Due to the deterioration of the earth’s health and the uncertainty in terms of climate changes, economy, food, water and energy supplies, the above terms have become worldwide phenomena. Buildings have a huge role to play in addressing the environmental concerns as they play a contributing role in gas emissions, waste disposal and energy use. The literature review and results of the quantitative research amongst experts like facility and building managers, leasing agents, finance managers and project managers in the property sector formed the basis of the study. Although green buildings are regarded as the future, the study revealed that there is a perception, even amongst experts in the property sector that the upfront costs of building green is substantially higher when compared to building conventional, which limits the construction of green buildings. This research is aimed at investigating whether building green leads to financial benefits which will ultimately provide the differentiator when it comes down to a final decision whether to invest in green buildings or not. An overview is also provided on the fundamental principles of green buildings which are important to be implemented in the construction of green buildings in order to maximise the financial benefits provided by green buildings. The study showed that experts agreed that the concepts applied in green buildings lead to long-term financial savings which justifies the statement that a realistic comparison between the total costs of building green versus building conventional can only be achieved over the lifecycle of a building. The main finding of this study is that there is awareness and understanding of the financial benefits associated with green buildings which implies that green buildings have a good growth potential. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Due to the deterioration of the earth’s health and the uncertainty in terms of climate changes, economy, food, water and energy supplies, the above terms have become worldwide phenomena. Buildings have a huge role to play in addressing the environmental concerns as they play a contributing role in gas emissions, waste disposal and energy use. The literature review and results of the quantitative research amongst experts like facility and building managers, leasing agents, finance managers and project managers in the property sector formed the basis of the study. Although green buildings are regarded as the future, the study revealed that there is a perception, even amongst experts in the property sector that the upfront costs of building green is substantially higher when compared to building conventional, which limits the construction of green buildings. This research is aimed at investigating whether building green leads to financial benefits which will ultimately provide the differentiator when it comes down to a final decision whether to invest in green buildings or not. An overview is also provided on the fundamental principles of green buildings which are important to be implemented in the construction of green buildings in order to maximise the financial benefits provided by green buildings. The study showed that experts agreed that the concepts applied in green buildings lead to long-term financial savings which justifies the statement that a realistic comparison between the total costs of building green versus building conventional can only be achieved over the lifecycle of a building. The main finding of this study is that there is awareness and understanding of the financial benefits associated with green buildings which implies that green buildings have a good growth potential. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The face of the workplace has changed dramatically over the past decade and most organisations have to survive in a fiercely competitive global economy. The impact of the competitive changes, especially in the service environment has become critical and quality service is considered an essential strategy for success and survival in today's competitive environment. Organisations are continuously searching for ways to improve their performance and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Consumers are also continuously being made more aware of their rights and in today's fast paced world, with time constraints and increased stress, tolerance levels have been considerably eroded. In view of this, customer satisfaction has become a focus area, in particular, to investigate ways that it can be enhanced to gain a competitive edge. A better understanding of how organisations can apply resources to achieve these goals will be a useful instrument towards gaining sustainable competitive advantage. One way of doing this is for service firms to manage their capacity to achieve maximum and/or optimum utilisation at all times, if possible. But having trained staff on hand at the right times is no easy task. Overstaffing can lead to budget blow-out, while understating adds to staff stress levels, and can contribute to both customer and staff dissatisfaction. As a possible solution many employers tackle this problem by employing casual staff who are more flexible in their working hours and can be deployed to meet peak demands in service. The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of customer satisfaction and whether the utilisation of temporary staffing solutions could positively contribute in improving service levels. A survey research design was used with a questionnaire as data-gathering instrument. The study population consisted of customers (N=507) that visited Absa branches in the Vaal Triangle and were serviced by either permanent or flexi tellers. Contingency tables were used to record and analyse the relationship between the different variables, and statistical significance tests were used to show that the results are significant. Chi-square and Cramer's phi or V test were used as the basis of the analysis. The research confirmed that customer satisfaction has definite financial benefits for an organisation and that the effective application of temporary staffing solutions could further enhance these benefits. The results of the statistical analysis of the survey further confirmed that there was no significant difference in the perceived level of service received from either permanent or flexi tellers. Limitations in the research are identified and recommendations for future research are made. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The face of the workplace has changed dramatically over the past decade and most organisations have to survive in a fiercely competitive global economy. The impact of the competitive changes, especially in the service environment has become critical and quality service is considered an essential strategy for success and survival in today's competitive environment. Organisations are continuously searching for ways to improve their performance and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Consumers are also continuously being made more aware of their rights and in today's fast paced world, with time constraints and increased stress, tolerance levels have been considerably eroded. In view of this, customer satisfaction has become a focus area, in particular, to investigate ways that it can be enhanced to gain a competitive edge. A better understanding of how organisations can apply resources to achieve these goals will be a useful instrument towards gaining sustainable competitive advantage. One way of doing this is for service firms to manage their capacity to achieve maximum and/or optimum utilisation at all times, if possible. But having trained staff on hand at the right times is no easy task. Overstaffing can lead to budget blow-out, while understating adds to staff stress levels, and can contribute to both customer and staff dissatisfaction. As a possible solution many employers tackle this problem by employing casual staff who are more flexible in their working hours and can be deployed to meet peak demands in service. The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of customer satisfaction and whether the utilisation of temporary staffing solutions could positively contribute in improving service levels. A survey research design was used with a questionnaire as data-gathering instrument. The study population consisted of customers (N=507) that visited Absa branches in the Vaal Triangle and were serviced by either permanent or flexi tellers. Contingency tables were used to record and analyse the relationship between the different variables, and statistical significance tests were used to show that the results are significant. Chi-square and Cramer's phi or V test were used as the basis of the analysis. The research confirmed that customer satisfaction has definite financial benefits for an organisation and that the effective application of temporary staffing solutions could further enhance these benefits. The results of the statistical analysis of the survey further confirmed that there was no significant difference in the perceived level of service received from either permanent or flexi tellers. Limitations in the research are identified and recommendations for future research are made. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

There have been numerous proposals to reform Australia's government structures, both prior to and since Federation in 1901, including calls for New Colonies and New States, Unification plans, Regional Government models spanning across the federal-unitary continuum, and proposals to transfer functions between Commonwealth and State governments, such as the modern day attempts by the Commonwealth government to establish a national Industrial Relations system. But while several functions have been transferred from the States to the Commonwealth since Federation, major changes sought by supporters of New States, Regional Governments and Unification have never been achieved. The financial benefits possible through various reformed government structures are first examined in terms of claims and estimates that have accompanied past reform proposals. Financial benefits are then estimated for the four years from 1998-99 to 2001-02 using population and expenditure data, per capita expenditure comparisons, and various linear and non-linear regression techniques. New States appear likely to cost in the order of $1 billion per annum per New State, and possibly more if costs associated with State-Territory borders are taken into account, but their financial viability could be vastly improved if New State formation follows or is accompanied by functional transfers to achieve national systems in areas such as health and education. It is estimated that Unification and some Regional Government models could achieve financial benefits in the order of five to ten per cent in both public and private sectors and the economy as a whole, which, in June 2002 dollar terms, would amount to some $15 billion to $30 billion per annum in the public sector, $25 billion to $50 billion in the private sector, and hence $40 billion to $80 billion per annum across both public and private sectors and the entire Australian economy. It is also estimated that for several functions, including education and health, unitary national systems under Commonwealth control could generate significant financial benefits, whereas for other functions, notably transport and communications, national systems could prove more costly. Additional research could clarify estimates, but ultimately the only way to fully check estimates is to observe and measure actual reforms in action. If all State-Territory level health care functions, for example, were transferred to the Commonwealth government to achieve a fully national health system, then the benefits and costs of such reform could be assessed with much more certainty than is possible through pre-reform empirical estimates. The establishment of a national health system could also diminish concerns that New States or Regional Governments might exacerbate problems associated with separate State laws, regulations and systems - problems likely to be tolerated least in health care given its life-and-death gravity. And for Unification advocates, a national health system would represent a significant step towards complete Unification across all functions. Estimates appear to be robust when assessed in light of Commonwealth Grants Commission methodologies, differential levels of tax expenditures and privatisation across the current States and Territories, and Australia's economic and industrial geography, and on balance suggest that intelligent government structure reforms have the potential to significantly enhance Australia's financial and economic strength, and hence provide the financial capacity to achieve significantly improved social and environmental outcomes as well.

There can be little doubt that Six Sigma is far more than just another novelty concept; in fact, it can be considered as a proven quality philosophy and if applied correctly, ensures a competitive advantage. A rapidly increasing number of firms, from all industries and of all sizes, are now reporting significant savings or returns on their program and training investments, because of the implementation of Six Sigma. This paper investigates the origin, definition, financial benefits and challenges of Six Sigma and its implementation. Certain critical success factors determine the successful implementation of Six Sigma in any firm. Many firms have reported significant benefits as a result of Six Sigma project implementation, though not all are yet success stories. This paper reviews the literature related to the critical success factors for the effective implementation of Six Sigma. This research will provide the useful information for firms, which are willing to implement Six Sigma and help firms avoid the risks during the process of Six Sigma implementation. The primary objective of this exploratory research is to identify the critical success factors required for the successful implementation of Six Sigma. Then, based on the critical success factors identified in literature and the survey, the purpose is to develop and propose an applicable framework for firms to successfully implement Six Sigma. The research is explorative of nature and a survey research design was used with a questionnaire as data-gathering instrument. Descriptive statistics (e.g. means and standard deviations) were used to analyse the data. The results confirmed that the most critical success factors for successful Six Sigma implementation include management commitment, change management, effective communication and alignment. The proposed framework presents six interlinking components of Six Sigma which is dependent on these four critical success factors. Limitations in the research are identified and recommendations for future research are made. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

There can be little doubt that Six Sigma is far more than just another novelty concept; in fact, it can be considered as a proven quality philosophy and if applied correctly, ensures a competitive advantage. A rapidly increasing number of firms, from all industries and of all sizes, are now reporting significant savings or returns on their program and training investments, because of the implementation of Six Sigma. This paper investigates the origin, definition, financial benefits and challenges of Six Sigma and its implementation. Certain critical success factors determine the successful implementation of Six Sigma in any firm. Many firms have reported significant benefits as a result of Six Sigma project implementation, though not all are yet success stories. This paper reviews the literature related to the critical success factors for the effective implementation of Six Sigma. This research will provide the useful information for firms, which are willing to implement Six Sigma and help firms avoid the risks during the process of Six Sigma implementation. The primary objective of this exploratory research is to identify the critical success factors required for the successful implementation of Six Sigma. Then, based on the critical success factors identified in literature and the survey, the purpose is to develop and propose an applicable framework for firms to successfully implement Six Sigma. The research is explorative of nature and a survey research design was used with a questionnaire as data-gathering instrument. Descriptive statistics (e.g. means and standard deviations) were used to analyse the data. The results confirmed that the most critical success factors for successful Six Sigma implementation include management commitment, change management, effective communication and alignment. The proposed framework presents six interlinking components of Six Sigma which is dependent on these four critical success factors. Limitations in the research are identified and recommendations for future research are made. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

Background: there is limited research to show that a social intervention such as increasing income improves health, especially as this relates to older people. It is known that poverty is a real problem for many older people in Northern Ireland. One reason for this is that older people often do not claim the financial benefits for which they are entitled. This is a randomised controlled study that sought to investigate the health effects of an increased uptake of social security benefits. Methods: The aims of this study were to find out if an increase in income through the take up of unclaimed financial benefits lead to a significant improvement in the health status of older people and discover if this was maintained over a reasonable period of time. This was a randomised control trial based in the community. Patients were recruited from 11 general practices in South Down, Craigavon, Fermanagh and Tyrone. The intervention consisted of a benefit assessment followed by assistance completing the benefit application. The control group received the assessment but were not give assistance with the application. Instead they were given a list of agencies where help with the application could be found. A range of health, psycho-social and financial outcome was measured. Results: Of the 2180 patients who were sent invitation letters 300 agreed to a benefits assessment. 189 enrolled in the study and 149 were followed up at six months. A total of 89 patients received additional weekly benefits amounting to approximately £3277.19 per annum (£63 per week). A further 13 patients received one off payments totaling £5,731.01. All but two patients received their benefits within three months of assessment. While analysis showed trends suggesting greater improvements in social support and depression scores for the intervention group when compared with the controls the difference were not statistically significant. This is probably due to the following factors. The sample size in this study was small because of problems with the recruitment and screening of patients. More patients in the control group claimed benefits than had been anticipated and as a result it was difficult to detect differences between the two groups. Discussion: Valuable lessons have been leant and modifications to the study methodology have been suggested that will be of use to other researchers attempting to undertake similar studies in the UK.

The purpose of this thesis with the title "Analysis of motivation and remuneration system of employees" was the analysis of current situation in the selected company O.T.E.C. CR s.r.o. The analysis concentrated on the motivation and the remuneration for the human resources. In case of need changes of HR system were suggested. For the method of survey I chose the investigating method of asking the employees to get the complete picture. On the basis of the results from the question blanks a new, more effective system of personal fees and motivation was suggested. Suggestions for the improvement of the motivation of the employees in the company are: Improving the format and regularity of the information´s transfer to employees. Regular evaluations of the employees (not only the company results) in a suitable form. Revaluation of the existing remuneration system and using more of the variable part of wage. Revision the system of non-financial benefits and extension its actual supply.

