Although public relations is seen as a function that contributes to the greater good of society and the performance of an organisation (ref. Grunig, 2006b:3; Grunig, Grunig & Dozier, 2002:xii), the function does not, for various reasons, always deliver on this promise (ref. Gray, 2004:26–27; Grunig et al., 2002:166, 169, 192; Steyn, 2000c:40; Tobin, 2004:56; Van Ruler, 1997:248, 263; 2004a:123). Practitioners and professional bodies from various countries have researched, and tried to overcome the variables negatively influencing practitioners, through various methods. However, no study has provided a comprehensive prioritised list of all the variables influencing practitioners' contribution to organisational performance. In addition none of these actions has led to a sustainable solution for the profession where a critical mass of practitioners can keep the promise of contributing to the greater good of society and the performance of the organisation. In light of this problem, this study tries to understand how public relations practitioners can enhance their contribution to organisational performance, by examining the variables influencing practitioners in contributing to organisational performance. The study is framed within the relational, reflective, two–way symmetrical and feminist paradigms, supported by the general excellence theory as meta–theory, and the relationship management and corporate communication role theories. The multidimensional paradigm was specifically selected to accommodate the complex research context (Grunig, 1989:18; 2006a; Valin, 2004). From theory it was established that public relations contributes to organisational performance by assisting organisations to adapt to their changing environment by providing strategic information from the environment to the organisation that could reduce uncertainty in the organisation's strategic decision–making (Grunig et al., 2002:xi; Raupp & Van Ruler, 2006:18; Steyn, 2000c:27; Valin, 2004). Through this process the organisation's triple bottom line goals are aligned with the realities of the environment in which it operates (Moss et al., 2000:283; van Tonder & van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, 2006:149). This then creates long–term relationships with stakeholders that creates many benefits for the organisation (Grunig, 2006b:3, 6; Grunig et al., 2002:xi, 10, 11; Grunig & Haung, 2000:32; Hon & Grunig, 1999:7–9, 11; Phillips, 2006a:34, 35; 2006b:212). Within South Africa specifically, corporate communication practitioners perform the roles of strategist, manager and technician in order to complete the above tasks (Steyn, 2000b:1–42; 2000c:20–43). The research methodology followed to gather data to answer the General research question, is both exploratory and interpretive. The research started with a literature study, followed by semi–structured interviews with four purposefully selected practitioners and the chairpersons of the two professional bodies (PRISA and IABC) in order to verify the variables identified in literature, and possibly identify new variables pertaining to the South African environment. These variables, together with those identified in literature, were then used to construct a questionnaire completed by public relations practitioners active in the 1 319 top performing South African organisations as per South Africa's Top 300 National Companies List (Fletcher, 2007:1–330) and the Financial Mail Top 200 Companies List (Williams, 2005:1–168). A response rate of 19.9% was achieved. The qualitative data was content analysed and the quantitative data analysed by means of Statistica (StatSoft Inc., 2007) and SPSS (SPSS Inc., 2007) data analysis software. In order to determine the relationships between the variables influencing practitioners, structural equation modelling, by means of AMOS (SPSS Inc., 2009) software, was used. In essence it was found that practitioners should take ownership and manage the variables influencing their performance. Furthermore, 13 variables pertaining to the individual–, industry– and professional–levels were statistically verified as the most important variables influencing practitioners. Due to the specific relationship between these variables, it would seem that enhancing any of these 13 variables would enhance the practitioner's contribution to organisational performance. The main contribution of the study is to add to the discussion on the how the profession can manage its contribution to organisational performance by categorising and empirically verifying a list of all variables influencing practitioners' performance and by suggesting a model indicating the relationship between the most important variables influencing practitioners. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Σκοπός της διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη ενός δυναμικού συστήματος επιχειρηματικής αρίστευσης το οποίο μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί σε οποιοδήποτε περιβάλλον (γεωγραφικό, κλαδικό, οικονομικό) υιοθετώντας τις αρχές της Ποιότητας, της Συστημικής Προσέγγισης και των Δυναμικών Συστημάτων. Ως μελέτες περίπτωσης δίνεται η ανάπτυξη του Ελληνικού Μοντέλου Επιχειρηματικής Αρίστευσης και ενός κλαδικού μοντέλου στις Τηλεπικοινωνίες. / The aim of the dissertation is the development of an integrated system of business excellence which can be applied to any environment (geographical, sector and economical) by adopting Quality Management priciples, Systemic Approach and System Dynamics. Case studies have been developed for both the Hellenic Business Excellence framework and the Telecommications sector.

