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1
Ojomo, D. O. "Assessing performance appraisal systems and their effectiveness." Thesis, University of Dundee, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.539098.
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Jericho, Adrienne John, and n/a. "Perceptions of Principal Appraisal: Experience in Australian Lutheran Schools." Griffith University. School of Cognition, Language and Special Education, 2004. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20040919.113840.
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This study was an investigation into participant perceptions of principal appraisal in Australian Lutheran schools where a national, systematic appraisal process for principals, entitled Principal Appraisal for Development (PAD), has been in place since 2000. The study group for the investigation consisted of fifteen principals, ten chairpersons of school councils and two district directors, all of whom had been involved in the process. The literature review indicated that whilst there was substantive scholarly writing on the purpose and methods of principal appraisal, there was a lack of recorded research on the experience and longer term outcomes of appraisal. Accordingly, the focus of the study was an examination of participant perceptions of the experience and impact of appraisal. The study's theoretical underpinning was symbolic interactionism and it adopted a qualitative approach to answer the central research question: What are principal and governing council chairperson perceptions of the efficacy of principal appraisal processes in Australian Lutheran schools? Data for the study were gathered through focus group and individual qualitative interviews. In addition, documents associated with the appraisal process were obtained for analysis. The data were then analysed using grounded theory methods, leading to the generation of three theoretical propositions. The first proposition was that the efficacy of principal appraisal depended on the completion of an explicit process that followed six clearly defined and understood steps; the second: that five perceptions of the efficacy of the appraisal process could be identified amongst participants; and the third: that the role played by key players in a spirit of trust in the process and in one another facilitated perceptions of efficacy in the appraisal process. Furthermore, the context in which the process took place, the actual purpose of the process and the nature of responses by participants emerged as key factors in each proposition. In particular, these factors determined whether the appraisal process advanced through the six defined stages required to ensure meaningful, long-term development for the principal, which of the perceptions of efficacy of the process for development was held by participants, and the extent to which trust in one another and in the process was evident. From these propositions eight statements that describe the experience of study participants were identified. These comprised: their belief that a development purpose must have priority in appraisal for perceptions of efficacy of the process; credible messages needed to emerge from the appraisal process for perceptions of its efficacy; appraisal needed to be perceived as a complex process of change involving meaning-making; principal as agent and initiator in the appraisal process facilitated perceptions of efficacy; a supportive and improvement-oriented environment for professional development was associated with perceptions of efficacy of the process; professional development of the principal needed to be perceived as a complex process; trust in the process and in one another was necessary for perceptions of appraisal's efficacy; and appraisal was recognised as having outcomes that may distract from development. These findings have specific implications for the policy and practice of principal appraisal in Lutheran schools, especially as PAD is reviewed. The findings also have application to other appraisal settings and generated key questions to assist in developing, implementing and evaluating principal appraisal systems. The study also indicated that those involved in the appraisal process need to think through how appraisal, development and accountability are related. These concepts are important and legitimate, and are to be both separated and recognised in any employment context. The study found that appraisal that resulted in development was a complex process of change involving shifts to meaning and behaviour. Such a process needed to be supported through an environment of trust with an improvement focus. The study has indicated that appraisal for development needs to be informed more fully by an understanding of the professional development literature. In summary, the study has contributed to an understanding of the place of appraisal in the learning and development of school principals.
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Jericho, Adrienne John. "Perceptions of Principal Appraisal: Experience in Australian Lutheran Schools." Thesis, Griffith University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/365186.
Full textAbstract:
This study was an investigation into participant perceptions of principal appraisal in Australian Lutheran schools where a national, systematic appraisal process for principals, entitled Principal Appraisal for Development (PAD), has been in place since 2000. The study group for the investigation consisted of fifteen principals, ten chairpersons of school councils and two district directors, all of whom had been involved in the process. The literature review indicated that whilst there was substantive scholarly writing on the purpose and methods of principal appraisal, there was a lack of recorded research on the experience and longer term outcomes of appraisal. Accordingly, the focus of the study was an examination of participant perceptions of the experience and impact of appraisal. The study's theoretical underpinning was symbolic interactionism and it adopted a qualitative approach to answer the central research question: What are principal and governing council chairperson perceptions of the efficacy of principal appraisal processes in Australian Lutheran schools? Data for the study were gathered through focus group and individual qualitative interviews. In addition, documents associated with the appraisal process were obtained for analysis. The data were then analysed using grounded theory methods, leading to the generation of three theoretical propositions. The first proposition was that the efficacy of principal appraisal depended on the completion of an explicit process that followed six clearly defined and understood steps; the second: that five perceptions of the efficacy of the appraisal process could be identified amongst participants; and the third: that the role played by key players in a spirit of trust in the process and in one another facilitated perceptions of efficacy in the appraisal process. Furthermore, the context in which the process took place, the actual purpose of the process and the nature of responses by participants emerged as key factors in each proposition. In particular, these factors determined whether the appraisal process advanced through the six defined stages required to ensure meaningful, long-term development for the principal, which of the perceptions of efficacy of the process for development was held by participants, and the extent to which trust in one another and in the process was evident. From these propositions eight statements that describe the experience of study participants were identified. These comprised: their belief that a development purpose must have priority in appraisal for perceptions of efficacy of the process; credible messages needed to emerge from the appraisal process for perceptions of its efficacy; appraisal needed to be perceived as a complex process of change involving meaning-making; principal as agent and initiator in the appraisal process facilitated perceptions of efficacy; a supportive and improvement-oriented environment for professional development was associated with perceptions of efficacy of the process; professional development of the principal needed to be perceived as a complex process; trust in the process and in one another was necessary for perceptions of appraisal's efficacy; and appraisal was recognised as having outcomes that may distract from development. These findings have specific implications for the policy and practice of principal appraisal in Lutheran schools, especially as PAD is reviewed. The findings also have application to other appraisal settings and generated key questions to assist in developing, implementing and evaluating principal appraisal systems. The study also indicated that those involved in the appraisal process need to think through how appraisal, development and accountability are related. These concepts are important and legitimate, and are to be both separated and recognised in any employment context. The study found that appraisal that resulted in development was a complex process of change involving shifts to meaning and behaviour. Such a process needed to be supported through an environment of trust with an improvement focus. The study has indicated that appraisal for development needs to be informed more fully by an understanding of the professional development literature. In summary, the study has contributed to an understanding of the place of appraisal in the learning and development of school principals.Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
School of Cognition, Language and Special Education
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Gallagher, Anthony W. "Sustainabilty systems appraisal for integrated coastal zone management." Thesis, Southampton Solent University, 2006. http://ssudl.solent.ac.uk/581/.