BAKGRUND: Ökade växthusgasutsläpp och större klimatpåverkan speglar dagens samhälle allt mer. Bygg-och anläggningssektorn står idag för en femtedel av Sveriges totala klimatpåverkan och är en bransch som behöver ta steg framåt för att minimera den. Ett instrument som har använts för att motivera och skapa finansiella samt klimatmässiga fördelar för projekt som kan visa på en lägre klimatpåverkan är grön finansiering. Grön finansiering bygger på att projekt kan påvisa en mindre klimatpåverkan för att kunna ta del av de finansiella fördelar det skulle innebära. Dock har tidigare forskning runt ämnet visat att detta bortses av investerare och beslutsfattare av olika orsaker trots att klimatdebatten blir allt mer tydlig. Avsaknad av tydliga regelverk, standarder eller policyer lyfts av tidigare forskning samtidigt som hot kan anas i form av för hårda åtstramningar. En analys av bygg-och anläggningssektorns syn på grön finansiering och gröna projekt och vad marknaden behöver för att i framtiden kunna vara finansiellt hållbar är någonting som behövs för att marknaden ska kunna ta steg framåt. SYFTE: Syftet med studien är att analysera de finansiella fördelarna och riskerna som grön finansiering medför. Utifrån en analys av grön finansiering inom ramen för bygg-och anläggningssektorn kommer sedan förslag till sätt marknaden kan utvecklas på att föreslås utifrån ett finansiellt perspektiv. GENOMFÖRANDE: Studien har genomförts genom kvalitativa, semi-strukturerade intervjuer med respondenter kopplade till bygg-och anläggningsbranschen samt grön finansiering. Som tillägg har en kartläggning av erbjudande inom grön finansiering sammanställts från två respondenter. Utifrån tidigare forskning samt rapporter ställdes frågor runt grön finansiering och dess finansiella påverkan på marknaden. Utifrån svaren från aktörerna kunde en analys göras av var de aktiva aktörerna såg marknaden idag samt dess viktigaste aspekter för framtiden. SLUTSATS: Studiens slutsats är att den gröna finansieringsmarknaden behöver införa ett graderingssystem för att på så sätt skilja projekt åt. Ett sådant system skulle fungera som ett incitament för projekt att gå mot att bli gröna då det inkluderar en prissättning av sådant som inte lever upp till kraven för att bli gröna och fördelar för de som tar allra störst klimatansvar. Det skulle också möjliggöra för investerare som vill ta högre risk att investera i projekt som i dagsläget inte är gröna men som har som ambition att bli det. Utöver graderingssystemet behöver det också kompletteras av mer obligatoriska regelverk för att öka utbudet av grön finansiering på marknaden. / BACKGROUND: Increased greenhouse gas emissions and greater climatic impact reflect today's society more and more. Today, the construction and civil engineering industry accounts for one fifth of Sweden's total climate impact and is an industry that needs to take steps to minimize it. An instrument that has been used to motivate and create financial and climatic benefits for projects that can show a lower climate impact is green financing. Green financing is based on the fact that projects can show a minor impact on the climate in order to be able to take advantage of the financial benefits it would entail. However, previous research on the subject has shown that this is ignored by investors and decision-makers for various reasons, although the climate debate is becoming increasingly clear. The lack of clear regulations, standards or policies is highlighted by previous research, while at the same time one can perceive a threat in the form of too tight austerities. An analysis of the construction industry’s view today of green financing and green projects and what the market needs in order to be financially sustainable in the future is something that is necessary for the market to be able to take steps forward. AIM: The purpose of the study is to analyze the financial benefits and risks that green financing entails. On the basis of an analysis of green financing within the framework of the construction and civil engineering sector, then proposals for ways in which the market can be developed are proposed from a financial perspective. COMPLETION: The study was conducted through qualitative, semi-structured interviews with respondents linked to the construction and civil engineering sectors and green financing. In addition, a survey of green financing offers has been compiled from two respondents. Based on previous research and reports, questions were asked about green financing and its financial impact on the market. Based on the responses from the players, an analysis could be made of where the active players saw the market today and its most important aspects for the future. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the green financing market needs to introduce a grading system in order to separate projects. Such a system would serve as an incentive for projects to go green as it includes pricing of things that do not meet the requirements to become green and benefits those who take the greatest climate responsibility. It would also make it possible for investors who want to take a higher risk of investing in projects that are not green at the moment, but which have the ambition to become so. In addition to the grading system, it also needs to be supplemented by more mandatory regulations to increase the supply of green financing in the market.