Corporate governance has received considerable attention over the past few decades especially after several corporate scandals and global financial crises surfaced. It is a tool that ensures the wealth maximization interest of shareholders (Grove & Clouse, 2015; Gupta, 2015). Several studies on corporate governance have been made around the world, mostly in the context of developed nations. These have made significant contributions to the corporate governance literature and practice. However, there is scant research that addresses corporate governance issues in the context of emerging economies. In terms of applicability, it is important to view corporate governance not as a whole but in the context of specific fashion due to the economic, political, social and cultural differences among countries. In spite of the numerous studies in the subject and their contributions, a significant gap exists in our understanding of the relationship between corporate governance structure, process and board performances. Most of the prior studies focused on board structure giving much less emphasis to the board process- the missing link. By way of addressing the gap and providing a broader understanding of the relationship among the corporate governance variables, this study, among others, explored how board structure and board process influence the board performance in an emerging market economy context. Board performance has hardly been explored in this setting and this study tries to contribute to the existing literature by examining the antecedents of the boards‟ performance. The antecedents are positioned in the second order constructs that include the board structure and the board process. The antecedents with the board structure go beyond the usual variables of size, CEO duality and the outside/inside directors‟ ratio. A mixed method approach was used in the collection and analysis of the data. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from private and public banks‟ governing bodies and various groups of stakeholders. The quantitative data were mainly analyzed statistically using the Partial Least Square method of the Structural Equation Modeling. The qualitative data obtained from the survey and the interviews were thematically analyzed to identify important concerns. The findings from the quantitative data analysis showed that board structure has positive and significant influence on board process, board service and control v task performance. The findings also indicated a positive and significant relationship between board process and both board service and control task performance. Furthermore, the study revealed that board process mediates the relationships between board structure and both board service and control roles; it was also found that ownership type affects board performance but has no influence on company performance. The stakeholders‟ perceptions of various aspects of corporate governance practices, as beginners, were found out to be not bad. However, Ethiopia, like many emerging market economies, does not yet have a fully developed legal and regulatory system. Additionally, the enforcement capacities of the regulatory organ are at a nascent stage, and a private sector that is able to support effective corporate governance has yet to emerge. The nature of the Ethiopian banking corporate governance system can be characterized by a one tier system with a non-executive board of directors and ownership concentration. The boards of directors are also mainly control oriented rather than strategic or service oriented leaders. / Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) / D.B.L.

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The FT-Raman techniques were developed to quantify reactions that follow on mixing aqueous solutions of bis-(1,3-diaminopropane)diaquacobalt( III) ion ([Co(tn)2(0H)(H20)]2+) and p-nitrophenylphosphate (PNPP). For the development and validation of the kinetic modelling technique, the well-studied inversion of sucrose was utilized. Rate constants and concentrations could be estimated using calibration solutions and modelling methods. It was found that the results obtained are comparable to literature values. Hence this technique could be further used for the [Co(tn)2(0H)(H20)]2+ assisted hydrolysis of PNPP. It was found that rate constants where the pH is maintained at 7.30 give results which differ from those where the pH is started at 7.30 and allowed to change during the reaction. The average rate constant for 2:1 ([Co(tn)2(0H)(H20)]2+:PNPP reactions was found to be approximately 3 x 104 times the unassisted PNPP hydrolysis rate. / Chemistry / M. Sc. (Chemistry)

[pt] O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo mostrar a aplicabilidade prática da análise limite pelo método de elementos finitos na avaliação de problemas de estabilidade de talude, sendo este colocado como um problema de programação matemática, no qual se precisa realizar um processo de otimização para a solução do problema. Apresenta-se um método para obter a solução do problema de estabilidade de taludes utilizando para isso a programação matemática, e fazendo ênfase na utilidade da programação cônica da segunda ordem (SOCP). Inicialmente faz uma revisão das formulações da análise limite, via o método de elementos finitos, encontradas na literatura existente. A seguir é descrita a formulação da análise limite numérica partindo do principio do trabalho virtual para sua formulação, e utilizando a ferramenta dos elementos finitos para realizar a implementação numérica. São propostas diferentes formas de trabalhar com o critério de resistência do material, sendo a de melhor desempenho, em termos de tempo de processamento a forma cônica quadrática que permite acoplar a programação cônica da segunda ordem (SOCP) na ferramenta numérica. É acoplada a técnica da redução dos parâmetros de resistência do material com a finalidade de encontrar o fator de segurança da estrutura do talude (FS). Finalmente são apresentados exemplos de validação e aplicação, os quais permitem visualizar a eficiência da ferramenta desenvolvida em termos de tempo de processamento ao utilizar a programação cônica da segunda ordem (SOCP). Os resultados sugerem viabilidade da utilização da técnica estudada na solução de problemas relacionada à estabilidade de taludes. / [en] The main objective of this work is to show the practical applicability of limit analysis by finite element method in the evaluation of slope stability problems, and this placed as a mathematical programming problem, which you need to perform an optimization process to solve the problem. We present a method to obtain the solution of the problem of slope stability using for this mathematical programming, and making emphasis on the usefulness of the second order conic programming (SOCP). Initially, a review of formulations Limit Analysis via Finite Element Method, found in the existing literature. Then is described the Numerical Limit Analysis formulation starting from virtual work principle their formulation, and using Finite Element Method as a tool to carry out the numerical implementation. We propose different ways of working with the yield criterion of the material, being the best performing in terms of processing time the conic quadratic form that allows to coupling to the second order conic programming (SOCP) in numerical implementation. It is coupled to the technique of reducing the strength parameters of the material in order to find the safety factor of the slope of the structure (FS). Finally, examples are presented for validation and application, which allow you to view the efficiency of the developed implementation in terms of processing time with the use of second order conic programming (SOCP). The results suggest the feasibility of using the technique studied in the solution of problems related to Slope Stability.

Network Direct Selling Organisations (NDSOs) exist in more than 50 countries and have more than 74 million members. The most recent statistical information reveals that the vast majority of members do not earn significant income. Criticism of these organisations revolves around the ethicality of consumption, the commercialisation of personal relationships, and the exploitation of unrealistic expectations. This study aims to explore how communication creates networks that sustain an industry of this kind despite the improbability of its existence. The study commences with a description of NDSOs from historical, operational, tactical, and strategic perspectives. Given the broader context created by the global presence of this industry, cybernetics has been selected as a meta-theoretical perspective for the study of communication. The more recent development of second-order cybernetics and social autopoiesis are introduced to communication theory as a field. Niklas Luhmann‟s new social theory of communication is assessed and applied in relation to existing communication theory. New conceptual models are developed to explore communication as the unity of the synthesis of information, utterance, understanding, and expectations as selections that occur both consciously and unconsciously, intentionally and unintentionally. These models indicate the multiplexity of individual and social operationally closed, yet informationally open systems, and they are used here to provide a systemic and coherent alternative to orthodox communication approaches to the study of organisations. The study adopts a constructivist epistemological stance and propounds throughout the necessity of further interdisciplinary collaboration. The study concludes that individuals are composite unities of self-creating systems, and they co-create social systems by self-creating and co-creating meaning. Meaning is described as the continuous virtualisation and actualisation of potentialities that in turn coordinate individual and social systems‟ actions. A communication process flow model is created to provide a theoretical explanation for the existence of NDSOs as self-creating systems. The study aims to show that communication has arguably become the most pervasive discipline as a result of the globally interactive era. It is shown that second-order cybernetics and social autopoiesis raise several further questions to be explored within communication theory as a field. / Communication, first-order cybernetics, second-order cybernetics, Complexity and complex systems, autopoiesis, self-reference, recursivity, operational closure, system boundaries, Network Direct Selling Organisations / Communication / D. Litt. et Phil. (Communication)

Hierdie studie is 'n kwalitatiewe ekosistemiese ondersoek van die fenomeen Chroniese Moegheidsindroom (CMS) . Die paradigmaverskuiwing vanaf die Cartesiaans-Newtoniaanse epistemologie na die kubernetiese epistemologie, het 'n aantal belangrike implikasies vir die bestudering en konseptualisering van CMS, soos uiteengesit in hierdie studie. 'n Bespreking van die konseptualisering en behandeling van CMS vanuit die tradisionele, reduksionistiese navorsing word verskaf. Die aannames van twee-orde kubernetika en sosiale konstruksionisme, is bespreek en toegepas op die beskrywing van twee sisteme waarin CMS voorkom. Die navorsingsmetodologie van die studie is gegenereer op grand van die genoemde teoretiese aannames. Die implikasies van die toepassing van die ekosistemiese epistemologie vir die konseptualisering van CMS word uitgewys. Die herkonseptualisering van CMS as 'n transisieproses word bespreek en riglyne vir verdere navorsing en psigoterapie word aangedui. Die huidige studie bied 'n beskrywing van die unieke betekenisse en oplossings wat gesinne genereer tydens die veranderings wat CMS vergesel. / The present study is a qualitative ecosystemic exploration of the phenomenon known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The paradigm shift from the Newtonian epistemology to the epistemology of cybernetics, has important implication for research and the conceptualisation of CFS, as indicated in the study. The traditional, reductionist conceptualisation of CFS in research and treatment methods, is discussed. The suppositions of second order cybernetics and social constructionism, are discussed and applied in the description of two systems where CFS occurs. The research methodology of the present study is generated from the theoretical suppositions. Die implications of the use of the ecosystemic epistemology for the conceptualisation of CFS are indicated. The re-conceptualisation of CFS as a transition process is discussed and guidelines are given for future research and psychotherapy. The present study is a description of the unique meanings and solutions that the families generated during the changes that accompany CFS. / Psychology / M.A. (Kliniese Sielkunde)

Chronic headache may be the most frequently reported somatic symptom, yet it puzzles health experts and poses a considerable treatment challenge. It was suggested that this is because conventional views of headache, adhering to a Newtonian-Cartesian epistemology, focus almost exclusively on intrapsychic factors ignoring the wider social context in which the problem is embedded. An overview of the existing body of knowledge on the most widely researched headache conditions was presented, and it was argued that a conceptual shift is required to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. This study was conducted within an holistic, ecosystemic epistemology. A qualitative approach employing a case study method was adopted to provide rich descriptions of the contexts in which two chronic headache sufferers' symptoms were embedded. The case study presentations also illustrated the attempts that were made to intervene into the headache contexts from a second-order cybernetics stance. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

