South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ came at a time when the position as host of a high-profile mega-event has become a sought-after status for countries worldwide. Not only do these events hold the promise of extensive triple-bottom-line legacies, but they also offer an extremely powerful destination marketing platform. However, no destination is guaranteed success and sustainable competitiveness by being offered the once-off opportunity to host a major international event. This study focuses on the ways and measures in which mega-events can contribute to destination competitiveness in its entirety as depicted in a popular model of tourism destination competitiveness. Existing literature on destination competitiveness and mega-events, as well as comparative case studies of recent mega-events were explored to furnish a set of apparent key success factors for the sustainable hosting of mega-events. This set of factors was then tested within a case study context through the collection of primary and secondary qualitative data. Industry experts from both the tourism and events industries in the City of Tshwane were interviewed on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. In addition, strategic documents and other secondary data were investigated to form an understanding of the role of the event as a potential catalyst for destination development. The City’s competitiveness was evaluated before the event, and compared to an evaluation of its perceived competitiveness as a result of the event. Based on the findings, a set of five critical success factors was developed. It includes the need to address eventsm as a strategic destination priority; effective stakeholder identification and role clarification; resource management for the event; alignment of the event strategy with the overall destination marketing strategy; and pro-actively addressing environmental issues. These factors are presented within a timeframe before, during and after the actual event. Through the proposed framework, it may be possible to manage the hosting of events in such a way as to contribute to sustained, holistic competitiveness of the host destination; ensuring alignment with the overall destination marketing and management strategy. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Tourism Management / unrestricted

Increased international competitiveness to host sport mega-events indicates their perceived value in stimulating regional and national economic, social and cultural development. In the context of broader governmental public opinion management strategies, sport mega-events hold the potential to mobilize soft power resources of the host country, expressed in values, culture and policies, and engage with and influence the publics of other countries. This thesis investigates the significance of sport mega-events for the host country’s public diplomacy strategies and practice by exploring the concepts of public diplomacy, sport mega-events, soft power and national image within a multi-disciplinary conceptual framework. The analysis of scholarly literature, official and media reports reveals how aspects of reputation, credibility, and legitimacy guide both foreign public opinion and the practice of public diplomacy in conjunction with sport mega-events. Moreover, international reputation of the host nation, including status, prestige and image, appeared to benefit the most as a result of strategic application of sport mega-events to public diplomacy. This can be achieved by proving functional reputation though demonstration of financial and organizational success. Alternatively, social reputation of the host is at risk of sustaining considerable damage as a result of resistance from social activists groups, thus requiring extensive damage control efforts of the host country's image. The conclusions drawn from this study raise significant questions about the potential of sport mega-events being effectively used for public diplomacy and the experience of the host governments, revealing functional competence as having the greatest potential to influence public diplomacy strategy built around hosting sport mega-events.

This research comprises three interconnected studies that, when considered together, attend to the dissertation’s purpose of presenting an integrated conceptual framework for ambush marketing in the Olympic Games. This has been accomplished in two ways: (1) the use of institutional theory, supported by network theory, as a lens to view and understand evolutionary processes in Olympic sponsorship and ambush marketing and (2) the use of grounded theory to build a conceptual framework of ambush marketing from the findings. Broadly, the model suggests the evolution of ambush marketing is partially impacted by, and an outcome of, institutional forces and considerations. Study I examines the process of institutionalization in the evolution of Olympic sponsorship during its most critical period of growth. It is argued that three key periods of change for sponsorship and two for ambush marketing exist during this time. Furthermore, these periods of change, most specifically concerning anti-ambush marketing practices, suggest the institutionalization of anti-ambush marketing legislation in the Olympic Games. Study II examines how Olympic ambush marketing stakeholder power and transfer of sponsorship and ambush marketing knowledge has influenced institutional processes toward the state of anti-ambush legislation as institutionalized brand protection. Centrality measures suggest the International Olympic Committee and Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games demonstrate the greatest stakeholder influence within the Olympic ambush marketing network. It is further argued the influence resulting from the structure of Olympic ambush marketing networks impacts the institutional processes of objectification and sedimentation. Study III examines the contemporary state of Olympic sponsorship evidenced by institutionalized legislated brand protection. While direct marketing implications of anti-ambush marketing legislation are minimal, it is argued the practice represents a portion of a regime of brand protection and that public relations outcomes of legislated brand protection must be carefully managed as part of a brand management strategy. Similarly, proportionality and managing expectations are arguably important in the understanding and application of such laws. Finally it is suggested that while the Olympic Movement may be viewed as an early adopter of anti-ambush legislation in the mega-event field, the individual character of each Olympic Games will interfere with complete isomorphism.

