The thesis proposes a theoretical perspective for the analysis of public institutions. The key element is the incorporation into such institutions of conflicting and conflict-generating epistemological positions. The presence of certain epistemologies, particularly empiricism and critical theory, is taken to account for failures within the institution to conduct rational, critical debate on certain policy proposals. Empirically, the thesis considers examples of the failure of Strathclyde Regional Council to conduct effectively its policy of 'setting its own house in order', i.e. improving its own service delivery, this being intended as the main component of its policy for tackling urban deprivation. The background to this policy is established in chapters reviewing national policy initiatives on deprivation; the rise of corporate planning in British local government; the documents which influenced Strathclydes' own management structures; and the development of policy on deprivation in the first years of the authority's existence. Philosophically, the thesis examines critical rationalism (Karl Popper), critical theory (the Frankfurt School) and empiricism, in so far as these positions each suggest different answers to the question 'how should criticism of society proceed in society?'. It concludes that both critical theory and empiricism tend in practice to produce a dogmatism which aborts open debate. Against this background policy documents from Strathclyde are re-examined alongside texts of interviews conducted with senior officers and members. Philosophical positions are identified in the texts which are substantially in agreement with those examined philosophically. Exposition focuses in particular on the vocabulary of the texts, using the philosophical texts' own identification of key elements of vocabulary (e.g. 'all the facts', for empiricism, 'reality' for critical theory, 'learning from mistakes' for critical rationalism).

Documenting organisational history and heritage, it is argued, is an increasingly critical precursor to effective corporate and scenario planning. This study proposes that organisational history and heritage can be encapsulated in any local setting through the application of van der Heijden's (1996) conceptual framework i.e. the "business" idea. The study demonstrates that documenting the organisational business idea in use is a valid and meaningful planning activity. Secondly, the possession of multiple perspectives on the business idea in use, means that current and future planning teams will collectively be better informed, more competent and ready to abandon established ways of doing business and to strategise about unknown futures.Interpretivist methodology utilising an embedded single case study method was applied to an organisation undergoing change: the Family Planning Association of Western Australia, Inc. (FPWA). A stratified sample of thirty-four members from FPWA's institutional (Board of Management), corporate, organisational (service managers and coordinators) and technical (service delivery) organisational levels were interviewed, with the intent of capturing broad perceptions from each organisational level of the derived categories of the business idea framework. The categories investigated were those of organisational purpose, customer value created, distinctive competencies, competitive advantage, organisational uniqueness, positive and negative forces, and results. The study sought evidence to support each of the derived categories, as well as looking to elaborate on the process and task of business idea investigation and articulation.Interview outcomes were transcribed, coded and analysed using NUD*IST, the intent being to craft a consolidated model of the business idea in use at FPWA. Multiple perspectives from the four nominated organisational ++ / levels were isolated by copying the core NUD*IST database four times. A copy was assigned to each organisational group wherein interviews belonging to the assigned group were retained, and the remainder deleted, thereby allowing the differences between each group to emerge. Elements of the NUD*IST index system for the core and four derived databases were then exported to Decision Explorer for graphical representation and gap analysis. Narrative analysis was applied to relate the study's findings.Key internal and external factors were identified as both driving and hindering evolution of FPWA's corporate culture. It was in these areas that key insights to the meta value of the study emerged. The key driving external force was the changing face of sexual health community issues, specifically the expansion of services beyond women's health to cover men's, gay, lesbian and special need groups-FPWA is about sex (positive external force).The question of who should pay for sexual health services is also challenged. Concerns over the withdrawal of government funding (negative external force) and a lack of perceived direction (negative internal force) by members at the organisational and technical levels, has led to behaviour aimed at corporate survival and maintenance of the status quo. Many staff at FPWA were interpreted as clinging tightly to social justice, women's rights issues, reflecting the humanitarian (positive internal force) value-based aspects that have sustained FPWA's service over its twenty-five years of service.The conceptual framework associated with the business idea proved to be essentially a system that maps the organisation's corporate and commercial rationale. The systemic insights that emerged from the study at FPWA enabled the researcher to build a four level hierarchical model of systemic appreciation with van der Heijden's framework as the ++ / foundation. Issues of corporate age and stage of growth, systemic archetype and the key question facing the scenario planning team made up the higher levels of an emergent model of scenario planning readiness. The critical thinking associated with documenting the organisational history and heritage in the form of the business idea system has therefore generated a crucial link in the corporate and scenario planning process: the articulation of the key question as a catalyst to the next stage of corporate strategy formulation.