Effective implementation (in terms of time, cost, utilization of human resources, etc.) of information systems operation is a strategic issue in today's time when business processes are integrally aligned with the informatics. Currently, costs associated with software support and maintenance represent more than 90% of total costs. Software maintenance is a set of activities needed for cost-effective support of IT solution. IS / IT Center of excellence (COE) do not cover the area of software support and maintenance, there is no formalized methodology or procedural framework for COE for support and maintenance -- in reality, it means missing processes and procedures for creating it, management and evaluation of it. Moreover, there are missing recommendation about organization structure, services to be provided and overall continuous improvement. Therefore author proposes his own solution by definition and implementation of center of excellence for support and maintenance and its sub-centers of excellence for support and maintenance of particular applications. Current ontology of support and maintenance does not capture the necessary components and links -- namely missing management, planning and effort estimation views. Therefore author proposes his redefinition and enrichment of ontology of organizational structure about elements of competence and sub-competence center, typology of tasks (management, maintenance), and their management - estimating, planning and realization. In his work, Magne Jorgensen formulated conclusions that 83 to 84% of all estimation is done by pure expert estimates and estimating models are not used basically due to their complexity. Based on extending PERT formula about quality of estimator and historical experience, author introduced his simplified, easy to use approach to effort estimation in software maintenance. Both introduced formulas were verified in sub-competence center for supporting mortgage IS with significantly better result than only pure PERT estimate (98.8% and 91.8% against pure PERT 90.1%). In conclusion, author discusses the benefits of the implementation of center of excellence for support and maintenance and sub-centers of excellence for support and maintenance of particular applications, and overall fulfilling of thesis scope.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the process of the 2005 Excellence in Tuition Awards at the University of South Africa. To achieve this aim an investigation was undertaken into (a) the strengths and weaknesses of the 2005 Awards process and (b) possible ways to improve it for the future. The literature study sought to place the rewarding of quality teaching in the broader framework of international excellence in tuition awards, current criteria (both locally and globally) used in evaluating teaching in higher education, and principles of business process management. The qualitative investigation attempted to provide a contextual understanding of Unisa's experience of awarding excellence in tuition, through an exploration of the experiences of those who were directly involved in the 2005 Excellence in Tuition Awards process at Unisa. The findings serve as basis for guidelines for future Awards processes. / Educational Studies / M. Ed.(Open and Distance Learning)

The aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence adherence to ART among adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission. Qualitative research using descriptive phenomenology was conducted at Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence. Data was collected using in-depth individual semi-structured interviews. Eight (8) adolescents between 14 and 19 years who had been on ART for minimum of 4 years were interviewed. Thematic analysis of data was done and five (5) themes emerged from the participants' description of the experience of taking ART over a long period of time. The themes that emerged indicated the factors that influence adherence to ART, and they included knowledge and positive beliefs about ART, need for support, ART difficult treatment regimen, having a regular doctor and psychosocial emotional needs. The findings suggested that the adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission require support while continuing on a simplified long-term ART regimen after an assessment of their psychological well beings and periodic checks. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Summaries in English and Afrikaans / Text in Afrikaans / Die doel van hierdie verkennende studie was om ondersoek in te stel na die prestasiewaardes onderliggend aan Affektiewe, Kontinulteits- en Normatiewe organisasieverbintenis van werknemers binne die motorywerheid in Suid-Afrika. 'n Steekproef van 113 werknemers is uit verskillende motorhandelaars geselekteer. Daarna is ondersoek ingestel na watter prestasiewaardes betekenisvolle voorspellers van organisasieverbintenis is. Daar is bevind dat die prestasiewaardes mededinging en materiele welvaart betekenisvolle voorspellers van affektiewe organisasieverbintenis is, en dat die prestasiewaardes materiele welvaart en strewe na uitmuntendheid betekenisvolle voorspellers van kontinuiteitsorganisasieverbintenis is, maar dat geeneen van die prestasiewaardes wat huidig wereldwyd erken word, betekenisvolle voorspellers van normatiewe organisasieverbintenis in die motomywerheid is nie. Dit het verreikende irnplikasies vir die Suid-Afrikaanse motorhandelaar. Hierbenewens is dit ook duidelik uit die navorsingsresultate dat die prestasiewaardes mededinging, materiele welvaart en strewe na uitmuntendheid hulself daartoe leen om op 'n geintegreerde wyse deur bestuur van motorhandelaars aangewend te word ten einde hul kumulatiewe invloed op organisasieverbintenis optimaal te kan benut. / The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the performance values subjacent to affective, continuity and normative organisation commitment of employees in the motor industry in South Africa. A sample of 113 employees was selected from different dealerships. Thereafter an investigation