This study of bureaucratic behavior is from the perspective of a particular federal government operations process - the management and delivery of computing services to the federal agencies. It supports the idea that federal bureaucrats are utility maximizers. The first of the two theories considered in this thesis is based upon William Niskanen's hypothesis that the primary objective of the government bureaucrat is to maximize the bureau's budget through the maximization of output. The second theory is based upon Jean-Luc Migue’s and Gerald Belanger's hypothesis that the objective of bureaucrats is to maximize "discretionary budget” - the difference between the bureau's total budget and the cost of producing the bureaus authorized output. This thesis contends that the maximization of discretionary budget is the maximand of the federal bureaucrat evaluating the computer investment decision. / Master of Urban Affairs

The purpose of the study is threefold: (1) to make a survey of the type of purchasing organizations used by a selected number of oil companies operating in the Southwest, (2) to determine the extent or degree of centralized purchasing used by these firms, and (3) to evaluate briefly the organizational arrangements found in light of accepted principles.

This thesis examines the complex relationship between impulsive buying behavior,perceptions of brand "coolness," and their impact on Generation Z consumers. Datacollected from 11 semi-structured interviews reveals that witnessing impulsive purchasesonline can have both positive and negative effects on a brand's perceived coolness. Key factors in this dynamic include the allure of community and a desire for socialvalidation. Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework, impulsivepurchase posts (User-Generated content) act as stimuli, triggering emotional responsesthat influence brand perception. Consumers are more likely to make impulsive purchasesfrom brands they consider cool as a means of aligning themselves with a desirable imageor group. However, excessive exposure to impulsive buying posts can undermine abrand's exclusivity and diminish its cool factor. The study finds that coolness is inherently subjective, with individual interviewees' valuesand experiences shaping their responses. Brands that prioritize community, authenticity,and a carefully cultivated sense of exclusivity are best positioned to navigate the complexrelationship between impulsive purchase behavior and overall brand perception.

University of Macau / Faculty of Social Sciences. / Department of Communication

The purpose of the study was to identify how to implement a purchasing process in a small company and to investigate which means of transport is most suitable to use at the different delivery distances. The goal was divided into two research questions: • Research question 1: Which purchasing process and purchasing role should the company follow? • Research question 2: Which means of transport are most suitable to use in accordance with the needs of the company? The research method used to answer the goal and the research questions was a literature study and a case study. A literature review was made to understand the subject in a broader context and to gather a case study for empirical results. The case study was conducted at a small company in the construction industry in Södermanland in Sweden, which currently does not have a purchasing process. Based on collected empirical data, the company has encountered some problems. The first problem is that there was no purchasing process to be able to start after which it leads to the company buying in products and testing them if they are customizable and if they do or do not fit, the goods are saved in a containment unit. The second problem is regarding the choice of transportation method for purchased goods in relation to the distance and their needs. Students has, through literature studies, scientific articles and interviews with the company, produced an overview of how to structure and systematize purchasing work, and which means of transport are suitable for the company to be able to collect goods. / Syftet med studien var att identifiera hur man kan implementera en inköpsprocess i ett litet företag samt att undersöka vilket transportmedel som är lämpligt att använda i olika leveransavstånd. Målet var indelat i två forskningsfrågor: • Forskningsfråga 1: Vilken inköpsprocess och inköpsroll ska företaget följa? • Forskningsfråga 2: Vilket transportmedel är mest lämpligt för att använda för transport utefter företagets behov? Forskningsmetoden som används för att besvara på målet och forskningsfrågorna var en litteraturstudie och en fallstudie. Det gjordes en litteraturgranskning för att förstå ämnet i ett bredare sammanhang samt genomfördes en fallstudie för att insamla empiriska data. Fallstudien gjordes hos ett litet företag i byggbranschen i Södermanland i Sverige som inte har en strukturerad inköpsprocess. Utifrån uppsamlad empiri är det känt att företaget stött på några problem. Först och främst finns det ingen inköpsprocess att kunna utgå ifrån, vilket det leder till att företaget för tillfället köper in produkter och testar deras anpassbarhet, och ifall de inte kommer till användning så förvaras de undan. Det andra problemet angår vilket transportmedel som är lönsammast utefter deras behov och transportsträcka. Studenterna har genom litteraturstudier, vetenskapliga artiklar och intervjuer med företaget frambringat en överblick av hur man kan strukturera och systematisera inköpsarbete, samt vilka transportmedel som lämpar sig för företagets behov.

