Maintenance management model for industrial Smes

This paper presents the design and results of the implementation of a model for the evaluation and improvement of maintenance management in industrial SMEs. A thorough review of the state of the art on maintenance management was conducted to determine the model variables; to characterize industrial SMEs, a questionnaire was developed with Likert variables collected in the previous step. Once validated the questionnaire, we applied the same to a group of seventy-five (75) SMEs in the industrial sector, located in Bolivar State, Venezuela. To identify the most relevant variables maintenance management, we used exploratory factor analysis technique applied to the data collected. The score obtained for all the companies evaluated (57% compliance), highlights the weakness of maintenance management in industrial SMEs, particularly in the areas of planning and continuous improvement; most SMEs are evaluated in corrective maintenance stage, and its performance standard only response to the occurrence of faults.

A management model for closed-loop supply chains of reusable articles

This PhD dissertation is framed in the emergent fields of Reverse Logistics and ClosedLoop Supply Chain (CLSC) management. This subarea of supply chain management has gained researchers and practitioners' attention over the last 15 years to become a fully recognized subdiscipline of the Operations Management field. More specifically, among all the activities that are included within the CLSC area, the focus of this dissertation is centered in direct reuse aspects. The main contribution of this dissertation to current knowledge is twofold. First, a framework for the so-called reuse CLSC is developed. This conceptual model is grounded in a set of six case studies conducted by the author in real industrial settings. The model has also been contrasted with existing literature and with academic and professional experts on the topic as well. The framework encompasses four building blocks. In the first block, a typology for reusable articles is put forward, distinguishing between Returnable Transport Items (RTI), Reusable Packaging Materials (RPM), and Reusable Products (RP). In the second block, the common characteristics that render reuse CLSC difficult to manage from a logistical standpoint are identified, namely: fleet shrinkage, significant investment and limited visibility. In the third block, the main problems arising in the management of reuse CLSC are analyzed, such as: (1) define fleet size dimension, (2) control cycle time and promote articles rotation, (3) control return rate and prevent shrinkage, (4) define purchase policies for new articles, (5) plan and control reconditioning activities, and (6) balance inventory between depots. Finally, in the fourth block some solutions to those issues are developed. Firstly, problems (2) and (3) are addressed through the comparative analysis of alternative strategies for controlling cycle time and return rate. Secondly, a methodology for calculating the required fleet size is elaborated (problem (1)). This methodology is valid for different configurations of the physical flows in the reuse CLSC. Likewise, some directions are pointed out for further development of a similar method for defining purchase policies for new articles (problem (4)). The second main contribution of this dissertation is embedded in the solutions part (block 4) of the conceptual framework and comprises a two-level decision problem integrating two mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models that have been formulated and solved to optimality using AIMMS as modeling language, CPLEX as solver and Excel spreadsheet for data introduction and output presentation. The results obtained are analyzed in order to measure in a client-supplier system the economic impact of two alternative control strategies (recovery policies) in the context of reuse. In addition, the models support decision-making regarding the selection of the appropriate recovery policy against the characteristics of demand pattern and the structure of the relevant costs in the system. The triangulation of methods used in this thesis has enabled to address the same research topic with different approaches and thus, the robustness of the results obtained is strengthened.

Modelo de gesti��n por proyectos para el desarrollo local (MGPDL) en el marco de la nueva gesti��n p��blica. Aplicaci��n a los distritos y barrios de la ciudad de Madrid

