[pt] O objetivo da dissertação é propor um modelo de autoavaliação para laboratórios de ensaio e calibração que possa ser utilizado para verificar seu grau de maturidade em relação ao processo de acreditação segundo a Norma ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025. Busca-se demonstrar a aplicabilidade do modelo mediante o desenvolvimento de um estudo de caso em um dos Laboratórios de Ensaio e Calibração da Marinha do Brasil. A pesquisa pode ser considerada aplicada, descritiva e metodológica. Quanto aos meios de investigação, a metodologia compreende: (i) pesquisa bibliográfica e documental; (ii) construção do modelo conceitual de avaliação da competência, imparcialidade e consistência na operação de laboratórios de ensaio e calibração; (iii) construção da estrutura hierárquica analítica do elementos-chave e detalhados da avaliação da competência, imparcialidade e consistência na operação desses laboratórios; (iv) aplicação do método analítico hierárquico para definição dos pesos dos elementos em dois níveis hierárquicos, com participação de especialistas convidados; (iv) aplicação da ferramenta de autoavaliação junto ao gestor do Laboratório alvo do estudo de caso; (vii) discussão dos resultados e formulação das conclusões e recomendações. Destaca-se como resultado principal uma sistemática inovadora de autoavaliação de laboratórios de ensaio e calibração, na perspectiva de apoiar processos decisórios referentes à acreditação desses laboratórios segundo a referida Norma. O estudo de caso no contexto institucional da Marinha do Brasil demonstrou ser plausível determinar o nível de maturidade de um de seus laboratórios em relação aos requisitos da referida Norma e permitiu identificar oportunidades de melhoria de seu atual sistema de gestão. / [en] This dissertation aims to propose a self-assessment model for evaluating the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories, based on ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. An attempt is made to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model through the development of a case study in one of the Brazilian Navy s Testing and Calibration Laboratories. This research can be considered applied, descriptive and methodological. The methodology encompasses literature review and documentary research; development of a self-assessment model for evaluating the competence, impartiality and operational consistency of testing and calibration laboratories; construction of the analytical hierarchical structure with the key and detailed elements that integrate the model; application of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method to define the weights of the evaluation criteria, with the participation of invited experts; development of a case study within one of the Brazilian Navy s Test and Calibration Laboratories; discussion of results and formulation of conclusions and recommendations. The main outcome of this research is an innovative self-assessment model for testing and calibration laboratories, with a view to supporting decisions concerning the accreditation process of these laboratories according to the mentioned Standard. Notably, the results of the case study demonstrate that it is feasible to determine the maturity level of the Laboratory in compliance with the requirements of the mentioned standard. Also, they allowed identifying opportunities for improvement of the current management system of the Laboratory.

[pt] Os cerca de 250 Sistemas Isolados do Brasil, concentrados na região Norte, representam aproximadamente 1 por cento do consumo nacional de energia elétrica, sendo historicamente atendidos por meio de geradores a diesel, uma solução cara, poluente e dependente de uma complexa logística de fornecimento de combustível. Apesar de diversas publicações indicarem que fontes renováveis já são técnica e economicamente viáveis, sobretudo em economias dependentes de combustíveis caros, a geração a partir do diesel ainda predomina nessas localidades. Esta dissertação tem por objetivo hierarquizar propostas de políticas públicas, visando à inserção de fontes renováveis nos sistemas isolados do Brasil, por meio de uma ferramenta de análise multicritério. Com isso, ter-se-á a transição de dependência em combustíveis fósseis para uma economia baseada em energias renováveis. Para subsidiar a seleção e hierarquização dessas propostas, indo além das habituais avaliações técnico-econômicas, criou-se um modelo utilizando os métodos multicritério de apoio à decisão AHP e fuzzy-TOPSIS, por serem ferramentas reconhecidas como ideais para a modelagem de problemas em que subjetividade, incerteza e ambiguidades estejam presentes. Como resultado, concluiu-se que a política pública de maior impacto seria a implantação de projetos-piloto de usinas híbridas, combinando geração a diesel com fotovoltaica, por exemplo, de forma a auxiliar a transposição de barreiras culturais e de conhecimento sobre tecnologias alternativas nos sistemas isolados. Outras políticas apontadas como relevantes seriam: a simplificação do licenciamento ambiental de projetos baseados em fontes renováveis e a adoção de um modelo de planejamento determinativo, exigindo nos leilões uma penetração mínima dessas fontes. / [en] Isolated systems are those places not connected to the national grid, for technical or economic reasons and supplied by local generation. Nowadays in Brazil, there are about 250 isolated systems, concentrated in the Northern region, which sums only 1 percent of the electricity total consumption of the country, but represents around 40 percent of the territory. Most of these systems are supplied by diesel power plants, with a few examples of generation by natural gas, biomass or small-hydro. Historically, the diesel gensets have been an easy solution, due to its facility to build, operate and maintain. Also, these power plants do not require complex projects and large areas and have relatively low investment cost associated. Despite the complex logistics of fuel supply, mostly done by boats along Amazonian rivers, the energy generation has worked quite well in the last decades. However, the operational costs, especially those related to the fuel, are very high. In some places, depending on the season and navigability, it can reach R$ 10/liter (around US$ 3/l), resulting in high generation costs, that can achieve R$ 1,600/MWh (around US$ 450/MWh). All electricity consumers in Brazil share a great part of this cost. Other problems related to the diesel-based generation are the pollutant and greenhouse gases emissions, in the middle of the Amazon forest, where most of the isolated systems are located. Some effort has been made to connect isolated systems to the national grid, reducing the local generation, and consequently, its costs and emissions. However, the expansion of conventional power grid has high costs and, in some cases, technical and environmental constraints (Ribeiro, et al., 2012).

[pt] O objetivo desta dissertação é desenvolver um modelo de autoavaliação da gestão de riscos em instituições gestoras de recursos de terceiros, segundo uma abordagem multicritério de apoio à decisão e tendo como base as diretrizes da Norma ABNT NBR ISO 31000:2018. Busca-se demonstrar a aplicabilidade do modelo mediante o desenvolvimento de um estudo empírico em uma instituição gestora de recursos de terceiros e administração dos fundos de investimento. A metodologia compreende: (i) revisão da literatura e análise documental sobre os temas centrais da pesquisa; (ii) definição de estruturas analíticas em rede, segundo as cláusulas e itens da referida Norma; (iii) emprego do método Analytic Network Process (ANP) para atribuição de pesos aos itens da Norma referentes à estrutura e ao processo de gestão de riscos, mediante reuniões consensuais com especialistas com formação e experiência em gestão de riscos; (iv) elaboração e aplicação do instrumento de autoavaliação junto à instituição gestora de recursos de terceiros e administração dos fundos de investimento para avaliar seu nível de maturidade em relação às cláusulas e aos itens da Norma, com uso da lógica fuzzy; (vi) emprego do método Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) para identificar os itens que devem ser priorizados, visando à melhoria da gestão de riscos da instituição. Destaca-se como resultado principal uma sistemática inovadora de autoavaliação de instituições gestoras de recursos de terceiros que buscam a excelência em gestão de riscos, na perspectiva de apoiar processos decisórios referentes à melhoria contínua de seus sistemas e processos de gestão de riscos. O estudo empírico no contexto organizacional da instituição gestora de recursos de terceiros demonstrou ser plausível determinar o nível de maturidade desta instituição em relação às cláusulas da Norma ABNT NBR ISO 31000:2018 e mapear os principais desafios a serem gerenciados pela instituição, tendo em vista a realização de valor pela gestão de riscos bem sucedida. / [en] This dissertation aims to develop a risk management self-assessment model in third-party asset management institutions, according to a multi-criteria decision support approach and based on the guidelines of the ABNT NBR ISO 31000:2018 Standard. It seeks to demonstrate the model s applicability by developing an empirical study in an institution specialist in third-party resources management and investment fund administration. The methodology comprises: (i) literature review and documental analysis on the central themes of the research; (ii) definition of two analytical network structures, based on the clauses and items of referred Standard; (iii) use of the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method to assign weights to the items concerning the structure and the process of risk management, through consensual meetings involving specialists with experience in risk management; (iv) elaboration and application of the self-assessment instrument in the institution that manages third-party resources and administrates investment funds to assess their level of maturity in relation to the clauses and items of the ABNT NBR ISO 31000:2018 Standard, using fuzzy logic; (vi) application of the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method to identify the items that should be prioritized, with a view to improving the institution s risk management. The main result is an innovative self-assessment system of institutions managing third-party resources that seek excellence in risk management to support decisions related to the continuous improvement of their risk management systems and processes. The empirical study in the organizational context of an institution specialist in third-party resources management demonstrated that it is plausible to determine the maturity level of this institution concerning the clauses and items of the ABNT NBR ISO 31000:2018 standard and to map the main challenges faced by this institution to realize value by the successful risk management.

[pt] Uma questão fundamental na implementação da Agenda 2030 em nível nacional refere-se à análise das interrelações entre os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) e como suas respectivas metas interagem entre si. Diretamente ligadas a essa análise, surge outra questão de ordem metodológica, qual seja: como a integração de métodos multicritério de tomada de decisão, análise estrutural e teoria de redes poderá contribuir para que um país possa melhor definir que metas globais deverão ser incluídas na sua Agenda 2030, considerando-se aspectos críticos de seus contextos socioeconômico e político. Buscando responder essa questão, a presente dissertação tem por objetivo propor um modelo conceitual sistêmico para priorizar metas globais associadas aos ODS que irão compor a Agenda 2030 de um país, integrando-se métodos multicritério de apoio à decisão, análise estrutural e teoria de redes. A pesquisa pode ser considerada descritiva, metodológica e aplicada. Com base nos resultados da revisão bibliográfica e da análise documental de seus temas centrais e visando preencher as lacunas identificadas na literatura, desenvolveu-se um modelo conceitual sistêmico para priorizar as metas globais a serem incluídas na Agenda 2030 de um país. A aplicabilidade do modelo foi demonstrada mediante um experimento preliminar no contexto da Agenda 2030 brasileira. Acredita-se que o modelo conceitual resultante desta pesquisa possa ser replicado em outros contextos nacionais, particularmente em países que estão para definir as metas que integrarão suas respectivas Agendas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável. / [en] A fundamental question in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the national level is how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their respective targets interact with each other. Directly linked to this concern, a methodological question arises – how can the integration of multicriteria decision making methods, structural analysis, and network theory contribute to a country to better define which global targets should be included in its 2030 Agenda, considering critical issues of its socio-economic and political contexts. With an attempt to answer this question, the dissertation aims to propose a systemic conceptual model to prioritize SDG s targets for a country s 2030 Agenda, by integrating multicriteria decision methods, structural analysis, and network theory. The research can be considered descriptive, methodological and applied. Based on the results of the bibliographic review and documentary analysis of its central themes, and seeking to fill the gaps identified in the specialized literature, a systemic conceptual model was developed for prioritizing global targets that should be included in a country s 2030 Agenda, considering critical issues of its socio-economic and political contexts. The model s applicability was demonstrated through a preliminary experiment concerning the definition of the Brazilian 2030 Agenda. It is believed that the conceptual model resulting from this research can be replicated in other national contexts, particularly in countries where the It is believed that the conceptual model resulting from this research can be replicated in other national contexts, particularly in those countries that are going to prioritize the targets that will integrate their respective Agendas for Sustainable Development.

This study aims to explore the ability of a multi-criteria decision making with analytical hierarchy process (MCDM-AHP) model to emulate the results of a cost benefit analysis (CBA) model in the context of offshore wind farm siting within the Swedish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The research question addressed is whether the MCDM-AHP analysis produces similar results to the CBA analysis. In addition to this, the strengths and weaknesses of each model is explored. The MCDM-AHP model employs the spatial criteria in a more basic manner compared to the CBA model, simplifying the evaluation process while still explaining 89.5% of the variation in the CBA model and defining similar areas as suitable. Thus, it can be concluded that the MCDM-AHP model adequately emulates the CBA model within the context of offshore wind farm siting within the Swedish EEZ. However, it is crucial to note that the two models produce outputs on different scales. While the CBA model provides levelized cost of energy (LCOE) values that can be thresholded for investment viability comparisons, the suitability score generated by the MCDM-AHP model remains a relative and arbitrary score within the model. Both models entail uncertainties, limiting their usage beyond making general assumptions or identifying areas of interest. The findings reveal that the CBA model demonstrates greater robustness when confronted with changes in spatial input parameters compared to the MCDM-AHP model. This discrepancy is attributed to the iterative computation process and consideration of flat cost inputs in the CBA model, whereas the MCDM-AHP model represents a linear combination of various spatial parameters. However, the calculated LCOE values in the CBA model are highly sensitive to changes in modeling assumptions regarding external parameters, resulting in significant linear variations. The LCOE values obtained from the CBA model baseline case fall within a range of 52.1 - 98.9 EUR/MWh, which aligns with similar studies, validating the CBA model. Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when considering these results as an accurate representation of the real world due to inherent uncertainties in cost inputs and the LCOE measure. The strengths of the MCDM-AHP model lie in its robustness when the order of relative importance remains stable for key spatial evaluators. It is sensitive to significant changes in water depth and wind speed, which heavily influence its output. The model's simplicity allows for a quick overview of the problem, but it requires assumptions that introduce uncertainties. Validation of the MCDM-AHP model using existing and planned offshore wind farms within the Swedish EEZ was possible but limited by the arbitrary scale and limited validation areas. The comparison between the two models could be enhanced with more comprehensive spatial and economic data for an in-depth CBA model, which could serve as a ground truth for the MCDM-AHP model. Nevertheless, the comparison made in this study considers the CBA model to be closer to the truth, acknowledging the underlying assumptions that should be considered during evaluation. In conclusion, within the context of offshore wind farm siting, the MCDM-AHP model produces outputs that are similar to the CBA model.

Cette thèse vise à contribuer à la compréhension des cycle de vie d’une opération humanitaire (HOLC). Gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement humanitaire (HSCM) dans un contexte de mise en perspective et dans l’objectif de proposer un modèle décisionnel qui s'applique aux phases de HOLC lors d’une situation réelle. Cela inclut la mise en oeuvre du modèle proposé pour concevoir et développer un outil d'aide à la décision afin d'améliorer les performances de la logistique humanitaire tant dans les opérations de secours nationaux qu’internationaux.Cette recherche est divisée en trois phases. La première partie vise à présenter le sens de l'étude ; la zone de recherche prise en compte pour la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement (SCM) doit être clairement définie. La première phase consiste à clarifier et définir le HSCM HL, la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement commerciale (CSCM) et le SCM, ainsi que la relation entre ces différents éléments. La gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLCM) et les différentes approches sont également présentés. La compréhension de la différence entre la gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLM) et la PLCM est également nécessaire, cela ne peut être abordé dans la phase de cycle de vie de l'opération humanitaire. De plus, les modèles Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) et l’aide à la décision concernant le HL sont analysés pour établir le fossé existant en matière de recherche. Les approches MCDM qui mettent en oeuvre le système d'aide à la décision (DSS) et la manière dont le MAS a été utilisé dans le contexte HSCM sont étudiées.La deuxième phase consiste en la proposition d’un modèle décisionnel fondé sur l’approche MCDM à l'appui de la décision du décideur avant qu'il/elle prenne des mesures. Ce modèle prévoit le classement des alternatives concernant l'entrepôt, le fournisseur et le transport au cours des phases de HOLC. Le modèle décisionnel proposé est réalisée en 3 scénarios. I. La décision en 4phases HOLC – opération de secours internationale de la Croix-Rouge Française (CRF). II. La décision en3phases HOLC – opération nationale dela Croix-Rouge thaïlandaise (TRC). III. La décision au niveau de la phase de réponse HOLC – opération internationale du TRC dans quatre pays. Dans cette phase, le scénario I et II sont réalisés étape par étape au travers de calculs numériques et formules mathématiques. Le scénario III sera présenté dans la troisième phase. Pour établir trois scénarios, les données internes recueillies lors des entretiens avec le chef de la logistique de la Croix-Rouge Française, et le vice-président de la fondation de la Coix-Rouge thaïlandaise, seront utilisées. Les données externes proviennent de chercheurs qui sont des experts dans le domaine HL ou le champ du HSCM, de la littérature, et de sources issues des organismes humanitaires (documents d’ateliers, rapports, informations publiées sur leurs sites officiels).Dans la troisième phase, une application Internet multi-critères (decision support system MCDSS WB) mettant en oeuvre le modèle proposé est élaborée. Afin d'atteindre une décision appropriée en temps réel, le WB-MCDSS est développé sur la base d’un protocole client-serveur et est simple à utiliser. Le dernier mais non le moindre ; une application de validation du modèle est réalisée à l'aide de l'approche de l'analyse de sensibilité. / This thesis aims to contribute to the understanding of HOLC in context of the HSCM and to propose a decision model which applies to the phases of HOLC the decision making regarding a real situation . This include the implementation of the proposed model to design and develop a decision support tool in order to improve the performance of humanitarian logistics in both national and international relief operations.This research is divided into three phases; the first phase is to clarify and define HL among HSCM, commercial supply chain management (CSCM) and SCM and their relationship. Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM) approaches are also presented. The difference between project life cycle management (PLM) and PLCM is also required to distinguish a clear understanding which can be addressed in the phase of humanitarian operation life cycle. Additionally, the literature of Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models and existing decision aid system for HL are analyzed to establish the research gap. The MCDM approaches which implement the decision support system (DSS) and lastly how DSS has been used in the HSCM context.The second phase is to propose a decision model based on MCDM approaches to support the decision of the decision maker before he/she takes action. This model provides the ranking alternatives to warehouse, supplier and transportation over the phases of HOLC. The proposed decision model is conducted in 3 scenarios; I. The decision in 4-phase HOLC, international relief operation of French Red Cross (FRC). II. The decision on 3-phase HOLC, national operation by the Thai Red Cross (TRC). III. The decision on response phase HOLC, international operation by the FRC in four countries. In this phase, the scenario I and II are performed step by step though numerical calculation and mathematical formulas. The scenario III will be presented in the third phase.In the third phase, an application of web-based multi-criteria decision support system (WB-MCDSS) which implement the proposed model is developed. The web-based multi-criteria decision support system is developed based on the integration of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and TOPSIS approaches. In order to achieve an appropriate decision in a real time response, the WB-MCDSS is developed based on server-client protocol and is simple to operate. Last but not least, a validation application of the model is performed using the sensitivity analysis approach.

Les réglementations sur le recyclage des produits, mais aussi le développement de l‘écoconception, obligent les industriels à rechercher des solutions de recyclage pour leurs produits en fin de vie. Les préoccupations environnementales croissantes dans l’industrie créent de nouvelles opportunités d’affaires et nécessitent des changements d’organisation pour accompagner la transition vers des activités industrielles plus durables. Une activité industrielle de recyclage de matières issues de la fin de vie d’un produit, se déroule idéalement avec la participation de différents partenaires industriels dans le cadre d’un projet collaboratif. Cela permet de développer une nouvelle supply chain de recyclage et de concevoir un nouveau produit, fabriqué grâce à cette supply chain. Les projets collaboratifs de R&D permettent de rassembler des compétences complémentaires dans le but de proposer des solutions pour accroitre le taux de recyclage d’une matière dans le domaine considéré. Aujourd’hui, les expériences de projets collaboratifs existent créant de nouvelles opportunités de marché dans l’industrie du recyclage. Cependant, nous observons qu’il n’existe pas de méthode opérationnelle permettant de guider les industriels dans la définition d’un projet collaboratif de recyclage. De plus, la sélection des partenaires pour de tels projets est une réelle difficulté pour les industriels. En effet, les valeurs apportées par les partenaires créent l’intérêt du projet et favorise le succès de la collaboration. Cependant, nous constatons qu’il n’existe pas de méthode dans le cadre du recyclage industriel pour faire un choix efficace de partenaires de R&D sur un projet collaboratif. Une revue de la littérature est présentée, pour connaitre l’état de l’art industriel et scientifique, avec un éclairage sur les meilleures pratiques existantes de façon à les prendre en compte et les intégrer, afin de proposer une contribution originale. A partir de cette revue de l’état de l’art, nous mettons en évidence un manque de méthode associant les organisations de projets collaboratifs R&D et le développement de supply chain de recyclage ; cela contribue à donner une posture originale à notre recherche. Notre contribution est de proposer une combinaison de méthodes pour accompagner les industriels dans la définition d’un projet collaboratif pour la mise en place d’une activité de recyclage. • La première méthode facilite la compréhension des mécanismes d’une industrie émergeante du recyclage, agissant simultanément sur l’impact environnemental, en recyclant les produits en fin de vie, et sur la compétitivité d’une entreprise, par sa différenciation vers de nouvelles activités industrielles. • La deuxième méthode développée est une aide pour le chef de projet R&D lors de la définition d’un « projet collaboratif de recyclage », avec la spécification du marché, du produit recyclé et de la structure projetée de la filière de recyclage. • Nous développons également la question de la sélection des partenaires d’un projet collaboratif de R&D dans le domaine du recyclage, en proposant une méthode d’évaluation ainsi que la définition de critères adaptés à ce nouveau contexte. Sur ce point, nous utilisons les techniques d’aide à la décision multicritères que nous combinons, afin d’aider les industriels dans ce processus de sélection. Une étude de cas est développée concernant l’industrie française du recyclage textile, ainsi qu’un projet de R&D collaboratif impliquant l’utilisation de matières premières recyclables provenant des véhicules hors d’usage et de vêtements fin de vie, pour l’éco-conception d’un produit nouveau. L’application de la combinaison des méthodes proposées, conduites dans le cadre d’un projet de recyclage spécifique, permet de discuter les premiers résultats et d’ouvrir ce sujet sur des perspectives de recherche à venir / Regulations on product recycling rates, but also growing consciousness on the importance of eco-design, enforce industrials to seek for solutions to recycle their products at their end of life. Growing environmental concerns in the industry allow new business opportunities and require organizational changes to support transition toward more sustainable industrial activities. Building a recycling industrial activity for materials coming from end of life products is a great challenge that requires an analysis of the opportunities and threats and the added value of industrial partners, in the scope of a collaborative project (or a collaborative network). This kind of projects aims at designing a new recycling supply chain and to design a new product that will be manufactured by this supply chain. R&D collaborative projects enable to gather complementary competencies in order to propose solutions to increase the recycling rate on the territory. Nowadays, experiences such as collaborative projects are witnessed, giving various new business possibilities in the recycling industry. However, a literature review we have performed points out that there is no existing method permitting to analyze the opportunity of a recycling value chain and to guide industrials in the definition of a “recycling collaborative project”. Moreover, for such projects, the selection of the partners is of great issue for the industrials. Indeed, the values brought by the partners make the interest of the project and favor the success of the collaboration. However, there is no existing method to choose R&D collaborative project partners efficiently in the scope of the recycling industry. A literature review presents the industrial and scientific state of the art and highlights the existing best practices in order to take them into account for the proposal of an original contribution. From the state of the art we can highlight a lack of methods that would associate R&D collaborative project organizations with the development of recycling supply chains; this positioning contributes to the originality of the work realized. Our contribution is to propose three methods to help industrials to define a collaborative project for the design and building of a new recycling supply chain: • The first method we propose facilitates the understanding of a recycling emerging industry mechanisms, act simultaneously on the environmental impact by recycling end of life products and on the business competitiveness by differentiation in new industrial activities. • The second method we developed must helps recycling R&D project managers to define a “recycling collaborative project”, the target market, the recycled product that will be manufactured and the potential structure of the future supply chain. • The third method is related to the question of partner selection with the proposal of a ranking method and the definitions of adapted criteria for such selections. In this respect we used Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to help industrials in this selection process. A case study is developed on the French textile recycling industry and a R&D collaborative project that introduces recyclable raw material from end of life vehicles and garments, for the development of a new product. An application of our research is conducted on a specific recycling collaborative project in order to discuss the initial results, and perspectives are highlighted for further research investigations

This work deals with Multi-Criteria Analysis which represents an effective tool for solving complex decision-making situations. This paper describes the various methods of multi-criteria evaluation. One of the chapters also focuses on the software support. The main objective of this document is to demonstrate how to apply Multi-Criteria Analysis in real life. The practical part of this study refers to the structural policy and deals with the evaluation of regions of the Czech Republic after its entry into the European Union. The study mainly concentrates on the detailed analysis of South Bohemia region.

In today’s dynamic global environment, organizations need to be agile and adaptive by practicing innovative strategies in order to sustain and remain competitive. One indicator of organizational sustainability is its productivity, which translates into the productivity and performance of employees in the organization. Performance evaluation of employees is an important step in measuring the employee productivity. Such evaluations are in general conducted annually using a performance appraisal system (PAS). The annual appraisal using PAS has two major drawbacks. The first drawback is the long frequency of the appraisal process. As it is an annual affair, the errors such as subjectivity, recency error, bias, halo effect, stereotyping etc. creeps in, and as a result the evaluations will not be proper. The second drawback is with respect to fixation of target/goal achievement. While achieving the targets/goals which are fixed at the beginning of the appraisal period are important, any steps towards achieving such goals are equally important. These drawbacks can be addressed to an extent by having an ongoing or continuous method for performance evaluation of employees. Hence there is a need for continuous performance evaluation of employees (CPEE). Although the importance of CPEE has been highlighted in the literature, we are not aware of any process by which CPEE could be operationalized. In order to implement and sustain, any organizational process, it should produce certain periodic outputs, which is meaningful to its administrators and beneficiaries. In the case of CPEE one such output could be to provide a proper and timely rewards and recognition (R&R). R&R is a motivational tool used for appreciation which could boost employee performance and productivity. Research underline that R&R is strongly and positively correlated to the performance of employees. As defined in thesis, Reward is the materialistic part of the appreciation (such as memento, certificate etc.), while Recognition is the feeling of being appreciated (such as a pat on the back or a public applause). Both Reward and Recognition is considered in unison and considered as mutually inclusive in this thesis. There is some variation of R&R practiced in organizations, known as employee awards. Such awards are motivating enough for the employees. In general, the employee awards are based on nominations from the managers, which are scrutinized by an individual committee and one among the nominated employees is offered the award. Nevertheless employees are often clueless about what performance fetched them the award. In other words the criteria for such awards are often unknown. Similar to PAS, the criteria for such evaluations are developed mostly by the employers with hardly any input from the employees. Additionally the employee awards are heavily dependent upon the PAS and it is mostly an annual affair. Hence the drawbacks for PAS are also applicable for the existing employee awards process. In order to address these drawbacks, R&R should be given in an ongoing and continuous manner. Although the importance and the positive correlation between R&R and employee performance has been established, it has not known to be widely practiced in organizations. This could be due to a lack of proper framework to implement such programs. The CPEE process could be the basis for providing R&R. Therefore this thesis is aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for CPEE to offer R&R. Performance of employee is a sum total of the performances across various dimensions (such as knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours). As the performance for employees is a multi-dimensional concept, the criteria for evaluation using CPEE process should also be based on multiple criteria. Therefore in order to effectively address the operational process of CPEE to offer R&R, a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method based model needs to be developed. A focused review of the existing literature on performance evaluation of employees substantiated the research problem that there is a lack of proper framework for CPEE to offer R&R. In order to address this research problem, the main objective of this thesis is to develop a comprehensive, formal and objective method to evaluate the employee performance in a continuous manner based on multiple evaluation criteria from the perspectives of employees as well as employers to offer proper and timely reward and recognition to the best performing employee(s). In order to address the main objective of the research, the following objectives are envisaged: 1. To identify the set of variables/criteria with respect to both employees’ and employers’ perspectives and to propose an initial framework for CPEE to offer R&R. 2. To develop a final framework for CPEE to offer R&R based on the initial proposed framework and descriptive research 3 To develop a multi-criteria-decision-making (MCDM) method for the proposed framework for CPEE to offer R&R The scope of this research is limited to Information Technology (IT) organizations due to the alarming rate of attrition and the presence of younger population who are knowledge workers. They expect frequent appreciation and continuous feedback regarding their performance. In this thesis, employees are represented by Software Engineers (SEs) and the employers are represented by Project Managers (PMs). Research Objective 1: In order to address the first research objective a six phased approach is planned. In the first phase, the available literature on existing performance evaluations in general and employee motivations are reviewed to identify the possible variables/criteria for CPEE to offer R&R. This resulted in 51 variables for performance evaluation. As it cannot be confidently asserted whether these variables are applicable to employees of IT organizations, a set of unstructured interviews are conducted with Software Engineers to prepare Case-lets. This Case-let approach with Software Engineers is carried out in the second phase and 7 Case-let reports are prepared. From the analysis of the 7 Case-let reports, 27 variables are identified. As the variables identified from Case-let approach may not represent the entire IT employees, a series of semi structured interviews are conducted among 58 Software Engineers in the third phase to identify further variables/criteria and accordingly 35 variables are identified. In order to obtain the list of variables/criteria based on employers’ perspectives and to validate the set of variables/criteria suggested by Software Engineers, 31 Project Managers are interviewed following semi structured interview method in the fourth phase and 33 variables are identified. In the fifth phase, the variables identified from second to fourth phases are triangulated with those identified from literature (i.e. first phase) which resulted in 33 unique variables that could be used for CPEE of Software Engineers to offer R&R. The final set of 33 variables/criteria are appropriately grouped into variables relating to Demographic Characteristics of Software Engineers (DCSE) and Performance of Software Engineers (PSE). Accordingly, 5 variables related to DCSE and 28 variables related to PSE out of the 33 variables finalized for CPEE to offer R&R, are grouped. Utilizing these grouped sets of variables in DCSE and PSE, an initial framework for CPEE to offer R&R is proposed in the sixth phase. Research Objective 2: In order to validate and to statistically finalize the proposed initial framework, a descriptive research is conducted. For this the importance of each of the identified 33 variables are sought from 443 Software Engineers from 12 IT organizations. A bivariate analysis is planned to analyse the significance of variables of DCSE with the variables of PSE. As there are 28 variables in PSE, they are further grouped with respect to the latent structure using a factor analysis. The factor analysis yielded six factors for measuring PSE. The factors (called as main criteria) are Proactive, Prompt, Resourceful, Responsible, Diagnostic and Dynamic. Based on the bivariate analysis among variables in DCSE and the six main criteria, only three variables, out of five variables of DCSE emerged as significant. Based on the factor analysis and bivariate analysis, the proposed initial framework is modified. Appropriate hypotheses are proposed to indicate the relation between DCSE, PSE and R&R in the modified framework. The modified framework is validated by developing suitable Structural Equation Model (SEM) to verify the hypotheses. The relative influence of DCSE, PSE and R&R are identified based on statistical validation and the framework is finalized. Research Objective 3: As there are six main criteria identified in PSE for CPEE to offer R&R, the proposed framework could be appropriately modelled using MCDM method(s)/models(s). As CPEE is a continuous process, the performance evaluation using CPEE should take only a minimum time for completion of evaluation process, and it should be easy to implement and administer and also should be flexible to accommodate any changes in the criteria or alternatives. These are the preconditions to select the suitable MCDM method(s)/model(s) to operationalize the process of CPEE to offer R&R. In order to select a suitable MCDM method from the available methods, various MCDM methods are screened based on the expected preconditions of the framework. Pugh Matrix Method (PMM) is selected for the CPEE process and is modified to address the basic drawbacks of PMM so as to utilize in this thesis. Accordingly, the MCDM methods: AHP and a Modified Pugh Matrix Method (MPMM) (which are meeting the expected preconditions of the framework such as minimum time, maximum easiness and maximum flexibility) are considered to model the proposed framework for CPEE to offer R&R. The AHP is used to calculate the relative weights and the MPMM is used to compare the performance of employees to provide a relative score. Accordingly, the proposed MCDM based modelling framework for CPEE to offer R&R is demonstrated by developing a suitable example. The MCDM method for CPEE to offer R&R developed in this thesis provides a performance score for every employee for every performance-cycle of CPEE. This score could be stored in a database which could be appropriately utilized during the periodic performance appraisal process using PAS. Overall, the contributions of the research are: (i) a new research problem on CPEE to offer R&R is identified (ii) a set of variables/criteria are identified from both employees and employers perspective, particularly for IT Organizations and an initial framework for CPEE to offer R&R is proposed (iii) a statistically finalized framework for CPEE to offer R&R is presented with the variables/ criteria identified (iv) simple MCDM methods are developed for the operationalization of the proposed framework for CPEE to offer R&R and a possible integration with the organization’s existing PAS is also conceptually presented. (ii) Although the research has accomplished its objectives, there are certain limitations such as (i) the focus of research is limited only to IT organizations, and hence cannot necessarily be generalized, the sampling is based on convenience and assumed to represent the entire IT population in the country and (iii) other MCDM methods are not explored so as to develop the proposed framework. Addressing these could be some of the future research directions in this area.

The aim is to legal, accounting and tax business analysis forms the transition from the individual to company with limited liability and choosing the best option based on the decision matrix for the company. On the base of theoretical frameworks derive recommendations for solving the problems of transition to individual limited liability company in practice.