The South African Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) has been, over much of the last century, dominated by Eskom, a large and powerful state-owned, vertically-integrated monopoly. It produces 97 % of the electricity generated in the country and that represents almost 60% of the electricity generated on the entire continent of Africa. However, recent studies of the company's performance have lead to a decision to reorganize the industry due to the realization of poor investment decisions made in the past, which resulted in massive costs to the company. The distribution business in the industry has been hugely affected by these past inconsistencies, thus in line with global trends and escalating problems, the South African Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) in nineteen ninety eight, ahead of restructuring of the entire Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). There is currently a large number of municipalities plus Eskom in South Africa supplying electricity to consumers - leading to disparities in tariffs and prices. To resolve these issues, has accepted a proposal that Eskom and municipalities amalgamate to form six independent, financially viable Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs). It is no secret that electricity in South Africa has consistently been amongst the cheapest in the world. This is credited to two principles; an abundant reserve of cheap coal resulting in economical production of electricity; and, the fact that there is still a number of citizens with no access to electricity. This is a concern for the Electricity Pricing sector now faced with the task to rationalise the price inequalities in the distribution business to be fair and equitable to all customers. The Eskom Distribution Electricity Pricing team is currently undertaking the Cost-based Tariff Design project to address tariff objectives such as; cost reflectivity and transparency. The Competency Building phase within this project affords potential future RED staff members opportunities to learn a broad overview about designing tariffs. This dissertation will report on, dissect, analyze and discuss results, and recommend the probable future of the project in light of the dynamic nature of the developments in the EDI restructuring process. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

Diss. Stockholm : Stockholms universitet, 2010.

Thesis (MBA) -- University of Limpopo, 2010 / Refer to document

Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / Higher performing organizations are characterized by their effective implementation of their strategies and goals. The Mpumalanga Department of Education is one organization which has not performed to its maximum potential because of several factors. The purpose of this research study was to critically analyze some of the factors which affect the implementation of strategies. The following are some of the factors which are perceived as affecting the implementation of strategies and cause performance problems in the department. • Lack of effective organizational communication of strategies to all employees, • Shortage of relevant and competent human resources, • Lack of resources to support the implementation of departmental programs, • Shortage of appropriate policies and procedures to regulate implementation process, • Organizational structure which is not supportive of strategies, • Lack of influential leadership, • Lack of commitment by most officials, • Unproductive organizational culture prevailing in the department, • Negative attitude displayed by senior and middle managers towards strategic planning processes, The focus of the study was to develop strategies to deal with challenges as raised. Chapter 5 provided recommendations which are believed to be the cornerstone towards achieving better results and improve performance.

This study has a twofold purpose. The first is to demonstrate the state of the art of corporate planning and forecasting activity, and the second is to determine the existence of any differences between the planning practices of the consumer service industry and the producer service industry. The study is organized into seven chapters. The introduction chapter contains background information, a description of the problem and opportunity followed by a definition of terms, the purpose of the research, hypothesis of the research. It also describes the scope of the research, methodology, significance and limitations of the study and provides a chapter bibliography. The study finds that though certain segments of the service industry have sophisticated planning capability, it is not generally widespread. The study concludes there is no significant difference in the planning methods between consumer services and producer services industries