was done to establish which performance values were meaningful predictors of organisation commitment. It was found that the performance values competition and material gain were meaningful predictors of affective organisation commitment, and the performance values material gain and excellence were meaningful predictors of continuity organisation commitment, but that none of the performance values which are contemporarily recognised world-wide were meaningful predictors of normative organisation commitment. This has far-reaching implications for South African motor dealers. It was also apparent from the results that the performance values competition, material gain and excellence can be utilized in an integrated way by management of motor dealers in order to ensure optimal utilization of their cumulative impact on organisation commitment. / Industrial psychology / M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)

This study searches for the management attributes of excellent companies in Zimbabwe in order to reveal the management practices that have made these companies successful. Seven most successful companies from among those quoted on the Zimbabwean Stock Exchange (ZSE) were selected in terms of their financial criteria and the macroeconomic criteria in their industrial categories. The research for attributes of excellence has been qualitative - consisting mainly of interviews of chief executives, departmental managers, skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled employees of the companies. The interviewees were also asked to complete two quantitative instruments: a semantic differential and an observation chart. Altogether 408 people were interviewed and given a semantic differential and an observation chart to complete. Of these, 398 responded to the semantic differential while 308 responded to the observation chart. Qualitative data for the study were content analysed and the data obtained through the quantitative instruments were analysed through the use of the Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) at the Unisa Computer Services Centre. There was agreement in the results obtained through the use of the three different approaches of the research. The management attributes which were elicited by the study are that the Zimbabwean excellent companies : (a) have a participative style of management; (b) always engage in constant communication with all levels oftheir employees; (c) reward good work; (d) train their employees; (e) promote from within; (f) are concerned with the quality of their products and services; (g) care for customers; and (h) are involved in social responsibility. These management attributes can be applied by and could thus benefit any type of organisation, trading or non-trading, and private or public. The application of the attributes may not be limited to the enterprises in Zimbabwe - the host country in which the study was conducted - but it may also be effected in companies in other countries with a similar socioeconomic situation to Zimbabwe's. / Business Leadership / D.B.L.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis briefly explores the quality phenomenon in higher education and more specifically in the university context. In addition, the experiences of stakeholders who participated in the first institutional quality audit at a merged university are explored and analysed. It is also argued that the world-wide quality phenomenon at universities, although sometimes politically driven and at times undertaken with hidden agendas, may eventually add value to a university‟ cycle of never-ending quality improvement and enhancement. University stakeholders who are either directly or indirectly involved in realising the university‟s vision and mission can provide invaluable feedback about their experience of a quality audit. Feedback by all stakeholders about a quality audit will assist the university to plan and prepare for the next cycle of quality audits. The research findings of this study indicated that a variety of differences exist in the perceptions of stakeholders that participated in the preparation and execution of the institutional quality audit. In some cases the differences may hold some limited risk for the university therefore some recommendations are also made in support of future audits. These and other recommendations emenating from the research findings will hopefully also contribute towards improved engagement between the stakeholders and members of the audit panel. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verhandeling ondersoek kortliks die verskynsel van gehalte in hoër onderwys, en meer spesifiek in die universiteitskonteks. Voorts word die ervarings van belanghebbendes wat deelgeneem het aan die eerste institusionele kwaliteitsoudit aan ʼn saamgesmelte universiteit, ondersoek en ontleed. Daar word ook aangevoer dat die wêreldwye verskynsel van kwaliteit aan universiteite uiteindelik waarde kan toevoeg tot ʼn universiteit se siklus van ewigdurende kwaliteitsversekering en –verbetering, selfs al is hierdie verskynsel soms polities gedrewe en al gaan dit by tye gepaard met verskuilde agendas. Belanghebbendes van die universiteit wat direk of indirek betrokke is by die realisering van die universiteit se visie en missie kan uiters waardevolle terugvoer bied oor hulle ervaring van ʼn kwaliteitsoudit. Terugvoer deur alle belanghebbendes oor ʼn kwaliteitsoudit sal die universiteit help om vir die volgende siklus kwaliteitsoudits te beplan en voor te berei. Die navorsingsbevindings van hierdie studie dui daarop dat ʼn verskeidenheid verskille wel bestaan in die persepsies van belanghebbendes wat deelgeneem het aan die voorbereiding en uitvoering van die institusionele kwaliteitsoudit. In sommige gevalle hou die verskille wel ʼn beperkte risiko vir die universiteit in en daarom word aanbevelings gemaak ter ondersteuning van toekomstige kwaliteitsoudits. Hierdie, sowel as ander aanbevelings sal hopelik ook bydra tot verbeterde interaksie tussen die belanghebbendes en lede van die ouditpaneel.

