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An investigation into the appointment role and success of examinership in Ireland
Get PDFOverview \ud
\ud
Legislation governing the process of Examinership was introduced by the Companies \ud
(Amendment) Act, 1990.The current economic climate has left many companies \ud
facing extreme difficulties meeting financial obligations and has led to the doubling of \ud
the number of companies applying for Examinership. Grant \ud
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Examinership assists the survival of a company by making arrangements to reduce \ud
creditor balances and protecting the intangible assets of the company. It explores all \ud
opportunities to provide for a company’s survival, while control is retained by the \ud
Directors. Brain Foley has described Examinership “as the process by which a \ud
company is placed under the protection of the court for a period of time, during which \ud
claims and debts against it are for the most part, frozen”. \ud
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Purpose \ud
Previous research presented the topic of successful Examinerships solely on a \ud
quantitative basis, the current research aims to view Examinership in entirety and \ud
provide qualitative explanations on the process with particular focus on the \ud
appointment, role and success of Examinerships in Ireland. This will close the gap in \ud
the literature which exists at present. \ud
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Findings \ud
There are no definite steps to success as each company in difficulty is different in \ud
many ways and therefore should be addressed in a manner suitable to their needs \ud
The success of the process should not be viewed on overall statistics alone but on the \ud
merits of each case which has survived to confirm the success of the process in \ud
Ireland. \ud
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Importance \ud
The process of Examinership is a very powerful restructuring tool, the outcome of the \ud
process offered is undoubtedly better than the outcome offered by Liquidation or \ud
Receivership. If the results of this research are used in an educational manner then \ud
there will be more awareness of this corporate rescue plan
A review of process deviations caused by human error in Rottapharm Ltd. from 2006 to 2008
Get PDFThe objective of this project is to examine Process Deviation Reports (PDRs)\ud
generated from 2006 to 2008 for Sachet Products where “Human Error” has been\ud
identified as the primary root cause. Sachet Products were chosen for this review as\ud
they represent the largest volume output, and the production process involves the\ud
largest number of employees compared to other processes in Rottapharm Ltd. e.g.\ud
capsule or tablet production processes. For that reason, it was considered that\ud
Human Error PDRs generated during Sachet production represents the “worst-casescenario”\ud
for Human Error PDRs reported at Rottapharm Ltd. From this review, it is\ud
intended that trends in Sachet Human Error PDRs will be identified and the\ud
effectiveness of corrective actions implemented will be assessed.\ud
Sachet PDRs reported in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were reviewed. The project reports\ud
encouraging trends, with the number of PDRs per Sachet output seen to be\ud
decreasing from 2006 to 2008.\ud
Retraining and document update (e.g. standard operating procedures, checklists,\ud
training manuals etc.) were the primary corrective actions implemented in the period\ud
under review. While retraining sessions appear to be effective in the short-term, it is\ud
recommended that further medium- and long-term solutions must be found to\ud
address Human Error PDRs, e.g. control and monitoring of processes utilising\ud
Manufacturing Execution Systems and Process Analytical Technology.\ud
Additional recommendations from this project include increased communication with\ud
different departments to highlight Human Error trends to improve awareness and\ud
vigilance to these issues. In addition, the approaches of other Irish Healthcare\ud
companies in managing Human Error PDRs were reviewed. This concluded that the\ud
approach in Rottapharm Ltd. is comparable to that of other companies in the Irish\ud
Healthcare Industry
The national service indicators within local government: a managers perspective
Get PDFOverview \ud
Public sector organisations face unprecedented pressure to improve service quality while \ud
progressively lowering their costs. They are also expected to become more accountable, \ud
customer focused and responsive to stakeholder needs. \ud
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The Local Government Act, 2001: states that the corporate plan of each local authority \ud
should include the objectives and priorities of the authority and the manner by which the \ud
authority intends to assess its performance taking into account relevant service indicators \ud
(SIs). \ud
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Purpose \ud
The aim of this dissertation is to examine the use of the national SIs within local \ud
government in Ireland. The objectives are to gain an insight into the perceptions of \ud
managers on the purpose of SIs, the issues relating to the design and implementation of \ud
the SIs, the impact they have on managers, the possibility of manipulation of the results \ud
of the SIs and finally their views on the usefulness of the SIs for comparative purposes. \ud
\ud
A review of literature relating to performance measurement highlighted the issues \ud
associated with performance measures. Semi-structured interviews with a sample of \ud
managers from various local authorities were undertaken to gain an insight into the \ud
manager’s opinions on these matters. \ud
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Findings \ud
The findings demonstrate that there is a lack of understanding to the purpose of SIs. \ud
Despite the literature, that promotes performance indicators as a valuable management \ud
tool, the SIs are not as valuable as the unique set of indicators set by individual local \ud
authorities. \ud
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Future Research \ud
This study could act as a starting point for a more in depth analysis of the use of SIs \ud
within local government. Due to the sample size of interviewees, possible further \ud
research could include a comprehensive case study involving each local authority. \ud
\ud
Importance \ud
Since performance measurement is such a complex and intricate topic area, any research \ud
on its practice can only enhance understanding while simultaneously contributing to \ud
current theories
Evaluation of fish pots as a feasible fishing method in Irish waters, with specific reference to the physiological effects of common and alternate pots on the lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula).
Get PDFFinfish pots have emerged as a “responsible” gear, when used in combination with conservational and technical measures to sustain fisheries. Previous trials in Irish waters have offered no published reported data and so three designs tested in the current study provide new information on this gear. The most successful traps in terms of fish catch were rigid steel framed rectangular pots used to target Conger eel. Although commercial\ud
yield was low (0.2 per trap haul), potential existed for a viable pot fishery. Deployment and storage of Norwegian floating pots was conducted with relative ease but performance in the water was poor resulting in loss of gear. Catch returns were notable even though effort was restricted as mega-faunal by-catch was a problem, which lead to ending this trial. From these initial trials it was evident that catch rates were low compared to\ud
established Norwegian fisheries (3.6 cod per pot), which resulted in the utilisation of pots, already established in the crustacean fishery, to find species readily accessible to pot capture. Although fished and designed differently, these gears provided an opportunity to\ud
establish the benefits of pot fishing to fish quality and to determine the effects on by-catch. The fishing effects of three catching methods (pots, angling and trawl) and the effects of air exposure on the physiological status of a common by-catch, the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canícula (L.) were examined using a range of physiological biomarkers (plasma catecholamine, glucose, lactate, muscle pH and muscle lactate). Physiological responses of fish to an emersion stress regime resulted in a significant metabolic disturbance in groups, but may not have weakened the overall health of these fish, as signified in the revival of some metabolites. Plasma glucose and lactate concentrations did not however recovery to baseline levels indicating that to achieve an accurate profile, responses should be determined by a suite of biomarkers. Responses did not demonstrate that samples from the pots were significantly less stressed than for the other two methods; angling and trawling, which are in contrast to many other studies. Employment of finfish potting therefore in Irish waters needs further consideration before further promotion as a more responsible method to supplement or replace established techniques
Design of a distributed RFID system model for asset tracking and development of the required software abstraction layer
Get PDFThe spread of Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] technology throughout the asset management industry has led to a number of companies deploying RFID enabled asset management solutions. These companies have a foot hold in the market place and an in-depth knowledge of current RFID technologies. With this foot hold and RFID expertise, it is hard for start-up companies to gain the knowledge to confidently utilise RFID technologies and help their business grow. The research within this thesis aims to give a start-up company a greater understanding of the current RFID technologies and a view of the direction that future RFID technologies will take. Along with the understanding of the technology, the research also gives a good understanding of the requirements that should be met when selecting RFID equipment, testing RFID equipment and the deployment of the equipment for an effective RFID enabled asset tracking system
Exploring consumer perception and attitudes towards renewable energy with a view to developing best practice for marketing renewable energy
Get PDFThis study was conducted in County Donegal and the overall purpose is to explore perception and\ud
attitudes towards renewable energy with a view to developing best practice for marketing renewable\ud
energy in County Donegal as a future source of sustainability.\ud
Literature from government agencies and international sources was reviewed to establish issues\ud
surrounding global warming, sustainability and renewable energy.\ud
The European Union imports 50 percent of its energy requirements. If no counteractive measures are\ud
taken within the next 20 to 30 years, this figure will rise to 70 percent.\ud
Ireland relies upon imported non-renewable fossil fuels to satisfy around 86 percent of its total energy\ud
requirement (electricity, heat and transport). There are risks involved with this high reliance on imports,\ud
namely social and economic consequences and susceptibility to increasing energy prices.\ud
The Irish climate is well suited to sourcing renewables such as solar, geothermal and biomass. There is a\ud
strong argument for the need to introduce and utilise renewable energy sources globally and locally to\ud
create a more sustainable future for generations to come.\ud
The primary research comprised: a comprehensive survey questionnaire of a representative sample of\ud
homeowners who were granted commencement notice by the local authority (Donegal County Council)\ud
for new house builds in the year 2006; depth interviews with a number of building contractors\ud
representing micro and small enterprises comprising the six electoral areas in County Donegal.\ud
The findings of this study indicate that respondents in County Donegal believe that the high cost of\ud
installation of renewable energy products influences the volume of sales of same. Respondents largely\ud
consider the current government grant aid available is inadequate in assisting homeowners with the\ud
installation of renewable energy systems. Furthermore, there is a high potential for Ireland to improve its\ud
promotion of renewable energy sources
A study of green public procurement from a local authority perspective
Get PDFThis dissertation outlined the development of green procurement policy at an\ud
international, European and national level. The current culture of green procurement\ud
was examined within Irish Public Bodies, particularly Local Authorities. Procurement\ud
plans were examined for green procurement policies and tender documents were\ud
