The focus of this dissertation is on how communication regarding work environment and work related risks can be understood from an organizational communication perspective. Based on a case study of communication about work environment and work related risks in the Swedish forest industry, the present study discusses institutional influences on organizational sense making processes. A central question has been how to understand the organizational field as a cultural and communicative arena where concepts and ideas connected with issues in the field are communicated between different actors. The empirical data was gathered using different methods. A questionnaire aiming at screening media habits and information gathering strategies of forest machine contractors was used. Based on information from that screening, mass media content was analysed, such as daily newspapers, trade press and advertisements for forest machines. Also, interviews with actors in the field were analysed thematically with respect to how to unveil hidden key symbols and cultural valuations of forest machine work, the work environment and how to handle work related risks in forest work. The key symbols that were identified to organise conceptions about forest work and occupational risks connected with it contained information about different attitudes towards how to handle risks and other problems in the work environment. Two main types of conceptions were identified, technologically oriented conceptions and person oriented conceptions. The analysis revealed a fragmented picture of forest work. Yet, the picture was more or less common to the organizational field as a whole. Building on institutional theory and theories of sense making, the study results in a deeper understanding of sense making in relation to work environmental issues by applying an organizational dimension to risk communication in an organizational field.

Mémoire (M.P.M.O.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1997. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Thesis (Master of Construction)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Emerging contractors have relished greater privileges since the first democratically elected government in South Africa came into power in 1994 but are faced with numerous challenges. The government has placed numerous resources, ranging from training and development programmes, enabling legislative laws and regulations in an attempt to address these challenges and to turn emerging contractors to sustainable contractors. Knowledge transfer through training of emerging contractors, either from established contractors in a project set-up or training providers in a class room, has being recognised as the most effective mechanisms for development and growth of the emerging contractors. This study focuses on latter mechanism of emerging contractor development. The intended training outcomes of the structured training offered to emerging contractors by training providers in a class room set-up, remains and they experience several obstacles. This research focuses on a particular contractor development programme to investigate the effectiveness Western Cape Contractor Development Programme training programme and subsequently to enhance the training programme. The study focuses on specific aspects of training which researcher feels that they were significant: to explore the nature of existing TNA offered at Western Cape Contractor Development Programme , to investigate the trainer’s competences required in the WCCDP structured training, to examine the existing monitoring and evaluation indicators used to gauge the effectiveness of the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme structured training offered to emerging contractors and to explore the assessment strategies used at the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme, in order to measure the trainees’ learning. The study adopted a case study approach since it dealt with a particular contractor development programme in Western Cape, South Africa. A triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to answer the research questions, achieve the research objectives and overcome matters with validity and bias. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the programme coordinators, service provider trainer, service provider facilitator and service provider project manager. A total of 50 self-administered closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to gather data from trainees, only 35 were handed back to the researcher representing a response rate 70%.Therefore a purposive sampling was adopted. To corroborate empirical data collected an observation of the training was conducted. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data; descriptive and inferential statics using the SPSS software was used quantitative data. The findings from the study revealed that the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme has lack of comprehensive managerial training needs analaysis approach, no measurable indicators established for monitoring and evaluation; programme has no competency assessment or screening process and lack of adequate knowledge on assessment design and implementation. Therefore, this is largely responsible for the problems at Western Cape Contractor Development Programme and has a negative impact on the programme. It is evident from the findings of the study that Western Cape Contractor Development Programme must develop a comprehensive and formal training needs analysis process to identify the actual needs, design and implement a proper measurable indicators for the monitoring and evaluation system in order to monitor the progress of the programme, training policies and objectives must be revisited for amend, tighten seriously, implemented and monitored regularly with all the concerned stakeholders, develop a trainer competency screening process and appoint a training expert to ensure that relevant assessment strategies are used for assessing the trainees and ensure that desired training outcomes and objectives are achieved to enhance the programme.

Mercantile Law / LL. M. (Commercial Law)

Nesta pesquisa é estudada a atuação de um importante agente no funcionamento na cadeia produtiva do setor da construção civil, quais sejam as Empresas executoras de serviços de obras (EES), geralmente denominadas subempreiteiras (SE) ou empresas especializadas na execução de obras (EEE). Apesar de existirem várias pesquisas relacionadas com o estudo das suas características, existe pouca informação sobre como as EES estão organizadas. Nesse sentido, um marco analítico foi desenvolvido, analisando às EES segundo as capacidades possuídas para entregar seus resultados nas condições de competição encontradas. Para tanto, as causas que, por um lado, provocam o encerramento das atividades ou, por outro, a sua liderança no mercado foram estudadas sob a ótica de várias linhas do marketing relacionadas com a chamada lógica de serviço e com as correntes de vantagem competitiva sustentável (VCS). Tal marco empregou a noção de valor entregue no serviço prestado pelas EES a partir das suas fontes de VCS. Tais fontes foram discutidas em função dos ativos que as EES possuem. Tais ativos são compostos dos recursos tangíveis (como produtos, ferramentas, materiais, etc.) e intangíveis (como sistemas de gestão gerenciais e operacionais), que lhes permitem desenvolver uma estratégia de criação de valor de forma sustentável, também chamados de ativos estratégicos. Para seu desenvolvimento foi utilizado o método teoria fundamentada nos dados, entrevistando-se 6 representantes dos contratantes das EES, um consultor especialista em gestão empresarial, e 24 EES de 11 diferentes especialidades técnicas. As entrevistas ocorreram conjuntamente com a revisão bibliográfica e a análise dos resultados. A utilização do marco permitiu distinguir as EEE, um subconjunto das EES, em função das suas competências e acesso a recursos para produzir os seus serviços. Finalmente, espera-se que a abordagem desenvolvida nesta pesquisa seja utilizada para melhor entender as capacidades que as EES possuem para competir, servindo de base para futuras pesquisas sobre como melhorar as capacidades e condições de competição destas empresas. / This research studied the performance of an important agent in the construction industry, which are the trade executors (EES), usually called subcontractors (SE) and specialty contractors (EEE). Although there are several studies related to the study of their characteristics, little information exists about how EES are organized. In this sense, an analytical framework was developed to analyze the possessed ESS capabilities to deliver their results within the competition bounds. For this, the root causes of the closure activities and market leadership have been studied from the perspective of several lines of marketing related to call service logic and to sustainable competitive advantage (VCS). This framework used the concept of service value delivered by EES from their sources of VCS. These sources are discussed in terms of assets that have EES. Such assets consist of tangible assets (such as products, tools, materials, etc.) and intangible (such as management systems and operational systems) that allow them to develop a strategy to create sustainable value, also called strategic assets. The research method was \'grounded theory\', interviewing 6 representatives of their contractors, an expert consultant on business management, and 24 ESS of 11 different technical specialties. The interviews took place in conjunction with the literature review and analysis of results. The use of this method allowed us to distinguish the EEE, a subset of EES, depending on their possession of skills and access to resources to produce their service. Finally, it is expected that the approach developed in this research is used to better understand the capabilities that EES have within their competition, providing the basis for future research on how to improve the capacity and the competition of these firms.

Na construção civil dois agentes são os responsáveis pela materialização das obras. O primeiro deles são as construtoras. Porém, a maior parte dos trabalhos nos canteiros de obras é delegada a empresas executoras de serviços de obras (EES), ou subempreiteiras, o segundo de tais agentes; em uma prática conhecida como subcontratação. Quando as EES possuem recursos e competências, ou ativos, que lhes permitem executar adequadamente os seus serviços, caracterizam um subconjunto de EES. Este subconjunto é denominado empresas de execução especializada de serviços de obras (EEE). Adicionalmente, no Brasil, a maioria das EES são micro e pequenas empresas, e muitas delas carecem dos ativos adequados para desempenhar os seus serviços. Para piorar esta situação, as EES são maiormente contratadas em condições desfavoráveis, tanto comerciais quanto na produção. Complementarmente, os resultados do setor da construção civil são produzidos por diferentes agentes que atuam nos sistemas de produção da construção, dos quais também dependem os resultados das EES. Não obstante, alguns agentes, principalmente as construtoras, contribuem com as EES, ajudandoas a obterem melhores resultados. Contudo, seus resultados, como os da construção civil no geral, não são os melhores, afetando a competitividade do setor. Dada a sua função nas obras, para melhorar o setor, precisa-se de EEE. O objetivo desta tese é discutir estratégias para desenvolver empresas de execução especializada de serviços de obras. Para tanto 56 entrevistas foram realizadas usando o método de teoria fundamentada em dados (Grounded Theory). Os resultados desta tese dizem respeito à descoberta dos processos de Habilitação e Acondicionamento dos sistemas de produção. Mediante tais processos se habilitam ativos e condições adequadas para os agentes, entre eles as EES, alcançarem o melhor desempenho dos seus papéis nos sistemas de produção da construção civil. Com base em tais processos, são propostas oito estratégias para desenvolver EEE. O desenvolvimento de melhores ativos e condições, bem como o seu acondicionamento nos sistemas de produção da construção civil foram identificados como fontes de melhoria para o setor. / In Construction Industry two agents are responsible for the realization of onsite works. The first of these are contractors. However, most of the work at construction sites is delegated to trade contractors (EES), or subcontractors, the second of such agents, in a practice known as subcontracting. When EES have the resources and skills, or assets that allow them to properly perform their services, they feature a subset of ESS. This subset is called specialty contractors (EEE). Additionally, in Brazil, most of the EES are micro and small enterprises, and many of them lack the adequate assets to perform their services. Compounding this, the EES are most mainly engaged in unfavorable conditions, both commercial and in production. In addition, the results of the construction sector are produced by different agents working in the construction production systems, from which the results of the EES also depend on. However, some agents, especially the contractors, contribute to the EES, helping them to achieve better results. However, their results, such as construction in general, are not the best, affecting the sector\'s competitiveness. Given its role in the works to improve the sector, EEE are needed. The objective of this thesis is to discuss strategies to develop specialty contractors. For this purpose 56 interviews were conducted using Grounded Theory method. The results of this thesis concern the discovery of Enabling and Conditioning processes of production systems. Such processes enable adequate assets and conditions for agents, including the EES, achieve the best performance of their roles in the construction production systems. Based on these processes ten strategies are proposed to develop EEE. The development of better assets and conditions as well as their conditioning in construction production systems have been identified as sources of improvement for the sector.

Du fait de son rôle moteur de l’économie marocaine, le secteur de la construction agit comme véritable levier de croissance. Passé la consolidation actuelle, il devrait continuer son développement dans les années à venir, du fait de la conjonction de plusieurs facteurs endogènes.Toutes les études juridiques menées à ce jour au Maroc n’ont traité que de la responsabilité contractuelle des constructeurs sans jamais pour autant aborder leur responsabilité extracontractuelle et encore moins son assurance. La présente thèse essaie d’analyser la responsabilité extra contractuelle des constructeurs dans le cadre de législation marocaine tout en la comparant son traitement par d’autres législations européennes (France, Grande Bretagne, Allemagne et Espagne) ou africaines (Algérie, Tunisie et Sénégal). Ce choix est d'abord motivé par l'existence actuelle d'un important contentieux entre les constructeurs et les maitres d’ouvrage de nature extra contractuelle. Il repose également sur l'objectif de rechercher les explications objectives de ce contentieux dans le cadre du jeu des règles de la responsabilité des constructeurs tracées par la législation marocaine.En matière d’assurance construction, le Maroc s’est mis tardivement à l’instauration d’une obligation d’assurance à travers la loi 59-13 promulguée par Dahir 1.16.129 du 25 Aout 2016 modifiant et complétant la loi 17-99 portant code des assurances - B.O 6506 du 6-10-2016. Or, ce système d’assurance obligatoire mis en place actuellement ne pourrait être efficace et répondre aux aspirations des professionnels que s’il satisfasse à des conditions tirées des expériences passées d’autres pays tels la Tunisie et la France. / Thanks to its driving force in the Moroccan economy, the building sector acts as an effective impetus growth .Apart from the current consolidation ,it should further its development in the following years .Through a combination of several endogenous factors. All legal studies undertaken in MOROCCO up to now have just dealt with manufacturers contractual liability without considering their contractual liability not to mention its insurance. The present thesis tries to analyse the extra contractual liability within MOROCCAN LAW while comparing it with European legislations such as FRANCE, GREAT BRITAIN, GERMANY and SPAIN or African legislations ALGERIA TUNISIA and SENEGAL. This choice is primarily motivated by the current existence of significant conflicts between builders and the extra contractual property owners. One of its main objectives is to find out sound explanations to these conflicts in the game rules of builders liability set by Moroccan legislation. In terms of construction insurance, MOROCCO has finally elaborated the introduction of a compulsory insurance through the 59-13 law promulgated by Dahir 1.16.129 of 25th august 2016 amending and supplementing law 17.99 insurance code in B.O 6506 of 6th October 2016. Now this compulsory insurance system currently operational could be effective and satisfy the professionals aspirations if it draws lessons from previous experiences of other countries such as TUNISIA and FRANCE.

The purpose of this treatise was to determine the distinction between the contract of service (employment) and the contract of work (independent contractor). A comprehensive literary survey was undertaken so as to establish if such a distinction does indeed exist. A logical point of departure was to study the contract of service and determine how the employment relationship is established by it. It is also necessary to establish under what circumstances a contract may be terminated and what the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract were. The contract between the parties will determine remedies to the breach of contract or applicability of labour legislation. It is also necessary to establish the definition of an employee under various statutes so as to understand what remedies exist should rights be infringed upon. Statutes considered include the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, Skills Development Act and the Income Tax Act. The effect of insolvency of the employer on the employee is also discussed. Outsourcing has played a major role in the emergence of the independent contractor. This phenomenon is considered from the point of the employer in terms of the reasons for choosing the option of outsourcing and the associated risks. The employee perspective is also dealt with in terms of why an employee would change his/her employment status. The various tests historically applied to determine the status of a worker is also discussed. These include the control, organisation, dominant impression and economic tests. Currently the dominant impression test is the one that is being applied to determine the employment relationship. Extensive reference was made to case law. United States of America cases are referred to with specific reference to the 20 Factor Test applied by the Internal Revenue Service. South African case law is dealt wit in terms of enforcement of Bargaining Council agreements, commission-earning persons, payment for services rendered, the intention of the parties and the identity of the true employer. The emergence of the dependent contractor is also addressed. This form of worker normally falls outside of the protection of labour legislation and social security. Amendments have been proposed to various statutes to remedy the situation in South Africa. A final aspect that is dealt with is that of vicarious liability. The applicability of this aspect lies in the liability of the employer for damages inflicted by the employee.

Syfte: Undersökningens syfte är att undersöka kommunikationen mellan entreprenör, byggledaren och projektör i ett anläggningsprojekt där en generalentreprenad genomförts. Kommunikation ses bristande mellan dessa aktörer i tidigare forskning vilket har bidragit till negativa aspekter i form av ekonomi och tid. Denna undersökning skall resultera i förbättringsförslag för att minska kommunikationsproblemen.Metod: Undersökningens problematik grundades genom en insamling av primär- och sekundärdata om kommunikationsproblem inom anläggningsprojekt och generalentreprenad. Den primära datan består utav semistrukturerade intervjuer och den sekundära utav tidigare forskning. Detta ligger till grund för att besvara uppsatsens frågeställningar.Resultat: Undersökningen resulterar i att kommunikationsproblem mellan entreprenör och konsult finns och att problemen påverkar projekten negativt. Undersökningen fann även att andelen generalentreprenad minskar.Konsekvenser: Slutsatsen i undersökningen visar att genom en ökad möjlighet för tvåvägskommunikation bidrar detta till förbättrade kommunikationsmöjligheter mellan de deltagande aktörerna. Rekommendationer för att öka möjligheten är: Användning av videosamtal ger parterna en tvåvägskommunikation. Direktkontakt mellan entreprenör och projektör vid tekniska problem (generalentreprenad) ger effektivare tekniska lösningar samt minskar risken för feltolkningar. Mer vikt vid erfarenhetsåterföring till alla parter. Tillåta projektören att vara delaktig under hela produktions skedet ger möjlighet till bättre kommande handlingar. Begränsningar: Arbetet begränsas till kommunikation mellan entreprenör och konsult i en generalentreprenad. Intervjuerna begränsades till Pontarius AB och NCC Construction med hänsyn till arbetets tidsram. Undersökningen är generellt anpassad till andra företag inom branschen. / Purpose: The purpose of the survey is to investigate the communication between the contractor and the consultant in a construction project with general contract as a procurement form. Communication is lacking in previous research, which has contributed to negative aspects in terms of economics and time. This survey will result in improvement proposals to reduce communication problems.Method: The problem of the study was based on a literature study on communication problems in construction projects. The literature study has also been used to build the theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews formed the basis for answering the questions in depth. In order to strengthen the interview response.Findings: The survey results in communication problems between the contractor and the consultant and the problems affect the projects negatively. The survey also found that the proportion of general contracts is decreasing.Implications: The conclusion of the survey is that through an increased opportunity for a two-way communication that contributes to improved communication opportunities between the participating players. Recommendations to increase the opportunity are: Use of video calls gives the parties a two way communication. Direct contact between contractor and consultant on technical issues (general contract) provides more efficient technical solutions and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. More importance in providing feedback to all parties. Allow the consultant (projector) to participate throughout the production phase allows for better upcoming actions. Limitations: The work is limited to communication between contractor and consultant in a general contract. Interviews were limited to Pontarius AB and NCC Construction with regard to the work time frame. The survey is generally adapted to other companies in the industry.

Syfte: CEEQUAL är det enda miljöcertifieringssystemet för anläggningsbranschen som används i Sverige. Trots att systemet inte är utsatt för någon som helst konkurrens är efterfrågan av det väldigt liten. För att förstå hur arbetet med CEEQUAL utvecklats från då att en översättning av manualen gjordes till svenska 2014 var målet att genom en undersökning av entreprenadföretagens attityder, resurser och implementering av CEEQUAL bedöma klimatet för framtida CEEQUAL-projekt. Metod: Intervjuer gjordes med respondenter från fyra stora entreprenadföretag i Sverige, där två företag tidigare utfört CEEQUAL-certifierade projekt och två inte hade det. Samma frågor ställdes vid varje intervju men följdfrågor varierade beroende på respondenternas svar. Varje intervju spelades in, transkriberades och verifierades av respondenten. Intervjuerna kompletterades med litteraturstudie för att få en ännu mer omfattande bild av hur arbetet ser ut med CEEQUAL. Resultat: CEEQUAL är ett bra certifieringssystem som bidragit till olika former av utveckling inom alla representerade företag. LCA är ett bidrag som förmodligen kommer användas vid allt fler projekt. När det talas om CEEQUAL påpekas allt för ofta att CEEQUAL skulle behöva anpassas till de svenska förhållandena. En översättning gjordes men att anpassa CEEQUAL mer till svenska lagar och arbetssätt har inte kunnat göras. Detta på grund av CEEQUAL-organisationen som varit tydliga med vilka riktlinjer som ska följas vid certifieringen av CEEQUAL, något som måste respekteras om det är CEEQUAL som ska användas. Vidare anser entreprenörerna att högre miljökrav måste komma från beställarsidan. Parallellt måste en skärpt lagstiftning eller en miljöpolicy tas fram av staten för att vägleda beställare vid offentlig upphandling för att uppnå bättre miljöarbete. Konsekvenser: CEEQUAL är ett väl fungerande miljöcertifieringssystem och genom att sätta sig in i det kan man hitta delar som kan bidra till verksamheten. Det framgår att det inte görs mer än vad lagar kräver, därmed kan staten bidra genom att skärpa de lagar och regler som finns. Entreprenörerna vill utmanas och ser positivt på att det ställs högre krav på dem. Ökad kommunikation mellan aktörerna är en nyckelfaktor för att hållbarhetsarbetet ska fortsätta utvecklas. Begränsningar: Arbetet har endast inkluderat entreprenörer, då syftet har varit att spegla deras framtid med CEEQUAL. Även om det finns fler certifieringssystem för anläggning än CEEQUAL har de inte inkluderats då de inte används i Sverige. En enkätundersökning hade kunnat ge en större bredd till arbetet, men inte det djup som har krävts för att svara på frågeställningarna. Nyckelord: Attityder, CEEQUAL, entreprenadföretag, hållbar utveckling, implementering, miljöcertifieringssystem, resurser. / Purpose: CEEQUAL is the only environmental certification system adapted for civil engineering that is used in Sweden. Although the system meets no competition, the demand for it is low. In order to understand how working with CEEQUAL developed from the translation of the manual to Swedish in 2014, the aim was to assess the climate for future CEEQUAL projects by examining the entrepreneurship’s attitudes, resources and implementation of CEEQUAL. Method: Interviews were conducted with respondents from four major construction companies in Sweden, where two companies previously performed CEEQUAL certified projects and two did not. The same questions were asked at each interview but follow-up question varied depending on the respondents’ answers. Each interview was recorded, transcribed and verified by the respondent. The interviews were supplemented with literature studies to get an even more comprehensive picture of what working with CEEQUAL looks like. Findings: CEEQUAL is a good certification system that contributes to various forms of development within all represented companies. LCA is a contribution that will probably be used for more and more projects. When it comes to CEEQUAL, it is often pointed out that CEEQUAL would be adapted to Swedish conditions. A translation was made but adapting CEEQUAL more to Swedish laws and working methods has not been possible. This because the CEEQUAL organization has been clear about the guidelines to be followed in CEEQUAL certification, which must be respected if CEEQUAL is the system to be used. Furthermore, the contractors consider that higher environmental requirements must come from the clients. In parallel, a sharpened legislation or environmental policy must be developed by the state to guide procurers in public procurement in order to achieve better environmental work. Implications: CEEQUAL is a well-functioning environmental certification system and by signing into it, you can find parts that can contribute to the business. It is apparent that no action is taken than law requires, so the state can contribute by tightening the laws and regulations that exist. Entrepreneurs want to be challenged and look forward to higher demands being requested. Increased communication between actors is a key factor in ensuring that sustainability work continues to evolve. Limitations: This paper has only included entrepreneurs, as the purpose has been to reflect their future with CEEQUAL. Although there are more certification systems regarding civil engineering than CEEQUAL, they are not included as they are not used in Sweden. A survey could have provided a broader scope for the work, but not the depth required to answer the questions.