Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Barell management'

This master’s thesis deals with the selection and implementation of an information system for the Pavlovín winery s.r.o. In this thesis is firstly introduces the theoretical foundation necessary for the understanding of this topic and subsequently is analysed the current state of the company with an emphasis on the information system and production processes related to process procedures in the field of cellar management. The penultimate part of the thesis is connected with the evaluation of the information system variant and the subsequent selection of the optimal variant, its implementation is described in the last chapter using the technique of project management.

The tillage operations required to grow an annual barley and cotton crop rotation were reduced by eliminating tillage prior to planting cotton, eliminating cultivations for weed control in cotton, and especially by eliminating tillage following cotton. A light activated, weed sensing automatic spot-spray system reduced the amount of spray volume and herbicide used by 40% to 60% at Marana and 36% to 56% at Maricopa in 2004. At Maricopa, a large number of volunteer cotton plants in the furrows of early planted no-till cotton reduced the spray volume savings from using the weed sensing automatic spot-spray system. Weed control was similar with the weed sensing, automatic spot-spray system compared to the conventional continuous spray system for most weed species but weeds with narrow leaf, upright leaf canopies such as sprangletop, barley and skeleton weed were more difficult to detect and control. In both Marana and Maricopa, there were yield differences between treatments related to planting date, with late-planted cotton yielding less than early-planted cotton. At Marana, the early-planted conventional tillage cotton out-yielded the barley cover crop, early-planted no-till cotton treatment. At Maricopa, there were no yield differences between the two early planted cotton treatments; however, the late-planted conventionally tilled cotton yielded 28% more than the late-planted no-till cotton. Although the yield comparisons are not yet definitive, it appears that in some situations no-till cotton may yield less than conventionally tilled cotton. At Maricopa, the height of cereal crop stubble did not affect subsequent cotton establishment, field populations, plant height or lint production (2003 and 2004) and the position or node of the first fruiting branch and the first retained boll were similarly unaffected in 2004.

Freshwaters represent some of the most degraded ecosystems in the world, with approximately 56% of the European rivers being sufficiently altered by human activities to modify the composition of their biological communities. River fish communities are often used to indicate this altered status due to their ecological, recreational and economic value. In lowland rivers, habitat alterations include impoundments and activities such as channel straightening, impacting aspects of fish behaviour and lifecycle completion. Species such as European barbel B. barbus are particularly affected due to their propensity for long-distance migrations and requirements of high quality gravels for spawning. Consequently, B. barbus populations throughout Europe are increasingly threatened. Barbus barbus is indigenous to eastern flowing rivers in England, including the River Great Ouse that has been historically subjected to multiple alterations in channel morphology for flood defence and impoundments for land drainage. The river’s B. barbus population is now restricted to the upper reaches where they represent a key resource for angling, yet temporal and spatial data on their populations suggest relatively low abundances in recent years. Over the last 30 years, the regulatory authority responsible for their management (Environment Agency) have managed the population through a combination of enhancement stocking using hatchery-reared fish and habitat improvement schemes, especially gravel jetting of spawning substrates. There is, however, little knowledge on the effectiveness of these. Consequently, this research investigates B. barbus in rivers in England generally and the Great Ouse specifically by assessing the efficacy of stocking and habitat works to enhance populations. The initial research has focused on using scales from historical surveys on the fish communities of three rivers (including the Great Ouse) to determine the trophic relationships of the fishes using stable isotope analysis. Outputs indicated that scales can be used for this analysis and revealed that rather than sharing food resources with functionally similar species such as chub Squalius cephalus, B. barbus occupied distinct isotopic (trophic) space. Their diet was then assessed using stable isotope analysis on B. barbus scales from four English rivers to determine their major food resources. Results indicated that angling heavily modified B. barbus diet, with introduced bait (as pelletized fishmeal) being the most important dietary component. The next phase of the research built of these outputs of both these studies and assessed the impact and efficacy of enhancement stocking of hatchery-reared B. barbus. In both semi-controlled and wild conditions, analyses suggested that enhancement stocking with B. barbus has minimal detrimental consequences for other fishes such as S. cephalus, with strong patterns of trophic niche partitioning. Nevertheless, the efficacy of enhancement stocking might be limited, with low numbers of recaptured stocked B. barbus recorded in the study, with a concomitant genetic study revealing negligible introgression of stocked B. barbus genes into the population, despite the stocking activities. Given that enhancement stocking has been of limited success to improve B. barbus population abundance in the Great Ouse catchment, their spawning habitats were assessed in the river, including whether the physicochemical properties of the sediments and hyporhic water were limiting. Whilst results indicated good quality of hyporehic water, the subsurface sediment was high in fine content, particularly sand. Gravel jetting, a method to clear spawning gravels of fine content, was shown to only provide short term benefits (e.g. 3 months) in reducing this content of fines, with this benefit only apparent in surface sediments and not in the subsurface. An ex-situ experiment to assess the tolerance of B. barbus eggs and larvae to sand content in spawning substrata indicated no effect of high sand content on egg to emergence survival rates, but it did significantly decrease the timing of larval emergence from gravels. This early emergence of B. barbus larvae from substrates with high sand content could potentially impact their subsequent survival in the wild. Thus, the current management strategies employed in the River Great Ouse to enhance the B. barbus populations appear to have limited success, largely failing to meet their objectives. Thus, more holistic management approaches are outlined and suggested for implementation.

Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the applicability of the intensive management system to barley production in Quebec. In the first experiment, the effects of three levels of nitrogen fertilizer and ethephon (Cerone) on the performance of cultivars were tested. The aim of the second experiment was to test the effects of fungicide application and row width. In the third experiment, conventional and intensive management techniques were tested on three soil types.
High levels of nitrogen increased the grain protein content and thus improved the feed quality of spring barley. Application of ethephon reduced plant height but also reduced the number of grains per head. A fungicide by row width interaction resulted in a reduced seed size and weight in the narrow rows. The effects of intensive management on yield were inconsistent and were influenced to a large extent by the prevailing weather and soil conditions.

Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important cereal crop in Quebec, where it is used as a crop for swine and poultry. Since barley is a better source of energy than protein, a protein supplement must be added to the feed. Consequently, the production of barley with high protein concentration in the grain (GPC) is desirable. Studies on intensive cereal management (ICM) practices in other countries have shown that high yields can be combined with a high GPC. From 1987 to 1990 three field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of ICM on the yields and GPC of six-rowed spring barley in Quebec. Our results describe the effects of individual ICM components (N fertilizer application, fungicide, and plant growth regulator) on the development of yield components and on GPC. In general, N had little effect on main stem yield spike$ sp{-1}$ and on tiller spikes m$ sp{-2}$. Possibly, plant density or environmental conditions may have imposed greater limitations on yield rather than N. Nitrogen treatments increased GPC generally by increasing the amount of protein grain$ sp{-1}$. Nitrogen treatments which increased the amount of protein grain$ sp{-1}$ increased the lysine and cyst(e)ine concentrations of the grain but decreased their concentration in the grain protein. The plant growth regulator ethephon increased GPC by increasing the amount of protein grain$ sp{-1}$, by decreasing the nonprotein content grain$ sp{-1}$, or by altering final grain size distribution. Ethephon often had damaging effects on yield. Large genotypic variation was observed for GPC, but could not be related to genotypic differences in N harvest index, total N accumulation, protein yield or post-anthesis N uptake and assimilation. Grain yield was weakly correlated with GPC. Examination of the cultivars grown from 1910 to 1988 showed that increases in grain yield were accompanied by increases in harvest index, total dry matter, and lodging resistance. Plant height was reduced over tim

The method for predicting the nitrogen (N) requirements of irrigated wheat that is recommended by the University of Arizona requires preplant soil, plus mid-season stem nitrate analysis. Additional information on the relationships between N rates, stem NO₃-N levels and grain yields are needed for the wide range of agronomic conditions typical of Arizona's wheat growing areas. Three N fertility trials were conducted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center to, 1) measure the accuracy of the current University of Arizona procedure on soils of contrasting texture; 2) to evaluate the use of the current stem testing procedure on two durum varieties, "Aldura" and "Westbred-881"; and 3) to evaluate the effect of various N forms on the levels of NO₃-N in stem tissue for wheat grown in a clay loam soil. The University of Arizona procedure was found to over predict slightly the amount of N required for optimum economic return on sandy soils where the maximum yields obtained did not exceed 5100 lbs. grain/a which is considerably below the expected yield possibility for these sites. The procedure accurately predicted the amount of N required for optimum production on a clay loam soil (175 lbs. N/a)at a maximum yield of 6000 lbs. grain /acre. "Aldura" and "Westbred-881" were remarkably similar in their response to a wide range of N applications. There was no significant difference in the yields of these two varieties, but "Westbred-881" did contain somewhat higher protein levels. Little statistical or practical differences were observed in the quantities of N contained in the stem tissue of these two varieties; this should help simplify the interpretation of stem NO₃-N values for various wheat cultivars. The chemical form of N applied to wheat grown in a clay loam soil had no significant effect on the quantity of NO₃-N measured in stem tissue at any time during the growing season. The currently recommended procedure for predicting optimum N fertilization rates in wheat productions shows considerable promise but needs further evaluation, particularly under high - yielding conditions.

