As mudanças no modo pelo qual entendemos a ciência, o trabalho e a própria vida em sociedade têm acentuado a velocidade da informação e a necessidade de conhecimento em nossa época. Surge, nesse contexto, um modelo gerencial que se propõe a administrar o conhecimento organizacional por meio dos processos de identificação, criação, armazenamento, compartilhamento e utilização do conhecimento: a gestão do conhecimento (GC). O objetivo deste trabalho foi, a partir da abordagem da gestão do conhecimento, realizar estudo sobre o conhecimento organizacional do Observatório Astronômico (OA) da UFRGS conduzindo a um projeto para implantar um programa de gestão do conhecimento organizacional para a administração pública no OA. O órgão estudado faz parte da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), que é uma das Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior (IFES) do sistema federal de ensino superior. A metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de caso único com a utilização de entrevista semiestruturada, questionário e análise documental. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo. A análise do conhecimento organizacional do Observatório Astronômico da UFRGS, por meio do estudo de caso, indicou dados importantes para a gestão do órgão e com relevância para a comunidade acadêmica interna e externa à UFRGS. Os resultados do estudo acrescentam novos conhecimentos sobre o órgão investigado e indicam necessidade de melhorias nos processos do órgão, especialmente com relação à divulgação das atividades. Este estudo também apresentou a gestão do conhecimento como instrumento de gestão indicado ao Observatório Astronômico da UFRGS. As práticas de GC descritas por Batista e Quandt (2015) foram apresentadas como alternativa para se aumentar a eficiência de Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior. Como resultado final deste trabalho, o Projeto de Gestão do Conhecimento Organizacional do OA apresenta práticas de GC sugeridas ao Observatório Astronômico com base no referencial teórico, na análise dos dados empíricos da pesquisa e no olhar deste pesquisador, que é membro da equipe do órgão. / Changes in the way we understand science, work and life itself in society have accentuated the speed of information and the need for knowledge in our time. In this context, a managerial model is proposed that aims to manage organizational knowledge through the processes of identification, creation, storage, sharing and use of knowledge: knowledge management (KM). The objective of this work was, based on the knowledge management approach, to carry out a study about the organizational knowledge of the UFRGS Astronomical Observatory (AO) leading to a project to implement an organizational knowledge management program for public administration in AO. The body studied is part of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), which is one of the Federal Institutions of Higher Education (IFES) of the federal system of higher education. The methodology used was the single case study with the use of semi-structured interview, questionnaire and documentary analysis. For analysis of the data, the content analysis was used. The analysis of the organizational knowledge on UFRGS Astronomical Observatory, through the case study, indicated important data for the management of the body,with relevance to the academic community internal and external to the UFRGS. The results of the study add new knowledge about the body investigated and indicate the need for improvements in the body processes, especially in relation to the dissemination of activities. This study also presents knowledge management as a management tool indicated to the UFRGS Astronomical Observatory. The KM practices described by Batista and Quandt (2015) were presented as an alternative to increase the efficiency of Federal Institutions of Higher Education. As a final result of this work, the Project of Organizational Knowledge Management on AO presents KM practices suggested to the Astronomical Observatory based on the theoretical reference, the analysis of the empirical data of the research and the look of this researcher, who is a member of the team of the body studied.

