Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1990.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

This study suggests an evolutionary approach to the analysis of energy technology policy. The approach emphasizes economic fluctuations, technological change and Institutional re-organization through time. The liquid fuel sub-sectors of Zimbabwe and Kenya constitute different technological systems adapted to the production and utilization of different energy forms. They represent different market niches In a techno-economic landscape. Gasoline occupies a central role In the energy budget. The 1973-74 oil crisis created major fluctuations which made it possible to introduce fuel ethanol as an alternative liquid fuel. The process of realising the ethanol niche was largely dependent on the existence of technological options whose technical and financial characteristics allowed them to compete favourably with conventional 1iquid fuels. Niche realization also required the modification of the adoptive terrain to reduce the obstacles to the introduction of the new technological systems. The entire process takes an evolutionary perspective because it involves the generation. selection and retention of technological options under constantly changing conditions. Moreover. the technological systems continue to undergo or require incremental Improvements after they have been installed. Such improvements require the generation of plant-level technical knowledge and often lead to the accumulation of local technological capacity. A glance at the evolutionary path reveals periods of gradual change. punctuated by moments of increased innovations which are often linked to periods of major fluctuations. The process is associated with a complex network of institutional arrangements which are also re-organized either in response to fluctuations or in anticipation of emerging niche opportunities. Institutions play a central role because the process is not random, it is purposive and based on socio-economic expectations. It is precisely this point that led to major differences In the process of niche realization In Zimbabwe and Kenya. although both countries were presented with the same technological options. The study draws a wide range of technology policy and research implications from these differences.

This research examines the role of framing in the process of decision-making for new capability investments under conditions of policy and technological uncertainty. I argue that framing can explain the decision to exploit current capabilities, but is not sufficient to explain the decision to explore new capabilities. This research discriminates between “frames” and “framing” in the investigation: whereas “framing” is the process of constructing the meaning of the decision problem, “frame” refers to a specific perspective adopted by the decision makers. I develop a three-level research design: the industry-level analysis adopts the approach of eliciting heuristics to identify general patterns. The firm-level examines sources of variation and causal complexity by comparative case analysis. The decision-maker level investigates the influence of senior managers' professional experience using a scenario evaluation approach. Three observations from the case study of Taiwanese solar PV firms: firstly, systematic patterns are found in the process of framing environmental uncertainty and attributing the causes of the decision problem of capability investments. Secondly, whilst differentiated framing exists and corresponds to selective attention; such a difference is not necessarily associated with different choice pattern. Finally, the loosely coupling framing and choices leads to the speculation that the role of deliberate practice, rather than framing has a stronger influence on the decision to explore. This research illustrates that the capabilities investment decision is not a single event but a complex process. While the stylised psychological principles explain the heuristic judgments, the influencing factors of an organisational decision are interdependent and temporally connected in the decision context. I argue that the problem of framing lies in prohibiting the alterative frame. Therefore exploration needs to be deliberately sought by the specially designed practice. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between behavioural view of descriptive analysis and prescriptive view of procedural rationality in the decision- making process.

This thesis assesses the future security of the UK electricity system in a low-carbon context. Electricity provision is a crucial and ubiquitous component of industrialised societies, and over the past couple of decades a number of fundamental changes to electricity systems have meant that the security of this provision has taken a central place on the policy agendas of the UK and many other industrialised nations. Alongside this, emerging normative, legal and political imperatives to mitigate climate change mean that energy systems will need to undergo a fundamental transition. The overarching aim of this thesis is to assess the future security of the UK electricity system in a low-carbon context, in order to identify the main risks, trade-offs and synergies which may emerge between different objectives in a transition to a low-carbon electricity system. To do this, this thesis develops a set of indicators for assessing the electricity security of low-carbon transition pathways, building on assessment frameworks from the existing literature and utilising a range of both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The indicator set is used to assess the security of three pathways for the UK electricity system, each of which aims to meet the UK's 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target. The indicators are then used as the basis for interview discussions with 25 experts from the UK energy sector, in order to explore the diversity of perspectives in the UK energy community. Finally, the experts' perspectives are used as multiple ‘lenses' through which to view the results of the security assessment of the three pathways. This thesis makes a contribution to knowledge and understanding in three ways. Firstly, it makes a methodological contribution by proposing and testing a set of indicators to measure the security of electricity systems in long-term scenarios of national energy transitions. The thesis takes an interdisciplinary approach and utilises both quantitative and qualitative indicators without aggregation in order to identify synergies and trade-offs. Secondly, this thesis makes an empirical contribution by applying this set of indicators in a novel way to assess the security of a set of low-carbon transition pathways for the UK electricity system: this is the first time that such a comprehensive security dashboard has been used to assess a set of future electricity system scenarios. By including reliability and cost parameters alongside a range of other important aspects of energy security such as diversity, trade and acceptability, this thesis extends the empirical work of existing frameworks to explore the potential implications of a low-carbon transition on electricity system reliability and costs, and the potential trade-offs between various objectives. Thirdly, this thesis makes a further empirical contribution by identifying the diversity of perspectives amongst UK energy experts; this is a novel contribution to the energy security literature, which contains few empirical studies on experts' perspectives on energy security, and no previously-existing work of this kind in the UK context. Finally, this thesis analyses the impacts of these perspectives on the results of the security assessment, thus providing the first study of this kind to actively incorporate multiple perspectives on energy security into an indicator assessment. The thesis finds that the three low-carbon pathways tested against the indicator framework all demonstrate a reduction in flexible, responsive supply capacity compared to the 2010 baseline, which could reduce the ability of the system to respond to unexpected perturbations in the supply/demand balance. The results show that demand reduction may be highly beneficial and results in co-benefits across multiple security dimensions (although this thesis has not conducted detailed investigation of the costs and risks of demand reduction, and therefore this issue needs to be analysed further in future research). Increasing the penetration of renewable electricity generation is shown to increase the diversity of the generation mix, and to have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emission reduction and resource depletion; however, it could lead to a reduction in system balancing capability, and does not necessarily minimise dependence on fuel imports. The decentralised transition pathway is shown to have the fewest ‘red flags' of security risk in the longer-term; this finding is an interesting addition to the academic and policy literature which has debated the potential security benefits of a decentralised electricity system for the UK. However, this thesis also highlights that there are many areas of uncertainty and potential security risk in a transition to a decentralised electricity system, which may experience some aspects of heightened security risk in the medium-term.

The South African Revenue Services fulfils a number of roles in the reform process of South African Society through its collection of revenue to fund Government programmes, the facilitation of trade and economic security and contributing to an economy that supports growth and development. As the key revenue collector of government, SARS is mandated to collect revenue from all taxes. These tax types include Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, and Skills development, Levy, Customs Duty and Excise Tax. One of the taxes administered by the SARS on behalf of the Ministry Of Finance is Excise Duty. The Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 defines Excise duty as any duty leviable on certain locally manufactured goods. The tax on these goods is commonly referred to as sin taxes by the Ministry of Finance as these goods are seen as luxury goods. Products on which Excise Duty in levied include alcohol, fuel, beer, cigarette, tobacco, spirits and wine. Prior to 2 April 2003 the system used by the Oil industry to account for the sales of fuel was a sales based system. This effectively meant that excise duty could be deferred for a period of up to two years. This manner of taxation allowed the fuel industry to only pay tax once there had been a sale of the fuel. It therefore reduced the tax liability at the time of manufacture. The Duty at Source initiative of the SARS was aimed at ensuring that all excise duties be collected at the time of manufacture rather than the time of sale. Duty at source for the fuel industry was implemented on 2 April 03. Duty at source requires that the duty is paid at source i.e. at the time of manufacture of fuel in the refineries. The purpose of the new system was to facilitate the easier collection of revenue and to introduce greater efficiency both for the South African Revenue Services as well as the external role players. The implementation of this new system of assessing duty created a series of administrative and compliance burdens for both parties i.e. for SARS and taxpayers. The implementation was further not supported by a strategic framework. Due to the lack of the strategic perspective, this study undertakes to identify, suggest and evaluate strategies to manage the cost of compliance as a result of the duty at source implementation. To support the suggested strategies an operational framework will also be developed to facilitate successful implementation. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

Many prospective fuel retailers are turning away from the industry due to the high cash volumes and the risks associated with cash management. Due to the regulation of the retail fuel price the profit margins are small. Therefore cash flow management is extremely important as fuel prices are adjusted monthly and cash needs to be readily available to make payments to the fuel suppliers. The cycle of cash from the point of sale system until the money reflects in the bank account can take several days. This affects the cash flow and is critical at the end of month fuel orders especially when there is a fuel price increase. Cash notes in circulation have continued to grow even despite the advent of electronic fund transfers. With service stations now being opened in areas were the inhabitants were regarded as “un-bankable” cash is still the primary means of trade. Security of cash and the security of those handling cash is a deterrent to the opening of businesses that deal with large volumes of cash notes. Anytime a human being touches cash there is a built-in level of inefficiency and the potential for loss. The aim of the study will be conducted into the viability of an electronic drop safe system within the retail fuel outlets in the Phoenix and Inanda areas. A sample of 35 fuel retail sites was drawn from the area with a population of 39 across all fuel brands. Data collection was done via a researcher administered questionnaire that was developed by the researcher. Face to face interviews were used as questions are based on cash security were asked. The respondents’ results revealed that they perceive real benefits to be offered by the electronic cash management system with respect to reconciliation and cash flow efficiencies. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

In addressing the question 'How do energy relations affect the Black Sea Region (BSR) and, in particular, the Russian-Turkish relationship?', this thesis argues that while energy relations have been a securitising factor in the BSR as a whole, they have played a desecuritising role in the Russian-Turkish relationship. Inspired by Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver's Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT), I adapt elements of their theoretical approach, establishing a framework which draws up on the concept of (de)securitisation and structuring my analysis on the basis of four different levels: domestic, bilateral, regional and interregional/global. My original contribution to the existing literature comprises an analysis of Russian-Turkish relations in the BSR, with a primary focus on energy, on the basis of a critical engagement with the concept of (de)securitisation. In particular, I have sought to apply a more nuanced account of the concept of the (de)securitisation. Regarding solving these issues, I expand the analysis to pipeline projects and use the categorisation of Lene Hansen (2012) on desecuritisation. Using this conceptual framework as the basis for my empirical analysis, I first argue that the relationship between Russia and Turkey has been transformed from one where they were historical enemies to a multidimensional partnership, in which energy is one of the most important factors. The desecuritisation of energy is basically related to economic concerns and political developments, and as a result, Turkey is defined as a new energy partner/route for Russia while Russia is a reliable supplier for Turkey. However, as a second argument, since politics is dynamic, the stability of this new relationship might be in question. In particular, relations with regional and global actors, particularly on energy, might form the basis of a new threat to bilateral relations. Despite these problems, nevertheless, two sides make an effort to mitigate bilateral tensions and minimise factors that might fuel conflict between them.

Renewable energy (RE hereafter) has been observed as a potentially significant new source of jobs and rural growth in both OECD and BRICs countries, and a means of addressing environmental and energy security concerns. The global deployment of RE has been expanding rapidly. For instance, the RE electricity sector grew by 26% between 2005 and 2010 globally and currently provides about 20% of the world's total power (including hydro-power) (OECD, 2012). Rural areas attract a large part of investment related to renewable energy deployment, rending to be sparsely populated but with abundant sources of RE. Several case studies have found that RE deployment can provide hosting communities with some benefits including new revenue sources, new job and business opportunities, innovation in products/practices/policies in rural areas, capacity building and community empowerment, and affordable energy. There is a growing body of evidence on the instrumental role that entrepreneurs and small businesses play in driving local and national economies. The structure of rural economies is essentially composed of small enterprises, which are responsible for most of the job growth and the innovation. Rural development is a key element of strategies to reduce poverty and create income and employment opportunities (UNIDO, 2003). It is important to unleash and harness the creativity of grassroots entrepreneurs but they are posed with many challenges, the biggest being these grassroots inventions don't scale up. To overcome these challenges and promote rural entrepreneurship, support roles are required; this is also where the importance and role of institutions and their planned arrangements (for example, partnerships) are much debated in both domestic and international forums. This research investigates the current institutional arrangements that support solar entrepreneurship which creates solar energy based income-generating micro enterprises in rural India. In addition to that, it explores the wider implications on rural development that these entrepreneurships have while using these solar RETs. Institutions and individuals promoting rural development see entrepreneurship as a strategic development intervention that could accelerate the rural development process (Ezeibe, 2013). India, being the only country with a national ministry dedicated to RE initiatives (the MNRE, Government of India) and also ranking third on the renewable energy country attractiveness index (E&Y, 2013; 2016) makes an interesting country choice for investigation. The thesis applies a qualitative research method with an exploratory design to understand the interaction process between institutions and how different institutions support rural development to generate an in-depth analysis of existing institutions using a conceptual framework.

In the light of advancing climate change and the anticipated scarcity of affordable fossil fuels, a transition towards more sustainable energy systems is vital to allow for the long-term sustainability of human wellbeing. Energy is a key sustainability issue, at the heart of the complex interactions of socioeconomic and biophysical systems. The overall aim of this study is to contribute to furthering the understanding of these systems interactions. It intends to deliver methodological insights on how to identify and appraise favourable energy futures in a changing and uncertain world. In order to cope with the complexity and uncertainty of future developments and with the plethora of partly contradictory social preferences, a participatory approach was combined with scenario development and the application of an appraisal tool that takes account of the multidimensionality of system interlinkages. In a case study for Austria, favourable renewable energy scenarios were developed in a participatory setting, involving key Austrian energy stakeholders. The scenario development consisted of two stages: first an exploratory stage with stakeholder engagement and second a modelling stage generating forecasting-type scenarios. Accordingly, the scenarios consist of a narrative part, the storyline, and a modelled, quantitative part. The application of Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) allowed the integration of multi-dimensional sustainability information (social, environmental, economic, and technological criteria) and the social preferences of the stakeholders into the appraisal of the energy scenarios. In the case study presented, five renewable energy scenarios for Austria for 2020 were compared against 17 sustainability criteria. The study illustrates how the combined use of participatory scenario building techniques and MCA acknowledges and integrates inherent complexity, irreducible uncertainty, multi-dimensionality, and, a multiplicity of legitimate perspectives in the appraisal. The main empirical result of the sustainability appraisal undertaken shows that, contrary to the current energy policy in Austria, a profoundly decentralised energy system (scenario E) and an innovative long-term investment strategy (scenario C) rank highest, whereas the renewable strategy based on biomass (scenario D), which represents the dominant political trajectory in Austria's renewable energy policy, ranks very low. The research demonstrates the integration of biophysical, social, economic, and, technological appraisal criteria, presents and discusses best practice criteria, and, illustrates the challenges and opportunities to incorporate bio-physical aspects into the concept of sociotechnical systems and their transitions in the light of a more sustainable development.