Malting barley is not a widely planted crop in the Southwest, due to grain protein contents that can sometimes exceed the industry standard of 11.4 %. To achieve < 11.4% grain protein, careful nitrogen (N) management is needed. Tissue testing guidelines for N management for reduced grain protein and acceptable yields have not yet been determined for malting barley in the Southwest. The objectives of this study were to: (i) correlate NO₃-N in dried stem tissue with sap NO₃-N, and (ii) develop stem NO₃-N guidelines for N management in malting barley. In November 1997 two varieties of malting barley, Morex and Crystal, were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Five N rates (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 lbs/acre) were applied in four split applications. Each treatment was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected from lower stems at the 3-4 leaf 2 node, and flag leaf visible growth stages. Grain yields ranged from 1765 lbs/A to 3439 lbs/A for Morex and 2104 lbs/A to 4274 lbs/A for Crystal. Grain protein ranged from 7.6- 10.5% (Morex) and 7.0- 10.7% (Crystal). Correlation coefficients between stem NO₃-N and sap NO₃-N were 0.80 for Morex and 0.84 for Crystal. For Morex and Crystal, grain protein was within the malting industry grain protein range of 10.5- 11.4% at 240 lbs N/A, and yield was optimized at 180 lbs N/A. Sap NO₃ analysis can be a useful tool for determining N status of malting barley. Stem NO₃-N concentrations at 180 lbs N/A were generally within the optimum range for NO₃-N in small grains.

Malting barley is not a widely planted crop in the Southwest, due to grain protein contents that can sometimes exceed the industry standard of 11.4 %. To achieve < 11.4% grain protein, careful nitrogen (N) management is needed. Tissue testing guidelines for N management for reduced grain protein and acceptable yields have not yet been determined for malting barley in the Southwest. The objectives of this study were to: (i) correlate NO₃-N in dried stem tissue with sap NO₃-N, and (ii) develop stem NO₃-N guidelines for N management in malting barley. In November 1998 two varieties of malting barley, Morex and Crystal, were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Five N rates (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 lbs/acre) were applied in four split applications. Each treatment was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected from lower stems at the 3-4 leaf 2 node, and flag leaf visible growth stages. Grain yields ranged from 1011 lbs/A to 2677 lbs/A for Morex and 827 lbs/A to 2641 lbs/A for Crystal. Grain protein ranged from 6.94 -11.5% (Morex) and 8.48-13.0% (Crystal). Correlation coefficients between stem NO₃-N and sap NO₃-N were 0.83 for Morex and 0.85 for Crystal. For Morex and Crystal, grain protein was within the malting industry grain protein range of 10.5-11.4% and yield was optimized at 180 lbs N/A. Sap NO₃ analysis can be a useful tool for determining N status of malting barley.

Common barley diseases observed in North Dakota include net blotch, spot blotch, leaf and stripe rust, bacterial leaf streak, and Fusarium head blight. The first objective of this research was to determine the effect of variety and fungicide timing on disease development of barley under conventionally tilled systems. Five field trials were performed in 2016-2017 to test the effect of common varieties and fungicide applications on foliar disease of barley. Overall, varietal selection had a greater effect on the level of foliar disease observed than fungicide application. The second objective focused on the efficacy and timing of adepidyn and prothioconazole + tebuconazole on Fusarium head blight. An inoculated greenhouse experiment was performed the fall of 2017 to determine the effectiveness of fungicide timing at half-spike, full-spike, and five days after full-spike. The protectant capabilities of the fungicides were greater than their curative properties.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T16:44:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcio Mellaci.pdf: 2070768 bytes, checksum: 63e9946d6a090dd2083ae534c97faa17 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-10-24
Sales management in companies in a competitive and turbulent environment requires the use of management tools that can provide information that enables quick decisions to bring improvements in performance. The optimization of information flow associated with new information technologies can transform the business and also generate an organizational change that interferes in the relations of its members, reflecting the culture of the organization and productivity of its communicability. This essay aims to identify factors that generate improvements in the sales budget management through the use of Business Intelligence. The method used was an exploratory case study with a food importer and distributor in the pasta business (BARILLA). To do so, observations were taken on the development of procedures for sales forecasting and sales budget and how this information was transferred to the information system and finally how the managers used the information received. It was analyzed the theoretical frameworks on the sales management process and decision-making on information systems and the applicability of the business intelligence in managing the sales budget. The primary data collection was conducted through interviews with a questionnaire with mixed questions, because it allows greater flexibility in the study of the organization, addressed to managers and people connected to the area of sales, responsible for achieving the goals, frequency of information reception and the importance of speed of information in decision-making within the organization. From the identification of the results it was possible to identify the importance of integrating the sales budget into the information system and its implications for business management, but without exhausting the topic in all its applications on the subject, but rather, making an exploratory hermeneutic exercise on the holistic and meaningful characteristics of organizational events
A gestão das vendas das empresas em um ambiente de turbulência e de muita competição requer a utilização de instrumentos de gestão que possam contribuir com informações que permitam decisões rápidas e que tragam melhorias no desempenho. A otimização do fluxo de informações associada às novas tecnologias de informação é capaz de transformar os negócios e, além disso, de gerar uma mudança organizacional que interfere nas relações de seus membros, com reflexos na cultura da organização da sua comunicabilidade e produtividade. Essa dissertação tem como objetivo identificar fatores que geram melhorias na gestão do orçamento de vendas através da utilização do Business Intelligence. O método utilizado foi o estudo de caso de caráter exploratório em uma importadora e distribuidora de alimentos no ramo de massas alimentícias (BARILLA). Para tanto, iniciou-se com as observações no desenvolvimento dos processos de previsão de vendas e do orçamento de vendas e de como estas informações eram transferidas ao sistema de informações e por fim de como os gestores faziam uso destas. Foram analisados os referenciais teóricos sobre a gestão de vendas e o processo de tomada de decisão, sobre os sistemas de informação e a aplicabilidade do Business Intelligence na gestão do orçamento de vendas. A coleta de dados primários ocorreu por meio de entrevistas com a aplicação de um questionário com perguntas mistas, pois permite maior grau de flexibilidade no estudo da organização, dirigidas aos gestores e pessoas ligadas à área de vendas, voltadas ao alcance das metas, recebimento e frequência das informações e da importância da velocidade das informações no processo de decisão dentro da organização. A partir da identificação dos resultados houve a possibilidade de identificar a importância da integração do orçamento de vendas ao sistema de informações e suas implicações na gestão dos negócios, todavia sem esgotar o tema em todas as suas aplicações sobre o assunto, mas sim, efetuar um exercício hermenêutico de caráter exploratório sobre as características holísticas e significativas dos acontecimentos organizacionais

The highest wheat yields in the world are obtained using a growing system called intensive cereal management (ICM). High yielding varieties are planted at high seeding rates, treated with foliar fungicides, plant growth regulators are applied to control lodging, and high nitrogen fertilizer rates are used to obtain high yields. The ICM system adapted to Arizona does not include fungicide treatments due to our lack of leaf diseases. We tested the effect of ICM on yield, grain protein, and other characteristics at three commercial farms in Arizona. ICM resulted in higher protein in one case due to increased nitrogen application and reduced height in another case due to the plant growth regulator. However, in most cases, we were not able to detect an affect of ICM on the crop, and the increased input cost was not paid for by increased crop performance. Intensive cereal management does not appear to hold much promise under our conditions except perhaps in cases where lodging is predictable or yields do not reach their potential.