Nas últimas décadas, pesquisadores como Geert Hofstede e Fons Trompenaars começaram a estudar o papel da cultura nacional no desenho do controle de gestão das organizações pressupondo que a cultura nacional configura-se como fator importante na administração das empresas. A assim chamada corrente divergente propôs analisar o impacto dessas diferenças sobre os estilos de liderança, processos de negociação, gestão de pessoas, motivação e gestão de conflitos sob a premissa de que condições particulares, de maneira geral, demandam soluções específicas, que podem se tornar inadequadas se aplicadas em outros contextos. O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar se o elemento cultural é considerado no desenho do controle de gestão das empresas estrangeiras. Para tanto, foi analisado o caso de duas organizações de controle acionário estrangeiro localizadas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro pertencentes às dimensões: alta distância hierárquica, coletivismo, feminino, alta fuga à incerteza, proposta por Hofstede. Os resultados obtidos para os casos analisados sugerem que alguns aspectos da cultura brasileira são preservados, mas em contrapartida, verifica-se uma transferência de práticas gerenciais desenvolvidas em países de culturas diversas que por conseqüência, geram alguns conflitos nas organizações. / In recent decades, researchers as Geert Hofstede and Fons Trompenaars began to study the role of national culture in the design of management control of organizations on the assumption that national culture appears as an important factor in managing the company. The so-called " divergent current " proposed to examine the impact of these differences on leadership styles, negotiation, people management, motivation and conflict management on the premise that the particular conditions, require specific solutions, which can become inadequate when applied in other contexts. This study aims to identify if the cultural element is considered in the design of management control of foreign companies. It was examined the case of two organizations of foreign share control located in Rio de Janeiro that belong to dimensions: high hierarchical distance, collectivism, feminine, high uncertainty control, proposed by Hofstede. The results obtained for the analyzed cases suggest that some aspects of Brazilian Culture are preserved, but on the other hand, there is a transfer of management practices developed in countries of different cultures that consequently generate some conflicts in organizations.

Recent commentary has suggested that performance management (PM) is fundamentally “broken,” with negative feelings from managers and employees toward the process at an all-time high (Pulakos, Hanson, Arad, & Moye, ; Pulakos & O'Leary, ). In response, some high-profile organizations have decided to eliminate performance ratings altogether as a solution to the growing disenchantment. Adler et al. () offer arguments both in support of and against eliminating performance ratings in organizations. Although both sides of the debate in the focal article make some strong arguments both for and against utilizing performance ratings in organizations, we believe there continue to be misunderstandings, mischaracterizations, and misinformation with respect to some of the measurement issues in PM. We offer the following commentary not to persuade readers to adopt one particular side over another but as a call to critically reconsider and reevaluate some of the assumptions underlying measurement issues in PM and to dispel some of the pervasive beliefs throughout the performance rating literature.

Traditional agricultural practices often result in gaseous losses of nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2), representing a net loss of nutrients from agricultural soils, which negatively impacts crop yield and requires farmers to increase nutrient inputs. By adopting best management practices (BMPs; i.e., no-tillage, cover crops, sub-surface manure application, and proper manure application timing), there is great potential to reduce these losses. Because N2O and CO2 are also greenhouse gases (GHGs), climate change mitigation via BMP adoption and emissions reductions would be an important co-benefit. However, adopting a no-tillage and cover cropping system has had setbacks within the Northeast, primarily due to concerns regarding manure nitrogen (N) losses in no-tillage systems as well as uncertainty surrounding the benefits of cover crops. This thesis used two field-trials located in Alburgh, Vermont to assess differences in (i) GHG emissions from agricultural soils, (ii) nitrate and ammonium retention, (iii) corn yield and protein content, and (iv) N uptake and retention via cover crop scavenging under a combination of different BMPs. Chapter 1 evaluates the effects of different reduced-tillage practices and manure application methods (i.e., vertical-tillage, no-tillage, manure injection, and broadcast manure application) on reducing N2O and CO2 emissions, retaining inorganic N, and improving crop yields. Greenhouse gas measurements were collected every other week for the growing season of 2015-2017 via static chamber method using a photoacoustic gas analyzer. Results from this study showed that tillage regimes and manure application method did not interact to affect any of the three research objectives, although differences between individual BMPs were observed. Notably, vertical tillage enhanced CO2 emissions relative to no-tillage, demonstrating the role of soil disturbance and aeration on aerobic microbial C transformations. Manure injection was found to significantly enhance both N2O and CO2 emission relative to broadcast application, likely due to the formation of anerobic micro-zones created from liquid manure injection. However, plots that received manure injection retained greater concentrations of soil nitrate, a vital nutrient for quality crop production, thereby highlighting a major tradeoff between gaseous N losses and N retention with manure injection. Chapter 2 evaluates the effects of tillage practices and timing of manure application to increase N retention with the use of cover crops in order to mitigate GHG emissions, enhance soil nitrate and ammonium retention, and improve cropping system N uptake. Treatments at this field trial consisted of a combination of the presence or absence of cover crops, no-tillage or conventional-tillage, and spring or fall manure application. Greenhouse gas emissions were measured every other week via static chamber method using a gas chromatograph for the growing season of 2018. Results from this study showed that the presence of cover crops enhanced both N2O and CO2 emissions relative to fallow land, irrespective of tillage regime and manure application season, likely as a result of greater N and carbon substrates entering the soil upon cover crop decomposition. Due to enhanced N2O emissions with cover crops, cover crops did not retain significantly greater inorganic N in the system upon termination.

O objetivo principal desse estudo é identificar se há relações entre as práticas da gestão de diversidade e a percepção de desempenho em inovação, sob a moderação de três variáveis: o tamanho da empresa, a origem do capital e o setor em 133 empresas brasileiras. Há suporte que justifica a relação entre a diversidade e a inovação, no que diz respeito à composição demográfica organizacional (Yang, & Konrad, 2011), mas não há consenso e nem estudos empíricos quantitativos sobre as práticas de gestão da diversidade e a percepção de desempenho em inovação. Os resultados identificaram que as práticas de gestão da diversidade influenciam positivamente e explicam em 45% a percepção de desempenho em inovação. Porém, algumas práticas possuem maior influência do que outras, como os grupos de suporte e a integração. Ainda, a pesquisa identificou que o tamanho da empresa, o setor e a origem do capital são variáveis que moderam essa relação de influência das práticas de gestão da diversidade e a percepção de desempenho em inovação. Além disso, a moderação é mais forte em empresas de médio e pequeno porte do que as de grande porte, é mais forte no setor da indústria do que no setor de serviços e nas empresas de capital misto e privado é mais forte do que nas estatais. / The objective of this study is to identify whether there is a relationship between the diversity management practices and the performance perception in innovation, under the moderation of three variables: the size of the company, the source of capital and the sector in 133 Brazilian companies. There are supports that justify the relationship between diversity and innovation with respect to organizational demographic composition (Yang, & Konrad, 2011), but there is no consensus and no quantitative empirical studies on the diversity management practices and perception of performance in innovation. The results identified that the practices of diversity management explain in 45% and influence positively the perception of performance in innovation, being that, some practices have greater influence than others, such as support groups and integration. Moreover, the research identified that the size of the company, the sector and the origin of capital are variables that moderate this relationship of influence of the diversity management practices and the perception of performance in innovation. Yet, moderation is stronger in medium- to small-sized firms than in large ones, it is stronger in the industry than in the services sector and in mixed and private equity firms stronger than in state-owned enterprises.

