The focus of this research is to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of recent procurement reform done by the Government of the Philippines, particularly the centralized procurement system for common-use supplies, materials, and equipment. The centralized procurement system is adopted with the intent of taking advantage of the savings inherent to bulk purchasing, streamlining procurement procedures, and reducing opportunities for corruption in the procurement of the abovementioned items. By legislative authority under Republic Act No. 9184, the centralized procurement system was made mandatory among all government agencies, government owned and controlled corporations and local government units in the purchase of their supplies, materials and equipment requirements. With the introduction of tighter budget and the stronger pressure for good governance, the contributions of procurement policy and institutions of procurements to the achievement of good governance and potential relation to development has been gaining global recognition. Given the association of procurement to the way public money is spent, the issue on corruption is also central to this research. There has been a growing recognition of the relationship between corruption and development – the more corrupt a country is, the more underdeveloped it becomes. With the daunting task of battling against corruption, the country’s strategy is to direct its efforts in combating corruption in specific areas, like public procurement. This thesis demonstrates that the centralized procurement system offers a significant reduction in processing times in the conduct of procurement. Additionally, it offers opportunities for savings generation with the cheaper prices of goods and the reduction of administrative cost associated with procurement. More over, it provides a procurement framework where opportunities for administrative corruption are reduced. This leads to the conclusion that the centralized procurement system is efficient in that it reduces administrative processing time and concomitant costs. This, in the long run, will benefit the procuring entities and ultimately the tax payers. However, the emphasis placed on achieving administrative savings is at the expense of other measures of effectiveness such as quality of goods being supplied and the quality of services being extended to client agencies. Moreover, the lack of effective inventory and control system may pave the way to greater waste. Without an effective inventory and control system as well as an improved quality control system, the centralized procurement system that works faster and cheaper may not be better after all.

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2015-06-19T15:40:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Eduardo Augusto Martins.pdf: 5700123 bytes, checksum: 4789112a51c3fa9b5a888aa5987298e9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-06-19T15:40:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Eduardo Augusto Martins.pdf: 5700123 bytes, checksum: 4789112a51c3fa9b5a888aa5987298e9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Nenhuma / Sistemas centralizados de medição de energia são atualmente uma escolha para automatizar redes e garantir o funcionamento do complexo sistema de distribuidoras de energia elétrica. Atualmente, estes sistemas compõem as chamadas smart grids, redes inteligentes de geração, transmissão e distribuição de energia, dotadas de dispositivos de comunicação de dados, possibilitando a aplicação de sistemas distribuídos, com base na troca de informações entre equipamentos, formando uma nova rede, também de alta complexidade, para interligação e controle de dados. No Brasil, um trabalho inédito vem sendo desenvolvido na criação deste tipo de rede: a utilização de uma infraestrutura avançada de medição, baseada em sistemas de medição centralizada, alocadas em áreas de grandes concentrações urbanas, com objetivos de diminuição, ou até mesmo eliminação de perdas comerciais de distribuição de energia, emerge como novidade na aplicação de redes inteligentes de distribuição de energia elétrica no país. Este trabalho tem por objetivo a descrição do desenvolvimento de uma solução computacional, baseada em um método de busca metaheurística conhecido como Simulated Annealing para apoio à formulação de projetos de redes otimizadas de infraestrutura avançada de medição que utilizam equipamentos de sistemas de medição centralizados em uma rede de distribuição de energia elétrica, garantindo máxima cobertura da rede, atendimento a todos os clientes geograficamente localizados na região de projeto, minimizando custos de instalação dos sistemas. Na busca deste objetivo, este trabalho apresenta a redução do problema de otimização para o Problema do Recobrimento, a construção do modelo matemático, a implementação computacional e as aplicações na forma de simulações e resultados. A metodologia proposta, aplicada ao sistema computacional como forma de simulação, permite uma análise muito rápida e dinâmica de topologias de rede a serem projetadas para utilização em projetos de redes de comunicações, onde se utilizam sistemas de medição centralizados. O sistema computacional permite a alteração das características de simulação e das características das redes, dependendo das restrições impostas pela área geográfica em estudo. A estratégia apresenta bons resultados na formação de topologias de redes de comunicação para sistemas de medição centralizada, bem como otimização na utilização de equipamentos, reduzindo custos de instalação na rede. / Centralized systems of energy measurement are actually a choice for automating networks and ensure the operation of the complex system of electricity distribution. Currently, these systems comprise the so-called smart grid generation, transmission and distribution of energy, equipped with data communication devices, enabling the implementation of distributed systems, based on the exchange of information between devices, forming a new network, of high complexity, and for interconnection data control. In Brazil, a new work is being developed for creating this type of network: the use of an advanced infrastructure for measurement, centralized measurement systems allocation in areas of large urban concentrations, with goals of reducing, or even eliminating, commercial losses of power distribution, that emerges as a novelty in applying smart grid distribution of electricity in the country. This work aims at describing the development of a computational solution, based on a metaheuristic search method known as Simulated Annealing to support the design of optimized network for advanced metering infrastructure using equipment measurement systems on a centralized network of power distribution, ensuring maximum coverage, service to all customers geographically located in the area and minimizing installation costs of the systems. In pursuit of this goal, the work presents the reduction of the optimization problem to the covering problem, the mathematical model construction, computational implementation and application in the form of simulations and results. The methodology applied to the computing system like a simulation, allows an very fast and dynamic analysis of the network topologies to be designed for use in projects where communication networks are used in centralized measurement systems. The computing system allows modification of simulation features and characteristics of networks, depending on the constraints imposed by the geographical area under consideration. The strategy presents good results in the formation of network topologies communication systems for centralized measurement and optimizing the use of equipment, reducing installation costs in the network.

In vehicle industry, it has been trends towards focusing on pull-basedsystems and elimination of waste (Lean), which decrease the tied-up capitallevel in the focal factory. Research by Holweg & Miemczyk (2002)showed that the relevant supply chain has low inventory level in the focalfactory, but at upstream and especially downstream; the tied-up capitallevel is dramatically higher in comparison to the focal factory.By conducting research and extensive literature reviews, this volatilityof tied-up capital level has been studied and analysed with regard topush and pull systems. As the three main causes of this unevenness; bullwhipeffect, CODP position in supply chain and intensity level of supplierrelationship have been identified and explained.As a practical solution for decreasing the tied-up capital level of finishedvehicles, implementation of centralised warehouse structure hasbeen suggested and discussed.Moreover, as an application of game theory in logistics, iterated prisoners’dilemma has been discussed as the base for a progressive relationshipwith suppliers (upgrading to win-win game) which is requisite for the successof pull-based supply chains. / Program: BSc in Industrial Engineering - International Business Engineering

En France, le développement rapide de la méthanisation, procédé de production d'énergie renouvelable par dégradation de résidus organiques, soulève la question de la pertinence environnementale de la filière. Cette dernière mérite d'autant plus d'être évaluée que le développement de la filière est inscrit dans les plans climatiques et énergétiques nationaux. La méthanisation centralisée s'insère d'ailleurs de manière profitable dans diverses démarches d'écologie industrielle et territoriale (EIT), au sein desquelles la multifonctionnalité du procédé constitue un atout substantiel en faveur du bouclage des flux de matière et d'énergie. Cette multifonctionnalité représente néanmoins la principale source de difficultés méthodologiques rencontrées lors de l'évaluation des performances environnementales de systèmes de méthanisation. Sa résolution, à savoir la définition de la fonction principale d'un système, passe par la contextualisation de la méthode. Pour l'analyse du cycle de vie (ACV), cette contextualisation se révèle pertinente dès la première étape de la méthodologie. Ce travail de thèse propose un cadre conceptuel visant à définir des scénarios de méthanisation contraints par leur territoire d'implantation. Pour cela, une approche systémique territoriale, impliquant les systèmes d'information géographique (SIG) et la modélisation orientée objet, a été développée. Elle résulte en un modèle spatial de l'insertion territoriale d'une filière de méthanisation centralisée, qui intègre l'ensemble de ses éléments constitutifs, réseaux ou variables. A l'issue de l'approche systémique a lieu une phase d'optimisation fonctionnelle et spatiale qui met en jeu trois séries successives d'indicateurs, permettant de définir : (i) la fonction principale que remplirait un système de méthanisation au sein du territoire étudié, (ii) les configurations possibles d'un système de méthanisation qui puissent satisfaire à cette fonction principale et (iii) les zones préférentielles d'implantation des scénarios élaborés. Cette méthodologie, conçue de manière à être transposable à tout territoire français, s'intègre aux étapes de l'ACV de définition des objectifs et d'inventaire du cycle de vie. Afin de valider l'applicabilité de la méthode développée, deux territoires contrastés ont été soumis à l'approche systémique territoriale. Ces cas d'étude ont mis en évidence les liens entre spécificités territoriales et conception de la filière. L'influence de la fonction principale retenue pour un système de méthanisation sur la réalisation et les résultats de l'ACV a par ailleurs été étudiée pour l'un de ces territoires. Les différences les plus notoires tiennent aux substitutions et montrent l'importance de développer la méthanisation en priorité lorsque le contexte local permet aux fonctions multiples de la filière de remplacer des filières existantes dont les impacts sur l'environnement sont particulièrement préjudiciables. / In France, the rapid development of anaerobic digestion (a process used to generate renewable energy by breaking down organic residues) has led to the environmental relevance of this solution being questioned. It is particularly worthwhile evaluating inasmuch as development of the sector forms part of national climate and energy plans. Centralised anaerobic digestion also fits in profitably with various industrial ecology approaches, with the multifunctionality of the process constituting a substantial asset in that it favours circular flows of materials and energy. However, this multifunctionality also represents the main source of the methodological difficulties encountered in the evaluation of the environmental performance of anaerobic digestion systems. Resolving this, i.e. defining the main function of a system, requires the environmental evaluation method to be contextualised. For life cycle assessment (LCA), this contextualisation emerges as being appropriate to the first stage of the methodology. This thesis puts forward a conceptual framework, aimed at defining anaerobic digestion scenarios that are consistent with the particularities of the territory in which they are located. To do this, a territorial systemic approach, involving geographic information systems (GIS) and object-oriented modelling, was developed. The approach has resulted in a spatial model for territorial location of a centralised anaerobic digestion solution, incorporating all its component parts, networks and variables. The systemic approach was followed by a phase of functional and spatial optimisation involving three successive sets of indicators, enabling the following to be defined: (i) the main function to be played by an anaerobic digestion system within the territory studied, (ii) the possible configurations of an anaerobic digestion system capable of fulfilling this main function and (iii) the preferential zones for locating the scenarios envisaged. This methodology, designed to be transposable to any territory within France, forms part of the first two LCA stages, i.e. definition of objectives and life cycle inventory. In order to validate the applicability of the method developed, the territorial systemic approach was applied to two different territories. These case studies highlight the links between specific territorial characteristics and the design of the local solution. The influence of the main function selected for an anaerobic digestion system on the performance and results of the LCA was also studied for one of these territories. The most noteworthy differences relate to substitution, highlighting the importance of developing anaerobic digestion as a priority when the local context makes it possible for the multiple functions of the solution to replace existing sectors with particularly harmful effects on the environment.

It became known that South African learners’ learning outcomes rank poorly on the international stage, even if compared to less developed parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The root cause of this problem is assumed to lie with the concern of illiteracy, which was argued, could be combated inter alia by ensuring that every public school has a stocked and functional library serviced by a fulltime proficient librarian. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of principals in establishing and managing functional school libraries in the King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. A qualitative investigation was done amongst school principals and their teacher librarians at five Dlangubo Circuit Schools. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews and document analysis. The study revealed that the principals lack the training and resources to fulfil their role in establishing and maintaining functional school libraries. Recommendations were made on how principals might solve these problems in the future. / Dit het aan die lig gekom dat Suid-Afrikaanse leerders se leeruitkomste swak in die internasionale arena vertoon, selfs indien dit met minder-ontwikkelde dele van Sub-Sahara-Afrika vergelyk word. Daar word aanvaar dat die oorsaak van hier probleem vermoedelik die probleem van ongeletterdheid is, wat onder andere oorkom kan word deur te verseker dat elke openbare skool oor ’n toegeruste en funksionele biblioteek beskik wat deur ’n voltydse, bekwame bibliotekaris bestuur word. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rol van skoolhoofde in die vestiging en bestuur van funksionele skoolbiblioteke in die King Cetshwayo-distrik in KwaZulu-Natal. Daar is by vyf skole in die Dlangubu-streek ’n kwalitatiewe ondersoek met behulp van skoolhoofde en hulle onderwyser-bibliotekarisse gedoen. Data is met behulp van diepgaande onderhoude en dokumentanalise versamel. Die studie het aan die lig gebring dat die skoolhoofde ’n gebrek aan opleiding en hulpbronne het ten einde hulle rol in die vestiging en handhawing van funksionele skoolbiblioteke te vervul. Aanbevelings is gemaak oor hoe skoolhoofde in die toekoms moontlik hierdie probleme kan oplos. / Kuvele ukuthi imiphumela yokufunda abafundi baseNingizimu Afrika isezingeni eliphansi mayikeliswe neyamazwengamazwe ngisho noma isiqhathaniswa neyezingxenye ezingaka thuthuki kahle zase- Sub-Saharan Africa. Umsuka walenkinga kusolwa ukuthi udalwa ukungakhuthazwa ukufunda izincwadi nokubhala ,okuyinto okuthiwa ingaqedwa phakathi kokunye ngokuqinisekisa ukuthi zonke izikole zomphakathi zinomtapo wolwazi onezinsizakufunda nezinsizakusebenza ezanele ezisezingeni labantwana nothisha futhi owenganyelwe uthisha oqeqeshiwe ngokusebenza komtapo futhi osebenza ngokugcwele ukuqondana nomtapo wesikole. Inhloso yocwaningo ukuphenya indima yothishanhloko ekusunguleni nasekuphatheni imitapo esebenza ngendlela efanele ezikoleni zase e-King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. Uphenyo olunzulu lwenziwe kothishomkhulu kanye nakothisha ababakhethe ukuthi babuye babhekane nokusebenza nokuphathwa kwe -mitapo yolwazi ezikoleni zabo ezinhlanu ezise Dlangubo Circuit. Ulwazi lwaqoqwa ngama in-depth interviews kanye nokuhlaziywa kwezincwadi abasebenza ngazo ukuze umtapo wolwazi wesikole usebenze ngendlela efanele.Lolu cwaningo luveze ukuthi othishanhloko bashoda ngoqeqesho kwezokuphathwa komtapo wolwazi ezikoleni kanye nezinsizakufunda kubalwa nezinsiza kusebenza eziqondene nokusebenza kahle komtapo wolwazi ezikoleni ukuze bakwazi ukufeza indima yabo ekusunguleni nasekuphatheni gendlala imitapo yolwazi esebenza kahle ezikoleni zabo. Izincomo zenziwe ezikhombisa ukuthi othishanhloko bangazixazulula kanjani lezi zinkinga esikhathini esizayo. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)