<p>The purpose of this study is to investigate the suppliers’ view of their relation to Stora Enso. The study focuses on the relation between the central purchasing unit of Stora Enso and the suppliers but also gives indications of how the overall interface between Stora Enso and the suppliers works. The purpose is explored through a number of research objectives, which are presented below. </p><p>Areas essential for the functioning of the central purchasing unit: </p><p>- The overall organisation of Stora Enso’s purchasing activities, </p><p>- Stora Enso’s cross-functional purchasing teams, </p><p>- The internal coordination and communication, </p><p>- The relational bonds between Stora Enso and the suppliers </p><p>Important goals and visions for the central purchasing unit: </p><p>- Minimising the Total Business Cost, </p><p>- Being an attractive partner to the suppliers </p><p>Currently discussed issues within the central purchasing organisation: </p><p>- The potential for closer cooperation between Stora Enso and the suppliers, </p><p>- The professionalism of Stora Enso’s purchasers </p><p>Stora Enso is well organised for purchasing but the centrally coordinated cross-functional teams are not working as well as they could. The internal coordination has improved lately but the central purchasing unit’s mission to optimise for Stora Enso as a whole often creates tension within the organisation, as a result of the mills being profit centres. The internal communication is not efficient, and the suppliers are strengthening their bonds with the mills by taking over the responsibility for certain information flows. The central purchasing unit and the cross-functional teams have the responsibility but not the authority to carry out their task of identifying and reducing the Total Business Cost. Stora Enso is an attractive customer for their suppliers, mainly because of the big volumes they represent. The current negotiation strategies are not advantageous for the introduction of collaborative supplier relations but other factors in the relation between the suppliers and Stora Enso speak strongly in favour for such a strategic change. When it comes to professionalism and business moral the suppliers give the central purchasing unit a very positive evaluation.</p>

The purpose of this study is to investigate the suppliers’ view of their relation to Stora Enso. The study focuses on the relation between the central purchasing unit of Stora Enso and the suppliers but also gives indications of how the overall interface between Stora Enso and the suppliers works. The purpose is explored through a number of research objectives, which are presented below. Areas essential for the functioning of the central purchasing unit: - The overall organisation of Stora Enso’s purchasing activities, - Stora Enso’s cross-functional purchasing teams, - The internal coordination and communication, - The relational bonds between Stora Enso and the suppliers Important goals and visions for the central purchasing unit: - Minimising the Total Business Cost, - Being an attractive partner to the suppliers Currently discussed issues within the central purchasing organisation: - The potential for closer cooperation between Stora Enso and the suppliers, - The professionalism of Stora Enso’s purchasers Stora Enso is well organised for purchasing but the centrally coordinated cross-functional teams are not working as well as they could. The internal coordination has improved lately but the central purchasing unit’s mission to optimise for Stora Enso as a whole often creates tension within the organisation, as a result of the mills being profit centres. The internal communication is not efficient, and the suppliers are strengthening their bonds with the mills by taking over the responsibility for certain information flows. The central purchasing unit and the cross-functional teams have the responsibility but not the authority to carry out their task of identifying and reducing the Total Business Cost. Stora Enso is an attractive customer for their suppliers, mainly because of the big volumes they represent. The current negotiation strategies are not advantageous for the introduction of collaborative supplier relations but other factors in the relation between the suppliers and Stora Enso speak strongly in favour for such a strategic change. When it comes to professionalism and business moral the suppliers give the central purchasing unit a very positive evaluation.

This dissertation is mapping the practise of securing of purchased parts within Skoda Auto company in pre-production and production of vehicles. There are two approaches compared: existing and new one so-called Kaufteilemanagement. Was done analysis of causes of complications with parts delieveries. Was done analysis of tools used for securing of purchased parts. There are new possible tools proposed. Methods of data acquisition: analysis of empirical data, consultations and discussions with Skoda Auto personnel.

The role of purchasing has been evolving during the last years, increasing its strategic importance inside the organization. Traditionally viewed as a supportive function impacting only the bottom-line of the company, the main performance indicators for purchasing were cost-reduction and savings. Nowadays, organizations recognize the importance of the value added generated in the purchasing processes and they are broadening their vision of purchasing as a strategic contributor of value in both economical and intangible aspects.   One of the main intangible value contributions from the purchasing department (PD) of any company is the one provided to its internal customers; measured in the level of internal service quality and customer satisfaction. An adequate internal customer relationship management can translate into advantages for the PD, improving its strategic position in the organization, and in benefits for the company, increasing directly or indirectly its business performance.   The purpose of this research study was to understand how the purchasing department can create value inside an organization, how that value is measured and how it can be increased; being the central focus on the internal customers of the department. This research work was conducted as a single case study performed in a multinational company from the telecommunication industry. Qualitative data was gathered through structured interviews, formal and informal meetings with personnel from the company and a survey to triangulate the information. The objective was to determine the most important value adding factors for the internal customers of the purchasing department and evaluate their satisfaction level.   Two models for assessing the value contributed by the PD were the grounding for developing the tools used in the achievement of the objectives; one of them was based on the SERVQUAL model and the other one on the concept of meaningful involvement. Using inputs from both, a model for evaluating the value added to internal customer was proposed. In addition, the author identified improvement opportunities, related mainly with relationship management in the company and she suggested improvement measures accordingly. Finally, future courses of action were recommended, relating the value added concept with purchasing maturity models.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 K43 / Master of Landscape Architecture