An analysis of regulatory mechanisms during sustained task execution in cognitive, motor and sensory tasks
- Tau, Sethunya Harriet Hlobisa
- Authors: Tau, Sethunya Harriet Hlobisa
- Date: 2013 , 2013-10-11
- Subjects: Work -- Physiological aspects , Work -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006806 , Work -- Physiological aspects , Work -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Performance
- Description: Fatigue is a state that, although researched for many years, is still not completely understood. Alongside this lack of a general understanding of fatigue is a lack of knowledge on the processes involved in the regulation of fatigue. The existing theories relating to regulation are focussed on mental effort regulation, suggesting that performance outcomes are co-ordinated by effort regulation that functions by making alterations to physiological processes and strategic adjustments at a cognitive level in response to cognitive demands and goals. Since fatigue is a multi-dimensional construct with psychological, physiological, and behavioural effects that respond to endogenous and exogenous variables, it follows then that fatigue assessment techniques ought to include multi-dimensional measures to acquire a holistic depiction of the fatigue symptom. This study aimed to assess whether or not a mechanism that regulated fatigue during sustained task execution could be identified and whether this mechanism resulted in regulation patterns that were distinct to a specific task. An additional aim of the study was on assessing whether the manner in which performance, psychophysical and subjective variables were modified over time followed a similar regulation pattern. The research design was aimed at inducing task-related fatigue twice on two different occasions in the same participants and evaluating the resultant changes in fatigue manifestation. This was done to assess the ability of participants to cope with fatigue as a result of previous experience. The research protocol included three tasks executed for an hour aimed at targeting and taxing the sensory, cognitive, motor resources, each task performed twice. 60 participants were recruited to participate in the current study, with 20 participants – 10 males and 10 females – randomly assigned to each of the three tasks. The cognitive resource task consisted of a memory recall task relying on working memory intended to evaluate the extent of reductions in memory and attention. The sensory resource task consisted of a reading task measuring visual scanning and perception designed to evaluate the extent of reduced vigilance. The motor resource task consisted of a modified Fitts’ stimulus response task targeted at monitoring the extent of movement timing disruption. Performance measures comprised of: response delay and the number of correctly identified digits during the cognitive resource task, the amount of correctly identified errors and reading speed during the sensory resource task, response time during the motor resource task, and responses to simple auditory reaction time tests (RTT) initiated at intervals during the task and then again at the end of each task. Physiological measures included ear temperature, eye blink frequency and duration, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). Subjective measures included the use of the Ratings of Perceived Exertion Category Ratio 10 scale (RPE CR 10) to measure cognitive exertion and the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) to index mental workload. Eye blink frequency and duration, HR and HRV were sensitive to the type of task executed, showing differing response patterns both over the different tasks and over the two test sessions. The subjective measures indicated increasing RPE ratings over time in all tasks while the NASA-TLX indicated that each task elicited different workloads. Differing task performance responses were measured between the 1st test session and the 2nd test session during all tasks; while performance was found to improve during the 2nd test session for the motor and sensory tasks, it declined during the cognitive task. The findings of this research indicate that there was a regulatory mechanism for fatigue that altered the manner in which performance, psychophysical and subjective variables were modified over time, initiating a unique fatigue regulation pattern for each variable and each task. This regulation mechanism is understood to be a proactive and protective mechanism that functions through reducing a person’s ability to be vigilant, attentive, to exercise discernment, and to direct their level of responsiveness, essentially impacting how the body adapts to and copes with fatigue. The noted overall findings have industry implications; industries should consider accounting for the effects of this regulatory mechanism in their fatigue management interventions, specifically when designing job rotation and work/rest schedules because each cognitive task, having elicited a unique fatigue regulation pattern, ought to also have a different management program. , Microsoft� Office Word 2007 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tau, Sethunya Harriet Hlobisa
- Date: 2013 , 2013-10-11
- Subjects: Work -- Physiological aspects , Work -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006806 , Work -- Physiological aspects , Work -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Performance
- Description: Fatigue is a state that, although researched for many years, is still not completely understood. Alongside this lack of a general understanding of fatigue is a lack of knowledge on the processes involved in the regulation of fatigue. The existing theories relating to regulation are focussed on mental effort regulation, suggesting that performance outcomes are co-ordinated by effort regulation that functions by making alterations to physiological processes and strategic adjustments at a cognitive level in response to cognitive demands and goals. Since fatigue is a multi-dimensional construct with psychological, physiological, and behavioural effects that respond to endogenous and exogenous variables, it follows then that fatigue assessment techniques ought to include multi-dimensional measures to acquire a holistic depiction of the fatigue symptom. This study aimed to assess whether or not a mechanism that regulated fatigue during sustained task execution could be identified and whether this mechanism resulted in regulation patterns that were distinct to a specific task. An additional aim of the study was on assessing whether the manner in which performance, psychophysical and subjective variables were modified over time followed a similar regulation pattern. The research design was aimed at inducing task-related fatigue twice on two different occasions in the same participants and evaluating the resultant changes in fatigue manifestation. This was done to assess the ability of participants to cope with fatigue as a result of previous experience. The research protocol included three tasks executed for an hour aimed at targeting and taxing the sensory, cognitive, motor resources, each task performed twice. 60 participants were recruited to participate in the current study, with 20 participants – 10 males and 10 females – randomly assigned to each of the three tasks. The cognitive resource task consisted of a memory recall task relying on working memory intended to evaluate the extent of reductions in memory and attention. The sensory resource task consisted of a reading task measuring visual scanning and perception designed to evaluate the extent of reduced vigilance. The motor resource task consisted of a modified Fitts’ stimulus response task targeted at monitoring the extent of movement timing disruption. Performance measures comprised of: response delay and the number of correctly identified digits during the cognitive resource task, the amount of correctly identified errors and reading speed during the sensory resource task, response time during the motor resource task, and responses to simple auditory reaction time tests (RTT) initiated at intervals during the task and then again at the end of each task. Physiological measures included ear temperature, eye blink frequency and duration, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). Subjective measures included the use of the Ratings of Perceived Exertion Category Ratio 10 scale (RPE CR 10) to measure cognitive exertion and the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) to index mental workload. Eye blink frequency and duration, HR and HRV were sensitive to the type of task executed, showing differing response patterns both over the different tasks and over the two test sessions. The subjective measures indicated increasing RPE ratings over time in all tasks while the NASA-TLX indicated that each task elicited different workloads. Differing task performance responses were measured between the 1st test session and the 2nd test session during all tasks; while performance was found to improve during the 2nd test session for the motor and sensory tasks, it declined during the cognitive task. The findings of this research indicate that there was a regulatory mechanism for fatigue that altered the manner in which performance, psychophysical and subjective variables were modified over time, initiating a unique fatigue regulation pattern for each variable and each task. This regulation mechanism is understood to be a proactive and protective mechanism that functions through reducing a person’s ability to be vigilant, attentive, to exercise discernment, and to direct their level of responsiveness, essentially impacting how the body adapts to and copes with fatigue. The noted overall findings have industry implications; industries should consider accounting for the effects of this regulatory mechanism in their fatigue management interventions, specifically when designing job rotation and work/rest schedules because each cognitive task, having elicited a unique fatigue regulation pattern, ought to also have a different management program. , Microsoft� Office Word 2007 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The factors affecting self-regulation through the analysis of physiological, psychological and behavioural measures during task-switching
- Authors: Chaplin, Caley
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-16
- Subjects: Human multitasking -- Physiological aspects , Human multitasking -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Boredom , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Industrial hygiene , Employees -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006027 , Human multitasking -- Physiological aspects , Human multitasking -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Boredom , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Industrial hygiene , Employees -- Workload
- Description: Individuals are required to manage multiple tasks which require strategic allocation of time and effort to ensure goals are reached efficiently. By providing the worker with autonomy over their work, performance and worker well-being have improved. This increased control allows individuals to organize work according to the needs of the body, which prevents fatigue leading to improved productivity. When given the option, humans tend to switch between tasks frequently. This behaviour can be used to determine the change in self-regulation strategies. An understanding of human task-switching behaviour is important for the design of job rotation systems. However, there is a lack of evidence explaining the factors motivating the need to switch between tasks. This study aims to use physiological, subjective and behavioural measures to explain the factors influencing selfregulation through the act of task-switching. Three primary hypotheses were developed to explain the factors underlying taskswitching behaviour. It was hypothesized that the degree of boredom experienced, the effort required to perform the task and the resource usage induced by the task are factors responsible in deciding task switching behaviour. Participants (17 males and 17 females) switched freely between five different information-processing tasks for the 45 minutes. Participants were allowed to switch back and forth between tasks and did not have to conduct all five tasks. The following measures were recorded during the experiment: subjective measures of boredom, mental effort, task frustration and perceived performance of the tasks; energy consumption and physiological measures of effort (HR, HRV and body temperature) and behavioural measures, including duration and frequency of task. Perceived boredom was found to differ among the tasks and before and after the experiment. The average boredom rating at each task transition for all tasks exceeded a score of 2.5 out of a possible 4. There were no significant changes in physiological measures between the beginning and end of the task trials. However, changes in physiological measures showed a decrease in effort investment following task transition. Heart rate variability was lower for externally-paced tasks than for self-paced tasks, despite the differences in cognitive demands. The most frequent task-switch combination occurred between tasks of high and low cognitive demand. The least frequent task-switching combination occurred between tasks of similar characteristics, which produced no differences in physiological responses. Task-switching behaviour was influenced by the degree of boredom, and therefore more time was spent on less monotonous tasks. The level of physiological effort required for the task affected task-switching behaviour. Task switches were made before any changes in effort took place in an attempt to maintain task efficiency. It appears plausible that a task switch was made to reduce effort investment and activation levels. The type of information processing resources used by different tasks affected the task-switching combinations. Individuals tended to switch between tasks of differing resources so that those in limited supply were able to replenish. Therefore the findings from this study can potentially be used to improve the design of job rotation systems. Such improvements may enhance productivity and worker well-being by inhibiting the onset of down regulation and fatigue processes. This study showed that autonomy is necessary for individuals to regulate behaviour to suit human needs. , Microsoft� Office Word 2007 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chaplin, Caley
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-16
- Subjects: Human multitasking -- Physiological aspects , Human multitasking -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Boredom , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Industrial hygiene , Employees -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006027 , Human multitasking -- Physiological aspects , Human multitasking -- Psychological aspects , Fatigue , Boredom , Attention , Mental fatigue , Human information processing , Decision making , Labor productivity , Industrial hygiene , Employees -- Workload
- Description: Individuals are required to manage multiple tasks which require strategic allocation of time and effort to ensure goals are reached efficiently. By providing the worker with autonomy over their work, performance and worker well-being have improved. This increased control allows individuals to organize work according to the needs of the body, which prevents fatigue leading to improved productivity. When given the option, humans tend to switch between tasks frequently. This behaviour can be used to determine the change in self-regulation strategies. An understanding of human task-switching behaviour is important for the design of job rotation systems. However, there is a lack of evidence explaining the factors motivating the need to switch between tasks. This study aims to use physiological, subjective and behavioural measures to explain the factors influencing selfregulation through the act of task-switching. Three primary hypotheses were developed to explain the factors underlying taskswitching behaviour. It was hypothesized that the degree of boredom experienced, the effort required to perform the task and the resource usage induced by the task are factors responsible in deciding task switching behaviour. Participants (17 males and 17 females) switched freely between five different information-processing tasks for the 45 minutes. Participants were allowed to switch back and forth between tasks and did not have to conduct all five tasks. The following measures were recorded during the experiment: subjective measures of boredom, mental effort, task frustration and perceived performance of the tasks; energy consumption and physiological measures of effort (HR, HRV and body temperature) and behavioural measures, including duration and frequency of task. Perceived boredom was found to differ among the tasks and before and after the experiment. The average boredom rating at each task transition for all tasks exceeded a score of 2.5 out of a possible 4. There were no significant changes in physiological measures between the beginning and end of the task trials. However, changes in physiological measures showed a decrease in effort investment following task transition. Heart rate variability was lower for externally-paced tasks than for self-paced tasks, despite the differences in cognitive demands. The most frequent task-switch combination occurred between tasks of high and low cognitive demand. The least frequent task-switching combination occurred between tasks of similar characteristics, which produced no differences in physiological responses. Task-switching behaviour was influenced by the degree of boredom, and therefore more time was spent on less monotonous tasks. The level of physiological effort required for the task affected task-switching behaviour. Task switches were made before any changes in effort took place in an attempt to maintain task efficiency. It appears plausible that a task switch was made to reduce effort investment and activation levels. The type of information processing resources used by different tasks affected the task-switching combinations. Individuals tended to switch between tasks of differing resources so that those in limited supply were able to replenish. Therefore the findings from this study can potentially be used to improve the design of job rotation systems. Such improvements may enhance productivity and worker well-being by inhibiting the onset of down regulation and fatigue processes. This study showed that autonomy is necessary for individuals to regulate behaviour to suit human needs. , Microsoft� Office Word 2007 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identity-related decision-making among multicultural adolescents
- Authors: Siwundla, Lundi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/319 , Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Description: This present study investigated South African Afrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking male and female urban secondary school adolescents‟ (N = 1301) perception of the relative importance of identity-related domains by investigating the choices that they carried out in relation to meaningful identity-related areas of their lives. Consequently a structured questionnaire consisting of 14 domain particular areas was used. In Eriksonian terms, one could say that the South African society is in a psychosocial crisis. Almost all the domain-specific items were regarded as relevant “Very important” or “Fairly important” by a notable or significant majority of participants. All fourteen of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 35 percent of the participants from two cultural groups, namely African and Coloured sub cultural groups; while twelve of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 50 percent of the African subgroup and thirteen domains were regarded as “Very important” by 40 percent of the Coloured subgroup. “Leisure and recreational activities”, “Friendships with members of the same sex peer group”, “My political views and convictions” and “Friendships with members of the opposite sex peer group” were however, still regarded as “Fairly important” by 56 percent, 53 percent, 58 percent and 52 percent of the total research group respectively. It should also be noted that generally females in the sample were more inclined to evaluate domains that had a bearing on interpersonal relationships as significantly more important than the males namely: Friendship with members of the same-sex peer group, What kind of person I want a permanent relationship with, What kind of person I want to marry, and How I should act as husband or wife. The males tended to evaluate the domains, Sexual matters and Friendship with members of the opposite sex more significantly important than the females did.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Siwundla, Lundi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/319 , Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Description: This present study investigated South African Afrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking male and female urban secondary school adolescents‟ (N = 1301) perception of the relative importance of identity-related domains by investigating the choices that they carried out in relation to meaningful identity-related areas of their lives. Consequently a structured questionnaire consisting of 14 domain particular areas was used. In Eriksonian terms, one could say that the South African society is in a psychosocial crisis. Almost all the domain-specific items were regarded as relevant “Very important” or “Fairly important” by a notable or significant majority of participants. All fourteen of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 35 percent of the participants from two cultural groups, namely African and Coloured sub cultural groups; while twelve of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 50 percent of the African subgroup and thirteen domains were regarded as “Very important” by 40 percent of the Coloured subgroup. “Leisure and recreational activities”, “Friendships with members of the same sex peer group”, “My political views and convictions” and “Friendships with members of the opposite sex peer group” were however, still regarded as “Fairly important” by 56 percent, 53 percent, 58 percent and 52 percent of the total research group respectively. It should also be noted that generally females in the sample were more inclined to evaluate domains that had a bearing on interpersonal relationships as significantly more important than the males namely: Friendship with members of the same-sex peer group, What kind of person I want a permanent relationship with, What kind of person I want to marry, and How I should act as husband or wife. The males tended to evaluate the domains, Sexual matters and Friendship with members of the opposite sex more significantly important than the females did.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Investigating the utilisation of enterprise risk management at East London industrial development zone
- Authors: Tutani, Luvo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Risk management , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012651 , Risk management , Decision making
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to use enterprise risk management (ERM) effectively towards achieving strategic objectives at East London Industrial Development Zone. The results of the research will contribute to the set of tools which business can utilise in effective business planning and achieve sustainability of enterprises. Enterprise risk management provides stakeholders with reasonable assurance that management has taken due care in drawing up strategies aligned with their appetite for risk. The objective was to investigate the utilisation of Enterprise Risk Management at East London Industrial Development Zone. The literature review revealed shortcomings of the traditional risk management strategy. Examples of the shortcomings are its preoccupation with hazard risks and its disconnection with other functions in an organisation. ERM has emerged as the organisation wide approach to the handling of risk. Effectively integrated with strategy-setting and performance management, ERM strengthens opportunity-seeking behaviour by helping directors and managers develop the confidence that they truly understand the risks inherent in the organization’s strategy and have the capabilities in place to manage and monitor those risks. The assessment of risks after the strategy formulation process results in defective risk management. The result could be strategic objectives that are unrealistic and risk management that is just an appendage to performance management. The empirical study consisted of face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The respondents were Business Unit Managers at East London Industrial Development Zone who advised on current practice of ERM in the organization. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that ERM started with organisational survival in mind but ended up being a compliance activity. Also, ERM is under-resourced as there are no dedicated ERM financial and human resources. The organization’s unstructured and informal approach to ERM could place the strategic objectives at risk. Recommendations conclude the investigation and address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to the utilisation of ERM within the organization. The recommendations are ensuring strong commitment towards ERM and widening the participation of all employees in ERM; developing an ERM road map; allocation of resources to ERM initiative; development of a business case for ERM; training of all managers and all employees on ERM; and focusing on low-hanging return, which may result in quicker realisation of the value added by ERM to the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tutani, Luvo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Risk management , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012651 , Risk management , Decision making
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to use enterprise risk management (ERM) effectively towards achieving strategic objectives at East London Industrial Development Zone. The results of the research will contribute to the set of tools which business can utilise in effective business planning and achieve sustainability of enterprises. Enterprise risk management provides stakeholders with reasonable assurance that management has taken due care in drawing up strategies aligned with their appetite for risk. The objective was to investigate the utilisation of Enterprise Risk Management at East London Industrial Development Zone. The literature review revealed shortcomings of the traditional risk management strategy. Examples of the shortcomings are its preoccupation with hazard risks and its disconnection with other functions in an organisation. ERM has emerged as the organisation wide approach to the handling of risk. Effectively integrated with strategy-setting and performance management, ERM strengthens opportunity-seeking behaviour by helping directors and managers develop the confidence that they truly understand the risks inherent in the organization’s strategy and have the capabilities in place to manage and monitor those risks. The assessment of risks after the strategy formulation process results in defective risk management. The result could be strategic objectives that are unrealistic and risk management that is just an appendage to performance management. The empirical study consisted of face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The respondents were Business Unit Managers at East London Industrial Development Zone who advised on current practice of ERM in the organization. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that ERM started with organisational survival in mind but ended up being a compliance activity. Also, ERM is under-resourced as there are no dedicated ERM financial and human resources. The organization’s unstructured and informal approach to ERM could place the strategic objectives at risk. Recommendations conclude the investigation and address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to the utilisation of ERM within the organization. The recommendations are ensuring strong commitment towards ERM and widening the participation of all employees in ERM; developing an ERM road map; allocation of resources to ERM initiative; development of a business case for ERM; training of all managers and all employees on ERM; and focusing on low-hanging return, which may result in quicker realisation of the value added by ERM to the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Managerial decision making processes and affective outcomes as a function of individual factors and self-efficacy beliefs
- Authors: Myburgh, Wim
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1141 , Decision making
- Description: Making decisions in the business environment is arguably the most challenging aspect of managers' yet also the easiest to fail in. Unlike individual decisions managers as agents for their organizations make decisions amidst high levels of ambiguity, incomplete information and mostly under time pressure. These are the very conditions that make managers vulnerable to the volition-undermining potential of decision-generated affect precisely when they are feeling over-extended to deal with such demands. Effective managerial decision making (MDM) involves more than applying a set of individual abilities. Managers face numerous obstacles, failures, and setbacks that often carry perturbing self-evaluative implications as well as social consequences that undermine their self-evaluations in ways that impair good use of their decision making skills (Bandura, 1997). Given the absence of a coherent theoretical framework in the literature the conceptual model of relations put forward attempts to organize and simplify how managers make decisions as agents of their organizations. Most conceptualizations apply oversimplified models that focus attention on one or a few variables, neglect the joint constellations of individual variable factors and the influence of individual self-generated influences as a contributing factor in MDM. As an ex post facto explanatory-predictive study the present research offers evidence of these links among the theoretically relevant constructs in order to formulate an account of their relations in a parsimonious framework that could guide future insights to explain and predict the intentions and direction of managerial decision behaviour. Conceptual research has outpaced empirical research in decision making of managers in organizations. A number of mini-theories exists that focus on a few variables using linear, antecedent-consequence relations with manipulations in laboratory environments that deal with decisions in contexts that are very different to those faced by managers. There is limited research on managers as research participants and empirical findings based on non-managerial samples and students may not generalize to managers in real life decision making. The present research used a non-probability, purposive sample (N = 196) of experienced managers in the Western Cape region of South Africa, all employed in private and public organizations (mean age 38.9 years, SD of 7.49, ethnic black managers constituted 15.8 percent of the sample). As part of the study it was necessary to construct and validate custom indicator measures in an independent pilot study from the same population. The pilot study determined the factor structures of the dimensionality and internal consistency of the custom-designed measures by way of both convergent, as well as, discriminative validity. The exploratory factor (EFA) and internal reliability analyses succeeded to provide both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as was defined. Further, analyses of both standardized and custom-designed also revealed no significant difference between black and other managers across the pilot samples which provided confidence of the substantive relations of interest (i.e., the associations among the variables). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was chosen as the data analysis strategy of choice and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that the operational measures by and large succeeded in providing both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as defined. The inter-construct relations were also consistent with expectations. Evidence for convergent validity however proved that the indicator measures for the allocation of attentional resources were less than adequate in order to provide an uncontaminated measure as a latent variable. The structural model was subjected to further scrutiny by way of a spectrum of goodness-of-fit statistics. The analyses revealed that the model was not adequate and the null hypothesis that the model fitted the population data was subsequently, rejected. It was also sensible to assess the degree of lack of fit of the model with reference to RMSEA which revealed a value of .08, that suggested a reasonable model fit. The poor structural model fit could however be attributed to the failure of the measured indicators used to provide an acceptable grasp of the allocation of attentional resources as a latent variable. The inherent structural flaws in the model could however not be unequivocally be ruled out as an additional possibility of poor fit. One conclusion is the possibility of an expanded model that requires additional indicator measures and additional paths. Notwithstanding these limitations, the present research provided support for social cognitive theory that underlies the model. In accordance with the literature and empirical findings the present research demonstrated mangers' decision making is much more than reason-based behaviour. The present research demonstrates the interdependencies and cumulative effects among individual factors, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal volitional processes, as psychological iv mechanisms through which social-structural factors are linked to the quality of MDM processes. The present research also presents an argument for the independent contributions of self-efficacy beliefs as causal influences on "hot temporal processes" that promote accuracy in decision making. Although present research demonstrates that the estimates were greater for cognitive ability than for both self-efficacy beliefs and social self-confidence it does not suggest that personality traits and self-efficacy beliefs have no utility. The present research demonstrates that cognitive ability combines with personality traits, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal processes (decision-generated affect and the allocation of attentional resources) in a complex manner through multiple pathways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Myburgh, Wim
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1141 , Decision making
- Description: Making decisions in the business environment is arguably the most challenging aspect of managers' yet also the easiest to fail in. Unlike individual decisions managers as agents for their organizations make decisions amidst high levels of ambiguity, incomplete information and mostly under time pressure. These are the very conditions that make managers vulnerable to the volition-undermining potential of decision-generated affect precisely when they are feeling over-extended to deal with such demands. Effective managerial decision making (MDM) involves more than applying a set of individual abilities. Managers face numerous obstacles, failures, and setbacks that often carry perturbing self-evaluative implications as well as social consequences that undermine their self-evaluations in ways that impair good use of their decision making skills (Bandura, 1997). Given the absence of a coherent theoretical framework in the literature the conceptual model of relations put forward attempts to organize and simplify how managers make decisions as agents of their organizations. Most conceptualizations apply oversimplified models that focus attention on one or a few variables, neglect the joint constellations of individual variable factors and the influence of individual self-generated influences as a contributing factor in MDM. As an ex post facto explanatory-predictive study the present research offers evidence of these links among the theoretically relevant constructs in order to formulate an account of their relations in a parsimonious framework that could guide future insights to explain and predict the intentions and direction of managerial decision behaviour. Conceptual research has outpaced empirical research in decision making of managers in organizations. A number of mini-theories exists that focus on a few variables using linear, antecedent-consequence relations with manipulations in laboratory environments that deal with decisions in contexts that are very different to those faced by managers. There is limited research on managers as research participants and empirical findings based on non-managerial samples and students may not generalize to managers in real life decision making. The present research used a non-probability, purposive sample (N = 196) of experienced managers in the Western Cape region of South Africa, all employed in private and public organizations (mean age 38.9 years, SD of 7.49, ethnic black managers constituted 15.8 percent of the sample). As part of the study it was necessary to construct and validate custom indicator measures in an independent pilot study from the same population. The pilot study determined the factor structures of the dimensionality and internal consistency of the custom-designed measures by way of both convergent, as well as, discriminative validity. The exploratory factor (EFA) and internal reliability analyses succeeded to provide both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as was defined. Further, analyses of both standardized and custom-designed also revealed no significant difference between black and other managers across the pilot samples which provided confidence of the substantive relations of interest (i.e., the associations among the variables). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was chosen as the data analysis strategy of choice and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that the operational measures by and large succeeded in providing both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as defined. The inter-construct relations were also consistent with expectations. Evidence for convergent validity however proved that the indicator measures for the allocation of attentional resources were less than adequate in order to provide an uncontaminated measure as a latent variable. The structural model was subjected to further scrutiny by way of a spectrum of goodness-of-fit statistics. The analyses revealed that the model was not adequate and the null hypothesis that the model fitted the population data was subsequently, rejected. It was also sensible to assess the degree of lack of fit of the model with reference to RMSEA which revealed a value of .08, that suggested a reasonable model fit. The poor structural model fit could however be attributed to the failure of the measured indicators used to provide an acceptable grasp of the allocation of attentional resources as a latent variable. The inherent structural flaws in the model could however not be unequivocally be ruled out as an additional possibility of poor fit. One conclusion is the possibility of an expanded model that requires additional indicator measures and additional paths. Notwithstanding these limitations, the present research provided support for social cognitive theory that underlies the model. In accordance with the literature and empirical findings the present research demonstrated mangers' decision making is much more than reason-based behaviour. The present research demonstrates the interdependencies and cumulative effects among individual factors, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal volitional processes, as psychological iv mechanisms through which social-structural factors are linked to the quality of MDM processes. The present research also presents an argument for the independent contributions of self-efficacy beliefs as causal influences on "hot temporal processes" that promote accuracy in decision making. Although present research demonstrates that the estimates were greater for cognitive ability than for both self-efficacy beliefs and social self-confidence it does not suggest that personality traits and self-efficacy beliefs have no utility. The present research demonstrates that cognitive ability combines with personality traits, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal processes (decision-generated affect and the allocation of attentional resources) in a complex manner through multiple pathways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Decision making improvement by effectively utilising activity-based costing and activity-based management tools
- Authors: Palmer, Vivian Julian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1152 , Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to effectively utilise Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Managment within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid to improve decision making towards improved business and financial performance. The ultimate purpose was to assist managers and staff to implement ABC and ABM effectively for improved business and financial performance. The focus was on the following objective: To suggest ways to effectively utilise ABC & ABM within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid as to improve decision making and business financial performance. Given the selection of management tools available, instruments such as ABC and ABM are usually not implemented alone, but may be supported by one or more approaches. For this reason ABC and ABM are contrasted with several other popular instruments mentioned in the literature. The instruments are: • The value chain; • Continuous improvement; • The theory of constraints; and • Total quality management. Insight will be given to provide managers with more accurate information regarding maintenance for the Grid and tools in identifying critical bottlenecks. By applying the TOC, TQM and continuous improvement strategies, managers will be able to make improved decisions, leading to improved financial performance in the Eskom Transmission Southern Grid. iii The literature study revealed that ABC and ABM prove to be the cornerstone for informed decision making. Since organisations are highly dependent on quality information to make these informed decisions, ABC and ABM reorientate the organisation towards understanding and managing work processes thus impacting financial performance positively. ABC and ABM trace the cost of activities such as engineering and procurement to how maintenance benefits from these activities. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of engineers and managers in Eskom Transmission Southern Grid in Port Elizabeth. It was aimed at gathering information about the use of ABC and ABM within the Grid. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with financial staff in the Grid and a focus group interview with engineering staff was done. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that management and staff lack insight into the use of ABC and ABM and how it can be integrated with existing improvement systems within the organisation. This study is concluded with a number of recommendations. These recommendations address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to improve the utilisation of ABC and ABM within the organisation. The recommendations address the following: • Ensuring full commitment towards organisational goals and broadening the endorsement of ABC within the organisation; • Highlighting the importance of financial performance throughout the Grid; • Training of Managers, finance staff and engineers is required for proper execution of the ABC system; • Implementers need skills and know-how of the ABC and ABM system ensuring full utilisation; • The main cost drivers are identified, prioritised and efforts channelled into these activities; • Tools such as the Theory Of Constraints and Total Quality Management from the proposed model would assist the Grid in identifying the bottlenecks of a system correctly, thus know explicitly the amount of slack capacity of each activity available during a specific time period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Palmer, Vivian Julian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1152 , Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to effectively utilise Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Managment within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid to improve decision making towards improved business and financial performance. The ultimate purpose was to assist managers and staff to implement ABC and ABM effectively for improved business and financial performance. The focus was on the following objective: To suggest ways to effectively utilise ABC & ABM within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid as to improve decision making and business financial performance. Given the selection of management tools available, instruments such as ABC and ABM are usually not implemented alone, but may be supported by one or more approaches. For this reason ABC and ABM are contrasted with several other popular instruments mentioned in the literature. The instruments are: • The value chain; • Continuous improvement; • The theory of constraints; and • Total quality management. Insight will be given to provide managers with more accurate information regarding maintenance for the Grid and tools in identifying critical bottlenecks. By applying the TOC, TQM and continuous improvement strategies, managers will be able to make improved decisions, leading to improved financial performance in the Eskom Transmission Southern Grid. iii The literature study revealed that ABC and ABM prove to be the cornerstone for informed decision making. Since organisations are highly dependent on quality information to make these informed decisions, ABC and ABM reorientate the organisation towards understanding and managing work processes thus impacting financial performance positively. ABC and ABM trace the cost of activities such as engineering and procurement to how maintenance benefits from these activities. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of engineers and managers in Eskom Transmission Southern Grid in Port Elizabeth. It was aimed at gathering information about the use of ABC and ABM within the Grid. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with financial staff in the Grid and a focus group interview with engineering staff was done. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that management and staff lack insight into the use of ABC and ABM and how it can be integrated with existing improvement systems within the organisation. This study is concluded with a number of recommendations. These recommendations address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to improve the utilisation of ABC and ABM within the organisation. The recommendations address the following: • Ensuring full commitment towards organisational goals and broadening the endorsement of ABC within the organisation; • Highlighting the importance of financial performance throughout the Grid; • Training of Managers, finance staff and engineers is required for proper execution of the ABC system; • Implementers need skills and know-how of the ABC and ABM system ensuring full utilisation; • The main cost drivers are identified, prioritised and efforts channelled into these activities; • Tools such as the Theory Of Constraints and Total Quality Management from the proposed model would assist the Grid in identifying the bottlenecks of a system correctly, thus know explicitly the amount of slack capacity of each activity available during a specific time period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A study of fuzzy sets and systems with applications to group theory and decision making
- Authors: Gideon, Frednard
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005231 , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Description: In this study we apply the knowledge of fuzzy sets to group structures and also to decision-making implications. We study fuzzy subgroups of finite abelian groups. We set G = Z[subscript p[superscript n]] + Z[subscript q[superscript m]]. The classification of fuzzy subgroups of G using equivalence classes is introduced. First, we present equivalence relations on fuzzy subsets of X, and then extend it to the study of equivalence relations of fuzzy subgroups of a group G. This is then followed by the notion of flags and keychains projected as tools for enumerating fuzzy subgroups of G. In addition to this, we use linear ordering of the lattice of subgroups to characterize the maximal chains of G. Then we narrow the gap between group theory and decision-making using relations. Finally, a theory of the decision-making process in a fuzzy environment leads to a fuzzy version of capital budgeting. We define the goal, constraints and decision and show how they conflict with each other using membership function implications. We establish sets of intervals for projecting decision boundaries in general. We use the knowledge of triangular fuzzy numbers which are restricted field of fuzzy logic to evaluate investment projections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gideon, Frednard
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005231 , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Description: In this study we apply the knowledge of fuzzy sets to group structures and also to decision-making implications. We study fuzzy subgroups of finite abelian groups. We set G = Z[subscript p[superscript n]] + Z[subscript q[superscript m]]. The classification of fuzzy subgroups of G using equivalence classes is introduced. First, we present equivalence relations on fuzzy subsets of X, and then extend it to the study of equivalence relations of fuzzy subgroups of a group G. This is then followed by the notion of flags and keychains projected as tools for enumerating fuzzy subgroups of G. In addition to this, we use linear ordering of the lattice of subgroups to characterize the maximal chains of G. Then we narrow the gap between group theory and decision-making using relations. Finally, a theory of the decision-making process in a fuzzy environment leads to a fuzzy version of capital budgeting. We define the goal, constraints and decision and show how they conflict with each other using membership function implications. We establish sets of intervals for projecting decision boundaries in general. We use the knowledge of triangular fuzzy numbers which are restricted field of fuzzy logic to evaluate investment projections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An examination of employee participation as provided for in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995
- Authors: Khoza, Francisco Jabulani
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003191 , Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Description: The thesis covers the field of labour law known as employee participation in decision-making. It deals with the examination of the extent to which the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the Act) promotes employee participation in decision-making. Firstly, the analysis shows that employee participation in decision-making is an aspect of democracy, which is translated into industrial democracy in industrial relations. In South Africa the philosophical foundation of employee participation is supported by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 which embodies democratic values permeating all areas of the law including labour law. Secondly, the study elucidates the jurisprudential background of employee participation in South Africa. There is evidence of the development of some principles of participation like consultation; information disclosure; and the existence of participatory forums like works councils under the LRA 28 of 1956. Thirdly, in evaluating the extent to which the LRA 66 of 1995 promotes employee participation, the following aspects are covered: the relevance and contribution of information disclosure; the effect of consultation prior to dismissal for operational requirements; the role of collective bargaining; and the contribution of workplace forums. The conclusion is reached that all the foregoing aspects of the LRA 66 of 1995 will contribute to the promotion of employee participation in decision-making. The Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration can also ensure that in interpreting the Act employee participation is promoted where appropriate. Finally, employers and employees will have to accept this necessary partnership for the entrenchment of employee participation in decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Khoza, Francisco Jabulani
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003191 , Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Description: The thesis covers the field of labour law known as employee participation in decision-making. It deals with the examination of the extent to which the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the Act) promotes employee participation in decision-making. Firstly, the analysis shows that employee participation in decision-making is an aspect of democracy, which is translated into industrial democracy in industrial relations. In South Africa the philosophical foundation of employee participation is supported by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 which embodies democratic values permeating all areas of the law including labour law. Secondly, the study elucidates the jurisprudential background of employee participation in South Africa. There is evidence of the development of some principles of participation like consultation; information disclosure; and the existence of participatory forums like works councils under the LRA 28 of 1956. Thirdly, in evaluating the extent to which the LRA 66 of 1995 promotes employee participation, the following aspects are covered: the relevance and contribution of information disclosure; the effect of consultation prior to dismissal for operational requirements; the role of collective bargaining; and the contribution of workplace forums. The conclusion is reached that all the foregoing aspects of the LRA 66 of 1995 will contribute to the promotion of employee participation in decision-making. The Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration can also ensure that in interpreting the Act employee participation is promoted where appropriate. Finally, employers and employees will have to accept this necessary partnership for the entrenchment of employee participation in decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
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