Some administrative border areas are recently defined as cross-border areas, and have become a key phenomenon that is challenged by disparities between urban and rural areas. In this setting, the cross-sector collaboration is presented as a type of organization to respond challenges generating from these disparities. Despite its complexity, the cross-sector collaboration is becoming a significant strategy in cross-border areas to instigate sustainable development issues through bringing new dynamics into the traditional settings. From a realist perspective, the researchers in this study explore the cross-sector collaboration and approaches to organizing cross-sector collaboration in cross-border areas. Each side ofan administrative border in cross-border areas, there exists three main societal sectors - public, private and third sector having representation as collaboration stakeholders. In order to deal with sustainable development of cross-border areas through cross-sector collaboration, resource management and stakeholder management approaches are problematized as not adequate to address various dimensions of complexities regarded in cross-sector collaboration in cross-border areas. Moreover, the village of Röstånga has been studied in order to examine the practice of these approaches to cross-sector collaboration along the administrative border between Svalöv and Klippan municipalities in Skåne region.Fundamental factors in organizing cross-sector collaboration in cross-border areas have been identified throughout the case study. In order to organize cross-sector collaboration in such setting, the researchers also find out that there are 'other issues', commonly known by public and third sector as meeting points, local logic and social capital, that are not approached within neither resource management nor stakeholder management approach. These other issues need to be instantly addressed in cross-sector collaboration in cross-border rural areas in addition to the identified fundamental factors. At the end, the researchersdevelop 'Social Issue Management Approach' that integrates management-with-stakeholders approach, as having no focal organization but a common focal issue, and social issue approach as an ideal strategy suggested to organize cross-sector collaboration in cross-border areas.

The problem of this study was to compare the effect of a contingency management approach with that of a lecture approach in an introductory psychology course.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a potentially serious disorder requiring timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Of increasing concern today, when treating the woman with GDM, is the need to provide every woman with an intensive management plan to optimise the likelihood of favourable pregnancy outcomes. Early identification of those women with GDM who require insulin therapy in addition to diet therapy would be beneficial in the planning and standardisation of clinical management protocols, to enhance pregnancy outcomes and increase cost benefits with improved allocation of resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the fasting plasma glucose level (FPG) at diagnosis to predict an increased risk to the fetus and the need for insulin therapy in a pregnancy complicated by GDM. A prospective longitudinal study design and recruitment by convenience sample was used. Data were obtained from 327 women and their babies. Diagnosis of GDM was made by a 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) criteria with the exception of seven women diagnosed on a blood glucose level >11.1mmol/l. Following consent of the women data were collected by a self report questionnaire and the medical record system at three points; at first intervention, following delivery and at the postpartum OGTT. Demographic, social, medical, maternal and neonatal outcome data were collected. The management protocol was similar for all of the women. Following nutritional intervention any woman who could not meet the glycemic targets of <= 5mmol/l fasting and/or <= 6.5mmol/l two hours postprandial was commenced on insulin therapy. The women had a mean age of 32 years, body mass index (BMI) of 25.7 and parity of 2 (range 1-12). Diagnosis was made at an average of 30 weeks and 70 women required insulin therapy with a mean dose of 34 IU per day, commencing at a mean of 31 weeks gestation. Mean birthweight was 3400G. Of the babies 12% were >4000G. Congenital abnormalities occurred in 3%, neonatal morbidities in 2% and there was 1 death in utero. Logistic regression analysis found the following significant associations: Increasing maternal BMI was related to increasing FPG levels at diagnosis and the requirement of higher insulin doses. There was a negative linear relationship to weight gain. Ethnicity was associated with maternal BMI and ethnicity with BMI was associated with birthweight in the specific ethnic group. BMI with insulin therapy as a covariate and the FPG value at OGTT were predictive of persistent glucose intolerance in 14% of women postpartum. Each value of the OGTT was a significant predictor of the need for insulin therapy as a function of the week of gestation. The FPG level was the statistical model of best fit. A 50% probability for requiring insulin was reached with a FPG at diagnosis of 4.0 mmol/l if tested at 10 weeks gestation, 5.1mmol/l at 20 weeks and 6.1 mmol/l at 30 weeks (p<.001). These results support the substantive research aim of the study. The model has the power to predict the probability (risk) of requiring insulin therapy based on the maternal FPG level at the OGTT according to the week of gestation. The study results demonstrate that glucose intolerance is linked to a number of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in a continuous and graded fashion. The degree of reversibility of maternal and fetal risk through therapeutic interventions such as nutrition therapy, blood glucose monitoring, exercise and active patient participation aimed at improving glucose tolerance is unknown. Therefore, the rationale for, and feasibility of, new treatment strategies such as the application of this statistical model as a management approach require large scale randomised intervention studies, oriented toward measuring maternal and fetal outcomes amongst different populations.

The research examined employees and stakeholders' perceptions of a significant educational reform conducted at the A. Youth-Village. The reform aimed at transforming an out-dated agriculture school into a technological-scientific education centre that would be able to train its pupils to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This study investigated the employees and stakeholders' perceptions of the appropriateness of methods used during the organisational change of A. Youth-Village. The studied perceptions related, amongst other issues, to the extent of the respondents’ knowledge about the latest changes introduced, their respective present and future positions in the A. Youth-Village, the impact of the changes on their professional careers, and the necessity for change (Samuel, 2005). The research employed mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate different variables relating to the management of the A. Youth-Village, derived from background conversations with stakeholders' and a review of the relevant literature on traditional management theory. Data analysis was adapted to the different research methods, including statistics and content analysis. Five main categories emerged from the data analysis as important considerations for the management of the A. Youth-Village: (1) Personal Attitude (2) Quality Professional Development (3) Quality Management Approach (4) Quality Consumer Satisfaction and (5) Personal Improvement. These five categories used to form an innovative managerial theory (Ed.QMS), which can serve as an operative management model that would be appropriate to the needs of the A. Youth-Village during and after the implementation of change. The new theory and model embodies an addition to traditional management theory and despite the difficulties involved in generalisation due to the unique nature of the studied institution, it may be relevant and helpful for other boarding technological and agricultural schools.

Bakgrund: IFRS 8 är sedan 1 januari 2009 obligatorisk för samtliga börsnoterade företag i Sverige. Den stadgar att företagen ska tillämpa ett ledningsperspektiv, vilket innebär att den externa segmentsrapporteringen ska spegla den interna rapporteringen. Detta skiljer sig från tidigare regler i IAS 14, där rapporteringen skulle ske efter övriga externredovisningsprinciper i IFRS. Förespråkare till IFRS 8 menar att det ger en bättre insyn i företaget vilket underlättar för investerare och analytiker att fatta beslut och göra prognoser. Kritiker menar dock att IFRS 8 försvårar jämförelser mellan företag samt leder till att företaget lämnar ut mer konkurrenskänslig information. Syfte: Studiens syfte är att undersöka om det förväntade resultatet av IFRS 8 har uppnåtts. Studien ämnar även undersöka om företag påverkats av IFRS 8. Genomförande: Som primär data har en kvalitativ datainsamling använts, bestående av intervjuer med sex företag noterade på Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. Den primära datan från den kvantitativa datainsamlingen består av en enkät skickad till 233 företag noterade på Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. Sekundär data har även samlats in genom litteraturstudier. Resultat: Majoriteten av företagen har inte genomfört en förändring av sammansättningen av segment samt segmentsupplysningar. Överlag ansåg inte företagen att användarna fått en bättre inblick i företagens rapportering. De menade dock att det är viktigt att lämna ut information till företagets intressenter. IFRS 8 ledde inte heller till någon kostnadsbesparing för företagen. / Background: IFRS 8 is since 1 January 2009 mandatory for all listed companies in Sweden. It states that companies must implement a management approach, which means that the external reporting of segments should reflect the internal reports. This differs from the previous rules in IAS 14, in which the information should correspond with the other external IFRS accounting principles. Proponents to IFRS 8 argue that the standard gives a better insight into the company which makes it easier for investors and analysts to make decisions and prognosis. Critics argue that IFRS 8 prevents comparisons between companies and force the company to disclose more competitively sensitive information. Aim: Purpose of this study is to examine if the expected benefits of IFRS 8 has been achieved. The study will also examine whether firms is affected by IFRS 8. Completion: The authors used a qualitative data collection consisting of interviews with six companies listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm, and the quantitative data collection consists of a survey sent to 233 companies listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm as primary data. Secondary data was also gathered through literature studies. Conclusions: The study has revealed that the majority of companies have not implemented a change in the composition of segments and segment information. The majority of the companies did not consider the users to have gained a better insight into the corporate reporting. They argued though that it is important to provide information to its stakeholders. IFRS 8 did not lead to any cost savings for companies.

There is a research about the essences and processes of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation and its effects on organization performance. The results from the research report indicate that the adoption of TQM in China is extensive (Yusuf, Gunasekaran &amp; Guo, 2007). Although many Chinese manufacturing firms began to implement TQM from 1978 onwards, China still lacks effective TQM systems and applications at the business level (Zhao, 1995). TQM is an effective method to improve business performance. It is expected that quality management will help quality people in manufacturing firms and industries, not only in China but also in other developing countries. This thesis aims to identify differences between Chinese and French companies regarding three of five cornerstones of TQM. They are customer focus, process focus and continuous improvement. The aim is to explain why differences exist and also examine how the companies are performing in TQM aspects as well. In this thesis the authors follow a research design and collect data from interviews and documentation to provide the theoretical framework and obtain empirical evidence for the thesis. Based on the findings, the authors compared the two companies regarding the three cornerstones. The reasons why there are the differences between the two companies are mainly social policies and the companies’ development stages. From the study, the authors raised some new ideas of cornerstones. Compared with Gauttam (2010), who gave an idea of The Four Pillars of TQM, the authors think that the processes are as significant as the customers. Thus, the authors made a new theory model to state their understanding of the relationship between TQM cornerstones, which is a contribution to theoretical framework.

The use of efficient information systems and technology has not only become a source of competitive advantage, but also a threshold criterion for organizational survival. In response, many organizations are utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (Baykasoglu and Gölcük, 2017, p. 256). ERP systems are software packages that integrate, centralize and automate a company’s information and commercial operations, regardless of the company’s size, diversity or geographical dispersion (Parr &amp; Shanks, 2000, p. 1). This thesis explores the use of hybrid project management approaches in the context of ERP implementation projects. Hybrid project management approach (PM) involves the blending of traditional and agile project management practices and principles. Although the use of a hybrid PM approach has appeared in research and seems to be utilized in practice, minimal empirical findings have been confirmed due to the infancy of the research topic. Emerging literature emphasizes the importance of context making the point that no single PM approach can be suggested as a “universal best practice” (Highsmith, 2009, p. 23; Leybourne, 2009, p. 524). The ongoing debate between academics and practitioners involves the choice of the PM approach that would lead to maximizing project benefits and achieving project success. Hybrid approaches are becoming increasingly popular as a way of answering the common paradox between flexibility (agile approaches) and structure (traditional approaches). The study was guided by the following research question: How are traditional and agile project management approaches blended in ERP implementation projects and what are the associated impacts? There is very limited research investigating the use of a hybrid project management approach for this type of projects. This study aimed to contribute to the research field, providing new insight to drive future research and useful implications for practitioners. Specifically, this study provides insight on how a hybrid approach is employed in practice, which principles and practices are used throughout the project lifecycle, the critical success factors, benefits, and challenges. Additionally, the factors that should be considered when determining the project management approach for ERP implementation projects are investigated. The findings were supported by the development of a framework and suggestions for future research.   Six in-depth semi-structured interviews with industry experts were conducted to gain insight on their opinions and experience in this specific context. Secondary data was collected, utilizing company documents and websites to support the findings. Following the exploratory purpose of this research and the underlying research question, the qualitative data analysis deployed a combination of a template approach and inspired grounded theory as an analytical tool. The data analysis approach utilized the development of themes a priori from the literature review, however the codes were generated directly through analyzing the collected primary data. Answering the research question, the study’s findings were reflected in a model, which also draws conclusions about how the various themes are related. In this framework, the critical success factors, such as the project team, project manager, and project planning, were considered important for using a hybrid project management approach, irrespective if the project management approach is more predominantly traditional, agile or an even combination. An assessment criterion is provided, to determine the best suited project management approach, including client, project manager and team, project specific, and external factors. The most important and used traditional and agile practices were then identified throughout the implementation phases. Finally, the benefits and challenges of using a hybrid PM approach for ERP implementation projects were outlined.

This thesis analyzes the debt dynamics of Turkey and assesses the sustainability of fisscal policy. The assessment of fiscal policy follows the methodology of Garcia and Rigobon (2004). This approach focuses on the concept of debt sustainability from a risk management perspective and incorporates the effects of stochastic shocks to the economy in its assessment. The results suggest that a continuation of the present fiscal stances will lead to a fiscal unsustainability in Turkey. Furthermore, the results indicate that the properties of the debt dynamics are closely related to the spreads on both dollar denominated debt and YTL denominated debt. This thesis also provides an application of two traditional methodologies, such as Wilcox&#039 / s (1989) methodology and Uctum and Wicken&#039 / s (2000) methodology in order to assess the fiscal sustainability of Turkey.

