abstract: The dissertation consists of two essays in misallocation and development. In particular, the essays explore how government policies distort resource allocation across production units, and therefore affect aggregate economic and environmental outcomes. The first chapter studies the aggregate consequences of misallocation in a firm dynamics model with multi-establishment firms. I calibrate my model to the US firm size distribution with respect to both the number of employees and the number of establishments, and use it to study distortions that are correlated with establishment size, or so-called size-dependent distortions to establishments, which are modeled as implicit output taxes. In contrast to previous studies, I find that size-dependent distortions are not more damaging to aggregate productivity and output than size-independent distortions, while the implicit tax revenue approximately summarizes the effects on aggregate output. I also use the model to compare the effects of size-dependent distortions to establishments and to firms, and find that they have different effects on firm size distribution, but have similar effects on aggregate output. The second chapter studies the effects of product market frictions on firm size distribution and their implications for industrial pollution in China. Using a unique micro-level manufacturing census, I find that larger firms generate and emit less pollutants per unit of production. I also provide evidence suggesting the existence of size-dependent product market frictions that disproportionately affect larger firms. Using a model with firms heterogeneous in productivity and an endogenous choice of pollution treatment technology, I show that these frictions result in lower adoption rate of clean technology, higher pollution and lower aggregate output. I use the model to evaluate policies that eliminate size-dependent frictions, and those that increase environmental regulation. Quantitative results show that eliminating size-dependent frictions increases output by 30%. Meanwhile, the fraction of firms using clean technology increases by 27% and aggregate pollution decreases by 20%. In contrast, a regulatory policy which increases the clean technology adoption rate by the same 27%, has no effect on aggregate output and leads to only 10% reduction in aggregate pollution. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Economics 2016

abstract: Facilities Management (FM) around the globe at different companies in different industries are often forced to make difficult decisions on whether or not to transition a workplace environment and how to decide what factors of a workplace environment can benefit or hinder a company's productivity. The data and research presented within this paper are targeted at aiding and educating FM in determining what factors to consider in a workplace transition to an open-seating design and validate the importance of recognizing how these factors impact the productivity of the individual and the organization. Data contained in this paper was gathered through two different survey samples: 1) a semiconductor company that transitioned its employees from cubicles and offices to an open-seating environment; and 2) a general study open to professionals and their experiences and opinions on workplace environments. This data was used to validate or disprove the views on open-seating workspace held by the FM industry today. Data on the topic of how employees react to being transitioned to open-seating environments and looking at the breakdown of the results between engineers and non-engineers is examined within this research. Also covered within the research is data on transitions to other seating environments outside of open-seating concepts to evaluate and compare transition types. Lastly, data was gathered and discussed on the amount of time needed to adapt after a transition and what environment types were linked to being the most productive. This research provides insight on workplace environments and transitions and how they have an impact on productivity and can be used in the decision process when considering transitioning environments. / Dissertation/Thesis / Appendix A - Example Survey / Masters Thesis Construction Management 2017

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No. of bitstreams: 1 lima_ns__me_botfca.pdf: 1987635 bytes, checksum: 362b53fdf9f1432de196e26249ec4371 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A elevada produtividade do eucalipto ocasiona a necessidade do domínio de técnicas e ferramentas precisas acerca dos povoamentos florestais, como o inventário florestal, procedimento fundamental para o monitoramento da produção que permite o conhecimento do máximo potencial das florestas, além disso, é essencial para o planejamento de atividades de corte, colheita e suprimento de madeira. As técnicas convencionais para o levantamento da produção florestal utilizam-se de métodos tradicionais de estatística (estatística clássica), considerando apenas a adoção de valores médios para a tomada de decisões, não explorando as correlações espaciais que possam existir entre as parcelas amostrais. Então, um tipo de interpolador geoestatístico que permite definir a estrutura de dependência espacial dos dados é a krigagem, que juntamente com a metodologia de amostras virtuais, pode-se tornar uma alternativa viável para obtenção de um variograma com modelagem aceitável. Desta forma, o objetivo geral deste estudo foi empregar a metodologia de amostras virtuais no planejamento da malha amostral do inventário florestal, a fim de possibilitar a determinação de um número de parcelas que possam ser estabelecidas na área para obtenção de produtividade, sem que haja perda de precisão ou aumento de custos. A área de estudo abrange uma área plantada de 287,66 ha, pertencente a empresa Eucatex S/A, localizada em Itatinga, no estado de São Paulo. Os dados dendrométricos de volume (m³.ha-1) foram obtidos por meio de inventários realizados pela própria empresa, utilizando-se 32 parcelas retangulares permanentes, para os inventários florestais contínuos (IFC) e 32 parcelas retangulares permanentes mais 66 temporárias, para o inventário pré-corte (IPC). Os seguintes passos foram realizados com os dados de IFC para espacialização dos dados originais, no programa ArcGIS: aplicação de uma estatística univariada sobre a variável volume/ha; geração do variograma experimental; ajuste do variograma; validação do modelo teórico; aplicação da krigagem; geração de mapas de produtividade ano a ano. Posteriormente, 47 amostras virtuais foram inseridas na malha amostral dos inventários contínuos, considerando apenas as parcelas permanentes (32 parcelas), sendo que 10 parcelas foram selecionadas previamente para a validação externa; a análise geoestatistica se deu com as amostras virtuais mais as amostras permanentes restantes, totalizando 69 parcelas. Comparando-se os métodos, observou-se pela validação cruzada que o erro médio e a correlação entre valores observados e estimados melhoraram adicionando-se amostras virtuais, possibilitando um melhor ajuste do variograma e obtenção de estimativas favoráveis. A comprovação da eficácia da metodologia de inserção das amostras, chamada de validação externa, deu-se pelo cálculo da média do erro médio, que foi igual a 6,8% em volume, em relação ao inventário real. Desta forma, a técnica de inserção de amostras virtuais pode ser utilizada, mostrando-se satisfatória para o planejamento da próxima malha para posteriores análises geoestatísticas, em plantios equiâneos. / The high productivity of eucalyptus trees makes it necessary to master accurate techniques and tools for forest, such as the forest inventory, a fundamental procedure for monitoring production that allows the knowledge of the maximum potential of forests, and is essential for planning of harvesting and supply of timber. Conventional techniques for surveying forest production use traditional statistical methods (classical statistics), considering only the adoption of average values for decision making, not exploring the spatial correlations that may exist between the sample plots. So, a kind of geostatistical interpolator that allows defining the structure of spatial dependence of data is kriging, which together with the methodology of virtual samples, can become a viable alternative to obtain a variogram with acceptable modeling. In this way, the aim of this study was to use the methodology of virtual samples in the planning of the sampling of the forest inventory, in order to allow the determination of a number of parcels that can be established in the area to obtain productivity, without losing accuracy or increasing costs. The study area covers a planted area of 287.66 ha, belonging to Eucatex S / A, located in Itatinga, in the state of São Paulo. The volume dendrometric data (m³.ha-1) were obtained through inventories carried out by the company and were estimated in 32 permanent rectangular plots for continuous forest inventories (CFI) and 32 permanent rectangular plots plus 66 temporary plots for the pre-cut inventory (PCI). The following steps were performed with the CFI data for spatialization of the original data in the ArcGIS program: application of an univariate statistic on the variable volume. ha-1; generation of the experimental variogram; variogram adjustment; validation of the theoretical model; application of kriging; generation of productivity maps year by year. Subsequently, 47 virtual samples were inserted into the sampling network of continuous inventories, considering only the permanent plots (32 plots), 10 plots were previously selected for external validation; the geostatistical analysis occurred with the virtual samples plus the remaining permanent samples, totaling 69 plots. Comparing the methods, it was observed through cross-validation that the mean error and the correlation between observed and estimated values were improved by adding the virtual samples, allowing better adjustment of the variogram and obtaining favorable estimates. The validity of the methodology of insertion of the samples, called external validation, was verified by means of the average error, which was 6.8% in volume, in relation to the original forest inventory. In this way, the technique of insertion of virtual samples can be used, proving to be satisfactory for the planning of the next mesh for later geostatistical analysis, in plantations that have the same age. / CAPES: 1582107