Research conducted recently suggested that application of nitrogen fertilizer from flowering until the dough stage could increase grain protein concentration in durum even if nitrogen applications earlier in the season were adequate for optimum yield. We tested the ability of late season nitrogen application to increase protein at commercial farms in Buckeye, Casa Grande, and Vicksburg. Late season nitrogen increased protein by nearly two percentage points in two out of the three locations. No response was measured at the third location possibly due to high rates or nitrogen earlier in the season. The cost of the late season fertilizer at 35 to 50 lbs N /acre was about $15 /acre. The fertilizer was paid for at the two location where a response was obtained by 1) the slight yield increase of 310 lbs /acre which was worth about $23 /acre and 2) the difference in dockage or premiums paid for protein which was worth about $38 /acre. It is possible that lower stem nitrate levels could be used to determine whether or late applications of nitrogen will increase protein, but we currently do not have a method to determine if protein will be over the critical level of 13% or if HVAC will be over the critical level of 90 %.

Bread wheat and barley were seeded in low phosphorus soils which had had varying rates of ammonium phosphate-sulfate (16-20-0) applied. Statistical increases in yield were seen in the wheat study. The increased bottom line with the lowest rate of phosphorus declined as rates of phosphorus increased. Low crop values and high fertilizer costs made high application rates uneconomical. Barley yields were not statistically increased with the addition of phosphorus and the economics of applying phosphorus for this crop were negative. A two year summary is included in this report.

Yields of both wheat and barley were increased with the addition of nitrogen and the largest gain was seen when it was applied at the initiation of growth or at boot stage. Effects of applied nitrogen were somewhat masked by the addition of nitrogen through the use of well water. Nitrogen level in the well water added 21 pounds of nitrogen per acre foot of irrigation, adding 48 pounds of nitrogen throughout the growing season. With the low value of grain and the given cost of nitrogen fertilizer, added nitrogen did not increase profitability for the producer.

Durum grain quality is affected by many factors, but water and nitrogen are factors that the grower can control. The purpose of this research was to determine 1) the nitrogen application rate required at pollen shed to maintain adequate grain protein levels if irrigation is excessive or deficient during grain fill and 2) if nitrogen applications during grain fill can elevate grain protein. Field research was conducted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center using the durum varieties Duraking, Minos, and Turbo. The field was treated uniformly until pollen shed when nitrogen was applied at rates of 0, 30, and 60 lbs /acre. During grain fill, the plots were irrigated based on 30, 50, or 70% moisture depletion. In a separate experiment, nitrogen fertilizer was applied at a rate of 30 lbs N /acre at pollen shed only, pollen shed and the first irrigation after pollen shed, and pollen shed and the first and second irrigation after pollen shed. Increased irrigation frequency during grain fill decreased HVAC from 93 to 81%. Increasing nitrogen rate at pollen shed from 0 to 30 and 30 to 60 lbs N /acre increased protein from 11.6 to 12.5% and 12.5 to 13.3% and increased HVAC from 79 to 89% and 89 to 94 %. Nitrogen fertilizer application at the first irrigation after pollen shed increased grain protein content from 12.9 to 13.6% and application at the first and second irrigation after pollen shed increased grain protein content further to 14.1% averaged over varieties. Nitrogen fertilizer application during grain fill may not be too late to increase grain protein content.

Nitrate content of the lower stem tissue of small grains is used as a guideline for nitrogen fertilization. The turnaround time for nitrate analysis in a commercial lab is usually 1 to 3 days. Nitrate quick tests have been suggested as a means of obtaining results on a more timely basis. The quick tests analyze nitrate in the sap or juice squeezed out of the tissue. A nitrate test conducted by a commercial lab is performed on the dried and ground tissue. In this study, I found that the quick tests on plant sap are not as accurate as conventional tests on dried tissue since the moisture content of the fresh plant tissue varies depending on its nitrate content and the growth stage of the plant. We compared the following quick test methods: nitrate test strips, a colorimetric procedure, and a hand held nitrate electrode. Nitrate test strips were not sensitive enough to be useful and were difficult to compare to the color charts. An electronic strip reader could alleviate this difficulty and make the strips a viable option. Colorimetric procedures, or those that rely on nitrate producing a colored solution with certain chemicals added, are not adapted to analyzing plant sap since the green color and organics in the sap interfer with the color produced by the nitrate. The hand held nitrate electrode, or Cardi meter, was the simplest and most accurate method we experimented tested. Quick tests for nitrate in the sap have the following disadvantages: 1) It is not easy to squeeze the sap out of the plant tissue, 2) The sap needs to be diluted to fit into the analytical range of the test, and 3) The moisture content of the tissue needs to be accounted for somehow for the results to be most accurate.

Soil tests were developed in the 1930's as a guideline for phosphorus fertilizer application. The phosphorus soil test for the calcareous soils in the Western U.S. is based on bicarbonate extraction and is often called the Olsen P method. Phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for small grains based on this test are remarkably similar across the Western states. Despite the availability of this test, its proven accuracy (93% in California), and its low cost ($1 /acre), most farmers in Arizona apply phosphorus fertilizer to their small grains crops without the benefit of a preplant soil test. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the soil test in predicting a response to phosphorus fertilizer. At Maricopa, the soil test P was 8.1 ppm, a variable response to P fertilizer was expected, and a variable response to P fertilizer was obtained. We were able to detect a response to P fertilizer at this site with only 1 out of 4 varieties, and the response averaged across varieties was 336 lbs /acre or a 6% increase. No response to P fertilizer was obtained on a commercial farm in Buckeye where the soil test P was 22 ppm and a response was not expected. At the Yuma-Mesa site, the preplant P level was also 22 ppm, and a yield increase of29% (1442 lbs /acre) was measured on barley even though a response was not expected. The soil on the Yuma -Mesa is 95% sand and perhaps the soil test for P needs to be adjusted for this soil type, but at the other sites tested, the current soil test recommendations for P seem to be accurate.

The economic effect of applying phosphorus at planting of durum wheat is directly correlated to the phosphorus that is available to the plants from the soil. In 1998 a study was done on a field with a bicarbonate soluble phosphorus level of 4.8 ppm, an a sizeable return on the phosphorous fertilizer investment was seen. In 1999 the test field had a phosphorous level of 13.0 ppm and as the University guidelines indicated, returns on phosphoroud expenditures were small. Negative returns were seen with barley and an increase of $61/ac was seen with 400 pounds of 16-20-0 on wheat.

Ironite and phosphorus were applied to plots seeded to oats to find their effect on crop yield. The effects of both additives were positive, even though not statistically at the 90% level of confidence. The concern for lead and arsenic uptake by plants was also addressed as soil and plant samples were tested for these two elements. The results showed that no more arsenic nor lead were present in oat plants on Ironite plots than from check plots, as they approached maturity.

Proper nutrient management is necessary for successful production of durum wheat in the desert. If grain protein content is less than 13 %, significant economic losses to growers can result. Late season nitrogen (N) fertilization can resolve this problem, but tissue test guidelines have not yet been established. The objectives of this study were to: (i) correlate NO₃-N in dried stem tissue with sap NO₃-N, (ii) determine the minimum NO₃-N concentration in lower stem tissue at heading associated with the critical grain protein content, and (iii) determine whether flag leaf head, or whole plant total N at heading can be used as indicators of N status. In November 1998 three varieties of durum wheat, Mohawk, Kronos, and Westbred 881, were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Five N rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 lbs/A) were applied in four split applications. Each treatment was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected from the lower stem, flag leaf head, and whole plant from each plot at heading and analyzed for total N. Grain yields ranged from 1937 to 6174 lbs /A for Mohawk, 1706 to 6161 lbs/A for Kronos, and 864 to 5162 lbs/A for Westbred 881. Grain protein content averaged 5.7% to 14.0% for Mohawk, 7.3% to 13.7% for Kronos, and 7.9% to 14.5% for Westbred 881. Correlation coefficients between stem NO₃-N and sap NO₃-N were 0.88 for Mohawk, 0.94 for Kronos, and 0.98 for Westbred 881. The critical NO₃-N concentration in the sap associated with >13% grain protein was 550 -770 ppm at heading for three varieties. Lower dried stem tissue critical NO₃-N concentration for Kronos was 4500 ppm NO₃-N, 4700 ppm NO₃-N for Mohawk, and 3600 ppm NO₃-N for Westbred 881 for a grain protein content of 13 %. Nitrogen concentration in flag leaves, heads, and whole plants were highly correlated with N rate. Therefore, N concentration in these tissues could potentially be used as indicators of late-season N status.

