Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin, 1963. / Typewritten. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-110).

Against the background of frequent organizational changes and restructuring, often based on impulsive decisions rather than structured feasibility studies or evaluations, this study examines the nature and influence of management on the performance of the Ethiopian public extension service. Based on a survey of 353 respondents from Oromia region, one of the nine regions in Ethiopia, representing various agro-ecological zones and managerial positions, the study examines the current level of organizational performance, the influence of the 2002 restructuring on organizational performance and the factors influencing the organizational effectiveness. The knowledge of these influences is important for improving the current and future design of organizational change and development practices. The study was guided by the following research questions: (1) how efficiently is the Oromia Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development currently functioning? (2) what is the current situation of Oromia Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding managerial efficiency level and the application of improved management practices? (3) are there any differences between before and after 2002 organizational restructuring in terms of improvements in organizational performance? (4) what are the factors that currently influence, (enhance or restrain) the organizational and managerial functioning of OBARD? (5) are there any variations regarding assessed organizational and managerial performance between various categories of respondents? The findings show that the current organizational efficiency is low. The effect of the 2002 restructuring on organizational performance was negligible and mixed. The organizational performance was influenced by various factors. The most critical factors found to influence organizational performance were skilled manpower, availability of accommodation/offices, extension teaching aids; farmers’ willingness, collaborations between institutions, government policy and regulations and political forces. These findings can be useful in assisting managers in their endeavours to correct the weaknesses and to focus on the most critical issues for the improvement of organizational performance. Finally, this study raises issues that need policy and managerial interventions and have implications for further research. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the preferred information sources and delivery channels for receiving agronomic crop related information for farmers, agricultural retailers, and private crop consultants in Mississippi. The Mississippi State Extension Agronomic Crops Team can use this information to better serve their agronomic crop clients throughout the state of Mississippi. An electronic survey was developed and disseminated at the Mississippi State Row Crops Short Course, Winter Producer Meetings, and Farm Trade Shows to farmers, agricultural retailers, and private crop consultants who attended throughout Mississippi (n=298). The highest-ranking interpersonal information source was MSU Extension, followed by agricultural retailers, and crop consultants. The lowest ranking interpersonal information sources were other farmers, seed and chemical companies, and government agencies. The highest ranking information delivery channels were email, text messaging, and the Mississippi Crops Blog. The lowest ranking information delivery channels were postal mail, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Face-toace conversations, private consultants, and field days were the highest rated information source preferences. In contrast, respondents rated television and radio the lowest. Respondents were asked to give a numeric ranking on where they would fall on adopting a new agricultural technology (e.g. smart phone crop app). The majority of respondents placed themselves in the “Early Majority” group as it relates to Rogers Diffusion of Innovation. The smallest percentage placed themselves in the “Laggards” group. Internet use among farmers was found to be influenced by age, highest level of education, internet connection type, and other devices used. Findings in this study support the Uses and Gratifications Theory. The majority of respondents still place value in the MSU Extension Agronomic Crops Team when it comes to frequency of contact. Respondents number one answer was making contact ten or more times a year with the appropriate Crops Specialist for their agronomic crops needs. Extension educators should remember that not all of their clientele are equally connected to the internet. Marketing efforts for programs and educational materials available only online are not being accessed by all potential clientele. Programs targeting older clientele should be marketed using other methods in addition to the internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin, 1963. / Extension Repository Collection. Typescript (carbon copy). Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-174).

This qualitative study was undertaken to determine the organizational values shared by the professional employees of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Related topics that contributed to the literature review included human and organizational values, organizational culture, strategic planning, and the philosophical foundations of the Cooperative Extension Service. Focus group interviews were conducted in each of the five administrative districts and on the University of Florida Campus. A total of 40 individuals took part in the group interviews. Transcripts of the interviews were read, coded, and sorted by themes to develop a list of twelve categories of values shared by the professionals interviewed. Coded sections of the transcripts were transferred to a descriptive matrix in order to reduce and simplify the analysis. Three groupings of values emerged from the data and were described as "communities" of values. The three communities were personal, Personal values mission-related, and structural values. were rewards, relationships, and personal history. Mission-related values were organizational history, research-based information, relevance, comprehensiveness, life-long education, diversity, and service. structural values were shared ownership and system linkages. These three communities were depicted in figures that described the relationships of the values to one another. The final discussion described the inter-relatedness of the three communities in the overall organizational structure. Recommendations were made for further study and program development for the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

The objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To investigate the following of the Agricultural Extension Service in the United States (North Carolina) and Ghana: A. Background and History; B. Organization; C. Program Areas; D. Communication Proceses and Methods Used; and E. Reporting and Evaluation of Frog rams. 2. To write a descriptive comparison of the two extension systems. 3. To make recommendations for the improvement of the Ghanain Extension Service based on the findings. Ghana has an Agricultural Extension Service which has not been successful in changing the life of the peasant farmers and needs to be improved if agriculture is to be successful in Ghana. It is now believed by the Ghanain policy makers that agriculture is a more stable and everlasting base for the economy and again needs to be a primary source of income. The methods used in this study were as follows: A. Resources Review. A resource review was made of tha elements selected for the study. B. Sources of Information. Additional information was obtain.ea from other sources such as the Agricultural Extension Service in the United States and Ghana through personal interviews. C. A descriptive comparison was made of all of the elements studied, and conclusions were drawn. D. Recommendations for the improvement of the Ghana Extension Service were made. The comparison of the Agricultural Extension Service in the United States and the Ghanain Extension Service shows a number of similarities and differences. There are differences in the organizational structure, methods used to carry out the Extension programs, variety of programs and methods of reporting and evaluation of programs. Ten important recommendations resulted from the study for the improvement of the Agricultural Extension Service in Ghana. 1. That laws or decrees be enacted to provide a legal basis for the organization and operation of the extension service by the Ghana government. 2. That a formal functional organizational relationship be established between the Agricultural Extension Service and the higher educational institutes. 3. That advisory committees be organized at each level of the organizational structure of the Agricultural Extension Service. 4. That clientele committees' input be utilized in the development process of the program areas. 5. That the Home Economics area be emphasized so that it will have more impact on the local people. 6. That youth programs be established as a part of the total extension programs. 7. That the program areas of the Extension Service be developed and implemented at the local levels. 8. That an evaluation unit be created as part of the Extension division. 9. That the farm demonstration technique of teaching. be used as the primary teaching method, and 10. That adequate working relationships be established at the top organizational level and maintained at the local levels :between the Agricultural Extension Service and all agriculturally related institutions. / Ed. D.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1961 M34

The purpose of the study was to (1) determine the number of handicapped children being served by 4-H programs of the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service, (2) describe the organization and the presentation of the programs, and (3) develop a model for evaluating the impact a 4-H program for handicapped children has on the administration of the total 4-H program being offered in the county. For purposes of the study, the term handicapped referred to children that were emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, mentally retarded, and/or physically handicapped.The population for the study included all Extension Agents-Youth of the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service in each of the 92 Indiana counties. Where more than one Extension Agent-Youth was employed in a county, only one response was requested as the needed information concerned the total county 4-H program being offered.A questionnaire, developed from a review of selected literature, was used as the method to gather data from the study group. The survey instrument was submitted to a group of 20 doctoral students and three professors of Educational Administration and Supervision for recommendations, subsequently revised and mailed to the study population.Counties where 4-H programs for handicapped children have been developed were identified. Extension Agents-Youth working the counties where 4-H programs for handicapped children existed were asked questions regarding (1) the number of handicapped children being served in the county, (2) how the 4-H programs for handicapped children were organized and presented, and (3) the percent of impact the development of a 4-H program for handicapped children had on the total county 4-H program in the specific areas of (a) personnel and staffing, (b) facilities, (c) materials and supplies, (d) finance, (e) time allocation and (f) the overall expenditure of the program. In addition, Extension AgentsYouth were asked questions regarding specific perceptions of the 4-H program for handicapped children in relation to the total 4-H program being offered in the county.Data received from the questionnaire were compiled and used to provide an account of the involvement of handicapped children in 4-H programs in Indiana. Responses from the different Extension Agents-Youth in the 92 counties where 4-H programs for handicapped children existed were analyzed, summarized, and reported in table and narrative form.The findings and conclusions of the study support the following recommendations:1. Additional research in the study of increased 4-H programming for handicapped children is greatly needed.2. Formal programs and in-service training designed to provide proper and adequate training for leaders of 4-H programs for handicapped children should be increased.3. Extension Agents-Youth and leaders of 4-H programs for handicapped children should become more familiar with current laws affecting educational programming for handicapped children. 4. Additional guidelines for organizing, developing, and implementing 4-H programs for handicapped children should be considered by Extension personnel. 5. Documentation regarding the number of handicapped children participating in 4-H programs should be more thoroughly recorded by Extension personnel and reported to the State Extension Office. 6. Since the life blood of 4-H programs for the handicapped is the volunteer leader, efforts should be increased to recruit highly motivated, sincere individuals with a keen interest in working with special children.7. A task force of representatives of special educators and Extension Agents- Youth should be established to explore the need for possible programs.

Texas is one of 17 states with both 1862 and 1890 Extension programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the partnership amongst agents of Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Cooperative Extension Program, in counties that have both Extension programs. Seventy-eight agents participated in the study, of which, 73% (N=57) were employed by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and 24% (N=19) were employed by the Cooperative Extension Program. Cohen's D Effect Size was used to determine the practical significance of differences among agents' perception of the relevance of Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University, along with the agents' understanding of the partnership, willingness to partner and knowledge of the Operational Guidelines. As part of the study, agents also identified strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of having two programs in the State and provided recommendations for strengthening the partnership. Among agents, there was a high degree of relevance for Texas AgriLife Extension Service, while there was a moderate degree of relevance for the Cooperative Extension Program-Prairie View A&M. Cohen's D Effect size suggested a large practical difference amongst agents in their perception of both Extension programs. Findings indicated a moderate degree of knowledge of the Operational Guidelines and understanding of the partnership amongst agents. Cohen's D Effect size value (d =.1.29) and (d =1.30) suggested a large practical differences amongst agents, from the two programs, in relation to their willingness to partner and understanding of the partnership respectively. Strengths of having two Extension programs identified by agents were the Extension programs ability to reach new and diverse audiences and address community and state needs. Weaknesses identified were agents competing against one another for audiences, two programs causing confusion to clientele, and a lack of understanding on how to collaborate. Opportunities of having two Extension programs identified were collaborating on programs, reaching diverse audiences, and the ability to provide more services. Agents provided recommendations of better communication to understanding the partnership and how to partner, clearer job descriptions to prevent duplication and competition, and making the citizens the priority instead of the Extension programs.

Nowadays enterprises use brand strategy to enhance product¡¦s depth and width, raising the customers¡¦ evaluation on brand. To lower the cost of launching a new product, enterprise usually uses line extension to launch a new product. Most researches about the effect of product line extension on consumer evaluation all focus on physical product. Research focuses on service product is rare. This study focuses on service product, and wants to know the application of vertical extension strategy in service industry. Although extension direction is main strategy when doing product line extension in practical use, extension direction is considered as moderating variable to others, not main issue in previous academic studies. Thus this study treats extension direction as main body of the research, and discusses the changes of consumers¡¦ attitudes towards parent brand and extension brand in different situation. This study chooses two hotels, The LALU and CHINATRUST Hotel which are real and have different brand concepts, as the design scenario, using experiment design to understand consumers¡¦ evaluations at extension service and parent brand when facing different directions of product line extension. Besides, this study uses service continuity to replace ownership effect, and chooses extension direction as main effect, observing the interaction between extension direction and brand concepts, service continuity and branding strategy, trying to understand the factors influencing consumers¡¦ evaluation in product line extension. This study finds consumers¡¦ evaluation of upward extension is significantly higher than downward extension during product line extension. However, no matter upward or downward, consumers¡¦ evaluation on parent brand become lower. The prestige-oriented brand concept enhances this negative effect, but branding strategy of subbrand can ease this effect.