Esta tese de doutorado, intitulada “Edgar Allan Poe e Charles Baudelaire:trajetórias e maturidade estética e poética", teve por objetivo analisar e interpretar, dentro de uma perspectiva comparativa, o percurso feito por Poe e Baudelaire desde suas obras iniciais, até atingirem uma maturidade estética e poética. Tomando por base a visão de Antoine Compagnon em seu Le Démon de la Théorie (1998) obra que retoma algumas teorias críticas, como a do círculo hermenêutico proposto por Schleiermacher (2001) e Gadamer (1999), a dos polissistemas e, dentro dela, a da tradução como transcriação e ferramenta ideológica, a da intertextualidade proposta por Kristeva (apud ALLEN, 2000) a partir de suas leituras de Freud e Bakhtin, a da morte do autor único e conseqüente criação de pluralidade de autores-leitores de Barthes (apud ALLEN, 2000) e a de sincronia e diacronia de Saussure, esta tese procurou mostrar, ao longo da análise detalhada de poemas, contos, poemas em prosa, ensaios, resenhas, artigos, anotações, peças teatrais de Poe e Baudelaire, como os mesmos foram elaborando e re-elaborando suas teorias estéticas e poéticas. A comparação entre as obras de ambos permitiu estabelecer trajetórias, teorias críticas, temas, opções formais, posicionamentos semelhantes, portanto, um diálogo entre ambos e dentro da produção individual dos autores aqui estudados.Além disso, um olhar mais detalhado em termos diacrônicos e sincrônicos pôde demonstrar uma preocupação com uma liberação formal, com gradativa busca por um discurso fragmentário ( busca essa presente em Marginalia, A Chapter of Suggestions, Fifty Suggestions e Mon Coeur Mis à Nu, obras que constituem o corpus desta tese), que pudesse captar um pensamento igualmente fragmentário, precursor, talvez, da estética pós-moderna, em pleno século XIX. / This doctoral dissertation, entitled “Edgar Allan Poe e Charles Baudelaire: trajetórias e maturidade estética e poética", aimed at both analysing and interpreting, from a comparative point of view, the literary path taken by Poe and Baudelaire, a path initiated in their early works and pursued toward their aesthetic and poetic late works. This dissertation based itself on the view of Antoine Compagnon in his Le Démon de la Théorie (1998), a book reviewing some recent critical theories on literature, linguistics and art: Schleiermacher´s and Gadamer´s hermeneutic circle (2001 and 1999 respectively), the theory of polisystems, and within it, that of translation as transcriation and an ideological tool, Kristeva´s theory of intertextuality as a reinterpretation of Freud and Bakhtin (apud ALLEN, 2000), Barthes´ theory of the death of a unique author and consequent generation of a plurality of author-readers (apud ALLEN, 2000), and, finally, Saussure´s diachronic and synchronic readings of language. Therefore, this dissertation attempted at showing, through a detailed analysis of Poe´s and Baudelaire´s poems, tales, prose poems, essays, reviews, articles, notes, and theater plays, how these authors underwent the process of developing their aesthetic and poetic theories, never missing out on the perspective offered by all the theories above mentioned. The comparison of the works of both writers allowed for the perception of a similarity of paths, critical theories, themes, formal options, and perspectives; therefore, it permitted the understanding of the existence of a dialogue built among the works of both authors as well as another one found within the individual collected works of the authors studied in this dissertation. Furthermore, a deeper look into their works, both synchronically and diachronically, demonstrated a preoccupation with a formal liberation, with a progressive search for a fragmentary discourse (this search may be traced both in Marginalia, A Chapter of Suggestions, Fifty Suggestions and Mon Coeur Mis à Nu, works forming the corpus of this dissertation), capable of apprehending and expressing thoughts equally fragmentary; thus, this discourse may be regarded, perhaps, as the forerunner of the post-modern aesthetics, in the 19th century.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (SA) set out its Vision 2030 of itself as a significant Knowledge Economy to position itself competitively in the world and in the Gulf region. The Government charged the education sector to prepare young people and build the creativity, innovation and technical skills for the country’s future. The Ministry of Education (MOE) selected TQM and has made strategic investments to achieve this strategic transformation in education. Despite this substantial investment in the infrastructure, teaching skills, information technology and advancement programmes for women to enter the workplace, the implementation of TQM has not so far delivered the outcomes expected in secondary schools (Bank, 2008; Chapman and Miric, 2009; TIMSS, 2011). This research proposes that a programme that primarily focuses on the hard aspects of change, without participatory leadership and without integrating the people concerned (as a soft programme would), cannot achieve sustainable transformation. An empirical study was designed to investigate staff perception of TQM implementation in girls’ secondary schools in the Kingdom. The 525 respondents from 61 schools in five districts of Riyadh suggest that the most pivotal critical success factors (CSFs) limiting the development of TQM culture were Top Management Commitment; Training; Tools and Techniques; and Reward and Recognition. The perception results were then used as the baseline to design a model that integrates the hard and soft CSFs of TQM in five stages of maturity. This assessment model could be used to support the schools and the MOE in objectively assessing the readiness of schools to implement TQM and identify the next major obstacles to reaching the next stage. The design approach of a maturity model is innovative in using context perception data as the baseline for designing the stages of maturity and the success factors the progress of change, making its use appropriate for the girls’ schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Repetitive project failures or underperformance and ever increasing competition have given impetus for the need to drastically improve project performance within professional services organisations. This realisation has prompted actions to drive restitution efforts to enhance successful delivery and overall project management throughout the organisation. However, the desired outcomes to improve project management processes at an organisational level have not always been forthcoming in light of improvement activities implemented through various changes in operating procedures. The purpose of study is to investigate and identify, from an intra-organisational perspective, the factors required to bring about enhanced implementation and continuous improvements in project management processes; and to determine how they must be aligned to a successful strategy implementation for attainment of higher states of organisational project management maturity. The study focuses on project intensive organisations, mainly implementing information communication technology (ICT), business services and financial related projects. Through the use of a literature review, augmented by a quantitative survey, the perceived impacts and values of the determined factors on project management maturity were gathered. The research study shows that companies wanting to improve project management maturity must steer away from focussing only on certain processes, but must take a holistic view, encompassing a variety of internal factors, ranging from components of organisational learning, to change management and strategy implementation. The identified factors will provide impetus for organizations to create and leverage the drivers, fostering a climate for continuous project performance improvements and ultimately giving them the ability for moving to higher levels of maturity. / Graduate School for Business Leadership / (M.B.A.)

Context: Knowledge is the major aspect of an organization which enables the enterprise to be more productive and to deliver the high complexity services. Knowledge management plays a key role in agile software development because it supports cultural infrastructure esteems like collaboration, communication, and knowledge transfer. This research aims to explore how organizations that adopts Agile Software Development (ASD) implement knowledge management utilizing practices that supports the key process areas. Several knowledge management maturity models have been proposed over a decade ago but not all of the models that is specially stated knowledge Management Maturity Model (KMMM) for Agile software development. To fulfil this research gap, we introduce the maturity model which emphasize knowledge management in ASD among the practitioners. This maturity model helps to assess their knowledge management in organization and provides a road map to the organizations for any further improvement required in their processes.  Objectives: In this thesis, we investigate the key process areas of knowledge management maturity models that could support agile software development. Through investigation about the key process areas, we found that the organizations should emphasis on key process areas and its practices in order to improve the software process. The objectives of this research include: Explore the key process areas and practices of knowledge management in the knowledge management maturity models.  Identify the views of practitioners on knowledge management practices and key process areas for Agile software development. To propose the maturity model for Knowledge management in Agile software development among the practitioner’s opinions.  