This thesis deals with CSR conceptions of ABB Group and ABB ČR, compraing both conceptions. Its aim is to prove these two hypotheses: "ABB ČR applies glocal attitude to CSR" and "In ABB ČR, creating CSV is not an element of its CSR conception, whereas within ABB Group, CSV is already being implemented." In order to prove these hypotheses, this thesis presents the theory of CSR and CSV to its reader. As for the CSV, this thesis offers a relatively broad theoretical framework, supplemented by up to date critique of the conception and my personal evaluation of the relation of CSR with CSV. In the practical part of the thesis, particular instruments of both (ABB Group and ABB ČR) CSR conceptions are analysed with the aim to prove both aforementioned hypotheses. After a comparison of both instruments, the first hypothesis is confirmed. In order to verify the second hypothesis the method of synthesis is employed to establish a strcture of CSV and to enable a final comparison, which, however, disproves the second hypothesis.

This diploma thesis is focused on the area of outsourcing and Shared Services Centers. It includes an introduction to outsourcing, its history, the life cycle and the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. The paper is than focused on the Shared Services Centers model, their definition, description, history and benefits and risks arising from them. The thesis also analyzes problems of the implementation process of accounting shared services from a theoretical point of view. This theoretical part is followed by a case study about an establishment of SSC by Czech companies.

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo integrado de gestão econômico-financeira de sistemas produtivos agropecuários, que destina-se (a) a fornecer ferramentas de gestão para o sistemas produtivos agropecuários, (b) proporcionar a avaliação do uso dos seus recursos e (c) contribuir para o desenvolvimento econômico-financeiro desse setor. Para tanto, realizaram-se (i) uma revisão da literatura sobre a gestão econômico-financeira do agronegócio; (ii) uma revisão sobre ferramentas que deem subsídio a essa gestão; (iii) uma apresentação de um modelo integrado dessas ferramentas e (iv) a sua aplicação. A primeira revisão da literatura revela a diversificação e a integração de culturas como fontes para o aumento da lucratividade dos empreendimento rurais através do compartilhamento de recursos. A segunda revisão bibliográfica aponta como sistema de custos, fluxo de caixa e compartilhamento de recursos auxiliam no aumento da lucratividade. A integração dessas três ferramentas é apresentada através de um modelo conceitual e de uma sistemática de operacionalização, que, posta em prática em um sistema produtivo que integra lavoura e pecuária, apresenta o impacto do compartilhamento de recursos nos custos, nos pontos de equilíbrio, no fluxo de caixa e na utilização de recursos. Os resultados sustentam o compartilhamento de recursos como alternativa para o aumento da lucratividade. O modelo de gestão demonstra ser um conjunto de ferramentas relacionadas, com possibilidade de detalhamento a fim de suprir necessidades específicas. / This paper presents an integrated model of rural enterprise economic-financial management. This model is intended (a) to provide management tools for agriculture production systems, (b) to provide a review of the use of their resources and (c) to contribute to the economic and financial development of this sector. To achieve this objetives it was made: (i) a literature review on agribusiness economic and financial management, (ii) a review of tools that give allowance to such management, (iii) a presentation of an integrated model of these tools and (iv) the implementation of this model. The first action reveals diversification and integration of cultures as sources for increasing the profitability of rural development through the sharing of resources. The second literature review points out how the cost systems, the cash flow and the shared resource assist in increasing profitability. The integration of these three tools is presented through a conceptual model and a its systematic operationalization, which, implemented in a production system that integrates crops and livestock, presents the impact of resource sharing at costs, at the break even points, at cash flow and at resource utilization. The results support the sharing of resources as an alternative to increased profitability. The management model proves to be a set of tools related, whi the possibility of detail in order to meet specific needs.

Memória Transacional tem se demonstrado um paradigma promissor na implementação de aplicações concorrentes sob memória compartilhada que busquem evitar um modelo de sincronização baseado em locks. Em vez de sujeitar a execução a um acesso exclusivo com base no valor de um lock que é compartilhado por threads concorrentes, uma aplicação sob Memória Transacional tenta executar seções críticas de modo otimista, desfazendo as modificações no caso de um conflito de acesso à memória. Entretanto, apesar de a abordagem baseada em locks ter adquirido um número significativo de ferramentas automatizadas para a depuração, profiling e otimização automatizados (por ser uma das técnicas de sincronização mais antigas e mais bem pesquisadas), o campo da Memória Transacional ainda é comparativamente recente, e programadores frequentemente precisam adaptar manualmente suas aplicações transacionais ao encontrar problemas de eficiência. Este trabalho propõe um sistema no qual o profiling de código em uma implementação de Memória Transacional simulada é utilizado para caracterizar uma aplicação transacional, formando a base para uma parametrização automatizada do respectivo sistema especulativo para uma execução eficiente do código em questão. Também é proposta uma abordagem de escalonamento de threads guiado por profiling em uma implementação de Memória Transacional baseada em software, usando dados coletados pelo profiler para prever a probabilidade de conflitos e determinar que thread escalonar com base nesta previsão. São apresentados os resultados de experimentos sob ambas as abordagens. / Transactional Memory has shown itself to be a promising paradigm for the implementation of shared-memory concurrent applications that eschew a lock-based model of data synchronization. Rather than conditioning exclusive access on the value of a lock that is shared across concurrent threads, Transactional Memory attempts to execute critical sections optimistically, rolling back the modifications in the event of a data access conflict. However, while the lock-based approach has acquired a significant body of debugging, profiling and automated optimization tools (as one of the oldest and most researched synchronization techniques), the field of Transactional Memory is still comparably recent, and programmers are usually tasked with an unguided manual tuning of their transactional applications when facing efficiency problems. We propose a system in which code profiling in a simulated hardware implementation of Transactional Memory is used to characterize a transactional application, which forms the basis for the automated tuning of the underlying speculative system for the efficient execution of that particular application. We also propose a profile-guided approach to the scheduling of threads in a software-based implementation of Transactional Memory, using collected data to predict the likelihood of conflicts and determine what thread to schedule based on this prediction. We present the results achieved under both designs.

Purpose. To systematically develop and conduct preliminary evaluation of a decision support intervention to engage patients and their families about whether to accept or decline implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) pulse generator replacement. Methods. A series of studies using multi-methods and guided by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and the Normalization Process Theory: 1) an integrative review of patients’ perspectives on ICD decision-making; 2) a systematic review of the risks and benefits of ICD replacement; 3) an embedded mixed methods study to iteratively develop a patient decision aid (PDA) and simultaneously plan for its implementation; and 4) a feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate ease of recruitment, decision support intervention delivery and data collection. Findings. The integrative review of 25 articles reported that ICD decision-making was difficult and the majority of patients misunderstood ICD therapy. The systematic review of 17 nonrandomized studies reported that complication rates are higher at replacement as compared to initial implant, mortality benefit post ICD replacement is unclear, and patients’ clinical profile can affect ICD’s effectiveness. Findings from both studies were used to draft a PDA. Interviews with 18 end-users (clinicians, patients, spouses) revealed that the current ICD replacement process is automated and needs to elicit patient preferences. The PDA was considered the optimal tool to initiate the discussion of options. In a feasibility trial, 30 patients were randomized to the decision support intervention (PDA + decision coaching) (n=15) or usual care (n=15). The intervention was used as intended, users found the PDA acceptable but acceptability of decision coaching was variable. Patients exposed to the intervention had better knowledge scores compared to controls. Conclusion. The Ottawa Decision Support Framework and Normalization Process Theory were complementary frameworks to ensure that the decision support intervention has the potential for implementation. To determine whether this approach was successful, future research is required to evaluate and implement the intervention in clinical practice. Findings from the feasibility study will be used to design an effectiveness trial.

O presente trabalho é fruto de uma pesquisa bibliográfica na qual as formas de conservação da natureza são questionadas. Diversas alternativas de manejo dos recursos naturais com a participação comunitária são apontadas principalmente através da formatação de parcerias junto à sociedade civil organizada na forma de Organizações Não –Governamentais representativas. Buscou-se exemplos concretos de Unidades de Conservação brasileiras, no caso Amazônicas, onde, de diferentes formas, as parcerias e o manejo participativo têm sido implementados com relativo sucesso para se repensar, entre outros, a necessidade futura da criação das Unidades de Conservação ou o formato mais adequado de se conseguir de fato a conservação da biodiversidade e também da sociodiversidade. Muitas alternativas diferentes são apresentadas na tentativa de se responder ao cada vez mais ampliado discurso preservacionista, através do qual as populações tradicionais são privadas dos seus direitos seculares sobre seus espaços, suas tradições, ao mesmo tempo que os recursos naturais estão sendo gradativamente dizimados, sendo o desmatamento um exemplo do paradoxo que vive a nossa política e prática conservacionista. Busca-se também demonstrar que, se não for bem formatada, a participação das comunidades poderá, ao contrário do que se postula, ser manipulada em prol da desagregação dos seus objetivos e a desarticulação do tão questionado movimento ambientalista. Conceitos como democracia, participação, cidadania, sociedade civil, parcerias entre outros são repensados em uma tentativa de se ampliar o debate a respeito da apropriação dos bens comuns sob o enfoque desenvolvimentista. / This dissertation is the product of a bibliographical research in which the nature conservation forms are questioned. Many alternatives of natural resources management with communitary participation are shown specially as partnerships with the organized civil society in the form of representative Non-Governmental Organizations. Concrete examples of Brazilian Conservation Areas in the Amazon region, where, in different ways, partnerships and participatory management have been implemented with satisfactory success, are displayed in order to rethink, among other things, the future needs of Conservation Areas creation or the most appropriate form of really achieving biodiversity and sociodiversity conservation. Many different alternatives are presented in an attempt of responding to the always broader preservationist speech through which traditional populations are deprived of ancient rights they hold over their spaces and traditions, while natural resources are being gradually extinguished, being deforestation an example of the paradox of our conservationist policy and actions. There is also the intention of showing that if not well established, community participation can, differently from what is said, be manipulated in favor of the dissociation of its goals and disarticulation of the so questioned environmentalist movement. Concepts like democracy, participation, citizenship, civil society, partnerships, among others are questioned in an attempt of broadening the debate on the common properties appropriation, under the scope of development.