Esta investigaci��n presenta un modelo de gesti��n para el ��mbito p��blico local enmarcado en la Nueva Gesti��n P��blica que aboga por una gesti��n m��s eficaz, eficiente y transparente, y que pone el acento en la consideraci��n del administrado como cliente y en las capacidades gerenciales y de liderazgo de los directivos p��blicos por encima de la funci��n burocr��tica cl��sica. Asumiendo el concepto de comunidad pol��tica, en el que los ciudadanos y los gobernantes son corresponsables de la concertaci��n pol��tica y social, y se pone en valor el conocimiento de la sociedad civil para la toma de decisiones, este modelo se expresa a trav��s de un plan de acci��n para el desarrollo local que incorpora la estrategia empresarial ���gesti��n por proyectos���, entendidos ��stos como todos los proyectos que recogen las necesidades e ideas de los afectados, y que de alguna manera contribuyen al cambio o ayudan a transformar la realidad para la mejora de la calidad de vida. La realidad objeto de estudio que inspira este modelo es el primer plan de inversiones llevado a cabo en los distritos madrile��os de Villaverde y Usera. Las caracter��sticas propias de este plan fueron la voluntad y la habilidad de los poderes p��blicos para transformar una movilizaci��n social reivindicativa en un proceso de planificaci��n como aprendizaje social, integrando a los ciudadanos en un innovador sistema de gesti��n de responsabilidad compartida. El resultado fue considerado un ��xito, ya que se cumpli�� el objetivo de reequilibrio social y econ��mico de ambos distritos con el conjunto de la ciudad de Madrid, gracias a las infraestructuras y equipamientos construidos, y a los programas sociales implementados. De hecho, al concluir el plan, los problemas que originaron la movilizaci��n social apenas ten��an relevancia: droga (5%), falta de equipamientos (3%) y baja calidad de vida (5%). A ra��z del aprendizaje de esta experiencia desarrollada durante el per��odo 1998��� 2003, se construy�� una metodolog��a de actuaci��n que se ha materializado en los actuales Planes especiales de actuaci��n en distritos y Planes de Barrio de la ciudad de Madrid. Las evaluaciones realizadas hasta ahora determinan que se est�� logrando una homogeneizaci��n territorial en la oferta municipal de bienes, servicios y equipamientos p��blicos, lo que contribuye a una mayor equidad econ��mica y social, en definitiva, a una mejor calidad de vida. ABSTRACT This research presents a management model for the public sector local framed in the New Public Management that advocates a public management more effective, efficient and transparent, and that puts the accent on the consideration of the citizen as client and in managerial and leadership skills of public managers over the classic bureaucratic function. Embracing the concept of political community, in which citizens and governments are jointly responsible for the political and social dialogue, and highlights the knowledge of the civil society to the decision���making, this model is expressed through an action plan for local development that incorporates the business strategy "management by projects', understood these as all the projects that reflected the needs and ideas of those affected, and that in some way contribute to the change or help to transform the reality for the improvement of the quality of life. The reality which is subject of study and inspires this model is the first investment plan carried out in the districts of Madrid Villaverde and Usera. The characteristics of this plan were the will and the ability of the public authorities to transform a social mobilization in a planning process as social learning, integrating to citizens in an innovative system of management of shared responsibility. The result was considered a success, since the target was met for social and economic balance of the two districts with the whole of the city of Madrid, thanks to the built infrastructure and equipment, and the social programs implemented. In fact, at the end of the plan, the problems that led to the social mobilization had little relevance: drugs (5 %), lack of equipment (3 %) and low quality of life (5 %). As a result of learning from this experience developed during the period 1998��� 2003, was built a methodology of performance which has been materialized in the current plans for special action in districts and plans of neighborhood of the city of Madrid. The evaluations conducted until now determine that the plans are achieving a territorial homogenization in the municipal supply of goods, services and public facilities, which contributes to a better economic and social equity, ultimately, to a better quality of life.

Modelo de Gesti��n del Conocimiento para la Competitividad del Sector de las Construcciones Petroleras, Petroqu��micas y Energ��ticas Venezolanas

La construcci��n es una de las actividades m��s valiosas para la sociedad debido a la naturaleza de los servicios que ofrece y por el volumen de empleos y movimiento econ��mico que genera. Por ello es un elemento fundamental para el desarrollo sustentable. Es una industria compleja, cada vez m��s dependiente del conocimiento. Debido a su naturaleza fragmentaria y temporal y la alta rotaci��n de personal presenta grandes retos y complicaciones particulares. Estas dificultades en oportunidades pueden transformarse en problemas por la complejidad, localizaci��n geogr��fica o los requisitos t��cnicos, financieros e innovaciones de los proyectos. Debido a sus caracter��sticas, las construcciones sufren cambios en las condiciones planificadas. Con frecuencia estos cambios conducen a retrasos en la ejecuci��n de los proyectos, costes superiores a los presupuestados y conflictos entre los clientes y los ejecutores. Esto genera problemas de competitividad que afectan tanto a pa��ses desarrollados como pa��ses en v��as de desarrollo. Los problemas de la construcci��n tienen perniciosos efectos para la sociedad, que pierde recursos que deber��an permitir mejores resultados en t��rminos de calidad de vida y beneficios sociales y econ��micos. Debido a la importancia del sector y los ingentes recursos que se invierten en cada proyecto se justifican los m��ximos esfuerzos para lograr los mejores desempe��os de esta industria. ��ste inter��s ha orientado el desarrollo de investigaciones, para apoyar el logro de los objetivos de mejoramiento continuo y construcci��n sustentable. Los estudios desarrollados han permitido demostrar el valor a��adido del conocimiento en todos los sectores productivos. Para la construcci��n, los conocimientos ofrecen indicadores de desempe��o, datos y lecciones aprendidas provenientes de aciertos y errores. Estos deben conducir a aprendizajes fundamentales para sustentar su competitividad. Sin embargo, a pesar de los conocimientos disponibles y los avances en las t��cnicas de control gerencial y de proyectos, es alarmante la recurrencia de los problemas de construcci��n. Esta problem��tica se manifiesta con severidad en los proyectos de construcci��n industrial que se desarrollan para el sector petrolero, petroqu��mico y energ��tico venezolano. El sector presenta evidentes necesidades para un mejor desempe��o competitivo por la alta incidencia de retrasos de los proyectos, que implican p��rdidas de gran parte de los recursos humanos, financieros, t��cnicos y conocimientos invertidos. Esta investigaci��n plantea como objetivos analizar la importancia de la construcci��n y su sustentabilidad, los principales problemas que afectan el sector, la gesti��n del conocimiento y algunos modelos disponibles para gestionarlos. Igualmente examina las lecciones aprendidas y la productividad y competitividad, con particular atenci��n a los problemas de competitividad venezolanos. Adicionalmente se eval��an las implicaciones del conocimiento como activo estrat��gico y se caracterizan las empresas de construcci��n industrial venezolanas. Para ello se identifican las dimensiones que sustentan la gesti��n del conocimiento en estas empresas, para finalmente determinar las que resultan m��s id��neas para el nuevo modelo a ser propuesto. Con estos objetivos se desarroll�� el estudio emp��rico. Para ello fueron invitados a participar representantes de 105 empresas y expertos de construcci��n distintos, todos con experiencias de construcci��n al sector industrial venezolano. Se obtuvieron 112 respuestas en representaci��n de 41 organizaciones y expertos diferentes. El trabajo de campo inici�� en Junio de 2012 y culmin�� en Noviembre de 2012. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados con apoyo de t��cnicas estad��sticas descriptivas y multivariables. Los objetivos de la investigaci��n se alcanzaron ya que se logr�� caracterizar el sector de las construcciones industriales y se propuso un nuevo modelo de gesti��n del conocimiento adecuado a sus caracter��sticas. El nuevo modelo fue formulado atendiendo a criterios de sencillez, bajos costes y facilidad de adaptaci��n para motivar su utilizaci��n en organizaciones de construcci��n industrial variadas. Con ello se busca que resulte de utilidad a��n para las organizaciones m��s peque��as, con menores recursos o aquellas que enfrentan entornos constructivos complicados. Por ��ltimo se presentan algunas sugerencias para motivar la comprensi��n de los fen��menos estudiados en los grupos de inter��s de la construcci��n. Se propone analizar estos problemas desde las etapas iniciales de los estudios de ingenier��a, de arquitectura, de construcci��n, de econom��a y administraci��n. Igualmente se propone desarrollar acciones conjuntas de parte de los sectores acad��micos, gubernamentales, industriales y asociaciones para el mejoramiento competitivo y desarrollo sustentable global. La propuesta aporta datos sobre el sector constructivo venezolano en un ��rea que presenta grandes carencias y propone un modelo innovador por su sencillez y orientaci��n hacia el uso diario e intuitivo de los conocimientos como recursos fundamentales para la competitividad. Esta orientaci��n puede tener trascendencia m��s all�� del sector descrito, para apoyar la soluci��n de problemas de otras industrias en entornos globales. ABSTRACT Construction is one of the most valuable activities for society due to the nature of the services offered and the number of jobs and revenues generated. Therefore it is a key element for sustainable development. Construction is a complex industry increasingly dependent on knowledge. Its