Methods: In this research, we conducted two methods: Systematic mapping and Survey to fulfil our aim and objectives. We conducted Systematic mapping study through the snowballing process to investigate empirical literature about Knowledge management maturity models. To triangulate the systematic mapping results, we conducted a survey. From the survey results, we obtained the responses and were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics. Results: From Systematic mapping, we identified 18 articles and analyzed 24 practices of Knowledge management maturity models. These practices are indicated in key process areas such as process, people, technology. Through the systematic mapping results, 9 KM practices that were found from KMMM literature were listed in the survey questionnaire and answered by software engineering practitioners. Moreover, 5 other new practices for agile have suggested in the survey that was not found in KMMM literature. To address the systematic mapping and survey results, we propose the maturity model which emphasize knowledge management practices in ASD among the practitioners. Conclusions: This thesis lists the main elements of practices that are utilized by the organization and also show the usage of maturity levels at each practice in detail. Furthermore, this thesis helps the organization's to assess the current levels of maturity that exist to each practice in a real process. Hence, the researchers can utilize the model from this thesis and further they can improve their Km in organizations.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-11-21Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:48:34Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_lb_me_botfca.pdf: 393551 bytes, checksum: 68ad65b5247076fa26c16688a2d0cd1d (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito dos estágios de colheita e do repouso pós-colheita dos frutos na qualidade de sementes de mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.) cultivar AL Guarany 2002. Foram avaliadas 9 épocas de colheita dos racemos, dos 30 até 142 dias após a antese (DAA), em intervalos de 14 dias e quatro condições de repouso: sem e com repouso de sete dias de sementes extraídas (nuas), de frutos e de frutos presos ao racemo. Foram avaliados a massa fresca dos frutos, as dimensões e a cor de frutos e sementes; o teor de água, matéria seca, germinação e vigor das sementes (primeira contagem de germinação, porcentagem de plântulas vigorosas, emergência de plântulas em areia, índice de velocidade de emergência e condutividade elétrica). O estágio de colheita e o repouso póscolheita afetaram a qualidade das sementes de mamoneira. Sementes com máxima qualidade fisiológica e matéria seca foram obtidas de frutos colhidos aos 86 DAA. A colheita pode ser realizada até os 128 DAA sem redução da germinação, mas com prejuízos devido à queda dos frutos, dispersão das sementes aos 100 DAA e reduções do vigor. O repouso das sementes nuas permitiu a antecipação da colheita para 72 DAA sem prejuízos à germinação e matéria seca, mas com reduções de vigor. A cor dos frutos, das sementes e o teor de água das sementes foram parâmetros eficientes para a identificação do ponto de colheita, principalmente se usados conjuntamente. / This study aims to assess the effect of the harvesting stages process and the resting period of the post-harvest of fruits in the quality of castor bean seeds (Ricinus communis L.) AL Guarany 2002. It were assessed nine times in racemes, from 30 to the 142 day after anthesis (DAA), at intervals of fourteen days and four conditions of resting period; without and with resting period of seven days of seeds extracted (bare), fruits and fruits prisioners to the raceme. The fruits weight, the dimension and the fruits colour and seeds were then assessed: the content of water, dry matter, seed germination and vigour (first of germination, percentage of vigorous seedlings, emergence of seedlings in sand, speed emergence index and electric conductivity). The harvest stage and the post-harvest resting period affected the quality of castor bean seeds. Seeds with maximum physiological quality and dry matter were obtained from fruit harvested at 86 DAA. The harvest can be achieved by the 128 DAA without reducing germination, but with losses due to falling fruit, seed dispersal to 100 DAA and reductions in strength. The rest seeds bare allows the harvest to be brought forward to the 72 DAA without detriment to the germination and dry matter, but with reductions in strength. The colour of the fruits, seeds, and water content of seeds were effective parameters for the identification of the harvest point harvest, particularly if used together.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / A histÃria de vida de um organismo envolve a interaÃÃo entre manutenÃÃo, crescimento e reproduÃÃo. Essa teoria se propÃe a explicar as variaÃÃes nos aspectos populacionais de uma espÃcie em funÃÃo das condiÃÃes e recursos disponÃveis no ambiente, sendo a base teÃrica para estudos relativos à dependÃncia de densidade. A densidade à um fator regulador da dinÃmica populacional por promover competiÃÃo. O presente estudo se propÃe a responder a seguinte questÃo: a densidade influencia o tamanho, a maturidade sexual e a proporÃÃo sexual em uma populaÃÃo do caranguejo Goniopsis cruentata?As condiÃÃes ambientais influenciam os aspectos biolÃgicos e potencializam os efeitos da densidade nesta espÃcie? ExpediÃÃes de campo foram conduzidas, mensalmente, de janeiro a novembro de 2011, nos municÃpios de Aracati e Fortim, CearÃ, Brasil. Os animais foram coletados manualmente em duas estaÃÃes de coleta, Alfredo (A) e Caldeleiro (C), em uma Ãrea de 400m para cada estaÃÃo, durante 40 minutos. Os indivÃduos foram sexados e mensurados quanto a sua largura de carapaÃa, comprimento do gonÃpodo nos machos e largura do abdÃmen nas fÃmeas. Dez indivÃduos de cada estaÃÃo foram submetidos a processamento histolÃgico para determinaÃÃo do estÃgio de desenvolvimento gonadal. A densidade foi calculada pelo nÃmero de indivÃduos por Ãrea (ind/mÂ) e correlacionada aos fatores abiÃticos: pluviosidade, pH e salinidade do solo. Os espÃcimes foram distribuÃdos em classes de tamanho, por estaÃÃo e por sexo. TambÃm foram calculadas a razÃo sexual e as maturidades morfolÃgica e fisiolÃgica. Os fatores abiÃticos de pluviosidade, pH e salinidade do solo foram mensurados e correlacionados à densidade de cada estaÃÃo. A densidade da estaÃÃo A foi maior que a da estaÃÃo C, o que pode ocorrer em funÃÃo da maior disponibilizaÃÃo de nutrientes nesta Ãrea, devido ao pH mais baixo que a estaÃÃo C. A pluviosidade se correlacionou com a densidade em C, devido a esta estaÃÃo apresentar topografia menos elevada, sofrendo maior influencia do nÃvel de Ãgua do rio. A salinidade do solo nÃo apresentou diferenÃas entre as estaÃÃes. O tamanho mÃdio entre machos nÃo variou entre as estaÃÃes, ao contrÃrio do que ocorreu em fÃmeas, com tamanho mÃdio maior na estaÃÃo com mais densa. Em ambos os sexos, os tamanhos mÃximos maiores foram observados na estaÃÃo com maior densidade, indicando menor mortalidade entre adultos e, assim, possibilitando retardo da maturidade nesta estaÃÃo. A distribuiÃÃo em classes de tamanho nÃo divergiu entre as estaÃÃes, mas apresentou uma tendÃncia a ser bimodal na estaÃÃo com maior densidade e unimodal na estaÃÃo com densidade menor. Esse resultado pode indicar influÃncia da densidade na distribuiÃÃo em classes de tamanho. A maturidade sexual foi antecipada na estaÃÃo com densidade menor e retardada na estaÃÃo com densidade maior, como previsto pela teoria de histÃria de vida. Essa tÃtica pode ser resultado de taxas de mortalidade maiores entre juvenis na estaÃÃo mais densa e maiores entre adultos na estaÃÃo menos densa. A proporÃÃo sexual nÃo diferiu entre as estaÃÃes, mas houve tendÃncia de maior proporÃÃo de machos na Ãrea com maior densidade, o que pode acarretar em maior competiÃÃo entre machos pelas fÃmeas. A maior proporÃÃo de fÃmeas observada na Ãrea de densidade menor pode proporcionar uma limitaÃÃo espermÃtica. Os resultados obtidos para o caranguejo Goniopsis cruentata no presente estudo corroboram as previsÃes da teoria de histÃria de vida: (1) em populaÃÃes com densidade menor, a maturidade sexual à antecipada e os organismos alcanÃam tamanhos menores, e em densidade maior a maturidade à retardada com organismos atingindo tamanhos maiores; (2) A distribuiÃÃo em classes de tamanho foi diferente entre as estaÃÃes de coleta, indicando influencia da densidade populacional. / The life history traits of an organism are the result of trade-offs between maintenance, growth and reproduction. This theory aims to explain the variations in the population aspects of a given species in function of the conditions and available resources in the environment, being the theoretical basis for studies dealing on the dependence of density. The density is a factor regulating the population dynamics since it promotes the competition for resources and, thus, it influences the attributes of life history. The present study aims to answer the following questions: does density influence size and sexual maturity in a population of the crab Goniopsis cruentata? Do the environmental conditions influence the biological aspects and increase the density effects on this species? Field work was conducted from January to November 2011, in the Municipalities of Aracati and Fortim (CearÃ, Brazil). The crabs were manually collected in two sampling stations, Alfredo and Caldeleiro, in an area of 400m for each station, during 40 minutes. The individuals collected were sexed and measured at the carapace width, gonopod length (males) and abdomen width (females). Ten individuals from each station were submitted to a histological procedure to determine the stage of gonad development. Density was calculated as the number of individuals per area (ind/mÂ). The individuals collected were distributed in size classes, by station and by sex. Morphological and physiological maturities were also calculated. Abiotic factors such as rainfall, pH and salinity of the soil were measured and correlated to the density of each station. The density of the Alfredo station was higher than the Caldeleiro station one, which may occur due to the greater availability of nutrients at this area, due to the lower pH than the Caldeleiro station. The rainfall was correlated to the density at Caldeleiro, due to the fact that this station presented a lower topography, suffering a greater influence of the level of the river. The salinity of the soil did not show differences between the stations. Males mean size did not differ between the stations, contrary to what occurred in females, with larger mean size at the highest density local. In both sexes, the larger maximum sizes were observed in the station with higher density, showing lower mortality between adults and, thus, allowing a delay in maturation at this local. The size class distribution did not differ between the stations, but presented a tendency to be bimodal at the station with higher density and unimodal at the station with lower density. This result may indicate the influence of the density in the distribution by size classes. The sexual maturity was anticipated in the lowest density local and delayed in the highest density local, as predicted by the life history theory. This pattern may be a result of higher mortality rates in juveniles at the highest density local and higher mortality rates between adults at the less dense area. The larger proportion of females observed at the highest density area may provide a spermatic limitation. Males, copulating with a higher number of females, do not have the capacity to produce spermatozoids to fertilize all of them. The results of the present study corroborate the predictions of the life history theory: (1) in populations with lower density, sexual maturity is anticipated and organisms attain smaller sizes, and in populations with higher density maturity is delayed and organisms attain larger sizes; (2) the distribution in size classes was different between the sampling areas, showing the influence of the population density.

O Processo Desenvolvimento de Produtos (PDP) é um processo de negócio cada vez mais influente nos resultados estratégicos das empresas que dele dependem. A gestão deste processo é uma atividade desafiadora e complexa em função das próprias características deste processo. A tarefa de perceber oportunidades de melhoria nesta atividade é intrigante, e isso incentivou vários pesquisadores a propor abordagens para tornar mais racional o esforço de sofisticação da gestão do PDP. Este trabalho tem por objetivo propor um método gerencial aplicável ao diagnóstico da maturidade da gestão do PDP e priorização de melhorias. Neste trabalho, a análise de maturidade é realizada a partir da freqüência de ocorrência de problemas típicos de PDP, e é seguida da priorização de oportunidades de melhoria. O diagnóstico da maturidade é realizado através do relacionamento entre dez áreas do conhecimento da gestão do PDP com problemas típicos do PDP. As áreas do conhecimento são provenientes dos estudos de melhores práticas publicados por: Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), Association of Productivity and Quality Center (APQC), guias de melhores práticas do PDMABoK e do PMBoK, além de modelos de referência. Com esse diagnóstico é possível reconhecer as áreas do conhecimento que mais se relacionam com os problemas, denominadas de áreas críticas. No que diz respeito à priorização, as áreas críticas são desdobradas em melhores práticas que se configuram em oportunidades de melhoria e, a partir de critérios, emprega-se uma matriz MAUT (Multiattribute Utility) para realizar a priorização das oportunidades. Os resultados são um índice de maturidade e a proposição de um portfólio de oportunidades de melhoria a serem realizados pela empresa para sofisticar a sua gestão do PDP. O método foi aplicado, na forma de estudo de caso em quatro empresas, para verificar a aplicação da macro-fase de coleta e análise da maturidade. Após, em uma destas empresas, foi aplicada a segunda macro-fase para verificar a geração do portfólio de oportunidades de melhoria. O resultado deste trabalho é a proposição de um método que analisa a maturidade da gestão do PDP vinculado à freqüência de ocorrência de problemas recorrentes no cotidiano da empresa, e auxilia a priorização das oportunidades de melhoria proporcionando uma adequação da estratégia de melhoria com o seu perfil competitivo. / The Product Development Process (PDP) management is of prime importance for manufacturing business results. The management of this process is a challenging and complex activity due to PDP characteristics that includes: people, tasks, and tools in an interdependent network. The aim in this dissertation is to propose a managerial method for the maturity level of PDP management analysis coupled with the prioritization of PDP opportunities identified. The background basis for maturity analysis, in this research, is the frequency of PDP typical problems incidence. The maturity analysis is accomplished through the relationship among ten knowledge areas of the PDP management with PDP typical problems. The ten knowledge areas is the consolidation of best practices published by: Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), Association of Productivity and Quality Center (APQC), best practices guides like PDMABoK and PMBoK, and as well, from PDP reference models. The developed method is divided in two macro phases (i) data gathering and maturity analysis; (ii) improvement portfolio development. The first macro phase is performed in three stages: typical problems frequency incidence identification; maturity level and development index analysis and improvement opportunities identification. The second macro phase is performed in three stages: prioritization criteria weight definition; managers’ prioritization matrix fulfill and PDP improvement portfolio definition. With the maturity level recognition is possible to identify the knowledge areas that are more associated with the high frequency problems, denominated critical areas. The critical areas consist in the best practices that will minimize the high frequency typical problems. These best practices are considered the PDP improvement opportunities. With reference to the improvement opportunities prioritization the MAUT (Multiattribute Utility) tool is used to support the managerial decision making process. The method was tested in four companies to verify the application of the maturity level diagnosis, the first macro phase. Afterwards, in one of these companies, the second macro phase was applied to verify the prioritization part and the results are a maturity index and an improvement opportunities portfolio to be accomplished by the company to increase its PDP management maturity level.

Em um ambiente de competição globalizada a disputa pelo cliente está mais acirrada. Neste cenário, o sucesso e progresso das organizações privadas, cada vez mais, estão relacionados com a capacidade das mesmas de agir frente às oportunidades e ameaças apresentadas. Ao longo das últimas décadas, o setor público, de um modo geral, também se viu sob maior pressão para melhorar seu desempenho. Tais pressões do ambiente têm levado as instituições a vivenciarem constantes mudanças, cuja implementação deve ser realizada por meio de projetos. Com intuito de aprimorar o gerenciamento e o desempenho de seus projetos várias organizações têm adotado as práticas recomendadas pelos modelos de maturidade em gerenciamento de projetos. Apesar disso, poucos estudos têm apresentado, particularmente para o setor público e para projetos de engenharia e construção, qual a efetividade das ferramentas e técnicas propostas por tais modelos. O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo avaliar a relação entre a evolução na maturidade em gerenciamento de projetos e a melhoria no gerenciamento e no nível de desempenho dos projetos em relação a prazo e a custo. As principais dificuldades enfrentadas no processo de evolução também são discutidas. Com este propósito foi realizado um estudo de caso no Governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Com base na análise do caso citado, percebeu-se que, com a evolução na maturidade, os projetos da organização pesquisada apresentaram indícios de melhoria no desempenho do gerenciamento em relação a prazo e a custo. As melhorias no gerenciamento dos projetos também são relevantes, merecendo destaque: estabelecimento de um ambiente de maior seriedade em relação ao cumprimento das metas e maior controle e transparência dos projetos. As principais dificuldades encontradas no processo de evolução na maturidade foram: gerente de projeto conseguir superar a forte centralização oriunda da migração de uma estrutura funcional para a matricial e a incorporação da metodologia de gerenciamento de projetos como algo natural. / In an environment of global competition the battle to secure clients has become even tougher and unyielding. In this scenario the success and progress of private organisations is increasingly related to their capacity to act in advance of the opportunities and threats presented. Throughout the last decades the public sector has also seen itself come under greater pressure to improve its performance. Such pressure has meant that institutions have to live with constant change which