Ironite and phosphorus were applied to plots seeded to hard red wheat and barley to find their effect on crop yield and nutrient uptake at various stages of crop development. Phosphorous caused significant increases in yield in both wheat and barley, where Ironite caused few changes in yield. Ironite caused significant increases in percent of nutrients stored in barley grain, but generally had little effect on nutrient uptake by plants at boot or milk stage. Phosphorous tended to decrease the percent nutrient uptake by plants.

The standard procedure for determining nitrogen (N) status in small grains is to sample lower stem tissue for nitrate (NO₃) analysis. The tissues are then submitted to a laboratory for analysis. Sap nitrate (NO₃) can be analyzed in the field, immediately after collecting the sample, using a Cardy meter. Guidelines for sap analysis have not yet been determined. The objectives of this study were to: (i) correlate NO₃-N in dried stem tissue with sap NO₃-N , and (ii) develop sap NO₃ test guidelines for N management in durum and feed barley. In November 1998 one variety of durum (Kronos) and one variety of feed barley (Gustoe) were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Three N rates (80, 200, and 400 lbs N/acre) were applied in four split applications. Each treatment was replicated five times in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected from lower stems at the 3-4 leaf 2 node, flag leaf visible, and heading growth stages. Grain yields ranged from 4330 lbs/A to 6794 lbs/A for Kronos and 3220 lbs/A to 4533 lbs/A for Gustoe. Correlation coefficients between stem NO₃-N and sap NO₃-N were 0.76 for Kronos and 0.60 for Gustoe. Sap NO₃-N analysis can be used to determine N status during the season for Kronos. Results for the barley suggest at low concentrations of NO₃ in the lower stem, the Cardy meter may underestimate NO₃ concentrations. This may be due to changes in moisture content in the stem as the season progresses.

Proper nutrient management is necessary for successful production of durum wheat in the desert. If grain protein content is less than 13 %, significant economic losses to growers can result. Late season nitrogen (N) fertilization can resolve this problem, but tissue test guidelines have not yet been established. The objectives of this study were to: (i) correlate NO₃-N in dried stem tissue with sap NO₃-N, (ii) determine the minimum NO₃-N concentration in lower stem tissue at heading associated with the critical grain protein content, and (iii) determine whether flag leaf head, or whole plant total N at heading can be used as indicators of N status. In November 1997 two varieties of durum wheat, Mohawk and Kronos, were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Five N rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 lbs/A) were applied in four split applications. Each treatment was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected from the lower stem, flag leaf head, and whole plant from each plot at heading and analyzed for total N. Grain yields ranged from 1663 to 6916 lbs/A for Mohawk and 1529 to 7060 lbs/A for Kronos. Maximum yields were achieved at 200 lbs N/A for both varieties. Grain protein content averaged 8.6% to 13.4% (Mohawk) and 9.1% to 13.8% (Kronos). Correlation coefficients between stem NO₃-N and sap NO₃-N were 0.96 for Mohawk and 0.97 for Kronos. Lower stem sap critical NO₃-N concentration in Kronos is 1100 ppm NO3 N and 1700 ppm NO₃-N for Mohawk at heading for a grain protein content of 13 %. Lower dried stem tissue critical NO₃-N concentration in Kronos is 5500 ppm NO₃-N and 7500 ppm NO₃-N for Mohawk for a grain protein content of 13 %. Nitrogen concentration in flag leaves, heads, and whole plants were highly correlated with N rate. Therefore, N concentration in these tissues could potentially be used as indicators of late-season N status.

The standard procedure for determining nitrogen (N) status in small grains is to sample lower stem tissue for nitrate (NO₃) analysis. The tissues are then submitted to a laboratory for analysis. Sap nitrate (NO₃) can be analyzed in the field, immediately after collecting the sample, using a Cardy meter. Guidelines for sap analysis have not yet been determined. The objectives of this study were to: (i) correlate NO₃-N in dried stem tissue with sap NO₃-N, and (ii) develop sap NO₃ test guidelines for N management in durum and feed barley. In November 1997 one variety of durum (Kronos) and one variety of feed barley (Gustoe) were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Three N rates (80, 200, and 400 lbs N/acre) were applied in four split applications. Each treatment was replicated five times in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected from lower stems at the 3-4 leaf 2 node, flag leaf visible, and heading growth stages. Grain yields ranged from 5185 lbs/A to 7156 lbs/A for Kronos and 6314 lbs/A to 7517 lbs/A for Gustoe. Maximum yields were achieved at 200 lbs N/A for both varieties. Correlation coefficients between stem NO₃-N and sap NO₃-N were 0.79 for Kronos and 0.84 for Gustoe. Sap NO₃-N analysis can be used to determine N status during the season for both Kronos and Gustoe.

The economic effect of applying phosphorus at planting of durum wheat is directly correlated to the phosphorus that is available to the plants from the soil. For bicarbonate soluble phosphorus levels less than 6 ppm, there will likely be a positive economic effect from applying some phosphorus. At this site the soil phosphorus level was 4.8 ppm and the application of 200 pounds of 16-20-0 caused an increase in yield of 2101 pounds per acre. A cost of $23 per acre with a return of $168 per acre.

Grain quality is important to growers and buyers of durum. Growers are usually docked if their HVAC drops below 90% or their grain protein is below 13 %. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ability of nitrogen fertilizer application near flowering to increase HVAC and grain protein. Six commercial sites were chosen for this study and Kronos was the variety. The application of about 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre increased HVAC by from 81 to 93% and increased grain protein from 11.2 to 12.3% on average, similar to results obtained in the past.

A field experiment was conducted on a Trix clay loam at the Maricopa Agricultural Center to 1) determine the optimum rates of late season N needed to achieve optimum yield and quality of irrigated durum wheat in conjunction with varying rates of early season N, and 2) to evaluate the usefulness of stem NO₃⁻N analysis in predicting the late season N rates which optimize grain production but minimize the potential for nitrate pollution of groundwater. The application of 75, 150 and 300 lbs. N/a during vegetative growth resulted in wheat with highly deficient, slightly deficient and excessive N status at the boot stage as indicated by stem NO₃⁻N analysis. The application of 60 lbs. N/a at heading to highly N-deficient and slightly N-deficient wheat resulted in grain protein levels of 12.7 and 14.3 % respectively but had little effect on grain yield. Applications from 0 to 60 lbs. N /acre at heading to wheat which had previously received excessive N did not affect grain yield but did increase grain protein levels from 15.2 to 17.4 %. The use of stem NO₃⁻N analysis appears to be a useful tool in predicting the minimum N rate to be applied during the early reproductive period to insure acceptable levels of grain protein at harvest in cases where N status during the vegetative period was not highly deficient.

