What are the strengths and weaknesses of the performance management Dissertation

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the performance management system of Riyadh City Council - Dissertation Example Data Analysis 44 3.10 Methodological Limitations 45 3.11 Conclusion 46 Chapter 4- Results and Discussion 4.1 Introduction 48 4.2 Results 48 4.3 Discussion 76 Chapter 5- Conclusions and Recommendations 5.1 Conclusions 86 5.2. Recommendations 90 References 93 List of Tables and Figures Table 1. Demographic characteristics: Level of measurement, categories and codes 37 Table 2. Objectives, hypotheses, and statistical tests. 37 Table 3. Frequency and percentage distribution for gender. 48 Table 4. Frequency and percentage distribution for age. 48 Table 5. Frequency and percentage distribution for years of service. 49 Table 6. Frequency and percentage distribution for position. 49 Table 7. Means and standard deviations: Agency relations. 50 Table 8. Means and standard deviations: Resource utilisation. 51 Table 9. Means and standard deviations: Inimitable. 53 Table 10. Means and standard deviations: Non-substitutable. 54 Table 11. Means and standard deviations: Competence. 55 Table 12. Mea ns and standard deviations: Firm specificity. 56 Table 13. Means and standard deviations: Relevant resources. 56 Table 14. Means and standard deviations: Utilisation of resources. 57 Table 15. Means and standard deviations: Acquisition. 59 Table 16. Means and standard deviations: Development. 59 Table 17. Means and standard deviations: Configuration. 60 Table 18. Means and standard deviations: Innovation. 61 Table 19. Means and standard deviations: Technology. 61 Table 20. Means and standard deviations: Dynamic capability. 62 Table 21. Means and standard deviations: Performance attainment. 63 Table 22. Means and standard deviations: Individual commitment. 64 Table 23. Means and standard deviations: Processes satisfaction. 65 Table 24. Means and standard deviations: Goal setting. 65 Table... Performance management is primarily known to be a process that encourages collaboration for the members of the local administration. For the RCC, they have encountered a number of concerns that must be addressed though performance management standards and practises. For instance, they have experienced problems with improving the methods for keeping up with rapid changes such as civilizational shifts or new lifestyles among community members (Al-Nuaim 2001). To consider services for health, safety, and security, housing plans, and preservation of the environment and historical sites has become a challenge for Riyadh’s local administrators. Moreover, most often, the public’s opinion on the policies implemented by the City Council as well as on the implementation of projects and activities, and the performance of the governing body, has created difficulties for mayors and the rest of the administration in developing their community (Al Riyadh 2004). Because of these, the R CC has aimed to boost their performance by focusing on the capability of their workforce, enhancing their projects by being consistent with the community’s needs, and providing their administration with the necessary procedural and managerial specialisations. One weak point that the local city councils in Riyadh has demonstrated is that they are not very capable of integrating various departments for planning and implementation, hence, reducing their likelihood for accomplishing main goals.

Canadian Economic History The Staple Thesis Essay

Canadian Economic History The Staple Thesis - Essay Example Economic base, staple, sector, growth pole, neoclassical growth, inter-region trade, product cycle, entrepreneurship and flexible production are a few existing theories that explain economic development1. The economic history of Canada shows its dependence on fur trade, fisheries and lumbering industries, dependent on waterways transport till mid nineteenth century. Later, with the advent of steam and rail transportation, wheat and flour, paper and pulp, mining and timber industries became significant. However, the industries depended basically on natural resources with limited or without any processing. Staple thesis, as formulated by economic historians like Harrold A Innis and WA Makintosh, provides significant insight to the economic development of Canada. The thesis defines export-oriented economic growth of staple or natural products like furs, fisheries and timber and contributes towards political and cultural structuring. The works of Harold A Innis (1894-1952), a political economist, have been inspiring in the field of economic history and communication. His initial works related to the expansion and establishment of staple theory, originally conceived by Makintosh. Innis's literal works include thesis on 'History of Canadian Pacific Railways', 'The Fur Trade in Canada' (1930), 'The Cod Fisheries' (1940) and 'Empire and Communication' (1950). In the subsequent paragraphs, the thesis would be extensively discussed with regard to its definition, dynamics, merits and demerits and application to Canadian economic growth. Further, the paper would cover economic impact of the theory on other countries, followed by its critical analysis highlighting theory's credibility and relevance in past and present. Staple Theory A staple can be defined as a commodity that forms significant constituent of export material. The thesis dwells on the extent of processing of the commodities being marginal or absent. The major Canadian staple products included fur, fish, timber, grain, oil etc. The theory focuses on staple exports contributing towards economic growth. Therefore, it is necessary that the home market for the staples be negligible or limited to achieve a large export base. The theory is associated to a number of factor dependent determinants like the production function, external market demand, transportation function and staple characteristics2. The production function is the outcome of the resource base of a country and the available technologies while transportation depends on the public investments and existing communication infrastructure. External demand base is the central determinant around which the theory revolves. Staple characteristics are the measure of economic development related to its production, depending on the linkages that induce further investments. It is important to note that demand drives the model; external demand base further creates derived demand through linkages. The commodity is the centre of importance in the model and its character stimulates other activities setting up a positive or negative pace. With the known production function and assumed external demand, a number of related aspects like income distribution, additional processing