Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Local Government Management Project'

This Research Report that this research was motivated by the fact that despite thetremendous achievements have been realized from the successful implementation ofgovernment programmes and projects related the construction and refurbishment of medical facilities, educational, bridges and road infrastructure facilities. Trends indicate that only iota of evidence implies that the concept of risk management is fully integrated and embraced as part of a culture for ensuring the successful project implementation by the Modern South African public sector organizations. Empirical research revealed that the common types of risks that have been affecting the successful implementation of government projects and programmes include: riots, fraud, corruption, changes in demographic figures, outsourcing risks, and floods and changes in weather. Most of the participants stated that risks associated with riots do not only arise from the riots within the government departments, but also in the external environment. In terms of the internal riots, they revealed that when the employees go on strike or riots on their own or in solidarity with the other trade unions, leading to the process for the implementation of government projects and programmes being affected. Yet, in certain cases, they noted that internal riots or strikes most occur as preceded by rumours that the riots by a particular union will take place and may significantly affect the ongoing process of implementation of government programmes. Besides risks associated with the internal riots by the employees and the communities, the interview findings also indicated that the other forms of risks arise from the strikes and riots by the private enterprises.

The primary purpose of this study is to examine professional city management in San Bernardino County cities functioning under the council-manager form of government, and to determine whether they are using the fundamental principals of "Managing for Results" as set by the criteria in the GPP report.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration in Project Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.
Much debate has been going on about the ability of women to lead in the large organisations around the country. The call for women to be given senior leadership positions appears to have run global as more and more women seek to get into powerful positions. Whilst the population of women is generally higher than that of men, women still remain in small numbers relative to men getting the positions. Research findings do not seem to have agreed on generalisations as to why women remain in few numbers even where they are in the majority. The hotel industry, the nursing field, etc. even in such establishments the number of women in leadership has remained low. Many theories have been advanced, including the allegation that men prefer male leaders to female leaders, women cannot stand pressure in the boardroom, and men stand on the progress of women in organisations. The researcher decided on getting information from subordinates in the organisation on their perception of good leadership as perceived by them. The questions were derived from existing theory on women leaders’ characteristics and standard behaviour for effective leadership. The respondents measured from the Likert scale their perception about certain characteristics deemed to be the strengths of women. This was done to avoid using gender as this would influence some responses to the questions. The findings indicate that not all ‘feminine’ positive attributes are necessarily accepted as leading competencies with some of the male characteristics considered ‘abhor able.’ Convenience sampling, which is a non-probabilistic sampling method, was used in this research study. The benefits of this method are that the individuals are readily available and are easy to recruit. It was easier to distribute the questionnaires to the sample by means of e-mails and clarify issues as they arose.

Theses (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The municipal elections of 5 December 2000 ushered in the final phase in the transformation of local government in South Africa. Legislation and directives from national government require that municipalities operate within a context of a strategic framework. This strategic framework, or Integrated Development Plan, determines how a municipality in an integrated practical approach, implement its legislative mandates obtained from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 and other legislation. In the past municipalities were characterized by operating within strong functional divisions or departments. It was inevitable that service delivery, career development and performance management developed within the context of functional isolation. However, the solutions to many of the socio-economic problems which face municipalities require that it have to be dealt with in a multi disciplinary manner. Based on the legislative framework in which municipalities operate, as well as the directives from national government, the study concluded that Eden District Municipality is obliged to reconsider its present operational methodologies. Based on a literature study of organisational structures and the introduction of project management within organisations, a number of recommendations are formulated to assist Eden District Municipality in the implementation of project management as strategic objective.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Transformasie van plaaslike regering in Suid-Afrika het sy finale beslag gevind na die munisipale verkiesings van 5 Desember 2000. Wetgewing en voorskrifte van die nasionale regering vereis tans dat munisipale owerhede sal opereer binne die konteks van 'n strategiese raamwerk. Sodanige raamwerk, of Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan, bepaal die wyse waarop 'n munisipaliteit op 'n geïntegreerde wyse praktiese beslag moet gee aan die funksionale mandate soos ontleen uit die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996, Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Strukturewet, 1998 en ander wetgewing. Munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika is egter in die verlede gekenmerk deur departementalisering streng binne funksionele konteks. Gevolglik het dienslewering, loopbaanontwikkeling en prestasiemeting onvermydelik ook in 'n patroon van funksionele isolasie ontwikkel. Die sosio ekonomiese -eise wat munisipaliteite tans die hoof moet bied, kan egter beswaarlik binne 'n enkel dimensionele funksionele benadering hanteer word. Gegrond op die vereistes van die wetgewende raamwerk wat plaaslike regering in Suid-Afrika reguleer, sowel as die voorskrifte van die nasionale regering, word in die studie bevind dat dit onafwendbaar vir Eden Distriksmunisipaliteit is om sy bestaande operasionele metodologië in heroorweging te neem. Op grond van 'n literatuurstudie van organisasiestrukture en die toepassing van projekbestuur in organisasies, word bepaalde voorstelle aan die Eden Distriksmunisipaliteit geformuleer om projekbestuur as strategiese oogmerk te implementeer.

eFörvaltning ses som ett medel för att göra kommunalt förvaltningsarbete mer effektivt och interoperabelt. Dock begränsas kommuner av oförmåga att uppnå det vilket försvårar genomförandet av deras uppdrag. En orsak till varför införandet av eFörvaltning inte ger de systematiska fördelar som efterfrågas beror på att införandet av informations och kommunikations teknologier (IKT) inte är tillräckligt. Förändringen som krävs kan inte ske över en natt utan är en gradvis förändring över tid som även kräver nya sätt att arbeta på. Kommuner behöver hantera sin eFörvaltningsutveckling på ett mer strukturerat sätt för att öka möjligheterna att förverkliga de fördelarna som sägs kunna erhållas. Enterprise Architecture (EA) har på senare tid kommit att ses som en möjlig lösning för att komma tillrätta med denna problematik. Genom att arbeta mot en EA skapas möjligheten att brygga IKT system med affärsprocesser och därigenom leda till effektivitet och interoperabilitet. Dock är EA inom offentlig sektor ifrågasatt. Forskare menar att EA saknar tydlig definierad omfattning och begreppsvärld, vilket gör användningen av EA inom förvaltningsarbete svår. De omfattande logiska EA ramverk som finns idag saknar innehåll som är specifikt relaterade till offentlig sektor. Vari det blir problematiskt att arbeta mot en EA inom offentlig sektor. Denna licentiatavhandling lägger följande forskningsfråga: ”Vilken roll har EA för införandet av eFörvaltning inom Svenska kommuner?” Samt följande underfrågor ”Vilka förutsättningar finns för att använda EA vid eFörvaltningsutveckling?” ”Vad har Örebro kommun uppnått genom att arbete mot en EA i deras eFörvaltningsutveckling?” Och ”Vilka problem har Örebro kommun upplevt av att arbeta mot en EA vid eFörvaltningsutvecklingen?”. En longitudinell fallstudie av ett eFörvaltningsutvecklingsprojekt i Örebrokommun genomfördes mellan 2007 och 2009 med syfte att utröna dessa frågor och för att skapa insikt om EAs roll för eFörvaltningsutveckling. Förutsättningar, resultat och upplevda problem vid eFörvaltningsutvecklingen studerades. I anslutning till detta empiriska arbete genomfördes även en jämförandestudie av eFörvaltningsmål såsom de anges i officiella statliga dokument inom så väl Sverige som i EU gentemot förmodade fördelarna med EA som diskuteras i samtida EA-litteratur. Studien visar att EA som fenomen ses som en förutsättning för att lyckas med eFörvaltning. 7 viktiga aspekter gällande förutsättningen för att lyckas med kommuners eFörvaltningsutveckling identifierades: Skillnaden mellan administrativa och politiska ansvaret, Politiskt mandat, Politisk timing, Resursfördelning, Samordning under NPM, Leverantörsberoende, Val av standard och bäst praxis. För att förbättra möjligheten att röna framgång i eFörvaltningsutveckling behöver dessa aspekter aktualiseras och hanteras. New Public Management (NPM) som styrmodell utgör ett strukturellt hinder för eFörvaltningsutveckling som förhindrar en mer explicit användning av EA-ramverk, vilket påverkar möjligheten att uppnå uppsatta mål negativt. Trots den strukturella problematik som föreligger, kan stöd erhållas genom att arbeta utifrån ett ”EA-tänk”. Ett ”EAtänk” kan här ses som ett medel för att påbörja förändringen mot en EA utan att för den delen explicit använda sig av ett EA-ramverk, eller -metod. Dock är det viktigt skapa en förståelse för att ”EA-tänk” som fenomen i sin tur ger upphov till strukturer och således kan leda till problem som även de måste hanteras för att eFörvaltningsutveckling skall lyckas. eFörvaltning, NPM och ett ”EA-tänk” skapar en strukturell triad där olika strukturella egenskaper i vissa fall sammanfaller med varandra vari de kan stödja kommuner i dess arbete och således bidra till positiv utveckling. Medan det i andra fall leder till negativ utveckling där administrationen upplever problem att ta till sig av de rekommendationer eFörvaltningsprojektet kan tänkas ge till organisationen som helhet. Paradoxalt nog skapar denna strukturella triad en situation där kommuner måste arbete runt sig själv för att komma framåt. Normer och befintliga strukturer i kommuner förhindrar effektiv samarbete både internt mellan olika förvaltningar och externt gentemot andra kommuner och landsting vilket leder till fragmentariska framsteg mot projektmålen och i slutänden även kommunens övergripande mål gällande eFörvaltningsutveckling. Givet de i många fall motstridiga strukturella egenskaper som finns mellan NPM och eFörvaltning innebär att det initiala arbetet mot EA i eFörvaltningsutveckling är ett ytterst komplext fenomen. För att öka möjligheten att eFörvaltningsutvecklingen blir lyckad krävs det att kommuner känner till och hantera den negativa inverkan NPM har på eFörvaltningsutveckling. Samtidigt behöver de känna till och hanterar problematiken som uppstår av att arbeta mot en EA genom ett ”EA-tänk”, Samt att som studien visat, EA ger inget stöd för mer politiseras mål, vari kommuner behöver annat sätt och andra strategier för sådant arbete. Detta är viktigt att beakta, speciellt med tanke på att mer politiserade mål i mångt och mycket är de mål som kommer premieras av politiker. Av just den enkla orsaken att politiker inte blir omvalda på grund av “effektiva IKT integrerade interna processer” utan blir omvalda utifrån förbättringar som är synliga och som gagnar medborgare positivt. Avhandlingen bidrar till forsknings genom att öka förståelse för och behovet av att hantera både positiva och negativa faktorer som påverkar möjligheten att lyckas med eFörvaltningsutveckling inom kommunalt arbete. Vilket inkluderar de 7 identifierade kritiska faktorer måste aktualiseras och hanteras för att öka möjligheten att lyckas. Den negativa effekt NPM har på eFörvaltningsutveckling och hur ett ”EA-tänk” kan leda till positiv utveckling, även om det som denna studie visat inte kan bidra till mer politiserade mål. Vad gäller denna licentiatavhandlings bidrag till praktiken så bidrar den med att belysa den problematiska situation som föreligger av att institutionaliserade strukturer i många fall verkar som ett hinder mot förändring. Studien möjliggör även till att kommuner kan skapa en förståelse för sin egna eFörvaltningsutveckling och möjligtvis kan verka för att inte uppleva samma problematik som identifierats i Örebros eFörvaltningsutveckling samt visa på hur en kommun kan arbeta för att hantera den problematik som inte kan förhindras alternativ som uppstår trots denna kunskap.
Governments struggle with inefficiencies and an inability to achieve interoperable information communication technology (ICT) systems. Apparent issues include a failure of local government to realize the benefits of electronic government (eGov) initiatives, high project failure rates, administrations hampered with inefficiencies, and a lack of interoperability between systems within the local government. Thus, local governments need to address their eGov initiatives in a structured way to improve their chances of providing the benefits that are sought after. Sweden’s eGov model is decentralized, following a strict new public management (NPM) model. Whilst eGov ought to bring benefits to local government, Sweden is still hampered by inefficiencies and an inability to achieve interoperable ICT systems. This has been the case for quite some time. One reason why systemic gains from adopting eGov have not reached the levels sought after could be that, in many cases, ICT implementations are not enough. The transformation needed for eGov is not instantaneous; it requires various new ways of working. Enterprise Architecture (EA) has come to be seen as a possible solution to the apparent issues of developing, adopting and managing eGov successfully. By utilizing EA, it is argued that it is possible to bridge ICT systems and business processes, thus making the organization more efficient. However EA’s usefulness for eGov development and adoption is the subject of debate. Some researchers argue that EA lacks clearly defined scopes and concepts, which makes the use of EA in government difficult. Whereas other argues that although EA frameworks are comprehensive logical frameworks, they lack content that is related specifically to government organizations. The thesis posits the following research questions: What is the role of EA in eGov adoption in Swedish local government? together with three sub questions: What are the prerequisites for using EA in Swedish local eGov adoption? What has the Swedish local government in Örebro achieved with its use of EA in eGov adoption? And What problems have the Swedish local government in Örebro experienced in its use of EA when adopting eGov? To explore the role of EA in eGov adoption a longitudinal case study is carried out on the municipality of Örebro’s eGov project MovIT, a project launched in 2007 that ended in 2009. I study the prerequisites, results and problems associated with using EA in Swedish local government as part of eGov adoption. A comparative study is conducted of the goals of eGov, as stated in official eGov documents at EU and Swedish governmental levels will attest as to the supposed benefits of EA in contemporary EA-literature. From the study, it can be concluded that EA, as a phenomenon, is thought to be, if not a silverbullet, then at least a prerequisite to eGov success. In term of prerequisites, EA use cannot assist Swedish local government where there are more politicized objectives; in this situation, local government is required to look elsewhere to find support for its work. The study identify several critical issues from the empirical study of the prerequisites: distinction between administrative and political responsibilities; political mandate; political timing; resource allocation; coordination under NPM; dependence on providers; and choosing among standards and best practices. These issues need to be acknowledged and handled appropriately by Swedish local government in order to improve the chances for success in eGov adoption. The study also showed that NPM as governance model becomes a hindrance in eGov adoption, preventing the project from a more explicit use of an EA-framework and negatively affecting the projects possibility to adopt eGov. However, despite this structural problem, it is still possible – as observed – for a project that is based on EA-thinking to begin working. EGov, NPM and EA-thinking form a triad, with structural properties that, in some instances, correlate. In such cases, this can lead to positive changes. However, in other situations, they are contradictory, resulting in Swedish local government having a difficult time in adhering to the suggestions endorsed by the eGov project. This lead to incoherent progressions towards requested results. The existing structures hindered effective cooperation, both internally between different departments and externally with other local governments. This licentiate thesis has shown that the initial use of EA in local government eGov adoption is complex. Given the contradictory nature of NPM and eGov, local government has to acknowledge the negative impacts of NPM on eGov adoption. As well as acknowledging the issues that arise from EA use, a key area is a lack of support of local government in an area that is most likely to be endorsed by politicians. Politicians do not get re-elected based on efficient internal processes with a highly integrated ICT; rather, changes must be visible to citizens and businesses. This licentiate thesis has also shown that ‘EA-thinking’, as a means for local government, can move towards an EA without the explicit use of an EA framework or EA method. However, ‘EA-thinking’ may give rise to other issues that need to be acknowledged and dealt with. This licentiate thesis contributes to research by improving our understanding of the nature and importance of promoting and inhibiting different factors. Including critical issues for succeeding with eGov adoption, the negative effects of NPM and how EA-thinking can lead to positive changes, even though it cannot assist local government in all aspects deemed important to eGov adoption. In terms of practice, this thesis contributes by highlighting the problematic nature of institutionalized structures and the effect that this has on eGov adoption. It also contributes by enabling local governments to acknowledge the problems identified. This allows them to better understand their own development and possibly avoid similar problems or at least have a better understanding of how to handle the issues that arise.