abstract: This project uses the tools of speculative climate fiction to explore and imagine the future of the United Nations climate negotiations in each of the five Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. Climate fiction (cli-fi) proves a powerful but imperfect tool for envisioning future challenging and turning scientific models into meaningful narratives. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Sustainability 2020

Principals need to possess leadership skills and behaviors that help set expectations for collaborative work. The problem in this case study was that little was known about the collaboration-building behaviors principals use that promote effective collaboration between members of the school community. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the behaviors principals exhibit when building collaboration through the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The conceptual framework was based on 3 elements: leadership styles and approaches, collaboration, and the implementation of effective PLCs. The primary research question explored how principal behaviors contribute to collaborative professional learning communities. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 6 elementary principals from a Mid-Atlantic State. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and document review of PLC structures. Data were coded using a Microsoft Word Doc Data Extract tool and analyzed for themes using an inductive process. Emergent themes for building collaboration were identified as leadership traits, vision, time, collaborative structures, culture, and the need for professional learning. Results suggest that shared leadership, vision, collective learning, and supportive conditions influence the effective development of PLCs. As a result, professional learning opportunities are recommended for school leaders on strategies that successfully develop supportive and collaborative structures in schools. Implications for social change are that PLCs may strengthen professional practice in classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.

Research indicates that tobacco cessation rates are at least doubled when smokers receive assistance from a clinician; receiving tobacco cessation advice from multiple types of clinicians increases quit rates even further.¹ To address a decades-long deficiency in the tobacco cessation training of health professionals in general, a shared curriculum, Rx for Change: Clinician-Assisted Tobacco Cessation, was developed in 1999 as a collaboration of the schools of pharmacy in California.^2,3 Between 2003 and 2005, pharmacy faculty members (n=191) participated in national train-the-trainer workshops designed to equip faculty with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement the Rx for Change curriculum at their academic institutions.⁴ <div><br></div><div> The studies that comprise this dissertation are a logical extension of this national initiative, applying a mixed-methods approach to: (a) evaluate the long-term impact of training pharmacy faculty using the Rx for Change program, (b) delineate recommendations for developing and disseminating shared curricula for health-care programs, and (c) evaluate utilization of the Rx for Change website, which hosts faculty resources and curricular files for download. In combination, these (along with a previously-conducted qualitative study) provide a comprehensive “view” of the long-term impact of this unique shared curriculum. </div><div><br></div><div>Results from the three studies provided evidence for: (1) reach to the majority of pharmacy institutions, (2) a high level of adoption of the Rx for Change in health professional schools, (3) a positive impact on faculty trainees’ careers and their level of confidence for teaching, precepting clinical students, and assisting tobacco users, (4) implementation of the Rx for Change curriculum with a variety of teaching methodologies, and (5) continuity of use within the core curriculum of pharmacy institutions. Seven key factors were found to have contributed to the success of the Rx for Change program, and thus the following are recommended for future shared curriculum developers: (1) appeal to attendees, (2) relate content to clinical practice, (3) deliver live training (in-person), (4) develop high quality materials delivered by experts, (5) meet accreditation standards, (6) provide support for teaching, and (7) demonstrate effectiveness. Data from the website analysis provided evidence for interprofessional reach of the Rx for Change website to educators, learners, and professionals.<br></div>

Purpose: To synthesize evidence on decisional needs assessments and patient decision aid (PtDA) trials based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) in order to validate the concepts and test the main assertion in the ODSF. Decisional Needs: The systematic review studies (n=45) validated all of the decisional needs identified in the ODSF. Nine new manifestations of ODSF decisional needs emerged (e.g. information overload, unreceptive to information/deliberation, relationship barriers with practitioner). PtDAs: The sub-analysis identified 24 ODSF PtDA trials. Compared to usual care, ODSF PtDAs improved decision quality, addressed decisional needs and reduced decision delay. Further evaluation is needed on downstream impacts of these improvements on decision-making. Conclusions: Using Walker and Avant’s theory testing steps, the integrated findings from the systematic review and sub-analysis validated the ODSF decisional needs concepts and tested the main assertion in the ODSF (that PtDAs address decisional needs and improve decision quality).