La prééminence française en matière de luxe alimentaire est souvent présentée comme une évidence. Pourtant il a existé et il existe d’autres cultures du luxe alimentaire dans le monde. Alors, pourquoi et comment la culture française du luxe alimentaire s’est-elle différenciée des autres en s’affirmant et en étant reconnue comme singulière ? Derrière l’apparente évidence, Il importe de démontrer et d’expliquer l’hypothèse d’une singularité française en matière de luxe alimentaire. Celle-ci est aujourd’hui remise en cause, en raison même de l’extension de son marché liée à l’industrialisation de sa production, à la diversification de ses circuits de distribution et à l’internationalisation de sa consommation, ainsi qu’à la montée d’une nouvelle concurrence et à l’évolution de la société. Alors, est-il toujours pertinent de parler de « luxe alimentaire français » ? Au-delà du marketing, cette question soulève le problème du maintien d’une créativité, d’une culture de consommation et d’un savoir-faire spécifiquement français. La valorisation patrimoniale et touristique des lieux de production contribue aujourd’hui à la reconnaissance de l’originalité, de la rareté et de l’excellence des produits alimentaires de luxe. Elle est aussi un outil de développement territorial. / The prominence of France in the food luxury sector is often presented as a given. But other food luxury cultures have existed and still exist. So why and how has the French culture of food luxury differentiated itself from others by affirming itself and being recognized as a singularity? Behind the seeming evidence, it is important to demonstrate and explain the hypothesis of a French singularity in the matter of food luxury. Today, this singularity is called into question because of its own market extension linked to the industrialization of its production, to the diversification of its distribution channels, to the international reach of its consumption, as well as to the rise of a new competition and the evolution of society. So is it still relevant today to talk about "French food luxury"? Beyond marketing, this raises the challenge of maintaining a creativity, a culture of consumption and a know-how quintessentially French. Today, the patrimonial and touristic valuation of the production sites contributes to the recognition of originality, rarity and excellence of luxury food products. This valuation is also a mean for territorial development.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-13T14:10:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcelo Rocha e Silva Zorovich.pdf: 1492239 bytes, checksum: 0fa523647b63b49d42fbf11c0a92cf30 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-18 / The objective of this project is to verify which factors influence the formation of Centers of Excellence (COEs) in the Brazilian automotive industry. Specifically, the influence of the Innovation, the Business Network, the Technical Network, the Business Context as well as the Acquisition of Technology were analyzed. The proposed methodology was based on a quantitative research, through the application of a Survey along with the suppliers of the automotive industry. The statistical technique of Multiple Linear Regression model was used for data analysis by having the COEs as the dependent variable. Based on 91 questionnaires answered, the results conclude that the activities related to innovation, as well as the Acquisition of Technology and the Business Context contribute to the formation of COEs, rejecting the hypothesis related to the Technical Network and the Business Context in which the companies are inserted in. / O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar quais fatores influenciam a formação de Centros de Excelência na indústria automobilística brasileira. Especificamente, verificou-se a influência da Inovação, da Rede de Negócios, da Rede Técnica, do Contexto de Negócios bem como da Aquisição de Tecnologia. A metodologia proposta teve como base o método de pesquisa quantitativo, do tipo Survey, com aplicação junto aos fornecedores da indústria automobilística. Utilizou-se a técnica estatística de Regressão Linear Múltipla para a análise de dados, tendo os Centros de Excelência (COEs) como variável dependente. Com 91 questionários respondidos, o estudo conclui que as atividades ligadas à Inovação, à Aquisição de Tecnologia e à Rede de Negócios contribuem para a formação de COEs, rejeitando-se as hipóteses ligadas à Rede Técnica e ao Contexto de Negócios em que as subsidiárias estão inseridas.