A large number of studies suggest that the content of strategy becomes more multifaceted and elaborate and characterised by progressive development over time. Recently, a growing number of researchers argue that strategy can become simple, stable and inert over time. This study investigates how changes of sociocognitive processes at individual, group and organisational levels influence organisational processes and strategic decisions. It adopts configurational approach to strategy development and its concepts (configurations, transformations, archetypes) as a framework. Thus, the purpose is to provide a characterisation of strategy development by analysing the integration of four key research dimensions (social, cognitive, organisational performance and contextual) into one coherent theoretical structure - the model of organisational archetypes. This four-dimensional model is developed from the analysis of fifty one Ukrainian organisations using quantitative and qualitative research methods (questionnaire, interview and group interview) according to the logical structure of configurational research (modelling the sociocognitive basis, modelling the "fit between research dimensions and modelling configurations and archetypes). Following on from this, the model of organisational archetypes is validated in four other organisations through the development of a test of organisational internal creative environment in order to identify their configurations (current conditions) and archetypes (strategic perspectives). The procedure of this test includes the following sequence of actions: identifying sociocognitive characteristics of organisational members and the organisational internal creative environment, identifying periods of transformation and configuration in the process of organisational development, researching characteristics of the business-environment, and identifying appropriate organisational archetypes. The model of organisational archetypes developed in this thesis allows the identification of current and prospective organisational conditions and making relevant strategic decisions that reflect and anticipate changes in organisational internal and external environments. Thus, changes in the organisational internal creative environment (sociocognitive characteristics of organisational members) reflect changes in the business-environment and organisational performance and transform the characteristics of strategic decisions from multifaceted and elaborate to simple and inert and vice versa.

Originating in, and framed by, warfare, the term strategic management first appeared in the business literature in the 1950s (Carter et al., 2008). The term then started to gain more importance as organisations’ needs for implementing strategic changes increased significantly. Despite this importance, the concept is still considered to be under-developed, with complications arising from a wide variety of disciplines. In the early literature two major schools of thought could be identified: Porter’s economic deliberate content (Porter, 1979), and Mintzberg’s emergent process view (Mintzberg, 1979). The literature has shown that the majority of studies have mainly focused on large organisations, taking the traditional Porter’s content approach. However, relatively few cases have considered smaller organisations and/or explored cases from the contemporary process view, which is considered more realistic in today’s dynamic world, where extra flexibility and speed are paramount. This thesis builds on the work of Pettigrew (1987), who viewed strategy implementation (SI) as a process. His work is extensively analysed and some recommendations are made to strengthen his ‘Triangle Model’. These recommendations allow for the development of a primitive framework for SI. The framework provides a deeper understanding of contemporary SMEs and their surrounding contexts, and can be useful for future exploratory studies of undiscovered contexts and/or for organisations of differing sizes. The paucity of research on SI in SMEs in general, and particularly in the non-Western context (e.g. Middle East, and Gulf Cooperation Council), is the major motivation for this research adopting an interpretive, qualitative and exploratory approach. Using inductive semi-structured interviews, data have been collected on the SI process of SMEs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). SMEs represent 96% of the country’s enterprises and contribute to almost one third of the national economic activity (Bokhari, 2013). Their development is a major concern of the Saudi government, which aims to reduce the dependency on the oil sector (Bokhari, 2013; Sfakianakis, 2014; McKinsey Global Institute, 2015). In addition, SMEs have the potential to contribute to reducing the accelerating unemployment rate among the ever increasing youth population (Bokhari, 2013).Theoretically, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of SI and its enablers/ barriers in the SME sector. Following the approach suggested by Stacey (1996a), Mintzberg et al. (1998), and Okumus (2001), this research provides a more holistic understanding of the SI process. It sheds light on the individual dynamics of strategy implementation, as well as the organisational and external environment perspectives. By exploring these factors over the longitudinal process of SI (including initiation, process, and outcome), this research contributes a SI framework based on Mintzberg’s (1979) and Pettigrew’s (1985a) emerging process view. In so doing, this research adds to the SI process literature at the individual level, as an epistemological tool, and does so in order to consider the dynamic nature of SMEs and the impact that non-controllable events have on their daily routines, on ontological ground (Hart, 1992). At the methodological level, evidence from multiple cases in different Saudi industries is provided, reflecting a developing country context, rather than the dominant Western views (Okumus, 2003; Van der Maas, 2008). From the empirical research, lessons are identified to inform owners of SMEs, policy makers and future research.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

The previous research has illustrated that knowledge management (KM) is an important source of a competitive advantage, and there is a relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management. This dissertation extends the concept from knowledge management to knowledge business (k-business), and explores the relationship between organizational culture and KM strategies. This research intends to determine: Can k-business transform an organization? What are the antecedents that affect the choice of codification and personalization strategies? A survey containing four instruments was used: Cameron & Quinn's (1999) OCAI, Lawson's (2002) KMAI, Choi & Lee (2003)'s Knowledge Management Strategy Instrument, and Skyrme's (2001) K-Business Readiness Instrument. The survey link was forwarded to the companies who have been acknowledged for their knowledge management achievement by KMWorld; a total of 193 complete responses were analyzed. The results revealed that k-business can create a competitive advantage for organizations; different culture types can be the antecedent of different types of KM strategy. Clan culture is positively related to personalization strategy; significant association exists between hierarchy culture and codification strategy; and there is a significant correlation between adhocracy culture and personalization strategy. Market culture does not significantly affect knowledge management strategies.

