This is a quantitative study that focuses on the lack of differentiation within the forecourt convenience store industry within Cape Town area and the use of an information system to build a differentiation strategy for major oil companies. A critical literature review was conducted to provide a theoretical framework for this study. The literature provided a foundation for the study and revealed that previous researchers have found that it is vital to differentiate within the retail industry due to the highly competitive nature of the industry. It was also made evident in the literature that companies need to become knowledgeable about the customer, the store attributes and products that can contribute to developing a differentiation strategy. Previous researchers recognized the value of having a robust information system that can provide key information required for the strategic planning process of retail companies. The literature review assisted in placing this study in context and preparing for the collection of primary data to answer the research questions. The Chevron retailers within the Cape Town area participated in the study and responded to a questionnaire that focused on the value of differentiation and information systems within the convenience store industry and the subsequent effect it has on the profitability and brand equity of a company. The survey strategy was chosen as the most applicable research method and the findings from the analysis of the data shows that the retailers are in strong agreement that differentiation will enable an oil company to rise above the competitors within the forecourt convenience store industry and also agreed that an information system is required to provide the critical information to assist in developing a differentiation strategy. There appears to be a strong positive correlation between differentiating and an information system from the responses received from the sample of retailers. From the synthesis of the results the most important factors that can be used to differentiate in the industry are store location and customer service. It was also found that the information system must contain data on customers, store attributes and products. This is seen as important ingredients for the strategic planning process and this information will ultimately contribute to an increase in profitability and brand equity if used appropriately. The recommendations made to an oil company that operates within the forecourt convenience store industry are to focus on strategic store locations and customer service to increase profitability and brand equity. Additionally a back-office system must be implemented that enables the capture of pertinent customer, store and product information. It was also recommended that a further study be undertaken using qualitative data gathering techniques and the scope to include the entire convenience store industry in South Africa. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

The essence of this thesis may be described by Ruther's argument that the survey profession is confronted with the necessity of having to redefine its role in society, or face the consequences of having the profession become marginalised (n .d: 1). The thesis reviews the functions of a traditional land surveyor, and shows how these functions are diminishing. This is done to illustrate the need for change in the profile of a traditional land surveyor, and the necessity of him redefining his role in society, in order to prosper in the future. The concept of geomatics, as an integrated approach to the acquisition and management of spatial data is introduced, and is used to illustrate the types of skills which a traditional land surveyor already has, and would need to acquire, in order to make the transition to a modern land surveyor, or what is tenned a geomaticist. A case study is then carried out in order to test the validity of the conceptual framework. / Thesis (M.Sc.Sur)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

The purpose of this study was to develop management guidelines to ensure the long term ecological sustainability of the beach and sand dune area of Grand Beach Provincial Park. A qualitative approach was taken including interviews of individuals who use Grand Beach. A literature review was completed describing the history of use at Grand Beach Provincial Park, ecological processes specific to the park, and management guidelines in other jurisdictions in Canada with similar natural features. Aerial imagery provided a temporal look at intensely used areas in the park. Recommendations include: 1) completion of a biophysical study of the park including an inventory of flora and fauna species 2) development of a monitoring plan incorporating the natural environment with the human dimension of the park 3) engagement of park visitors through signage, education and awareness, and 4) engage the scientific community to form partnerships for further research studies in the park.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to develop management guidelines to ensure the long term ecological sustainability of the beach and sand dune area of Grand Beach Provincial Park. A qualitative approach was taken including interviews of individuals who use Grand Beach. A literature review was completed describing the history of use at Grand Beach Provincial Park, ecological processes specific to the park, and management guidelines in other jurisdictions in Canada with similar natural features. Aerial imagery provided a temporal look at intensely used areas in the park. Recommendations include: 1) completion of a biophysical study of the park including an inventory of flora and fauna species 2) development of a monitoring plan incorporating the natural environment with the human dimension of the park 3) engagement of park visitors through signage, education and awareness, and 4) engage the scientific community to form partnerships for further research studies in the park.

<p> This thesis examines the early years (1921-1939) of the Smoki People of Prescott, Arizona. The Smoki were a civic organization predicated upon a perceived imperative to act within the capacity of guardians and authorities of regional and cultural heritage. This work seeks to examine the social and political dynamics that shaped the mission of the Smoki, and to evaluate the historical context that facilitated and sustained the organization's ability to engage in the politics of indigenous cultural appropriation, representation and display.</p>

Natural resources are part of the social capital. It is useful to classify them in relation to their use by man. Renewable resources can be used and yet perpetuated at a given Isvel of quantity and quality. They include the attributes of soil and landscape, the btotic and water resources. Minerals and fossil fuels, on the other hand are depleted through use. They are non-renewable resources. Renewable resources, together with man, comprise a dynamic bio-system. Any usage of resources affects the system and, in turn, society and vice versa. The resource uses considered here are agriculture, horticulture, forestry, grazing, and watershed protection. These uses embrace an area's rural sector. This includes that part of the output of goods and services and of employment in the economy which depends on the use of land conceived as a natural resource. A conjoint consideration of all the above uses is required to adapt an area's resource-use pattern to society's needs. For this, case studies are needed. This Investigation pertains to Kashmir valley in north India. The role of renewable resources in development is analysed in chapter II. This provides a conceptual background. In a poor region like Kashmir, renewable resources have an important place in catalysing development. This involves the transformation of the available renewable resource capital, such as forests, into more productive forms. Additionally, the effects of the increasing man/land ratio can be offset through an intensification of land-use. A conservationist policy, which impedes the above process, is unhelpful to economic development. The policy should be to economizeon scares man-made capital and skills. They may be combined with larger doses of underutilized renewable resources and unskilled labour. The question in development is not of locking up the social capital for posterity or of canalising society's limited resources into one or the other sector. It is of allocating resources to most productive opportunities. The planning method evolved here consists of synthesising biotechnical, economic and institutional analyses. The analytical stages do not rigidly follow this order; for, in practice, one analysis has feed-back effects on another.[See text for remainder of abstract].

The vesting of pounamu back to Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu brings to the fore a whole new dimension of resource mangement to New Zealand�s wider resource management environment. As is highlighted in this study and noted by a number of academics, Maori people, like other indigenous communities, have their own planning systems values and appropriate processes for decision-making about the environment. But the relevance of such indigenous management systems has long been overlooked by the decision makers and authorities to the continued frustration and anxiety of indigenous peoples. This lack of recognition has been at the fore as a concept fundamental to many indigenous peoples grievances, both past and present. The subsequent vesting of pounamu has brought about the validation that Maori have to resource management rights. In identifying issues associated with the management of natural resources by indigenous peoples, this study provides an examination of number theoretical concepts and a practical dimension associated with the management of natural resources by indigenous peoples and has placed pounamu in context. The placement of pounamu in context has provided the basis from which a number of central issues were identified and discussed. A combination a literature study, analysis of an application traditional knowledge in a contemporary context and in-depth interviews and liaison with key stakeholders involved directly and indirectly in the management of pounmau were undertaken, has established that the management of natural resources by indigenous people is more about the management of number of associated processes rather than about the management of a single commodity, in this instance pounamu. Within these processes there exist a number of complex relationships that reflect the fundamental transaction of power and privilege associated with natural resource management. Further conclusions that this study has made, is the increasing need and importance of legislatures and planning professionals alike to further recognise the validity and become familiar with alternate methods of resource management and the application of indigenous systems and methods.

This thesis examines knowledge management from a social networking perspective, arguing that knowledge, as a social construct, has at its basis, people; and their interaction with one another. Knowing is an act of interpretation. From this perspective, knowledge management becomes more focused on managing these interactions and seeing staff as inquirers and generators of new knowledge. Thus, this research will explore the research question: Do managers perceive that the social network perspective of knowledge management, offers them a wider range of options of how to manage knowledge in dynamic environments? / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2009

Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2004.