After a decade of reforming policy, building and developing the multi-sector market economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam have developed strongly and contributed to creating employment, increasing GDP, and raising the nation’s volume of exports. However, SMEs have found difficulties on the way to development due to lack of management experience and financial resources, and due to uncertainty within the business environment. As a result, SMEs often faced obstacles during their operations. This thesis examines the relationship between financial management and profitability of SMEs to determine whether financial management practices and financial characteristics impact on SME profitability. Objectives of the thesis are (1) to investigate and describe features of financial management practices and financial characteristics of SMEs in Vietnam, (2) to develop and test a model of SME profitability, and (3) to contribute knowledge of the relationships between financial management and characteristics to improve SME profitability by using tools of efficient financial management. In terms of structure, the thesis has six chapters. The thesis begins by defining the research problem and questions, and providing a justification for the research study. Chapter one also reviews the research background, and presents definitions of terms, significance and scope of the study. Chapter two examines the economic background, business structure and the development of SMEs in Vietnam. This chapter also reviews previous research related to financial management for SMEs in Vietnam to identify gaps between financial management for SMEs in Vietnam and financial management for SMEs worldwide. Chapter three reviews financial management including financial management practices, financial characteristics and profitability of SMEs around the world, especially in the developed economies such as the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and Canada. This review emphasizes profitability and the impact of financial management practices and financial characteristics on SME profitability. Objectives of this chapter are to review previous research related to the areas of financial management practices, financial characteristics, and profitability of SMEs and to build a model of the impact of financial management practices and financial characteristics on SME profitability. Chapter four discusses aspects of the research methodology including research design, data collection and data analysis methods, and hypothesis testing to support the model. Objectives of this chapter are: (1) to justify the research methodology of this study, (2) to explain research methodology used in the study, and (3) to demonstrate how research design, and data collection and analysis can be utilized in this study to answer the research questions outlined in the chapter 1. Data analysis and findings are presented in chapter five. This chapter presents descriptive findings of financial management practices, financial characteristics and SME profitability and findings of the research study related to testing the model of SME profitability. Objectives of this chapter are (1) to systematically present the descriptive findings of the research study, (2) to interpret significance of these findings based on data analysis, (3) to present the results of testing the model of SME profitability, and (4) to explain how the model, developed from a literature review, was supported by data analysis. Finally, the thesis ends with chapter six where conclusions are summarized and applications of the research findings are indicated for the financial management practitioners. The thesis provides descriptive findings of financial management practices and financial characteristics and demonstrates the simultaneous impact of financial management practices and financial characteristics on SME profitability. In addition, the research study provides a model of SME profitability, in which profitability was found to be related to financial management practices and financial characteristics. With the exception of debt ratios, all other variables including current ratio, total asset turnover, working capital management and short-term planning practices, fixed asset management and long-term planning practices, and financial and accounting information systems were found to be significantly related to SME profitability. With the findings as presented above, this research study provides many implications for financial management practices and contributes to knowledge of financial management of SMEs. The model of SME profitability can be used as guidance for actions to improve the profitability of SMEs in Vietnam.

Following concerns expressed by canegrowers in the Burdekin River Irrigation Area (BRIA) of Northern Queensland regarding rising groundwater and salinity the Department of Primary Industries instigated action to investigate and develop Best-On-Farm Water Management Practices. The purposes of this project were to improve landholder awareness of water use to maximise cane production while minimising the likelihood of salinity and changes in the groundwater balance, and to facilitate the development of soil and water management practices on a range of soils in the BRIA. The project lasted for 12 months, and this short duration affected research methodologies and techniques selected. Groups of farmers were organised, participation was good and useful outcomes resulted. These included: improved landholder awareness of the relationships between salinity, water use and groundwater; identification of a range of best practices; identification of social theories about water management practices; development of an extension model based on the value of indigenous knowledge; equality between government and farmers; examination of underlying assumptions in relation to water management by both government and farmers; identification of issues for future research and extension. / Master of Science (Hons)

