Zugl.: Stuttgart, Univ., Diss., 2008

Bremen, Universiẗat, Diss., 1993. / Bremen, Univ., Diss., 1993.

Zugl.: Leoben, Montanuniv., Diss., 2008.

Master-Arbeit Univ. St. Gallen, 2005.

Universiẗat, Diss., 2004--Duisburg-Essen.

Universiẗat, Diss., 1990--Giessen.

University, Diss., 2005--Bielefeld.

Unsuccessful IT Implementations can often be traced to organizational issues. Some of these problems originate from failures of the working relationship between the in-house IS department and other areas of the business. Before interventions can be designed to address these issues, the nature of this relationship needs to be fully elaborated. Accordingly, the aim of this research was to develop a clearer understanding of roles played by the business areas and the in-house IS department, within the development, delivery and operation of IT services. Anecdotal and academic evidence concerning the causes of relationship difficulties and their possible solutions was gathered, to enable the objectives of the study to be determined on the basis of the topics emerging from both practical and theoretical knowledge. After the research foundations had been established, grounded theory was chosen as the most appropriate methodology for the study. Data acquired from U.K. Insurance companies was analysed for abstract concepts that composed the phenomenon and constructs developed to create a theoretical framework. This shows how the relationship between the IS department and other parts of the business is constituted from the mutual trust, credibility and interdependence of the work groups that are parties to the relationship. The framework also shows the way organizational climate, attitudes of individuals, processes and outcomes affect the formation of the three relationship bonds. The validity of the research was critically evaluated against published quality criteria for grounded theory studies and limitations to the framework were identified. The plausibility of the research was tested by comparison of the framework with the existing research literature about customer-provider relationships. The study concludes with proposals for further research work, including the operationalisation of the theoretical framework and the creation of a strategy to guide the development of the relationships in question. Two contributions to knowledge are claimed for the thesis: It is a new, holistic, view of the instrumental linkages between an internal service provider organization and its customers. Interpretive methods have been under-utilised in the field of IS/IT research. This study provides an experientially based model for employing grounded theory to explore the organizational context of IT services management.

Class of 2012 Abstract / Specific Aims: Determine the incidence of scheduled co-administration times in handwritten (paper) and electronic prepared medication administration records of oral ciprofloxacin and oral moxifloxacin with interacting substances that can affect fluoroquinolone gastrointestinal absorption. Also, determine the incidence of actual co-administration of oral ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin with interacting substances that can affect fluoroquinolone gastrointestinal absorption with electronic and handwritten prepared medication administration records. Methods: Retrospective data was obtained by a chart review of patients from an academic medical center for a one month period before (May 2010) and after (August 2010) implementation of an electronic prepared medical administration record system. The scheduled time and actual time given for all fluoroquinolone antibiotics, as well as all possible interacting substances, were recorded. Main Results: A total of 99 subjects were included in this study (36 paper and 63 electronic). There was no statistical difference (p=0.47) between the percentage of scheduling errors for the electronic prepared medication administration records, 25.3%, compared to the paper medication administration records, 22.1%. However, there was a decrease in the percentage of actual co-administrations of fluoroquinolones with interacting substances for the electronic prepared MARs compared to paper prepared medication administration records; 22.3% and 32.1% respectfully (p=0.03). Conclusions: After implementing electronic prepared medication administration records at an academic institution, co-administration errors went down even though the amount of scheduling errors did not decrease.

At the turn of the new century, ideas were circularly floated, arising from axiomatic concerns for development particularly in the developing nations. The idea that resonated across the continent was that the 21st century would be an African century, in which a homespun development initiative would be utilised as a central development framework. Nepad was derived from the commonality and convergence of these contentions. It advent has been embraced with mixed feelings across the divides – thereby generating discourses on its viability and uncertainty, given the development imperatives that have pervaded the continent over the years. The allusion may well be that another of its kind will be superseded that will be better organised and equipped. These debates seemingly enjoy currency without necessarily engaging the relevant theoretical models of policy implementation and the implementation analysis principles for NEPAD. This has created a missing link in the analysis of the implementation process. This standpoint has evidently provided stimulus for a critical examination of the implementation process, as the policy goals are inconsistent with the measures to achieve them. There are certain conditions that indicate the scale and magnitude of the challenges facing the implementation process of Nepad. It appears suspect, nebulous and deeply misleading given over-emphasis on ‘substance’ instead of ‘process’. To direct focus on ‘process’ offers the opportunity for holistic framework analysis of the process to probe possible externalities. This study therefore seeks to present a paradigm shift and argues that Nepad should move beyond rhetoric and rather focus more on the implementation process. The aim is to premise that ‘externalities’ that suffuse the process would in the long term gravely threaten the process and cause fragility of Nepad, but if carefully articulated would strengthen the process over the long term and cause modest, but positive dividends. The externalities provide input functions to create greater momentum in bringing the implementation closer to the policy goals of Nepad. In short, an implementation that prepares for the worst to attain the best possible. / Thesis (PhD (Public Affairs))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted