Technology is accepted as one of the key aspects that influence society and business in an unmistakable manner. Current literature is however not singular in its views and methods of technology strategy, its interface with business strategy, and how technology strategy is executed and assessed internally. The text adopts a 3-tiered domain approach at the outset, focusing on the integration of (i) strategy, (ii) measurement and (iii) architecture. The literature assessment was carried out on the hand of the three domains and ultimately resulted in the proposed internal technology strategy assessment framework for the services sector. At the heart of the framework is the merging of the disciplines and current models of (i) technology management (MOT), (ii) business architecture, (iii) strategic performance measurement and (iv) total quality management. The model aims to indicate that specific modelling techniques coupled with an excellence scorecard, can facilitate the mathematical assessment of strategic contribution of individual technology artefacts to a specific business strategy. The proposed model is represented in the text in flowchart form and is supplemented by the derivation of the required research approach, namely case study protocol. Three case studies were conducted, each of which is resident in the services sector, and the tabulated results are presented in the text and its appendixes. The results obtained indicate that strategic artefact differentiation on a procedural level can indeed be obtained. These results are consistent throughout the three case studies and valuable future benefit could be extrapolated for (i) continuing investigation on the hand of the model, as well as (ii) cross-pollination to the disciplines of (a) enterprise modelling and design and (b) project management. / Dissertation (MEng (Technology Management))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) / unrestricted

The purpose of the study was to provide insights into the information seeking behaviors and needs of graduate students of Management Sciences at the Centre for Operations Excellence, University of British Columbia. The study describes major aspects of the information seeking patterns taking into account the whole phenomena: from the nature of the original situation where and when the need was recognized, to the characteristics of the information seeker, to the providers which were consulted and degrees of success. Using the case-study method and the sense-making approach, data were gathered through logs, interviews, and a questionnaire. Verbal protocols helped to delve and probe into the qualitative aspects of the search behavior resulting in a model for the search process. Findings revealed that the students went through six stages during their research: [1] Task defining, [2] Focus forming, [3] Monitoring and reviewing, [4] Selecting and sieving, [5] Interpreting, and [6] Presenting. Typically, information seeking occurred in context of task achievement which was affected by various factors such as time, cost, prior knowledge, feedback, motivation and experience and perception of students. A user survey demonstrated that [1] informal channels were used more avidly in information seeking than formal channels, [2] information service providers were not consulted on a regular basis, [3] UBC libraries were very rarely used, [4] factors such as time, location, motivation, cost, perception, feedback played an integral role in information seeking and task completion, [5] satisfaction with services of service provider were based on the relevance, currency, timeliness and accuracy of information provided, and [6] usage of information was weighed against the benefit to analysts. Recommendations for action and further study and a service model were the outcomes of the findings. / Arts, Faculty of / Library, Archival and Information Studies (SLAIS), School of / Graduate

This presentation tells the story of two partnerships co-initiated by the ETSU Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education. The first partnership, Eastman Scholar MathElites, demonstrates how a 7+ year partnership between business and an institute of higher education (Eastman-ETSU) has brought a regional impact in Grades 3-8 math. The second partnership, G6-12 Science and Literacy project, introduces how a local education agency and institute of higher education (Hawkins County Schools-ETSU) have worked together to provide teacher professional development (PD) that focuses on Grades 6-12 English Language Arts and Science. This PD seeks to build confidence and understanding about using reading as a tool to understand STEM literacies. These two programs do not only benefit K-12 education in the Northeast Tennessee region, but also bring practical implications for future development in state-wide and national issues.

Globalisation is affecting all social sectors, including education in ways that was never thought of before. In South Africa the most changing environment is probably the education sector. Higher education institutions in particular are constantly forging ways to develop the human resource capital for the country despite the shrinking financial resources. The increased demand for quality education, greater efficiency, accountability and national viability constantly challenge academics such that they can no longer wait for management to provide them with the necessary skills and competences. The times are calling for academics to take initiatives to develop themselves for improved performance in their primary roles and in the education of the learners. This study was undertaken to determine the changing nature of radiography as a profession and field of specialization, the development needs of radiography educators and the preferred strategies that could be used to develop the necessary skills and competences. A qualitative research design was employed and data collected through the literature review and interviews. Unstructured questions were used in the interviews to obtain an in-depth understanding of the situation. Challenges faced by academic radiographers in South Africa were explored and new competences required by academe during the time of change explained. Focus was put on the primary functions of academe and that includes teaching, research, community service/service learning and learner supervision strategies that can be used to improve the role of academe were described. Conclusions and recommendations regarding human resource development of academe were drawn from the literature review and the empirical investigation. / Dissertation (MEd (Maximising Potential in Education and Training))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

The master thesis is focused on the performance evalution of company Centropen, a. s. The first part of the thesis contains definitions of performance and individual methods of business performance measurement. The practical part introduces the analyzed company and describes its current situation. Subsequently, the evaluation of the performance of the selected company is done using the START Model questionnaire, which is based on the EFQM Excellence Model. Suggestions and recommendations for improving the current situation are presented in the final part.

This master's thesis is focused on conducting a performance evaluation of a particular company using the EFQM Excellence Model. The theoretical section of this thesis introduces the primary theoretical basis for company performance measurement with a focus on the EFQM Model of Excellence. The analytical section contains an evaluation of the selected company‘s current situation using the Excellence Model's methodology to identify weaknesses. The output from the analysis is then used in the subsequent section of the thesis, where these weaknesses are transformed into suggestions for improving the company's performance so it can proceed further on its path to excellence.

The aim of this diploma thesis is to evaluate the performance of the company BRA-VUR, a.s. using the START Model, based on the EFQM Excellence Model. The theoretical part of the thesis defines quality, performance, and company performance measurement methods. The content of the analytical section is to evaluate the current situation in the company using the START Model and selected financial analysis indicators. The results of this assessment are used in the final part of the work, which is to propose measures to improve the performance of the company and to shift forward on its way to excellence.

This masters thesis is concerned with the quality of the company Continental Barum Ltd., which operates in the tire industry. After evaluating the current situation in the company the EFQM method is applied, which showed the weaknesses and strengths of the company. Based on the findings, there are suggested recommendations for the highest ranking company according to the method of Excellence.

This master’s thesis is focused on evaluation of performance and current state of the company Diadex Ltd. With the help of specific analysis and tools, described in the theoretical part, this thesis describes the environment, in which the company operates, and reveals pros and cons, that significantly affect corporate activities. Based on the results of financial and non-financial indicators, this work exposes the strengths and weaknesses. In conclusion, the selected methods should refer to the areas, which require increased attention, and possibly propose a solution for change and improvement in particular area or overall situation.

This master thesis is focused on performance evaluation of company AGRI CS a.s., namely the evaluation of financial and business performance using benchmarking. The theoretical part deals with some approaches and methods suitable for the company performance evaluation with an emphasis on benchmarking. The main part however is in-depth case study on business performances of selected company. The core part is financial performance benchmarking based on public data from financial annual accounts. For this purpose I use database Amadeus. I analyzed most of the performance indicators for an average of industry branch as well as for 14 most intense competitors. Final remarks of the thesis discuss the main findings and conclusions of the whole performance analysis. On top of that I present possible recommendations for the selected company in order to enhance or even eliminate identified weaknesses.