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Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a process defined in terms of achieving sustainable development. Despite sustainability being accepted by the majority of organizations currently operating on the coast, the integrated approach is seen as the more constructive and benificial alternative to achieve this state. Id 'success' for ICZM means sustainable development, then the question is raised as to how it attempts to achieve this, and, more speficically, how effectively it does so? Put another way, how can the management process be evaluated in terms of achieving its aims? Despite sevaral attempts to produce sustainability indicator sets, there is currently no established or validated way of assessing the effectiveness of ICZM initiatives and consequently there is also no national overview with thish to judge the strategic performance of coastal partnerships (CPs). This study aims to address this failing by developing and critically evaluating a standardised operating mechanism for assessing the ability of ICZM initiatives to achieve sustainable development. In order to develop this 'Coastal Sustainability Standard', a review was made of the current role and treatment of sustainability in coastal planning and management in the UK. Using the electronic database of the company 'Coastal Management for Sustainability' (CMS), a survey of UK coastal practitioners was carried out as to the key theoretical constructs inherent in the concept of sustainability. Textual analysis of the results, using the qualitative software package, Nud*ist 6, revealed six dominant constructs which would form the basis for the development of the standard. These six - planning; participation; communication; integration; responsibility and balance were defined as principles, and a set of criteria developed for each, with which to enable assessment. A scoring system and a set of guidelines were then designed to maximise the level of objectivity in carrying out the assessment, with the scoring system also reflecting the systems thinking inherent in the design. In order to validate the mechanism, three case study CPs were selected against which to carry out a detailed application of the Standard. These were the Exe Estuary Management Partnership (EEMP); Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF) and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF), all of which scored relatively poorly. That none of the three CPs achieved the pre-requisite standard raised a number of considerations relating to the efficacy of the Standard and its operation, as well as to the nature of ICZM in the UK and its aim of achieving sustainable development. Conclusions drawn from this evaluation identified that the current operation of ICZM in the UK exhibits a disjointed approach to achieving its long-term goals, as a result of its voluntary nature. The voluntary approach employed in the UK can be seen to be at the root of a number of problems facing the successful development of ICZM. In terms of resources, it has implications for the skills, knowledge and training of coastal managers, as well as the funding available to develop and implement effective plans. The voluntary approach also does not necessarily 'encourage' appropriate cultural changes within or between stakeholder organizations, and does not impart joint responsibility or collective liability upon stakeholders to achieve sustainable development.
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McCluskey, William James. "Property tax policy, systems, reform and appraisal techniques." Thesis, University of Ulster, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287135.
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Grainger, David. "Authoring appraisal : an analysis of participation in performance appraisal systems in two local authorities in England." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2011. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.574506.
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The use of performance appraisal (PA) schemes is now almost ubiquitous in modem organizations, yet the academic literature on the subject must contend with a number of empirical studies which suggest that those who implement appraisal systems consider them to have failed. This suggests a need for more comprehensive examination of what happens when PA is implemented in practice. Taking a broadly realist approach, this thesis argues that such an examination must give a more comprehensive picture of how each of the different groups involved in PA participate in such schemes, with such participation seen not as determined by appraisal systems, but as meaningful choices taken by agents, which are influenced by such systems. This thesis focuses on the understandings (or 'theorizations') of PA held by different groups, arguing that these are the basis of the choices they make about how to participate. Employees at two local authorities in England were interviewed about their understandings and experiences of PA, and connections were drawn from the distinctive rationalities of each group about the organization in general, through their understandings of PA in particular, to the way they actually participate in appraisal. The latter topic is not a major focus of the thesis, but was studied by examining how PA forms at the two authorities had been designed to produce certain outcomes, and how some appraisers and appraisees had completed those forms. From this examination, two main conclusions are drawn. Firstly, the studied schemes reflected their designers' wish for them to perform multiple and contradictory functions. Secondly, appraisers and appraisees participated in PA enthusiastically, but often in ways against the design of the PA scheme, reflecting the fact that, whilst they accepted the legitimacy of their organization's PA schemes, their understandings of PA were very different to those of the designers.
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Gasti, Maria. "Techno-economic Appraisal of Concentrating Solar Power Systems (CSP)." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Energi och miljöteknik, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-12806.
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The diffusion of Concentrating Solar Power Systems (CSP) systems is currently taking place at a much slower pace than photovoltaic (PV) power systems. This is mainly because of the higher present cost of the solar thermal power plants, but also for the time that is needed in order to build them. Though economic attractiveness of different Concentrating technologies varies, still PV power dominates the market. The price of CSP is expected to drop significantly in the near future and wide spread installation of them will follow. The main aim of this project is the creation of different relevant case studies on solar thermal power generation and a comparison betwwen them. The purpose of this detailed comparison is the techno-economic appraisal of a number of CSP systems and the understanding of their behaviour under various boundary conditions. The CSP technologies which will be examined are the Parabolic Trough, the Molten Salt Power Tower, the Linear Fresnel Mirrors and the Dish Stirling. These systems will be appropriatly sized and simulated. All of the simulations aim in the optimization of the particular system. This includes two main issues. The first is the achievement of the lowest possible levelized cost of electricity and the second is the maximization of the annual energy output (kWh). The project also aims in the specification of these factors which affect more the results and more specifically, in what they contribute to the cost reduction or the power generation. Also, photovoltaic systems will be simulated under same boundary conditions to facolitate a comparison between the PV and the CSP systems. Last but not leats, there will be a determination of the system which performs better in each case study.
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Chetty, Uthamaganthan Perumal. "The effect of integrated quality management system on educator efficacy." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1278.
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Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education in the
Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education of the Faculty of Education
at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2013.Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) is an appraisal system of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. The appraisal system intended to develop educators on an on-going basis. The primary aim of this investigation was to establish the effect that IQMS has on educator efficacy. As an introduction to the study, the requirements for educator efficacy were reviewed. In so doing, the various characteristics for effective teaching-learning situation and of an “ideal” educator were highlighted. The didactical behaviour of successful educators was also in focus. The requirements for educator efficacy and the effects of IQMS on educator efficacy were investigated using a literature and empirical study. The study revealed that IQMS has a positive effect on educator performances. For the purposes of the empirical investigation, a structured questionnaire was used. Four hundred and six (406) questionnaires were completed by educators from the primary and secondary schools from the Pinetown District in the Ethekwini Region of KZN and these questionnaires were analysed. The data was processed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics.
University of Zululand
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Jones, S. "Information systems investment and value appraisal in the public sector." Thesis, University of Salford, 2002. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/26741/.
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This thesis develops the hypothesis for a new interpretive approach to the evaluation of information systems (IS), termed situated hermeneutic IS evaluation. The thesis adds to the body of knowledge in this area as this new approach moves away from the dominant evaluation paradigm based upon functionalism and introduces a new interpretive IS evaluation approach based upon hermeneutics and situated action, which incorporates a post-modern perspective on the nature of IS. This approach is particularly appropriate in the UK public sector, where traditional IS evaluation methods based upon economic, functional and mechanistic principles are largely irrelevant. The nature of information systems, information systems investment, information systems evaluation and the role of information systems evaluation in public sector organisations form a major part of the thesis. In particular, the study reviews the area of IS evaluation by considering the methods available for use and their underlying assumptions. Another major element of the study is the empirical work. This involved two UK local authorities where two in-depth interpretive case studies were undertaken. The results from the study are presented in terms of learning and are analysed to help understand, conceptually, the appropriateness of the new evaluation approach and to elicit salient issues and lessons for IS practice. A conceptual, practical framework for undertaking situated hermeneutic evaluation is also presented. In addition, an analysis is undertaken with regard to developing the key themes arising from the literature and the empirical work, with the aim of informing IS theory and practice. The case studies were undertaken using the Grounded Theory method in an interpretivist paradigm to explore issues from a rich, contextual and experiential perspective. As such it provides a view on the IS evaluation issues from a position rarely adopted by other researchers, as interpretivism is an emerging paradigm for research into IS evaluation An analysis is presented to help understand the underlying assumptions of the researchers that utilise Grounded Theory in IS research, and to help increase the understandinu of the Stephen Jonex I'niver.Mlv of'SalforJ Information Systems Research Centre I'hD Resetin. 7i Thesis July 2002 I'age Kiimher 11application of the method. The pitfalls and the opportunities that such a methodological approach could have in future IS evaluation studies is also presented. The outcomes of the research argue for a new complementary interpretive IS evaluation approach based on situated practice, which provides a richer view and a more practically oriented approach, especially within the public sector domain, and explores the use of a social science methodology, Grounded Theory, in information systems research.
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Riley, J. M. "The appraisal of three gas-fired small-scale CHP systems." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1997. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/4548.
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The research in this thesis has undertaken a technical. economic and environmeiital
appraisal of three gas-fired, small-scale Combined Heat-and-Power (CHP) systenlýý
together with a study of the UK's electricity supply industry (ESi) and CHP market.
The purpose of each system is to attempt to utilise more of the heat and/or electricitY
output from the CHP unit. Within the non-technical research area, t hree
scenarios for the evolution of the ES1 have been developed to help establish llow
changes to forces acting within the industry, might affect the development of the
UK CHP market. New applications of several strategic management, alialysis tools
were used to develop and select the following scenarios: (i) 'N-ewa nd reduced ('02
limits set by the Climate Control Conference + stricter environmental legislatioil,
(ii) Changes to the Pool mechanism for pricing electricity. (iii) Business as usual.
It was concluded that in isolation scenarios I and 3 would aid the expansion of the,
CHP market, whereas scenario 2 is likely to hinder it. The selection of the scenarios
and the implications for the ESi and CHP market are supported by the opinions of
'industry specialists', which were solicited in a survey specifically undertaken for
this study.
The investigation into the first of the three technical systems involves the substitution
of two separate CHP units in place of a single larger unit. The intention
is to operate the larger of the two CHP units at maximum output to satisfy the
base heat-load and to use the second unit for meeting peak loads. The results for
five test-cases were produced via a newlY-developed predictive model, and indicated
that it is possible, for one of the case studies considered, to achieve shorter
pay-back periods when using the double-unit - with a higher availability of 9.5% -
rather than the single-unit system. In the other two cases (where CHP is a viable
economic option), longer pay-back periods ensue by the installation of the twounit
rather than the single-unit system. The operation of the two-unit system call
potentially increase energy-utilisation from the CHP units at one of the other sites'.
Furthermore, the proposed system can offer, in some cases, significant secondarý'
benefits, which could encourage a potential investor in the technology. These benefits
include the increased heat- an d-elect ri city output, increased availability from
the system, back-up from the secondary unit if one unit fails.
The second system determines the viability of an integrated small-scale CHP and
TES system. Another predictive model was developed and tested on five test -case",.
It was found that there is insufficient potential for the system and that the pot(, iitial
is limited by the following factors (i) CHP-sizing methodology, (ii) the relat IvCIN,
high capital cost for TEs hardware and installation, (iii) the relatively low econwilic
value attributed to heat and (iv) the availability of IoN%-pricedo ff-peak electricitv.
An industrial case study provided a rare and useful operational exainple of tlic
proposed system and the findings indicated that the heat-store could reduce i he
energy and monetary expenditures by up to 2.8/7c of the site's annual gas usage.
displacing approximately 30 tones Of C02 emissions each year. Howe\-er, becauýw
of the high financial cost of the TES components and installation. the pay-back
period produced would rarely be acceptable to a prospecti\-e investor. except in
exceptional circumstances.
Finally, the viability of an integrated CHP/absorption chiller systeni was in\-(, stigated.
The effectiveness of these types of systems are dependent on several factors,
namely: the source-water temperature from the hot-engine CHP unit - for a high
cop - and the cooling load at the site, the cooling demand at the site and the
temperature of the cooling water. A first-stage predictive model was developed to
determine the initial appropriateness of the installation of the integrated system
at a local hospital for the first time. The indications were that the cooling demand
was too low and the surplus waste-heat from the CHP unit insufficient to make the
system viable at the site. A second working-system was studied with a full ('02
investigation undertaken. The intention was to compare the total C02 emissions
for the integrated CHP and absorption chiller system with those for a similarl. y
sized vapour-compression system. The results indicate that the installed systc1l)
will produce 0.30kgCO2/kWhcoolth compared with 0.27 kg and 0.32kg for two different
types of vapour compression systems at design conditions. If the CHP heat
output is increased - to supply all of the heat required by the absorption chiller -
then the proposed system can displace up to 0.06 kgC02 per kWhcoolth at design
conditions and 0.10 kgC02 per kWh of cooling delivered for lower cooling water
temperatures. This represents a reduction of 22% and 40% respectively, when
compared with the vap our- compressions system.
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Amato, Alex. "A comparative environmental appraisal of alternative framing systems for offices." Thesis, Oxford Brookes University, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.339029.
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Macmillan, Susan. "An appraisal of wind energy conversion systems for agricultural enterprises." Thesis, Robert Gordon University, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.330282.
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Laurin, Jean-Paul Gilbert. "Product management and performance appraisal systems in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp03/MQ39971.pdf.
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Flaniken, Forrest. "PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN EXPLORATION OF CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2009. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4171.
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Although there is substantial literature on the use of performance appraisal in the for-profit world, there is little literature available concerning the appraisal of staff positions in higher education. More knowledge is needed in this area since there is considerable research indicating that performance appraisal creates benefits to an organization and its employees. This study provides a comprehensive review of the development and use of performance appraisal in the United States, and a detailed look at the purposes, benefits, and challenges of performance appraisal. The study found a very high usage of staff performance appraisal in its population of 108 Christian colleges and universities. However, it also found a significant amount of dissatisfaction with the appraisal process due to (a) lack of leadership support for the appraisal process, (b) supervisors not being held accountable for the timely completion of their appraisals, and (c) the lack of training provided supervisors for doing performance appraisals well.Ed.D.
Department of Educational Research, Technology and Leadership
Education
Education EdD
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Flaniken, Forrest W. "Performance appraisal systems in higher education an exploration of Christian institutions /." Orlando, Fla. : University of Central Florida, 2009. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002863.
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Seidu, Mahamudu Baba. "Integrating indigenous knowledge with geographic information systems : a study of land degradation and rural livelihood sustainability in the northern region of Ghana." Thesis, Imperial College London, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.362339.
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Catley, Andrew Paul. "Validation of participatory appraisal for use in animal health information systems in Africa." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/15748.
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Participatory appraisal (PA) is a methodology for problem description and analysis that has been widely used in less developed countries (LDCs) since the 1980s. The use of PA by veterinarians in LDCs has been restricted to mainly small-scale community-based animal health projects. Adoption of PA by veterinarians, particularly those working for government, was limited because of concerns about the reliability and validity of the methods. Three studies were conducted with pastoralist and agropastoralist communities in East Africa to vaiidate PA, by comparison of data derived from PA with conventional veterinary investigation and epidemiological information. In southern Sudan, research was conducted on a chronic wasting syndrome in adult cattle in Dinka and Nuer communities; in Kenya, research was conducted on bovine trypanosomiasis in Orma communities; and in Tanzania research was conducted on possible association between a chronic heat intolerance syndrome (HI) and foot and mouth disease (FMD). Participatory appraisal methods, called matrix scoring, seasonal calendars and proportional piling, were standardised and repeated to generate quantitative data. The level of agreement between informant groups was assessed using the Kendal coefficient of concordance (Jf). Matrix scoring was adapted for use by veterinarians to enable comparison of veterinarian's perceptions of disease signs and causes, with those of pastoralist informants. The data were compared using direct visual assessment, hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Matrix scoring, seasonal calendars and proportional piling were judged to have good validity and reliability. In Tanzania, adaptation of proportional piling enabled calculation of the relative risk of HI cases being observed in cattle herds with previous history of FMD, and demonstrated significant association between HI and FMD. This finding was confirmed by detection of antibody to non-structural proteins to FMP in herds with and without HI. It was concluded that PA methods were reliable and valid methods for veterinary epidemiology when used by trained PA practitioners in agropastoral and pastoral settings. The methods were valuable for data collection and analysis, and for enabling greater involvement of livestock keepers in veterinary service development and research. Participatory appraisal could be further adapted to improve the design of primary veterinary services and disease surveillance systems. In veterinary research, PA was considered to be particularly useful during the exploratory phase of research and for generating research hypotheses. It was also concluded that institutional changes were required for the widespread adoption of PA by veterinarians in Africa.
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Irani, Zahir. "Investment justification of information systems : a focus on the evaluation of MRPII." Thesis, Brunel University, 1998. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5373.
