Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

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Commercial egg production in Utah has developed largely since 1920. Prior to that time most farms had some chickens but the eggs were either used at home or consumed on the local markets. What few commercial poultry farms there were also supplied local markets. It has been estimated that the total egg production in the stat was just about equal to the consumption within the state. Soon after1920 however, egg production on a commercial basis began and thereafter expanded rapidly for a time.

The production of biofuels in South Africa has evolved very slowly and at present there are only a handful of plants producing some derivative of biofuel. The lack of commitment from government and the utter information distortion under which the current policy framework was developed have largely contributed to the current state of affairs. The manner in which the current policy framework was formulated based on the available information has impacted negatively on the development of the industry and it is hypothesised that had a better and more comprehensive analysis process been followed, the framework would be of such a nature that the industry could be sustainable in the long run. The study examines the policies and policy development process that have taken place in other biofuel producing countries and investigates the various policy instruments that are in use in these industries. The study further explores the interactions of industry role players at both government and producer level while attempting to explain the factors that could have caused their deviation from the rational and expected path of strategies and actions. In both games, each at a different level, the resultant Nash Equilibrium changes and prevailing strategies indicate that it is not in the role player's interest to commit to the industry. The government departments involved in formulating the biofuel policy seem to be uninformed and hence choose a low support route while oil companies consistently choose not to invest in capacity and biofuel refiners find their Nash Equilibrium at high levels of investment. A decision tree is formulated to conduct an in-depth review of the current level of profitability of proposed and current projects with specific reference to current legislation. The decision tree unpacks the current economic environment in the industry and identifies various factors that are crucial to the long-term development and growth of the industry. Based on this comprehensive survey of the industry and a detailed comparison of various production costs, together with the design of the game theoretic framework, a conceptual policy framework is designed and it is proposed that this replaces the current biofuel strategy. The new policy framework establishes its sustainable structure based on facts, detailed figures and existing project information. The framework is based on a more sustainable policy structure that combines elements of rural development with the economics that are required in order for the industry to be sustainable in the long run. Unlike the official government biofuels policy, the Industrial Biofuels Strategy, this proposed policy framework takes the industry's and role players' requirements into account and is designed in such a way that government targets and goals are accomplished. It is hypothesised that the implementation of this comprehensive policy framework will assist in the establishment of a successful and sustainable biofuels industry. Copyright / Thesis (DCom)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

No presente estudo, salienta-se a necessidade por um referencial teórico destinado à compreensão de um fenômeno empírico recorrente no mundo real: as formas plurais de governança. Mais especificamente, ressalta-se a incapacidade da ECT em explicá-las. Essa limitação, aliada à ausência de um consenso teórico relativo à opção pelas formas plurais, motivaram o desenvolvimento do presente estudo, cujo principal objetivo consiste da exposição de uma nova abordagem relativa ao estudo das formas plurais de governança. Particularmente, pretende-se determinar a influência dos custos de informação quando da configuração dessas formas organizacionais. A abordagem teórica utilizada no presente estudo baseia-se na hipótese de que as firmas selecionariam simultaneamente duas ou mais das três tipologias organizacionais definidas por Williamson (1985) como um instrumento de monitoramento e incentivo, destinado à redução de assimetrias de informação, tanto no âmbito hierárquico quanto naquele contratual. Assim, desenvolve-se um modelo conceitual de decisão, didaticamente segmentado em duas etapas. Na primeira etapa, propõe-se que as formas plurais sejam motivadas pela existência simultânea de vantagens de custos de produção no mercado e de elevados custos de mensuração (BARZEL, 1982). Já na segunda, propõe-se a ocorrência de um tradeoff entre os custos de mensuração e os de agência, o que determinaria o grau ótimo de integração verical no contexto das formas plurais. Como objeto empírico, apresenta-se o caso da empresa Korin, que é interessante, pois a sua cadeia produtiva é caracterizada pela presença das formas plurais, tanto na produção quanto na distribuição de diversos produtos. Além disso, cada um dos produtos analisados - tomate, ovos e milho verde - apresenta diferentes arranjos organizacionais na governança de sua produção, na medida em que seus processos de produção requerem particularidades distintas. A análise empírica deste caso corrobora a primeira etapa do modelo conceitual apresentado no presente estudo, embora não permita avaliar o tradeoff entre os custos de agência e de mensuração e nem a existência de um grau ótimo de integração vertical. Independentemente das limitações apresentadas pelo presente trabalho, ele certamente constitui mais um avanço das teorias da firma em direção ao campo das formas plurais. / In this paper, it is highlighted the need for a theoretical framework aimed at understanding an empirical phenomenon that is recurrently observed in