Orientador: Ivan Santo Barbosa / Acompanhado de Anexos em DVD: Anexo 6: Cenas do Filme "My fair lady"; Anexo 7: Orientações para comunicação em público - Reinaldo Polito; Anexo 22: filme "Mauá, o imperador"; Anexo 23: filme "São Paulo Sociedade Anônima; Anexo 25: Entrevista com César Souza" / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T02:38:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Polito_MarleneTheodoro_D.pdf: 6585457 bytes, checksum: 6958f7416dc545606c667a5e0979039e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: A lógica cultural do novo capitalismo e o impacto das transformações econômicas, sociais e culturais sobre o homem constituem estudos necessários para reavaliar a questão do tempo presente, a questão daquilo que somos neste tempo presente. Este trabalho é uma tentativa de reconstruir a dinâmica das relações existentes entre o ator individual - em particular, o profissional executivo das empresas - e o mundo corporativo, discutindo e analisando em que medida se pode sugerir ou mesmo afirmar contiguidades entre o mito de Pigmalião e o processo histórico empreendido pela empresa, na preparação, na formação, na atualização e na adequação desse profissional ao universo das corporações contemporâneas. Busca conhecer como se estrutura o ambiente de trabalho atual e os movimentos existentes na era digital, refletir também sobre as consequências pessoais do trabalho no novo capitalismo e discutir o processo, os valores e os conflitos envolvidos na produção de uma imagem "ideal" de profissional no mundo corporativo brasileiro. Especificamente, a questão central consiste em analisar e reavaliar a questão do sujeito e os princípios de liberdade e autonomia no processo em curso do individualismo contemporâneo: o dilema expresso no conflito entre "personalidade livre" e "personalidade distinta"; o processo de abstração social gerado pelo contexto econômico-social e a valorização de uma simbologia do sucesso como condição primordial na vida do homem. O diálogo com outras ideias e expressões artístico-comunicacionais na literatura e no teatro, na pintura e no cinema torna possível outras conexões e novas esferas de significação para a análise. São discutidas as obras de Bernard Shaw, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Caravaggio, Salvador Dalí, e os trabalhos de George Cukor, Sérgio Rezende e Luiz Sérgio Person. Uma pesquisa qualitativa, fundamentada em critérios de conveniência e profundidade, envolvendo entrevistas com profissionais ligados ao mercado de trabalho e às corporações, faz a necessária articulação entre teoria e experiência prática. Os resultados obtidos levam à constatação de que a possibilidade de o indivíduo ser livre no sistema capitalista se manifesta de forma contraditória e de que sua autonomia absoluta é condição difícil de ser alcançada, senão impossível. Os paradigmas e as figuras modelares, a valorização de procedimentos e padrões de eficiência se apresentam como linhas diretoras de ação, de conhecimento e de poder, por meio das quais se consolidam estratégias de governo e autogoverno, segundo uma lógica previamente estabelecida de manutenção das estruturas econômicas. Será a capacidade de adaptar-se a essa complexidade, de conseguir expressar e realizar de forma particular as suas aspirações e o seu projeto de vida, de concretizar o seu reconhecimento como valor não somente em termos de valores da pessoa, mas também nas relações conflituosas com o outro, a partir de uma plataforma de valores e de ideais que imprimem significação social às ações e à afirmação de si mesmo - "o reconhecimento de si e dos outros, por si mesmo e pelos outros" - que fará o homem se revelar como único e decidir de forma consciente a sua emancipação e a sua individualidade / Abstract: The cultural logic of the new capitalism and the impact of the economical, social and cultural transformations upon man require a necessary reflection which leads us to the reevaluation of the present time, the reevaluation of what we are at the present time. This research tries to reconstruct the dynamics behind the relations between the individual actor - particularly the professional executive inside the companies - and the corporate world, by discussing and analyzing the point in which we may suggest or even state contiguities between the myth of Pygmalion and the historical process realized by the company in the preparation, education and adequacy of that professional to the universe of the corporations. It specifically aims: to know the structure of the contemporary work environment and the movements taking place in the digital era; to reflect upon the personal consequences of work in the new capitalism; and to discuss the process, the values and the conflicts involved in the production of an "ideal" professional image in the Brazilian corporate world. The central problem consists of analyzing and reevaluating the question of the Subject and the principles of freedom and autonomy taking place in the course of the contemporary individualism: the dilemma expressed in the conflict between "a free personality" and "a distinct personality"; the process of social abstraction produced by the economical and social context; and the effects of a society based on a symbology of success. The dialogue with other ideas and other artistic and communicational expressions in literature and the theater, in paintings and the cinema make it possible to establish other connections and spheres of meaning. The analysis focuses the works of Bernard Shaw, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Caravaggio, Salvador Dalí, and the films of George Cukor, Sérgio Rezende and Luiz Sérgio Person. Based on the criteria of convenience and analytical depth, a qualitative research involving interviews with professionals related to the corporate world establishes the necessary articulation between theory and practical experience. The final results demonstrate that the possibility for man to be free in the capitalist system is rather contradictory, and his absolute autonomy is a difficult, and even impossible, condition to be achieved. The paradigms and exemplary models, the evaluation of procedures and patterns of efficiency constitute a set of guide lines towards action, knowledge and power. Through them, strategies of government and self-government take place in accordance to a previously established logic aiming the maintenance of the economical structures. The capacity to adapt to that complexity, to express and realize in a particular way his aspirations and life project, to reinforce his value not only in terms of personal values but also in the conflicting relations with other people, based on a set of values and ideals which imprint social meaning to his actions and to his own personal recognition - " the recognition of himself and the others, by himself and by the others" - are all elements which will make man not only reveal himself as singular but also make him consciously decide his emancipation and his individuality / Doutorado / Artes Visuais / Doutor em Artes

