com a adoção do ITIL® e através da construção das diretrizes de um Plano de Continuidade de Negócios (PCN), documentado por meio de elementos da UML, utilizando a Análise de Impacto nos Negócios (BIA), a Avaliação dos Riscos (RA) e os atributos de Dependabilidade para os elementos tecnológicos: disponibilidade, confiabilidade, segurança, confidencialidade, integridade e manutenibilidade. / This paper proposes guidelines for Business Continuity Management (BCM) that uses a technology called Education System Mediated Classroom Resources Technology (SPMRT), which needs, for the achievement of their academic activities, a complex system for transmission of lessons and requires a great effort to control their operations and coordinated fast responses in case of errors, faults, attacks and defects, or any incidents that result in the disruption of their activities. Maintaining this technological environment is related to the implementation of efficient processes of risk management and continuous improvement cycle in the IT environment with the adoption of ITIL® and through the construction of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), documented by elements of the UML using the Business Impact Analysis (BIA), Risk Assessment (RA) and the attributes of Dependability: availability, reliability, security, confidentiality, integrity and maintainability.

隨著主管機關對金融商品規定的鬆綁，金融機構業務型態的變化越來越多，量也越來越大，對資訊系統依賴的程度也越來越高。其中，證券公司業務的執行及對客戶的服務，更是高度依賴IT服務的可用性、可靠性、安全性和表現的效能。然而，IT與業務部門需求認知上的落差及IT部門在企業內扮演角色認知上的錯誤及不當的IT管理方式，反而讓問題的發生層出不窮，IT也經常落入問題處理的深淵。 問題的複雜度雖然不斷提高，相對於業務單位對系統穩定性的要求卻更高。問題是：企業不可能因為追求效率上的完美而不斷花錢投入IT資源。在IT資源有限的情況下，IT部門須對這些問題，進行更有效的管理及回應。因此，IT治理不僅已成為金融機構實現業務目標的基本要素，也是獲取客戶信任不可或缺的元素。本論文則嘗試透過導入行之有年的ITIL管理方法，協助解決證券公司資訊部門的困境。 為能達到良好的IT服務治理結果，本研究針對業務單位對IT部門所提供的資訊服務期望，透過ITIL的服務水準管理流程（Service Level Management，SLM）來加以定義及描述。主要做法： 1.利用ITIL流程改善模型（Process Improvement Model）的四階段步驟，參考營業服務管理（Business Service Management，BSM）的觀念與做法，讓IT單位與業務部門能有更好的溝通。 2.依據溝通的結果產出實際可行之服務水準協議。簡言之，即是由使用者的角度去找出所需達到的IT服務標準。還可依此畫出營業服務與IT服務間之對應關係，明確彼此的責任。 3.透過重複不斷的檢討與回饋，讓IT服務能越來越符合實際業務的需要。 本研究發現，透過案例「致富快手」系統在服務水準管理流程中所獲得的業務單位對IT部門的服務期望資訊，對照現況IT部門的服務表現與目標水準的差異分析。的確可以協助IT部門就資訊服務的提供現況來推導，以獲致未來可進行服務改善的目標項目。而不再是以個人的直覺來進行系統維護與IT投資，這些效益還包括： 1.增進IT了解自己在企業營運上的價值貢獻；體會與業務單位的分工合作關係，減輕彼此的對立。 2.營業服務關鍵流程協助IT部門進行資源佈署，優化IT投資。 3.對營業服務關鍵流程，提供一具體、可量化的衡量標準與描述。可依此建立SLA與OLA。 4.服務期望與服務現況比較，了解IT服務對營業服務支持程度。 5.服務期望與服務現況差異化分析，為日後服務改善之依據。 6.營業服務與IT資源對應，明確IT資源關鍵元件；為備援建置及容量管理之重點對象。 7.以Business/IT知識庫檢視監控機制涵蓋程度，做為服務改善之目標。 8.透明IT營業支援服務體系，增進雙方溝通與問題處理有效性。 研究中也發現，服務水準管理流程只是在規範IT服務相關單位的行為活動。也就是說，服務水準管理流程其實只是在訂定IT服務的目標，至於應如何來實現，仍須藉由其他服務提供(Service Support)流程的有效支持；改善的具體實現，又會反應在服務水準指標的執行結果上，兩者其實為互相呼應，相輔相成的因果關係。 / As the finance production deregulates, the financial institutions could run more and more various businesses. In order to offer quality service, it’s necessary to have IT support in the back. So does Security Corporation. The business performances of a security corporation almost depend on an available, reliable, and secure IT services. However, there are some problems occurred between the business and IT units. In one hand, they both have misunderstanding in cognition to the other party; on the other hand, passive attitude and ineffective management of IT department made two groups always unsatisfied to each other. Furthermore, the spending of IT investment in a company is limited, but the business units continually require of better performance requirement. The atmosphere between two parties is in tension. For solving those problems, the study of IT governance comes out. It helps organization offer better IT service under limited resources. Moreover, IT governance is not only the effective method to realize business object, but the important one to obtain the customers’ trust. As the result, we use one of IT governance methodology, ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library), to resolve the predicament of IT department in the security corporation. In this paper, we identify the expectation to IT service from Business units using the concept of SLM (Service Level Management) module described in ITIL. Our analysis steps are as follow: I.Understand the needs: We use the “Process Improvement Model” in ITIL and the concept in BSM (Business Service Management) to analyze the “real” requirements from business units. II.Settle and implement the agreements: After clarify the relationship between business function and IT service, the most important document in SLM, SLA (Service Level Agreement), will be ready for recording the result of negotiation of two parties. It’s also good for addressing the responsibility. III.Review and improve the IT services: After implement, it’s necessary to review the result, and get the feedback for next service improvement. By continuous improvement, IT service will be able to match the business needs. In the case, we conduct the gap analysis between the expectation of business department and real performance of IT service. It helps IT department to understand “where we are” and “what we want”. Through the result of the comparison, it provides an obvious direction for service improvement, instead of by “intuition” only. It also includes other benefits like that: I.The IT department can realize its role in whole enterprise. It could have better cooperation with business department. II.The BSM helps IT manager to deploy its resources and optimize the investment in IT. III.The methodology provides a concrete, measurable standard and description to the business. It’s useful to establish the SLA and OLA (Operation Level Agreement). IV.The comparison between expectation and current status can show how the level of IT services support business services. V.The gap analysis provides the direction of service improvement. VI.The IT resources components are highlighted. Those components are major objects in backup mechanism and capacity management. VII.The Business/IT Knowledge base helps to review the range of monitor. VIII.The IT support system can be revealed. It is benefit to communication and problem management. The study shows that Service Level Management focus on how to restrict the action of IT Services provider. In other words, the whole process just helps to fine out the object of IT Services. It also needs support of other Service Support processes. Furthermore, the services’ quality improve will be showed by the Service Level Index. The SLM and other process complement to each other. To sum up, SLM is good for IT units to identifying needs and catching them. However, it should implement with other process to get better effect.

The poor state and failure of the basic education system in South Africa gave rise to this research. The wave of knowledge loss experienced in the last two decades is expected to carry on and will continue to deplete the basic education system’s knowledge base, severely affecting the already poor quality of education as well as the future economic growth and sustainability in South Africa. The main research objective was to establish whether future growth and sustainability in the basic education system in South Africa is achievable; which factors it is influenced by; and how knowledge continuity could impact on future growth and sustainability. A multidisciplinary approach focusing on organisational performance, knowledge management, individual and organisational behaviour and organisational development was followed. The nature of growth and sustainability and knowledge continuity in organisations was explored by following a contextualisation theory-building process. The main objective of the empirical research study was to determine by means of quantitative research the degree to which the influencing factors would enhance or impede growth and sustainability in an organisation. A quantitative survey method was followed. A questionnaire was developed and the survey was performed in 6 primary and secondary schools of the basic education system in South Africa. The questionnaire was found to be reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha of .8060. In the descriptive factor analysis process, principal component factor analysis was conducted, which described the five constructs that would influence growth and sustainability. These constructs’ dimensions produced significant intercorrelations which indicate that the dimensions are for the most part intercorrelated with each other in contributing to growth and sustainability. The multiple regression analysis indicated that knowledge loss would have an exceptionally strong impact on knowledge; and that knowledge, information and performance would significantly predict growth and sustainability. Organisations should change the focus for growth from physical assets to the development of intellectual capital, and knowledge continuity should form part of an organisations’ business strategy and mission. Knowledge continuity will only be successful if a culture conducive of trust and knowledge sharing and transfer exist, and are supported by effective and appropriate human resource practices and incentives. A structural equation model development strategy produced a knowledge continuity model aimed at enabling future growth and sustainability, based on the constructs confirmed in the factor analysis. The model indicated that there is a direct causal relationship between knowledge, information and performance with growth and sustainability. The regression analysis showed that most of the intercorrelations are significant, thus confirming the theory. The newly developed questionnaire and structural equation model should enable organisations to measure the degree to which the enhancing individual and organisational behavioural factors of growth and sustainability are in place and provide the measurement outcomes that would identify the factors that need to be focused on to improve and enable future growth and sustainability in an organisation. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The poor state and failure of the basic education system in South Africa gave rise to this research. The wave of knowledge loss experienced in the last two decades is expected to carry on and will continue to deplete the basic education system’s knowledge base, severely affecting the already poor quality of education as well as the future economic growth and sustainability in South Africa. The main research objective was to establish whether future growth and sustainability in the basic education system in South Africa is achievable; which factors it is influenced by; and how knowledge continuity could impact on future growth and sustainability. A multidisciplinary approach focusing on organisational performance, knowledge management, individual and organisational behaviour and organisational development was followed. The nature of growth and sustainability and knowledge continuity in organisations was explored by following a contextualisation theory-building process. The main objective of the empirical research study was to determine by means of quantitative research the degree to which the influencing factors would enhance or impede growth and sustainability in an organisation. A quantitative survey method was followed. A questionnaire was developed and the survey was performed in 6 primary and secondary schools of the basic education system in South Africa. The questionnaire was found to be reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha of .8060. In the descriptive factor analysis process, principal component factor analysis was conducted, which described the five constructs that would influence growth and sustainability. These constructs’ dimensions produced significant intercorrelations which indicate that the dimensions are for the most part intercorrelated with each other in contributing to growth and sustainability. The multiple regression analysis indicated that knowledge loss would have an exceptionally strong impact on knowledge; and that knowledge, information and performance would significantly predict growth and sustainability. Organisations should change the focus for growth from physical assets to the development of intellectual capital, and knowledge continuity should form part of an organisations’ business strategy and mission. Knowledge continuity will only be successful if a culture conducive of trust and knowledge sharing and transfer exist, and are supported by effective and appropriate human resource practices and incentives. A structural equation model development strategy produced a knowledge continuity model aimed at enabling future growth and sustainability, based on the constructs confirmed in the factor analysis. The model indicated that there is a direct causal relationship between knowledge, information and performance with growth and sustainability. The regression analysis showed that most of the intercorrelations are significant, thus confirming the theory. The newly developed questionnaire and structural equation model should enable organisations to measure the degree to which the enhancing individual and organisational behavioural factors of growth and sustainability are in place and provide the measurement outcomes that would identify the factors that need to be focused on to improve and enable future growth and sustainability in an organisation. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.