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A review of the normative literature, in the field of Information Technology (IT)/ Information System (IS) justification, examines how organisations evaluate their investments in Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRPII). This is achieved through investigating the issues surrounding capital budgeting, with a particular focus on investment appraisal. In doing so, a novel taxonomy of generic appraisal techniques is proposed. This taxonomy identifies a number of methods for appraising MRPII investments, and through describing these techniques, a classification is offered that identifies their respective characteristics and limitations. In doing so, it becomes clear that although many of the benefits and savings resulting from MRPII are suitable for inclusion within traditional accountancy frameworks, it is their intangible and non-financial nature, together with a range of indirect project costs that confuse the justification process. These factors, together with a range of human and organisational implications, that further complicate the decision making process are also identified. Hence, it appears through a critical review of the literature that many companies are unable to assess the implications of their MRPII investments, thus amounting to a myopic appraisal process that focuses on the analysis of those benefits and costs that are financially quantifiable. In acknowledging the limitations of traditional appraisal techniques, a conceptual model for IT/IS investment evaluation is proposed, which is underpinned by research hypotheses. To test the validity of the proposed hypotheses, a robust novel research methodology is then developed. In doing so, an interpretivist stance is adopted, which favours the use of qualitative research methods during a multiple case enquiry. Whilst conducting the empirical research, it soon emerged that the hypotheses represented significant factors for consideration within the presented model. As a result, such constructs now establish themselves as integral parts within a structured evaluation process. However, during the empirical research, complementary evaluation criteria also emerged, which resulted in modifications being made to the previously presented conceptual model. In doing so, culminating in the development of descriptive MRPII evaluation criteria and a model, which provides investment decision makers with novel frames of reference during the evaluation of MRPII investment proposals.
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Korhonen, Mark. "Modeling Continuous Emotional Appraisals of Music Using System Identification." Thesis, University of Waterloo, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10012/879.
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The goal of this project is to apply system identification techniques to model people's perception of emotion in music as a function of time. Emotional appraisals of six selections of classical music are measured from volunteers who continuously quantify emotion using the dimensions valence and arousal. Also, features that communicate emotion are extracted from the music as a function of time. By treating the features as inputs to a system and the emotional appraisals as outputs of that system, linear models of the emotional appraisals are created. The models are validated by predicting a listener's emotional appraisals of a musical selection (song) unfamiliar to the system. The results of this project show that system identification provides a means to improve previous models for individual songs by allowing them to generalize emotional appraisals for a genre of music. The average R² statistic of the best model structure in this project is 7. 7% for valence and 75. 1% for arousal, which is comparable to the R² statistics for models of individual songs.
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Stathakopoulos, Vlasis. "Performance appraisal systems for marketing managers: A conceptual framework and empirical evidence." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/185741.
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This dissertation develops a conceptual framework for the types of performance appraisal systems used to evaluate the performance of marketing managers. This framework identifies: (1) the performance appraisal systems (PAS) currently in-use to evaluate marketing managers, (2) the antecedents that influence the selection of specific appraisal systems, and (3) the subsequent effects of these systems on marketing managers' "gaming" behavior, performance, satisfaction with the appraisal system, and interdepartmental coordination. To test the developed hypotheses a national survey of marketing managers was conducted. Among other findings, the research identifies four characteristics of PAS that capture the range of systems currently used. These four attributes are: output-oriented PAS, behavior-oriented PAS, interpersonal evaluation, and document-based appraisal systems. Further, the research suggests that environmental characteristics, organizational characteristics, and organizational strategy influence the PAS used in marketing departments. Moreover, the results support the notion of direct effects of the performance appraisal systems on dysfunctional behavior, satisfaction with the appraisal system, and interdepartmental coordination. Further, this study is the first investigation, not only in the marketing literature but also in the human relations literature, to advance and examine a contingency perspective with regard to the appraisal systems. The results, overall, provide mixed support for the proposed contingency relationships. Namely, that the external and internal context of the organization lead marketing managers to respond differently to the appraisal systems in-use. More importantly, the research findings imply that when organizations design their strategies they need to also implement the appropriate internal processes (i.e., appraisal systems) if these strategies are to be successful. Finally, our research indicates that if marketing managers are given the opportunity to participate in various stages of the appraisal process then they respond positively to the appraisal system and the evaluation process.
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Buyukkilic, Salih Gokhan. "An Appraisal Of Structural Glass Wall Systems With Emphasis On Spider Fitting Details." Master's thesis, METU, 2004. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/2/1004662/index.pdf.
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The technological and innovational developments in steel and glass industries has enabled designers to create completely transparent façades. Building faç
ade articulations designed to attain maximum transparency, have thus been executed with the contribution of elegant steel supporting systems, having heavy load bearing capacities, by minimizing the dimensions of structural systems. The aim of this study was to define, analyze and evaluate the accumulated knowledge on structural glass wall systems in general, with particular emphasis on those that may be denoted as &
#8218
spider&
#8482
glass fitting elements for potential applications, to formulate a design guide for professional designers. Hence, the primary elements of the system
the support structure, glass, glass connection joints and the other secondary elements have been evaluated within the architectural context. In the second part of the study, glass connection fitting elements were examined. Additionally the products developed by the manufacturing firms and commonly used in various projects were evaluated. Thereafter, whole document, data, photos of the spider fittings were combined in a spider fitting selection table, prepared and created by the author, which describes the types of spider fittings in detail. Finally, technical adequacy, experience, level of organization and workmanship within the context of Turkey, to evaluate the level of knowledge, were studied. In this regard, the glass wall facade the Akman Condomunium Business Center-Medicorium building, constructed with local materials and local manufacturing companies, was examined and compared with the Boeing Headquarters building in USA, which was constructed with a similair glass wall facade system.
22
Gallie, Muavia. "The implementation of developmental appraisal systems in a low-functioning South African school." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06192007-115447/.
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Feszty, Katalin. "An economic appraisal of collection systems for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)." Thesis, Glasgow Caledonian University, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.289505.
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Louw, Hendrik Johannes. "Integrating management and employee expectations in determining organisation-specific performance appraisal systems' design." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2009. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-04292009-131712/.
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Gadir, Shakil Ahmed Ghulam. "ORGANIZATIONAL FAIRNESS IN PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEMS: CROSS CULTURAL COMPARISON OF SAUDIS AND AMERICANS." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/276448.
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Khalifa, Ghassan R. "Information systems evaluation in the public sector." Thesis, Brunel University, 2002. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5193.
Full textAbstract:
Investment appraisal techniques (TAT) range from quantitative (financially based) techniques to qualitative (non-financially based) techniques, and represent tools that may be applied during IT/IS evaluation to assess the impact (value, worth or usefulness) of information systems on the organisation. The normative literature review demonstrates that decision makers need to better evaluate their systems as the role of IT/IS systems in organisations and global expenditure on IT/IS continue to rise. In the service oriented public sector, the normative literature indicates that whilst decision makers may continue to depend on financially based TAT to evaluate IT/IS project that cut cost, they may be doing the populace a disservice by not focussing on non-financial benefits of IT/IS (such as improved customer service). This dissertation investigates the application of TAT in the public sector. To do so, a conceptual model is developed to represent the effect of barriers to the application of IAT. The conceptual model is underpinned by three proposition, which indicate that the organisational investment process, time available for evaluation, and fund accessibility can impede the application of TAT. To test the propositions, a suitable research strategy is selected and developed that essentially adopts a multi-case study for the purpose of testing the proposition, and trialling the applicability of the conceptual model in the public sector. In doing so, the multi-case study investigation is used to produce a frame of references that may be employed by decision makers to recognise barriers to the application of TAT. The frame of reference represents the dissertation's contribution to the body of knowledge. The empirical evidence demonstrated that barriers, as suggested by the propositions, do surface in all case studies, thus confirming them as permanent elements in the frame of reference. The empirical evidence also demonstrated that the application of traditional IT/IS life-cycle models was not possible where inherited IT/IS systems were considered, as inherited systems did not have a definitive start/stop point.
27
Sultan, W. J. K. "Manager's and subordinate's perceptions of effectiveness of performance appraisal systems in Bahrain public sector." Thesis, University of Bradford, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.516619.
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Agyenim-Boateng, E. O. "An exploration into management of appraisal systems : the case of Ghanaian public sector universities." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.533000.
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Mahajan, Sohan. "Investment Appraisal of Robotic Systems taking into consideration the quantitative, qualitative and strategic benefits." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1250544145.
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30
Thannon, Ammar Y. "The appraisal and management of multi-storey dwelling blocks using large concrete panel systems." Thesis, Aston University, 1989. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/14271/.
Full textAbstract:
This exploratory study is concerned with the integrated appraisal of multi-storey dwelling blocks which incorporate large concrete panel systems (LPS). The first step was to look at U.K. multi-storey dwelling stock in general, and under the management of Birmingham City Council in particular. The information has been taken from the databases of three departments in the City of Birmingham, and rearranged in a new database using a suite of PC software called `PROXIMA' for clarity and analysis. One hundred of their stock were built large concrete panel system. Thirteen LPS blocks were chosen for the purpose of this study as case-studies depending mainly on the height and age factors of the block. A new integrated appraisal technique has been created for the LPS dwelling blocks, which takes into account the most physical and social factors affecting the condition and acceptability of these blocks. This appraisal technique is built up in a hierarchical form moving from the general approach to particular elements (a tree model). It comprises two main approaches; physical and social. In the physical approach, the building is viewed as a series of manageable elements and sub-elements to cover every single physical or environmental factor of the block, in which the condition of the block is analysed. A quality score system has been developed which depends mainly on the qualitative and quantitative conditions of each category in the appraisal tree model, and leads to physical ranking order of the study blocks. In the social appraisal approach, the residents' satisfaction and attitude toward their multi-storey dwelling block was analysed in relation to: a. biographical and housing related characteristics; and b. social, physical and environmental factors associated with this sort of dwelling, block and estate in general.The random sample consisted of 268 residents living in the 13 case study blocks. Data collected was analysed using frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviations, Kendall's tue, r-correlation coefficients, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis. The analysis showed a marginally positive satisfaction and attitude towards living in the block. The five most significant factors associated with the residents' satisfaction and attitude in descending order were: the estate, in general; the service categories in the block, including heating system and lift services; vandalism; the neighbours; and the security system of the block. An important attribute of this method, is that it is relatively inexpensive to implement, especially when compared to alternatives adopted by some local authorities and the BRE. It is designed to save time, money and effort, to aid decision making, and to provide ranked priority to the multi-storey dwelling stock, in addition to many other advantages. A series of solution options to the problems of the block was sought for selection and testing before implementation. The traditional solutions have usually resulted in either demolition or costly physical maintenance and social improvement of the blocks. However, a new solution has now emerged, which is particularly suited to structurally sound units. The solution of `re-cycling' might incorporate the reuse of an entire block or part of it, by removing panels, slabs and so forth from the upper floors in order to reconstruct them as low-rise accommodation.
31
Király, Zsolt. "Internal appraisal systems for the assessment of the performance of teachers in Hungarian secondary schools." Thesis, University of South Wales, 2005. https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/studentthesis/internal-appraisal-systems-for-the-assessment-of-the-performance-of-teachers-in-hungarian-secondary-schools(80a6ce18-30a4-4b7d-96d2-24aac5b876b8).html.
Full textAbstract:
The subject of the dissertation This dissertation focuses on a controversial area of quality management in education: teacher-appraisal. The research is set in the Hungarian maintained sector secondary educational context but with an outlook on developments on the international scene. The ultimate objective of the investigation is to examine and theorise how an appraisal system needs to be linked to a specific context and the norms which professional teachers have in that context. In order to achieve this I designed, piloted and critically analysed an internal secondary school teacher appraisal scheme which is based on (i) a systematic in-depth review of the relevant academic background and (ii) the comprehensive study of the specific context. The nature and scope of work undertaken The project consists of two closely related phases. Phase 1 is a four-part preliminary study, which lays the theoretical foundation for the second phase of the investigation by exploring the distinctive features of the Hungarian context and surveying the available academic knowledge of the subject. The first part is a review of the current context for teacher appraisal in Hungary, the second part is a comprehensive review of both the Hungarian and the international literature on the most controversial appraisal-related issues, the third part is a review of some selected earlier and existing models of appraisal, and the fourth part presents and evaluates a set of large scale surveys of the opinions of three key cohorts of stakeholders (teachers, pupils and their parents) in Hungarian secondary education. Phase 2 consists of two overarching sections, which uses the knowledge acquired in Phase 1 in order to obtain direct experience of how this knowledge can be applied in a specific context. My purpose in this phase is to devise, analyse and evaluate a teacher appraisal scheme which is theoretically well-founded, reasonably practicable, and in full compliance with the norms and the specific legal and moral requirements of Hungarian education. The first part, building on the findings and conclusions of the first phase of the investigation, draws up the general theoretical principles and practical details of a proposal for a pioneer secondary school teacher appraisal scheme. The second part describes in detail the piloting of this scheme on a small but typical population, and presents the analysis and discussion of the data from both the piloting proper and the follow-up review of the piloting process. While findings from the pilot seem to have confirmed the validity of the proposed scheme, they have also revealed that the sociological-societal environment (lack of motivation and lack of resources) might prove to be a serious obstacle in the path of the introduction of appraisal in secondary schools in Hungary. Contribution made to the knowledge of the subject treated On the basis of empirical evidence from the research, it was possible to (i) establish a general theoretical framework that can provide a sound basis for a conceptual model for linking teacher appraisal to specific contexts and the norms stakeholders have in that context, and (ii) develop a practical methodology for a design process which can help administrators devise an appraisal scheme which conforms to the accepted norms of stakeholders in a particular educational context. This design process can be divided into two distinct phases: generalising a methodology for formulating a roughly-tuned national-level proposal on the one hand, and establishing a standard procedure for the local-level fine-tuning of this proposal to the specific contexts and norms of a particular institution on the other.
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Dehghani, Sanij Abbas A. "An appraisal of the autolevelling systems and of the methods needed to assess their behaviour." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.352984.
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Cobham, David. "A Critical Appraisal of the Application of Information Systems to Constructive Alignment in Higher Education." Thesis, University of Lincoln, 2009. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.502969.
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Xenopoulou, Christina. "Effective performance appraisal systems in the public sector : the case of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2016. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/21181/.
Full textAbstract:
The project’s research aim was the assessment of the effectiveness of the current performance appraisal system (PAS) of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) in relation to the enhancement of individual and organisational performance and the project’s outcome was the production of suitable recommendations for the attention of the Board of Directors, the Management and the Trade Unions. The recommendations will assist CTO in changing the current PAS for purposes of enhancing individual and organisational performance i.e. the introduction of an effective PAS at CTO. The change of the current PAS was explored and it is feasible because the inhibitors of change can be mitigated. Through the implementation of the project’s recommendations, the stakeholders will benefit since the recommended effective PAS will transform the culture and enhance the employees’ and CTO’s performance and that will reflect on tourism and the economy of Cyprus. The enhancement of performance and the added value at all levels are particularly important and relevant in today’s economic climate. Through the availability of the project to the academic and practitioner community, other researchers and similar organisations (e.g. the government and public sector organisations in Cyprus) will benefit since they will have the opportunity to refer to the project and borrow ideas and conduct further research and extend existing knowledge. The project can be considered as an original contribution to the knowledge and practice of performance appraisals because it is unique (a type of research that nobody else conducted before). The research approach that was used was that of the case study. The project was a qualitative study (in depth analysis and understanding) and the research techniques that were used were the following: literature, studies of the government and other public sector organisations in Cyprus, organisational documentation-regulations of the current PAS, insider/practitioner-researcher perspective, interviews, questionnaire (the opinion of the CTO employees was obtained through the interviews and questionnaire). The information that was collected from the above sources (triangulation) was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. It was concluded that the performance appraisals were not employed as they should under the current PAS (both inherent and implementation weaknesses). Most of the participants believed that the current PAS was ineffective as it did not enhance their performance, motivation, job satisfaction, ownership, responsibility or commitment and it needed to change. Most of the participants believed in the factors of an effective PAS. Most of the participants believed that the main factors of an effective PAS (feedback, participation, goals) were not present under the current PAS. In consequence, the absence of the above factors (ineffective PAS) has not led to the enhancement of most of the participants’ performance. The features of the recommended PAS are the following: -Introduction of the goals method for purposes of assessing performance (the goals will be jointly set and agreed, “smart”, consistent with the organisational goals and revised when necessary). -Measurement of performance against the goals through fact-based evidence. -Assessment of performance by suitable appraisers (their selection will be determined by the tasks and position of each appraisee). -Examination of appeals by other independent persons only (senior employees who will be educated and trained) who will ratify or amend the performance assessments conducted by the appraisers. -Introduction of the rating scales and 360 degree feedback methods (in combination) for purposes of development. The selection of the most suitable 360 degree feedback respondents (superiors, subordinates, peers, business associates) will be determined by the tasks and position of each appraisee. The usefulness of the rating scales method can be maximised through the following: sufficient scale, explanation of the scale, development of the assessment criteria according to the job requirements of each position and assignment of weights according to the significance of the criteria, specific, clearly defined and explained criteria, justification of the ratings with examples. -Participation of the appraisees in their performance and development assessments through self-assessment. -Consideration and discussion of the assessment results of the performance and development methods during the appraisal interview for purposes of drafting an agreed action plan in relation to the appraisees’ performance improvement and further development. -Introduction of a formal and informal feedback mechanism. The informal feedback mechanism (on a continuous basis) will consist of the following: communication, coaching, monitoring of performance. The formal feedback mechanism (once or twice a year) will consist of the following: assessments for purposes of performance and development, appraisal interview, agreed action plan for the future. -Education and training of the appraisers and the appraisees for purposes of implementing the formal and informal feedback mechanisms. -Computerisation of the recommended PAS for purposes of administering the system more effectively and efficiently. -The recommended PAS will be linked to a new reward system but the two systems will be separate. The features of the new reward system will be the following: the rewards will be based on the appraisees’ performance (performance assessments under the recommended PAS), the rewards will not be awarded at the same time as the assessments of performance, provision of non-monetary rewards to all the appraisees who will meet their performance targets, provision of monetary rewards to the appraisees with the highest performance (ranking). -Monitoring and evaluation of the recommended PAS (as well as the new reward system) by the Management, the employees (appraisers and appraisees) and the Trade Unions on an ongoing basis and making amendments if necessary.
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Pearson, Teri A. "Performance appraisal systems and how entry-level retail employees describe the experience| A grounded theory study." Thesis, Capella University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10255465.
Full textAbstract:
Entry-level retail employees are rarely researched, and their experience with the performance appraisal system also lacks solid research. The field of Industrial/Organizational psychology studies the performance appraisal system and its importance, and even highlights different examples of the process, what is lacking in prior research is how lower-level retail employees experience the process. This study focuses on Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory and how it relates to the sample population of retail employees. The study aims to determine the experience of the performance appraisal system by the entry-level retail employee. Grounded theory qualitative research methodology was used to determine the experience of the performance appraisal process by the participants. Constructivist grounded theory was applied to the study to show the experiences of the participants and learn how they experience the process. In the findings, the participants lacked knowledge about the performance appraisal system used to evaluate their performance and were not immersed in the process. Additionally, the participants believed their work efforts deserved higher ratings than those they received from their evaluators. The researcher found that a new model to approach to the performance appraisal system with entry-level retail employees may be necessary.
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Pinto, da Silva Filho Luiz Carlos. "Towards advanced bridge management systems : investigation of the possibility of developing an improved appraisal model based on a novel system architecture." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1999. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/12293/.
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Bridge Management Systems have been an emergent area of research in this decade. This has been fostered by the recognition of the need for computer support in the decision making process involved in defining maintenance and improvement strategies to networks of bridges. While existing systems have already prove their worthiness, there are still far from satisfying entirely the complex and evolving user needs. Changing society perceptions are introducing new requirements and demanding the consideration of issues like environmental quality and congestion minimisation. At the same time, IT developments are opening various new alternatives to the problem of creating flexible, user-friendly and easily maintainable systems. Given this panorama, this study investigates the possibility of developing more advanced Bridge Management Systems that could lead to a more open, integrated and socially aware approach to Bridge Management. It proposes the adoption of a new appraisal model based on a wider consideration of maintenance and deterioration consequences and an innovative view of bridge utility as a measure of benefits. An innovative system architecture is used to support the model based on three main elements: object orientation, geo-referencing and soft reasoning. The results obtained indicate that the use of this new approach can significantly alter the allocation of the budget. The conclusion of the work is that it is possible to develop more advanced systems and that the adoption of the framework proposed can have a significant impact on Bridge Management decision-making. Further researches will be necessary to refine the model and investigate how to develop other components of an ABMS. The flexibility of the system architecture proposed is an important advantage in this sense because it allows a progressive and steady advance, with the results of new researches being gradually and seamlessly incorporated.
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Ispas, Dan. "A field quasi-experiment of the effects of employee input in the development of performance appraisal systems." [Tampa, Fla] : University of South Florida, 2008. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0002639.
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Celik, Sinan Kadir. "A Survey Of The Distinction Between Ethics And Politics With An Aristotelian Appraisal." Phd thesis, METU, 2010. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/2/12611742/index.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
A SURVEY OF THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN ETHICS AND POLITICS
WITH AN ARISTOTELIAN APPRAISAL
Çelik, Sinan Kadir Ph.D., Department of Philosophy Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ahmet &
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nam March 2010, 189 pages In the history of philosophy, ethics and politics have either been considered as two unrelated, irreducible realms or as identical to each other. In the thesis the historical transformation of the problematic relation between ethics and politics is critically evaluated. It is argued that from the emergence of the conflict in Ancient Greece following the &ldquo
Socratic ideal&rdquo
to the modern attempt for its resolution by the &ldquo
Machiavellian revolution,&rdquo
the prominent theories developed for dealing with the problem have defined politics as an amoral practice, as a science, a technique or an art. An alternative Aristotelian approach is tried to be developed so as to elucidate the nature of the distinction between ethics and politics. According to this view, ethics and politics can neither be strictly separated from each other nor be reduced into one another. The Aristotelian conception of politike as &ldquo
philosophy of human affairs&rdquo
has ethical, practical and technical dimensions. The thesis tries to clarify at which point ethics and politics should be conceived as two different practices and at which point they cannot be treated as independent from each other. Hence, the present study aims to determine the peculiarities and the strong sides of Aristotelian practical philosophy in order to offer an alternative to resolve the problem under consideration.
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Oldenborger, Greg Arthur. "Advances in electrical resistivity tomography : modeling, electrode position errors, time-lapse monitoring of an injection/withdrawal experiment, and solution appraisal /." ProQuest subscription required:, 2006. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1179956331&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=8813&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Boise State University, 2006.Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 319-331). Also available online via the ProQuest Digital Dissertations database.
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Harders, Johannes Enno. "Environmental protection of the circumpolar arctic waters : A comparative study and an appraisal of the National Regulatory Systems." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/27764.
