The development and application of cultural archetypes for understanding innovation capability

This thesis recognizes that organizational culture is a primary determinant of innovation capability and argues the need to better understand this relationship or process as a necessary prerequisite to nurturing it in a more structured and systematic manner. The study explores this relationship within an R&D environment in telecommunications. It draws upon the knowledge management, organisational behaviour and organisational theory literatures to conceptualise organisational culture as a repository of knowledge. Using a soft systems bottom up approach four cultural archetypes with specific knowledge dynamics are identified and developed through a three-phase multi-method research strategy. These provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between organisational culture and innovation capability. The thesis concludes by considering strategies for improving innovation capability through the effective and appropriate movement between these archetypes

Giving sustainability a chance: A participatory framework for choosing between alternative futures

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Transferable case based lessons from value chain development in Kenya

The aim of this paper is to critique a poverty reduction programme in the highlands of Kenya involving value chain development with 250 small-scale farmers. The paper will address how the knowledge derived from this project might be utilized to ensure the enhanced long-term sustainability of similar schemes in isolated rural areas. Literature relating to the implementation of rural poverty reduction initiatives will be integrated with the narrative of the project, the objectives of which were to support social, economic, and ecologically sound modes of production leading to a reduction in local rural poverty. A final section will relate these themes to some project-specific and transferable recommendations about the delivery of value chain projects with a particular focus on the concepts of governance, gender, and trust which are seen as central to the management of rural development projects

Transferable case-based lessons from value chain development in Kenya

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A vision and a framework of governance for sustainability: Assuring food security within natural systems

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