In this dissertation the literature on suicidal behaviour is reviewed, with particular emphasis on professional conceptualizations and understanding as informed by the psychiatric and sociological paradigms. Basic postulates of the Ecosystemic paradigm, as it is informed by Maturana's second-order cybernetic approach was discussed. The effect of such an approach on therapy with suicidal individuals was pointed out. It became clear that perceived methodological problems experienced when researching suicidal behaviour from a Newtonian/realist paradigm can be side-stepped when viewed from an Ecosystemic paradigm. It was finally proposed that an ethic of participation, as informed by a second-order cybernetic approach, be adopted when viewing the suicide situation. In the process ethics was reconceptualized as an awareness of the therapist's participation in whatever is created, and not in finding the ''right" way when working with suicidal individuals. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Este trabalho de pesquisa descreve dois estudos de caso de métodos quimiométricos empregados para a quantificação de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos HPAs (naftaleno, fluoreno, fenantreno e fluoranteno) em água potável usando espectroscopia de fluorescência molecular e a classificação e caracterização de sucos de uva e seus parâmetros de qualidade através de espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo. O objetivo do primeiro estudo é a aplicação combinada de métodos quimiométricos de segunda ordem (N-PLS, U-PLS, U-PLS/RBL e PARAFAC) e espectrofluorimetria para determinação direta de HPAs em água potável, visando contribuir para o conhecimento do potencial destas metodologias como alternativa viável para a determinação tradicional por cromatografia univariada. O segundo estudo de caso destinado à classificação e determinação de parâmetros de qualidade de sucos de uva, densidade relativa e teor de sólidos solúveis totais, foi medida por espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo e métodos quimiométricos. Diversos métodos quimiométricos, tais como HCA, PLS-DA, SVM-DA e SIMCA foram investigados para a classificação amostras de sucos de uva ao mesmo tempo que métodos de calibração multivariada de primeira ordem, tais como PLS, iPLS e SVM-LS foram usadas para a predição dos parâmetros de qualidade. O princípio orientador para o desenvolvimento dos estudos aqui descritos foi a necessidade de metodologias analíticas com custo, tempo de execução e facilidade de operação melhores e menor produção de resíduos do que os métodos atualmente utilizados para a quantificação de HPAs, em água de torneira, e classificação e caracterização das amostras de suco de uva e seus parâmetros de qualidade / This research work describes two studies of chemometric methods employed for the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and fluoranthene) in tap water using molecular fluorescence technique, and the classification and characterization of grape juice and its quality parameters by near infrared spectroscopy. The goal of the first study is the combined application of the second-order chemometric methods (N-PLS, U-PLS, U-PLS/RBL, PARAFAC) and spectrofluorimetry technique for direct determination of HPAs in tap water, aiming to contribute for the growth of knowledge about the potential of these methodologies as viable alternatives to the traditional univariate chromatographic determination. The second study aimed at the classification and determination of grape juice quality parameters, as relative density and total soluble solids, were measured with the aid of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods. Several chemometric methods, such as HCA, PLS-DA, SVM-DA, SIMCA, were investigated for the classification of grape juice samples as the same time first-order multivariate calibration methods, such as PLS, iPLS, SVM-LS, were used for prediction of quality parameters. The guiding principle for the development of the studies herein described was the need for analytical methodologies with cost, execution time, ease of operation, and residue output better or lower than present day methods employed for the quantification of PAHs in tap water and the classification and characterization of grape juice sample and its quality parameters

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:09:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 1616.pdf: 4035803 bytes, checksum: 02081aa2752efe82918a70652eda7c2e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-24 / This present work covers possible manners of evaluating steel concrete frames designed for multiple flooring buildings as far as instability and necessity of second order efforts are concerned. Starting from single floor projects with simple flat slab frame, models with different numbers of floors are considered. The models do not use large rigidity elements such as staircases and lift shafts. The modeling used in this piece adopts simplified criteria for vertical action dimensioning, forming frames with flat slab layers taken as low height beams. These models are evaluated. Based on the results, the work analyzes the application validity of criteria to dismiss consideration of the NBR6118:2003 code presented second order global effort, and compares this against the P-∆ process utilization. Results both with and without inverted beams at the periphery are compared. / O presente trabalho aborda maneiras possíveis de avaliar estruturas de concreto armado destinadas a edifícios de múltiplos pavimentos quanto à instabilidade e necessidade de considerações de esforços de segunda ordem. A partir de plantas simples de estruturas em lajes planas, são considerados modelos com diferentes números de pavimentos. Os modelos não utilizam elementos de grande rigidez, como poços de elevadores e escadas. A modelagem utilizada adota os critérios simplificados para dimensionamento às ações verticais, formando pórticos com faixas de lajes admitidas como vigas de pequena altura. Estes modelos são avaliados. A partir dos resultados, analisa- se a validade a aplicação dos critérios para dispensa de consideração dos esforços globais de segunda ordem apresentados na NBR6118:2003, e se compara com a utilização do processo P-∆. São comparados resultados para estruturas com e sem utilização de vigas invertidas na periferia.