STORRE Collection: Electronic theses from legacy departments related to the Stirling Management SchoolElectronic theses from legacy departments related to the Stirling Management Schoolhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/26742024-03-28T08:48:32Z2024-03-28T08:48:32ZAn investigation into the use of mathematical models for resource allocation in agricultural researchRussell, Donald Gordonhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/351252023-05-26T15:08:40Z1973-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: An investigation into the use of mathematical models for resource allocation in agricultural research
Author(s): Russell, Donald Gordon
Abstract: The management of state financed agricultural research have the responsibility of selecting a portfolio of projects which will provide the greatest benefit to society for the resources invested. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the possibility of using mathematical models to aid in the making of resource allocation decisions within agricultural research.
Both the data and criteria on which a quantitative project selection and resource allocation procedure could be based were found to be inadequate. Consequently, a formal Resource Allocation System for Agricultural Research (RASAR) was developed as a framework within which mathematical models could be developed and used.
RASAR was conceptualized as in iterative system with the purpose of selecting a portfolio of research projects such that the research outputs would provide society with the potential power to change the agricultural system in ways that are expected to bring about the greatest improvement in social welfare. The ultimate goal of agricultural research was tentatively identified as having nine dimensions in three broad categories: Consumption category — (1) quantity, (2) quality, (3) availability; Security category — (H) human safety, (5) economic defence, (6) food sources security, (7) conservation; Equity category — (8) distribution, (9) individual rights. Subsystems within RASAR for generating socio-economic data relating to these dimensions were specified and tested with four case study research projects. A mathematical programming model which could provide management with a tool for assimilating the complexity of criteria and data into a form which is readily usable for decision making was developed and evaluated.
A number of conclusions emerged from the research: (a) mathematical models can be effectively used to assist agricultural research management with the complex problem of resource allocation, providing an adequate system for specifying selection criteria and for generating data is utilized; (b) RASAR offers considerable scope for development into an effective system for the more effective and rational allocation of research resources; (c) the multiplicity of objectives or reasons for research and the lack of adequate socio-economic data which tend to make resource allocation decisions difficult can be adequately brought together in a well defined resource allocation system and used to improve the decision making process; (d) projects which appear to have beneficial outputs and be justifiable in terms of their immediate objectives may, in fact, have obscure but substantial social costs that are not apparent without a rigorous socio-economic assessment.1973-01-01T00:00:00ZAlternative sources of power for small-scale water supplies - a case studyPerry, C Jhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/351132023-05-26T10:10:50Z1976-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Alternative sources of power for small-scale water supplies - a case study
Author(s): Perry, C J
Abstract: Introduction
The difficulty of choosing appropriate technologies for developing countries is a problem which is becoming increasingly obvious. The difference in factor availabilities between developed and less developed countries is growing and the failure of the technologies of one culture to take root in other cultures is apparent in almost any developing country.
The following is an attempt to analyze the technological solutions to one particular problem in one area of one developing country. The most formal expression of what characteristics might be found in an appropriate technology has been made by Schumacher, who has proposed the introduction of Intermediate Technologies and his ideas have been used here as a framework for trying to identify the choices which are available.
To quantify the comparison, the Little and Mirrlees' method has been applied to the alternative solutions as far as possible, while incorporating some modifications which either seem justified in relation to the Intermediate Technology philosophy, or are necessary to allow completion of the analysis.1976-01-01T00:00:00ZComputerisation in the Scottish Clearing Banks. A study of Information Systems for Retail Banking in the Scottish Clearing Banks with particular reference to the Clearing and Accounting SystemsSmith, Catherine Phttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/350792023-05-19T14:05:22Z1982-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Computerisation in the Scottish Clearing Banks. A study of Information Systems for Retail Banking in the Scottish Clearing Banks with particular reference to the Clearing and Accounting Systems
Author(s): Smith, Catherine P
Abstract: Abstract : Computerisation in the Scottish Clearing Banks.
This thesis has three aims:-
1. To consider the value of computers to the operational objectives of the Scottish Clearing Bank3.
2. TO examine retrospectively the development and economics of computerisation in the Scottish Clearing Banks.
3. To examine the continued suitability of the present mode of computerisation in the Scottish Clearing Banks.
To fulfil these aims the thesis falls into three parts. The first part contains a general introduction to the Scottish Clearing Banks, concluding that there is a requirement for Information Systems. In the second part analysis of the source of Bank profits demonstrates a need for cost containment. The volumes of work involved confirm a computerisation solution as being appropriate. The current mode of computerisation and some of its consequences are examined and a retrospective look is taken at the economic impact of the decision to computerise. Finally some shortcomings and deficiencies in current approaches are identified, and one proposal made for a future course of computerisation.
The thesis concludes that :-
1. Computers can satisfy the information needs of the Banks on a cost-effective basis.
2. The decision to computerise in the mid-sixties has proved cost-effective and has in addition had indirect consequences on the services and structure of the Banks.
3. The approach to computerisation taken in the past is no longer optimal. Current technology offers alternative information systems, more suited to likely future requirements, using comparable staff numbers.
CATHERINE P SMITH. MARCH 19821982-01-01T00:00:00ZTechnological economics of the management of game fisheries with particular reference to the development of Scottish trout watersHails, Alexandra-Junehttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/350592023-05-18T07:48:26Z1977-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Technological economics of the management of game fisheries with particular reference to the development of Scottish trout waters
Author(s): Hails, Alexandra-June
Abstract: In 1971 the government White Paper on game angling in Scotland stated that there existed a great need to make more waters available to the resident population and to visitors in Scotland. In order to bring about this development a complete re-organisation of angling was suggested including the evolution of a new body to organise trout angling in Scotland, the Scottish Anglers’ Trust (SAT). This thesis examines these statements in very broad terms and, from a study of the angling industry in Scotland, it is apparent that there is in fact considerable evidence of under utilisation of many waters. However further analysis of the industry reveals that there is some excess demand over supply for certain types of water, namely well managed fisheries intended for intensive utilisation by anglers. There is therefore some need for development of more waters.
From a detailed discussion and analysis of the demand for game angling in Scotland it is thought that locational factors will be important in determining sales: thus the SAT and indeed the private entrepreneur, in locating a new fishery which is intended for intensive angling, must take account of the population distribution and competitive forces around any potential site.
A thorough examination of the management of game fisheries reveals that the costs of running an intensively fished water are likely to be quite considerable and there is a need for the careful assessment of management techniques to ensure that management is carried out in a technologically-economic manner.
The government intend that the SAT will be a financially self-sufficient body after an initial tree year peris of Exchequer support. From a detailed study of the role of the SAT the following points emerge: it is envisaged that some difficulties in the acquisition of waters may be encountered; running costs of the SAT will be high and it is not clear that the self-sufficiency objective can be satisfied. However it may be possible for the SAT to stimulate some government intervention to assist with the acquisition of waters, and, some financial support of the government, if this is found necessary, may be justified if the impact of the holiday angler on the local economy could be investigated further by the SAT.1977-01-01T00:00:00Z