the real world: the plural forms of governance. More specifically, it is emphasized TCE\'s inability to explain them. This limitation, along with the absence of a theoretical concensous relative to the choice of a plural form, motivated the development of this study, whose main objective is that of exposing a new approach to the study of the plural forms of governance. In particular, it is intenteded to determine the influence of information costs on the configuration of those organizational forms. The thoeretical approach that is used in the present paper is based on the hypothesis that firms would simultaneously select two or more of the organizational forms defined by Williamson (1985) as a monitoring device and to proportion incentives aimed at reducing information asymmetries, both within the hierarchy and in contractual relations. Thus, a conceptual decision model is developed and diditically segmented into two steps. In the first step, it is proposed that plural forms are motivated by the simultaneous existence of production cost advantages at the marketplace and high measurement costs (BARZEL, 1982). Whereas in the second, a tradeoff between measurement and agency costs is proposed, determining the optimal vertical integration degree in the context of plural forms. As empirical object, we present the case of Korin company, which is interesting because its production chain is characterized by the presence of plural forms both when producing and distributing various products. In addition, each of the analysed products- tomato, eggs and corn - presents different organizational arrangements in the governance of its production, to the extent that their production processes require different particularities. The empirical analysis of this case supports the first stage of the conceptual model presented in this study, although ramaining unable to assess the tradeoff between agency and measurement costs, as well as the existence of an optimal vertical integration degree. Regardless of the limitations presented by this work, it certainly constitutes an advance of theories of the firm into the field of plural forms.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-02-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:48:36Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 castro_gsa_me_botfca.pdf: 1543660 bytes, checksum: 909ece1e4de49d2b524ddfa3c6f58e1e (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / No sistema plantio direto praticamente não há revolvimento do solo e o conseqüente acúmulo de resíduos vegetais e fertilizantes na superfície aceleram o processo de acidificação, contínuo e acentuado que ocorre naturalmente em solo de regiões úmidas, onde, geralmente, é observada baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes e elevados teores de H + Al. Assim, da mesma forma que no sistema de cultivo convencional, no sistema plantio direto também existe a necessidade de aplicação de insumos, especialmente, materiais corretivos de acidez. Dentro deste enfoque, o trabalho desenvolvido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado, pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas – UNESP, localizada no município de Botucatu (SP), com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de produção em plantio direto e da aplicação superficial de corretivos nas características físicas, na movimentação de bases, na correção da acidez do solo, bem como na nutrição e produtividade das culturas produtoras de grãos em região de inverno seco. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas, com 8 repetições. As parcelas serão constituídas por quatro sistemas de produção (I. Sistema “Safra consorciada com Forrageira”– soja + Braquiária / milho + Braquiária; II. Sistema “Safra – safrinha” – soja / aveia-branca / milho / feijão da Seca; III. Sistema “Safra – Pousio” – soja / Pousio / milho / Pousio; IV. Sistema “Safra – Adubo Verde/Planta de Cobertura” – soja / milheto / milho / Guandú) e as subparcelas foram constituídas por duas fontes de corretivos e uma testemunha (I – Correção com calcário dolomítico; II – Correção com silicato de cálcio e magnésio – Agrosilício®; III – Sem correção). Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: produção de massa de matéria seca e teores de macronutrientes... / In no tillage system the absence of soil mobilization consequently decreases plant residues accumulation and places fertilizers on surface, affecting the acidification process. Like in conventional system, in no tillage it is also necessary input application, especially materials for acidity correction. The experiment was carried out in an experimental area, in the city of Botucatu (SP, Brazil). The objective was to evaluate the influence of no-till crop systems and superficial application of products for acidity correction on soil physical properties, base movement, acidity correction, nutrition and yield of grain crops in a dry winter region. The experimental design was the completely randomized block with subdivided plots and eight replications. The main plots consisted of: “Season - Forage”– Soybean + Brachiaria / Maize + Brachiaria; “Season – Off season”: Soybean / White oat / Maize / Field-grown bean; “Season – Fallow”: Soybean / Fallow / Maize / Fallow; “Season – Green manure”: Soybean / Millet / Maize / Pigeon pea. Subplots consisted of two correction sources (dolomitic limestone, calcium and magnesium silicate) and a control (no correction). The following evaluations were carried out: dry matter production and macronutrient level, silicon content and water-soluble cations; yield components and final yield for grain crops; routine soil testing for silicon (6, 12 and 18 months after acidity correction) and soil residual lime (18 months after acidity correction); and soil physical characteristics. Production costs were also calculated. Superficial application of products for acidity correction increased plant nutrition and yield. Among the systems, the “Season-Fallow” showed lower maize yield. Silicate application was more effective in correcting soil profile than liming. The “Season-Off season” system showed better economic response.

No presente estudo, salienta-se a necessidade por um referencial teórico destinado à compreensão de um fenômeno empírico recorrente no mundo real: as formas plurais de governança. Mais especificamente, ressalta-se a incapacidade da ECT em explicá-las. Essa limitação, aliada à ausência de um consenso teórico relativo à opção pelas formas plurais, motivaram o desenvolvimento do presente estudo, cujo principal objetivo consiste da exposição de uma nova abordagem relativa ao estudo das formas plurais de governança. Particularmente, pretende-se determinar a influência dos custos de informação quando da configuração dessas formas organizacionais. A abordagem teórica utilizada no presente estudo baseia-se na hipótese de que as firmas selecionariam simultaneamente duas ou mais das três tipologias organizacionais definidas por Williamson (1985) como um instrumento de monitoramento e incentivo, destinado à redução de assimetrias de informação, tanto no âmbito hierárquico quanto naquele contratual. Assim, desenvolve-se um modelo conceitual de decisão, didaticamente segmentado em duas etapas. Na primeira etapa, propõe-se que as formas plurais sejam motivadas pela existência simultânea de vantagens de custos de produção no mercado e de elevados custos de mensuração (BARZEL, 1982). Já na segunda, propõe-se a ocorrência de um tradeoff entre os custos de mensuração e os de agência, o que determinaria o grau ótimo de integração verical no contexto das formas plurais. Como objeto empírico, apresenta-se o caso da empresa Korin, que é interessante, pois a sua cadeia produtiva é caracterizada pela presença das formas plurais, tanto na produção quanto na distribuição de diversos produtos. Além disso, cada um dos produtos analisados - tomate, ovos e milho verde - apresenta diferentes arranjos organizacionais na governança de sua produção, na medida em que seus processos de produção requerem particularidades distintas. A análise empírica deste caso corrobora a primeira etapa do modelo conceitual apresentado no presente estudo, embora não permita avaliar o tradeoff entre os custos de agência e de mensuração e nem a existência de um grau ótimo de integração vertical. Independentemente das limitações apresentadas pelo presente trabalho, ele certamente constitui mais um avanço das teorias da firma em direção ao campo das formas plurais. / In this paper, it is highlighted the need for a theoretical framework aimed at understanding an empirical phenomenon that is recurrently observed in the real world: the plural forms of governance. More specifically, it is emphasized TCE\'s inability to explain them. This limitation, along with the absence of a theoretical concensous relative to the choice of a plural form, motivated the development of this study, whose main objective is that of exposing a new approach to the study of the plural forms of governance. In particular, it is intenteded to determine the influence of information costs on the configuration of those organizational forms. The thoeretical approach that is used in the present paper is based on the hypothesis that firms would simultaneously select two or more of the organizational forms defined by Williamson (1985) as a monitoring device and to proportion incentives aimed at reducing information asymmetries, both within the hierarchy and in contractual relations. Thus, a conceptual decision model is developed and diditically segmented into two steps. In the first step, it is proposed that plural forms are motivated by the simultaneous existence of production cost advantages at the marketplace and high measurement costs (BARZEL, 1982). Whereas in the second, a tradeoff between measurement and agency costs is proposed, determining the optimal vertical integration degree in the context of plural forms. As empirical object, we present the case of Korin company, which is interesting because its production chain is characterized by the presence of plural forms both when producing and distributing various products. In addition, each of the analysed products- tomato, eggs and corn - presents different organizational arrangements in the governance of its production, to the extent that their production processes require different particularities. The empirical analysis of this case supports the first stage of the conceptual model presented in this study, although ramaining unable to assess the tradeoff between agency and measurement costs, as well as the existence of an optimal vertical integration degree. Regardless of the limitations presented by this work, it certainly constitutes an advance of theories of the firm into the field of plural forms.

A colheita mecanizada florestal é uma atividade custosa com diversos fatores a serem gerenciados e controlados para que se torne uma atividade viável e competitiva. Para a aplicação em povoamentos florestais de baixo volume por hectare, a escolha do sistema de colheita ideal é fator determinante para o sucesso operacional e financeiro do processo. O presente estudo avaliou dois sistemas de colheita: um convencional - composto por: \"Harvester\" e \"Forwarder\" - e outro alternativo - composto por: \"Feller-buncher\", \"Skidder\", \"Flail\", \"Power-Clamp\" e \"Garra-Traçadora\". Os sistemas de colheita foram aplicados em florestas de baixo volume unitário, sendo a UP-A com 0,14 m³.árv.-1 com 48,07 hectares e a UP-B com 0,11 m³.árv.-1 com 80,88ha. Foi realizado estudo de tempo contínuo para o apontamento dos indicadores de desempenho de disponibilidade mecânica, eficiência operacional e índice de utilização, bem como coleta do número de árvores produzidas por cada máquina de cada um dos sistemas em ciclos de 30min. de forma aleatória. Os custos horários foram divididos em: custos fixos - compostos por: custo de depreciação, juros, seguros e estrutura - e custos variáveis - representados pelos valores correspondentes a: combustível, lubrificantes, mão de obra e manutenção. O custo de produção (R$.m-3 de cada máquina e somatório de cada sistema) foi obtido por meio da soma dos custos fixos e variáveis de cada máquina e divisão entre sua produção horária apontada pelos técnicos florestais ao longo do estudo. Na análise estatística, aplicou-se o teste de BOX-COX para avaliar a homogeneidade da variância da produção horária (m³.h-1) com a variância homogeneizada pela transformação logarítmica, fez-se a análise de variância (ANOVA) da variável m³.h-1 de cada um dos sistemas para cada uma das unidades de produção e, sequencialmente, realizou-se o teste de comparação de médias dos sistemas de colheita e unidades de produção, comparados pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Os custos fixos do sistema convencional totalizaram 221,59 R$.h-1, sendo estes 52,77% dos custos totais deste sistema, já o sistema alternativo apresentou um custo total fixo de 668,55 R$.h-1, representando 45,75% dos custos totais horários. Os custos variáveis do sistema convencional totalizaram 198,29 R$.h-1, compondo 47,23% dos custos totais, e para o sistema alternativo, os custos variáveis totalizaram 792,68 R$.h-1, representando 54,25% dos custos totais. O custo de produção do sistema convencional na UP-A foi de 19,38 R$.m-³ e na UP-B foi de 23,85 R$.m-³. Já para o sistema alternativo, obteve-se na UP-A um custo de 14,62 R$.m-³ e para UP-B um valor de 19,99 R$.m-³. Em conclusão, verificou-se que, para ambas as situações de floresta estudadas, o sistema alternativo de colheita foi mais competitivo em relação ao sistema convencional. / The forest mechanized harvesting operation is a costly activity with many factors to be managed and controlled in order to become a viable and competitive activity. Thus when applied to forest stands with low volume per hectare, choosing the ideal harvesting system is a determining factor for the operational and financial success. The present study analyzed two harvesting systems, one named traditional, which is composed of \"Harvester\" and \"Forwarder\" and a second named alternate consisting of \"Feller-buncher\", \"Skidder\", \"Flail\", \"Power-Clamp\" and \"Grapple-Saw\". Both systems were applied to harvest forests of low unit volume, and the UP-A with 0.14 m³.tree-1 with 48.07 hectares and UP-B with 0.11 m³.tree-1 with 80.88 hectares. The study was conducted with continuous time for the appointment of the performance indicators of mechanical availability, operational efficiency and utilization rates, also was collected the number of trees produced by each machine in each system in cycles of 30 minutes at random. Hourly costs were divided into fixed costs, consisting of depreciation cost, interest, insurance and variable cost structure was represented by the cost of fuel, lubricants, labor and maintenance. The production cost of R$.m-3 of each machine and the sum of each system was obtained by the sum of the fixed and variable costs of each machine and divided by their hourly production indicated by forest technicians throughout the study. Statistical analysis was applied to the BOX-COX test to evaluate the homogeneity of the variance of output per hour (m³.hour-1), with the variance homogenized by logarithmic transformation was made the variance analysis (ANOVA) of the variable m³.hour-1 of each harvest system for each forest production units and sequentially held the mean test comparison of harvest systems and forest production units, compared by Tukey test at 5%. The fixed costs of the traditional system totaled R$ 221.59 per hour effective worked these being 52.77% of the total costs of the system, since the alternative system presented a total fixed cost of R$ 668.55 per effective worked hour, representing 45.75% of the total costs. The variable costs of the traditional system totaled R$ 198.29 per effective worked hour, composing 47.23% of total costs, and for the alternative system, variable costs totaled R$ 792.68 per worked hour effectively representing 54.25% of total costs. The production cost of the traditional system in UP-A was R$ 19.38 per m³ and UP-B of R$ 23.85 per m³, for the alternative system has obtained in the UP-A a cost of R$ 14.62 per m³ and for the UP-B R$ 19.99 per m³. It is concluded that for both situations of forests studied, the alternative harvest system was more competitive compared to the traditional system in terms of R$.m-3.