Urban development will continue to increase in Texas because of population growth and urban sprawl. Despite the desire for urbanization and expansion of the economy, this growth increases the amount of construction, which, if not properly managed, can increase non-point source pollution and threaten surface water quality. Therefore, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has approved and promoted the use of compost as a stormwater best management practice (BMP) during highway construction. The objectives of this study were to construct and calibrate an indoor rainfall simulator and to determine the effectiveness of using compost rather than conventional hydroseeding or topsoil to reduce erosion from disturbed soils. Runoff rates, interrill erosion, and interrill erodibility were determined and compared across five compost treatments following TxDOT specifications for compost applied as an erosion control and two control treatments of topsoil (TS) and hydroseeding (HS) applied at 5 cm depth. The simulator produced 89% uniformity using ten Veejet 80100 nozzles at a target rate of 100 mm h-1. The surface runoff was collected after 5 minutes of rainfall (first flush) and during the last 30 minutes of rainfall (steady-state). The first flush mean runoff for GUC-5 treatment was significantly higher than all other treatments. All other treatments; 50% woodchips and 50% compost blend (ECC-1.3, ECC-5), and hydroseeding (HS) had significantly lower runoff and erosion rates compared to topsoil (TS) and compost manufactured topsoil (CMT) at first flush and steady-state. Furthermore, there were no performance differences between 1.3 cm and 5 cm compost applications at first flush or steady-state. The results of this project indicate that particle size, soil moisture capabilities, and time at which rainfall is applied affect surface runoff. TxDOT specification of using ECC at 5 cm depth on a max of 3:1 slope should be reconsidered. An ECC application depth of 1.3 cm was effective in reducing first flush runoff and interrill erosion rates.

This study investigated the relationship between Project Management Planning (PMP) practices and project success for preservation projects of historical significance located in an urban context. The planning for these projects was also emphasized because these historic buildings are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Yet, when analyzing the performance metrics of these historically significant renovation projects that included budget and time after the project has been completed denote problems in the management and delivery of these projects. The project team members' perceptions of PMP practices and how these practices affect project success were the focus of this research. To ascertain the importance of these questions, the study incorporated three major bodies of knowledge. The first body of literature focused on project management practices associated with project success. The second concentrated on historic preservation with a focus on historic significance and project planning. The third body centered on facility management as it relates to project management issues in the delivery of a construction project. Combining these bodies of knowledge into one literature review contributed to the development of a conceptual model to illustrate how the research variables and hypotheses were established. To test the research questions and its hypothesis, three statistical tools were used: analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive data analysis, and ordinary least square regression. The conclusions from these tests indicated that differences in perceptions of success criteria existed between the project team members. The findings also indicated a significant disconnect between the perceptions of project success and actual performance of project delivery. Furthermore, the findings indicated that only a few project management practices tested were perceived to have significant correlation with project success. The project team members felt that the success criteria of performance and the success factors associated with performance -- site analysis, site layout and staging, and a quality assurance plan -- were more important to the success of the renovation project than many of the management practices in this study.

Knowledge management is considered a necessary precursor to organizational success. This view is increasingly prevalent in the case of the health care sector. Two main knowledge management strategies are recognized: codification and personalization strategies. An organizations choice of knowledge management strategy depends on its objectives and the dominant form of knowledge informing its decision-making processes.<p>Health care decision-makers have access to a wealth of knowledge with which to inform their decisions. Little is known, however, about how the various types of knowledge are managed to optimize their use in decision-making. This study examines the knowledge management strategies of health care decision-makers working in the context of a regionalized health care system. The potential of communities of practice as a conceptual means for understanding health care knowledge management is also explored.<p>Members of Regional health authorities (RHAs) in the province of Saskatchewan constitute the unit of analysis for the study, which is guided by a qualitative research design. Interviews were used as the main data collection technique. For data analysis, open and axial coding methods based on the inductive and deductive approaches were adopted.<p>The study concludes that regional health authority (RHA) members utilize more fully explicit rather than tacit forms of knowledge. One of the main knowledge management practices adopted by the RHA members is the use of professional reports. This indicates that RHA members pursue a codification strategy more strongly than a personalization strategy. Moreover, it was found that the practices and strategies associated with managing knowledge were in place, despite the absence of a stated knowledge management policy. Finally, RHAs cannot be regarded as communities of practice, even though they exhibit many of their features.<p>Recommendations include the following: (1) the need for RHAs to institutionalize a knowledge management policy to guide their knowledge management processes and strategies, and (2) the cultivation of online communities of practice to marshal the tacit knowledge of RHA members, and that of the public, as an intervention to complement the use of explicit knowledge.