The institutional shaping of management: in the tracks of English individualism

Globalisation raises important questions about the shaping of economic action by cultural factors. This article explores the formation of what is seen by some as a prime influence on the formation of British management: individualism. Drawing on a range of historical sources, it argues for a comparative approach. In this case, the primary comparison drawn is between England and Scotland. The contention is that there is a systemic approach to authority in Scotland that can be contrasted to a personal approach in England. An examination of the careers of a number of Scottish pioneers of management suggests the roots of this systemic approach in practices of church governance. Ultimately this systemic approach was to take a secondary role to the personal approach engendered by institutions like the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, but it found more success in the different institutional context of the USA. The complexities of dealing with historical evidence are stressed, as is the value of taking a comparative approach. In this case this indicates a need to take religious practice as seriously as religious belief as a source of transferable practice. The article suggests that management should not be seen as a simple response to economic imperatives, but as shaped by the social and cultural context from which it emerges

A low pressure ultrafiltration membrane system for potable water supply to developing communities in South Africa

Three pilot studies were performed in different areas of South Africa, demonstrating that particulate and colloidal turbidity can be reduced to acceptable levels. By operating at a static manifold pressure of between 100 and 140 kPa and a constant flux of 30-40 l/m2.h, up to 85% removal of NOM and >90% reduction in colour was observed. No microbiological indicator organisms were detected in any of the permeate samples analyzed. During the operation of the membranes for more than 3 yrs, a loss of only 5% of membrane area was experienced, and a membrane life of <5 yrs can therefore be expected. The use of polysulphone ultrafiltration capillary membranes at a low operating pressured is able to remove natural organic matter, reduce organic colour (humic and fulvic susbtances) and partially disinfect the water. Ultrafiltration provides a simple and effective means for the production of potable water for small communities.Three pilot studies were performed in different areas of South Africa, demonstrating that particulate and colloidal turbidity can be reduced to acceptable levels. By operating at a static manifold pressure of between 100 and 140 kPa and a constant flux of 30-40 l/m2.h, up to 85% removal of NOM and >90% reduction in colour was observed. No microbiological indicator organisms were detected in any of the permeate samples analyzed. During the operation of the membranes for more than 3 years, a loss of only 5% of membrane area was experienced, and a membrane life of >5 years can therefore be expected. The use of polysulphone ultrafiltration capillary membranes at a low operating pressure is able to remove natural organic matter, reduce organic colour (humic and fulvic substances) and partially disinfect the water. Ultrafiltration provides a simple and effective means for the production of potable water for small communities.Articl