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-08T14:53:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1095941 bytes, checksum: eb48d9f1b6931fbd93516b1c1672e99e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The theme of productivity has been increasingly discussed in the light of the great difficulty that companies have to improve it continuously. In this sense, we observed that achieve the highest levels of productivity has been a particular problem of the industries that operate in the business of garment making. In this activity, economic productivity can occur due to various factors of production as well as due to administrative factors related to the productivity of direct labor, productivity, financial and productivity of raw materials. As a result, delimited to the theme of this dissertation based on the productivity of companies in the sourcing and manufacture of clothing, in order to suggest improvements in the productivity of the surveyed companies. For this purpose, was held in the city of Caruaru, Pernambuco an exploratory and descriptive research, combining elements predominantly qualitative with quantitative elements, where the variables and indicators were extracted from the generic model (generic because it does not specify any economic activity) of Thiry-Cherques (1991 ), and indicators of measures by mathematical equations of Smith (1993) that defines productivity through a relationship between outputs and inputs of productive resources. Thus, using the variables (economic forces, behavioral, organizational and institutional justify different levels of productivity in business) model contained in the Thiry-Cherques was possible to establish indicators of productivity for manufacturing companies studied, which served as a parameter to suggest improvements in productivity, contributing to the treatment process and analysis of data searched through multicase study. The data was collected by questionnaire to the general manager / owners of the companies studied, and was performed on-site observation. The results indicated the need for management training, the outsourcer company predation in relation to outsourcing and productivity that can be improved in all aspects studied. In the case of productivity direct labor of companies, it was found that it is only 0.62%. Regarding the financial productivity of companies, it was found that it is negative, ie, is -5%. Regarding the productivity of the main raw material (jeans fabric), the productivity of companies is only 65%. With the results, it was possible to suggest improvements in the productivity of businesses of order qualitative and quantitative. The proposed improvements were made mainly in relation to the management body, the form of outsourcing and the three main factors of production established by this dissertation, ie, productivity of labor, financial productivity and productivity of the main raw material. However, it is understood that the main purpose of improvement made refers to the union of outsourcing companies in a single industrial plant and a new model of outsourcing. / O tema produtividade tem sido cada vez mais discutido em função da grande dificuldade que as empresas têm em melhorá-la continuadamente. Nesse sentido, observa-se que alcançar melhores níveis de produtividade tem sido um problema específico das indústrias que atuam no ramo de confecção de vestuário. Nesta atividade econômica a produtividade pode ocorrer em função de diversos fatores de produção, assim como em função de fatores administrativos relacionados à produtividade da mão de obra direta, produtividade financeira e produtividade das matérias prima. Em função disso, delimitou-se o tema desta dissertação com base na produtividade de empresas atuantes na terceirização e confecção de vestuário, com o objetivo de propor melhorias na produtividade das empresas pesquisadas. Para tanto, realizou-se na cidade de Caruaru Pernambuco uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, combinando elementos predominantemente qualitativos com elementos quantitativos, onde as variáveis e indicadores foram extraídas do modelo genérico (genérico porque não especifica nenhuma atividade econômica) de Thiry-cherques (1991), e indicadores de medidas por equações matemática de Smith (1993) que define a produtividade através de uma relação entre outputs e inputs de recursos produtivos. Assim, através das variáveis (forças econômicas, comportamentais, organizacionais e institucionais que justificam diferentes níveis de produtividade nas empresas) contidas no modelo de Thiry-cherques, foi possível estabelecer indicadores de produtividade para as empresas de confecção estudadas, que serviram como parâmetro para se propor melhorias na produtividade, contribuindo com o processo de tratamento e análise dos dados pesquisados através de estudo multicaso. A coleta de dados se deu através da aplicação de questionário ao gerente geral/proprietários das empresas estudadas, bem como se realizou observação in loco. Os resultados obtidos indicaram necessidade de treinamento gerencial, ação predatória da empresa terceirizante em relação à terceirizada e produtividades passíveis de serem melhoradas em todos os aspectos estudados. No caso da produtividade da mão de obra direta das empresas, verificou-se que a mesma é de apenas 0,62%. Em relação à produtividade financeira das empresas, identificou-se que a mesma é negativa, ou seja, é de -5%. No tocante a produtividade da principal matéria prima (tecido jeans), a produtividade das empresas é de apenas 65%. De posse dos resultados, foi possível propor melhorias na produtividade das empresas de ordem qualitativa e quantitativa. As propostas de melhorias foram realizadas predominantemente em relação ao corpo gerencial, à forma de terceirização e aos três principais fatores produtivos estabelecidos por esta dissertação, ou seja, produtividade da mão de obra, produtividade financeira e produtividade da principal matéria prima. No entanto, entende-se que a principal proposta de melhoria realizada refere-se à união das empresas da terceirização em uma única planta industrial sob novo modelo de terceirização.

As organizações dependem de fluxos de conhecimento oportunos e eficazes para aperfeiçoar as suas capacidades e execução de atividades. Estudos sobre fluxo de conhecimento - processo de movimentação de conhecimento a partir de um emissor para um receptor - são considerados primordiais, visto o conhecimento não ser distribuído uniformemente entre os indivíduos. A compreensão de como o conhecimento está caracterizado e espacializado permite que sejam elaboradas ações visando estimular o nível e o compartilhamento do conhecimento entre os atores envolvidos. Desta forma, é proposto o seguinte objetivo de pesquisa: Analisar o fluxo do conhecimento entre atores da Cadeia Produtiva da Maçã nos Campos de Cima da Serra. A metodologia adotada na investigação assumiu um caráter exploratório e descritivo com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram deste estudo 41 integrantes da Cadeia Produtiva da Maçã dos Campos de Cima da Serra, selecionados aleatoriamente com base na lista de associados da AGAPOMI (Associação Gaúcha de Produtores de Maçã). A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio da aplicação de um questionário estruturado. Na sequência, procedeu-se à quantificação dos dados, os quais foram analisados através de estatística descritiva e os fluxos quantificados por meio da aplicação do modelo proposto por Huang, Wei e Chang (2007). Para o georreferenciamento dos atores, utilizou-se o Google Maps para obtenção das coordenadas geográficas e a construção dos mapas foi feita através do software TerraView 4.2.2. Entre os principais resultados, constatou-se que o conhecimento predominante na cadeia é do tipo tácito, cujos produtores são os maiores detentores deste conhecimento. Ademais, por meio deste estudo foi possível identificar que o contato pessoal é a principal forma de compartilhamento do conhecimento na cadeia produtiva da maçã, além de se identificar que a falta de comunicação, participação e cooperação entre os atores é destacada como a principal barreira para um fluxo eficaz. Também constatou-se que o fluxo ocorre principalmente entre atores localizados próximos geograficamente. Assim, conclui-se que a análise e o mapeamento de fluxos de conhecimento podem ajudar na compreensão do seu comportamento em determinado contexto, permitindo diagnosticar e prospectar diferentes alternativas estratégicas para a cadeia produtiva da maçã buscando efetivar o fluxo de conhecimento entre os atores e assim afetando positivamente o seu desempenho. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2015-02-06T16:41:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Gabriela Zanandrea.pdf: 3699767 bytes, checksum: b2be288966f293e5e5b62813ab8a0e15 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-06T16:41:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Gabriela Zanandrea.pdf: 3699767 bytes, checksum: b2be288966f293e5e5b62813ab8a0e15 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Organizations depend on timely and effective knowledge flow to enhance their skills and execution of activities. Studies on the knowledge flow - moving process knowledge from a sender to a receiver - are considered essential, knowledge is not seen to be evenly distributed among individuals. Understanding how knowledge is characterized and spatialized allows to be elaborate actions to stimulate the level and knowledge sharing among the actors involved. Thus, we propose the following research objective: Analyze the knowledge flow between actors of the production chain of Apple in Campos de Cima da Serra. The methodology adopted in the research assumed a exploratory and descriptive in character with a quantitative approach. The study included 41 members of the Production Chain apple dos Campos de Cima da Serra, randomly selected based on the list of associates of AGAPOMI (Gaucho Association of Apple Producers). Data collection occurred through the application of a structured questionnaire. Following, proceeded to the quantification of data, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and flows quantified by applying the proposed by Huang, Wei and Chang (2007) model. For georeferencing of actors, was used Google Maps to obtain the geographic coordinates and construct maps was taken by TerraView 4.2.2 software. Among the main results, it was found that the predominant expertise in the chain is the tacit kind, whose producers are the largest holders of this knowledge. Furthermore, through this study, we found that personal contact is the main form of knowledge sharing in productive chain of apple, addition to identifying the lack of communication, participation and cooperation between stakeholders is highlighted as the main barrier to the efficient flow. Also it was found that the flow occurs mainly among actors located geographically close. Thus, it is concluded that the analysis and mapping knowledge flows can help in understanding its behavior in a given context, allowing diagnose and exploring various strategic alternatives for the in productive chain of apple seeking effecting the flow of knowledge between actors and thus positively affecting their performance.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the activity of citrus in Sergipe. To achieve the main focus of the subject matter we specifically had: to analyze the productivity of citrus sector of Sergipe, in its southern territory in the period between 1990 and 2009, to raise the socio-demographic aspects of the citrus farmer in that territory; to verify the characteristics of citrus properties; to identify the agricultural practices employed in these properties, to see the influence of climatic factors on the perception of citrus producers, and finally, to check the citrus growers' perception about the prospects for future growth of their business. The motivation and idea of this study was due to the citrus industry in Sergipe has been going through periods of change and instability since the mid-1990s. Thereafter, the producers, particularly the small ones, encountered marketing problems, and a systematic change of agricultural credit, which led to a growing debt. We also highlight other factors, including climate change, which combined with low efficiency of current systems of production, also contributed to the deepening crisis faced. Supported by a descriptive study with qualitative and quantitative approach, we sought to achieve the proposed objectives using published statistical data and interviews with 186 citrus growers of southern Sergipe. It was concluded that the alleged crisis in citrus Sergipe is a situation where there was a decrease in demand of orange and, consequently, a decrease in productivity. Thus, it was found that the so-called crisis has inhibited productivity of small farms, considering that the small producer is risk averse. The reason for this aversion comes down to the fact that these producers are deprived of resources and technical assistance. But the key factor that prevents the increase of productivity is the mentality of the citrus farmer not to face the property as a business. / O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o comportamento da atividade citrícola em Sergipe. Para atingir o foco principal do objeto de estudo, especificamente, tratou de: analisar a produtividade no setor citrícola de Sergipe, no território sul sergipano, no período de 1990 a 2009; levantar os aspectos sociodemográficos do citricultor desse território; verificar as características das propriedades citrícolas; identificar as práticas agrícolas empregadas nessas propriedades; constatar a influência dos fatores climáticos na citricultura na percepção dos produtores; e, por fim, verificar a percepção dos citricultores quanto às perspectivas futuras de crescimento do seu negócio. A motivação e a ideia de realização deste estudo deveram-se a que a citricultura em Sergipe vem atravessando períodos de transformações e instabilidade desde meados da década de 1990. A partir desse momento, os produtores, sobretudo os pequenos, depararam-se com problemas de comercialização, além de uma mudança sistemática do crédito agrícola, o que provocou um endividamento crescente. Destacam-se ainda outros fatores, a exemplo das mudanças climáticas, que, aliadas à baixa eficiência dos atuais sistemas de produção, também contribuíram para o agravamento da crise enfrentada. Apoiado num estudo de caráter descritivo com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, buscou-se atingir os objetivos propostos utilizando-se de dados estatísticos publicados e de entrevistas com 186 citricultores do sul sergipano. Concluiu-se que a suposta crise na citricultura sergipana trata-se de uma conjuntura onde houve retração da demanda da laranja e, consequentemente, uma queda de produtividade. Sendo assim, verificou-se que a denominada crise tem inibido a produtividade das pequenas propriedades, pois o pequeno produtor é avesso ao risco. O motivo para tal aversão se resume ao fato de esses produtores serem desprovidos de recursos e de assistência técnica. Porém, o fator fundamental que impede o aumento de produtividade é a mentalidade do citricultor de não encarar a propriedade como um negócio.

Orientador: Luís Roberto Almeida Gabriel Filho / Coorientadora: Camila Pires Cremasco Gabriel / Coorientador: Fernando Ferrari Putti / Banca: Alfredo Bonini Neto / Banca: Carolina dos Santos Batista Bonini / Resumo: O tomate é uma importante cultura, não só em termos de produção, mas também em valor econômico, por ser uma hortaliça bastante industrializada e ainda conta com um aumento da produção per capita anual no Brasil, o que coloca o produto em destaque, além de estar diariamente na dieta alimentar de grande parte da população. Para o cultivo do tomate, duas preocupações devem ser levadas em conta: a quantidade de água, pois a baixa umidade do solo restringe seu crescimento reduzindo, sua produção e a qualidade da água que será utilizada na irrigação do tomateiro, pois, esta deve estar livre de contaminantes biológicos, teor de sais inferior a 1,5 g L-1 para evitar o murchamento foliar nos horários mais quentes do dia, queimadura do ápice e dos bordos da folha pela morte do tecido foliar e até mesmo da planta. Visando economia de recursos e aumento na produtividade no cultivo do tomate, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um sistema computacional para a avaliação da cultura do tomate híbrido (Licopersicum esculentum). Em que foi utilizado um sistema baseado em regras fuzzy por meio do software Matlab® utilizando dados biométricos da cultura do tomate submetido em diferentes níveis de irrigação e salinidade, sendo avaliado ao longo do ciclo. O experimento foi realizado em uma casa de vegetação da UNESP/FCA. Para tanto, foi utilizado a linguagem Delphi, os dados do experimento e a modelagem fuzzy. Este software possibilita ao produtor um indicativo da viabilidade de pro... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The tomato is an important crop, not only in terms of production, but also in economic value, being a vegetable very industrialized and also includes an increase in annual per capita production in Brazil, which puts the product highlighted, and be daily in the diet of most of the population. For growing tomatoes, two concerns should be taken into account: the amount of water because of the low soil moisture restricts its growth reducing production and quality of water to be used in tomato irrigation, therefore it must be free of biological contaminants, salt content less than 1.5 g L-1 to prevent leaf wilting in the hottest times of the day, apex burn and leaf edges of the death of leaf tissue and even the plant. Aiming to save resources and increase productivity in growing tomatoes, this study aimed to develop a computer system for the evaluation of hybrid tomato crop (Licopersicum esculentum). It was used a system based on fuzzy rules using the Matlab software using biometric data of the tomato crop submitted at different levels of irrigation and salinity, and evaluated over the cycle. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at UNESP/FCA. Therefore, we used the Delphi language, experimental data and fuzzy modeling. This software enables the producer indicative of production feasibility, and provide subsidies to assess and manage efficiently and effectively, making it a powerful decision-making tool, which aims to achieve greater productivity and economy of water and en... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Thesis (DTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. / Public service professionals can no longer afford to be ethnocentric, inward looking, focused on the past, and defensive. They must be forward-looking, globally oriented, innovative, adaptable, and ready to take advantage of opportunities to serve the community more effectively. Public Administration, if it is to be well done, must be aggressive, not a passive enterprise; in the pursuit of public interest (Cooper et al., 1998). Industrial era Public Administrators, characterized by high degrees of centralization and large driven bureaucracies, cannot meet the needs and challenges of the new information era. New kinds of Public Institutions are therefore required which are more flexible and more customer and results oriented. This trend follows what is emerging outside the public sector where organizations are promoting flatter management structures, decentralization of authority and a greater focus on improving quality and customer service. The many decades of dormancy in the administrative and organizational structure of the public sector were reflected in and influenced by the unchanging nature of public service culture (Caiden, 1990). In contrast, there has been a rush for reform during the past 12 years, reflected in new policies, structures, financial management frameworks and service outcomes aimed at enhancing public sector accountability, transparency and efficiency. This, however, has not been accompanied by a vision for a new public sector organizational culture, of more customer driven and business like mentality.

Thesis (MTech (Agriculture))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an important grain and fodder legume grown around the world. It is a dual purpose grain legume crop, providing food for man and livestock. Cowpea is identified as a potential crop to diversify food production, minimize production input by improving soil fertility and improve micronutrients of seed, therefore, improving human nutrition. There is limited information available on cowpea production and suitable agronomic practices including planting date to best suit different environmental conditions in South Africa. The objective of this study was therefore to i) evaluate two soil types (sandy and clay soil) and its effect on cowpea, yield components and mineral composition, ii) the effect of different planting date and iii) assess the effect of zinc fertilizer application rate on vegetative, reproductive parameters and mineral content of cowpea seed. A field trial was conducted in Agricultural Research Council (ARC), in two locations Nietvoorbij (clay loam soil) and Bien Donne’ (sandy soil) during the 2015 summer planting season. The trial layout was conducted in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with five replicates. The factors of the study include three cowpea lines: Cowpea Veg1, M217 and Qukawa with zinc application rate of (0, 15 and 30 kg/ha) through soil application and two planting date (2 October and 2 November 2015). The following agronomic variables were collected, in both locations: germination rate, number of leaves, number of branches, plant height, number of seed per pod, number of pods per plant, pod length, pods per treatment, pod weight, 100 seed weight, morphological traits, moisture content and seed mineral content. Vegetative data was collected on a fourth-night basis on six middle plants per treatment and reproductive parameters were taken after harvest. The variables were subjected to ANOVA using software SAS (2012). Treatments were tested at 5% level of significance and differences between treatments were separated using LSD and DMRT of the SAS 2012 test. The results indicated that vegetative and reproductive parameters measured varied significantly among cowpea lines in each location and across locations due to different cowpea lines and soil type. Line Cowpea Veg1 and Qukawa were the best performing line in both vegetative and yield parameters across the two planting dates in 2015. These lines significantly obtained higher plant height than line M217. Yield and yield parameters were significantly affected by cowpea line. Qukawa obtained the highest seed yield at Bien Donne’ with a mean of 1184.2 kg/ha and seed yield of 686.25 kg/ha for Cowpea Veg1 at Nietvoorbij. The second planting date (2 November 2015) improved germination of plants across the two locations, therefore improving vegetative growth. Zinc (Zn) fertilizer significantly improved plant height across all treatments. An inconsistent response to yield parameters due to Zn application rate was observed. However, though not significant, Zn application of 15 kg/ha increased most of the measured parameters. It was concluded that line Cowpea Veg1 and Qukawa were the best performing lines. The second planting date (2 November) increase germination rate for both locations. It is therefore, recommended that future research should evaluate Zn fertilizer time of application.