The main goal of that work is th analyse Russia position at the World stage of 21. century. modern World there is no bi-polar, but multipolar. That means, that the fact of Access is mutual cooperation, coordination and co-existence. The analyse of historical past makes it possible to forecast the evolution of diplomacy at the nearest future. The huge potenciál of emerging economies (BRIC) leads to redistribution of capital and power from "North to South". Russian geopolitice stability mainly depends on diplomatic dialog between Russia and: Euro-Atlantic Aliance and European Union Asia Pacific region (mailny China, India) Muslim countries (those who are part of Russian Federation)

This master thesis dissertation analyzes what kind of humanitarian issues can arise when international sporting events, such as the World Cup, are connected with powerful, global sporting organizations such as FIFA. It asks whether or not FIFA takes into consideration the positive and negative consequences that such an event might have on human rights? Or if FIFA chooses to ignore these rights in preference of organizational gain? For my investigation I decided to choose FIFA because it is one of the most important sports organizations in the world and wields a great deal of power thanks to its corporate partners and football's worldwide appeal. My hypothesis is simple: Decisions made by FIFA are heavily influenced by endemic corruption throughout the organization that does not prioritize citizen rights or human rights development more generally.

In the theory part of this thesis will examine the connection between politics and sport, including the politicization of major sport events and the particular role of non-democratic states as host nations. In the empirical part, three case studies (Summer Olympics Beijing 2008, Winter Olympics Sochi 2014, and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2018) will be analyzed in the light of how they have influenced (or have the potential to influence) reforms, the adoption of democratic structures, and the human rights situation.

Les méga événements peuvent jouer un rôle important dans le développement régional et la compétitivité des pays/villes d'accueil. Cet avantage est une fonction de l'effet de levier des investissements dans les infrastructures, le tourisme, et dans le développement du bien-être des habitants. Toutefois, les méga événements ont aussi des désavantages potentiels. Afin de vérifier le rapport coût-bénéfice des méga événements, la plupart des chercheurs mesurent les résultats et les impacts socio-économiques tangibles de ces projets. Néanmoins, des études plus récentes indiquent que les impacts immatériels constituent potentiellement les principaux bénéfices économiques des méga événements. Les capitaux immatériels sont devenus des facteurs stratégiques pour la création de valeur future et sont désormais considérés comme les facteurs clés de la croissance économique et de la compétitivité. Cependant, l'existence de méthodes opérationnelles fiables pour évaluer les aspects immatériels de méga événements est encore rare. Ainsi, l'objectif de la recherche est de développer un modèle pour mesurer et évaluer la performance des impacts des projets de méga événements, en tenant compte des actifs immatériels. À cette fin, nous avons appliqué le paradigme de recherche connu sous le nom de design science research (DSR). Le DSR est basé sur le fait de créer une solution pratique, le plus souvent un artefact, pour résoudre les problèmes pertinents et complexes, en tenant compte du contexte dans lequel ses résultats seront appliqués, dans un processus de recherche qui puise dans les théories existantes pour arriver à une solution. De manière à prévenir l'absence d'un contexte réel, et d´un objectif bien défini pour analyser les impacts, le modèle a été développé en se focalisant sur les interventions de la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2014 dans l'industrie du tourisme et au sein dela région de la ville du Rio de Janeiro. Sur la base des approches de mesure du capital immatériel disponibles, nous avons développé un cadre théorique et un modèle opérationnel pour rassembler les facteurs de succès immatériels pertinents. Un modèle a été développé, appelé le modèle des impacts immatériels de méga événements (ME-I2). Il est composé de cinq dimensions du capital immatériel, chacune incorporant un groupe d'actifs, 15 dans l’ensemble, et 42 indicateurs pour mesurer la performance des interventions du projet dans le développement de ces actifs. L'application du modèle permet trois résultats. La détermination du degré d'importance (valeur relative) de chaque dimension du capital immatériel, l’ évaluation des performance des interventions du projet, d'une manière générale et en ce qui concerne chaque dimension du capital immatériel, et la détermination de la valeur dynamique du capital immatériel. Le modèle a été testé dans une étude de cas et a démontré son adéquation et pertinence. Il émerge comme un outil potentiel pour fournir des informations pour la gestion et la prise de décision stratégique en vue du développement de la valeur pour les le pays/villes d'accueil. Il traduit par ailleurs les perceptions et les attentes des parties prenantes et pourrait être une source précieuse d'informations en ce qui concerne les facteurs de succès immatériels qui pourraient améliorer la performance des méga événements et soutenir la compétitivité et le développement régional. / According some evidences, mega events can play a significant role in local development and competitiveness. This benefit is generally due to the catalyst effect of a series of factors related to infrastructure, tourism and local population welfare/quality of life. However, mega events also have potential downsides. In order to assess the cost-benefit of hosting them, we usually measure its socio-economic outcomes and impacts. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate positive intangible impacts as potentially important benefits. The intangible assets have become strategic factors for value creation, and are considered central factors to economies’ growth and competitiveness. However, the existence of reliable operational methods to assess and evaluate the mega events intangible aspects is still unclear. Thus, the present study objective is to develop a performance model for measure and evaluate the mega event projects impacts, taking into account the intangible assets. To perform it, we applied the design science research (DSR) paradigm. The DSR is based on the act of creating an applicable solution, typically an artifact, to solve a relevant complex problem that taking into consideration the context in which their results will be applied, in a search process that draws from existing theories to come up with a solution. To prevent the lack of a real-life event context and a well-defined objective to the impact analysis we developed the model focusing on the 2014 FIFA World Cup interventions in the Tourism industry at the Rio de Janeiro region. Based on the traditional intangible measurement theory, we developed a theoretical framework and an operational model to gather the relevant intangible success factors. We named it the Mega Event Intangibles Impacts (ME-I2) Model. It consists of five dimensions of the intangible capital, each one incorporating a group of assets, 15 as a whole, and 42 indicators to measure the performance of the interventions in developing such assets. The ME-I2 model returns three different outcomes. The degree of importance (relative value) for each dimension of intangible capital, performance ratings for the mega event interventions in an overall fashion and concerning each capital dimension, and the dynamic value of the intangible capital. We tested the ME-I2 model in a pilot-study and the model showed its adequacy and appropriateness, seeming to us an interesting tool to provide information for effective strategic management and decision-making focused on contribute to translate more effectively the intangible impacts into tangible improved value creation (legacies) for the host city/country. It maps the perceptions and expectations of the mega event stakeholders and could be a valuable font of information in regard of some intangible success factors that could improve the mega event performance.

The thesis deals with bioinformatics analysis, the aim of which was to find a suitable producer of PHA for new generation industrial biotechnologies from the collection of found thermophilic bacteria. Part of experiments was the finding of several thermophilic bacteria based on the similarity of the protein sequence of the phaC gene of the bacterium Cupriavidus necator. The next part of thesis was a literature search of the abilities of these thermophilic bacteria focused on culture conditions and the spectrum of usable substrates. Subsequently, five bacteria were selected for use in NGBI based on the information obtained. Freely available databases were used during the experimental work, and evolutionary analysis were performed in MEGA X and Operon-mapper. Rubrobacter xylanophilus with collection number DSM 9941 was selected from the collection of bacterial strains as the most promising PHA producer for NGIB. The high culture temperature of up to 70 ° C and a large amount of utilized carbohydrate substrates were considered decisive. An interesting result of the analysis was to find the gene sequences of two classes of PHA synthase – I. and III. class, as for a single bacterial strain from the entire collection. Additional genes linked to PHA metabolism were found in genome analysis.

Geólogo / Los incendios forestales destruyen miles de hectáreas de bosques cada año alrededor del mundo, especialmente durante los meses de verano, y Chile no es la excepción. Durante los meses de verano del año 2017, Chile sufrió una de las mayores catástrofes incendiarias de su historia, en las que se consumieron más de 500 mil hectáreas de bosque a lo largo del país, siendo la VI región del Libertador Bernardo O´Higgins una de las más damnificadas. La literatura indica que a causa de las altas temperaturas alcanzadas es que los suelos pueden llegar a sufrir importantes cambios químicos, físicos, geológicos y geotécnicos. De acuerdo a lo anterior es que este estudio busca caracterizar las modificaciones geológicas de los suelos de la zona Nilahue-Pichilemu por el paso del mega incendio en el verano de 2017. Diferencias en los niveles de destrucción en el área denotan desigualdades de temperatura y tiempo de exposición mientras se desarrollaba el incendio. Por lo anterior, la metodología empleada dividió el área quemada en cuatro zonas de trabajo separadas entre sí según el grado de daño, o severidad, que sufrió la vegetación por el fuego (alto, medio, bajo y zona no quemada). Las zonas donde el fuego fue de intensidad alta y media experimentaron modificaciones mineralógicas, siendo en algunos casos muy pronunciadas. Dentro de los cambios resalta la aparición de propiedades magnéticas y cambios de tonalidades en el suelo superficial que estuvo en contacto directo con el fuego. Los resultados muestran que el magnetismo aumenta en la zona donde el fuego tuvo severidad alta. La coloración por su parte cambió de tonos marrones a negros/grises y rojizos en la zona de mayor severidad. Los suelos de la zona, principalmente suelos residuales de rocas intrusivas graníticas contienen goethita, la cual se transforma en maghemita a alta temperatura. Este cambio sería el responsable de la variación en coloración y magnetismo de las muestras analizadas. A pesar de las temperaturas y nivel de destrucción alcanzados en este incendio, solo fue posible detectar cambios geológicos macroscópicos a nivel superficial en los suelos quemados y es necesario realizar estudios más acabados para ver si existen modificaciones microscópicas en dichos suelos.

Ekologisk hållbarhet är en högst aktuell, allomfattande samhällsfråga. Arrangemang av idrotts- megaevents som Olympiska Spelen medför åtskilliga påfrestningar på miljön och även utvecklingen i den specifika värdstaden. I kandidatförfarandet till Olympiska Spelen (OS) presenterar kandiderande städer omfattande planer för stadsutveckling som ska möjliggöra genomförandet av OS; och av vikt är att det sker ekologiskt hållbart. Den här studien har genom en kvalitativ dokumentanalys av kandidaturerna för värdstäderna Paris (OS 2024) och Los Angeles (OS 2028) analyserat på vilket sätt kandidaturerna belyst ekologisk hållbarhet och i vilken utsträckning den har legat till grund och utgjort en genomgående utgångspunkt vid föreslagna planer. Även studerades vilken funktion den Internationella Olympiska Kommittén (IOK) intagit vid utvärderingen av kandidaturerna, i förhållande till den ekologiska hållbarheten. Resultatet visade att ekologisk hållbarhet belyses i kandidaturerna och att presenterade planer, inom olika områden beträffande OS i viss utsträckning har tagit ekologisk hållbarhet i beaktning vid argumentation för planering, utveckling och genomförande. Däremot är initiativen främst kopplade till det kapitel särskilt tillägnat ’hållbarhet’ och utgör ingen avgörande eller heltäckande utgångspunkt för presenterade planer. Yttermera efterlämnar såväl kandidaternas som IOK:s formuleringar stort utrymme för tolkning, där IOK:s roll många gånger kan anses odefinierad.