O presente estudo busca explicar de que forma o uso de jogos digitais contribui para o processo de desenvolvimento de gestores públicos, considerando-se que a capacitação gerencial é fundamental para o alcance de resultados e para a prestação de serviços públicos de qualidade. O primeiro passo da pesquisa foi compreender na literatura o que significa o uso de jogos digitais para fins educacionais e de desenvolvimento, o que foi feito por meio de um estudo bibliométrico. Na prática, o uso de jogos digitais relaciona-se a conceitos como jogos sérios (serious games), gamificação (gamification) e aprendizado por meio de jogos (game-based learning). O estudo envolveu, então, o desenvolvimento do serious game Liderança em Jogo: Competências, Papéis e Responsabilidades, que leva em conta o contexto do setor público e foi pensado justamente como ferramenta para o desenvolvimento de gestores públicos. A aplicação do jogo foi feita por meio de um curso especialmente concebido para este trabalho e a avaliação de sua eficácia considerou o modelo de quatro níveis de Kirkpatrick (reação, aprendizado, comportamento e resultados). O impacto do uso desse jogo digital foi avaliado comparativamente por meio de um conjunto de dois experimentos completamente aleatorizados, com grupo de controle e no formato pré-teste/pós-teste (experimento 1) e pós-teste apenas (experimento 2). A pesquisa foi multimétodo, envolvendo triangulação metodológica, sendo complementada por análises qualitativas (entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise de conteúdo). Como principais resultados, foram verificados impactos nos quatro níveis avaliados. Os experimentos mostraram que, em comparação ao grupo de controle, quem joga (grupo experimental) gosta mais do processo de aprendizado (reação) e apresenta maiores níveis de atenção e relevância do modelo ARCS, desenvolvido por John M. Keller, utilizado para avaliar a motivação; demonstra maiores níveis de aquisição de conhecimento (aprendizado); desenvolve uma visão de gestão mais atrelada aos aspectos humanos (atitude como antecedente do comportamento); e vê mais impactos do treinamento sobre o resultado projetado de seu trabalho para o futuro (resultados). As entrevistas ainda indicaram que o jogo, além de ter seguido os preceitos de game design que o caracterizam como tal, provocou reflexões que resultaram em mudança de comportamento em situações do dia a dia. Assim, considerando-se o desenvolvimento gerencial do ponto de vista das competências como o conjunto de Conhecimentos, Habilidades e Atitudes (CHA) da pessoa, vê-se que o jogo digital utilizado é efetivo para o desenvolvimento gerencial, uma vez que os experimentos detectaram aquisição de conhecimentos e mudanças de atitudes. A contribuição do estudo é relevante pois, além de trazer evidências empíricas necessárias à literatura, integra em um framework conceitual as inter-relações de diversos referenciais teóricos como base para uma pesquisa operacionalizável. As principais limitações do estudo estão associadas à artificialidade dos experimentos e ao não controle de variáveis que possam ter impacto no aprendizado. Além da opção de avaliar apenas os níveis mais baixos de aprendizado da taxonomia de Bloom, com a utilização de questões diretas no instrumento de avaliação de conhecimento, o reduzido número de participantes também foi uma limitação, impactando as possibilidades estatísticas de identificar efeitos sobre os níveis de profundidade do conhecimento adquirido ou diferentes assuntos considerados no curso/treinamento. / This study aims to explain how the use of digital games can contribute to the process of development of public managers, considering that managerial capacity is key to the achievement of results and the provision of good quality public services. The first step of the research was to seek in the literature what the use of digital games means in terms of educational and development purposes. That was done through a bibliometric study. In practice, the use of digital games is related to concepts such as serious games, gamification and game-based learning. The following step involved the development of the serious game entitled Liderançaem Jogo: Competências, Papéis e Responsabilidades, which takes into account the context of the Public Sector and was built specifically as a tool for the development of public managers. The application of the game was made through a course specially designed for this study and the assessment of its effectiveness considered Kirkpatrick\'s four-level model (reaction, learning, behavior and results). The impact of the use of this digital game was evaluated through a set of two randomized experiments, with a control group and in the pre-test /post-test format (experiment 1) and post-test only (experiment 2). The research was multi-method, involving methodological triangulation and was complemented by qualitative analyzes (semi-structured interviews and content analysis). The main results show impacts in the four evaluated levels. The experiments showed that, in comparison with the control group, the subjects who play (experimental group) enjoy more the learning process (reaction) and present higher levels of attention and relevance, according to the ARCS model developed by John M. Keller, used to evaluate motivation. In addition, they demonstrate higher levels of knowledge acquisition (learning); develop a management vision more linked to human aspects (attitude as antecedent of the behavior) and see more impact of the training on the outcomes of their job for the future (results). The interviews also indicated that the game, in addition to having followed the precepts of game design led to reflections that resulted in behavior change in day-to-day situations. Therefore, considering the managerial development from the point of view of the competences as the sum of knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA) of a person, it is seen that the digital game used is effective, once the experiments detected acquisition of knowledge and changes in attitudes. The contribution of this study is relevant because, in addition to bringing empirical evidence to the literature, it integrates the inter-relationships of several theoretical references into a conceptual framework as the basis for an executable research. The main limitations of the study are associated with the artificiality of the experiments and the non-control of variables that may have an impact on learning. Besides evaluating only the lower learning levels according to the Bloom\'s taxonomy, using direct questions in the assessment instrument, the small number of participants was also a factor of limitation, which might have impacted on statistical inference of the effects on the levels of depth of knowledge acquired or on the different topics approached in the course/training.

This study is an in-depth overview of the critical issues impacting on skills development in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The South African Public Service consists of individuals with their own potential and career paths. The thesis has convincingly argued that managers in the Public Service need to align the potential of their employees with organisational strategies and policies. The study has shown that the training of employees becomes a necessity when departments want to keep track and meet the expectations of their internal and external environments. The thesis proposes and has proven that an integrated approach to human resource development through the process of performance management is a vital requirement, which is critical for skills acquisition. The study, further, notes that if performance management is implemented appropriately, a viable learning organisation could be created. Linking the system of performance management with the learning organisation offers a unique perspective on integrated human resource management, and thus, an important contribution is made to understanding the theory of Public Administration as it applies to skills development. This thesis propounds the notion that evaluation seems to be the missing link in training and development of human resources in the DPSA. Research clearly indicates that the only way to ensure that training priorities are met is to make training evaluation part of the design of a training course. The model proposed in this thesis, for the evaluation of training, entails adding value to both individual and departmental performance. Detail reviews from this thesis, which are supported by both quantitative and qualitative imperatives, suggest that it now becomes essential that senior management initiates a process where individual positions, their importance and contributions, are aligned with the effective and efficient realisation of departmental strategies. The cumulative effect of this thesis resonates on an analysis of both theory and practice regarding the creation and implementation of a learning organisation, which is a landmark for international best practices in the study of public human resource development and training in South Africa. / Thesis (DPhil (Public Administration))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / Unrestricted

This diploma thesis deals with the topic of human resources in South Moravian Region (SMR). The thesis presents recommendations for changes in regional politics in the area of human resource development, based on the research of selected literature, analysis of current trends and strategic documents in the EU, the Czech Republic and the SMR, analysis and comparison of development potentials of LAU 1 regions in the SMR as well as my own survey. Final recommendations proceed from all of the theoretical and practical information presented in this thesis and suggest following changes: reducing disparities at lower regional level; refinement and optimisation of the overall evaluation process and final monitoring reports of implemented programmes; better support of regions in which lower development potential was detected; stronger promotion of information about the current situation in the labour market, wages and demand for employees in selected fields; simplification of information about the currently implemented operational programmes and promotion of simpler and more understandable forms of communication in order to enhance the activity of micro-enterprises leading to an increase in the total number of applicants for grants under the operational programmes. The advantage of this study compared to studies of a similar nature is the focus on the local market. Despite an above-average concept of human resource development in the SMR in comparison with other NUTS III regions these results allow to further optimise the local policy in this region.

The purpose of the research was to recommend a model for strategic human resource management through an effective staff performance appraisal system in Botswana public libraries. Performance appraisal is not a new concept; however the evolution of performance appraisal tools and techniques has been slow compared to that of other management fields. This discrepancy is now being realised; organisations are starting to acknowledge the importance of comprehensive, regular appraisal of staff as part of an effective human resource management policy. Human resources are a scarce and valuable tool in any organisation and it is mainly through performance appraisal that they can be developed and maintained, to ensure organisational success. The theory underlying strategic human resource management and performance management has been studied. Empirical research through a questionnaire was carried out in 23 public libraries. From these it was possible to develop a model entitled "A recommended strategic human resource management model". From empirical investigation the main critical qualities for efficient public library services were revealed as enthusiasm; positive attitude; innovative thinking; capability and commitment; critical competencies as expertise; team-building; and leadership; critical external factors as external environment; global competition; shrinking budget; changing library customers and employees' needs and information technology; strategic management issues organisational culture; transformational leadership; employee recognition and reward systems; performance measurement system; productivity improvement; and customer orientation; critical staff issues as sense of purpose and achievement; feeling of self-worth; job-security; recognition; status; career development; and salary; motivational factors as effective communication; job satisfaction; delegation of authority; clear job description; performance feedback; conducive working environment; human resource strategy issues as motivation building among staff;continuous education and development; generating competitive advantage through human resources; and alignment of human resource strategy with strategic management plan. The study recommends a strategic human resource management model for libraries along with: conducive working environment; adequate IT infrastructure to store, organise and retrieve information; staff training for excellent customer service; objective, reward based staff appraisal; performance feedback; performance appraisal should be aligned with staff selection, library mission, staff motivation and promotion in order to use it strategically; and human resource strategy should be developed immediately. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

Text in Afrikaans / Summary in Afrikaans and English / Die Nasionale Biblioteek van Suid-Afrika ervaar 'n behoefte aan 'n metode van menslikehulpbronontwikkeling waarvolgens die vaardighede van werknemers ontwikkel kan word sodat die organisasie kan aanpas by plaaslike en globale veranderinge. Gestruktureerde mentorskap is vervolgens geidentifiseer as 'n geskikte metode om in die bestaande behoefte te voorsien, aangesien mentorskap se loopbaan- en psigo-sosiale funksies die ontwikkeling van die professionele en persoonlike vaardighede van die werknemer moontlik maak. Daarby is mentorskap nie net voordelig vir die betrokkenes nie, maar dit hou ook besliste voordele in vir die organisasie en die sektor waarbinne die organisasie werksaam is. Die suksesvolle toepassing van gestruktureerde mentorskap is egter daaraan onderhewig dat die kontekstuele omgewing waarbinne dit toegepas gaan word, geskik moet wees, en werknemers moet bereid wees om betrokke te raak by so 'n program. 'n Konseptuele raamwerk vir die bestudering van mentorskap soos opgestel deur David Marshall Hunt en Carol Michael is derhalwe aangepas om die verskynsel "mentorskap" deur middel van 'n verkennende literatuuroorsig te bestudeer. Die bevindinge van die literatuuroorsig word ondersteun deur 'n empiriese ondersoek van die geskiktheid van die Nasionale Biblioteek van Suid-Afrika as kontekstuele omgewing vir die toepassing van mentorskap en die bereidwilligheid van die werknemers van hierdie biblioteekorganisasie om betrokke te raak by die mentorskapproses. Die data wat ingesamel is, word ontleed en die gevolgtrekkings wat gemaak word oor bogenoemde twee vereistes vir die suksesvolle toepassing van mentorskap word uiteengesit. Die studie word afgesluit deur aanbevelings wat gemaak word oor aspekte van die toepassing van mentorskap wat verdere navorsing regverdig, maar wat nie binne die bestek van hierdie studie na behore aangespreek kon word nie. / Structured mentoring was identified as a method to develop the professional and personal skills of the employees of the National Library of South Africa in order to adjust to local and global changes. A conceptual framework for the study of mentoring, as developed by Hunt and Michael, was therefore critically adapted in order to investigate fully the phenomenon of "mentoring" by means of an exploratory literature review. The findings of the literature review are supported by an empirical survey to test the suitability of the National Library of South Africa as contextual environment for the application of mentoring, as well as the willingness of its employees to participate in mentoring. This culminated in an analysis and interpretation of the findings and formulation of conclusions regarding the two abovementioned requirements for the successful application of mentoring. The study ends with recommendations for further investigation into aspects of mentoring which could not be covered in this study. / Information Science / M. Inf.

The research was undertaken to investigate the impact of the Tshivhase Tea Estate on the space economy of Venda, the people and area ofMapate, and Duthuni, among whom the Tea Estate is established. The approach is based on principles. Principles of development theory are combined with appropriate spatial models. The development reality of Venda, together with many other development projects are analysed. Does the tea estate address the rural poverty problem? Findings are presented from a case study of Tshivhase and this proved the lack of growth and development impulses to alleviate the poverty of the rural people among whom it is located. Development is considered in terms of its possible simultaneous diffusion of economic activity and modernisation in all four dimensions of the spatial system : political, socio-cultural, economic and physical. / Department of Geography / M.A. (Geography)

"S. Dooley: Tertiary Reader" / Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This study provides analysis, conclusions and recommendations to assist the Deputy Commandant (DC), Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department (M&RA) and DC, Programs and Resources Department (P&R) in structure and process decisions concerning Marine Corps Manpower budget execution. DC, M&RA is the owner of the Marine Human Resource Development Process (HRDP) and the Military Personnel Marine Corps (MPMC) appropriation sponsor, while the DC, P&R has budgetary (1517) authority for MPMC budget execution. In contrast, the Navy has both sponsorship and 1517 authority within one cell at N1. By comparing these two services' organizational factors and Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Systems (PPBES), relevant differences surface, conclusions are drawn, and recommendations offered for improvements. Recommendations include realignment of 1517 authority within MPMC execution, and the melding of the Programs and Budget Branch of Manpower Plans Division, M&RA with the Military Personnel Branch, Fiscal Division, P&R (RFM). This new office will be responsible for all facets of MPMC programming, budgeting, and execution. / Captain, United States Marine Corps

New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute / Also published as: Agricultural Engineering Thesis no. 4 / For large areas of New Zealand that suffer from agricultural drought, the only practicable way of providing irrigation is through the use of water harvesting schemes that divert winter flood water in nearby streams into off-stream storages for irrigation use in the summer. A community water harvesting scheme is presently under construction in the Glenmark area of North Canterbury which was designed using traditional methods. The objectives of this thesis were to assess the limitations of traditional design methods for water harvesting schemes using the Glenmark Scheme as a case study and to develop an improved method based on a systems modelling approach. A daily simulation model was developed that incorporated in a realistic way the engineering, hydrologic, agronomic and economic features of importance to the design of water harvesting schemes in New Zealand. The model was used to study the adequacy of the traditional methods used for the design of the Glenmark Scheme; to arrive at alternative design solutions that achieved higher levels of engineering, agronomic and economic efficiency; and to develop a better understanding of the nature of complex water harvesting systems. It was demonstrated that compounding conservatism inherent in traditional design methods resulted in scheme overdesign and that the ability of the systems model to capture the essential dynamics of the system allowed higher levels of design performance to be achieved. The experience gained in the use of the systems model led to the development of a formalised design procedure for water harvesting schemes that represents an advance on methods hitherto available.

This study focuses on the composition of guidelines for the effective assessment of lecturers - hence the emphasis is on the principle that assessment may be regarded as indispensable for professional development and for making a meaningful contribution towards ensuring quality in the context of the National Qualification framework. To this end a literature study was firstly undertaken regarding the nature of and criteria for effective assessment. The literature indicated that a variety of changes took place in South Africa since 1994, amongst others in the area of education, training and development. There have been numerous debates about this on stages and in political council halls, schools, colleges, technikons, universities, the press and the general workplace. Often the debates also centred on the low levels of competence and performance of workers in South Africa. Sometimes even the abilities, competence and performance levels of graduates and diplomandi have been questioned. In the context of these doubts people started investigating the role played by higher education, and more specifically lecturers, in ensuring that competent human resources leave the higher education environment for the professional world. As a result the purposeful assessment of lecturers has been identified as imperative. Furthermore, certain important factors that may influence the nature of and criteria for assessment, are discussed in this study. These include, amongst others, issues such as the education and training system, outcomes-based education and training, competence, knowledge escalation, the assessment of competence arid performance, the professional development of the lecturer, the concept assessment, the relation between assessment and ensuring quality, Bloom's taxonomy, different assessment instruments, the management of quality and the appointment of lecturers. The assessment of lecturers is viewed from a development-oriented perspective, where the focus is on continuous assessment that may be beneficial for individual, professional and organisational development. It is shown that a variety of qualitative and quantitative assessment instruments may be optimalised during formative as well as summative assessment, with which the training, needs, abilities, skills, competencies, capacity and performance of lecturers may be determined. The assessment of lecturers is regarded as a contributing factor in delivering and ensuring quality. It is also shown that the process should be undertaken in a managerial manner in order to continuously promote quality. Thereupon a discussion of assessment practices follows. In this discussion the focus is on the roles of lecturers in government-supported higher education institutions. The discussion is guided by the context which is determined by the implementation of the principles of the National Qualification Framework. A number of actors are identified who are directly or indirectly involved in the assessment of lecturers' competencies, outputs and performance in the higher education environment. It is also indicated that the implementation of the National Qualification Framework is guided by a number of legislations of which government-supported higher education institutions must give account in the performing of their tasks and functions. From literature it is clear that countries like the United Kingdom, the USA, Australia and New Zealand use assessment practices to ensure quality in the higher education environment. The role of the lecturer in that process is highlighted, and it is indicated that the assessment of the lecturer is indirectly addressed in the process. An empirical study was performed to establish, in the first instance, whether lecturers have been subjected to effective and appropriate training regarding the implementation of the National Qualification Framework. The second objective of the empirical study was to identify the implications of the assessment of lecturers attached to government-subsidised or public higher education institutions for all stakeholders. It is found in this study that a distinction should be made between the competence and performance assessment of lecturers. In addition it is indicated that the competence certification of lecturers must be regarded as imperative in order to facilitate performance-oriented functioning in the higher education environment. It is also found that lecturers must to a large extent cope with the process of giving account of all the new legislations and resulting expectations - sometimes under great pressure and amidst uncertainty and insufficient competence levels because of inadequate training, assessment and feedback. As a result lecturers do not experience the implementation of the National Qualification Framework as effective. In order to accommodate the changed and changing environment of the higher education sector, a conceptual model is composed to serve as a guide for the assessment of lecturers. In this model it is indicated that systems being developed for the assessment of lecturers should make provision for and account for a variety of factors, such as quality, primary and secondary actors, legislation, and the abilities, skills, competencies, capacity and performance levels of lecturers, assessment instruments, proactive, reactive, formative, summative, qualitative and quantitative assessment interventions. The synchronization and purposeful structuring of these factors may make a contribution towards creating a context which is beneficial to the professional development of the lecturer and consequently to performance in the higher education system. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003

This study focuses on the composition of guidelines for the effective assessment of lecturers - hence the emphasis is on the principle that assessment may be regarded as indispensable for professional development and for making a meaningful contribution towards ensuring quality in the context of the National Qualification framework. To this end a literature study was firstly undertaken regarding the nature of and criteria for effective assessment. The literature indicated that a variety of changes took place in South Africa since 1994, amongst others in the area of education, training and development. There have been numerous debates about this on stages and in political council halls, schools, colleges, technikons, universities, the press and the general workplace. Often the debates also centred on the low levels of competence and performance of workers in South Africa. Sometimes even the abilities, competence and performance levels of graduates and diplomandi have been questioned. In the context of these doubts people started investigating the role played by higher education, and more specifically lecturers, in ensuring that competent human resources leave the higher education environment for the professional world. As a result the purposeful assessment of lecturers has been identified as imperative. Furthermore, certain important factors that may influence the nature of and criteria for assessment, are discussed in this study. These include, amongst others, issues such as the education and training system, outcomes-based education and training, competence, knowledge escalation, the assessment of competence arid performance, the professional development of the lecturer, the concept assessment, the relation between assessment and ensuring quality, Bloom's taxonomy, different assessment instruments, the management of quality and the appointment of lecturers. The assessment of lecturers is viewed from a development-oriented perspective, where the focus is on continuous assessment that may be beneficial for individual, professional and organisational development. It is shown that a variety of qualitative and quantitative assessment instruments may be optimalised during formative as well as summative assessment, with which the training, needs, abilities, skills, competencies, capacity and performance of lecturers may be determined. The assessment of lecturers is regarded as a contributing factor in delivering and ensuring quality. It is also shown that the process should be undertaken in a managerial manner in order to continuously promote quality. Thereupon a discussion of assessment practices follows. In this discussion the focus is on the roles of lecturers in government-supported higher education institutions. The discussion is guided by the context which is determined by the implementation of the principles of the National Qualification Framework. A number of actors are identified who are directly or indirectly involved in the assessment of lecturers' competencies, outputs and performance in the higher education environment. It is also indicated that the implementation of the National Qualification Framework is guided by a number of legislations of which government-supported higher education institutions must give account in the performing of their tasks and functions. From literature it is clear that countries like the United Kingdom, the USA, Australia and New Zealand use assessment practices to ensure quality in the higher education environment. The role of the lecturer in that process is highlighted, and it is indicated that the assessment of the lecturer is indirectly addressed in the process. An empirical study was performed to establish, in the first instance, whether lecturers have been subjected to effective and appropriate training regarding the implementation of the National Qualification Framework. The second objective of the empirical study was to identify the implications of the assessment of lecturers attached to government-subsidised or public higher education institutions for all stakeholders. It is found in this study that a distinction should be made between the competence and performance assessment of lecturers. In addition it is indicated that the competence certification of lecturers must be regarded as imperative in order to facilitate performance-oriented functioning in the higher education environment. It is also found that lecturers must to a large extent cope with the process of giving account of all the new legislations and resulting expectations - sometimes under great pressure and amidst uncertainty and insufficient competence levels because of inadequate training, assessment and feedback. As a result lecturers do not experience the implementation of the National Qualification Framework as effective. In order to accommodate the changed and changing environment of the higher education sector, a conceptual model is composed to serve as a guide for the assessment of lecturers. In this model it is indicated that systems being developed for the assessment of lecturers should make provision for and account for a variety of factors, such as quality, primary and secondary actors, legislation, and the abilities, skills, competencies, capacity and performance levels of lecturers, assessment instruments, proactive, reactive, formative, summative, qualitative and quantitative assessment interventions. The synchronization and purposeful structuring of these factors may make a contribution towards creating a context which is beneficial to the professional development of the lecturer and consequently to performance in the higher education system. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003