Diss. Linköping : Linköpings universitet, 2005.

Orientador: Antonio Batocchio / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-14T16:42:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cassettari_EderCosta_M.pdf: 2024055 bytes, checksum: 1c60a592dcfef57c7c57f1f385033134 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: Este trabalho desenvolve uma Proposta de Arquitetura para Modelagem de Negócios utilizando a Administração Estratégica como cerne e os conceitos de Competitividade como Atributo Estrutural. Ele nasceu de pesquisas na área de Production Management e Management Science e dos problemas práticos enfrentados no dia-a-dia pelo Gerente de Operações e pelo Gerente de Projetos. Ela integrando as disciplinas de Administração Estratégica, Administração da Produção e Operações, Competitividade, Tecnologia da Informação e Modelagem de Negócios através dos conceitos da Teoria Geral de Sistemas. Esta arquitetura mostra uma estrutura para a modelagem dos negócios da organização com estratégia, controle e atributos competitivos evolutivos e de melhoria continua. No competitivo mundo de negócios em que vivemos, estes fatores são fundamentais para a sobrevivência, desenvolvimento, crescimento e aperfeiçoamento das organizações. Elas devem evoluir e enfrentar as mudanças ambientais que estão surgindo mais e mais a cada dia que passa e de forma mais profunda. / Abstract: This thesis develops a purpose of a Method for Strategic Administration of the Production and Operations. It was born from the researches in the Production Management and Management Science and the practical issues faced on day-by-day in the Operation Manager and Project Manager life. It integrates the disciplines of Strategic Administration, Production Management, Competitiveness, Information Technology and Business Modeling thought the General System Theory concepts. This method shows a structure for modeling of organization businesses with Strategy, Control and Structural Competitiveness Attributes for continuous improvement. In the competitiveness business world where we live, this factor are fundamental to survival, development, grow up and e improve the organizations performance. They must evolutes and face the environmental changes that are emerging more and more. / Mestrado / Materiais e Processos de Fabricação / Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica