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There has been an ongoing theoretical argument on the role of Academic autonomy (AA) in improving the ability of public universities to develop strategies and enhance their performance. This study aims to investigate whether AA impacts strategy development (SD) and University performance (UP). Moreover, it investigates the effect of SD on UP. The present study uses a resource-based view to demonstrate the links among constructs. This study employed a survey method, and data were collected from 130 leaders of Indian public universities utilising a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data was analysed using Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that AA positively and significantly affects SD. Moreover, the results demonstrated that AA directly affects both UP's dimensions: research and teaching performance. The results also showed that SD directly and positively affects both UP's dimensions, research, and teaching performance. In line with these findings, several implications for theory and practices are addressed for university management.

This paper reports on the application of culture change methodology to co-design a whole-of-university health and wellbeing strategy. We outline considerations that necessitate a change in the way higher education contributes to student and staff mental health and wellbeing. We provide an overview of an Appreciative Inquiry culture change methodology; a map of the process followed; the benefits of applying Appreciative Inquiry principles; and a description of outcomes, which include funding for a new health and wellbeing strategy implementation team. We argue that by co-designing a strategy, with representatives of the whole system taking a strengths-based perspective, we enabled self-determined change. We also argue that the process of co-designing and co-developing a strategy can be a wellbeing intervention in and of itself.

Abstract Background Innovations and new supply chain concepts are crucial for establishing a sustainable and circular bio-economy that reduces carbon emissions and lowers negative environmental impacts. PESTEL-based concept development provides information about positive, negative and neutral external factors of the macro-environment and their influence on supply chains. The primary data were collected at a stakeholder workshop and gaps in understanding the critical details were closed through expert interviews. The information gathered was organised using a data management software and coded by following a deductively formed system based on predefined PESTEL categories (political, economic, social, technological, ecological, legal). Stakeholders that used the method on intermediate carbon carriers (ICC) grappled with identifying the obstacles that hinder the market uptake of innovations. The workshop revealed a substantial demand for additional information. Infrastructural aspects were considered key to adequately understanding all of the segments along a supply chain. Using PESTEL alone, without taking infrastructural aspects into consideration, meant that the macro-environment that surrounds and affects the ICC supply chain remained a black box. This paper developed docking-related approaches to the basic PESTEL method in order to improve its output for the development of strategic concepts and to improve the market uptake of bio-economy-centred innovations. Results The expanded PESTEL method (hereinafter PESTEL + I) significantly shifted the emphasis of strategic decisions to the marketing of individual innovations compared to the basic method. Docking information gathering onto infrastructure (+ I) should be considered in order to expand existing strategy development concepts for bio-economy value chains. Testing the market uptake of innovations was beyond the scope of this study. Conclusions PESTEL + I not only increased the utility, but also the complexity and the time needed to analyse an entire supply chain. The expanded method, however, provides stakeholders and strategy developers with a more useful tool to support and optimise market uptake strategies in the bio-economy. Beyond this, there is a knowledge gap with regard to reducing the effort needed to collect data and evaluate such studies. Hence, follow-up research needs to find ways to digitalise major steps in the overall process to make it more efficient.

Abstract Background As research teams, networks, and institutes, and health, medical, and scientific communities begin to build consensus on the benefits of patient engagement in cancer research, research funders are increasingly looking to meaningfully incorporate patient partnership within funding processes and research requirements. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), the largest non-profit cancer research funder in Canada, set out to co-create a patient engagement in cancer research strategy with patients, survivors, caregivers and researchers. The goal of this strategy was to meaningfully and systematically engage with patients in research funding and research activities. Methods A team of four patient partners with diverse cancer and personal experiences, and two researchers at different career stages agreed to participate as members of the strategy team. Ten staff members participated in supportive roles and to give context regarding different departments of CCS. The strategy was co-developed in 2021/2022 over a series of 7 workshops using facilitation strategies such as ground rules and consensus building, and methods such as Design Thinking. The strategy was subjected to 3 rounds of validation. Results The co-creation and validation process resulted in a multi-faceted strategy with actionable sections, including vision, guiding principles, engagement methods, 13 prioritized engagement activities spanning the spectrum of research funding, and an evaluation framework. The experience of co-creating the strategy was captured using the Patient and Public Engagement Evaluation Tool and revealed a positive, supportive experience. Conclusions Lessons learned included the value of an emphasis on a co-creation process from day one, the utility of facilitation techniques such as ground rules for dialogue, consensus building and Design Thinking, and the importance (and challenge) of designing for and incorporating equity when drafting the strategy. Future work will include implementation and evaluation of the strategy, as well as an examination of further ways to meaningfully and systematically engage diverse voices in research and research funding.

Optimizing the utilization of state assets through strategic asset leasing services is important in the context of effective public resource management. However, to achieve this goal, a systematic and integrated approach is required. Therefore, this study aims to combine the TOWS (threats, opportunities, weaknesses, strengths) method with SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis to develop an optimal strategy for state asset utilization. This study aims to analyze internal and external factors affecting the utilization of state assets and identify suitable strategies using the TOWS approach. This study used a qualitative approach with SWOT analysis and TOWS matrix. Data were collected through a literature review and interviews with experts in the field of state asset management. Internal and external factors were analyzed to identify relevant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the context of state asset utilization. Based on SWOT analysis, several internal strengths and weaknesses of solar power development companies in South Sulawesi were identified. In addition, external opportunities and threats affecting the company were also identified. Then, using the TOWS matrix, suitable strategies were developed to optimize the utilization of state assets through strategic asset leasing services in the region. Combining the TOWS method with SWOT analysis provides a comprehensive approach in the development of state asset utilization strategies. This research produced a strategy that can be used as a guide in optimizing the utilization of state assets through strategic asset leasing services in South Sulawesi. This strategy considers internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and external threats, so as to increase effectiveness and efficiency in the management of state assets.

Abstract Introduction Co‐production with communities is increasingly seen as best practice that can improve the quality, relevance and effectiveness of research and service delivery. Despite this promising position, there remains uncertainty around definitions of co‐production and how to operationalize it. The current paper describes the development of a co‐production strategy to guide the work of the ActEarly multistakeholder preventative research programme to improve children's health in Bradford and Tower Hamlets, UK. Methods The strategy used Appreciative Inquiry (AI), an approach following a five‐step iterative process: to define (Step 1) scope and guide progress; to discover (Step 2) key issues through seven focus groups (N = 36) and eight in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders representing community groups, and the voluntary and statutory sectors; to dream (Step 3) best practice through two workshops with AI participants to review findings; to design (Step 4) a co‐production strategy building on AI findings and to deliver (Step 5) the practical guidance in the strategy. Results Nine principles for how to do co‐production well were identified: power should be shared; embrace a wide range of perspectives and skills; respect and value the lived experience; benefits should be for all involved parties; go to communities and do not expect them to come to you; work flexibly; avoid jargon and ensure availability of the right information; relationships should be built for the long‐term; co‐production activities should be adequately resourced. These principles were based on three underlying values of equality, reciprocity and agency. Conclusion The empirical insights of the paper highlight the crucial importance of adequate resources and infrastructure to deliver effective co‐production. This documentation of one approach to operationalizing co‐production serves to avert any misappropriations of the term ‘co‐production’ by listening to service users, stakeholders and other relevant groups, to develop trust and long‐term relationships, and build on the learning that already exists amongst such groups. Patient or Public Contribution The work was overseen by a steering group (N = 17) of individuals, both professional and members of the public with experience in undertaking co‐production, and/or with some knowledge of the context of the two ActEarly field sites, who provided regular oversight and feedback on the AI process.

This paper presents the measured effects of different resource qualities on construction performance. The paper describes a recommended method, proposed with the concept of prediction by understanding the causal effect of process resources on consequent work efficiencies. The project team measured and compared the different arrangements of resources and their effects on on-site work efficiencies. The paper includes a field study of 15 operations (40 piles) in Melbourne, on several worksites of prefabricated piles and installations. It aimed to determine the causality between the set of delivered prefabricated piles and relevant work efficiencies. This field includes its purpose of generating and providing scientific evidence in effectively implementing an offsite operation. One of the critical factors affecting the efficiency of the installation process was confirmed to be the location of the longest section in the sequence. It took 21.8 minutes longer with the middle part of the installation if the longest section was designed to be in the middle of the whole prefabricated steel pile. The findings confirmed the need for holistic communication along the supply chain. The originality of this project is to provide a case study that offers archival evidence of the proposed model in a practical situation.

An oil palm value chain (OPVC) considers the interconnectivity between each activity within the oil palm industry to allow for a top-down overview of the industry, while capturing the details for more substantial system interactions. However, it is a challenge to deliver the big picture without a proper tool, especially for an extensive value chain network with various processes, the existence of multiple facilities for each process, and supply chain management system. In this respect, a novel systematic approach is developed to synthesise and optimise an integrated OPVC network for higher economic and environmental performance. In this work, an OPVC case study in Johor state is presented and solved to illustrate the proposed approach. Besides, the coalition reliability index is introduced to measure the reliability of the OPVC network formed under different supply chain management. The results demonstrated that the value-added across the entire value chain improves significantly, from 167.0 million US$/y in the conventional design to 220.2 million US$/y. Meanwhile, greenhouse gas emission is reduced substantially from 2700 to 1878 kt CO2e/y. To ensure more strategic sourcing of materials, and therefore, improves the likelihood of successful implementation for the value chain network developed, a Pareto-optimal front is plotted to predict the economic performance generated based on the changes in coalition reliability index.

The article is focused on the key issues of vocational education and training (VET) reform in Russia. What is necessary for the transition from state regulation of vocational educationand training to market regulation? What should be VET development strategy under these circumstances? What are the problems of the legal regulation of VET? Organizational and methodical issues of quality assurance of vocational education and training and European experience in this sphere is considered in the article. Common Quality Assurance Framework (CQAF) for continuing education and training is also described.

Personalized medicine has become a central focus of health and innovation policies in many countries. It is a complex policy field which, in the pursuit of both health and wealth, brings together technology, new data use, and medical care. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the notion of personalized medicine has evolved, and what publics are implied in the political mobilization of the concept. We answer these questions based on a document analysis of Danish strategy papers in the period 2014–2021 and expert interviews. We identify different strategy actors driving the process, shifts in topics during the strategy process, as well as different imaginaries of the public. We argue that each group of strategy actors act with a particular public in mind and that these influence how personalized medicine is envisioned. If the relationship between strategy development and the imagined publics remains unknown, it can pose a democratic problem.

The management of drugs and disposable medical supplies in healthcare units greatly affects the quality of healthcare services. However, the management is still not carried out optimally because it is not up to the standard. The Hanlon method is a basic priority rating system (Brief Priority Rating Scale, BPRS) which is used to compare health problems with relative and objective to identify factors that must be considered in determining a priority. This study aimed to describe and measure the efficiency of drugs and disposable medical supplies management in Healthcare Centers in Kupang City by using efficiency indicators and to develop the strategy using the Hanlon method. The design of this research is a descriptive quantitative-qualitative combination using retrospective and concurrent data. The sampling technique used was a total sampling of 11 Healthcare Centers in Kupang City, while the object of the study was the management of drugs and disposable medical supplies which were assessed using efficiency indicators. The results of research on the management of medicines and consumable medical materials at 11 Healthcare Centers in Kupang City have not been carried out efficiently because not all indicator values reached the standard, namely the suitability of drug items with DOEN and FORNAS, conformity of items received, the accuracy of planning, items expired or damaged, items that were not prescribed for 3 months, the level of availability of the drug, the percentage of drugs with generic names, use of antibiotics in patients with non-specific diarrhea and the average item per prescription sheet. Therefore it can be concluded that the management of drugs and disposable medical supplies in 11 Healthcare Centers in Kupang City using indicators at the selection, procurement, distribution, and use stages are not yet according to standards and the proposed improvements are proposed as a management development strategy, namely optimizing planning according to the needs of the health center, monitoring stock. and expiration date and conduct regular learning and growth of all human resources.

National health strategies are integral in defining the vision and strategic direction for ensuring the health of a population or for a specific health area. To facilitate a national coordinated approach in spinal cord injury (SCI) research and care in Canada, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, with support from national experts and funding from the Government of Canada, developed a national strategy to advance SCI care, health, and wellness based on previous SCI strategic documents. This paper describes the development process of the SCI Care for Canada: A Framework for Strategy and Action. Specifically, it covers the process of building on historical and existing work of SCI in Canada through a thorough review of literature to inform community consultations and co-creation design. Furthermore, this paper describes planning for communication, dissemination, and evaluation. The SCI Care Strategic Framework promotes an updated common understanding of the goals and vision of the SCI community, as well as strengths and priorities within the SCI system regarding care, health, and wellness. Additionally, it supports the coordination and scaling up of SCI advancements to make a sustainable impact nationwide focusing on the needs of people living with SCI.

Introduction & Aim: It should be acknowledged that in the current situation, the pressures caused by the globalization of the economy or the World Trade Organization have caused negative and positive effects and results for the goals outlined in the 20-year vision document that the business environment Has posed serious international challenges. These challenges, in turn, require the development and implementation of appropriate strategic strategies and controls. Strategic control helps community managers to take into account environmental changes, such as changes in the nature of competition and the effects it can have on the development of the country's organizations. In many organizations and companies, the program they have designed a strategic plan without considering strategic control. In fact, strategic management has three aspects of development, implementation and control, which are mainly neglected by the strategic control side, while strategic planning is very suitable for turbulent and dynamic environmental conditions, and more importantly, strategic control. It is very important in these environments. This study tries to show the importance of controlling strategic planning and can provide a model for controlling strategy. And finally test this model by quantitative methods. Methodology: This research is of developmental-applied type in terms of purpose and descriptively combined with research approach. In this research, integrated research method has been used. In other words, in this research, qualitative and quantitative methods are combined. In the first stage (qualitative part), the purpose of this study was to identify the variables of strategic control model and model design. The Delphi method was used to achieve this goal. At this stage, first the research texts were studied, ie research-related research in the strategic control model was reviewed. Then, based on the findings of previous researches and their logical integration, the dimensions and components of this concept were extracted and in three stages of Delphi as a closed and open questionnaire was provided to experts. In the second stage (quantitative part), in order to investigate the effect of dimensions and components on the strategic control model and test the strategic control model, which is specified and designed from the qualitative stage, a researcher-made questionnaire with a 5 Likert scale was used. Findings: Iranian Customs has two sides of developing and implementing strategic planning but lacks strategic control. In 1998, 17 important variables were identified for the strategic control model of customs and the strategic control model was developed based on it. These 17 variables are "background conditions including: diagnostic, interactive, content and process controls, intervention conditions". Includes: incentive control, cultural control and informal control, environmental conditions including: objective-oriented control, humanistic fundamental control, gradual control, process-oriented gradual control, and intra-organizational environmental control including: preoperative, intraoperative control, "Feedback, environmental monitoring, abrupt change and benchmarking (optimization) and performance." Then, to be more sure of the obtained model, the model was tested in the form of PLS software with a quantitative questionnaire with high reliability of 80% which was distributed among 290 executive and staff customs staff in Tehran province and the results confirmed 17 variables. Ganeh also confirmed the model obtained based on 17 variables in a quantitative manner. Discussion and Conclusion: All 17 variables of strategic control in the 4 main deputies of the Customs Organization along with their subdivisions and 2 supervisory departments and all executive customs could be used separately and the final model of strategic control causes customs to achieve strategic goals and priorities. Based on the software analysis and structural equation analysis, 4 sub-hypotheses, namely contextual conditions, intervention conditions, internal organizational conditions and environmental conditions have a positive and significant effect on the strategic control of Iranian customs. Therefore, the conditions of the internal environment had the most impact and the background conditions had the least impact on the strategic control model. In the context, 4 indicators were considered that content control and process control had the most impact and diagnostic control and interactive control had the least impact in the model, respectively. In the intervention conditions, three variables were considered that were informal control, cultural control and incentive control in the strategic control model, respectively. In terms of the internal environment in which 6 indicators were identified, retrospective control or feedback, abrupt change, benchmarking and performance, in-house control, environmental monitoring and predictive control were important, respectively. In environmental conditions, 4 indicators were identified that were fundamental goal-oriented control, human-oriented fundamental control, process-oriented gradual control and gradual control, respectively. According to research, each of the above four variables in general and in part and depending on the situation have a significant impact on the strategic control of the organization. This effect also applies to the customs organization.

The purpose of this study was to develop a strategic plan for Pahlevani and Zourkanei federation in Iran. The statistical population of this study included members of the federation's board of directors, chairmen of the federation committees, heads of provincial councils as well as sports and management elites. 50 experts participated in this study through total sampling approach. According to the results of the research, a total of 18 strengths, 30 weaknesses, 12 opportunities, and 17 threats for Pahlevani and Zourkanei federation were identified and based on the internal and external factors, the strategic position of the Pahlevani and Zourkanei Federation in the WT region was determined. A total of 19 strategies, including five SO strategies, five ST strategies, six WO strategies, and three WT strategies for the Pahlevani and Zourkanei federation, were developed. Therefore, according to the results of SWOT analysis matrix, it is necessary to use more than a defensive or stabilization strategy to manage the development of Pahlevani and Zourkanei federation.

The purpose of this study is to determine appropriate innovative strategies for the renewable energy investments. For this purpose, a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model is proposed based on interval type-2 (IT2) fuzzy sets and alpha cut levels. Within this context, hesitant IT2 fuzzy DEMATEL-Based Analytic Network Process (DANP) with alpha cut levels is applied for weighting the customer requirements. Moreover, hesitant IT2 fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) with alpha cut levels is used for ranking the TRIZ-based strategies priorities of renewable energy investments based on house of quality technique. These strategies are also ranked with hesitant IT2 fuzzy Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approach to make a comparative evaluation. The results illustrate that ease of access and security are among the most prominent factors of customer requirements for renewable energy investments. It is also identified that innovative technical requirement entitled cushion in advance has the best choice for the sustainable renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the results of proposed model using hesitant IT2 fuzzy DANP and hesitant IT2 fuzzy TOPSIS are identical for the different levels of alpha cut. In addition, it is also defined that the results of hesitant IT2 fuzzy TOPSIS and hesitant IT2 fuzzy VIKOR are quite coherent. This is a clear evidence that the proposed model is coherent and could provide comprehensive results for the future studies. It is strongly recommended that a detailed analysis is required to identify the risks in renewable energy investment projects. Hence, necessary actions can be taken appropriately so that it can be possible to prevent problems before they grow.

In this study, 38 young adults participated in a probabilistic A/B prototype category learning task under observational and feedback-based conditions. The study compared learning success (testing accuracy) and strategy use (multi-cue vs. single feature vs. random pattern) between training conditions. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P3a event related potentials were measured to explore the relationships between feedback processing and strategy use under a probabilistic paradigm. A greater number of participants were found to utilize an optimal, multi-cue strategy following feedback-based training than observational training, adding to the body of research suggesting that feedback can influence learning approach. There was a significant interaction between training phase and strategy on FRN amplitude. Specifically, participants who used a strategy in which category membership was determined by a single feature (single feature strategy) exhibited a significant decrease in FRN amplitude from early training to late training, perhaps due to reduced utilization of feedback or reduced prediction error. There were no significant main or interaction effects between valence, training phase, or strategy on P3a amplitude. Findings are consistent with prior research suggesting that learners vary in their approach to learning and that training method influences learning. Findings also suggest that measures of feedback processing during probabilistic category learning may reflect changes in feedback utilization and may further illuminate differences among individual learners.

Availability of national food these days can not accom-modate all the food needs of citizens khususunya in each - each area, this is due to the absence of structuring effective and lack of synchro-nization between state institutions, especially between institutions of agriculture, commerce and housing as well as the existence of climate change extreme enough today. Besides this, the problem of generation of farmers who started to cut off in the younger generation led to a change in lifestyle of the people in the area. See above problems pur-pose of this paper to find out how development policies and strategies of food in the availability of local food in the midst of climate change today can be circumvented by changing the mindset consumptive to productive youth through agricultural education, utilizing vacant land that is arable crops, empower farmer groups, socializing potential of local food NTT, to enable the creation of food security and reliance on staple food other areas. To the authors tried to draw up a development strategy of food security from the aspect of education through the de-velopment strategy of Dick & Carey. Food is a commodity of strategic importance to the nation given the area of food is a basic human need that must be met by the government and the community together as mandated by Law No. 7 of 1996 concerning food. In Law No. 7 of 1996 on Food stated that the Government organized setting, guidance, control and supervision of the community, organizing the process of production and supply, trading, distribution and function as consum-ers are entitled to obtain sufficient food in quantity and quality, safe, nutritious, diverse, equitable, and affordable by purchasing power masyarakat.Ketersediaan national food can be provided when starting from food sufficiency level of families, local area characterized by the existence of each individual food consumption is met can enjoy a bal-anced nutritional adequacy of the impact on food sufficiency and a better nutritional status Indonesian society are met locally NTT.ketersediaan food in sufficient quantity and types for the entire community locally NTT, the current food distribution, food prices are cheap and affordable by society locally NTT, evenly throughout the family in the area. Ketersediaan bahan pangan nasional dewasa ini belum bisa mengakomodir semua kebutuhan pangan warga negaranya khususunya di masing – masing daerah, hal ini disebabkan belum adanya penataan yang efektif serta tidak adanya sinkronisasi antar lembaga negara, terutama antara instansi pertanian, perdagangan dan perumahan serta adanya perubahan iklim yang cukup ekstrim dewasa ini. Selain hal tersebut, permasalahan regenerasi petani yang mulai terputus di generasi muda menyebabkan terjadi perubahan pola hidup masyarakat di daerah. Melihat permasalahan di atas tujuan tulisan ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana strategi dan kebijakan pembangunan pangan dalam ketersediaan pangan lokal di tengah perubahan iklim dewasa ini dapat disiasati dengan perubahan pola pikir konsumtif ke produktif generasi muda melalui pendidikan pertanian, mendayagunakan lahan kosong yang ada untuk ditanami tanaman pangan, memberdayakan kelompok tani, mensosialisasikan potensi pangan lokal NTT, sehingga dapat terwujud ketahanan pangan dan tidak ketergantungan pada pangan pokok daerah lain. Untuk itu penulis berusaha menyusun strategi pembangunan ketahanan pangan dari aspek pendidikan melalui strategi pengembangan Dick & Carey. Pangan merupakan komoditas penting dan strategis bagi bangsa daerah mengingat pangan adalah kebutuhan dasar manusia yang harus dipenuhi oleh pemerintah dan masyarakat secara bersama-sama seperti diamanatkan oleh Undang Undang Nomor 7 tahun 1996 tentang pangan. Dalam Undang Undang Nomor 7 tahun 1996 tentang pangan dinyatakan bahwa Pemerintah menyelenggarakan pengaturan, pembinaan, pengendalian dan pengawasan masyarakat, menyelenggarakan proses produksi dan penyediaan,perdagangan, distribusi serta berperan sebagai konsumen yang berhak memperoleh pangan yang cukup dalam jumlah dan mutu, aman, bergizi, beragam, merata, dan terjangkau oleh daya beli masyarakat.Ketersediaan bahan pangan nasional dapat tercukupi bila dimulai dari ketercukupan pangan tingkat keluarga, lokal daerah ditandai dengan adanya konsumsi pangan setiap individu terpenuhi kecukupan gizi seimbang dapat menikmati yang berdampak pada kecukupan pangan dengan baik dan status gizi masyarakat Indonesia terpenuhi secara lokal NTT.ketersediaan pangan dalam jumlah dan jenis yang cukup untuk seluruh masyarakat secara lokal NTT, distribusi pangan yang lancar, harga pangan murah dan terjangkau oleh lapisan masyarakat secara lokal NTT, merata keseluruh keluarga di daerah.

In the investigation as a subject of investigation was defined development strategy sector «construction». The purpose of the investigation is to examine the development strategies of construction companies. Also, in the article was formulated mission of the construction sector, as well as on its basis were identified several key areas of the studied branch of activity. During the investigation were examined the main business development strategy in the construction sector.

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between management accounting practices and strategy development in SMEs. SMEs are among the main actors of economic development and growth. To determine the right strategies in a variable and competitive market, the qualitative and quantitative knowledge produced by the accounting system is needed. The management accounting system can influence managerial decisions, change strategies, and affect the performance of the firm through its extensive practices. Using the multivariate statistical analyses, the results of the applied studies for SMEs show that the management accounting system’s planning and control, cost management, and performance measurement and evaluation functions significantly affect which strategy the firms will implement. According to the research, the management accounting practices used by SMEs are related to the company strategies they have taken, and these actions have been reached as an effect on the strategies of the companies.

Purpose: This study’s aim was to gain insight into the transformative skills of business leaders in the South African manufacturing sector to drive their business’ digital transformation process. Technology recources lead digital transformation requires skills not understood by leadership. Cloud computing has facilitated machine learning and artificial intelligence where human comprehension is limited, using algorithms for analytics requiring size and scale to provide data for decision-making and enabled disruptive technologies that have changed the face of industry sectors. Design/methodology/approach: A pragmatic postmodern paradigm supports the theoretical framing of this study, conducted using descriptive research by e-questionnaire using quantitative analysis for deductive statistical evaluation. Findings/results: The findings formed the basis of a model developed to assist chief executive officers (CEOs) to implement digital transformation successfully. Practical implications: The CEO is responsible for the digital transformation of the business and must understand that data management is the most important asset in the digital era. The collection, storage, analysis, reporting and usage of data are key to competing in the digital economy, which requires the appointment of the chief information officer (CIO) to manage data and who should report directly to the CEO. Originality/value: Reporting to the CIO would be data scientists and analysts who work with data; their roles focus on building algorithms from machine learning and developing predictive models from data and simulation models to test if technologies used to drive digital migration are optimal.

Since its inception in 1965, fuzzy sets have been developed for many years and are widely used in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems. Recently, spherical fuzzy sets (SFS), one of the most recent fuzzy sets, have been applied to extend and reinforce MCDM methods. To contribute to this development, the aim of this study is to propose a novel SFS extension of the integrated MCDM method that takes into account the psychological behavior of decision makers. In the proposed approach, the evaluation criteria are first weighted by the spherical fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (SF DEMATEL) method based on symmetrical linguistic comparison matrices. Another notable advantage of this process is determining the interrelationship between the evaluation criteria. In the next stage, the spherical fuzzy Interactive Multi-Criteria Decision-Making method in the Monte Carlo simulation environment (SF TODIM’MC) was applied to evaluate the alternatives. This method allows the process of evaluating alternatives to be performed continuously with different psychological behavioral parameters, which are considered as asymmetric information. As a result, the influence of the decision maker’s psychological behavior on the evaluation results is analyzed comprehensively. The robustness of the proposed approaches is verified through their application to prioritizing post-COVID-19 operational strategies in the Vietnam logistics sector. Numerical results have provided a cause-and-effect relationship between the negative effects of the pandemic and their weights. Furthermore, the results of prioritizing the operational strategies in the simulated environment provide rankings corresponding to different levels of risk aversion. Based on the results, the proposed spherical fuzzy approach is promising for expert-based decision-making problems under psycho-behavioral influence.

This study aimed to inter alia 1) Study the Tai-Dam’s ethnic indigenous identities in Thailand 2) Analyze the potential of gastronomy tourism of Tai-Dam’s ethnic indigenous identities in Thailand and 3) Propose a strategy development of gastronomy tourism based on Tai-Dam’s ethnic indigenous identities in Thailand. The study found that 1) Tai-Dam’s ethnic indigenous identities in Thailand consists of the rituals, Tai-Dam’s food, weaving and dress, and house styles. 2) The potential of gastronomy tourism of Tai-Dam’s ethnic indigenous identities in Thailand found that Tai-Dam ethnic groups should be developing attractiveness components due to the lack of tourism activities, souvenir products are also of a general nature and can also be easily replicated. Awareness needs to be created due to a lack of effective marketing promotion in tourism and also a lack of positive public relations. There are still a few channels for distributing food and souvenirs from the community. However there is a lack of elegant packaging and there is no logo indicating that the products are from Tai-Dam. The TaiDam community lacks knowledge and understanding in gastronomic tourism and general tourist attraction management, there is also a conflict of interest between the community leaders of the TaiDam Group. Some manufacturers are unable to explain product information effectively for tourists. The study proposes a strategy for the development of gastronomy tourism based on Tai-Dam’s ethnic indigenous identities and it should consists incorporate a logo design, setting up a group of Tai-Dam gastronomy tourism stakeholders, additional unique souvenir creation that show the identity of Tai-Dam, market expansion and good public relations development. In addition, a Tai-Dam tourism photography project can be considered, building the Tai-Dam landmark and training of personnel in the Tai-Dam community on tourism skills.

The article deals with the main methods of foresight and the possibility of their application in Ukraine. The author tries to systematize prediction methods in the context of foresight. Examples of practical application of foresight methodology and individual technologies of social prediction are given. The author draws attention to the fact that in the field of public administration decisions must be made on the basis of knowledge of long-term trends and opportunities of technology and society. However, very often this knowledge is based only on the study of well-known tendencies. This leads to the fact that sooner or later, factors that are not taken into account because of their novelty and non-traditionality, become key. If they are not included in the timetable in time, then all long-term projects may be doomed to failure. Particular attention is needed to new factors and innovations, in conditions when the state is working on changing the ways of development of the country. In this situation, it is extremely important to focus on scientific, technical and social innovations that can point to new approaches to addressing traditional issues. Also, knowledge of the forecasts about the future may be of interest not only for the whole society, but also for an individual, when choosing a profession, work or ideas about ways to improve their material well-being. However, the main problem is that usually all these forecasts and vision of the future are formed under the influence of a particular group of experts, which offers the result of their research and analysis as a given. The implementation of Forsyth gives a wide range of stakeholders the opportunity to participate themselves in developing new approaches to decisions that shape the future of a country, region, city or family.

The article deals with the formation of appropriate and implemented in Saint-Petersburg methodological approach to the management of socio-economic development of the metropolis on the basis of a balanced socio - economic development .

Background. The author’s vision of the strategy selection process, according to which external and internal development conditions of the region provide the possibility to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage in the adequate territorial innovation models’ formation is presented in the article.Methods. The methodology as a synthesis of the systemic, evolutionary and spatio-temporal approaches is developed. The systematic approach allows to explore the organizational and institutional region structure, which elements are interrelated and complemented to each other. The evolutionary approach for understanding and assessing the internal system dynamics, the relationship between actors and basic units in evolutionairy internal and external environment is used. The space-time approach involves the usage of multidimensional spatial-temporal coordinates. Conclusions. The main types of the innovative territorial models are highlighted. The features of the essential elements’ formation and the innovative infrastructure’s relations are revealed. The holistic vision of the territorial innovation models’ formation problem is proposed. The process of a center-peripheral mechanisms forming with the different regional innovation potential is considered. Also the features of their place and role formation in the process of generating and using knowledge and technology are identified. The article show that the innovation strategy development is an effective way of the competitive advantages’ development in the territories, the need for storage and the constant search for new knowledge, as well as the successful adaptation to the changing business environment are also proved in the research. The necessity to develop the innovative strategies based on the of territorial innovation models’ individualization and on the regional context is substantiated in the article.Practical importance. The definiteness to the states of the research could be used as a theoretical model which defines the interrelations between factors and variables. It is possible to develop specific hypotheses about the success of the innovation strategy basing on this model.

This study aims to map the agro-rural instant herbal medicine in Karanganyar District, identifying rank (potential) of rural agro instant herbal medicine in the District of Karanganyar, formulating development strategies agroindusti rural development strategy and identify herbal instant maps of rural agro-industry business chain instant herbal medicine in the District of Karanganyar. The research method using descriptive analytical method, the technique of collecting data using surveys and focus group techniques. Analysis tools used include: Comparative Exponential Method, Borda method, SWOT and Value Chain. The results showed that the agro-instant herbal medicine spread in Jatipuro, Jenawi, Jumantono, Karanganyar, Kerjo, Mojogedang and Tawangmangu sub district. Instant herbal medicine al agroindustry is ranked second seed. Instant herbal medicine development strategy include: Increasing the ability of producers in diversifying the instant herbal products at affordable prices the market, increase market access for instant herbal product diversification, increase access to capital through access to financing institutions, development of product diversification while maintaining product quality, increase the ability of producers in access to quality raw materials at affordable prices, increase product quality with local raw materials, especially in terms of capital Strengthening of procurement of raw materials, and development of business partnerships in terms of procurement of raw materials. Business actors in the agroindustry are instant herbal-medicinal and medicinal farmers market vendors as suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers and marketers are as pengolahnya herbal merchants.

The aspects of using the innovation potential in the management of initiation processes of innovative development programs of metallurgical companies are analyzed. There are presented possible options of the interconnection of the enterprise innovation potential with the emergence of negative risks. In addition, the structure of basic project documents is seen into. As a result, the algorithm of documental substantiation and support of innovative development program are proposed. It allows identifying specific goals and results for each stage of document flow. To justify the initiation of the program, the authors propose a processes control mechanism of initiation of the program through the use of an innovative component. The mechanism is based on an assessment of existing indicators of components of industrial (equipment, production facilities, raw materials, energy resources) and of the innovative (human potential, intellectual property) nature and their possible impact on the decision to initiate the program.

In the investigation as a subject of investigation was defined development strategy sector «construction». The purpose of the investigation is to examine the development strategies of construction companies. Also, in the article was formulated mission of the construction sector, as well as on its basis were identified several key areas of the studied branch of activity. During the investigation were examined the main business development strategy in the construction sector.

This research aims to study the problematic conditions of small and medium enterprises, of hotels and food services, to provide a strategy for the development of small and medium enterprises, by providing hospitality and food services in Phuket by using integrated quantitative research which is divided into two phases. The first phase is a study of current problems of small and medium enterprises, accommodation and food services. The second phase is a strategy for the development of small and medium enterprises, accommodation and food services in Phuket by using qualitative research. Pieces of data were collected by the expert in-depth interview. Representatives from all sectors, local and national academics were to summarize information about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and barriers to SWOT Analysis to find the right strategy and stage the forum. The participant were involved to present a draft strategy for the development of small and medium enterprises in Phuket accommodation and food service industry. The analysis of the data in the first phase of the questionnaire was using the statistical programme to distribute the frequency as a percentage value, average standard deviation and analysis of data in phase 2 by content analysis

In knowing the company's ability to manage the capital invested by the investor, the need for measuring the financial performance of the company. This also applies to companies in the sphere of regional, or local government (Regional Owned Enterprises). Therefore, the focus of this study is: (1) How-owned PT Gresik Migas profile based on performance; 2) How is the performance improvement strategy-owned PT Gresik Migas entrepreneurs based on the scope of the Provincial Government of East Java. The results showed that; 1) Performance PT Gresik oil and gas enterprises in East Java province measured by the conventional method / Ratio Analysis indicates good results (2) There are four strategically to improve the performance of enterprises, namely: (a) the ability of the human resource managers of enterprises, including the strengthening of entrepreneurship spirit; (b) Clarity and firmness legal basis for the establishment of the rule of enterprises; (c) the financial management aspects of public enterprises; and(d) Feasibility and sustainability of the business or business unit-owned both the products and the services sector is measured based on the internal and external performance. To improve the performance of enterprises PT. Gas Gresik in East Java province, as well as implementing 4 (four) strategy that has been set, then there are some things that need to suggest, namely; 1) For local government should have the courage and firmness to minimize various forms, practices and patterns which raises the political cost, prepare clear SOPs related enterprises managing resource recruitment patterns, consistent to encourage more independent and professional enterprises, without intervention, and pays tribute to the manager who managed to bring enterprises to Go Public; 2) for the management of public enterprises should be able to create an environment more conducive working and always oriented towards the task and the future, foster leadership and managers of enterprises and entrepreneurship to provide rewards for creativity generated by each individual, providing the bureaucratic restrictions on share ownership and open greater opportunities for the public to access stock in enterprises, and the entire leadership is directed to apply Good Corporate Governance (GCG), namely transparency, independence, accountability and fairness.

This study wants to develop the cluster-based food and beverage industry value chain that corresponds to the potential in the regions in Java Economic Corridor. Targeted research: a description of SME development strategies that have been implemented, composed, and can be applied to an SME cluster development strategy of food and beverage, as well as a proven implementation strategy of SME cluster development of food and beverage. To achieve these objectives, implemented descriptive methods, techniques of data collection through surveys, analysis desk, and the FGD. The data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results of study on PT KML and 46 units of food and drink SMEs in Malang shows that the condition of the SME food-beverage cluster is: not formal, and still as the center. As for the condition of the existence of information technology: the majority of SMEs do not have the PC and only 11% who have it, of which only 23% have a PC that has an internet connection, as well as PC ownership is mostly just used for administration, with WORD and EXCEL programs, and only 4% (1 unit SMEs) who use the internet marketing media.

In an increasingly complex business environment, companies need to reassess their strategic choices on a regular basis. However, companies are struggling to collect and efficiently interpret the relevant information on their business environment. Whereas market information is often analyzed, influences from the broader environment (e.g., society) are often neglected. This paper argues that companies often lack a systemic approach to their strategy development process, and that environmental influences are only considered selectively. We suggest that companies themselves need to be seen as systems that are embedded in a complex environment. To develop a successful strategic orientation, a systematic screening of the environment must be coupled with a thorough analysis of the firm’s internal circumstances (e.g., competencies). Therefore, the paper proposes a holistic framework for conceiving companies as systems. Furthermore, we discuss how the scenario technique could support a systematic analysis of the company’s environment. The paper also aims to provide practical guidelines for managers and contributes to integrating a systems thinking approach into strategy development.

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is a tool widely used to help in decision making in complex systems. It suits to exploring the issues and measures related to the conservation and development of local breeds, as it allows the integration of many driving factors influencing breed dynamics. We developed a quantified SWOT method as a decision-making tool for identification and ranking of conservation and development strategies of local breeds, and applied it to a set of 13 cattle breeds of six European countries. The method has four steps: definition of the system, identification and grouping of the driving factors, quantification of the importance of driving factors and identification and prioritization of the strategies. The factors were determined following a multi-stakeholder approach and grouped with a three-level structure. Animal genetic resources expert groups ranked the factors, and a quantification process was implemented to identify and prioritize strategies. The proposed SWOT methodology allows analyzing the dynamics of local cattle breeds in a structured and systematic way. It is a flexible tool developed to assist different stakeholders in defining the strategies and actions. The quantification process allows the comparison of the driving factors and the prioritization of the strategies for the conservation and development of local cattle breeds. We identified 99 factors across the breeds. Although the situation is very heterogeneous, the future of these breeds may be promising. The most important strengths and weaknesses were related to production systems and farmers. The most important opportunities were found in marketing new products, whereas the most relevant threats were found in selling the current products. The across-breed strategies utility decreased as they gained specificity. Therefore, the strategies at European level should focus on general aspects and be flexible enough to be adapted to the country and breed specificities.

Badung Regency, Bali Province, has eleven tourism villages which were established by Regulation of Badung Regent in 2010. The development level of the eleven tourism villages is different, therefore it needs to be evaluated so that the tourism village can be realized for the sake of balanced and sustainable development of tourism, especially in Central and North Badung. The purpose of this research was grouping the potential of each tourism village, grouping them based on the level of development, and formulating a plan of development strategies of each group of tourism villages in Badung Regency. This study used the theory of planning, sustainable tourism theory, the theory of community-based tourism and alternative tourism theory. The research method used quantitative and qualitative methods, then the analysis used a three rating scale method for classifying eleven tourism villages and SWOT analysis was used to formulate of tourism village development strategy plan in Badung regency.

The process of strategy development reflects, in any organisation, the clarity of the purpose of the organisation’s mere existence. Although many organisations may decide ‘to go with the flow’, in the current economic context it is advisable that organisations, including higher education institutions, go through a thorough strategy development process. The lifelong learning approach brings a shift in the paradigm of education, and was considered to be the manner in which individuals get educated in the knowledge-based society. The most active players in the higher education market embraced this approach by developing lifelong learning strategies, either separated or incorporated in the overall university strategy. In this context, the study presents guidelines for the development of strategies in universities, and attempts to investigate to which extent three public universities representative for different regions of Romania have embraced the lifelong learning approach in their university strategies so far. The investigation uses the framework of the principles of university lifelong learning presented in the Universities‘ Charter on Lifelong Learning (2008).

Abstract: This research aims to define the location that meets the requirements of the nationaland regional support agropolitan, and make a plan for the development of agropolitan. Imogiriis a district that has potential in agriculture, animal husbandry, farming, forestry, and aquaculture. But the development of the present day have led to a gap between urban and rural areas and urban bias. This condition is indicated by the relatively high level of urbanization and the impact on the agricultural sector. Therefore we need an alternative strategy for rural development, one of which is through the development agropolitan. In the division of Strategic Development Kasawan Agropolitan (KSA) Imogiri sub divided into 4 KSA. KSA is a functionof institutional develop farmer businesses on/off farm an effective, efficient, and competitive. Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan menentukan lokasi yang memenuhi persyaratan nasional dan regional yang mendukung agropolitan, dan membuat rencana untuk pengembangan agropolitan. Imogiri adalah kabupaten yang memiliki potensi di bidang pertanian, peternakan, pertanian, kehutanan, dan perikanan. Tetapi perkembangan hari ini telah menyebabkan kesenjangan antara daerah perkotaan dan pedesaan dan bias perkotaan. Kondisi ini ditunjukkan dengan tingkat urbanisasi yang relatif tinggi urbanisasi dan dampak pada sektor pertanian. Oleh karena itu diperlukan strategi alternatif untuk pembangunan pedesaan, salah satunya adalah melalui pengembangan agropolitan. KSA adalah fungsi dari kelembagaan yang mengembangkan usahatani on / off farm yang efektif, efisien, dan kompetitif.

Diagnosing specific activities starts from a conception of the enterprise, about itsfunctioning, so resulting what information should be collected and analyzed. Theseconcepts about the functioning of the organizational subdivisions of enterprise are reflectedin patterns of diagnosis. With the firm diagnosis it is possible a summary highlighting oftwo key parameters: profitability and risk. Knowledge by each evaluator of all aspects ofactivity, namely business, legal, technical, human resources, financial and other aspects, aswell as the strenghs and weaknesses is likely to allow substantiation trial enterprise value.

Societal, economic and ecological prosperity will be highly affected in the next decades due to socio-demographic developments and climate change. The design of more sustainable logistics business types can address such challenges to build more resilient supply chains. Therefore, the discussion with regard to transformational potentials of logistics businesses provides valuable information to shape business strategies according to future sustainability requirements. Within the framework of this paper, a mixed-methods approach has been applied to explore and analyze drivers and barriers for sustainability transformations of logistics service providers (LSPs) and to evaluate related business strategies with optimization and simulation methods in a concrete regional context. So far, LSPs’ main obstacles are competitive pressure, focal firm orientation, and dependence on other supply chain members, while supply chain collaboration and integration, as well as the integration of sharing economy solutions and new digital technologies, have been identified as promising for sustainability transitions. Accordingly, this paper suggests a roadmap for the logistics sector while defining retention strategies such as growth, replication, mimicry, and mergence to meet future societal and environmental requirements. By doing so, this study contributes to theory by constructing the Lead Sustainability Service Provider (6PL) business model (arche)type and its role in societal transitions.

An increase in hazardous materials transportation in Iran along with the industrial development and increase of resulted deadly accidents necessitate the development and implementation of some strategies to reduce these incidents. SWOT analysis is an efficient method for developing strategies, however, its structural problems, including a lack of prioritizing internal and external factors and inability to consider two sided factors reducing its performance in the situations where the number of internal and external factors affecting the risk of hazardous materials is relatively high and some factors are two sided in nature are presented in the article. Fuzzy SWOT analysis is a method the use of which helps with solving these problems and is the issue of employing an effective methodology. Also, the article compares the resulted strategies of the fuzzy method with the strategies developed following SWOT in order to show the relative supremacy of the new method.

Strategy of transport system development based on real estimate of spatial and functional region possibilities, creates a communication web as an illustration of whole social needs trend, economical progress and planning policy. TGV system is considered as significant direction of France region development, designed by global time demands but proceeded by connecting local level potentials. The highest ambition in railway development project is Mediteranee line, linking Marseille - Lyon, demonstrating a step beyond speed limit, technological aesthetic and architecture.

Old industrial regions in Europe have undergone radical changes in the last decades. After downsizing or closure of predominant industries such regions usually face big challenges concerning their economic, social and ecological futures. One chance to master this transformation process is the identification and sustainable utilisation of potentials left by industrial production. Utilisation of regional potentials, commonly categorized as natural and cultural potentials, was the aim of two transnational cooperation projects ReSource and SHIFT-X, which were both funded by European Union’s Development Fund (ERDF, INTERREG IVB). The paper shows how the involvement of research partners in the projects supported and facilitated joint learning effects and knowledge transfer between all project partners. It is argued that on the one hand such an approach offers important mutual benefits for partners, while on the other hand the realisation of such benefits remains a challenging task in a transnational collaboration. In declining industrial regions, especially when characterised by small- and medium-sized towns, the capacities to act are scarce and any outside intervention is often seen more as an unwanted factor that additionally stretches resources and provides little advantages for such regions. Therefore one of the main aims in transnational collaboration has to be the establishment of a trustful and committed working relation between all partners. The engagement in the projects has shown that the joint work between regional actors and the external academic partners can create important transnational learning effects for all involved; nevertheless it has to overcome certain reservations on all sides before innovative ways can be pursued successfully.

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana profil industri kecil carica di Kabupaten Wonosobo serta untuk mengetahui strategi pengembangan apa yang bisa digunakan. Variabel yang diteliti adalah profil industri yang meliputi sumber daya manusia, permodalan, teknologi, dan pemasaran. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah metode analisis deskriptif dan analisis SWOT. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa profil industri kecil carica di Kabupaten Wonosobo pada tahun 2014 ada 15 unit usaha. Ada beberapa prioritas strategi pengembangan yaang dilakukaan yaitu strategi SO dengan meningkatkan kualitas SDM, memanfaatkan tenaga kerja dari daerah sekitar, dan mengoptimalkan lokasi industri yang strategis. Strategi WO menyiapkan stok produk carica, mengoptimalkan produk carica, dan mengoptimalkan pelatihan dari dinas terkait. Strategi ST dengan meningkatkan kualitas ciri khas produk carica,peranan pemerintah dalam hal mengantisipasi bencana longsor di Dieng, dan melakukan inovasi produk carica. Strategi WT dengan meningkatkan kemampuan manajerial pengusaha, menaikkan harga jual produk carica, dan pada musim kemarau diganti dengan produk makanan komoditas Kabupaten Wonosobo. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, strategi yang diterapkan dalam kondisi ini adalah mendukung kebijakan yang agresif, yaitu industri kecil carica di Kabupaten Wonosobo dapat bersaing dengan produk olahan makanan jenis lainnya dari berbagai daerah dengan cara menjaga dan meningkatkan kualitas produk carica yang dihasilkan.The purpose of this study to find out the profiles of carica industries in Wonosobo regency and to determine what is the development strategy can be used. The variables in this research belongs to human resources, capital, technology, and marketing. Data analysis method used is descriptive analysis method and SWOT analysis. Based on the results of this study showed that small industrial profiles carica in Wonosobo regency in 2014 there were 15 business units. There are several priority development strategies did, those are SO strategy to improve the quality of human resources to improve product quality of carica, utilizing the labor of the surrounding area to increase carica industry, and optimize strategic industrial location. WO strategy to prepare the inventory in the form of stock products carica, carica optimize product to meet consumer demand, and optimize the training of relevant agencies. ST strategies to improve the quality and characteristics of products carica, requires the role of government in terms of anticipating landslides in Dieng, and carica product innovation to improve consumer tastes. WT strategy to improve the managerial capacity of employers, raise the price of products carica, and in the dry season production carica replaced with other processed food products act. Based on the research results can be concluded, the strategy adopted in this condition is to support an aggressive policy.

The Overlapping Waves Model (OWM) is a metaphor introduced by Siegler in 1996 to illustrate a typical sequence of increasing and decreasing use of strategies during development. Going beyond metaphor, a new model synthesized from Latent Growth Modeling (LGM) and Item Response Theory (IRT) will be presented to analyze such categorical longitudinal data. Use of strategies can be scored as a variable with only a few ordinal categories. IRT provides the means to relate the usage of strategies to position on an underlying developmental dimension. LGM allows to model movement of individuals along this dimension, acknowledging individual differences both in starting point and in speed of progress. Measuring and modeling such strategy development requires that at each time point the same categories are used, in the sense that item difficulties must remain invariant over time. Whether discrimination can be relaxed is still an issue. The problem that had to be solved was disentangling the between-person-individual differences from real intra-individual developmental differences. Figures with polytomous or multi-category Item Characteristic Curves (ICC's) resemble the OWM in many respects. However, such figures are usually taken to represent inter-individual differences, whereas the OWM usually represents development (so intra-individual differences), and we cannot have both at the same time. The solution came from creating a framework with ability differences on one axis and the effect of time on another axis, resulting in a 3-D model. These (orthogonal) dimensions make it possible to adequately conceptualize measurement invariance in this complex context.As the result is difficult to conceptualize without extensive visualization, special 3-D figures will be used to illustrate and a dynamic (rotatable and scalable) version will be made available as Computable Document Format object (Mathematica). The model was successfully applied in several microgenetic studies.

The development of electronic records have been an indicator of modern government all over the world. The format of public records of government agencies have been gradually transformed to digital form. How to manage the life cycle of electronic records have became an important issue. In this paper, the development strategies in electronic records of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia are taken as examples to explain their state-of-the-art. Several suggestions are proposed as the reference for Taiwan's government. (Article content in Chinese with English abstract)

Improving powertrain efficiency and reducing vehicle weight are two options for reducing vehicle energy use, emissions, and operating cost that often increase the purchase cost of passenger vehicles. Increasing drivetrain efficiency shrinks the potential for reducing energy use by lightweighting and conversely lighter vehicles benefit less from efficiency improvement. This paper describes a methodology for finding the optimum combination of light-weighting and efficiency measures to achieve minimum lifetime vehicle cost. Using representative technology cost assumptions for a mid-sized passenger car, marginal efficiency improvement in the range of 20 to 30% and lightweighting between 200 and 600 kg are optimal, depending strongly on marginal cost curve characteristics. A reduction in the total cost of vehicle ownership of between 18 and 42% is possible for the representative technology implementation scenarios. In the absence of reliable cost data, a general strategy of designing lightweight vehicles with lower powertrain efficiency or else higher-efficiency powertrains which are integrated in heavier vehicles is recommended.

An increase in hazardous materials transportation in Iran along with the industrial development and increase of resulted deadly accidents necessitate the development and implementation of some strategies to reduce these incidents. SWOT analysis is an efficient method for developing strategies, however, its structural problems, including a lack of prioritizing internal and external factors and inability to consider two sided factors reducing its performance in the situations where the number of internal and external factors affecting the risk of hazardous materials is relatively high and some factors are two sided in nature are presented in the article. Fuzzy SWOT analysis is a method the use of which helps with solving these problems and is the issue of employing an effective methodology. Also, the article compares the resulted strategies of the fuzzy method with the strategies developed following SWOT in order to show the relative supremacy of the new method. First published online: 27 Oct 2010

In politics and planning, a discussion of knowledge-holders is characterized through reductions, e.g. by focusing on creative people and their affinity for an urban environment. This article evaluates the strategies of metropolitan areas to show what kinds of problems exist within the transfer of information about knowledge-holders into planning strategies. Furthermore, different perspectives are elaborated that show heterogeneous requirements from the private and professional lives of knowledge-holders. These cause different spatial requirements and therefore form the basis for a differentiated development of spatial strategies.