[by] Samuel A. Goldblith and Robert V. Decareau.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-03T11:52:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-06-27Bitstream added on 2015-03-03T12:07:04Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000805207.pdf: 1045455 bytes, checksum: ac6a9d04c61ae818ab72b3fdf78c2181 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / No moderno mundo dos negócios a qualidade dos produtos e serviços tem sido um fator fundamental na sobrevivência das empresas, visto que os clientes estão se tornando cada vez mais exigentes nas características de qualidade dos bens que lhes são de interesse. Em função desses aspectos as empresas têm intensificado a utilização de ferramentas que proporcionem componentes ou procedimentos com padrão de qualidade que tornem seus produtos e/ou serviços competitivos. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo discutir a utilização do conjunto de procedimentos relativos ao CEP (Controle Estatístico de Processo) em 110 artigos científicos que mostram situações reais em algumas empresas brasileiras (100) e internacionais (10). Para tanto se utilizou a técnica da bibliometria acessando bases científicas de dados. Discutiram-se também, por meio de um estudo de caso, dificuldades encontradas para implantação do CEP em uma indústria do setor alimentício onde a variável Peso (g) foi monitorada. A pesquisa indicou os seguintes resultados: Quanto à análise dos artigos, revelaram-se os autores mais citados, as palavras-chave mais frequentes e outras características sobre CEP. Destaque, principalmente nos artigos nacionais, a desconexão entre Método e Resultados, no sentido de que muitas vezes o autor não relata no método o que apresenta nos resultados. No estudo de caso observou-se um processo com grande variabilidade nos pesos, indicando perdas em função do valor médio do processo estar muito acima do valor especificado. Perceberam-se no final da linha de produção, diferenças nos pesos em relação às posições de saída dos ítens produzidos, indicando algum problema em um equipamento da linha, no caso um cilindro. A implementação do CEP na empresa, dentro dos conceitos emitidos pela literatura, depende inicialmente de correções neste equipamento. A literatura indica que interferênciaem função de alarmes... / In the modern world of businesses the quality of the products and services have been a key factor in the survival of the businesses, as the clients are becoming increasingly demanding in the characteristics of quality of the goods that are interesting for them. Given this aspects businesses have been intensifying the usage of tools that provide components or procedures with standard quality that makes their products and/or services competitive. In such way, this work had as goal to discuss the utilization of the set of procedures relative to the SPC (Statistical process control) in 110 scientific articles that show real situations of some Brazilian companies (100) and international (10). Therefore a bibliometric technique was used accessing the scientific databases. Also, it had been discussed, via a study of the case, difficulties found for the implantation of the SPC in an industry of the food sector where the variable Weight (g) was monitored. The research indicated the following resutls: Regarding the analyses of the articles, it has been revelaled that more quoted author, the more frequent keywords and other characteristics about the SPC. Emphasis, mainly in the national articles, the disconnection between the Method and Results, in order that many times the author do not report in the method what is presented in the Results. In the study of the case it had been observed that a process with big variable o the weights, indicating loses in function of the medium price of the process being higher than the specified price. It was noticed that at the end of the production line a significant different in relation to the leaving positions of the produced items, indicating some problem in the equipment of the line, in the case, a cylinder. The implementation of the SPC in the industry, within the concepts presented in the literature, initially depends on corrections this equipment. The literature indicates that interference due to false...

[pt] O presente trabalho propõe a análise das bases do comprometimento organizacional dos integrantes da Geração Y (indivíduos nascidos a partir de 1978) de uma empresa privada da indústria alimentícia do Brasil. Para condução da pesquisa os indivíduos foram avaliados de acordo com um modelo de múltiplas bases para mensurar o comprometimento organizacional: a EBACO - Escala de Bases do Comprometimento Organizacional. A escala avalia sete bases do comprometimento empresarial: afetiva; obrigação em permanecer; obrigação pelo desempenho; afiliativa; falta de recompensas e oportunidades; linha consistente de atividade e escassez de alternativas. Os resultados finais sugerem que os integrantes da Geração Y avaliados possuem um alto comprometimento em relação às bases obrigação por desempenho e afetiva e um baixo comprometimento em relação às bases afiliativas; obrigação em permanecer; falta de recompensas e oportunidades; linha consistente de atividade e escassez de alternativas. Isso indica que o envolvimento desse grupo em uma organização privada é gerado a partir de um alto comprometimento afetivo e obrigação por desempenho. / [en] The present work proposes an analysis of the bases of organizational commitment of members of Generation Y (individuals born after 1978) at a private Brazilian food industry company. In order to conduct the research, the individuals were evaluated based on a model of multiple bases to measure organizational commitment: EBACO scale (or OCS - Organizational Commitment Scale). The scale evaluates the seven bases of corporate commitment: emotional; obligation to stay; obligation through performance; affiliative; lack of rewards and opportunities; consistent line of activity and a scarcity of alternatives. The final results suggest that the members of Generation Y evaluated have a high commitment with relation to the obligation through performance and emotional bases and a low commitment with relation to the obligation to stay; affiliative; lack of rewards and opportunities; consistent line of activity and a scarcity of alternatives bases. This indicates that the involvement of this group at a private organization is generated starting in a high emotional commitment and the obligation through performance.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / Retailers (including food retailers) are facing challenging times due to the dynamic business environment. Increasing competition, uncertain economic environment. The sophistication of consumers has prompted retailers to improve not only their product offering but service quality too. Some food retailers, however, have gained a reputation for poor service quality. On the other hand, those food retailers providing high levels of service quality, warrant customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, and minimise customer defection, ultimately affecting positive profitability. The youth is a significant market to target for any retailer. Retailers that can attract and muster support from the youth can build long term relationships that result in strong customer loyalty. For this study, second and third year retail students enrolled at a university of technology were deemed as the target population following the rationale that these students would be familiar with retail concepts and be conscious of service quality issues. The study aimed to measure youth perceptions of service quality of large food retailers in line with the dimensions of the Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS). An online survey was employed via the university’s intranet to where the youth customers were requested to rate their service quality perceptions of a large food retailer they frequented the most and to highlight areas of service quality that required attention. The results were generally neutral, large food retailers were generally perceived as fairly providing quality service in some areas, though in other areas not so successful. The findings reveal that youth significantly felt personal interaction and physical aspects of the retailer was the most important service quality determinant. In particular, convenient shopping was paramount; and thereafter quality goods and services offered by the retailer. The study further showed that youth favoured service quality offered by retailers over the price of goods and services. Therefore, youth would remain loyal to their food retailers that provide satisfactory levels of service quality even if their prices were higher than their competitors’ prices. Retailers that want to attract youth would need to improve the reliability dimension, which includes stock availability, and the service process relating to paying. The literature and the data collected provided the researcher with the opportunity to explore youth perceptions of service quality of food retailers in the Cape Metropolis.

CAPES / Um dos mais importantes aspectos a ser considerado pelos Centros de Distribuição é a melhoria do processo com relação aos atributos de seus serviços. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um método para definição de um Centro de Distribuição com a utilização do método multicritério de apoio à decisão. Para isto, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre sistema de armazenagem, Centro de Distribuição e Análise Hierárquica do Processo. Para a obtenção dos critérios e subcritérios fez-se necessário uma análise das medidas de desempenho. Além da literatura levantada sobre o assunto, foi feito um estudo de campo no Centro de Distribuição de uma empresa multinacional de grande porte do ramo alimentício de redes fastfood. O método de apoio à tomada de decisão distingue-se, principalmente, pela capacidade de analisar situações de decisão incorporando critérios quantitativos e qualitativos, conflitantes ou não. Quanto à estrutura do método, utilizou-se o método multicritério de Análise Hierárquica do Processo para a atribuição e ponderação dos níveis de importância para a estruturação do centro de distribuição. O estudo buscou demonstrar a aplicação do método multicritério de Análise Hierárquica do Processo, para a seleção da melhor estrutura para Centro de Distribuição. O método permitiu identificar a melhor estrutura entre três alternativas, que foram avaliadas pela Análise Hierárquica do Processo a partir da definição dos critérios e subcritérios voltados a esse contexto de decisão. Os resultados apresentados mostram que o fator custo e qualidade são os principais responsáveis para escolha da alternativa. O estudo identificou a alternativa C como a melhor estrutura para melhorar e gerenciar o Centro de Distribuição. / One of the most important aspects to be considered by the Distribution Centers is the improvement of the process in relation to the attributes of its service. The objective of this work is to purpose a method to a definition of a Distribution Center, using multi-criteria support method to the decision. For this, it was carried out a bibliographic revision to Warehouse system, distribution Center and hierarchical analysis of the process. In order to obtain criteria and sub-criteria it was necessary an analysis of the performance measures. Besides the researched literature about the subject it was made a field study in the distribution Center of a big multinational industry of fastfood. The supported method to take decision distinguishes itself mainly for the capacity of analyzing situations of decisions incorporating quantitative and qualitative criteria, conflicting or not. It was used the mult criterion method of analytic hierarchy process to the attribution and consideration of the levels to a structure of distribution center. This study tried to demonstrate the utility of the mult criterion method of Analytic Hierarch Process, to the atribution and consideration of the levels importance to a structure of the Distribution Center. This study tried to demonstrate l with variants and give results that may be the support to decisors to take the decision, so well manage the distribution center. The study sought to demonstrate the application of the method of multi criterion Analytic Hierarchy Process for selecting the best structure for Distribution Center. The method allowed identifying the best structure among three alternatives that were evaluated by Analytic Hierarchy Process based on the definition of criteria and sub criteria facing this decision context. The results show that the cost factor and quality are the main responsible for choosing the alternative. The study identified the alternative C as the best structure to improve and manage the Distribution Center.

M.B.A. / The food processing in industry is extremely important for the health and the welfare of the South African nation by feeding and nourishing the citizens. The food processing industry is one of South Africa's largest. Many South Africans directly participate in this industry as investors, employees, or entrepreneurs. This industry also generates the SA nation much-needed foreign exchange via export activities. The long-term success of the South African food industry will contribute to the gross national product, employment opportunities, stability, and reduce health related costs. A literature review was conducted. The main purpose of this review was to give a background, and foundation to the research project. It gave an overview of the topic of food safety and quality. The main stakeholders involved with food quality and safety were identified. This review also outlined the importance of quality systems in regard to food born diseases. The consequences of food born diseases in both human and economic terms were also covered. Questionnaires were designed, and then distributed to relevant organisations, such as business organisations, consumer organisations, governmental organisations, industrial organisations, and international organisations. Respondents were asked to complete the questionnaires. These questionnaires contained both open and closed questions. The answers to the questions gave insight to facts and opinions into what. is happening in this industry. Data obtained from the questionnaires was summarised and analysed. One important finding was that South African business organisations could, when necessary fulfil the requirements of global quality standards. Also due to the fact that the SA food industry is now participating in the evolving and demanding global economy means that all South African stakeholders will have to become more dynamic in order to keep up with future trends and scenarios.

No description available.

In several countries around the world, grain commodities are traded as assets on stock exchanges. This indicate that the market and effectively the prices of the grain commodities in such countries, are controlled by several local and international economic, political and social factors that are rapidly changing. As a result, the prices of some grain commodities are volatile and trading in such commodities are prone to price-related risks. There are different trading strategies for minimising price-related risks and maximising profits. But empirical research suggests that making the right decision for effective grain commodities trading has been a difficult task for stakeholders due to high volatility of grain commodities prices. Studies have shown that this is more challenging among grain commodities farmers because of their lack of skills and the time to sift through and make sense of the datasets on the plethora of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This thesis focused on providing an answer for the main research problem that grain farmers in South Africa do not take full advantage of all the available strategies for trading their grain commodities because of the complexities associated with monitoring the large datasets that influence the grain commodities market. The main objective set by this study is to design a framework that can be followed to collect, integrate and analyse datasets that influence trading decisions of grain farmers in South Africa about grain commodities. This study takes advantage of the developments in Big Data and Data Science to achieve the set objective using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The prediction of future prices of grain commodities for the different trading strategies was identified as an important factor for making better decisions when trading grain commodities and the key factors that influence the prices were identified. This was followed by a critical review of the literature to determine how the concepts of Big Data and Data Science can be leveraged for an effective grain commodities trading decision support. This resulted in a proposed framework for grain commodities trading. The proposed framework suggested an investigation of the factors that influence the prices of grain commodities as the basis for acquiring the relevant datasets. The proposed framework suggested the adoption of the Big Data approach in acquiring, preparing and integrating relevant datasets from several sources. Furthermore, it was suggested that algorithmic models for predicting grain commodities prices can be developed on top of the data layer of the proposed framework to provide real-time decision support. The proposed framework suggests the need for a carefully designed visualisation of the result and the collected data that promotes user experience. Lastly, the proposed framework included a technology consideration component to support the Big Data and Data Science approach of the framework. To demonstrate that the proposed framework addressed the main problem of this research, datasets from several sources on trading white maize in South Africa and the factors that influence market were streamed, integrated and analysed. Backpropagation Neural Network algorithm was used for modelling the prices of white maize for spot and futures trading strategies were predicted. There are other modelling techniques such as the Box-Jenkins statistical time series analysis methodology. But, Neural Networks was identified as more suitable for time series data with complex patterns and relationships. A demonstration system was setup to provide effective decision support by using near real-time data to provide a dynamic predictive analytics for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize in South Africa. Comparative analysis of predictions made using the model from the proposed framework to actual data indicated a significant degree of accuracy. A further evaluation was carried out by asking experienced traders to make predictions for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize. The result of the exercise indicated that the predictions from the developed model were much closer to the actual prices. This indicated that the proposed framework is technically capable and generally useful. It also shows that the proposed framework can be used to provide decision support about trading grain commodities to stakeholders with lesser skills, experience and resources. The practical contribution of this thesis is that relevant datasets from several sources can be streamed into an integrated data source in real-time, which can be used as input for a real-time learning algorithmic model for predicting grain commodities prices. This will make it possible for a predictive analytics that responds to market volatility thereby providing an effective decision support for grain commodities trading. Another practical contribution of this thesis is a proposed framework that can be followed for developing a Decision Support System for trading in grain commodities. This thesis made theoretical contributions by building on the information processing theory and the decision making theory. The theoretical contribution of this thesis consists of the identification of Big Data approach, tools and techniques for eradicating uncertainty and equivocality in grain commodities trading decision making process.