This thesis presents an investigation of two production functions (a non-linear-in-parameters and a generalized polynomial) in order to determine which function most appropriately represents the observed relationships of the components of ICM technology. Four spring barley and one spring wheat datasets were assembled from ICM field trials conducted in the Montreal region (1987-89).
A quadratic and a Mitscherlich-Baule equation were fitted to the (five) datasets and compared with respect to a number of measures of goodness of fit. One dataset was chosen for generating and graphing a three-dimensional response surface, based on the fitted equations of that dataset. The two surfaces were compared in light of expectations regarding the two equations.
The fitted equations of three of the five datasets did not produce noteworthy results. The other two datasets provided mixed results. The response surfaces provided outcomes that were contrary to prior expectations. In general graphing the response surfaces offered limited additional insight. Ultimately, this project may have been hampered by the experimental design of the field trials, those designs being oriented to results of agronomic rather than economic significance.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has long been promoted as a means of reducing reliance on pesticide inputs as compared to conventional farming systems. Reduced pesticide application could be beneficial due to the links between intensive pesticide use and negative impacts upon biodiversity and human health as well as the development of pesticide resistance. Work assessing the potential of IPM in cereal production is currently limited, however, and previous findings have generally covered the subject from the perspective of either field trial data or social science studies of farmer behaviour. This thesis attempts to help to address this knowledge gap by providing a more holistic assessment of IPM in Scottish spring barley production (selected because of its dominance in Scotland’s arable production systems), in relation to three of its most damaging fungal pathogens: Rhynchosporium commune, Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, and Ramularia collo-cygni. Several IPM techniques of potential relevance to the sector were identified, and the prospects of three in particular – crop rotation, varietal disease resistance, and forecasting disease pressure – were assessed in several ways. Preliminary analysis of experimental field trial data collected from 2011 – 2014 across Scotland found that the majority of spring barley trials in this period (65%) did not show a statistically significant impact of fungicide treatment on yield, with the average yield increase due to fungicide application being 0.62 t/ha. This initial analysis was expanded upon using stepwise regressions of long-term (1996 – 2014) field trial data from the same dataset. Here, the difference between treated and untreated yields could be explained by disease resistance, average seasonal rainfall (whereby wetter seasons saw an increased impact of fungicide use on yield), and high combined disease severity. Stakeholder surveying provided information about current practice and attitudes towards the selected IPM techniques amongst a group of 43 Scottish spring barley farmers and 36 agronomists. Stakeholders were broadly open to taking up IPM measures on farm; sowing of disease resistant varieties was most frequently selected as the best technique in terms of both practicality and cost, though individual preference varied. However, a disparity was seen between farmer perception of their uptake of IPM and actual, self-reported uptake for both varietal disease resistance and rotation. Farmers and agronomists also overestimated the impact of fungicide use as compared with the field trials results – the majority of stakeholders believed fungicide treatment to increase yields by 1 - 2 t/ha, while the majority of 2011 – 2014 field trials had a yield difference of under 1 t/ha. The reasons behind these differences between perception and practice are not currently known. Finally, an annual survey of commercial crops, gathered from 552 farms across Scotland (from 2009 – 2015), highlighted two gaps where IPM practice could be improved upon. Firstly, relatively few of the varieties listed in the commercial crops database were highly resistant to the three diseases – 26.1% were highly resistant to Ramularia, 14.2% to Rhynchosporium, and 58.1% to mildew. Secondly, 71% of the farms included in the database had planted barley in at least two consecutive seasons, indicating that crop rotation practices could be improved. The overarching finding of this project is that there is scope for IPM uptake to be improved upon and fungicide use to be reduced while maintaining high levels of yield in Scottish spring barley production. Incorporating experimental field data, stakeholder surveying, and commercial practice data offered a unique view into the potential for IPM in this sector, and provided insights which could not have been gained through the lens of a single discipline.

This thesis focuses on evaluating the performance appraisal system of Filiz Gida, a small food processing company that is located in Turkey. Filiz Gida was established by Dogus Holding in Bolu, and currently employs 284 individuals. Filiz Gida is dedicated to fair and respectful treatment of all workers, offering voluntary benefits in housing programs, health care, education for worker's children, and professional child care services. The importance of quality in production at Filiz Gida is reflected by its receipt of ISO 9002 certification in 1994. In 2003 the Barilla Group, which is one of the giants in the pasta business, acquired Filiz Gida due to financial interests that have not been well documented by public media.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) are widely grown as winter annual grains in a double crop rotation with soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr.) in much of the U.S. Improved management strategies and the development cultivars that meet the quality requirements of higher value end-use markets is important to increase production and profitability of winter annual grains and the double crop rotation in the Eastern U.S. In Chapter I, fifteen commercially relevant winter wheat genotypes ranging in maturity were sown in a split-plot design (sowing date=main plot, genotype=subplot) at three different sowing dates (considered to be 'very early' (20-28 days before recommended), 'early (6-11 days before recommended)', or 'recommended') and replicated three times at eight environments (site-year) from 2015-2018 in VA and KY. Grain yield, tiller estimation, heading date, protein, and 1000-kernel weight were assessed for each yield plot. At all environments, sowing earlier in the fall achieved an earlier (P<0.05) heading date, while grain yields varied depending on environment and genotype. Genotype by sowing date interactions were non-significant (P<0.05) at five site-years and significant (P<0.05) at three site-years. Molecular markers can be associated with phenotypic traits via quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, these markers can be used by breeders in marker assisted selection (MAS) to indirectly select phenotypic traits that are difficult or expensive to measure. In Chapter II, the genetic architecture of end-use quality is investigated in two soft red winter wheat bi-parental (Pioneer '25R47' / 'Jamestown' and Pioneer '26R46' / 'Tribute'). Both populations were genotyped with a public 90,000 wheat iSelect SNP-Array, grown over two crop seasons at two Virginia sites, evaluated for quality traits at the USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Lab (SWQL), and analyzed with QTL mapping. This chapter describes a total of 24 putative QTL that were identified on 13 different chromosomes and associated with grain characteristics, milling, and/or baking performance along with phenotypic data for both populations, other putative QTL, and transgressive progeny with exceptional flour yield and cookie diameters. A region on 3A (Qfy.vt.3A.Jtwn) is a strong candidate to be utilized for MAS in soft red winter wheat breeding programs as it explained 6.9-10.3% (Pioneer 25R47 / Jamestown) and 4.6-17.0% (Pioneer 26R46 / Tribute) of the phenotypic variation for flour yield. In Chapter III, malt quality genetic structure was investigated in two winter 'malt x feed' doubled haploid barley breeding populations. Both populations were genotyped with the iSelect InfiniumTM SNP assay consisting of 50,000 barley SNPs, grown in two to three Virginia environments (Blacksburg and Warsaw) during 2017 - 2019, and characterized for 11 phenotypic traits associated with malting quality. QTL mapping validated six previously reported regions (Mohammadi, et al., 2015, GrainGenes 3.0, 2019) that are strongly associated (LOD > 3.0) with relevant malt quality traits. Phenotypic variation for malt quality was largely and consistently explained by QTL on chromosomes 1H, 5H, and 7H in the Endeavor / VA09B-34 population and by two separate QTL on 1H in the Violetta / VA09B-34 population. A region on 4H corresponding with QDp.DiMo-4H, explained between 12.1 - 42.2% (Endeavor / VA09B-34) and 30.0 - 55.7% (Violetta / VA09B-34) of the phenotypic variation for diastatic power (DU). These QTL are recommended for MAS in order to aid breeding strategies that aim to select for improved malting characteristics in Eastern U.S. malt barley breeding material.
Doctor of Philosophy
Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) are staple crops throughout the world, and are the third and fourth most produced cereals crop according to the FAO. Primarily grown for human consumption, wheat and barley provide a significant percentage of the nutritional requirements for the human populations. According to the United Nations, wheat contributes 20% of all calories consumed by humans. Barley is the primary ingredient used to make beer. Increased productivity of all cropping and livestock systems is required in order to feed a growing human population while also restoring and preserving natural ecosystems. This can be accomplished through breeding and improved cropping systems management. Planting of existing cropland more frequently is fundamental to the improvement of cropping system productivity. In much of the U.S. (southern two-thirds of the lower 48), annual winter grains such as wheat and barley can be grown over the winter and spring in between the typical corn (Zea mays subsp. mays) and soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr.) growing seasons. Therefore, producing three crops in two years, as opposed to only two. Only between 6 and 11 million acres are double cropped in the US annually, for perspective, in 2018, 89 million acres of both corn and soybeans, which can only grow in summer, were planted. Over half of the soybean (~45 million) acres in Midwestern and Southeastern states could support double cropping. This is a major opportunity to maximize output per unit area, freeing up less productive land to be restored as natural ecosystems, potentially increasing carbon sequestration and species biodiversity. Winter annual grains have a very similar composition (high carbohydrate, low protein and oil) to corn, and could fill similar end-use markets currently dominated by corn (i.e. ethanol or livestock feed). For double cropping to be more widely deployed, it must be more profitable. Increased profitability of growing three crops in two years as opposed to two must outweigh the added cost of planting, managing, harvesting, and marketing the additional winter crop. Therefore, it is important to investigate management strategies that could increase production per unit area and develop new winter annual cultivars with improved end-use characteristics in order to make the winter annual more desirable to the end-users. Chapter I investigates sowing winter wheat earlier in the fall (i.e. 1st week of Oct. or last week of Sept.) in order to achieve an earlier harvest in the spring and earlier soybean planting (yield decreases 0.5 to 1 bu/ac per day that sowing is delayed), while also offering other benefits such as better-established root systems going into winter, which improves water infiltration and reduces erosion. At all environments, sowing earlier in the fall achieved an earlier heading date, while grain yields varied depending on environment and genotype. Genotype by sowing date interactions were non-significant at five site-years and significant at three site-years. Chapters II and III investigate the genetic architecture of winter wheat and winter barley breeding populations for end-use quality traits (milling/baking and malting). This was done in order to identify molecular markers that could be used to screen breeding material for improved end-use quality. The markers could then be used to assist breeders in developing soft red winter wheat cultivars with greater flour yields/improved baking performance and winter malt barley cultivars that can be grown in the Eastern U.S. and are suitable for the craft beer market. Chapter II describes 24 genomic regions that influences milling/baking performance in two soft red winter wheat breeding populations. Chapter III describes 6 genomic regions that influence malting performance in two winter barley breeding populations.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Entomology
C. Michael Smith
The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (RWA), is an important pest in the U.S. Western Plains, causing hundreds of millions of dollars of losses to wheat and barley production through reduced yields and insecticide application costs. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the performance of two RWA-resistant barley varieties planted approximately one month earlier than normal in experimental fields at Fort Collins, Colorado; Tribune, Kansas; and Sidney, Nebraska during 2007, 2008, and 2009. The experimental design was a split-plot design with two main plot treatments (early and normal planting dates), and four split plot treatments (barley varieties) that were randomized within each main treatment plot. The varieties included two RWA-barley resistant varieties, Sidney and Stoneham, and the susceptible variety, Otis, under thiamethoxam-protected and unprotected regimes. Sampling of RWA, other cereal aphids, and natural enemy populations was conducted on four dates from mid May through early July. RWA populations collected from early-planted plots (first week of March) were significantly lower than normal-planted plots in 2007-2009 at the Fort Collins, Colorado and Tribune, Kansas sites. In samples collected from early planting date plots, RWA-resistant varieties yielded RWA populations similar to those found on the insecticide-treated susceptible variety at both Fort Collins and Tribune. At the Sidney, Nebraska site, very low RWA populations were present and there were no differences between either planting date or varietal treatments. The combined effect of early planting and RWA-resistant varieties reduced RWA populations at the Fort Collins, Colorado site in all three years. Results were similar at the Tribune, Kansas site in 2007, but differences due to planting date or variety were not observed in 2008 or 2009. The lowest RWA populations occurred at the Sidney, Nebraska site, were independent of planting date and varietal treatments. The RWA-resistant barley varieties had no negative impact on populations of other cereal aphids compared to those found on the susceptible variety, Otis at any of the three research sites. The only treatment effective in reducing other cereal aphids was the insecticide, thiamethoxam. There was also no clear response of populations of other cereal aphids to different planting date. Neither the RWA-resistant barley varieties nor the systemic, short residual action insecticide treatment had adverse affects on the abundance of natural enemies.

The thesis deals with colors - their representation in digital devices and how to provide the best color preservation accross different devices. In the first part of the work, the knowledge of colors and human vision is briefly summarized. Then color models and color spaces are elaborated, mainly those device independent. Spectrum of colors viewable or printable on a device - the gamut - is different for every device and there's a need of precise reproduction or record of color. That's why the system of color management is described further and especially the gamut mapping approaches and algorithms are mentioned. In the second part of the work, the implementation of how two algorithms of color gamut mapping (HPMINDE, SCLIP) can be implemented in MATLAB is described. In the third and last part of the work, the results of implemented algorithms are presented and discussed. These results are compared to results of commonly used color gamut mapping technique (Adobe Photoshop).

Epigeických beetle communities were studied on four agroecosystems with different crops grown. All four agroecosystems were located in the vicinity of Czech Budejovice (South Bohemia). The first agroecosystem is conventionally grown corn. On the second one agroecosystem it was conventionally grown wheat. The third agroecosystem was barley and the fourth was permanent grassland. Individual agroekosystems differed not only in crops but also in agrotechnical operations during the capture. In all agroecosystems was for capture of the material used method of pitfall traps. Subsequently, those types have been studied. Then was studied degree of human impact on the biodiversity of species of different ecological groups found in these locations.Beetle activity was highest in the maize agroecosystem. There was found almost half of all captured individuals. In all agroecosystems was activity affected by management of agrotechnic operations and also by for that year specific weather. All sites were completely dominated by expansive species (E - types of deforested habitats strongly influenced by human activities)

This Master thesis deals with the yield management evaluation and malting quality of chosen varieties of the spring malting barley in terms of half-working experiment in company "Kantor Václav - Agricultural businessman". There was chosen a stand of experiment and the values of yield management were observed, especially the number of plants, their offshoots and spikes per square unit, the quantity of grains in spikes, the weight of a thousand seeds and the yield. In case of the grain quality elements was rated a content of nitrogen substances, the drop above the sieve 2,8, 2,5, 2,2 mm and under the sieve 2,2 mm, then the content of amyloid, germination and its energy as well as the grain moisture. Among the rated varieties were placed: Malz, Sebastian, Laudis 550, Kangoo, Xanadu, Sunshine, Bojos, KWS Irina and Pionier. The results were filed in the tables and charts. The influence of variety on a different yield element was found out in the final comparison of all parameters. According to the aspect of the yield elements as well as the quality, the best values in this year taking experiment were reached by the Kangoo variety.

Abstract in English with Afrikaans and SeTswana translation
Evidence from relevant literature indicates that abandoned and failed projects have become prevalent in the Botswana context. Poor stakeholder management has been identified as a salient contributor to this challenge. To this end, various stakeholder management (SM) frameworks, models and methodologies have been developed. Nevertheless, the increasing incidence of project failure and abandonment in the Botswana construction industry indicates significant underperformance of these SM methodologies. A cursory appraisal of SM models highlights the linearity of the stakeholder relationship management (SRM) curve, i.e. between the client, consultants and contractors, with SRM responsibilities being domiciled with the client or their representative in most cases. Also, the dynamics associated with changes in stakeholder attributes during project delivery are not catered for by extant SM and relationship management models. In addition, extant SM models focus on the relationship between the project stakeholders on the one hand and the external stakeholders on the other, and others cater for project stakeholders alone. This implies that the models currently deployed for SM in the Botswana construction context remain defective. Contracting organisations (contractors) have been blamed for their inability to manage relationships with projects and external stakeholders during project delivery. Yet, these entities are not at the epicentre of SRM on construction projects. This study provides answers to the gaps highlighted. As its central objective, this study set out to develop and validate a contractor-driven stakeholder relationship management framework (CSRMF) for the Botswana construction industry. The emergent framework which leverages on the attributes of the customer relationship model (CRM) overcomes the shortcomings mentioned previously. An interpretivist philosophical paradigm was adopted in this qualitative case study research study based on pre-determined case selection criteria. Owing to the need to attain analytic generalisation through adherence to replication logic, a multi-case study research design was utilised. Six contractor organisations categorised according to scale and operating within Gaborone were selected. The unit of analysis centred on the relationship between the contracting organisations and other project stakeholders on selected projects being procured and delivered under a diverse range of contracting strategies. Data was collected through a sequential multi-method approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with project managers representing these construction contracting organisations on the selected projects. To enable replication, care was taken to select two contracting organisations per level – large, medium and small according to prevalent grades. Samples across the different sizes of the contractors allowed for better generalisability. Relevant projects and organisational documents were reviewed. Furthermore, data from the various stages was analysed using the qualitative content analysis technique. The findings of the study show that most of the contractors in Botswana related to their project stakeholders without a model or framework when handling relationship management with project stakeholders. These findings are a reflection of the small, medium and large construction contractors in the Botswana construction industry. There was further indication that the small, medium and large contractors had a way of managing stakeholder relationships and resolving conflicts, and thus the level of experience and knowledge within the contracting firm had a significant influence on how they managed their project stakeholder relationships in the course of project procurement and delivery. In addition, the study findings demonstrate that the nature of contracting strategy had a significant influence on how various categories of contractors related to their stakeholders on construction projects. The traditional method was found to be the main procurement strategy used in the Botswana construction industry, and this approach was fairly rigid to implement effective contractor-driven stakeholder relationship management. Other procurement strategies, such as design-and-build, and construction management are used in Botswana with their positive and negative impacts on contractors’ capability to manage their project stakeholder relationships and related matters effectively. Further evaluation of the findings led to the identification of key success factors for CSRMF development to foster effective contractor-stakeholder relationship management. These key success factors are effective communication, collaboration, engagement and cooperation among clients and contractors and consultants’ commitment; employee (stakeholder) engagement and satisfaction and capacity building; in-depth understanding of all project stakeholders and their importance and influence; and strategies to manage their relationship effectively in the course of project design, procurement and delivery. Based on the evaluation of formulated propositions and analysis of empirical data and results tested in this study, the findings also support the following analytical generalisations: the construction contracting organisations in Botswana do not have any SRM frameworks in place for engaging with stakeholders in their different projects; contractors in Botswana recognise the need to do better in managing their project stakeholder relationships; and there is an apparent gap in technical skills and limited ability of contractors to manage relationships with project stakeholders. Premised on the findings, a contractor-driven stakeholder relationship management framework was developed. The CSRMF was validated by two focus groups, namely sampled project managers from the semi-structured interviews, and relevant professionals and other academics in the industry. The validation was done to assess the relevance of the CSRMF in their management of relations. The CSRMF will provide guidance for bridging the gaps identified. It will be adopted and utilised by contractors to achieve efficiencies in the management of relationships with stakeholders, thus saving time and costs and securing improved quality and, most of all, client satisfaction.
Volgens die literatuur misluk die meeste projekte in Botswana. Swak bestuur deur die belanghebbendes in die projekte is die hoofrede hiervoor. Talle raamwerke, modelle en metodologieë gemik op doeltreffende bestuur van belanghebbendes (BB) is as oplossing vir hierdie probleem voorgestel. Dat al hierdie BB-metodologieë egter gebrekkig is, blyk uit ʼn toename in die aantal mislukte projekte in die konstruksiebedryf wat laat vaar is. ʼn Oppervlakkige ondersoek van die BB-modelle het aan die lig gebring dat die belanghebbendeverhoudingsbestuur- (BVB) kromme afgeplat is. Hierdie kromme gee ʼn aanduiding van die verhouding tussen die kliënt, konsultante en kontrakteurs. Belanghebbendeverhoudingsbestuur berus meestal by kliënte of hulle verteenwoordigers. Die bestaande BB- en verhoudingsbestuurmodelle maak geensins vir veranderinge in die eienskappe van belanghebbendes tydens die lewering van ʼn projek voorsiening nie. Hierbenewens fokus sommige BB-modelle op die verhouding tussen eksterne belanghebbendes en projekbelanghebbendes, en party slegs op projekbelanghebbendes. Om hierdie rede is die modelle wat tans in Botswana se konstruksiebedryf toegepas word, ontoereikend. Kontrakteurorganisasies word dikwels daarvan beskuldig dat hulle nie tydens die lewering van ʼn projek in staat is om hulle verhouding tussen eksterne en projekbelanghebbendes te bestuur nie. Hierdie groepe staan egter nie in die brandpunt van konstruksieprojekte se BVB nie. Hierdie studie poog om oplossings te bied vir die tekortkomings wat aangetoon is. Die oogmerk is ʼn raamwerk vir kontrakteurgedrewe belanghebbendeverhoudingsbestuur (RKBVB) vir die konstruksiebedryf in Botswana. Hierdie raamwerk steun op die kliënteverhoudingsmodel (KVM) om die gemelde tekortkomings te verbeter. Hierdie kwalitatiewe gevallestudie berus op vooraf vasgestelde kriteria vir die keuse van gevalle. Daarby word ʼn interpretatiewe filosofiese paradigma in hierdie studie gevolg. Aangesien analitiese veralgemening volgens die eise van replikasielogika die doelwit was, behels die navorsingsontwerp veelvuldige gevallestudies. Ses kontrakteurorganisasies in Gaborone wat volgens ʼn skaal gekategoriseer is, is gekies. Die verhouding tussen hierdie kontrakteurorganisasies en die belanghebbendes in projekte wat volgens ʼn verskeidenheid kontrakstrategieë verkry en gelewer is, was die ontledingseenheid. Data is volgens ʼn sekwensiële multimetodebenadering ingewin, en halfgestruktureerde onderhoude is met die projekbestuurders van hierdie ix konstruksiemaatskappye gevoer. Om replisering te vergemaklik, is twee kontrakteurorganisasies volgens hulle vlak – groot, middelslag en klein en graad gekies. Die onderskeid op grond die grootte van die kontrakteurs het tot veralgemening meegehelp. Insae is in die projek- en maatskappydokumente verkry. Die data wat in elke stadium ingewin is, is volgens die kwalitatiewe tegniek ontleed. Op grond van die bevindings het die meeste kontrakteurs sonder enige model of raamwerk hulle verhouding met die projekbelanghebbendes bestuur. Hulle verteenwoordig alle klein, middelslag en groot konstruksiekontrakteurs in Botswana. Die gebrek aan kennis en ervaring in die bestuur van hulle verhouding met belanghebbendes en die beslegting van geskille in die verkryging en lewering van projekte was ooglopend. Daar is voorts bevind dat die aard van die kontraktuele strategie ʼn beduidende invloed gehad het op hoe die onderskeie kategorieë van kontrakteurs verhoudings met die belanghebbendes in konstruksieprojekte aanknoop. Verder is bevind dat die konstruksiebedryf tradisionele verkrygingstrategie meestal volg. Hierdie strategie is taamlik rigied en bevorder nie juis kontrakteurgedrewe belanghebbendeverhoudingsbestuur nie. Ander verkrygingstrategieë, soos die ontwerp-en-boustrategie, en konstruksiebestuur word in Botswana toegepas, en kan kontrakteurs se vermoë om hulle verhouding met die belanghebbendes in projekte en aanverwantesake doeltreffend te bestuur, enersyds bevorder en andersyds belemmer. Verskeie suksesfaktore vir kontakteur-belanghebberverhoudingsbestuur (KBVB) is op grond van die bevindings onderskei, te wete effektiewe kommunikasie, medewerking, betrokkenheid en samewerking tussen kliënte en kontrakteurs asook konsultante se verbintenis; werknemer (belanghebbendes) se betrokkenheid, bevrediging en kapasiteitsbou; ʼn grondige begrip van alle belanghebbendes in ʼn projek en van hulle belang en invloed; en strategieë om verhoudings effektief in die ontwerp, verkryging en lewering van ʼn projek effektief te bestuur. Die bevindings, wat op die beoordeling van die geformuleerde voorstelle en ʼn ontleding van die empiriese data berus, het tot die volgende analitiese veralgemenings gelei: konstruksiemaatskappye in Botswana het geen BVB-raamwerk waarvolgens hulle met belanghebbers in projekte omgaan nie; hulle besef dat hulle hul verhouding met belanghebbendes in projekte beter behoort te bestuur; en kontrakteurs beskik blykbaar nie oor die tegniese vaardighede en vermoëns om hulle verhouding met belanghebbendes in projekte te bestuur nie. x ʼn Raamwerk vir kontrakteurgedrewe belanghebberverhoudingsbestuur (RKBVB) is op grond van die bevindings ontwikkel. Die RKBVB is deur twee fokusgroepe gevalideer, naamlik projekbestuurders enersyds en beroepslui en akademici in die bedryf andersyds, ten einde die relevansie van die RKBVB te toets. Die raamwerk help kontrakteurs om die genoemde probleme op te los. Aangesien dit kontrakteurs sal help om hulle verhouding met belanghebbendes doeltreffend te bestuur, sal dit nie alleen tyd en geld spaar nie, maar ook die gehalte van hulle werk en bowenal kliënttevredenheid verbeter.
Bosupi go tswa mo dikwalong tse di maleba bo supa gore diporojeke tse di phuagantsweng le tse di padileng di dintsi kwa Botswana. Go supilwe botsamaisi jo bo bokoa jwa baamegi jaaka setshwaedi se segolo mo kgwetlhong eno. Ka ntlha ya seno, go tlhamilwe matlhomeso a le mmalwa a botsamaisi jwa baamegi (SM), dikao le mekgwa. Le fa go le jalo, koketsego ya ditiragalo tsa go pala le go phuaganngwa ga diporojeke mo indasetering ya kago kwa Botswana e supa tiragatso e e bokowa thata ya mekgwa eno ya SM. Tshekatsheko ya ka bonako ya dikao tsa SM e bontsha tatelano ya segoro sa botsamaisi jwa dikamano le baamegi (SRM), k.g.r. magareng ga modirelwa, baemedi le bakonteraka, mme maikarabelo a SRM a patagantswe le badirelwa gongwe baemedi ba bona mo mabakeng a le mantsi. Gape dintlha tse di amanang le diphetogo mo diponagalong tsa baamegi mo tsamaong ya tlamelo ya porojeke ga di a akarediwa mo dikaong tsa ga jaana tsa SM le botsamaisi jwa dikamano. Go tlalaletsa foo, dikao tsa ga jaana tsa SM di totile dikamano magareng ga baamegi ba diporojeke ka fa letsogong je lengwe, le baamegi ba kwa ntle ka fa go je lengwe, mme tse dingwe di lebelela baamegi ba diporojeke fela. Seno se kaya gore dikao tse di dirisiwang ga jaana mo dikonterakeng tsa Botswana ga di a siama. Ditlamo tsa kago (bakonteraka) di latofalediwa go palelwa ke go tsamaisa dikamano tsa diporojeke le baamegi ba kwa ntle ka nako ya tsamaiso ya diporojeke. Fela, ditheo tseo ga di mo mookong wa SRM mo diporojekeng tsa kago. Thutopatlisiso e neela dikarabo tsa ditlhaelo tse di supilweng. Maikaelelomagolo a thutopatlisiso e ne e le go tlhamela le go tlhomamisetsa indaseteri ya kago ya Botswana letlhomeso la botsamaisi jwa dikamano tsa baamegi (CSRMF) le le tsamaisiwang ke mokonteraka. Letlhomeso le le tlhagelelang le le dirisang diponagalo tsa sekao sa dikamano tsa badirisi (CRM) le fenya ditlhaelo tse di kailweng fa pejana. Go dirisitswe mokgwa wa filosofi o o ikaegileng ka go ranola le go tlhaloganya mo thutopatlisisong eno e e lebelelang mabaka mme go dirisitswe mokgwa wa go tlhopha dikgetse o o sweditsweng pele. Ka ntlha ya botlhokwa jwa go lebelela gore a diphitlhelelo tsa tshekatsheko di ka fetisega ka go obamela ntlha ya ntsifatso, go dirisitswe thadiso ya thutopatlisiso ya dikgetsidintsi. Go tlhophilwe ditheo di le thataro tsa dikonteraka tse di arogantsweng go ya ka seelo mme di dira kwa Gaborone. Tokololo e ne e ikaegile ka dikamano magareng ga ditheo tsa kago le baamegi ba bangwe ba diporojeke mo diporojekeng tse di tlhophilweng tse di rebotsweng le go xii diragadiwa ka ditogamaano tse di farologaneng tsa kago. Go kokoantswe data ka molebo wa mekgwamentsi o o dirang ka tatelano moo go dirilweng dipotsolotso tse di batlileng di rulagane le batsamaisi ba diporojeke ba ba neng ba emetse ditheo tseno tsa kago mo diporojekeng tse di tlhophilweng. Go kgontsha ntsifatso, go etswe tlhhoko gore go tlhophiwa ditheo tse pedi tsa kago mo legatong lengwe le lengwe – le legolo, le le magareng le le lennye go ya ka dikaroganyo tse di gona. Go dirisa disampole go ralala dikonteraka tsa bogolo jo bo farologaneng go dirile gore go akaretsa go nne botoka. Go sekasekilwe diporojeke le dikwalo tse di maleba tsa ditheo Mo godimo ga moo, go lokolotswe go tswa mo dateng ya magato a a farologaneng go dirisiwa thekeniki ya go lokolola diteng go lebeletswe mabaka. Diphitlhelelo tsa thutopatlisiso di bontsha gore bontsi jwa dikonteraka mo Botswana bo amana le baamegi ba diporojeke kwa ntle ga sekao gongwe letlhomeso fa bo tsamaisa dikamano le baamegi. Diphitlhelelo tseno di bontsha dikonteraka tse dinnye, tse dimagareng le tse dikgolo mo indasetering ya kago ya Botswana. Gape go na le sesupo se sengwe sa gore dikonteraka tse dinnye, tse dimagareng le tse dikgolo di na le tsela ya go tsamaisa dikamano le baamegi le go rarabolola dikgotlhang, mme ka jalo seelo sa maitemogelo le kitso mo difemeng tsa kago se na le tlhotlheletso mo go reng di tsamaisa jang dikamano tsa tsona le baamegi ba diporojeke mo tsamaong ya theko le tiragatso ya porojeke. Go tlaleletsa, diphitlhelelo tsa thutopatlisiso di bontsha gore mofuta wa togamaano ya konteraka o na le tlhotlheletso e e bonalang mo go reng dikarolo tsa dikonteraka di amanang jang le baamegi ba tsona mo diporojekeng tsa kago. Mokgwa wa tlwaelo o fitlhetswe e le togamaano e kgolo ya theko e e dirisiwang mo indasetering ya kago ya Botswana, mme mokgwa ono o tsepame thata go ka diragatsa botsamaisi jo bo nonofileng jwa kamano ya baamegi e e tsamaisiwang ke mokonteraka. Go dirisiwa ditogamaano tse dingwe tsa go reka di tshwana le thadisa-o-age, le botsamaisi jwa kago mo Botswana ka ditlamorago tsa tsona tse di siameng le tse di sa siamang mo bokgoning jo bo nonofileng jwa mokonteraka go tsamaisa dikamano tsa gagwe tsa baamegi ba porojeke le dintlha tse dingwe tse di amanang. Tshekatsheko e nngwe ya diphitlhelelo e lebisitse kwa go supiweng ga dintlha tsa botlhokwa tsa katlego tsa go tlhamiwa ga CSRMF gore go nne le botsamaisi jo bo bokgoni jwa kamano ya mokonteraka le baamegi. Dintlha tseno tsa botlhokwa tsa katlego ke tlhaeletsano e e bokgoni, tirisanommogo, therisano le tirisano magareng ga badirelwa le bakonteraka mmogo xiii le maitlamo a moemedi; therisano le badiri (baamegi) le kgotsofalo mmogo le katiso; go tlhaloganya go go boteng ga baamegi botlhe ba porojeke mmogo le botlhokwa le tlhotlheletso ya bona; le ditogamaano tsa go tsamaisa dikamano ka bokgoni mo tsamaong ya thadiso ya porojeke, theko le tiragatso. Go ikaegilwe ka tshekatsheko ya ditshitshinyo tse di dirilweng le tokololo ya data ya maitemogelo le dipholo tse di tlhatlhobilweng mo thutopatlisisong eno, diphitlhelelo di tshegetsa dikakaretso tse di latelang: ditheo tsa dikonteraka kwa Botswana ga di na matlhomeso ape a SRM go rerisana le baamegi mo diporojekeng tse di farologaneng; bakonteraka ba Botswana ba lemoga tlhokego ya go dira botoka go tsamaisa dikamano tsa bona le baamegi ba diporojeke; mme go na le phatlha e e bonalang ya bokgoni jwa setegeniki le bokgoni jo bo lekanyediitsweng jwa bakonteraka go tsamaisa dikamano tsa bona le baamegi ba diporojeke. Go ikaegilwe ka diphitlhelelo, go tlhamilwe letlhomeso la botsamaisi jwa dikamano tsa baamegi tse di tsamaisiwang ke mokonteraka. Letlhomeso (CSRMF) le tlhomamisitswe ke ditlhopha tse pedi tse go buisanweng natso, e leng, batsamaisi ba diporojeke ba ba neng ba le mo sampoleng go tswa mo dipotsolotsong tse di batlileng di rulagane, le baporofešenale ba ba maleba mmogo le barutegi ba bangwe mo indasetering. Tlhomamiso e ne e direlwa go sekaseka bomaleba jwa CSRMF mo tsamaisong ya dikamano. Letlhomeso (CSRMF) le tlaa tlamela ka kaedi ya go fokotsa phatlha e e supilweng. Le tlaa amogelwa le go dirisiwa ke bakonteraka go fitlhelela dinonofo mo tsamaisong ya dikamano le baamegi, mme ka go rialo ba boloka nako le ditshenyegelo le go netefatsa boleng jo bo tokafetseng le, go feta tsotlhe, kgotsofalo ya badirelwa.
Business Management
D. B. L.