- 4 - Abstract In this research we explored role of financial variables in macro modeling and their performance in case of Mongolia. We employed two different models for assessing performance of financial variables in macro modeling, structural VAR model and small scale macro model (SSMM). In doing so, we performed different analysis such as impulse response for seeing how financial variables fit into system and forecasting performance for how accurate model performs after introducing financial variables. So our result suggested that financial variables have substantial role on macro modeling and inclusion of financial variable is performing very good result in terms of forecasting in both models. JEL Classification C01, C51, C53, E12, E52, G17 Keywords Financial markets, Small scale macro model, Structural VAR, Impulse response, Mean absolute errors. Author's e-mail batnyamd@gmail.com Supervisor's e-mail roman.horvath@gmail.com

Esta dissertação objetivou a avaliação de perdas de matérias-primas em uma empresa de componentes em TPU do setor calçadista do Rio Grande do Sul mas abordou, também, as condições de trabalho sob a ótica do trabalhador e dos especialistas a fim de melhor entender as perdas da empresa e contribuir para a melhoria de todo o processo. O estudo é apresentado em três artigos: o primeiro teve por objetivo principal, após uma revisão da literatura, estudar como os diferentes modelos de sistemas produtivos consideram as perdas de processo, e selecionar uma ferramenta que possa colaborar na redução de perdas de matérias-primas (que causam perdas econômicas) na empresa estudada e que utiliza o método de produção artesanal mas com características também fordistas. Foi selecionado o método de Análise Macroergonômica do Trabalho (AMT) (Guimarães, 2000) por ter, como característica principal, a participação dos funcionários em todas suas etapas, o que é fundamental para a melhoria do processo, principalmente no caso artesanal, já que ele depende do conhecimento tácito dos trabalhadores. O método permitiu a identificação das perdas no processo e sugestões de melhoria das condições de trabalho, apresentadas no artigo 2. O artigo 3 apresenta as melhorias implementadas e os resultados alcançados que acabaram por diminuir as perdas de matérias-primas de 49,17% para 39% . / This work aimed to evaluate losses of raw materials into a components company in the TPU shoe industry of Rio Grande do Sul, but also raised, the working conditions from the perspective of workers and specialists to better understand the demand the company (the losses) but also contribute to improving the entire process. The study is presented in three papers: the first was aimed at following a review of the literature, studying how the different models of production systems consider the loss process, and select a tool that can assist in reducing losses of raw material (which cause economic losses) in the studied company, which uses the method of craft production but also Fordist characteristics. He was selected the method of Macroergonomic Work Analysis (MA) (Guimarães, 2000), having as main characteristic, the participation of employees in all its stages, which is essential for improving the process, especially for small-scale, since it depends on the tacit knowledge of workers. The method allowed the identification of losses in the process and suggestions for improvement of working conditions, outlined in Article 2. Article 3 sets out the improvements implemented and results achieved which ultimately reduce the losses of raw material of 49.17% to 39%.

Design of effective interventions that support fisherwomen's livelihoods and fisheries sustainability requires a comprehensive understanding of their behaviour, and the social and ecological context in which fishing takes place. However the tendency to analyse the biological and social components of the system separately has limited our understanding of fisheries as complex social-ecological systems. In addition, knowledge of women's fishing behaviour lags far behind that of their male counterparts even though women are particularly vulnerable to marine resource degradation and global change. This thesis addresses this knowledge gap by studying the social and ecological dynamics of a female intertidal fishery in coastal Mozambique. Field research was conducted over 18 months on Ibo Island in Cabo Delgado province. Methods used included semi-structured questionnaires, an intertidal catch survey, participatory techniques and ethnographic methods such as observation and informal interviews. The research starts with an analysis of the long-term change of women's fishing behaviour in relation to the developing social, political and economic context in the region. Fisherwomen's daily fishing effort is then analysed using general linear mixed models to demonstrate the combined influence of environmental and socioeconomic drivers in an octopus fishery. Following from this, with the application of a cluster analysis, the thesis explores octopus fishers' relationship to the fishery by challenging common assumptions of homogeneity among fisherwomen. Finally the cultural, social and regulatory norms that structure octopus fishing within the community are assessed via institutional mapping. The research shows that this social-ecological system is characterised by significant temporal and spatial variation in women's intertidal fishing activities. Fisherwomen are not a homogenous group, and there are clear differences in socioeconomic profiles and fishing effort, linked to characteristics of vulnerability. Although fisherwomen remain limited in the gear types and techniques they use, the fishery has experienced substantial changes in terms of resource availability and access, due to both local use and fishing ground restrictions related to conservation and tourism. A defining feature of this female fishery is the degree to which time constraints and local gender norms influence women's fishing behaviour. The thesis concludes with a summary of the emergent properties of this social-ecological system, and considerations for socially and gender-sensitive fisheries interventions in the region.

