Today organisations all over the world have to cope with the ever-increasing rate of local and global change. Those in developing countries have to cope with the inefficiencies engendered by state-led economic, developmental and political strategies, such as new government regulations. These have had an impact on the management of human resources and are exemplified by an increasing adoption of strategies meant to reduce pressure on costs and margins. An increasing popular management response to these challenges has been to engage in some form of organisational restructuring such as downsizing. Often employees who remain (survivors) after downsizing are not given much attention, yet the achievement of new strategic goals depends on the survivors having positive attitudes, relentless commitment and high motivation. Research indicates that employees who are motivated and committed contribute vastly to the financial-bottom-line of the organisation. Therefore, downsizing organisations should continuously search for ways to increase such qualities among their survivors. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence the attitudes, commitment and motivation of survivors in a developing economy with a volatile environment. To achieve this objective, a theoretical survivor quality model was presented. In order to present the model, firstly, a literature survey on the importance of survivor quality in terms of attitudes, commitment, and motivation among survivors was conducted. Secondly, literature survey pertaining to the drivers of survivor quality was done, and thirdly, literature dealing with strategies to deal with survivor quality was surveyed. The theoretical survivor quality model was used to compile the research instrument that determined the attitudinal, commitment and motivational levels of survivors, how the three constructs are related after downsizing, as well as the factors influencing the observed levels. The questionnaire was randomly distributed among survivors in the selected manufacturing organisations in Zimbabwe. The empirical results obtained from the study showed that survivors in a developing economy with a volatile environment had moderate levels of attitudes, commitment ad motivation. Two categories of factors were identified as important in influencing these levels. They were downsizing strategy and demographic factors. The downsizing strategy factors were communication and victim support, while education, age, and number of years employed emerged as the demographic factors. The study further highlighted that older survivors with less education contributed more to the moderate levels of attitude, commitment and motivation observed. The study highlights that these variables must be taken into consideration when implementing downsizing in an economically volatile environment in order to manage survivor quality. A further point emanating from the study is that prior to downsizing, organisations should adopt effective communication strategies throughout the process. The key factors identified as influencing survivor quality in this study were integrated into the survivor quality model which can be used by other organisations in a similar context to manage survivor quality in order to increase their efficiency, effectiveness, iv and competitive advantage after downsizing.

In an attempt to have medicines available in patient-ready packs (PRPs) prior to the dispensing process, the provincial medicine depots in South Africa have, for many years, been repackaging bulk medicines into PRPs. Notwithstanding the fact that bulk medicine packages may have been the only packages available from the manufacturers to service the Primary Health Care (PHC) sector, the main aim of this process was to ensure that medicines were available in PRPs for dispensing to patients, thus, minimising the time spent on each prescription by the pharmacist, pharmacist’s assistant or Nurse. Currently, some medicines are being procured in PRPs from the manufacturers, whereas others are still procured in bulk packs which must be repackaged into PRPs. After a thorough literature search, it was established that, up until this point in time, no studies have been performed to compare costs of repackaged medicines from bulk packs with costs of medicines procured from manufacturers in PRPs. There was very scanty literature comparing the use of medicines procured either in PRPs or bulk packs. However, literature on cost comparison between repackaging and purchasing of commercially available manufacturer-prepared PRPs was not identified.

The aim of all companies is continuously to improve their products and/or services. Managers need to understand what service quality entails and what measures to take to ensure that quality is upheld and employees are satisfied. Cost-saving initiatives often require certain changes to take place within the organisation. In the event of such changes, the psychological contract is often violated, which may have a positive or negative effect on the affected individuals. Management expects to get more work done with fewer employees, who in turn are expected to keep up the service quality. The current shortage of medical technologists in the country has made it impossible for them to cope with the heavy workload. As a result, many leave the profession and venture into something completely different. Those that are left become completely demotivated; they experience less job satisfaction and show less commitment to their work. However, some may even embrace the changes because to them it may mean bigger and better challenges. The aim of this study is to identify which approaches management took to ensure cost saving and how these approaches impacted on the behaviour of employees. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about cost saving and its impact on employee behaviour. This was followed by an empirical survey conducted within the National Health Laboratory Services in the Ibhayi region. Finally, the practical findings and literary theory were compared to make recommendations to management on how to ensure positive employee behaviour and boost employee morale.