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No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Roberta Ribeiro Rios - 2012.pdf: 1382110 bytes, checksum: bf39296c44d43bcbbb2ab974af3fb6b4 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-08 / Syndromic management approach to sexually transmitted diseases consists of classifying the disease within predetermined syndromes, using flowcharts which are based on signs and symptoms establishing treatment immediately without waiting serological laboratory results for confirmation, providing at the first appointment the diagnosis, treatment and appropriate counseling, interrupting the transmission chain and avoiding the complications of sexually transmitted diseases, thus allowing immediate reversal of symptoms. But its success requires constant evaluation of the protocols, and training of professionals. OBJECTIVE: to assess the impact of in-service education on knowledge of nurses from Family Health Strategy regarding the use of the syndromic approach to sexually transmitted diseases before and after a training course. METHOD: This research was performed through the interventional study approach. The samples consisted of Brazilian Primary Care and Family Health Strategy Nurses. A survey to evaluate the knowledge about the syndromic management approach was applied before and after the education. RESULTS: 71 nurses participated in this study, and there was a significant improvement in knowledge concerning the syndromic approach (p <0.05); in relation to the identification of clinical signs, such as genital ulcers, urethral discharges and vaginal and pelvic pain, there was a significant improvement among the professionals after the training, with an increase in the percentage of 27%, 28%, 23% and 31% respectively. Regarding the prescription of drugs proposed for each syndrome, 40.84% of nurses reported performing the prescription for patients with genital ulcers, 49.30% prescribed to patients with urethral discharge, 84.5% to those with with vaginal discharge and cervicitis and only 22.53% with pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: The training of nurses has provided increased knowledge on the syndromic approach to sexually transmitted diseases. It is believed that these actions indirectly favor the reduction of the chain of transmission and spread of sexually transmitted diseases if they are being carried out with quality and effective intervention. It is therefore urgent that continuing education is effectively established at primary health care, ensuring an effective improvement of quality of care provided to patients with STDs. / A abordagem sindrômica das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis consiste em classificar a doença dentro de síndromes pré-estabelecidas, utilizando fluxogramas que se baseiam em sinais e sintomas, instituindo o tratamento imediato sem aguardar resultados de exames laboratoriais sorológicos para sua confirmação, provendo na primeira consulta o diagnóstico, o tratamento e o aconselhamento adequados, interrompendo a cadeia de transmissão e evitando as complicações advindas das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis permitindo dessa forma a regressão imediata dos sintomas, entretanto seu sucesso exige avaliação constante dos protocolos, e treinamento dos profissionais envolvidos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto das ações educativas no conhecimento de enfermeiros da Estratégia de Saúde da Família quanto à utilização da abordagem sindrômica das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis antes e após um curso de capacitação. MÉTODO: Estudo analítico e de intervenção com enfermeiros que atuam nas Unidades de Atenção Básica de Saúde da Família. Um questionário de avaliação do conhecimento sobre a abordagem sindrômica foi aplicado antes e após a educação permanente. RESULTADOS: Participaram desse estudo 71 enfermeiros, verificou-se uma melhora significativa no domínio dos conteúdos referentes à abordagem sindrômica (p<0,05 e na identificação dos sinais clínicos de úlceras genitais, corrimentos uretral e vaginal e dor pélvicacom acréscimos percentuais de 27%, 28%, 23% e 31%, respectivamente. Em relação à prescrição dos medicamentos propostos para cada síndrome 40,84% relataram realizar a prescrição para pacientes com úlceras genitais; 49,30% com corrimento uretral; 84,5% com corrimento vaginal e cervicite e apenas 22,53% com dor pélvica. CONCLUSÃO: A capacitação dos enfermeiros proporcionou uma melhora significativa do conhecimento em abordagem sindrômica de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Acredita- se essas ações sendo exercidas com qualidade e de forma resolutiva favorecem de maneira indireta a redução da cadeia de transmissão e a propagação de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Assim, torna-se relevante que a educação permanente seja efetivamente instituída na atençãol primária de saúde, garantindo uma melhora efetiva da qualidade da assistência prestada ao portador de doença sexualmente transmissível.

<p>The questions posed in this study address the different processes that were involved in the decision-making and establishment of the water management organisations, the extent of public participation, as well as features of evident governance in implementing the policies. A critical analysis of the role of stakeholders and the various influences they may have in water management will also be examined. The methodology follows a historical study approach. A thorough document review will be done of the policies and related materials around BMCs, where events will be constructed from the findings. Interviews will be conducted for verification purposes, to verify the desktop findings and to assimilate any conflicts of opinion that might have not been documented.</p>