Neste trabalho, realizamos um estudo sobre pequenos produtores do Reassentamento Rural de Rosana, localizado no município do Euclides da Cunha Paulista. Esse reassentamento é formado em sua maioria de pequenos produtores, antes ilhéus e ribeirinhos. Com a construção da usina hidrelétrica de Rosana, no Rio Paranapanema, eles foram realocados para o reassentamento Rural. A pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender os aspectos socioambientais e econômicos, bem como identificar como foram consideradas as variáveis ambientais no período de implantação do reassentamento e, posteriormente, quais foram os possíveis cuidados com relação às questões ambientais tanto por parte dos reassentados quanto pelo poder público. Além disso, verificamos as perspectivas futuras de permanência desses reassentados. Na pesquisa, constatamos que no Reassentamento Rural de Rosana, a principal atividade econômica é a pecuária bovina. Os reassentados complementam sua renda com a aposentadoria e, também, com o trabalho assalariado e temporário na Destilaria Alcídia e na vizinhança. A agrovila passou a exercer uma outra função: a presença de estabelecimentos comerciais, de serviços de saúde e educação tanto para os seus moradores como para os habitantes dos assentamentos vizinhos e residências dos trabalhadores da Destilaria de Álcool Alcídia. Com relação às questões ambientais, verificamos que não foram consideradas desde sua implantação as variáveis ambientais. Há a ausência dos órgãos públicos no que se refere a essas questões e, também, da assistência técnica, o que poderá comprometer as perspectivas futuras dos reassentados. Daí a necessidade de políticas públicas relacionadas ao crédito agrícola e à assistência técnica, que favoreçam a pequena produção familiar, melhorando assim a condição econômica e social, para garantir a permanência dos reassentados. / In this paper, we have carried on a study on small-scale producers of the Rural Resettlement in Rosana, which is located in Euclides da Cunha Paulista County. Most of this resettlement is formed by small-scale producers, which were formely islanders and riverside in habitants. These were moved on to the resettlement,in view of the construction of the Rosana hydroelectric power station in the Paranapanema River. This research aims to understand the socio-envionmental and economic aspects, as well as to identifify how environmental variables were considered in the implant period of resettlement, and, later on, which was the possible care referring to environmental matters from both the resettled people and the public power. Besides, we have verified these future perspectives of the resettled people's staying. In the research, we have observed that the main economic activity is the cattle husbandry in the Rosana Rural Resettlement. The resettled people complement their income with their retirement salaries, and with temporay - job wages at the Alcidia Distillery and nearby as well. The agrovillage happened to exercise another function: the presence of stores, health and education services for both its own neighborhood's inhabitants as well as for the Alcidia Alcohol Distillery workers. Regarding the environmental matters, we have verified that the environmental variables haven't been considered since its implant. There is an absence of public agencies referring to those matters, and to technical assistance as well, which could compromise the future perspectives of the resettled people. Therefore, there is a lack of public policies in relation to agricultural credit and technical assistance, which, if implemented, would favor the family's small-scale production, in order to improve the economical and social conditions, guaranteeing the resettled people's staying. / Orientador: Rosângela Aparecida de Medeiros Hespanhol / Coorientador: Célia Maria Santos Vieira de Medeiros / Banca: Antonio César Leal / Banca: Elpídio Serra / Mestre

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agricultural Economics)) --University of Limpopo, 2001.

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / This article investigates the effects of drought on small scale beef cattle farmers of Ba- Phalaborwa Municipality in Limpopo Province. Drought and its financial implications have caused critical problems to small scale farmers especially beef cattle farmers in the municipality. Most rural households depend on agriculture as their source of food and income. Agriculture thus plays a prominent role in the stability of rural communities. Drought is a factor that affects farmers not only during the drought season, but also the following season as the previous year’s reduced profits influence the next seasons spending. The changes in price of input commodities the season after drought also affect farmer’s decisions. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of drought on small scale beef cattle farmers in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality in Limpopo province. 25 Small scale livestock farmers from Lulekani A and B village in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality were randomly selected to participate in the study. The quantitative study applied a survey design and primary data were collected using open and close ended questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed that drought is a major concern for livestock farmers and the agricultural sector at large, resulting in high loss of livestock due to mortality and enforced sales. Furthermore, due to the devastating effects of drought farmers responses were characterized by the increased reliance on the Department of agriculture and rural development in the form of drought relief. It is therefore recommended that the country needs to prepare for this natural phenomenon and the key to drought preparedness and readiness is about knowing the what, how and when of the drought. To achieve this goal the scientific expertise to monitor and predict, the capability of the observation networks, information systems for drought early warning have to be improved. Furthermore, the provision of financial assistance to address long-term developmental needs (such as investment in water infrastructure and water-harvesting techniques) of the farming community, thereby improving their resilience, may prove more beneficial in the long run than short-term drought relief assistance in the form of fodder supply. Key words: Ba-Phalaborwa, drought, small scale livestock farmers,

This bachelor thesis examines to what extent a co-create community called Bobyggetin Herrljunga, Sweden, can be food self-sufficient. To obtain a more comprehensiveresult, the difference between a vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet, as well as howtime spent on farming and available cultivation area affects the outcome, are studied.Moreover, difficulties regarding food self-sufficiency are brought up and discussed.Linear programming is used to maximise the amount of calories obtained fromfarming at Bobygget. The result shows that the degree of self-sufficiency at Bobyggetreaches 21% with vegetarian food, and 27% with non-vegetarian food. With thepreconditions regarding the available area of Bobygget, the maximum work time peradult is 9 min per day for vegetarian food, and 13 min per day for non-vegetarianfood. Difficulties concerning self-sufficiency, including time consumption and basicfarming knowledge, are identified. Possible solutions, such as starting modestly withfew crops and small area, consider contract farming, and create a knowledge base forBobygget, are presented.

Size effects play a significant role in metal processing when the specimen dimensions are reduced. In this study, influence of size effects were investigated on two problem specific processes. First, numerical simulations of a small-scale forward extrusion with varying grain size were performed for both 2D and 3D cases. Here, grains were assigned to non-homogeneous properties in a random fashion. The computational geometry was obtained from Voronoi tessellation in MATLAB, and python-scripting in ABAQUS. Then the effects of size and property non-homogeneity were investigated. Second, a numerical model was simulated to predict final form shapes, punch load requirement, and thickness distribution of hemispherical bowl-shaped forming. The die, punch and cover plate were fabricated using stereolithographic apparatus (SLA). Numerically obtained punch load requirement, thickness distribution, von-Mises contours, and equivalent plastic strain contours were compared for different thickness specimens. Finally, the models were validated by experimental results.

Thesis (M Dev.)--University of Limpopo, 2006. / Eliminating poverty and deprivation and their negative social effects is a critical challenge facing South Africa today. No political democracy can survive and flourish if the masses of the people remain in poverty, are landless, and do not have tangible materials for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation should be a priority of any democratic government (RDP 1994:1, 2, 9). Then South African government like its counterparts in the developing world is being restructured to improve governance and alleviate poverty. Optimal agricultural performance by small-scale farmers for poverty relief, food security, is shown to increase income and employment. Recognizing the contribution of these farmers in agricultural development and helping them improve their farming methods and secure small loans would impact favorably on poverty alleviation in the rural areas. The aim of this study is to determine the role played by rural development projects in poverty alleviation. In addition policy options, consequences and recommendations will be entertained. / Not listed

Thesis (M.Sc.)(Agriculture) --University of Limpopo, 2008. / This paper used primary data collected from 73 small-scale farmers (16 borrowers and 57 non-borrowers) in the Greater Letaba Local Municipality (GLLM) of Limpopo Province of South Africa. The general objective of the study is to analyze farmer-household characteristics that may influence farmers’ decision about whether or not to use credit. Maximum Likelihood Probit Model was used to analyze farmer-households characteristics assumed to be affecting small-scale farmers’ decision about credit. The following variables: farmers’ age in years, gender, marital status and farming experience in years have positive significant effect on farmers’ decision to use credit. On the contrary, number of years of formal education and membership to farmers’ association has negative significant effect. The probabilities for each variable were quantified. The study advocates and emphasizes access to credit by small-scale farmers as a major factor in their production process and production efficiency. Training among both borrowers and non-borrowers in identification of profitable projects and the use of credit for agricultural production is recommended. This kind of training may play a major role in stimulating the demand for credit by these farmers. / N/A