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This is a paper that records the changing thoughts of a Chief Technology Officer in a major telecommunication company in the Middle East. The initial problem was whether to outsource or not, but this led to reflections on decision making, systems thinking, cybernetics and many other ethical, political and professional issues. These thoughts can serve as a roadmap for decision makers and stimulate critical reflection on their actions.

This research contributes to our understanding of trust in the international business environment, exploring the development of trust, and the influence of culture, structures and hierarchies, and international business communications. The focus is on the management of employees working in foreign-owned, international businesses operating in Morocco. With few notable and very valuable exceptions, there has been very little research exploring the Arab approach to management and even fewer pieces of research focus on the development of trust in this context. A qualitative research approach was employed, as so little is understood about the context and the phenomenon. A total of 30 interviewees from various managerial and organisational levels represented the sample of the study with five participating international companies, from different sectors established in Morocco. Using a content-thematic analysis, the research shows that Moroccan employees prefer working in international companies and their preference is associated to many factors such as the work environment they belong to, the financial and social benefits they receive, career advancement and employees’ development as well as being a part of a defined and organised structure where information is well circulated and communication is encouraged. In this way, this research contributes not only to our understanding of the development of trust in an Arab context but also sheds more light on cultural aspects which was found out in the research that they were interpreted differently such as the case of Hofstede’s uncertainty avoidance dimension. In particular the research suggest that some, non-Arabic researchers, may have misinterpreted certain behaviours in Arab cultures. This leads the research to a final conclusion that clearly shows the importance of considering Arab management as a fourth paradigm to explain managerial practices in the Arab World as suggested by Weir (2008) and better understand their practices (Hutchings and Weir, 2006).

Purpose – The study aim to investigate the adoption of social and environmental objectives in public procurement. Design/ methodology/ approach – This study undertook an exploratory case study research based on the theory of bureaucracy and the theory of organisational configuration. A semi structured interview and a survey was conducted among public procurement professionals at five Ministries in Malaysia. Findings – The public procurement system were found to contain two organisational structures – The Machine Organisation and the Innovative Organisation. These structures were based on the analysis that there were two approaches to public procurement – the Compliant Approach and the Sustainable Objective Adoption Approach that respectively contained organisational structures of its own in managing public procurement. Mutual adjustment with the stakeholders was seen as a key driver in implementing sustainable objectives successfully in public procurement. Research limitations/ implications – Case studies have been viewed as controversial for the generalizability of knowledge and philosophical approaches to academia due to the low number of respondents. An in-depth study was the key direction of this study in investigating the organisation structure and relationships with the public procurement system that contained the system of administration and governance, people of the organisation, and the hierarchy of the organisation. Practical Implications – This research adds volume to practitioners and policy makers in designing public procurement policies and regulations by identifying the key areas of sustainable adoption in public procurement. Originality/ Value – The in-depth nature of this study provides a perspective into the intricacies of the public procurement system where the procurement officers were found to consolidate working with the regulations, the components of the organisation, and the hierarchies to achieve organisational objectives.

This study aimed to identify a key organisational culture and knowledge management factors to be incorporated into a Knowledge Management Structural Model suitable for implementation within Jordan Telecom Group (Orange). It explores the extent to which these factors are embedded and implemented into the Group from an employee perspective and explores their interdependence. There is currently an identified lack of information around the experiences of knowledge management within the Jordanian telecommunications' industry and so this study therefore aimed to add to the body of evidence in this field by focussing specifically on the knowledge management and organisational culture within the Jordan Telecom Group (Orange). Following a critical review of the existing literature, the study formulates a proposed Knowledge Management Structural Model for the organisation combining key organisational cultural components and knowledge management practices together. The study then adopts a phenomenological approach using a mixed methodology and case study approach to assess how employees perceive these different components and practices in the context of Jordan Telecom Group (Orange). A survey of 310 employees within the organisation was undertaken to gather their perceptions of the extent to which different organisational cultural factors and knowledge management practices exist within the Group. This was complemented with a series of focused interviews with managers within the organisation. The key organisational cultural components identified in the Knowledge Management Structural Model included: information systems; organisational structure; incentive systems; operations; personnel; and leadership. The key knowledge management practices identified in the Model included: knowledge generation; knowledge sharing; and knowledge application. Overall the study identified that there was a moderate to strong level of agreement from employees with the identified organisational cultural factors suggesting that the different elements of these are embedded in the organisation. However, information systems and organisational structure came out with the highest level of agreement levels from respondents and incentive systems and leadership came out with the comparatively lower scores. In terms of how employees perceived to what extent the different knowledge management practices are in place in the organisation, knowledge application came out on top followed by knowledge generation and then knowledge sharing. Although much of the previous research in this field has suggested that there is a strong link between organisational cultural factors and knowledge management processes, this study found less of a correlation between the two. However, there was some evidence to suggest that knowledge sharing practices in particular, are more strongly associated with different organisational cultural factors. Overall, however, the study has been effective in delivering a proposed Knowledge Management Structural Model for the Jordan Telecom Group (Orange) and in identifying areas of strength and areas in need of further development around some of the key organisational cultural aspects of the Group to ensure that any future implementation of knowledge management practices are successfully achieved.

The aims and objectives of this thesis are to investigate the cultural and institutional barriers to the take-up of Construction Management in Jordan. As CM was developed and influenced by the Western capitalist culture where it originated, it will pose challenges when introduced into an Eastern culture like that found in Jordan. The literature review and theory-based discussions lead to the generation of propositions and questions and the formulation of hypotheses. The study adopts both quantitative and qualitative methodology including a field survey of 120 senior managers of Jordanian construction firms classified "grade-1" by the Ministry of Public Works and case studies of five CM-based projects recently executed in Japan. The research reveals that nepotism, the 'top-man' syndrome, bureaucracy, favouritism, corruption, procrastination, the 'shame' culture, Jordan's tribal legacy, and the culture of participants in the construction industry, (owners, CM firms, consultants, contractors and the government) plague the current organisational structure of most Jordanian institutions. The study finds that these cultural and institutional barriers have influenced the adoption and implementation of the CM procurement method in Jordan. The study makes a number of recommendations, such as enhancing the managerial and financial capabilities of the construction industry, increasing support for research and development and technology transfer, and amending the legislation governing processional associations and tendering procedures. It also identifies lessons to be learned from Western practice in establishing an official body to administer, monitor, and promote the Construction Management procurement method in Jordan.

Effective estimation, planning, and control of the functions, operations, and resources of a project are among the most challenging tasks faced by the management of today's engineering and construction organisations. The increase in size and complexity of modern projects demand a sound organisational structure and a rational approach. The main objectives of the present study are two-fold. Firstly to report and critically review theoretical and practical developments of different aspects of the management of engineering and construction projects. Secondly to further develop conceptual, practical techniques and processes; also to provide Guidelines to make more effective use. of resources and systems. To achieve these objectives the present research was carried out in close collaboration with various indurtrial organisations. The current literature on project management is critically examined from the point of View of project cost estimation, planning and control. Various existing and recommended procedures, approaches and techniques are reviewed with particular emphasis on using probabilistic techniques. As the problems of scale are increasing, progressively more industries are adopting systems and project management approaches. Problems, deficiencies and gaps in the existing systems are identified. An analysis of a questionnaire survey on Systems-Caps is carried out and the results of the analysis are reported. . S-curves (or progress curves) are widely used in the plauaing and control of cost, time and resources. A mathematical model for the S-curve is adopted for this purpose. Expenditure data on a number of ii recent projects is analysed and fitted to two S-curve models suggested by Keller-Singh and the Department of Health and Social Security (D. H. S. S. ). A comparative study of the models is carried out. A set of standard parameters for the models is obtained and the predicting accuracy of these models for forecasting expenditure for future similar projects investigated. Quantification aspects of risk involved with the completion time of a project are studied. 'A number of stochastic distributions arc fitted for this purpose to the programed and actual durations for the different activities of a housing project. The maximum likelihood method is used for the estimation of parameters of the fitted distributions. Due to the increasing use of indices in the construction industry, building cost and tender price indices, their application, limitations and methods of formation are discussed. Box-Jenkins models are employed to study past behaviour and to forecast future trends for labour, materials and building cost indices. Finally, general conclusions derived from the present regearch are sunmarised and areas requiring further research are proposed.

The term "contract strategy" is used in this thesis to describe the organisational and contractual policies which are chosen for the execution of a specific project. The overall aim of this thesis is to present a conceptual framework for the process which leads to the choice of a contract strategy and to derive a methodology for the development of a contract strategy for a project. The thesis demonstrates that the development of a contract strategy is an important task for the client or his project manager. This task is shown to comprise a thorough assessment of the choices available for the implementation and management of design and construction. A pattern of interrelated decisions is required which seeks to maximise the likelihood of achievement of key project objectives. It is likely that the chosen strategy will be optimal, since it is rarely feasible to maximise the likelihood of achieving all project objectives and priorities whilst simultaneously meeting all the constraints on the project and also achieving the desired allocation and management of risk. The primary sub-systems of the contract strategy process are identified and discussed. The need for an early and clear establishment of project characteristics by the project management team is shown to be of paramount importance. The thesis then describes and evaluates the different choices available from which an appropriate contract strategy will be selected. These include organisational structures for design and construction, types of contract and tendering policies. Guidance is given on the circumstances which may lead to a specific choice. Two case studies, with which the author has been involved, are included to illustrate the application of a contract strategy approach and the difficulties which may be encountered. Finally, a recommended methodology for developing a contract strategy is proposed. The research has been primarily based on UK practice and on international projects involving U. K. firms. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the concept and proposed methodology is internationally applicable, provided care is exercised in matters of detail.

Research into higher education has attracted increasing interest among scholars, including a focus on Indonesian higher education contexts. However, despite efforts to investigate this area, few have focused on Indonesian polytechnics, which have been subject to important reforms in the last decades. There is also a limited focus on the impact of these significant changes within higher education, particularly the role and functions of polytechnics. Polytechnics are now able to offer degrees similar to those offered at universities and, as such, these institutions are now in direct competition. Reforms have therefore brought about considerable changes, which, for lecturers, are particularly evident in their workloads and altered roles and responsibilities.

It has become apparent that the continued practice of "Lessons Learnt', a process adopted individually by participating nations and collectively by the United Nations (UN) to prevent repeating historical errors, has failed to serve its purpose. This is particularly evident in the area of 'counterpart training' and a lack of commonality or compatibility of equipments, leaving a legacy of unsupported donated equipment and procedures. Aid and nation re-building remains subjective and as yet a template has not been determined to avoid reliving the common mistakes in peace support/man-made disaster relief operations. Developing countries exist, here and now, amidst the very stark and tangible realities of the late 20th century. Developing countries must acknowledge these realities and accept that internal change must be in keeping with external influences if they are to have any hope of successful nation building. For those countries dependent on aid for basic survival, let alone progression and are spending more than they earn, with little other strategic value with which to bargain, structural adjustment is inescapable and unavoidable. The problem is that every shift in mainstream thought about what development is supposed to be, sooner or later is expressed in projects 'in the field' and the shape of such projects is influenced by the policies of the donor agencies or contributing countries. The fact that these policies change radically - sometimes over quite short time periods – means inevitably that there is a lack of coherence in the development drive. Rather than being a concerted and determined effort to achieve clear and agreed objectives across all participating nations, the resultant process is 'something that stops and starts, lurches forward and doubles back, kangaroo hops off in a particular direction one year and then veers off drunkenly in another the next.' East Timor may not be an exact model however, it is currently considered the most successful modern UN mission and as such, examining it will assist in preparing for future complex, multi-dimensional peace operation missions (Humes 2001). As a participant observer in the Peace Support and Nation Building process in East Timor, the opportunity presented itself to identify and address the fundamental failing points in post-conflict development. Organisational development, of structure, systems, personnel selection and training, infrastructure support, both donated equipment and resident skill and the monitoring and the documenting of progress, both during and post UN support. The suggested future actions to avoid repetition may not effect change in a sufficiently timely manner to influence current missions, however, they provide a course of action that if adopted, may change the outcomes of future nation building in the post-UN support environment.

Sociological research work was undertaken in Ellesmere County (New Zealand) and in Kibaha District (Tanzania). A total of seven groups involving 61 farmers were studied. The objective was to study the organisation and operation of farmers' discussion groups, and how these operated in an agricultural extension setting. A literature review showed an increasing reliance by farm advisory officers on group methods, but lack of a systematic research on group interaction process. A combination of Bales' interaction categories analyses, a questionnaire, and personal interviews were therefore developed. The interaction analyses were used to identify differing contributions to discussion group meetings by farmers. Two indices were constructed: the contribution index and the information index. These indices were used to compare observational data with farmers' self reports. The main findings were: * Groups were involved more in positive actions than negative actions. * Discussion groups in both countries were found to be problem-solving oriented. * Participation of advisors in group discussions were generally highly valued. * Farmers joined groups to learn new farming techniques and also for confidence-building. * The information given during discussion group meetings was thought to be significantly different from that given individually. * Farmers had more confidence in information given during group discussion than when the information was given individually. * About 80% and 82% of farmer respondents in New Zealand and Tanzania respectively thought group discussions helped them make decisions in their farming operations. A number of suggestions for improving organisation and operation of discussion groups were proposed. It was concluded that although more research needs to be undertaken, farmers' discussion groups were useful to New Zealand and Tanzania for effective agricultural extension.

A problem in the management of natural resources was perceived as resulting from the characteristics of organisations established to carry out that management. An analysis of the management of electricity was undertaken to consider the validity of that perception. Literature on the operation of organisations provided a theoretical focus for the analysis. It identified characteristics of organisations which may impair their performance. Underlying organisational performance are the goals set to determine operation and the control mechanisms designed to ensure that the goals are followed. The analysis revealed that the Ministry of Energy Electricity Division reflected its early operating environment in both the organisation's characteristics and the strategies it adopted. Recent changes in the Ministry’s operating environment were identified, which were not reflected in its subsequent behavior. A performance gap between the activities desirable, given the new conditions and the statutory goals in place, and those observed was thereby identified. A major contributing factor to the existence of the performance gap was the substantial autonomy held by the Ministry in determining the means it adopted for managing electricity and its resources. It adopted means which were congruent with its own characteristics rather than with the conditions of its operating environment. A policy making or influencing role was, therefore, deemed undesirable, since it undermined the control of the organisation. Options for establishing effective control were considered and it was concluded that the clear identification of goals and the establishment of a control authority independent of influence by the organisation was necessary. It was further concluded that improved performance would be expedited if the control authority actively adapted the organisation, such that its internal character reflected the predetermined goals.

A Government's institutional arrangements - organisational structures and legal framework are important for the development and management of tourism. They serve several important functions including: tourism planning and development; coordination; marketing and promotion; and regulation and control. The main aim of this study is to examine the existing institutional framework (organisational structure and legal framework) in relation to tourism development in Pokhara, Nepal. This area contains Nepal's second largest city and serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Region. In keeping with tourism development in many Third world destinations Pokhara's tourism development has been at the forefront of rapid infrastructure and urban development. To achieve the above aim, an analysis has been made of: the existing legal and structural arrangements; current issues/problems in tourism planning and development; and potential ways to mitigate these. Primary research methods include the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), applied in combination with in-depth interviews of key actors. The main goals of the NGT in this study are first, to encourage local residents, political leaders, business people and planners to think systematically about current issues/problems associated with tourism development in Pokhara, and second to identify their possible solutions. To achieve these goals, five different nominal group sessions were conducted with different stakeholder groups, and interviews undertaken with a wide range of key people from both inside and outside the tourism industry to elaborate the 'issues' and explore their possible solutions. Nine major issues associated with the tourism development of Pokhara have been identified. They are: conservation of natural areas; the development of additional attractions, events and activities; lack of professionalism; waste management; poor coordination in tourism planning and implementation; poor implementation of existing rules and regulations; haphazard urbanisation; lack of marketing and promotion; and inadequate infrastructure to develop rural areas. The contributing reasons have been identified as; limited roles of local tourist organisations; lack of coordination between local organisations; lack of 'technical back-up support'; overlapping legal frameworks; inadequate power of local tourist organisations to regulate the tourism industry; lack of legal frameworks to regulate tariff rates and to protect consumers (tourists). The main conclusion from this study is that the resolution of these issues clearly requires organisational strengthening and legal reforms at the local level in Pokhara, Nepal. A framework for a strengthened local tourism organisation is presented.