This diploma thesis deals with human resources management in a selected company with an emphasis on revealing deficiencies in the analyzed area of management and suggesting possible improvements. The main objective of the thesis is to analyze human resources management in a particular company, to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of this system and then to propose real improvements. The subject of this diploma thesis is the human resource management system of selected company. The object of the research is an anonymous company. The diploma thesis is divided into three main parts. In the first part of the thesis based on the theoretical backgrounds in human resources management and personnel management the basic concepts were formulated and defined as the main pillars of the research. The second analytical part is devoted to the results of research conducted in the company and, in particular, to direct interviewing methods through structured interviews, questionnaires and workshop prepared with external company. The third, final part brings suggestions and therefore presents the strengths and weaknesses of the human resources management system described in the previous section and provides recommendations on how to improve it. At the end of the thesis, the most important research findings are presented.

This thesis proposes a novel framework for solving the energy management problem of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). We aim to establish a practical and effective approach targeting an optimal Energy Management Strategy (EMS). A situation-specific Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) is developed to minimize fuel consumption and improve battery charge sustainability while maintaining an acceptable drive quality. The investigated methodology will be broadly applicable to all HEV applications; however, it will be well-suited for hybrid electric delivery applications. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Personal vehicles have made great contributions to our life and satisfy our daily mobility needs. However, they have also caused societal issues, such as air pollution and global warming. Further to the recent attention to low-carbon energy technologies and environmentally friendly mobility, hybrid electric vehicles play an important role in the current automotive industry. As a leading center and an educational institution in Canada, McMaster University wants to build a Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain Laboratory for introducing undergraduate students to hybrid powertrain architectures, instrumentation and control. A phased development of the hybrid powertrain teaching laboratory is being pursued. The first phase is to design a electric motor laboratory, as a platform for demonstrating motor characteristics. A LabVIEW based interface is designed to enable electric motor characterization tests. This laboratory set-up is still under construction. Real experiments would be implemented, once finishing the utility connections. For the hybrid powertrain laboratory, an innovative design architecture is proposed to enable different hybrid architectures, such as series, parallel, and power-split modes to be investigated. Instead of a planetary gearbox, bevel gearboxes with a continuous variable transmission (CVT) are used for making the laboratory more compact and flexible for demonstrating hybrid functionalities. The additional generator provides the ability of input power-split for allowing the engine to operate at a narrow high efficiency region. After designing the hybrid laboratory, a novel rule-based energy management strategy is applied to a simplified simulation model. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

No / Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the various mechanisms that can be used to integrate new technology into existing products, and to determine some of the conditions under which specific integration mechanisms are most appropriate. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted an exploratory theory¿building approach based on analysis of data from 12 case studies, each representing companies with varying levels of: technological maturity of the organization and technological advancement of their products. Informants were managers and engineers who had responsibility for, or a significant role in, the integration of software and hardware. At least three interviews were conducted in each company and all interviews were of at least two hours duration. In total, 41 interviews were conducted. The different approaches used for technology integration were examined and subsequently mapped using the twin dimensions outlined above. Findings Cross¿case pattern analysis indicates that for technologically mature organizations, mechanisms based on processes are most appropriate, while for less mature organizations an approach based on structural mechanisms may be more suitable. Similarly, in cases involving high levels of technology advancement in the products, integration mechanisms based on processes and culture are preferable, whereas for low technology products the mechanisms are clustered around resource¿based approaches. Research limitations/implications Multiple cases do not permit as much depth as the classic single case study and tend to yield ¿modest¿ rather than ¿grand¿ theoretical development. The use of scaling to convert qualitative data into quantitative data, and the identification of patterns in cross¿case analysis are both based on interpretive judgements. Future research should examine the proposed model and its constructs in different settings and using alternative research methods. There is also an opportunity to explore the relationships between the integration mechanisms and the outcomes of integration projects, and finally, it would be useful to extend the work to service settings and to integration of process technology. Practical implications The findings provide guidance to managers in selecting alternative approaches to managing the process of technology integration in different contexts. Examples are given of practices associated with each integration mechanism, together with some of the tensions and challenges which arise during implementation. Originality/value The paper provides clear guidance on the approaches that can be used for technology integration for product development. It classifies these according to the level of maturity and experience in the organization and the level of advancement of the product offered by the technology.

