The rise of on-demand platform work typified by Uber has intensified a decades-long trend away from standard work relationships and toward contingent work structures, characterized by the unbounding of work in space and time. Yet many workers have always toiled outside of a traditional workplace and “standard” schedule. My dissertation examines how contingent workers in four different industries navigate unstable work schedules across unsettled work geographies, drawing on 120 interviews with agricultural and oil and gas workers in Texas and on-demand delivery workers and university adjuncts in New York City. Across these “old” and “new” cases of contingent work performed across rural and urban landscapes, work processes restructure space and time in such a way that workers do not know when, for how long, or where they will have work. I call this temporal and spatial instability positional uncertainty – repurposing an oilfield term for the inability to pinpoint precisely where one is at any given moment in the drilling process. The experience of positional uncertainty forces workers to subordinate the rhythms and geographies of their own lives to the temporal and spatial imperatives of their respective labor processes, leading to time struggle (unpaid periods of waiting or “zombie time” and overwork) and challenges in space (related to the bifurcation or unbounding, respectively, of the spaces of work and home). Workers respond, first, by doing boundary work, and second, by telling both critical and anchoring stories in attempts to bring coherence and meaning to the day-to-day and the long-term. The dissertation highlights the integral role of time and space in structuring social life, the active maneuvers by which workers struggle to re-configure time and space to produce coherence and make a life for themselves, and the short- and long-term costs of the transfer of risk onto workers through positional uncertainty. The strategic comparison reveals parallel strategies across disparate cases in response to the warping of time and space and illuminates how positional uncertainty exacerbates deep-set structural inequalities.

This study investigates the major factors that have restricted the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the oil sector in Libya. The study focuses on the period from 2000 to 2009. This period is significant since, during this time Libya witnessed dramatic foreign and economic policy changes. The research objectives are: (1) To identify the determinants of foreign direct investment into Libya’s oil industry for the period 2000-2009; (2) To reveal the obstacles and barriers which hinder FDI in Libya’s oil industry; (3) To determine the extent that the Libyan Government FDI policy influenced FDI in Libya’s oil industry. The rationale for this thesis was driven by filling an empirical void of FDI studies on the oil industry in Libya and by the intention of providing practical insights for current and future Libyan governments. This study comprises of an analysis of the 30 multinational (MNCs) oil companies that are operating in the Libyan oil industry through questionnaire and interview data from executives employed by those MNCs, as well as data from ten Libyan senior government officials involved in the Libyan oil industry and/or FDI policies. The research has provided support for several of the determinants of FDI flows traditionally found in the literature. The survey and time series analysis further reveals that access to Libya’s proven oil and gas reserves was the singular most important determinate for influencing the MNCs to undertake FDI. Furthermore, the findings identified that Libyan government foreign policy had some impact on the MNCs decision to undertake FDI. The research findings with regards to the role played by environmental risk as a determinate of FDI, demonstrate that there is no significant relationship between overall levels of environmental risk and a country‘s performance in attracting FDI. Also, this research has identified a number of factors that are causing obstacles and challenges to the attractiveness of Libya as a location for foreign investment. It has revealed that MNCs are significantly dissatisfied by the stability of the public institutions and the lack of effective regulations in Libya.

Research Background: The Indian edible oil industry plays a vital role in the country's agricultural and economic landscape, ranking among the top producers globally. With favorable conditions for cultivating various oilseeds, India has become a significant player inthe edible oil market, contributing significantly to agricultural output and economic value.Micro, Small, and Medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) dominate the industrial sector inIndia, including the edible oil industry, accounting for a substantial portion of industrialoutput and employment. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, MSMEs facepressure to adopt lean and green manufacturing practices to address environmental concerns.Sustainability certifications have emerged as a solution, offering a competitive edge andenhancing environmental performance within organizations.This study aims to explore thechallenges and opportunities related to sustainability standards and certifications in IndianMSMEs within the edible oil industry, contributing to both theoretical understanding andpractical application in this domain. Research Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the challenges encountered bysmall and medium-scale edible oil enterprises in India in adopting sustainability standardsand certifications. Additionally, it seeks to investigate how these certifications and standards,  specifically focused on sustainability, influence organizational sustainability within the Indian edible oil industry. Also, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the complexities ofsustainability adoption and its impact on organizational sustainability. Method: The study employs a qualitative approach to explore the intricacies encountered byMSMEs in the Indian edible oil sector regarding the integration of sustainabilitycertifications. Utilizing a single case study method, the research aims to provide valuableinsights and practical guidance through an inductive content analysis. Embracing a relativistic research paradigm, it acknowledges the influence of personal experiences and societal factors on participants' perspectives. Through purposive sampling, data is gathered from 10semi-structured interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams. The analysis focuses onidentifying emerging themes and patterns, illuminating the challenges and complexities facedby MSMEs in sustainability certification adoption. Additionally, it seeks to uncover thefactors shaping certification adoption and its implications for organizational sustainabilitywithin the industry. Conclusion: The results of this study shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by small and medium-scale edible oil enterprises in India regarding the adoption of sustainability standards and certifications. Through rigorous analysis, we identified the crucial role ofsupportive policies, incentives, and CSR practices in driving certification adoption.Furthermore, we highlighted the significant impact of certifications on organizationalsustainability, emphasizing their role in enhancing credibility, trust, and marketcompetitiveness. Ultimately, our findings underscore the importance of navigating hurdles and seizing opportunities to promote sustained growth, innovation, and competitiveness while contributing to environmental stewardship and social well-being within the MSME landscape.

This investigation is a study of the issues involved in the disputed cases pertaining to the Oil Refining Industry which were certified to the Eighth Regional War Labor Board serving Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana during World War II.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment with the requirements for the Masters Degree: Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Untreated vegetable oil effluents (VOEs) are known for creating shock-loading problems for the receiving wastewater treatment installations, resulting in poor quality final effluents being produced which do not satisfy municipal discharge standards. Onsite activated sludge treatment as an alternative has not been fully investigated. Hence, in this investigation biological treatment using the activated sludge process was chosen as the method for the treatment of VOE. The effect of VOE on measured process parameters was also determined. Novel molecular techniques such as fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and dot-blot hybridization have become powerful tools for the analysis of complex microbial communities that exist within activated sludge. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate biological treatment, optimize and apply FISH and dot-blot hybridization in order to analyze the microbial community implicated the biological treatment of VOE using probes EUBmix, ALF1b, BET42a, GAM42a and HGC69a. A laboratory-scale modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process setup and fed VOE with a COD (chemical oxygen demand) of ± 1000 mg/L. Daily monitoring of the process involved COD and TKN (total kjeldahl nitrogen) analysis of the influent and effluent as well as direct OUR (oxygen utilization rate) measurement and monitoring of the MLVSS (mixed liquor volatile suspended solids) concentration of the aerobic mixed liquor. The process exhibited overall COD and TKN removal capacities of 84% and 90% respectively. The aerobic mixed liquor had an OUR of 19 mgO/L.h and an average MLVSS concentration of 3000 mg/L. FISH results revealed that 72% of cells stained with 4‟, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) within the aerobic mixed liquor bound to probe EUBmix, indicating a substantial Bacterial population within the laboratory-scale biological process. The alpha-Proteobacteria was identified as the dominant bacterial community comprising 31% of Bacterial cells, followed by the beta-Proteobacteria (17% of EUBmix), gamma-Proteobacteria (8% of EUBmix) and Actinobacteria (4% of EUBmix). Results of dot-blot hybridization were in agreement with FISH Adrian Phillip Degenaar| CHAPTER 1: General Introduction - v - results reiterating dominance of the alpha-Proteobacteria. This indicated that the class alpha-Proteobacteria could play a primary role in the biological degradation of VOE. This research will therefore aid in process design and retrofitting of biological processes treating VOE.

My thesis examines the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), which is the site of ongoing debate between environmentalists and the oil industry. I begin by analyzing both sides’ claims about the area’s value and establishing that the coastal zone of the ANWR, whose fate is the most precarious, should be protected for both environmental and cultural reasons. I then examine two methods for protection: the common law, and regulation. I conclude that only through proactive regulation can the ANWR continue to thrive.

Thesis (MA )--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Understanding a risk is the first step in managing and mitigating it. Maritime insecurity has been an integrated risk for investors in the Gulf of Guinea for many years. But what do investors know about the nature of maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, besides a general risk rating? This thesis conceptualises and maps the maritime political risks in the Gulf of Guinea in order to give investors a better understanding of the nature of maritime political risk for the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Guinea. This conceptualisation is based on identifying the actors and actions of maritime security, i.e. people create maritime insecurity and identifying the people behind maritime insecurity provides valuable information for management and mitigation strategies. These actors create maritime insecurity by using a variety of actions, i.e. identifying these actions tells the investor more about the nature of maritime insecurity. However, there are also actors that contribute to maritime security and these actors use a set of actions to make maritime security a reality. In summary, this thesis creates a maritime political risk tool where one axis consists of actors contributing positively and/or negatively to maritime security and another axis that consists of actions these actors employ. This is done by providing the reader with a strong understanding of the theory behind political risk and conceptualising relevant concepts. The thesis contextualises maritime security, the offshore oil and gas industry and general political risks in the Gulf of Guinea. On this foundation, the maritime political risk tool is created by extrapolating information from four political risk companies: Aon, Control Risk, Bergen Risk Solution and Risk Intelligence. The maritime political risk actors and actions are also identified. The maritime political risk tool is applied to the case of the Gulf of Guinea. The conclusion is that conceptualising and mapping maritime political risk can improve management and mitigation strategies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die verstaan van ‘n risiko is die eerste stap in die bestuur en beheer daarvan. Maritieme onveiligheid is al vir jare 'n geïntegreerde risiko vir beleggers in die Golf van Guinee, maar wat weet beleggers werklik oor die aard van die gebied van maritieme onveiligheid in die Golf van Guinee, behalwe vir ʼn risikogradering? Hierdie tesis konseptualiseer die maritieme politieke risiko's in die Golf van Guinee om vir beleggers 'n beter begrip van die aard van maritieme politieke risiko's in die aflandige olie- en gasindustrie in die Golf van Guinee te gee. Hierdie konseptualisering is gebaseer op die identifisering van die akteurs en die aksies betrokke by maritieme veiligheid, d.w.s. maritieme onveiligheid word geskep deur mense. Die identifisering van die mense wat maritieme onveiligheid skep, bied waardevolle inligting tot bestuurs- en beheerstrategieë aan. Die akteurs van maritieme onveiligheid skep onsekerheid deur die gebruik van 'n verskeidenheid van aksies, dit wil sê die identifisering van hierdie aksies gee die belegger meer inligting oor die aard van maritieme onveiligheid. Daar is egter ook akteurs wat bydra tot die gebied van maritieme veiligheid. Dié akteurs gebruik 'n reeks van aksies om veiligheid op see 'n werklikheid te maak. Om op te som, skep hierdie tesis 'n maritieme politiese risiko instrument waar die een as uit akteurs bestaan wat 'n positiewe en / of negatiewe bydra tot maritieme veiligheid maak, en die ander as bestaan uit die gebeure wat hierdie akteurs in diens kan neem. Dit word gedoen deur die leser met 'n sterk begrip van politieke risiko teorie te voorsien, asook om relevante konsepte duidelik te konseptualiseer. Dié tesis kontekstualiseer maritieme veiligheid, die aflandige olie- en gasindustrie en politieke risiko soortgelyk met betrekking tot die Golf van Guinee. Op hierdie fondament word die maritieme politieke risiko instrument geskep deur die ekstrapolering van inligting uit vier politieke risiko maatskappye: Aon, Control Risk, Bergen Risk Solution en Risk Intelligence. Die maritieme politieke risiko akteurs en aksies word ookgeïdentifiseer. Verder word die maritieme politieke risiko-instrument toegepas op die geval van die Golf van Guinee. Die gevolgtrekking wat bereik word, is dat die konseptualisering en die kartering van akteurs en aksies, maritieme politieke risiko, bestuur- en versagtingstrategieë kan verbeter.

Oil is central to our lives and is the source of many of the conveniences that we take for granted. It can bring wealth and prosperity to individuals and to nations, but is also a source of political conflict and the consequences of its impact on the environment are only now beginning to be fully recognised. The oil companies have been leaders in the development of marketing and branding and this thesis traces the history of the oil industry and analyses the different forms of print advertisements that its major companies have produced over a period of some hundred years, from the industry’s infancy until 2012. It takes a cultural semiotic perspective to investigate and reveal the ways in which the companies have adapted their advertising messages to the prevailing socio-political conditions to reflect current attitudes and to guide both public opinion and national policy. The analyses demonstrate how the companies have responded to different crises and to increasing globalisation and how they have engineered a shift from product to presence and from oil to energy to communicate a more environment-friendly image. A close reading of the advertisements produced by the companies shows how they have cast themselves in the mythical role of the indefatigable hero whose mission is the common good. Moreover, it uncovers the different heroic personalities that they have acquired and adopted over time to differentiate their products and services. / Olja är en central faktor i våra liv och en källa till många av de bekvämligheter som vi tar för givna. Den kan bringa nationer och individer rikedom och välstånd men den kan också ge upphov till politiska konflikter – och dess miljökonsekvenser börjar först nu bli helt klarlagda. Oljebolagen har varit ledande inom marknadsföring och branding. Denna avhandling följer oljeindustrins historia och analyserar de tryckta annonser som de stora oljebolagen har producerat under en period av drygt hundra år, från oljeindustrins barndom till och med 2012. Utifrån ett kultursemiotiskt perspektiv undersöks och klarläggs hur bolagen har anpassat sina reklambudskap till rådande sociopolitiska förhållanden och på så sätt sökt både spegla gängse attityder och styra opinionsbildning och politik. Analyserna visar hur bolagen, som svar på olika kriser och en ökande globalisering, har förändrat sina budskap. Dels har ett fokus på produkten ersatts av ett fokus på närvaro, dels har olja ersatts av energi, allt för att kommunicera en mer miljövänlig image. En närläsning av bolagens annonser visar hur de konstant har framställt sig själva som den oförtröttlige hjälten vars mål är det allmänna bästa samt vilka olika hjälteskepnader de har iklätt sig över tid. / <p>Images removed due to copyright.</p><p>For a complete copy contact ep@ep.liu.se or pamela.vang@liu.se</p>

"The problem in this study is to determine some of the effects that oil development in Young County has had on the educational program of the county. Some significant effects on the valuations for school purposes, bond rates, maintenance rates, salaries of the teachers in the common and independent schools, per capita cost of instruction, rural aid, enrollment per teacher, and total enrollment in the schools of Young County will be investigated. For comparative purposes, a study of the independent and common schools of Denton County was made for the years 1918 to 1939 inclusive."-- leaf 1.

[pt] A importância das Compras organizacionais pode ser explicada, em parte, pelo alto impacto dos custos envolvidos. A estratégica das atividades de Compras vem se evidenciando nas organizações, independentemente do tamanho e da natureza do negócio. Essa importância fez surgir um estudo profundo das categorias de produtos e do mercado fornecedor, tendo como consequência, além da melhoria dos processos, a padronização dos itens de um mesmo produto para diversas unidades de um negócio; a seleção e qualificação de fornecedores; avaliação do desempenho dos prestadores de serviço e fornecedores de materiais; negociação entre as partes interessadas em uma contratação; e o monitoramento dos níveis de estoque para planejamento de futuras aquisições. Nessa dissertação, é abordada a gestão de categorias de compras a partir da análise crítica das categorias de compras de itens de tecnologia da informação e comunicação (TIC) em uma empresa de petróleo. Este estudo se torna relevante devido à importância do tema que gera desafios e oportunidades de formalizar, organizar e padronizar os processos de gestão de suprimentos na área de TIC da empresa. Para tanto, os itens da carteira de compras da área TIC foram classificados de acordo com a Matriz de Kraljic (1983), segundo a visão do pessoal da própria área de TIC e das áreas responsáveis pela gestão do macro processo suprir bens e serviços e gestão de contratos. Assim, foram identificados os fatores ao longo da cadeia de suprimentos que contribuem para a divergência da classificação entre as áreas. Desta forma, foi feita a validadação da análise nas dimensões: redução de custo da cadeia de suprimentos, melhoria do nível de serviço, redução do risco de descontinuidade de suprimento e priorização de materiais e produtos. Esta validação procurou verificar a aderência do modelo utilizado às premissas estabelecidas pela empresa. Como conclusão, são propostas alterações necessárias na classificação e recomendações em relação aos procedimentos e estratégias de compras a serem adotados pela área de TIC. / [en] The importance of organizational Purchases can be explained partly by the high impact of the costs involved. Strategic Purchasing of activities has been evident in organizations, regardless of size and nature of business. This importance made a deep study of the product categories and vendor market, resulting in addition of process improvement, standardization of items of the same product to different units of a business arise; the selection and qualification of suppliers; assess the performance of contractors and suppliers of materials; negotiation between the parties in a contract; and monitoring of inventory levels for planning future acquisitions. In this dissertation, we discuss management of categories of purchases from the critical analysis of the categories of purchases items of information and communication technology (ICT) in an oil company. This study is relevant because of the importance of the topic that generates challenges and opportunities to formalize, organize and standardize the processes of supply management in the ICT area of the company. To do so, the items of ICT area portfolio were classified according to Kraljic Matrix (1983), according to the vision of their own area of ICT staff and the areas responsible for managing the macro process supplying goods and services and management of contracts. Thus, the factors were identified along the supply chain that contributes to the divergence between the areas of classification. Thus, it was made validation analysis dimensions: cost reduction of supply, improving the level of service, reduces the risk of supply interruption and prioritization of materials and products chain. This validation tried to check adherence of the model used the premises established by the company. In conclusion, we propose necessary changes in classification and recommendations regarding procedures and sourcing strategies to be adopted by the ICT area.