Full textAbstract:
Canada, the United States-Alaska, the Soviet Union-RSFSR, Norway, and Denmark/Greenland have non-specific laws apply for the environmental protection of their Arctic lands, waters, and marine spaces. But the piecemeal approaches employed neglect the need for environmentally sound management in respect of the multiple uses of the polar sea's delicate ecosystems. Convenient component elements of Arctic pollution are chosen for examination
-- (1) land-based sources of freshwater pollution and (2) marine-borne pollution resulting from offshore drilling and Arctic shipping. This comparative study moreover serves three objectives: (1) the exposition of the statutory instruments and administrative materials; (2) the evaluation of the national approaches taken for environmental protection generally and Arctic protection specifically; and (3) the appraisal of the accommodation and resolution of conflicts over interests concerning economic uses vis-a-vis environmental protection.
In the chapter on each state a background makes reference
to the national socio-legal and international legal conditions affecting municipal Arctic pollution control. The next section on the national regulatory framework follows the territorial and jurisdictional zones of the coastal state: from land-based operations affecting the freshwaters, to the coastal area, the body of law on shipping and navigation, the environmental provisions
of a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf activities, to the regime on deep sea-bed mining. The latter of which ends this section and provides for the evaluation given in the concluding section on the country in question. The states have taken different avenues in their pollution control enactments: (1) blanket prohibition or the regulation of pollution; (2) the enforcement and supervision of statutory provisions; and/or (3) civil and criminal liability for violations of respective measures. Every state provides precedences for a number of recommendations
in order to facilitate resource uses, environmental
protection, and the integration of the Arctic natives in an ecosystem management approach to environmental protection. Examples are such like Norway's integrated statute on pollution prevention, the United States' legislation on coastal zone management and environmental impact assessments, and Canada's framework on Arctic shipping and Arctic pollution prevention.Law, Peter A. Allard School of
Graduate
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Billings, Peter William. "The well-guarded turnstile : a comparative examination and appraisal of asylum status determination systems in four industrialised states." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.341590.
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Sui, Sang How Jesse Jefferson. "Reducing the property appraisal bias with decision support systems: an experimental investigation in the South African property market." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/22864.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose: The valuation tasks for manual valuation are time-demanding and cognitively challenging. Behaviourists have observed that valuation accuracy and variations are mainly caused by human adaptive approaches called cognitive shortcuts. Of particular interest for valuation tasks is the susceptibility of decision makers to anchoring heuristics. The anchoring and adjustment approach is a mental shortcut which involves deliberate and conscious adjustment of values, known to be wrong but close to a right answer. Various studies have shown that valuers are prone to anchoring to asking price, previous estimate and other reference points. The incidence of valuation bias in the property market and the world is of concern. Few studies have used the decision-support tool to reduce property appraisal bias. The research purpose is therefore to determine the efficacy of the decision-support tool in reducing and eliminating property appraisal bias in the South African property market. Design/methodology/approach: Similar to previous behavioural studies, a controlled experimental study design was used. The experimental design is based on a previous German study that uses a self-written valuation software in a MS Excel package, adapted to the South African market. The software comprises two versions, a standard software and a decision-support software, which were administered to separate groups of novices and experts. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric testing were used to interpret the results. Findings: Consistent with other research on valuation accuracy and variations, the findings show that the valuation outcomes do not align with 'margin of errors' concept. Despite the results not being as robust as one would have expected, the study revealed that test subjects were susceptible to the anchoring effects and that use of a decision-support tool can help to reduce valuation variations. Practical implications: This study heightened the need to counter the effect of bias in valuation. The high variance among the experts group is of concern and should be addressed. Other forms of cognitive shortcuts used by valuers should be incorporated into the decision-support tool, and a similar test run for different valuation settings. The behavioural contentions should be discussed and presented to novices and experts.
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Pettit, Louise Manda. "An appraisal of the production and utility of digital atlases in Africa: a case study of Swaziland." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005490.
Full textAbstract:
This research will appraise the production and utility of digital atlases in an African context, using personal experience gained through the production of a digital atlas for Swaziland, the opinions obtained from other producers of African digital atlases and relevant literature. Since the 1950s, decision makers and researchers have viewed information as a powerful contributor to national development. Over the past thirty years, developed countries have increased the efficient collation and dissemination of geographic information through the utilization of the digital environment. The development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has increased the range of applications attainable in digital mapping projects. Applications have ranged from resource inventories to the monitoring of environmental degradation, crime patterns and service provision. The patchy history of data collection, analysis and mapping in Africa, has had a limiting effect on the ability of countries to identify, plan and control their resources efficiently. Despite the desire to automate the mapping process and reap some of the planning benefits evident in the developed world, Africa has not succeeded in mobilising full technological potential. Political instability, poor infrastructure, the absence of national policy guidelines, and a lack of skilled manpower are some of the issues which have limited utilization. Despite many of the hurdles faced by African countries, automated mapping and analysis technologies are still being pursued. The role of computers in the utilisation of data has become apparent through several means, one of which is the digital atlas. Analytical functions in many of these products allow situation modelling and provide superior graphic displays in comparison to their paper counterparts. Several African countries have embarked on the development of national digital databases and in some cases have produced digital national atlases. The potential to improve resource utilization, service provision and land use planning using these atlases, does exist. The production and utility of these atlases in an African context, however, needs closer assessment. "Computers don't clothe, don't cure, don't feed. Their power begins and ends with information. Their usefulness is therefore strictly linked to the ffectiveness of the information" (Gardner,1993:16).
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Hagos, Helen, and Helena Sonnert. "Reward Systems : To set up goals, appraise and reward employees in large companies." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Management and Economics, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-2298.
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Background and purpose: Aspects such as the character of the organization and the composition of the work force have an impact on the company’s choice of how to reward and evaluate the employee. In large companies with employees from different professions and at different levels problems connected with the evaluation and the compensation of the employee may arise. The purpose of this thesis is to examine how this type of companies evaluate and reward the employees. Further we will look into the problems that may arise connected to the evaluation and the compensation of the employee.
Results: In the process of evaluation the greatest difference between the employees from different professions and operations can be found in the goals that are set and the measures that measure the fulfilment of the goals. In regard to the evaluation of employees at different levels the greatest differencecan be found in the character of the measures. When rewarding employees companies tend to have a homogeneous policy for employees from all operations and professions. The difference is greater between employees at different levels. As the number of operations and levels of the company increases it gets harder to set goals that are relevant to each operation and individual as an increasing number of aspects related to these operations must be considered. In addition it is difficult to design rewards which are cost efficient and valued by all employees. These difficulties arise as individuals’ preferences are affected by their working environment and as different preferences are created in different operations and at different levels.
45
Ngai, Kin-fai, and 魏建輝. "An appraisal of computer-based management information systems in Hong Kong secondary schools with emphasis on human resource factors." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1992. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31956154.
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Luper, Erin L. "Supporting Intrinsic Motivation and Public Service Motivation in the Local Government Sector: Evaluating the Effects of Performance Appraisal Systems." VCU Scholars Compass, 2014. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3661.
Full textAbstract:
This study used an electronic questionnaire to evaluate the levels of intrinsic motivation, compared to extrinsic motivation, in front-line local government employees. This research also evaluated the relationship between intrinsic motivation and public service motivation (PSM). Further, this research assessed the effects of performance appraisal systems (PAS) on intrinsically motivated front-line local government employees.
Current research suggests that public sector employees are more intrinsically motivated than extrinsically motivated. This study found that, while the employees showed higher levels of intrinsic motivation over extrinsic motivation, most of the respondents showed moderately high levels of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Additionally, the literature suggests that public sector employees place a high value on the missions and goals of public organizations, also known as PSM. This study found that, while both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation had an influence on PSM, intrinsic motivation had a greater affect on PSM for front-line local government employees.
Current research also suggests that an employee's intrinsic motivation can be diminished by exposure to an external control mechanism such as PAS. However, there are elements of the performance appraisal process, such as employee participation, that may positively influence the employee's attitude towards the management practice. This study found that the type of PAS, whether participatory or non-participatory, caused a variation in the employee's attitudes towards the PAS for intrinsically motivated front-line local government employees.
47
Ngai, Kin-fai. "An appraisal of computer-based management information systems in Hong Kong secondary schools with emphasis on human resource factors." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1992. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B13890657.
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Nourbakhsh, Ghavameddin. "Reliability analysis and economic equipment replacement appraisal for substation and sub-transmission systems with explicit inclusion of non-repairable failures." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2011. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/40848/1/Ghavameddin_Nourbakhsh_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The modern society has come to expect the electrical energy on demand, while many of the facilities in power systems are aging beyond repair and maintenance. The risk of failure is increasing with the aging equipments and can pose serious consequences for continuity of electricity supply. As the equipments used in high voltage power networks are very expensive, economically it may not be feasible to purchase and store spares in a warehouse for extended periods of time. On the other hand, there is normally a significant time before receiving equipment once it is ordered. This situation has created a considerable interest in the evaluation and application of probability methods for aging plant and provisions of spares in bulk supply networks, and can be of particular importance for substations. Quantitative adequacy assessment of substation and sub-transmission power systems is generally done using a contingency enumeration approach which includes the evaluation of contingencies, classification of the contingencies based on selected failure criteria. The problem is very complex because of the need to include detailed modelling and operation of substation and sub-transmission equipment using network flow evaluation and to consider multiple levels of component failures. In this thesis a new model associated with aging equipment is developed to combine the standard tools of random failures, as well as specific model for aging failures. This technique is applied in this thesis to include and examine the impact of aging equipments on system reliability of bulk supply loads and consumers in distribution network for defined range of planning years. The power system risk indices depend on many factors such as the actual physical network configuration and operation, aging conditions of the equipment, and the relevant constraints. The impact and importance of equipment reliability on power system risk indices in a network with aging facilities contains valuable information for utilities to better understand network performance and the weak links in the system. In this thesis, algorithms are developed to measure the contribution of individual equipment to the power system risk indices, as part of the novel risk analysis tool. A new cost worth approach was developed in this thesis that can make an early decision in planning for replacement activities concerning non-repairable aging components, in order to maintain a system reliability performance which economically is acceptable. The concepts, techniques and procedures developed in this thesis are illustrated numerically using published test systems. It is believed that the methods and approaches presented, substantially improve the accuracy of risk predictions by explicit consideration of the effect of equipment entering a period of increased risk of a non-repairable failure.
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Xu, Yue. "Development of Nation Wide Cost-Benefit Analysis Framework for Aviation Decision Making Using Transportation Systems Analysis Model." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/26568.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this study is to establish a nation-wide cost-benefit framework for aviation projection appraisal. This framework is built upon Transportation System Analysis Model developed at Virginia Tech Air Transportation System Model (TSAM). Both supply and demand characteristics and their inter-dependence are investigated. It attempts to solve the absence of supply constraints in aviation demand forecast in the literature. In addition, external costs in term of noise and emission are also considered. A national environmental impact analysis introduced by new generation small aircraft system is conducted.
Two case studies are discussed to illustrate the framework. The first one is based on the GPS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Lower Landing Minima capability. It represents a nation-wide cost-benefit analysis with examination of both supply and demand. System-wide benefit of accessibility improvement and infrastructure cost are scrutinized at the same time. A prioritized set of candidate airports for this technology is provided as a result.
The second study focuses on New York area. Benefits brought by DataComm technology are evaluated by multi-iteration simulations. DataComm is projected to reduce entry point intrail and final approach separation. The improvements are modeled at individual airport and New York airspace. Consumer surplus is estimated based on demand and delay relationship using TSAM.Ph. D.
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Svensson, Anna, and Sofie Leima. "A Study of Residential Property Tax Assessment Systems in Botswana and Sweden." Thesis, Högskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för Industriell utveckling, IT och Samhällsbyggnad, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-16991.
Full textAbstract:
There are different ways in how to assess a value to a property and which assessment technique that is used differs due to circumstances in each country, leading to different views of what is the best and most effective way. At the moment Botswana is suffering from obsolete valuation rolls and is in the position where the system could benefit of a reform. The overall purpose with this study is to gain knowledge about how Botswana and Sweden differ in terms of property tax assessment. By clarifying the similarities and differences between how values are allocated and by determining the most value-influencing factors in Botswana, improvements of the system could be suggested. The research methods that were used to fulfil the study consisted of a review of relevant literature together with a case study performed in Gaborone. The case study contained semi-structured interviews with applicable staff and questionnaires responded by twelve valuers. The findings of this study show that there are similarities between the countries way of assessing properties since they both base their values on market value, use comparable sales method and assess both land and buildings. However, there are also differences in terms of the approach of assessment. The main difference is that Botswana applies an individual assessment method and Sweden mass appraisal. Other differences are the ones responsible for performing the assessment, and the structure of the assessment in terms of collecting data and the periods of assessment. Furthermore, the results from the questionnaires demonstrated that the most value-influencing factors for residential properties in Botswana are water, electricity and site amenities. The main conclusions drawn from this study is that Botswana could benefit from a movement towards mass appraisal and apply parts of the Swedish system. To make this possible to implement our recommendations are; to change the mindset of the stakeholders, increase awareness among property owners, base the valuation on a few important factors and computerize the cadastral register. A future research topic could be to investigate how a mass appraisal could be implemented as a step-by-step process.Det finns olika sätt att bedöma ett värde på en fastighet och de bedömningstekniker som används varierar beroende på varje lands förutsättningar, vilket leder till olika uppfattningar om vad som är det bästa och mest effektiva sättet att värdera på. Botswana lider för närvarande av föråldrade taxeringsvärden och systemet skulle gynnas av en reform. Det huvudsakliga syftet med denna studie är att utveckla kunskap om hur fastighetstaxeringen i Botswana och Sverige skiljer sig åt. Genom att tydliggöra likheter och skillnader i hur fastigheterna i länderna tilldelas ett taxeringsvärde och genom att klarlägga de mest värdepåverkande faktorerna för fastigheterna i Botswana, kunde förbättringar av det botswanska systemet föreslås. För att genomföra studien utfördes en litteraturstudie baserad på relevant litteratur samt en fallstudie i Gaborone, som är huvudstaden i Botswana. Fallstudien innehöll dels semistrukturerade intervjuer med affärsmän inom området samt enkäter som besvarades av tolv värderingsmän. Resultaten av denna studie visar att den främsta likheten mellan länderna är att fastighetstaxeringsvärdet baseras på marknadsvärdet, detta är i sin tur baserat på ortsprismetoden och både mark och byggnader värderas. De skillnader som visade sig rörde tillvägagångssättet för bedömningen. Den största skillnaden är att Botswana tillämpar en individuell värdering och Sverige massvärdering. Andra skillnader som visade sig var bland annat vem det är som utför värderingen, hanteringen av insamlad data samt när värderingarna äger rum. Vidare visar resultaten från enkäterna att de mest värdepåverkande faktorerna för småhus i Botswana är vatten, el och tillgång till service. Slutsatsen av denna studie blev att Botswana skulle kunna gynnas av att implementera delar av det svenska fastighetstaxeringssystemet och i och med det gå mer mot massvärdering. För att kunna göra detta genomförbart är våra rekommendationer; att ändra tänkesätten hos de berörda parterna, öka medvetenheten bland fastighetsägare, basera värderingen på färre faktorer och datorisera fastighetsregistret. Ett framtida område för forskning skulle kunna vara att undersöka hur en massvärdering skulle kunna implementeras steg för steg.