During the first decade of the twenty-first century, the Swedish civil service underwent some extensive changes, such as the relocations of public sector jobs, initiated by the government in 2005. This thesis follows an ethnological tradition of focusing on employees’ perspectives as a way of exploring power relations and changes in society. In this study, I draw attention to the fears, joys, anxieties, hopes, and dreams of employees in the Swedish civil service at a time when their workplace was being relocated from one city to another. The study especially focuses on the fact that a decision to relocate initiates processes that change employee’s images of their work life and future. They become forced to rethink life and work and re-identify with professional positions. Such processes are described in this thesis as processes of professional identification. The aim of the study is to analyze professional identification among employees during the relocation of a government agency. It is based on four articles that highlight different aspects of the relocation and the conditions under which research was conducted. The overarching question that runs through the thesis is: what did processes of professional identification mean in relocation practice? I argue that such processes should be taken into account as pivotal to civil service practices such as relocation work. Such knowledge could also be used as a tool for thinking about work life change in a wider sense. Because relocations entail moving people’s entire lives, points of interest are formulated that tell stories of how social norms and rules are formed, maintained, and contested. The results in this thesis could also serve as a departure for discussing the localization of knowledge-intensive institutions. The case study builds on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2005 and 2009 at a government agency that moved from the capital of Sweden to a smaller town in the north of Sweden. The ethnographic source material was analyzed using discourse analysis. The analysis centres on a discussion of how processes of professional identification became conditioned by social structures in terms of gender, age, and social class in relocation work. I furthermore discuss the ways in which images of geographies and emotions could be regarded as social categories that conditioned professional identities and had implications for how the move of the agency was organized and conducted, for example for the transferring of competency, travelling on business, and setting up new work practices.  The establishment of professional identity positions functioned to stabilize the social environment during the move - a time when many things at work seemed to be in turmoil. At the same time the positions worked to privilege some ways of professional identification and exclude others. Attention should be drawn to the ways in which agency staff became enmeshed in power structures, norms, ideals, images, and plans for the future that limited their actions in various ways. It is therefore important that the features of professional identification in this relocation process should be further discussed, not primarily as individual concerns of particular individuals, or even a particular agency or location, but as a vital issue of the greatest concern to the welfare state. / Decentralization of government agencies, work force mobility and rural development

Literature on entrepreneurship has been criticised on several grounds including a strong bias to examine masculine traits, being deeply rooted in the private sector, limited to economics, conceptualised as a specialist skill pertinent only to non-public entities, overly positivist, single causal and with a tendency to downplay the relevance of both the social and human sciences. The relatively few studies of female entrepreneurs in the public sector have been criticised on the grounds of privileging structure over agency and for ignoring new research perspectives. The literature calls for the generation of alternative viewpoints on entrepreneurship and specifically towards those that pay greater attention to the level of the individual within an institutional setting and that embraces like interaction with multiple sociological variables. To generate research outside these biases, a dynamic relational model consisting of four interactive variables (structure, agency, networks and context) was developed and then used to guide a case study on women entrepreneurs within a male dominated institution - the United Kingdom’s (UK) Armed Forces. A critical realist research methodology was used. Interviews were conducted with a stratified sample of 52 female, uniformed officers drawn from all three services (Navy, Army, Airforce). The findings revealed how women use structure, agency, networks and context to create the necessary leverage to bring about entrepreneurial institutional change based on individual goal realisation strategies. The originality of this research is threefold. Firstly, it examines female entrepreneurs in a male dominated public sector institution. Secondly, it uses a critical realist research methodology. Finally, the research develops a dynamic relational model that has wider utility. The overall net result of this research approach is to provide a richer understanding of the complex, multi-causal nature of public sector entrepreneurship that has the potential for far broader application.

Diplomová práca je venovaná bankovým krízam, konkrétne problémom spojeným s ich identifikáciou a datovaním. V teoretickej časti sa zaoberá dvoma klasifikáciami prístupov ku identifikovaniu bankových kríz: Jedna rozlišuje medzi krízami identifikovanými na základe konkrétnych udalostí (takzvaný "prípadový" prístup) a krízami identifikovanými podľa indexov (takzvaný "indexový" prístup). Druhá klasifikácia rozdeľuje skupiny v rámci indexového prístupu (prezentované v 2. kapitole práce). Praktická časť diplomovej práce je venovaná bankovým krízam v jedenástich vybraných krajinách. Najprv je prezentovaná kompilácia bankových kríz v týchto krajinách, založená na 4 hlavných databázach bankových kríz (podľa "prípadového" prístupu). Následne sú konštruované 2 indexy s cieľom identifikovať (podľa nich) bankové krízy v týchto krajinách. Indexy sa volajú Banking Sector Fragility Index a Index of Money Pressure. Nakoniec sú výsledky oboch prístupov navzájom porovnané, a takisto sú navzájom porovnané výsledky oboch indexov. Bližšia diskusia je venovaná prípadu Českej republiky, kde indexy vykazujú lepšiu identifikáciu kríz než "prípadový" prístup. Tento fakt potvrdzujú aj akedmické štúdie českého bankovného sektoru. Indexy pre všetky krajiny aj s tabuľkami identifikovaných kríz sú priložené v prílohe na záver...

Post-conflict army reconstruction is an important element of security sector reform (SSR), tracing its origins to at least 1980, before the SSR concept itself was formulated. Reconstruction of security forces is an important element in wider postconflict reconstruction, and for political reasons, an army has almost always deemed necessary. Since 1998, SSR itself has been increasingly conceptualized, with principles for SSR having been laid down by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since 2004. Yet SSR faces a host of philosophical and practical problems, perhaps the greatest being the gap between theory and practice (Chanaa's 'conceptual-contextual divide'). To make SSR efforts more successful, the underlying principles need to be revised and amended. Post-conflict army reconstruction experience since 1980, and associated academic study, military doctrine, and work by international organizations (particularly the OECD) can provide a basis for such revision. This thesis aims to survey post-conflict army reconstruction activities since 1980, draw overall lessons from that review and field study in Liberia, and propose amendments to the SSR principles on that basis.

Ph.D. (Economics) / The main objective of this study is to assess the role of the informal sector in the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by assessing its linkage with the formal sector. An attempt to assess the linkage between the formal and informal sectors was carried out by using quantitative techniques that range from the construction of a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) to the building of a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to assess the impact of each of the sectors in the DRC economy. A new SAM that incorporates formal and informal sector is constructed whereby different techniques and methodologies are applied. The data sources and techniques used to build the SAM and CGE model are described. The DRC Formal Informal Sector Model (DRCFIM) is constructed based on ORANI model of the Australian economy. The generic edition of the model, ORANI-G, developed for CGE modellers was constructed by Horridge (1998). The model has a theoretical composition which is typical of a static Applied General Equilibrium (AGE) model. Nonetheless, one particularity of the DRCFIM is that it is a multi-sectoral CGE model that depicts the reflected structure of the DRC’s formal and informal sectors along with a diversity of linkages between various economic agents such as government, investors, traders and enterprises. DRCFIM is used to perform two policy simulations. The first policy simulation assessed the impact of land use on the DRC economy and the second is on trade liberalisation. In tracing the impact of the land use subsidy shock, output rises and domestic prices decline in most sectors, indicating considerable efficiency and lower costs per unit of output. Land use subsidy raises output in most sectors, stimulating the real GDP to rise by 0.34 and 0.26 percent in the short and long run respectively. Concerning the second policy simulation, we only allowed the import price to decrease by 5 percent in the model. As we would expect, gross domestic product, exports and employment rise when the import price on products is reduced by 5 percent in the short run.

D.Com.(Economics) / One of the current most topical aspects of economic activity in South Africa is the growth of the informal sector. In addition, with deregulation becoming a hallmark of government economic policy, local authorities have become increasingly aware of the growth of the informal sector. The aim of this study is to investigate the nature and extent of informal sector activities in the Johannesburg municipal area by means of a questionnaire method of research. After a study of the numerous definitions concerning the informal sector, it was decided that for the purpose of this thesis, the informal sector be defined as: Those businesses that do not conform to a diversity of legal requirements, while the market and price mechanisms determine the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. In Johannesburg, it was observed that the formal sector's inability to create sufficient employment opportunities for all its citizens led to increasing numbers of people becoming involved in the informal sector. As far as the nature of the informal sector is concerned, the survey carried out during August 1991 revealed that diverse types of economic activities are being carried out. The main activities of the informal sector in Johannesburg were found to be: (i) production (such as "furniture makers" and "knitters"); (ii) accommodation (such as sub-letting of land/property or premises); (iii) building construction (such as building contractors and plasterers); (rv) repair services (such as motor repairs, panel beaters and home appliance repairs); (v) retail distribution (such as food vendors and hawkers of fresh produce); (vi) transport (such as the transport of goods and passengers); and (vii) personal services (such as hairdressers and photographers). The most important activity was found to be retail distribution. Disproportionately more male than female entrepreneurs were involved in this sector. Most entrepreneurs were between the ages of 31 and 40 years. These entrepreneurs work long hours and frequently have to provide their services for seven days a week. Most of the undertakings were operated solely by the informal sector entrepreneur, and employees were only employed in exceptional cases. Informal sector entrepreneurs experienced great problems in obtaining finance and licences. Other problems included access to water and electricity. A unique method was developed in order to determine the extent of informal sector activities in Johannesburg. In applying this method it was found that 15,20 percent of the total number of unemployed households in Johannesburg participated in informal sector activities. Having taken account of the findings of the survey conducted in August 1991, the informal sector has an important role to play in the future, especially as an avenue for the employment of those who cannot be accommodated in the formal sector. The greatest challenge facing the Johannesburg City Council is to introduce development measures such as financial assistance, the provision of infrastructure, establishing a development fund, deregulation and training programmes in order to stimulate the expansion of informal sector activities without detrimentally affecting the formal sector activities. Africa is the growth of the informal sector. In addition, with deregulation becoming a hallmark of government economic policy, local authorities have become increasingly aware of the growth of the informal sector. The aim of this study is to investigate the nature and extent of informal sector activities in the Johannesburg municipal area by means of a questionnaire method of research. After a study of the numerous definitions concerning the informal sector, it was decided that for the purpose of this thesis, the informal sector be defined as: Those businesses that do not conform to a diversity of legal requirements, while the market and price mechanisms determine the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. In Johannesburg, it was observed that the formal sector's inability to create sufficient employment opportunities for all its citizens led to increasing numbers of people becoming involved in the informal sector. As far as the nature of the informal sector is concerned, the survey carried out during August 1991 revealed that diverse types of economic activities are being carried out. The main activities of the informal sector in Johannesburg were found to be: (i) production (such as "furniture makers" and "knitters"); (ii) accommodation (such as sub-letting of land/property or premises); (iii) building construction (such as building contractors and plasterers); (iv) repair services (such as motor repairs, panel beaters and home appliance repairs); (v) retail distribution (such as food vendors and hawkers of fresh produce); (vi) transport (such as the transport of goods and passengers); and (vii) personal services (such as hairdressers and photographers). The most important activity was found to be retail distribution. Disproportionately more male than female entrepreneurs were involved in this sector. Most entrepreneurs were between the ages of 31 and 40 years. These entrepreneurs work long hours and frequently have to provide their services for seven days a week. Most of the undertakings were operated solely by the informal sector entrepreneur, and employees were only employed in exceptional cases. Informal sector entrepreneurs experienced great problems in obtaining finance and licences. Other problems included access to water and electricity. A unique method was developed in order to determine the extent of informal sector activities in Johannesburg. In applying this method it was found that 15,20 percent of the total number of unemployed households in Johannesburg participated in informal sector activities. Having taken account of the findings of the survey conducted in August 1991, the informal sector has an important role to play in the future, especially as an avenue for the employment of those who cannot be accommodated in the formal sector. The greatest challenge facing the Johannesburg City Council is to introduce development measures such as financial assistance, the provision of infrastructure, establishing a development fund, deregulation and training programmes in order to stimulate the expansion of informal sector activities without detrimentally affecting the formal sector activities.

La permanente evolución durante la última década de diferentes gestiones en los almacenes ha generado la necesidad de buscar un tipo de gestión que sea lo más automatizada posible, ya que se intenta que la intervención humana en las decisiones de dicha gestión sea lo menos relevante posible. Estas necesidades de mejora continua deben fortalecer de manera progresiva a la cadena logística siendo cada vez más eficaz a beneficio del consumidor final.

The municipality and county administrations of Uppsala are planning a project for coordination of transports to their institutions and services across Uppsala County, which are today done separately. This report aims to analyze what the profits of such coordination might be, in terms of environmental care, economic and social aspects, given the resources available today. This is done by creating optimization models for both separate and coordinated transports, based on previously completed order tables, and comparing the results. The final results show at best a 13% improvement in driving distance and a 7% improvement in driver work time, which transfers into 172 000 SEK savings yearly and significant reductions in CO2-emissions while easing workload during high intensity days. Changes in the transport fleet might increase this to up to 272 000 SEK while possibly further reducing emissions but without creating significant increase in workload for drivers.

Thesis (M.M. (Public and Development Management))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Graduate School of Public and Development Management, 2015. / The South African government is having a problem when it comes to innovative leaders due to many contributing factors that constrain the managers within the public sector. The concept of the service delivery requires leaders that are innovative that will take the public sector to the next level. It is, therefore, essential that public employees, in particular managers, be innovative in order to manage public sector duties effectively. The leader is fundamental in planning, leading and controlling resources to ensure effective service delivery. Public Administration does not operate in isolation, but is exposed to environmental factors such as political, economy, social, technological, environmental and legal. These factors require that public officials, the leadership in particular, display a higher ability to analyse and scrutinise these factors because leadership has an influence on internal departmental operations. The intentions of the South African government by 2030 as stated on the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP shows intentions that require leaders who will lead in a creative and innovative way as the issues that have to be tackled by 2030 are issues that are in a way concerned with service delivery. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) is one of the departments in South Africa that striving to be best performers in the public sector. However, there is a gap that needs to be identified into why it is not amongst the top performers within the public sector. The methodology used in this study takes the form of in depth interviews with questionnaire designed to identify and measure the leadership and innovation at the DOJ&CD. The study analyzed leadership and innovation, particularly the management leadership, by scrutinizing managers at the higher courts and regional office in Gauteng. Interviews with managers were used to determine the leadership and innovation of managers to lead the higher courts in Gauteng. The study showed that there is a need for the leaders within the public service to be innovative in their areas of responsibilities.

Faculty of Humaninties And Social Sciences School of Social Sciences 0003962g anele30@hotmail.com / This research report covers the progress of local economic development in Alexandra under the Alexandra Renewal Project and what the government has done (or is doing) to assist women street traders. It begins by looking back at the history of development in Alexandra, followed by an overview of Urban Renewal Programme which guides the Alexandra Renewal Project whose LED components forms a crucial part of this report. The report reviews the literature on the informal sector and the policy that guides the development and promotion of the sector in South Africa. After reviewing literature on the informal sector, the report turns to local economic development literature, arguing for a more ‘developmental” role that the government should take towards LED initiatives in the country. The research findings that follow provide my opinions and those of different stakeholders involved in the LED initiatives and those that are affected by the initiatives, mainly women street traders in Alexandra.