For more than a decade (2001 – 2012) there has been extensive research conducted on the impact of marketing on food consumption, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the use of media communication channels in the restaurant industry. However, no known research has focused specifically on the healthy fast-casual restaurant segment with a specific focus on media communication channels. This study attempts to address this limitation. The study deals with selected media communication channels and their influence on the healthy lifestyle perceptions and healthy lifestyle purchase intentions of young adult consumers in South Africa. The study considers the impact that a more selective choice of media communication channel can have on restaurants in the healthy fast-casual restaurant segment. Media communication channels are a vital part of a restaurant’s marketing communication program as they transmit messages between the business and its target market. In South Africa’s restaurant industry, there are numerous businesses that are conveying messages to consumers regarding their market offerings. This advertising clutter is aggravated by healthy fast-casual restaurants needing to compete against traditional fast-casual restaurants who are adding healthier items to their menus. The study’s secondary research included a literature review on marketing communication, selected media communication channels (print media, display media, broadcast media and online media) and the South African restaurant industry (with a focus on the healthy fast-casual segment). In addition, perception and purchase intention were discussed with a focus on healthy lifestyles and young adult consumers. In order to establish the influence of the selected media communication channels (print media, display media, broadcast media and online media) on young adults’ healthy lifestyle perceptions and healthy lifestyle purchase intentions an empirical investigation was also conducted. A positivistic research paradigm was used as quantitative methods were performed to identify significant relationships among the selected variables. The sample consisted of students from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. A total of 440 questionnaires were distributed, with 350 usable. Therefore, a response rate of 79.55 per cent was obtained. The empirical investigation revealed that the items in the questionnaire that were used to gather information about healthy lifestyle perception and healthy lifestyle purchase intention loaded together on one factor which was renamed healthy lifestyle buying behaviour. Multiple regression analysis indicated that positive and statistically significant relationships existed between print media and healthy lifestyle buying behaviour and between online media and the healthy lifestyle buying behaviour of young adults. These relationships imply that an increased use of print media will reflect increased buying behaviour that supports healthy lifestyles amongst young adults. Similarly, the more online media is used, the more young adult buying behaviour will reflect healthier choices. This implies that restaurants in the healthy fast-casual restaurant segment can increase the demand for their market offerings and stand out amongst the advertising clutter through a more deliberate use of print media and online media. The study includes strategies that can be used to improve the use of print media and online media in order to influence the healthy lifestyle buying behaviour of young adults. Healthy lifestyle buying behaviours essentially will increase the demand for goods that support healthy lifestyles and therefore increase the demand for healthy fast-casual restaurants. The provision of healthy menu items and a more focused marketing program can be used as a strategy to attract more young adults as consumers, to grow business relationships with this target market, to enhance business performance and to create a healthier South African community.

This research study aimed to provide the South African fast food industry and their advertising representatives with insights into 18-28-year-olds‟ perception of using sexual appeal to elicit their attention, and whether using this advertising technique is gaining positive brand recognition with this target market. This research study aimed to determine the selected sample‟s (NMMU students) perceptions of three South African fast food brands, namely KFC, Nando’s and Steers, in terms of their use of sexualised fast food advertisements. An electronic survey questionnaire was conducted with both closed and open-ended questions relating to the use of sexual appeal in advertising within the three South African fast food brands. The survey questionnaire helped determine what the selected sample‟s perceptions were of each advertisement, and whether the use of sexual appeal captured their attention. A semiotic analysis of each advertisement was conducted to determine if the advertisements do contain the use of sexual appeal, by examining the sign. This includes looking at the three aspects of a sign namely the signifier, the referent and the signified. In terms of this study, the signifier represents the T.V. advertisements; the signified represents the meaning of the advertisements and the referent represents to what the advertisements are initially referring. The results of the study indicated that each of the three fast food advertisements incorporated the use of sexual appeal in varying degrees. Respondents indicated that the sexual appeal in the advertisements was appropriate if they were directed at the right age group. The respondents indicated that these three advertisements were more likely to attract the males, in the target market and they felt that the advertisements leaned towards objectifying the women, which would be offensive to the females in the target market. It was determined that if the advertisements contained humour, they were more effective and memorable.