Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Florida, 2003. / Title from title page of source document. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Queensland, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2002. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-91). Also available on the World Wide Web.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

Proved reserves estimation is a crucial process since it impacts aspects of the petroleum business. By definition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the proved reserves must be estimated by reliable methods that must have a chance of at least a 90 percent probability (P90) that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the estimates. Decline curve analysis, DCA, is a commonly used method; which a trend is fitted to a production history and extrapolated to an economic limit for the reserves estimation. The trend is the “best estimate” line that represents the well performance, which corresponds to the 50th percentile value (P50). This practice, therefore, conflicts with the proved reserves definition. An exponential decline model is used as a base case because it forms a straight line in a rate-cum coordinate scale. Two straight line fitting methods, i.e. ordinary least square and error-in-variables are compared. The least square method works better in that the result is consistent with the Gauss-Markov theorem. In compliance with the definition, the proved reserves can be estimated by determining the 90th percentile value of the descending order data from the variance. A conventional estimation using a principal of confidence intervals is first introduced to quantify the spread, a difference between P50 and P90, from the variability of a cumulative production. Because of the spread overestimation of the conventional method, the analytical formula is derived for estimating the variance of the cumulative production. The formula is from an integration of production of rate over a period of time and an error model. The variance estimations agree with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results. The variance is then used further to quantify the spread with the assumption that the ultimate cumulative production is normally distributed. Hyperbolic and harmonic models are also studied. The spread discrepancy between the analytics and the MCS is acceptable. However, the results depend on the accuracy of the decline model and error used. If the decline curve changes during the estimation period the estimated spread will be inaccurate. In sensitivity analysis, the trend of the spread is similar to how uncertainty changes as the parameter changes. For instance, the spread reduces if uncertainty reduces with the changing parameter, and vice versa. The field application of the analytical solution is consistent to the assumed model. The spread depends on how much uncertainty in the data is; the higher uncertainty we assume in the data, the higher spread. / text

Abstract The thesis explores the formation, implementation and execution of 'Bantu administration' policies in the African 'reserves' of South Africa. The study begins with an examination of the institutions of segregation, the strains during the 1940s, and the responses of the government of JC Smuts and of the Nationalist opposition. The thesis covers the administrations of OF Malan, JG Strijdom and HF Verwoerd, from 1948 until the beginning of the period of 'grand apartheid', c1960. It examines a major dispute within the cabinet over African representation in state legislatures during Malan's administration and explains its ramifications. It explores the development of the policy of political apartheid, under EG Jansen and Verwoerd, both Ministers of Native Affairs, until the passage of the Bantu Authorities Act of 1951. The narrative continues with an inquiry into politics of African representation, the establishment of Bantu Authorities, and the related policies of 'betterment'. The nature of decision-making and centreperiphery interaction between the 'Head Office' of the Department of Native Affairs and its local officers are of particular concern. The administrative assault on Africans in the reserves, the developing policy of 'self-government' withi n the framework of 'separate development' and the final elimination of any African political representation are all critically examined. Three case studies illustrate the effects of these policies on African communities in the Northern Transvaal. These include the imposition of political structures predicated on a priori 'ethnic' divisions, the distortion of rural development programmes, and the early mass removal of the Mamathola people

Statutory reserves in life insurance companies are required by regulation laws. Regulators monitor insurers’ statutory reserves to protect policy holders’ future benefits and ensure the insurers are financially healthy. The purpose of this report is to give a brief introduction to statutory reserves in life insurance companies. In this report, assumptions and valuation methods for statutory reserve valuations are explained and discussed. The comparisons between statutory reserves and GAAP reserves are also discussed. / text

Natural protected areas (NPAs) are created for the protection of biodiversity and natural resources. In NPAs, diverse social constructions of nature come together, representing the specific and often contrasting values of disparate interest groups. The establishment of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Campeche, Mexico fueled social conflict between groups in the region, because its borders cut across existing ejidos (communal lands). The incongruence of policies and actions related to land management in Calakmul presents a particular case where national and international interests are imposed upon local conservation and development concerns. Communities have responded in multiple ways, often resisting new policies or programs, but at times taking advantage of new resources, perspectives, or knowledge. This study analyzes how the differing attitudes of local populations and conservation-oriented NGOs toward conservation, tourism, and towards each other affect how sustainable development activities are carried out within this unique social space.

Magistro baigiamajame darbe apžvelgiami ir išsamiai išanalizuojami gamybinės įmonės veiklos efektyvumo vertinimo principai, vertinimo galimybės bei metodologija. Remiantis kitų šalių patirtimi bei teorinėmis žiniomis, apsvarstytos efektyvumo gerinimo alternatyvos. Iš gautų UAB “Terekas” finansinės analizės rezultatų, atliktas pagrindinių veiklos efektyvumą įtakojančių rodiklių prognozavimas, pasitelkiant koreliacinės regresinės analizės bei eksponentinių reikšmių lyginimo skaičiavimo būdus atlikta pardavimų apimties prognozė, bendrojo bei grynojo pelno prognozės 2008-2009 metams, įvertinta įmonės bankroto tikimybė bei stabilaus augimo koeficientas. Pagal gautus rezultatus, pateiktos rekomendacijos veiklos (gamybos) efektyvumui gerinti. Patvirtinama autorės suformuluota mokslinio tyrimo hipotezė, kad gamybinės įmonės veiklos efektyvumo vertinimo rodikliai atskleidžia įmonės finansinę padėtį ir leidžia spręsti apie įmonės veiklos efektyvumą. / This Master thesis contains a review and a thorough analysis of production company’s principles of activity effectiveness evaluation, evaluation possibilities and methodology. With reference to the experience of foreign countries and theoretical knowledge, the alternatives of effectiveness improvement were discussed. The results of financial analysis were received. Thus the forecast of the main influencing indicators of the activity effectiveness was accomplished. With the help of correlation and regressive analysis as well as the calculating ways of comparing exponential values, sales volume, profit and gross profit for 2008-2009 were forecasted. The possibility of bankrupt and the coefficient of steady progress were evaluated. According to the gained results, the recommendations of improvement of activity (production) effectiveness were proposed. The scientific hypothesis of the author was proven. It claims that the evaluation indicators of a production company’s activity effectiveness reveal the financial state of a company and let decide about a company’s activity effectiveness.