the implementation should be accomplished through projects. With the task of enhancing the management and performance of their projects, various organisations have adopted the practices recommended by project management maturity models. However, in spite of this, few studies have presented evidence as to the effectiveness of the tools and technical proposals utilised in such approaches particularly for the public sector and in relation to engineering and construction projects. This work has as its main objective an evaluation of the relationship between maturity evolution in project management and the improvement in the project management and project management performance in relation to schedule and cost. The principal difficulties confronted in the process of evolution are also discussed. As such a case study in the Government of Rio de Janeiro was carried out. From the analysis of the case cited it is shown that with maturity evolution in project management, the projects of the organisations researched manifested signs of improvement in project management performance for schedule and cost. The project management improvements are also noteworthy for establishing an environment of greater seriousness in relation to meeting targets and better project control and transparency. The principal difficulties confronted in the process of maturity evolution in project management were: project management able to overcome the strong centralisation originating from the migration from a functional to a matricial structure and the incorporation of project management methodology as something natural.

Soybean yield differences are a combination of the genotype, environmental conditions, and management practices. Understanding how these factors interact through the analysis of the components involved in yield determination, provides a way to increase potential and actual yields in Kentucky. Two irrigated experiments were conducted to quantify differences in the mechanisms of yield determination across soybean maturity groups (MG) 2 to 5 (Chapter 1), and to quantify management options (seeding rate and choice of MG cultivar) that increase yield potential of double crop soybean systems (Chapter 2). Results showed that cultivars used different physiological strategies to achieve high yields, but these were not always consistent across the environments studied. High yields were often associated to a higher efficiency partitioning biomass to seeds that lead to a higher seed number in some cultivars, as well as associated to low seed growth rates (Chapter 1). The choice of MG cultivar had a greater impact on double-crop soybean yields than increasing seeding rates from 40 to 54 seed m-2. The higher seeding rate increased yields by 5% without an interaction with cultivar. Optimal MG choices for double-crop soybean in KY were dependent on the environment.

Lima bean.is one of the important vegetable crops in most of the countries where it is grown, including the United States of America. This crop is harvested for its green beans, which can also be processed, or allowed to mature as "dry beans." The practice of growing lima beans !or processing has indicated that quality and yield are influenced by many factors, among which the stage of maturity at time of harvest is possibly the most important. Lima beans continue to increase in size until fully matured, but most processors agree th.at the green beans attain maximum quality prior to that stage, after which the yield increases while the quality decreases. In actual practice, harvesting should occur at the time the greatest yield of acceptable quality could be obtained. Maturity is thus an extremely important factor to processors interested in satisfying the consumer's demand !or high quality. The canning trade (16) still has no further measurements !or grading the quality of raw lima beans than the visual test, which depends upon the flavor, texture, and freedom from defects. It would seem, therefore, th.at more exact information is needed on the relationship of maturity to edible quality in lima beans. In studies with other vegetables it has been shown that certain chemical and physiological changes are involved as the crop matures. Pollard, Wilcox, and Peterson (5) found with peas that the starch content increased as the peas advanced in maturity, while ascorbic acid content decreased with maturity. Henry, Wilcox, Pollard, and Lindquist (15) found that in sweet corn the total and reducing sugars decreased as sweet corn advanced in maturity while the total solids and alcohol insoluble solids increased. These changes often influence quality adversely. To determine more fully the factors affecting the relationship of stage of maturity and quality in lima beans, this experiment was conducted in 1953 at the Farmington Field Station of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station.