Федоренко, О. С. Управління проєктами електронного урядування в органах місцевої влади : випускна кваліфікаційна робота : 281 «Публічне управління та адміністрування» / О. С. Федоренко, О. В. Кузнєцов ; керівник роботи Г. В. Старченко ; НУ "Чернігівська політехніка", кафедра публічного управління та менеджменту організацій. – Чернігів, 2021. – 110 с.
Робота присвячена пошуку шляхів визначення сутності проєктного менеджме- нту як інструменту розвитку управління проєктами електронного урядування в ор- ганах місцевої влади. Об’єкт дослідження – процеси управління проєктами електронного уряду- вання в органах місцевої влади. Предмет дослідження – процеси вдосконалення управління проєктами елект- ронного урядування в органах місцевої влади. Мета роботи – обґрунтування теоретичних положень, розроблення концептуа- льних засад та прикладних рекомендацій щодо управління проєктами електронного урядування в органах місцевої влади. Робота складається із вступу, трьох розділів, висновків. Робота містить рисунків – 11; таблиць –2; кількість літературних джерел – 55; загальна кількість сторінок – 112. У першому розділі розглядаються теоретико-методологічне обґрунтування проєктного менеджменту як фактору розвитку сфери публічного управління та уп- равління проєктами електронного урядування в органах місцевої влади. Другий розділ містить розкриття змісту поняття «публічність», публічна сфера як предметна область проектного менеджменту, управління проєктами електрон- ного урядування. У третьому розділі розглядається: доцільність застосування концепції управ- ління проєктами для розробки та здійснення проєктів електронного урядування; проактивне управління електронного урядування; інноваційні механізми організа- ції управління державними проектами електронного урядування.
The work is devoted to finding ways to determine the essence of project management as a tool for the development of e-government project management in local governments. The object of research is the processes of e-government project management in local authorities. The subject of the research is the processes of improving the management of e- government projects in local authorities. The purpose of the work is to substantiate theoretical provisions, develop conceptual principles and applied recommendations for the management of e-government projects in local governments. The work consists of an introduction, three sections, conclusions. The work contains drawings - 11; tables -2; number of literary sources - 55; total number of pages - 112. The first section considers the theoretical and methodological justification of project management as a factor in the development of public administration and e-government project management in local authorities. The second section contains the disclosure of the content of the concept of "publicity", the public sphere as a subject area of project management, e-government project management. The third section considers: the feasibility of applying the concept of project management for the development and implementation of e-government projects; proactive e-government management; innovative mechanisms for organizing the management of state e-government projects.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
The study evaluated co-operative governance in integrated development planning (IDP), with a focus on local economic development (LED). Literature review, survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were data gathering instruments. Co-operative governance entailed mutual understanding with inclusive decision-making between government spheres and government, business and communities. This was unsuccessful in IDP because of national government dominance, complex tools for co-operation, expert-controlled co-operative governance, finance-dominated planning, a lack of proactive municipal planning and dominance by empowered role-players. Four LED models, namely, a Western, Latin American, African and South African emerged. South Africa’s model is multi-sectoral with land management policy, investor promotion, institutional development, financial and social investment strategies and sufficient policy and legislation. However, co-operative governance in IDP (LED) is dis-functional because of assumed equality of stakeholders. The study recommends a ‘Quilted Co-operative Development Planning Model’, which has a streamlined policy framework, efficient and effective management tools and organisation that promote bottom-up planning.

Esta dissertação tem como objetivo principal a avaliação das especificidades da execução de programas de desenvolvimento local promovidos pela Prefeitura de Curitiba em conjunto com organismos internacionais. Diante da carência de políticas públicas federais para o âmbito das cidades e a insuficiência de repasses intergovernamentais, as administrações municipais rompem as fronteiras nacionais para vencer os principais campos do desenvolvimento urbano, promovendo cooperações com instituições internacionais de fomento que, além de financiar, também interferem na elaboração e execução de programas e projetos de interesse dos municípios. Perante o relevante volume de recursos obtidos pela cidade de Curitiba, o estudo observa as especificidades de tais acordos na implementação de políticas públicas locais a fim de proporcionar um referencial de conhecimento à sociedade em geral e estimular ferramentas de aprimoramento dessas parcerias pelo poder local. Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa, um estudo de caso múltiplo é realizado levando em consideração, além dos dados dos programas em parcerias com organismos internacionais, a percepção dos gestores locais envolvidos e dos representantes dos organismos internacionais. Os resultados são apresentados a partir de uma adaptação dos eixos de avaliação defendidos por Proença (2009) (participação e Transparência, alinhamento, promoção de autonomia, condições de eficácia e sustentabilidade) e, por fim, as conclusões apontam que há uma ambivalência dos interesses dos atores nas parcerias. Os resultados mostram também que é preciso adaptar os projetos locais às condições dos organismos internacionais, que, por muitas vezes, podem acabar pautando as políticas públicas do município, demonstram o pouco engajamento popular nas parcerias, listam os elementos diferenciadores da implementação dessas políticas, verificam que novas experiências podem ser absorvidas pela gestão local a partir dessas parcerias e que há uma limitação das cooperações ao processo de execução dos programas.
This thesis aims to evaluate the implementation of local development programs promoted by the City of Curitiba in collaborative work with international organizations. Towards the lack of federal public policies for the cities' scope and the failure of intergovernmental transfers, local governments break national boundaries to win the main fields of urban development, promoting cooperation with international development institutions that, besides financing, also interfere the development and implementation of counties' programs and projects interest. Before the significant amount of resources obtained by the city of Curitiba, the study points out the special features of such agreements in the implementation of local public policies to provide a benchmark of knowledge to the society and stimulate enhancement tools of such partnerships for local power. Through a qualitative research, a multiple case study is conducted taking into account both the data of the programs in partnership with international organizations and the perception of the local managers involved and representatives of international organizations. The results are presented from an adaptation of the axes of evaluation recommended by Proença (2009) (participation and transparency, alignment, promotion of autonomy, efficiency and sustainability conditions), and the findings reveal the ambivalence of the interests of actors in the partnerships. The study indicates that it is necessary to adapt the local projects to the conditions of international organizations, which often end up basing public policies of the county; it demonstrates the unpopular engagement in partnerships; it lists the differentiating elements of the implementation of these policies; and it finds that new experiences can be absorbed by the local management from these partnerships and the cooperation's limitation to the process of implementing the programs.

Thesis (MA (Public and Development Management)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
128 leaves printed single pages, preliminary pages i-ix and numbered pages 1-118. Includes bibliography and a list of figures in color and tables. Digitized at 300 dpi 24-bit Color to pdf format (OCR) using a Hp Scanjet 8250 Scanner, and digitized at 600 dpi grayscale to pdf format (OCR), using a Bizhub 250 Konica Minolta Scanner.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: "The South African Constitution (1996) promotes the improvement of liVing environments and livelihoods for all constituents by means of a developmental approach to local governance" (IDASA, 2005:2). The development role of local government can be understood through the consideration of four basic drivers which includes planning for development, governance and administration, regulation and service delivery. The Drakenstein Local Municipality is committed to ensure sustainable economic growth and development by increasing national and provincial competitiveness as well as the reduction of poverty. Key to this process is the retention and expansion of existing businesses as well as the attraction of new investment. The main focus of this research study is the promotion of business development as it forms part of local economic development (LED) and is also an integral part of integrated development planning (IDP) at local government level. The introduction of proposed targeted investment incentives is aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Drakenstein Local Municipality's strategic development objectives. The proposed intervention options should be a special effort to attract investment to the study area which will result in a positive spill-over effect in the Drakenstein Local Municipality's local economy. Intervention options can be developed in terms of investment incentives that can bring about job creation, economic development and poverty alleviation in the study area as set out in their strategic deveiopment objectives.

This thesis analyses Human Resource Management (H.R.M) in English local government. The research shows how H.R.M in local authorities has been influenced by the development of New Public Management (N.P.M) that has adopted some but not all of the characteristics of H.R.M. N.P.M and H.R.M appear to have important differences arising from the unique nature of local government culture, organisation and structure. These differences were found in this study to prevent the full implementation of a strategic and effective form of H.R.M. As a result of these differences local government in England has developed a hybrid form of H.R.M suitable to the particular to the needs of local authorities. The study presents evidence that some cultural change has occurred in local authorities under H.R.M, particularly in the structure of organisations, and in the relationship between HR staff and managers. However, the inability of local authorities to overcome specific barriers to H.R.M means that the contribution H.R.M might make to the organisational performance of local councils is still unknown. These barriers are the inability of councils to produce integrated business and H.R strategies; underdevelopment of line managers; incomplete processes of devolution and decentralisation of HR responsibilities and issues arising from the political nature of local authorities.

For the past four decades, researchers have been discussing and arguing over the implementation of strategy within the public sector. There is an emerging literature on pluralism, and the interdependence of strategizing and organizing which is especially relevant to public service organizations. The research undertaken and reported in this thesis set out to identify how strategizing was implemented within one large local government authority, from the perspective of middle management. The study sought to ascertain which, if any, of the many implementation theories were applied in practice, and the implications of the tensions between strategizing and organizing. Methodologically, there is a recognised paucity of participatory action learning and research in the strategizing field. Equally, gaps were found in the extant literature on strategizing from the middle management perspective. This research addressed both of these research gaps. The case study herein reported used participatory action research methods. Participatory action research teams followed an action research framework of six questions to identify the gaps between espoused theory and theory in practice. The findings were that the local government authority was not designed for the external strategizing pluralism or the internal organizing pluralism. The organization was designed for regulation and control and so not best suited for the delivery of other types of service. The strategizing process lacked the specific policy input from the various marginalised communities who required the services most. It also specifically avoided any input from the front-line professional staff that held the relevant knowledge, experience and skills. The pluralistic nature of the society served and the lack of commitment on the frontline led to another phenomenon – street-level bureaucrats and the politicization of the community. These frontline service deliverers, ‘street-level bureaucrats’, not only interpreted the strategy to fit the specific, unique context of each neighbourhood but also educated the citizens to appreciate their own power through their politicization. The staff also restated their plans to fit the format of the current top-down strategy by rephrasing them using the current political language of the day.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration in Project Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.
Organisations in both private and public sector have embraced Project Management as the ideal means of managing projects with the hopes of ensuring that they deliver their intended benefit. Projects have therefore become particularly prominent within the public sector including Municipalities, as a means of fulfilling developmental goals and delivering services. This has resulted in organisations investing considerable resources to ensure that they build the capacity needed to effectively manage projects. This investment usually takes the form of training and development of project managers or adopting and implementing project management methodologies with clear processes that guide how projects are managed. Within academia there has also been a broad spectrum of research devoted to the field of project management. A major focus area of project management research has been to determine the value of Project Management by measuring aspects of an organization’s project management performance and how best they can improve it to ensure project success. However, despite the advances in Project research and the practice of project management, organisations continue to face low project success rates. Findings from previous research has found that project management is very context specific and that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to implementing project management practices. Therefore, organisations should be tailoring their project management approach to best suit their unique needs. This study has therefore chosen to evaluate project management performance within Municipalities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of which was to find how best municipalities can improve their current performance and ensure project success. The rationale for this research is further supported by evidence which indicates that project management within the public sector is generally less developed than in the private sector. In this study a construct was developed to define project management performance consisting of Project Management Maturity, the impact of project teams and effective project partnerships. Project management maturity was analysed adapting a project management maturity model developed by Labuschagne and Marnewick (2008). Project success was defined by five project success criteria that were identified through literature reviews. The success criteria consisted of the completion of a project within time, budget, quality requirements, satisfaction of the public’s needs and ensuring organizational success. A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to 108 project managers working within a selected municipal department in South Africa. The results of this research has provided evidence of the link between project management performance and project success within municipalities. These findings provide insights on which aspects of their project management practice a municipality should focus on and develop to maximise project success. In addition, the research also contributes to a deeper insight into the application, benefits and pitfalls of project management maturity models.

Local government is the sphere of government that is most directly involved in rendering services to communities and individuals. It is also at this sphere of government where the basic needs of people are addressed. Services like water, sanitation, waste removal and electricity have a direct influence on the quality of life that people live. In order for the occupation of local public administration to contribute meaningfully towards rendering services of a high level, both in quantity and quality, it is important to lay down a number of preconditions. In this research report it was argued that for local public administration management to become a profession in the full sense, it will be necessary: to draw well-qualified graduates from tertiary institutions
to develop practitioners in the occupation on a continual basis
to develop minimum performance standards and requisite competencies
to develop standards of ethical conduct acceptable to the community at large, and the occupation as a whole
and to continuously develop knowledge in the science of public administration as it is found in the local sphere of government.

Information has become so pervasive within enterprises and everyday life, that it is almost indispensable. This is clear as information has become core to the business operations of any enterprise. Information and communication technology (ICT) systems are heavily relied upon to store, process and transmit this valuable commodity. Due to its immense value, information and related ICT resources have to be adequately protected. This protection of information is commonly referred to as information security.

This study is about public sector performance measurement in the context of developing economies; more specifically, the study focuses on local government performance measurement systems as applied in Indonesia. Although there have been numerous research studies examining performance measurement, most empirical work has been undertaken in the context of developed economies. Performance measurement research in the milieu of developing economies is still very much underdeveloped and the progress is considerably much slower than those in developed economies. This study adopts an interpretive approach and applied case study research method in order, to develop an understanding of a) what drives the new performance measurement b) how it is designed and c) how it is used? The findings show that performance measurement in the context of developing economies tends to be driven by different reasons than compared to those developed economies. The findings also indicated developing economies encounter various challenges in designing and implementing performance measurement which eventually affected the use and usefulness of performance measurement. This study thus contributes to improve our understanding of the design, implementation and use of performance measurement in the context of developing economies. More specifically, it improves our understanding regarding (i) internal and external driving forces for performance measurement initiatives in the developing economies, (ii) the effectiveness of design, implementation and use, (iii) technical, organisational and institutional factors influencing design, implementation and use and the complex interactive effects of these three categories of factors, (iv) the interdependence between design, implementation and use, and (v) the complex conflicts of interest among different stakeholders in this context.

Thesis (DTech(Public Management))--Cape Technikon, Cape Town, 2002
South Africa prides itself on its "rainbow nation" status. The term "rainbow nation" has frequently been used to reflect the diversity of the South African community. In the preamble to our present constitution, it is stated that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and that diversity epitomises the unity of its people. However, if one takes a glance around many local government offices, particular at our senior and middle level management levels, our rainbow appears less colourful than we would like to think. Whatever its meaning, diversity has become a term used freely by both the previous and present government, neither being able to define its true meaning. In fact, they have used the term diversity in so many ways and in so many contexts that it seems to mean many things. With the diversification of local authorities, a new challenge has arisen for the local government manager when resolving, or at least ameliorating, some of the difficulties arising from the widespread diversity found in the workplace. The transformation of local authorities and the implementation of affirmative action programmes were the way government thought diversity should be effected, but this alone will not ensure the employment equity local government managers are seeking. The awareness of selected local government managers (internal managing of diversity) regarding diversity will provide an insight into their acceptance of diverse groups as being a vital resource for an organisation. In return, this will also reflect the commitment of selected local government managers (external managing of diversity) in serving their diverse local communities In this dissertation, the terms "selected local government manager(s)" will be used interchangeably with the term" public manager (s)". The core problem, which this study addresses, revolves around tile different belief windows and the effect these have on the local government manager's self-concept of diversity in the workplace. A belief window refers to an invisible window through which one views diversity This dissertation will attempt to provide the insights and awareness levels of local government managers in respect of diversity management as expounded in the paragraphs that follow. The theories of diversity management in the workplace are explored The focus is on the definition of terms within the study; what managing diversity is not; why diversity management; the different dimensions of diversity; the differences between managing diversity, valuing of differences and affirmative action; models for managing diversity in the workplace; and the consequences of ignoring diversity in the workplace.

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 231-245).
The South African local government model is considered to be decentralised in character, incorporating various constitutional, policy and statutory instruments to enable local government to achieve its constitutionally mandated developmental objectives. Yet local government is widely viewed as being in a state of crisis. Many municipalities are seen as dysfunctional and incapable of performing their duties. The hypothesis underlying this study is that the effective application of the principles of decentralisation, to the extent that they have been incorporated in the constitutional, policy and regulatory framework of local government in South Africa, is endangered by a lack of commitment to the concept of decentralisation by central government and by the failure by municipalities to implement at local level those rules, systems, mechanisms, powers and functions which are intended to reflect the principles of decentralisation; and that the achievement of the constitutional objectives of local government is thereby in turn endangered.

This thesis deals with problems and prospects for local government in Tanzania. In the opening chapter theoretical issues relating to local government in developing countries are raised. These are followed by a historical account of the development of local government institutions in Tanzania, from pre-colonial times to the present day. After this, the thesis identifies current problems of local government performance paying special attention to local government authorities' effectiveness in collecting their own revenues, their responsiveness to public needs, and staff satisfaction with council leadership. Various explanations of poor performance of local government authorities in Tanzania are then reviewed and evaluated. While acknowledging the lack of autonomy from central government and the ill-planned re-introduction of councils in 1982 as causes of poor performance, this thesis attributes some of the performance problems to the traditional managerial philosophy, the reliance on rigid bureaucratic structures and associated management practices, and to inappropriate managerial skills of the elected and non-elected officials of councils. In conclusion the thesis elaborates suggestions for action to improve the performance of local government in Tanzania.

Advocated by the New Public Management movement, performance management has been increasingly adopted in local government agencies, aiming to improve government performance and accountability. The purposes of this dissertation are trying to investigate the current practice of performance management and its effectiveness, and find out whether there are differences between Sweden and China, and between different agency levels in terms of performance management and government performance. According to theoretical review, we combine two performance management models into a new one with four stages, and establish a three-dimensional government performance model based on the Balanced Scorecard, with which questionnaires are designed. The results, carried out mainly in China, show that to a large extent the models are consistent with the theory. Nevertheless, a new stage of performance management, named as performance appraisal, emerges combining performance measurement with parts of performance report. It is found that the four stages of performance management are received different attentions in local government agencies. The results also display that two stages of performance management (performance improvement and performance standard-set) have strong causal relations with government performance. Meanwhile, there are significant differences between three agency levels in terms of some performance management stages and one performance dimension, according to the results. As far as the two nations are concerned, Sweden is much better than China at all the four stages of performance management, but only much better at one performance dimension—learning and growth—than China.

The study seeks to clarify why donors such as the World Bank still insist on the use of their financial management system rather than the recipient country’s financial management system, despite the intention under the Paris Declaration 2005 to use the respective government’s systems. The study then explores the reasons why the financial management system used by the World Bank is more effective in managing risks related to public financial management and aid as compared to the Government of Malaysia approach. The study compares financial management by the World Bank and Ministry of Education, Government of Malaysia, in their parallel implementation of Educational Sector Support Projects (ESSP) under the Eighth Malaysian Plan, 2001-2005. The quality of financial management of projects in two systems is compared using established criteria of good financial management practice. Findings are based on evidence from interviews, documentation and direct observations. The study demonstrates the significant roles in reducing risks played in the World Bank approach by the Project Management Reports (PMR), the high quality of Project Implementation Unit (PIU) staff and the better procurement procedures. The implication is that more effective risk management and financial management reporting were needed by the Ministry of Education in implementing the ESSP under the Eighth Malaysian Plan 2001 - 2005.

Purpose – This research investigated factors critical to benefits realisation of IT/IS project in the South African Government. The aim of the research was therefore to establish a list of factors critical to benefits realisation of IT/IS projects in SA government by testing the applicability of Coombs (2015) factors and as well as testing factors identified in the literature. Method – In addition to the factors identified in Coombs (2015) study, a literature review was conducted to identify additional factors critical for benefits realisation in IT/IS projects and twenty-one factors were identified. A web-survey with twenty one (21) success factors was sent to IT stakeholders in SA government particularly the State Information Technology Agency to determine their relevance and importance in benefits realisation of IT/IS projects in SA government. Results – The research finding revealed that all four of Coombs (2015) study success factors were relevant. Two of the factors were amongst the top ten factors considered the most important factors rated by the IT stakeholders in SA government. It also revealed that all twenty-one factors were relevant, however the following ten (10) factors were considered the most important factors: Clear Project Mission, Effective Communication, Defined Project Scope, User/Client Involvement, Top Management Support, Competent Project Manager, Sufficient/Well allocated resources, Strong, and detailed project plan, Business Process Knowledge, and Governance Structure. Furthermore, the research also revealed nine (9) additional factors identified by the IT stakeholders and they include: Political Stability, Architecture, Supportive legislation and policies, Teamwork, Trust and Honesty, IT solutions aligned to global Trend, Social and Economic Impact on Citizen, System Integration, and Project Management Methodology. Practical Implications – The findings allowed for an establishment of twenty-one factors critical for benefits realisation in IT/IS projects in SA government. However, the findings and the research process had some limitations. The sample for the survey was chosen from a population of a single organisation. The outcome of the survey is not an accurate representation of the entire government. Therefore, further research might be required using a larger sample size spanning various and different levels of government. The research findings may also need to be confirmed with more qualitative methods.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
The Republic of South Africa has drawn increasing attention from the international community for its new approaches towards solving a variety of problems and thus enhancing good governance in Africa in general. Such problems include, but are not limited to, poverty and systemic corruption. The constitutional and legislative frameworks that underpin governance in municipalities are identified and explained. These constitutional and legislative frameworks include the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (RSA, Act 108 of 1996) and the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (RSA, Act 56 of 2003). The manifestations and consequent dangers of poor governance as well as strategies to instil good governance in municipal functionaries are also identified. The manifestations of poor governance include poor financial management, ill-advised appointments and misguided patriotism in service delivery. The consequences of poor governance in local government include high incidents of violence, decline in municipal service payments and the consequent deterioration in service delivery. It is herein argued that municipal functionaries must be able to identify the manifestations of bad governance for them to serve as effective whistle-blowers. The role of the national integrity system as a strategy for combating the manifestations of bad governance is also identified. The national integrity system refers to the holistic approach (or various strategies) for instilling good governance amongst municipal functionaries. These include an anti-corruption strategy for local government (also known as “a local government integrity system”), constitutional strategies and exemplifying ethical behaviour by municipal functionaries. Constitutional strategies include the Auditor-General and the Public Protector. It is argued that preventing unethical conduct such as corruption assists in raising municipal revenues and thus towards improved service delivery. The study concludes by asserting that big, corrupt actors must be named and punished to convince an already cynical citizenry that the avowed anti-corruption drive is more than just lip service. It is, accordingly, important that one of the “first big fish” should preferably come from the governing party to ensure that the party is not accused of protecting its members against charges of corruption.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil (Law)
When Zambia got its independence in 1964, there was neither a constitutional reference to local government nor constitutional provisions for local government finance. However, the new Zambian government inherited a relatively stable local government finance system. One year after Independence, councils operated under a new effected Local Government Act of 1965. The period 1965 to 1973 was a period of great success for local government, as it continued to enjoy stable and strong fiscal resources. Councils raised adequate own revenues from sources such as local electricity, water, housing and motor vehicle licensing. Local government also received adequate grants from the central government which were targeted for the development of each Council.

This research project examines Presidential and Congressional attempts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the United States government. It describes prior reform efforts and then focuses on President George W. Bush's management agenda.

This study attempted to explore how nonprofit and government organizations conceptualize disaster response effectiveness using an internet survey. Unfortunately, the data collected through this method was insufficient for meaningful data analysis, and, therefore this study was unable to generate significant findings with respect to its research question. Thus, rather than focusing on a presentation of results from data collection and interpreting the significance of those results, this thesis focuses on justification of the need for research on this topic, review of the literature that suggests it is likely that nonprofits and government perceive disaster response effectiveness differently, recounting of the initial data collection efforts undertaken and the problems encountered, offering of hypotheses for future testing based on analysis of the flawed data, and recommendation of an alternate data collection method that should be used in the future.

Purpose – This dissertation investigated the degree to which the City of Cape Town understands a ‘notional' Cape Town property developer within the Transit-Orientated Development (“TOD”) context. This dissertation is not meant to draw a distinction between a right or wrong model of a local property developer, but to investigate what a richer model would look like using alternative economic perspectives that capture the multiplicity of reality and possible TOD policy implications. Design – A literature review was undertaken to understand institutional and behavioural economic frameworks, how each framework relates to the property market, and how to use the frameworks to assist in defining a developer. Further research was conducted to consider the property development process from the perspective of the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework. The property developer as an actor within the property market was then deconstructed. Alternative approaches to local government involvement in the development industry and the developer's perspective on TOD was also explored. A qualitative, semi-structured localist interview was conducted with nine major developers operating in Cape Town. They were selected because they are likely to participate in catalytic TOD-type projects. The interview aimed to understand their world view and how their lived experience relates to the City of Cape Town municipality. Findings – There is a ‘definition gap' between how the City of Cape Town has defined a developer and the findings of this dissertation. Policy implies a developer has perfect decision-making qualities pursuing maximum profits, whereas this dissertation found that developers tend to be focussed on risk reduction and exhibit satisficing and loss-averse behaviour. There are also those who prefer to build and hold a portfolio of rental properties which are not defined in policy. This type of developer possesses a different outlook and investment behaviour than the one defined in the TOD Strategic Framework. The City of Cape Town does not appreciate its positioning within and its influence on local property market dynamics, as it relates to the ‘rules of the game'. Practical Implications – Without understanding these distinctions, developers may not necessarily, predictably and readily respond to any TOD incentives and levers as set out in the Framework, resulting in policy perpetuating the very spatial inequalities and status quo the City of Cape Town aims to redress.

This thesis analyses the changing nature of Scottish local government between 1996 and 2008. It does so by employing four analytical perspectives (traditional municipal, managerial, democratic and governance). It utilises longitudinal data gained in three case study sites: Fife, Stirling and Highland Councils. The empirical data on which the study is based was gathered between 1996 and 2008 in the three councils. The broad argument of the thesis is that each of these analytical perspectives contributes to an understanding of Scottish local government. However, the managerial, democratic and governance perspectives tend to over-state the degree of change which has occurred. The language of analysis underpinning them would suggest that local government in Scotland, like England, has been transformed by the catalogue of policy interventions and initiatives that have taken place since 1979. Indeed some have gone as far as suggesting 'the demise of traditional local government' in England (Wilson and Stoker 2004: 248). This thesis suggests that Scotland is different and that an understanding of how Scottish local government operates still requires knowledge of the institutional structures associated which traditional municipal local government. Despite three decades of reform, the traditional municipal interpretation of local government retains resonance in Scotland. The new insights gleaned from managerial, democratic and governance perspectives have not fundamentally undermined the traditional local government framework of analysis.

This thesis analyses strategic change management in English local government and suggests the most appropriate leadership and management approaches for achieving successful organisational change. Using a model of organic evolution, the research identifies and analyses three distinctive stages in the development of management systems and practices in local government. These stages can be identified as: traditional, corporate and strategic approaches. A sample of eight local authorities representing two from each of the major English authority types was selected. Extensive qualitative research enabled the classification of the authorities using the following typology: namely transactional, community leadership and business culture. Each type is representative of one of the three evolutionary stages. With reference to each of the identified three stages of evolutionary development, the role of the chief executive in each of the authorities in successfully managing change was assessed. The purpose is to establish which management type provided the most effective change management environment. This assessment took place on two levels. Firstly, the qualitative research addressed the perceptions of the chief executives' change management agenda on the part of the strategic actors on both sides of the managerial/political interface within each authority. They were identified as the chief executive, the chief officers and the leading elected members. These perceptions were then used to develop the management typology noted above. Following the development of the management typology, an extensive survey of the attitudes of both middle managers and street-level operatives towards the change management process was conducted in the eight local authorities. This quantitative research revealed the perceptions of those individuals on whom change has the greatest impact. Following the analysis of the data generated by both the qualitative and quantitative research, the most effective leadership and change management strategies for local government in England are suggested. The conclusion is therefore that the most effective model for change management for local government is a hybrid organisation combining strengths from two of the evolutionary management stages.

The Thesis focuses on architects, engineers and surveyors in English Local Government. The research question recognises difficulties these professionals can have in engaging with management approaches and practices. The Thesis begins with a case study and, following a literature research, employs informal and formal interviews, together with a questionnaire. The opportunity is taken to seed Vignettes drawn from personal and colleagues' experience, to provide a quasi- anthropological parallel commentary. Also of significance is the degree to which the writer has relied on his professional experience during the course of the research. This has influenced the methodology and the apphcation of surveying techniques, such as triangulation, has assisted the academic research. Experience has also influenced the style, presentation and use of language. Most significantly, it has resulted in a Thesis which is neither wholly theory driven nor wholly theory driving - it is a mixture of the two and draws strength and vigour from this hybridisation. From the research, which examined the issues in terms of the reasons behind the ambivalence of many professionals to management, the differences and similarities between the construction professionals and the role of context and contextual awareness, it emerged that an understanding of the internal and external context in which professions in local government work was of vital importance. Also important was the need for a shared lexicon and the recognition that management can be seen by professionals as a rival rather than complimentary systemised set of procedures. The writer has adopted an iterative and triangulated approach. The use of triangulation matures as the research proceeds and, together with the conclusions from the research question and lessons for management development of construction professionals, is offered as an output in its own right.

The purpose of this project was to develop an E-government plan to achieve the Ministry of Interior of Thailand's objective to better serve its citizens in the next 5 years by utilizing and taking advantage of the use of information technology and communication networks.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Policy makers and development practitioners particularly in developing countries face daunting challenges in formulating strategies to achieve sustained growth and improved standards of living through productive engagement of the population in the economy rather than through welfare transfers. Business activities are self-sustaining and therefore have the potential to contribute greatly through the economic system to the creation of sustainable employment and prosperity. Yet many developing countries are faced with inadequate levels of business activity and business growth. Historical approaches to stimulating and supporting business development have proved largely cost ineffective and unequal to the challenge. The hypothesis that fundamental paradigm shifts in the approach to business support are taking place internationally is tested in this thesis. Key features of an evolving entrepreneurial approach to business support are identified and described representing the defining elements of the new business development support paradigm. Institutional implications of the approach in the context of institutional development theory and current approaches to the stimulation of local economic development at local community level are also discussed, as are key implications of the new paradigm for local government.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Beleidmakers en praktisyns in ontwikkelende lande staar uitdagings in die gesig wat betref die handhawing van volgehoue ontwikkeling en die verbetering van lewensstandaarde by wyse van werkgeleentheidskepping en produktiewe betrokkenheid van die bevolking by die ekonomie eerder as deur sosiale welvaarts oordragte. Sake bedrywe en 'n dinamiese sakesektor het die potensiaal om aansienlik by te dra tot volhoubare ontwikkeling. Maar die meeste ontwikkelende lande ondervind ontoereikende vlakke van sake aktiwiteit en van groei in die omvang van die sakesektor. Benaderings tot die stimulering van uitbreiding van die sakesektor as grondslag vir volgehoue werkskepping is in die verlede grootliks koste ondoeltreffend en die resultate was ontoereikend. Die hipotese dat daar 'n fundamentele aanpassing van die paradigma onderliggend aan benaderings tot stimulering van die sakesektor as deel van algehele ontwikkelingsstrategie plaasvind word in die tesis getoets. Kern eienskappe van 'n nuwe benadering word geidentifiseer en omskryf. Institusionele implikasies van die benadering in die samehang van ontwikkelingsteorie en huidige benaderings tot plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling op plaaslike gemeenskapsvlak word ook bespreek, asook kern implikasies van die nuwe paradigma vir plaaslike regering.

The purpose of this study is to encourage intergovernmental cooperation and coordination at the local government level and to foster joint ventures, while hoping to discourage duplication of efforts for unjustified and unwise reasons - WRCOG. Also, being a part will break down barriers to IGC-CALG and limit fierce competition among agencies.

The local government tax-exempt debt market is a growing, and complex, sector of public finance. As local governments turn to debt financing the factors that contribute to interest costs of that debt have become important considerations for local government officials and politicians. Governance at the local level involves a network of overlapping governments some of which share a tax base. This system of overlapping governments that share a tax base are subject to externalities that arise from taxation, expenditures, and debt. These externalities are usually analyzed in terms of tax or expenditure reactions, but there are implications for local government debt as well. For example, it can be shown that overlapping governments that share a tax base and issue debt can increase the interest costs paid on bonds by a higher level government. Further complicating the debt situation of local governments is the prevalence of a variety of special districts with the authority to issue tax-exempt debt. These special districts may have the authority to issue debt, but little is known about their financing processes. By comparing how different types of government approach the credit rating process this dissertation compares risk assessment of traditional municipalities and special districts. Through this comparison similarities and differences in the credit rating process across types of local governments can be identified. To explore these issues of local government debt several advanced econometric techniques are used to estimate various models.

The public sector is the largest employer that requires a background check. When African-American male ex-offenders return to their communities, they are often unable to find work in local government because of their criminal record. The central research question for this phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of African-American male ex-offenders regarding their employability in the local government sector. Guided by Sampson and Laub's life course perspective theory, a purposeful sample of 5 African-American male ex-offenders who applied for work or who currently work for local government entities in the state of Georgia was selected for this study. A three-interview approach was employed to include life history, details of experience, and reflection on the meaning of experiences. The Van Kaam method of analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Eleven central themes emerged that included the importance of employment, limited knowledge of employment, background and hiring process, stigma of a criminal record, lack of available resources, attitudes and biases of hiring managers, good support system, and limited opportunity for a second chance. It is recommended that local government agency officials use positions classified as 'hard to fill' as training opportunities in an apprenticeship program to help ex-offenders learn new skills to help them secure employment. The findings and recommendations have implications for positive social change in local government agencies. Local government entities may modify organizational policy and practices including recruitment strategies that eliminate discrimination against African-American ex-offenders to help improve their quality of life and become contributing citizens within the community.

In this article the authors proved the influence of international cooperation of municipalities to modern transformational changes that take place at the local level and contribute to constant development of settlements in Ukraine.
В даній науковій роботі авторами обґрунтовано вплив міжнародного співробітництва муніципалітетів на сучасні маркетингові стратегії, процес розвитку бреду міст, інші трансформаційні перетворення, що відбуваються на локальному рівні та сприяють сталому розвитку населених пунктів України.
В данной научной работе авторами обосновано влияние международного сотрудничества муниципалитетов на современные маркетинговые стратегии, процесс развития бренда городов, другие трансформационные преобразования, которые происходят на локальном уровне и содействуют развитию населенных пунктов Украины.