This study examines citizens awareness and usage of government e-services. Governments use Web-based Internet applications to enhance their citizens access to government services. However, in a case study in Brunei Darussalam, it was found that the government s initiative in providing e-services in last few years has not been as successful as it could have been as the services have not been citizen-centric. This was due to the availability of e-services being unknown amongst the citizens and that a silo-based approach existed for each government ministry. One notable finding was that although the ICT literacy of Brunei citizens has rapidly improved, this has not been reflected in the citizens interaction with government. There are several challenges for citizens awareness and use of government e-services that occur on e-government initiatives. Failure in managing such problems, results in a high probability of these services becoming a white elephant , with inefficiency, wastefulness and cost overruns on e-government projects. E-government management agencies still do not have an organized citizens awareness strategy approach to managing knowledge in e-government initiatives. The proposed Government e Services Citizens Awareness Strategy (GeS-CAS) framework, incorporating communication, management and education strategies, can effectively be used to enable e-government agencies to deal with e-government projects problems and risks in an organised and efficient way. It is concluded that e-government initiatives management can be improved if the knowledge dimensions of the problems are well understood and are conveyed to the right people, at the right time and the right place, and are appropriately managed. This research has developed an integrated citizens awareness strategy Knowledge Management framework that provides a structured approach to achieving this which is easy to understand and put in to practice by e-government agencies, and can be used to solve citizen awareness problems, explore opportunities and make decisions.

本研究旨在瞭解少子化對教育環境與國民中學學校經營之影響、教育行政機關在政策面及實務面因應少子化之道、少子化下國民中學學校經營之因應策略及其重要性等方面。研究對象為臺北縣市教育行政機關人員及臺北縣市公立國民中學之校長、候用校長與教務主任為訪談及問卷施測之對象。問卷發出277份，回收218份，問卷回收率為78.70%。資料分析採平均數與標準差等方法。 綜合問卷與訪談結果，本研究歸納幾點結論： 一、少子化對教育環境的影響包括對社會整體、學校環境、教師及家長等層面之影響。 二、教育行政機關因應之道，中央行政機關的政策面與實務面因應之道包括：(一)建立裁併校指標、(二)教師方面培養教師第二專長、增加輔導教師人力及規劃教師共聘機制、(三)學校層面降低班級人數提昇教學品質、編列教育補助預算、(四)推動教師及師培機構評鑑機制等層面；地方行政機關的政策面與實務面因應之道包括：(一)學校教師員額管控與聘任新進教師、(二)教師專業成長、(三)偏遠地區學校裁併與新設校之考量、(四)學校空間規劃與硬體之改善等層面。 三、少子化對國民中學學校經營之影響層面包括：(一)少子化對國民中學學校經營之衝擊、(二)少子化對國民中學學校經營之新契機、(三)少子化對國民中學教師帶來之改變。 四、少子化國民中學學校經營之因應策略及其重要性為：(一)建立品牌形象、(二)精進教師專業成長、(三)強化學校招生策略、(四)推動學校創新經營、(五)加強校本課程、(六)運用學校校園閒置空間等層面。 依據上述研究結果，針對中央及地方教育行政機關、對國民中學學校經營、對後續研究提出幾項具體建議，供教育行政機關及學校校長等相關政策規劃及學校經營上之參考。 / The object of this research is focused on exploring and understanding how a birth rate policy affects junior high school education, school management, administrative authorities for education policy and practice ;therefore ,responds the adaption to the changing environment,and concludes the implication and importance for school management strategy . This research was conducted under the questionnaire survey aiming at Taipei public and private authorities staffs , schools principals and its candidates , and academic affair supervisors with sampling size of 277 volunteers and withdrew 218 copies thereof effective, i.e. withdrawing rate 78.70%. Regarding the research tool includes mean and standard deviation analysis. According to the research analysis and discussion, it comes to the conclusions as following： 1.A birth rate policy influences on education environment including society, school, teacher and parent aspects. 2.As regards Central education authorities responding the policy and practice to the changing environment include. (1)establish school close down and consolidation indicators. (2)cultivate and train teachers with secondary specialty , enhance faculty counseling staffs and planning mechanism for co-selecting teachers. (3)scale down the number of a class student , promote education quality, and propose a education supplementary budgets. (4)promote teacher performance and appraisal implement mechanism ; and further,Local education authorities responding the policy and practice are (1)Control the number of faculty and new teachers recruitment. (2)Cultivate and promote teachers specialty. (3)Feasibility study on remote district schools close down or consolidation. (4)Improving the campus space and hardware facility . 3.A birth rate policy influences on junior high school management respects are: (1) Impacting on school administration and management. (2)Emerging incidentally new opportunity from those influences. (3)As far as junior high schools’ teachers are concerned, changing incidentally with those influences. 4.The said policy implication and importance for school management strategy including： (1)To establish brand image. (2)Cultivate and promote teachers specialty. (3)To strengthen the student enrollment strategy. (4)Creating an innovative school management strategy. (5)Upgrade and intensify the course contents and level. (6)To utilize the unused or idle space or facility. Finally, according to the research findings and conclusions, I propose some suggestions regarding practice applications and subsequent studies respectively to school principal and education authorities for implementing the related policy and management strategy.