Les réseaux réflecteurs imprimés connaissent un fort développement depuis la fin des années 80. Ce type d’antenne offre la possibilité de former des diagrammes de rayonnement complexes avec une relative simplicité, un faible coût de réalisation, de faibles pertes et un volume réduit. Cependant, il souffre encore de quelques défauts : - La non régularité de la géométrie de la cellule sur la surface du réseau, dans le cas d’une antenne passive, peut engendrer des dégradations sur le diagramme de rayonnement, surtout à la transition entre deux géométries extrêmes, lorsqu’un nouveau cycle de phase commence. - Le nombre relativement élevé de composants utilisés pour contrôler la phase de l’onde réfléchie, dans le cas d’une antenne reconfigurable, augmente le coût de fabrication de l’antenne et complexifie le circuit de commande des éléments reconfigurables. - La limitation en bande passante, qui a longtemps cantonné ce type d’antenne à des applications bande étroite, est principalement liée au comportement de la cellule unitaire constitutive du réseau. Dans cette thèse, nous nous intéressons donc à la conception de nouvelles topologies de cellules déphaseuses, passives et surtout reconfigurables, qui permettent, tout en conservant une relative simplicité de réalisation, d’offrir une large bande passante. De plus, le contrôle de la phase, dans le cas des cellules reconfigurables, doit être réalisé avec un nombre réduit de composants afin de respecter la contrainte de faible coût de fabrication. / Microstrip printed reflectarrays experience strong development since the late 80s. This type of antenna has the potential to form complex radiation patterns with relative simplicity, low cost, low losses and low profile. However, it still has some shortcomings: - The non-regularity of the geometry of the cell on the surface of the array, in the case of passive antenna, may cause degradation on the radiation pattern, especially at the transition between two extreme geometries, when a new phase cycle begins. - The high number of components used to control the phase of the reflected wave, in the case of reconfigurable antenna, increases the manufacturing cost of the antenna and complicates the control circuit of the reconfigurable elements. - The limited bandwidth has long confined this type of antenna to narrowband applications and is mainly due to the intrinsic bandwidth of the unit cell. In this thesis, we therefore focus on the design of new, passive and reconfigurable, phase-shifting cells that can provide a wide bandwidth while maintaining a simple implementation. In addition, the control of the phase, in the case of reconfigurable cells, must be made with a reduced number of components in order to comply the constraint of low manufacturing cost.

Orientadores: Jose Antonio Dermengi Rios, Michel Jean-Marie Thiollent / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-03T14:52:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Perez_Ronaldo_D.pdf: 20630717 bytes, checksum: da4b3ecf85127a2ede41d8d481332661 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / Resumo: Esta tese objetivou realizar o estudo sistêmico da cadeia produtiva de carne bovina, utilizando-se, como base metodológica, o diagnóstico da cadeia produtiva, a partir da visão do segmento industrial, obtido de entrevistas com seus principais dirigentes. Este diagnóstico permitiu o aprofundamento da análise de agregação de valor na cadeia produtiva, outra parte importante desta proposta metodológica. Como resultado, identificou-se a situação de competitividade e agregação de valor nos principais segmentos da cadeia produtiva, os quais se mostraram baixos e indicadores de mudanças. Estas mudanças podem ser implementadas a partir das sugestões e propostas apresentadas neste estudo, para que se promovam profundas modificações na cadeia, principalmente nos aspectos gestão, ambiente institucional e relações de mercado. Como conclusão principal desta tese, tem-se que a competitividade instalada na cadeia, apesar de baixa, pode ser melhorada, porém isto depende da união de forças dos principais dirigentes e do estabelecimento de um sistema de coordenação da cadeia produtiva / Abstract: The objective of this work is the systemic study of cattle meat productive chain. Thus, diagnosis of the reproductive chain was used as a methodological basis, from the view point of the industrial sector, by interviewing its top representatives. This diagnosis allowed a deeper analysis of value aggregation in the productive chain, which is another important aspect of this methodological proposal. As a result, competitivity and value aggregation of the main segments of the productive chain were identified and, as a consequence, these indicators were found to be low and in need for changes. These changes can be implemented based on suggestions and proposals presented in this study, which can promote significant improvements in the chain, mainly in the aspects management, institutional environment and market relations. The main conclusion reached was that, in spite of being low, chain competitivity can be improved. However, this will depend on the combined efforts of those in charge and the establishment of a coordinated productive chain system / Doutorado / Doutor em Engenharia de Alimentos

This thesis aims at developing a conceptual model for supply networks optimization in the floriculture industry in Kenya. In the literature review a detailed account of the evolution of supply chain management, the concept and the factors influencing simultaneous optimization of supply networks in the floriculture industry is given. The area of complex adaptive systems is explored and the link with the floriculture industry in Kenya is shown. A review of current studies is done on the subject of supply chain management and particularly the various conceptual frameworks/models developed by a number of researchers around the world. The supply chain performance measurement and the requirements for model building are also given. The research methodology provides the research paradigm and research design and discusses the justification of the approach taken for the study. The target population consisted of all active cut flower exporting firms by 31st December 2009 as per the information provided by Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA). This target population comprising of 412 active exporters was stratified in terms of: large, International, local, embedded, unimpeded, small and medium scale enterprises. Sampling was done through census sampling technique, in which case the entire population was considered. Data analysis is also discussed including the various tests to be carried out in relation to validity and reliability of data. There is a detailed presentation of principal factor analysis results. Finally there is a detailed discussion on the ethical considerations in the conduct of my data collection and research process. Chapter four outlined the factors that are indeed useful to be considered when designing a conceptual model for managing supply networks for simultaneous optimization. Such factors included: country development; quality of inputs; financing; customer responsiveness; research and development. Also discussed are the factors that contribute to overall organizational performance which in this case included: return on trading investment, overall operational costs, overall productivity growth rates and outsourcing activities and decisions. The triple bottom line benefits encompassing environmental vi audit, financial audit and social audit have also been discussed in relation to country specific benefits in relation to the floriculture industry in Kenya. The revised conceptual model for simultaneous optimisation of supply networks in the floriculture industry is presented consisting of: key success factors; financing; information integration; country specific benefits; transport; research and development. These are the factors which contribute to enhancing performance of the floriculture industry in Kenya. The conclusion and recommendations of the study are made on the basis of these factors. / Business Management / D.B.L. (Business Leadership)

Föreliggande rapport är ett examensarbete vid högskoleingenjörsprogrammet i byggteknik och design vid Kungliga tekniska högskolan i Haninge och gjordes på uppdrag av Siljeströms AB. Rapporten har till syfte att ge en översiktlig bild beträffande kostnadsstyrning i byggprojekt, med en tyngdpunkt i projekteringens riskhantering. Att kostnadsstyra är något som är viktigt att göra, desto tidigare i projektet det görs ju bättre resultat har detta för projektets totalkostnad. Kostnadsstyrningen har sin grund i tre viktiga parametrar: tid, kostnad och kvalitet, de måste styras på rätt sätt och tillsammans för att inte skapa obalans i projektbudgeten. En annan faktor som också påverkar kostnadsstyrningen är entreprenadform. Denna rapport kommer att bygga på totalentreprenad, generalentreprenad och delad utförandeentreprenad. Fördelar och nackdelar tas upp med respektive metod. Produktionskostnad är också något som påverkar den totala projektkostnaden trots att den största kostnadsstyrningen görs i början av ett projekt.  Tre stycken referensprojekt från Siljeströms AB kommer att analyseras utifrån kostnadsstyrningens riskhantering. Ett av projekten är ett installationsprojekt med en budget på 19,8 miljoner kr, denna är en delad utförandeentreprenad. Ett annat projekt är en hyresgästanpassning med en budget på 3,05 miljoner kr, denna är en generalentreprenad. Det sista projektet är ett stambyte med en budget på 12,5 miljoner kr, denna är en styrd totalentreprenad. Rapporten kommer att påvisa en viss skillnad beroende på vad för metod som har använts vid analysering av referensprojektens totala projektkostnad. En av de metoder som kommer att analyseras är en formeluppbyggnad i Excel som bygger på sannolikhetsläras täthetsfunktioner och fördelningsfunktioner, denna slumpar fram värden. Den andra metoden som kommer att analyseras är @Risk som är en plug-in till Excel, denna bygger också sannolikhetsläran, men har många inbyggda formler och metoder till hjälp för den simulering som programmet kan utföra. Resultatet visar att formeluppbyggnaden i Excel är lättare att förstå men ger ett större spann mellan högsta och lägsta värde, medan @Risk som är svårare att förstå ger ett resultat som stämmer bättre överens med verkligheten. / This report is a thesis at the bachelor program in construction engineering and design at the Royal Institute of Technology in Haninge and was commissioned by Siljeströms AB. The report aims to provide an overview of cost control in construction projects, with an emphasis of the risk management of project planning. The cost control is something that is important to do; the sooner the project is done the better the results of this project's total cost. Cost control is based on three key parameters: time, cost and quality, they must be controlled properly and together so as not to unbalance the project budget. Another factor that also affects the cost control is the form of contract. This report will build turnkey projects, general contractor and shared performance contracting. Advantages and disadvantages are raised with each method. Production cost is also something that affects the total project cost, although the largest cost management is done at the beginning of a project. Three reference projects from Siljeströms AB will be analyzed in terms of risk Management of the cost control. One project is an installation project with a budget of 19.8 million SEK, this is a shared performance contracting. Another project is a tenant adaptation with a budget of 3,05 million, this is a general contractor. The final project is a pipe replacement with a budget of 12,5 million SEK, this is a controlled turn-key contract. The report will show a slight difference depending on the method used in analyzing the reference projects, total project cost. One of the methods that will be analyzed is a formula building in Excel based on probability taught density functions and distribution functions, this randomly to determine values. The other method that will be analyzed is @ Risk, which is a plug-in to Excel, this is also based on theory of probability, but has many built-in formulas and methods of assistance to the simulation the program can perform. The results show that the reconstruction formula in Excel is easier to understand but offer a greater range between maximum and minimum value, while @Risk which is harder to understand produces the results that is more consistent with the reality.

No description available.

Rework is an insidious problem in the construction industry. According to the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Source Document 29, the cost of rework is 12.4% of the total project cost. However, these costs are just the tip of the iceberg, because they do not represent schedule delays, litigation cost, and other intangible costs of poor quality. Therefore, the complete cost of rework is estimated to be much greater than 12.4%. To effectively reduce the cost of rework, it is necessary to not only study the causes of rework, but also to study the effectiveness of activities designed to reduce rework. This research studied the relationships between rework activities and prevention and appraisal activities on four construction projects. This research addressed two questions: 1) What is the effect of prevention and appraisal activities on the reduction of rework, and 2) What is the effect of prevention activities occurring in the design phase on rework due to design errors in the construction phase? Based on the project data collect by the Quality Performance Management System (QPMS), this research concluded there was a slight relationship between increasing prevention and appraisal activities and the reduction of rework. There was a direct relationship between the increase of prevention activities in design and the reduction of rework due to design errors in the construction phase. The relationships were stronger for both questions at the project level than at the discipline level. At the project level, the aggregation of all the disciplines appears to negate the biases created within the specific disciplines. This research helps to provide real-world data to emphasize the importance of prevention activity in the design phase of a construction project. / Master of Science

by Chan Ka-leung and Wong King. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1989. / Bibliography: leaves 92-94.