The research sought to investigate the Critical Excellence Factors (CEFs) that drive Excellence in banking industry. Moreover, it examines whether customers perceive the service of an excellent bank differently from a less-excellent bank. Three hypotheses were formed then tested through case study and survey strategy (triangulation), within the Saudi banking industry context. The study combines the EFQM excellence model as an internal assessment tool (case studies), with the SERVQUAL gap model for external assessment (questionnaires). Analysing and contrasting the two sets of results allowed the study to achieve its main objective. Based on the empirical work, the study identifies several CEFs that must be carefully considered when driving excellence in banking. These factors were proposed in a generic integrated model for driving Excellence in Banking.

Globalisation is affecting all social sectors, including education in ways that was never thought of before. In South Africa the most changing environment is probably the education sector. Higher education institutions in particular are constantly forging ways to develop the human resource capital for the country despite the shrinking financial resources. The increased demand for quality education, greater efficiency, accountability and national viability constantly challenge academics such that they can no longer wait for management to provide them with the necessary skills and competences. The times are calling for academics to take initiatives to develop themselves for improved performance in their primary roles and in the education of the learners. This study was undertaken to determine the changing nature of radiography as a profession and field of specialization, the development needs of radiography educators and the preferred strategies that could be used to develop the necessary skills and competences. A qualitative research design was employed and data collected through the literature review and interviews. Unstructured questions were used in the interviews to obtain an in-depth understanding of the situation. Challenges faced by academic radiographers in South Africa were explored and new competences required by academe during the time of change explained. Focus was put on the primary functions of academe and that includes teaching, research, community service/service learning and learner supervision strategies that can be used to improve the role of academe were described. Conclusions and recommendations regarding human resource development of academe were drawn from the literature review and the empirical investigation. / Dissertation (MEd (Maximising Potential in Education and Training))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted