This work constitutes a study of the operations of local authority building direct labour organisations (DLOs) during the 1980s, An overt aim of Part III of the 1980 Local Government, Planning and Land Act was to improve efficiency in the operations of local authority building direct labour organisations (DLOs). Whilst the Act did not specify how DLOs should be organised, the legislation on accounting and accountability clearly had Important organisational implications. Even prior to 1981, some DLOs already obtained the majority of work via competitive tender, had control over their functions and had systems for demonstrating their efficiency. Others were not operated in such ways and fundamental changes were needed to successfully meet the challenge of the new legislation. By 1988, the Audit Commission admitted that DLO5 had very largely been successful in meeting the competitive requirements of the 1980 Act, but expressed concern over the varying levels of effectiveness and efficiency of operation that existed amongst organisations. An objective of the study is to look at the problems associated with efficiency and productivity measurement in the context of DLO performance. The Conservative government of this period had a strong conniitment to the improvement of efficiency of the public sector. In other areas of public services, various forms of performance Indicator were being employed to monitor performance, but for a DLO the sole measure of efficiency was the ability to meet the 5a target rate of return. The concern with efficiency produced new interest in the application of quantitative techniques to provide methods of efficiency measurement. This work undertakes a study of the problems associated with efficiency and performance measurement In this sector of the U.K. construction Industry. The availability of appropriate data at the Individual organisation level from 1981 onwards, enabled, for the first time, viable lnter-DLO comparisons to be undertaken at the micro-level and sectoral comparisons to be made at the macro-level. The data used In the study were obtained over a five year period from a variety of sources of published and unpublished sources. A unique database of expenditure and revenue Information from over 150 DLOs has been developed, which in many ways is even more comprehensive than the 'official' statistics collected by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Methods used for efficiency measurement With the great emphasis placed on ensuring that the public sector of the construction industry acts in an efficient manner, the data are employed In various methods for the measurement of efficiency. 1. At the sector level, total factor productivity neasurement is used to gauge the rate of growth of the DLO sector of the industry. 2. At the organisation level, 'Farrell' measures of efficiency are used. A model for measuring the efficiency of Individual organisations is presented. Data Envelopment Analysis I used to consider inefficiency that raises Costs above their feasible minimum.

The application of information communication technologies (ICTs) in records management in many organisations underscores the need for the assessment of e-records readiness. This provides a useful guide in benchmarking, gauging progress and comprehending e-records management. This study examined e-record readiness in labour organisations with a view to proposing a framework for labour organisations in Botswana. The study was largely guided by a quantitative paradigm and used a survey research strategy. This was complemented by methodological triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. All the 50 registered labour organisations in Botswana were surveyed, 45 of which responded, representing a response rate of 90%. Data was obtained through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document review and observations. The study established that e-records readiness in labour organisations in Botswana was evident, low and evolving, evidenced by the slow adoption of ICTs; inadequate records management standards and practices; and low integration in the national e-readiness framework. The study confirmed that most labour organisations had embraced the utilisation of ICTs in their work; exhibited some form of records management function and acknowledged the existence of national policy directives and strategies on e-readiness. However, traditional ICTs mainly the fax and telephone, were more prevalently adopted and used than newer ones such as e-mail and the Internet. The use of social media technology (Web 2.0 - Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) was yet to be explored. The management of both paper-based and electronic records was not satisfactory and fell short of best recognised records management standards and practice. The integration of labour organisations into national e-readiness initiatives as espoused in key policy proclamations within the context of the pursuance of a holistic knowledge and information society was slow and remained challenging. In order to foster successful e-records readiness in labour organisations, several recommendations were advanced that underscored effective ICT adoption and use, implementation of best records management practices and rigorous integration of labour organisations into the information and knowledge society in Botswana. In addition, an integrated framework for examining and understanding e-records readiness in labour organisations was proposed and documented. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

The application of information communication technologies (ICTs) in records management in many organisations underscores the need for the assessment of e-records readiness. This provides a useful guide in benchmarking, gauging progress and comprehending e-records management. This study examined e-record readiness in labour organisations with a view to proposing a framework for labour organisations in Botswana. The study was largely guided by a quantitative paradigm and used a survey research strategy. This was complemented by methodological triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. All the 50 registered labour organisations in Botswana were surveyed, 45 of which responded, representing a response rate of 90%. Data was obtained through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document review and observations. The study established that e-records readiness in labour organisations in Botswana was evident, low and evolving, evidenced by the slow adoption of ICTs; inadequate records management standards and practices; and low integration in the national e-readiness framework. The study confirmed that most labour organisations had embraced the utilisation of ICTs in their work; exhibited some form of records management function and acknowledged the existence of national policy directives and strategies on e-readiness. However, traditional ICTs mainly the fax and telephone, were more prevalently adopted and used than newer ones such as e-mail and the Internet. The use of social media technology (Web 2.0 - Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) was yet to be explored. The management of both paper-based and electronic records was not satisfactory and fell short of best recognised records management standards and practice. The integration of labour organisations into national e-readiness initiatives as espoused in key policy proclamations within the context of the pursuance of a holistic knowledge and information society was slow and remained challenging. In order to foster successful e-records readiness in labour organisations, several recommendations were advanced that underscored effective ICT adoption and use, implementation of best records management practices and rigorous integration of labour organisations into the information and knowledge society in Botswana. In addition, an integrated framework for examining and understanding e-records readiness in labour organisations was proposed and documented. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)