examined for green criteria. Case studies were presented to give examples of green\ud
procurement in practice, to demonstrate the procurement processes used and to\ud
summarise the lessons learned.\ud
The culture of green procurement across Irish Public Bodies was found to be extremely\ud
diverse and was often found to be driven by individuals within these bodies as much as\ud
by corporate policy. Many obstacles to Green Public Procurement were found to exist,\ud
including a need for national legislative and policy drivers. The level of knowledge and\ud
training in this area is limited and this is reflected in the general absence of green\ud
criteria in public tenders
Mental health nursing students' experience of stress: burdened by a heavy load
No full textThis paper reports research outcomes of a study into personal stress experienced by mental health student nurses undertaking a diploma programme in Ireland. It uses a phenomenological research approach. The sample was purposive and involved in-depth interviews with six students. The purpose of the study was to contribute to the knowledge of the impact of personal life stressors. Findings from this study focus on the following themes; event, meaning, effects, ability to move beyond the stress, influence on life and constraints and demands. Key points arising are that the stress experience does impact students’ internal and external world, potentially lessening functioning and inhibiting growth and development. This paper presents student narratives which offer insights into their inner world, providing true accounts of the essence of stress for them. This knowledge has implications for lecturers, personal tutors, nurse educationalists and nursing curricula, highlighting need for more pro-active approaches to the provision of guidance on professional support for students and staff. Insights derived from this study are not only relevant to mental health nurse education but to academic staff delivering professional education programmes to healthcare practitioners in a variety of settings
An exploratory study into the importance of key account management and the value it brings to the buyer-seller relationship
Get PDFThis study explores the importance of Key Account Management and the value it\ud
brings to the buyer-seller relationship.\ud
The study examines past and current literature in the areas o f Key Account\ud
Management and Relationship Marketing.\ud
The nature of this study is exploratory. The research consisted o f a combination of\ud
primary and secondary research. Primary data was collected from 125 questionnaires\ud
and ten in-depth interviews with key account managers and buyers. The secondary\ud
data was attained from business libraries academic journals, textbooks within the\ud
relevant area and library electronic databases of the internet.\ud
The primary research uncovered a number of key findings. Findings confirm the\ud
importance and value opportunities of Key Account Management to buyers and\ud
sellers. Findings also confirmed the significant role the KAM plays in building and\ud
maintaining the buyer-seller relationship primarily through the provision of high\ud
quality customer service and support to their key accounts. The value of\ud
organisational support, trust and commitment and regular communication in\ud
developing and maintaining a successful long- term buyer-seller relationship was also\ud
identified.\ud
The study concludes by arriving at conclusions to the overall research objective and\ud
five supporting research objectives.\ud
Recommendations are then presented for further research in the area of KAM.\ud
Suggestions include increasing the amount of customers research the selling company\ud
carry’s out to improve understanding of the buyer, their needs and value requirements,\ud
improving the value delivered to the customer
Biocide levels in surface and groundwater at IPPC licensed wood preservation sites in Ireland
Get PDFThe reason the project was undertaken was to assess the level of compliance at Integrated\ud
Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) licensed sites using copper azole based wood\ud
preservatives. It was found during the project that there is an issue with biocide levels\ud
reported in surface-water and groundwater, namely tebuconazole and propiconazole at these\ud
sites, the results of the environmental audit and statistical analysis of available downstream\ud
and upstream results, indicate that at sites in agricultural areas that there is a probable outside\ud
contribution to surface-water levels at certain IPPC licensed sites. In terms of surface-water\ud
monitoring at these sites, where external sources of pesticides might be suspected based on\ud
upstream sampling, results suggest that copper analysis is a more robust indicator of\ud
compliance.\ud
The main finding from the environmental audit was that the level of compliance has\ud
improved since 2007 and achieving surface-water and groundwater compliance is well within\ud
the grasp of site operators provided they follow the manufactures instructions on use of the\ud
product. The case study demonstrated that there are still historical issues associated with the\ud
previous use of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) at a number of sites, remediation is ongoing\ud
and with the recent move to the copper azole, which has temperature independent\ud
fixation properties, the on-site situation should improved provided that manufacturer’s\ud
instructions are followed.\ud
The main conclusions reached were:\ud
• On-site practice in terms of the manner in which timber is presented prior to\ud
treatment, post treatment holding times of 48 hours and storage is critical to ensuring\ud
compliance with surface-water limits for copper and biocides.\ud
• Site monitoring points should include up-stream or up gradient sample points for\ud
surface-water and groundwater sampling.\ud
• The draft Code of Practice for the Operation of Timber Preservation Plants in an\ud
Environmental Conscious Manner, TQBI, 1996, should be revisited by relevant\ud
industry bodies and issued formally