Magistro baigiamajame darbe tiriama Jungtinių Tautų Saugumo Tarybos veikla 2003–2013 m., siekiant įvertinti institucijos efektyvumą palaikant tarptautinę taiką ir saugumą. Darbą sudaro keturi skyriai. Pirmajame skyriuje aptariami instituciniai Saugumo Tarybos požymiai, Jungtinių Tautų Chartijoje nustatyti įgaliojimai ir pagrindiniai veiklos po Šaltojo karo bruožai. Antrajame skyriuje, remiantis išsamia surengtų posėdžių ir priimtų sprendimų analize, nagrinėjama Saugumo Tarybos veikla 2003–2013 m. Trečiajame skyriuje analizuojama pastebėtų veiklos tendencijų ir sprendimų priėmimo proceso įtaka Saugumo Tarybos efektyvumui. Atsižvelgiant į vykstančias diskusijas dėl Saugumo Tarybos reformos, pristatomi pagrindiniai reformos aspektai siekiant stiprinti efektyvumą. Ketvirtasis skyrius yra skirtas apžvelgti Lietuvos santykį su Saugumo Taryba, atkreipiant dėmesį į Saugumo Tarybos veiklą Lietuvos pirmininkavimo 2014 m. vasario mėnesį metu ir Lietuvos poziciją dėl Saugumo Tarybos reformos. / This Master Thesis examines the activity of the United Nations Security Council during the period of 2003–2013, in order to assess the effectiveness of the institution in maintaining international peace and security. The paper consists of four chapters. The first chapter presents the institutional character of the Security Council, its powers established by the United Nations Charter and the key features of post-Cold War activity. Based on the extensive analysis of the meetings held and decisions taken, the second part of this paper examines the activity of the Security Council during the period of 2003–2013. The third chapter assesses the effectiveness of the Security Council based on the observed trends of actions and the decision making processes. In light of the ongoing discussions on the reform of the Security Council, the main aspects of the reform are presented, taking into account the stated aim of strengthening the effectiveness. The fourth chapter is devoted to an overview of Lithuania’s relationship with the Security Council, with the focus on the activity of the Security Council during the Lithuanian Presidency in February 2014 as well as the official position of Lithuania on the Security Council reform.

The fossil record of drilling predation has been widely used to study predator-prey interactions and their relative importance on long-term evolutionary processes. Incomplete drill holes have been interpreted as indicators of failed attacks due to well-defended prey. However, this interpretation is based on pair-wise interactions between one predator and one prey, a condition commonly compromised in nature. The hypothesis that interference among drilling predators leads to an increase in the relative frequency of incomplete drill holes was tested in the laboratory using the naticid Neverita delessertiana (R cluz) and a common prey, the bivalve Chione elevata (Say). The experiment consisted of an isolation treatment, where predators fed alone, and a competition treatment, where predators fed in groups of three. Predators in competition were grouped into two size cohorts, small and large. All drilling attacks made by isolated predators of both size groups were successful, resulting in complete drill holes, whereas, in competition, the incomplete drilling frequencies were 6.9% for the small predator group and 21.3% for the large predator group. A range of competitive, predator-predator interactions were observed, including grappling, prey theft, and cannibalism. These results suggest that interpretations of both field and fossil data must consider the role of competitive disruption as an additional source of incomplete drill holes. The implications of other observations, including prey 'suffocation' and the resumption of incomplete drill holes after successful prey theft, are also discussed.

ACE inhibitors have been widely used in the treatment of certain diseases of the cardiovascular system, the major use being hypertension, since all ACE inhibitors are prescribed for its treatment. ACE inhibitors is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) converts angiotensin 1 into angiotensin I1 and also stimulates the production of aldosterone (a hormone produced in the adrenal glands that influences salt and water retention by the kidneys, increasing blood volume and blood pressure). The cost benefit, cost-effectiveness and cost utility of ACE inhibitors have not been established. The objective of the study was to review and analyse the cost of ACE inhibitors by using a medical aid claims database. Data for the study population consisted of all prescriptions containing one or more ACE inhibitor combinations and were extracted from the central database of Interpharm datasystems for a period of one year, from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001. A total of 1 475 532 prescriptions containing a total of 2 953 244 ACE inhibitor items represented the study population. Through the analysis of the general medicine utilisation patterns that were obtained from the medicine claims database, it became evident that ACE inhibitor utilisation contributes considerably to the total prevalence and cost of all the medicine items available on the database. It constituted a total prevalence of 4,62% (n =1 475 532) of all the prescriptions and a total prevalence of 2,31% (n =2 953 244) for all the medicine items in the prescriptions with a cost of 3,65% (n =R379 91 1 472,OO). It was concluded that in the analysis of ACE inhibitors according to the innovator/generic classification, the majority of ACE inhibitors prescribed during the twelve-month period were for the innovator product, with a prevalence of 82,56% (n =68 162) and a cost of 89,11% (n =R13 863 080, 90). The utilisation of the generic ACE inhibitors, with a prevalence of 17,44% (n =68 162) and at a cost of 10,89% (n =R13 863 080, 90), was under-utilised. If the total number of prescriptions containing innovator ACE inhibitors could be generically substituted, (37,54%) R5 204 392,68 in cost expenditure could be saved over a twelve-month period. However, the fact that not all the innovator ACE inhibitors have generic equivalents available must be taken into account. If only the prescriptions containing ACE inhibitor items that have generic equivalents were to be substituted with their generic equivalents, R899 751.29(6.5%) would be saved. This was found by adding all the costs saved by substituting innovator drugs with their generics. Consequently, it can be concluded that the extensive use of the innovator ACE inhibitors could mean an exceptional increase in the cost expenditure associated with ACE inhibitor therapy. In completion of the study, recommendations were formulated as an aim to optimise the utilisation of ACE inhibitor generic equivalents. / Thesis (M. Pharm.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Limited scientific research regarding the effectiveness of Adventure-Based Experiential Learning (AEL) as an instrument to develop personal effectiveness exists. Furthermore, little attention have been given to factors that influence the effectiveness of these programmes. As a result the purpose of this study was twofold. Firstly the study aimed to determine whether AEL is effective in improving the personal effectiveness of participants scientifically. The Review of Personal Effectiveness with Locus of Control (Richards et al., 2002) was used to determine the personal effectiveness of participants. For the first article 23 adolescents currently enrolled in a post-matric development centre were studied. The study consisted of an experimental (n=12) and control group (n=11). The experimental group participated in a five day low risk AEL programme in an urban setting. Pre-post test effect sizes showed that the experimental group experienced significant (d=0.80) development in four areas and medium (d=0.50) development in nine areas of personal development, compared to one medium effect size for the control group. Secondly, the study investigated whether a processed AEL programme will produce higher short-term outcomes in terms of personal effectiveness than a non-processed programme. For the second article a processed experimental group (n=12), a non-processed experimental group (n=12) and a control group (n=11) were studied. The experimental groups participated in identical Jive day low risk AEL programmes, with one group receiving group processing after each activity while the other experimental group did not. Pre-post test effect sizes for the processed experimental group indicated significant improvements (d=0.80) in four constructs and medium improvements (d=0.50) in nine constructs. The non-processed experimental group achieved significant improvements (d=0.80) in one construct and medium improvements (d=0.50) in two constructs. Results indicate the importance of processing for the attainment of AEL programme outcomes. Research into the effect of AEL design and duration as well as the amount and type of processing on outcomes is recommended. / Thesis (M.A. (Recreation Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Change is inevitable for any organisation to ensure effectiveness and to stay competitive in today's business environment. Change should be managed proficiently to ensure that the required outcomes are achieved. Conversations with employees of ABSA Bank in the Northern Cape region revealed that the perception of the management of change is that it is less than effective due to general dissatisfaction regarding elements such as training, communication and support during change efforts. The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of change management in ABSA Bank. The importance of this being that negativity and wrong perceptions regarding change can lead to resistance that can destroy any potential change effort in ABSA Bank. The literature study revealed that in order to manage change effectively, proven change management models are to be used and the elements within the model need to be managed convincingly. A questionnaire was utilised as the measuring instrument in the empirical study to obtain information that underscored the questioning of the effectiveness of the change management model as well as the management of the elements in the model of ABSA Bank. Recommendations are made to the management of ABSA Bank, based on the results of the study, on how to improve the level of effectiveness of the change management exercise in ABSA Bank. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The study deals with the concept of competing in the market with a dual branding strategy against mono-brands. The research, more specifically, examines the market awareness of the brand regarding the company versus the product. Monsanto SA, as a company, deals in the market as DEKALB. The study is based on the principles of the Burrows model of corporate identity. A tailor-made questionnaire was used as the measuring instrument. A total of 281 respondents completed the questionnaires. Data analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics and a Varimax rotated factor analysis. The reliability of the data was verified by determining the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In this investigation, for the brand DEKALB, only one factor contributes to the brand image identified as dynamism. For Monsanto SA, two factors contribute to the organisation image. These factors are identified as dynamism and visual identity. The research concludes that although brand identities are similar to a large extent, the market views Monsanto SA more defined. A second factor is identified in addition to the common factor in both identities. The final and most important conclusion is that dual branding in the marketing strategy influences corporate identity and image, and vice versa. Monsanto SA should, therefore, take care not to confuse the market. Currently, agreement exists between the two identities, but it could easily result in confusion. Marketing strategies of Monsanto SA and DEKALB should purposefully dovetail to ensure that market confusion does not set in. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

We live in the age of the informed consumer creating a business climate of increasing competition, which implies that all companies need to be as efficient as possible at every level, and this includes inventory management. For many businesses, inventory is the largest asset on the balance sheet at any given time and therefore needs to be efficiently managed. A large amount of a company's costs can be attributed to the amount it invests in inventory and associated holding, transportation, and management costs; management of inventory is thus critical to an SME's profitability. Therefore, it is important to investigate the models for effective inventory management in SMEs. Inventory management entails more than simply the forecasting and replenishment of inventory; it also demands the management of inventory to optimise services and profit. The main objective of the study was to investigate the standard inventory theories and models used to help management in small to medium-sized enterprises in keeping costs down while still meeting customer service requirements. Organisational effectiveness was defined in terms of the effectiveness of the internal processes of an organisation. While accountants and senior managers tend to measure results of most, if not all, organisational activities in monetary terms, so it is no surprise that many organisations rely on financial measures such as ROI or ROA to measure effectiveness. However, effectiveness was defined as the ability to achieve stated inventory levels, judged in terms of financial measures like inventory turnover for this study. This study posits that the effectiveness of a given SME may be ascertained from the effectiveness of the inventory management decisions made by its management. Modern inventory management systems are based on well-recognised inventory models and even though the methods were developed many years ago they still perform well from a theoretical point of view. Inventory models like economic order quantity (EOQ), activity-based costing (ABC), analysis for inventory and just-in-time (JIT) that form the bases of modern inventory systems are still commonly used in the industry today. Modern inventory management systems like MRP/MRPII and ERP systems offer a complete inventory management system to SMEs, but despite the rapid development of ERP systems, little research can be found in evaluating the extent to which ERP could create a competitive advantage for SMEs. Safety inventory protects against inventory uncertainty by ensuring there are enough products available to maintain desired service levels. Based on this, safety inventory can be expressed as the quantity of inventory that has to be reserved in order to protect the system from random variables such as inventory-outs, which may occur as a result of either forecast errors or deviations from normal demand during average lead times. Supply chain management (SCM) is a set of approaches utilized to effectively incorporate suppliers, manufacturers, logistics, and consumers to place the right amount of inventory at the right places at the right time. Since inventories represent a significant investment by many businesses, the challenge, however, is to determine the lowest amount of inventory required to accomplish all of the service-level targets. Inventory costs are relevant to most liquidity, asset management and liability management ratios and only once a balance is found between service levels, costs of holding inventory and cost of manufacture, which, once achieved, will it lead to increased profitability. Inventory is a measure of both liquidity and in -service efficiency just like receivable turnover. These methods produce an overall level of inventory that senior management typically judges in terms of an inventory turnover ratio (annual sales / average inventory) or a total asset level. A literature study was conducted with the aid of a computer-based search, using the keywords identified, databases and search engines such as Google Search, Google Scholar, Business Source Premier, Emerald and EBSCO Host. The empirical research describes a process whereby data or facts on a specific issue were gathered and analysed. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to gather information from the defined population for this study. This study used a structured questionnaire as well as an open-ended and semi-structured interview with some of the population sample to collect empirical data. The sample tested consisted of 60 managers, owners or responsible persons for inventory management in small to medium enterprises in Gauteng, South Africa. The results of the questionnaires were submitted for statistical analyses at the Statistical Department of the North-West University. The results of the statistical analysis were interpreted by closer investigation of the correlations, cross tabulations and frequency analysis done with the aid of SSPS. After the statistical analysis the conclusion could be drawn that more than half of all questioned SMEs in the study were not effective in their inventory management and this is most probably the result of most respondents' lack of theoretical knowledge about inventory management theories. Furthermore, it was concluded that most small and medium businesses have experienced inventory shortages as a result of JIT ordering, but still chose not to hold safety inventories because of the cost associated with holding inventories. This also made them and their customers reliant on their suppliers' supply chain management for efficient service delivery. Furthermore, it was also found that ERP systems like SAP were too expensive to implement in small and very small businesses. Therefore, many small and medium businesses adopt the Pastel solution at a fraction of the price of the standard ERP systems to manage their inventories. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

People, processes and teams form the basis of organisational success. Therefore the understanding and prediction of people and their behaviour- both individual and in a team - is a critical management activity. Behaviour of people are influenced by internal factors such as personality, abilities and skills, perception, beliefs and motives as well as by external factors from the environment in which the individual operates. Understanding these forces and their influence on the individual is paramount if one is to understand how to canalise these behaviours to achieve any given organisational goal. Another concept important to understand, is that of organisational culture which is regarded as beliefs, values and learned ways of coping with experience. Organisational culture develops during the course of an organisation's history, and has become a more and more important concept in organisations, due to its strategic nature and impact on business. The culture of an organisation can be influenced and changed naturally over time, or by using deliberate, carefully designed cultural change interventions. The maturity of an organisation's HSEC systems and processes and related improvement in performance, is related to the prevailing HSEC culture evident in the organisation. It is evident that as an organisation moves from a reactive safety culture to an interdependent safety culture, so does the HSEC performance and lagging indicators of the organisation increase. Behaviour-based safety processes endeavour to influence the individual employee's behaviour in order to improve the safety performance of an organisation. The benefits of behaviour-based safety programs are numerous and lead to reduced injuries and improved levels of safe behaviour amongst employees. Metalloys has selected behaviour-based safety as one of the tools to entrench a culture of zero harm in the organisation and to establish an empowered and enabled workforce. The effectiveness of this approach was assessed during this study The empirical research conducted for this study revealed that both the average response rate per construct and the responses per question within the various constructs reflect a positive response to the elements tested. It is evident from the results that a large proportion of the employees are of the opinion that communication processes are effectively established, employees are involved on a personal level, that there is sufficient supervisor support and that leadership exhibits visible leadership in the organisation. These are all constructs testing the elements required to effectively establish the culture of the organisation. In addition, a large proportion of the employees felt that HSEC systems are well entrenched and that facilities and equipment are of such a standard, as to ensure the safety of employees and that these are maintained at high levels. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010

The study deals with the concept of competing in the market with a dual branding strategy against mono-brands. The research, more specifically, examines the market awareness of the brand regarding the company versus the product. Monsanto SA, as a company, deals in the market as DEKALB. The study is based on the principles of the Burrows model of corporate identity. A tailor-made questionnaire was used as the measuring instrument. A total of 281 respondents completed the questionnaires. Data analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics and a Varimax rotated factor analysis. The reliability of the data was verified by determining the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In this investigation, for the brand DEKALB, only one factor contributes to the brand image identified as dynamism. For Monsanto SA, two factors contribute to the organisation image. These factors are identified as dynamism and visual identity. The research concludes that although brand identities are similar to a large extent, the market views Monsanto SA more defined. A second factor is identified in addition to the common factor in both identities. The final and most important conclusion is that dual branding in the marketing strategy influences corporate identity and image, and vice versa. Monsanto SA should, therefore, take care not to confuse the market. Currently, agreement exists between the two identities, but it could easily result in confusion. Marketing strategies of Monsanto SA and DEKALB should purposefully dovetail to ensure that market confusion does not set in. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

We live in the age of the informed consumer creating a business climate of increasing competition, which implies that all companies need to be as efficient as possible at every level, and this includes inventory management. For many businesses, inventory is the largest asset on the balance sheet at any given time and therefore needs to be efficiently managed. A large amount of a company's costs can be attributed to the amount it invests in inventory and associated holding, transportation, and management costs; management of inventory is thus critical to an SME's profitability. Therefore, it is important to investigate the models for effective inventory management in SMEs. Inventory management entails more than simply the forecasting and replenishment of inventory; it also demands the management of inventory to optimise services and profit. The main objective of the study was to investigate the standard inventory theories and models used to help management in small to medium-sized enterprises in keeping costs down while still meeting customer service requirements. Organisational effectiveness was defined in terms of the effectiveness of the internal processes of an organisation. While accountants and senior managers tend to measure results of most, if not all, organisational activities in monetary terms, so it is no surprise that many organisations rely on financial measures such as ROI or ROA to measure effectiveness. However, effectiveness was defined as the ability to achieve stated inventory levels, judged in terms of financial measures like inventory turnover for this study. This study posits that the effectiveness of a given SME may be ascertained from the effectiveness of the inventory management decisions made by its management. Modern inventory management systems are based on well-recognised inventory models and even though the methods were developed many years ago they still perform well from a theoretical point of view. Inventory models like economic order quantity (EOQ), activity-based costing (ABC), analysis for inventory and just-in-time (JIT) that form the bases of modern inventory systems are still commonly used in the industry today. Modern inventory management systems like MRP/MRPII and ERP systems offer a complete inventory management system to SMEs, but despite the rapid development of ERP systems, little research can be found in evaluating the extent to which ERP could create a competitive advantage for SMEs. Safety inventory protects against inventory uncertainty by ensuring there are enough products available to maintain desired service levels. Based on this, safety inventory can be expressed as the quantity of inventory that has to be reserved in order to protect the system from random variables such as inventory-outs, which may occur as a result of either forecast errors or deviations from normal demand during average lead times. Supply chain management (SCM) is a set of approaches utilized to effectively incorporate suppliers, manufacturers, logistics, and consumers to place the right amount of inventory at the right places at the right time. Since inventories represent a significant investment by many businesses, the challenge, however, is to determine the lowest amount of inventory required to accomplish all of the service-level targets. Inventory costs are relevant to most liquidity, asset management and liability management ratios and only once a balance is found between service levels, costs of holding inventory and cost of manufacture, which, once achieved, will it lead to increased profitability. Inventory is a measure of both liquidity and in -service efficiency just like receivable turnover. These methods produce an overall level of inventory that senior management typically judges in terms of an inventory turnover ratio (annual sales / average inventory) or a total asset level. A literature study was conducted with the aid of a computer-based search, using the keywords identified, databases and search engines such as Google Search, Google Scholar, Business Source Premier, Emerald and EBSCO Host. The empirical research describes a process whereby data or facts on a specific issue were gathered and analysed. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to gather information from the defined population for this study. This study used a structured questionnaire as well as an open-ended and semi-structured interview with some of the population sample to collect empirical data. The sample tested consisted of 60 managers, owners or responsible persons for inventory management in small to medium enterprises in Gauteng, South Africa. The results of the questionnaires were submitted for statistical analyses at the Statistical Department of the North-West University. The results of the statistical analysis were interpreted by closer investigation of the correlations, cross tabulations and frequency analysis done with the aid of SSPS. After the statistical analysis the conclusion could be drawn that more than half of all questioned SMEs in the study were not effective in their inventory management and this is most probably the result of most respondents' lack of theoretical knowledge about inventory management theories. Furthermore, it was concluded that most small and medium businesses have experienced inventory shortages as a result of JIT ordering, but still chose not to hold safety inventories because of the cost associated with holding inventories. This also made them and their customers reliant on their suppliers' supply chain management for efficient service delivery. Furthermore, it was also found that ERP systems like SAP were too expensive to implement in small and very small businesses. Therefore, many small and medium businesses adopt the Pastel solution at a fraction of the price of the standard ERP systems to manage their inventories. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.