temporary and fragmentary nature and the high staff turnover present great challenges and particular complications to construction. In some cases these conditions may evolve to serious problems because of the complexity, geographic location or even technical, financial and innovative requirements of each project. Due to their characteristics, constructions frequently undergo changes in planned conditions. Often these changes lead to delays in project completion, costs higher than budgeted and conflicts between clients and performers. This creates problems of competitiveness affecting both developed and developing countries. The construction problems have harmful effects on society, since it loses resources that would otherwise allow better results in terms of quality of life and social and economic benefits. The importance and the enormous resources invested in each project justify the efforts to achieve the best performance of this industry. This interest has guided the development of multiple research efforts to support the achievement of construction performance improvements and sustainable construction. The studies carried out have demonstrated the added value of knowledge in all productive sectors. For construction, knowledge offers performance indicators, data and lessons learned from successes and failures. These should lead to fundamental learning to sustain sector competitiveness. However, despite the available knowledge and advances in techniques and project management control, the recurrence of construction problems is alarming. This problem shows itself severely in industrial construction projects that are developed for the Venezuelan oil, petrochemical and energy sectors. These sectors have evident needs for better competitive performance because of the high incidence of project delays, involving loss of much of the human, financial, technical and knowledge resources invested. This research analyzes the importance of construction and sustainability, the main problems affecting the sector, knowledge and some models available to manage them. It also examines the lessons learned and the productivity and competitiveness, with particular attention to the problems of Venezuelan competitiveness. Additionally, the Venezuelan industrial construction companies are characterized evaluating the implications of knowledge as an strategic asset for construction. Moreover, the research evaluates the dimensions that support knowledge management in these companies, to finally identify those that are the most suitable for the new model to be proposed. With these objectives in mind the empirical study was developed. 105 different companies and experts with Venezuelan industrial construction experiences were invited to participate on the survey. 112 responses were obtained representing 41 different organizations and experts. Fieldwork started in June 2012 and ended in November 2012. The data obtained was analyzed with descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques. The research objectives were achieved since the industrial construction sector was characterized and a new management model was proposed based on the particular characteristics of these companies. The new model was formulated according to the criteria of simplicity, low cost and ease of adaptation. This was performed to motivate the use of the new model in various industrial construction organizations, even in smaller companies, with limited resources or those facing complex construction environments. Finally some suggestions to encourage understanding of the phenomena studied among construction stakeholders were proposed. The importance of studying these problems at an early stage of the engineering, architectural, construction, economic and administration studies is highlighted. Additionally, academic, government, industrial organizations and associations are invited to join efforts to improve the competitive and sustainable global development. The proposal provides data on the Venezuelan construction sector in an area that has large gaps and proposes a model which is innovative for its simplicity and suggests the daily and intuitive use of knowledge resources as a key issue to competitiveness. This orientation may have implications beyond the described sector to support the solution of problems of other industries in a global environment.

Modelo de competencias profesionales para directivos escolares: desarrollo y aplicaci��n al ��mbito de la educaci��n particular subvencionada, Chile

La trascendencia de la educaci��n sobre la construcci��n del capital humano y social, ha sido vastamente discutido, considerando entre otros elementos, la correlaci��n entre las inversiones en educaci��n, las pol��ticas educativas, los actores involucrados, y los efectos que tienen sobre la calidad de la educaci��n. Esto se refleja en los esfuerzos, de los diferentes estamentos, por mejorar los resultados del proceso educativo, intentando construir una sociedad m��s equitativa en la cual todo individuo pueda tener acceso a una educaci��n de calidad, que permita tener las mismas oportunidades para el desarrollo personal, profesional y social. La educaci��n entonces, pasa a ser un pilar fundamental en los modelos de desarrollo - y un tema de debate constante- en especial en aspectos tales como: resultados de aprendizaje, gesti��n y efectividad escolar, como ejes para mejorar la construcci��n del capital humano en la sociedad. En Chile, a partir de un proceso de descentralizaci��n de la educaci��n iniciado en los 80, el modelo de planificaci��n y gesti��n de la educaci��n p��blica fue transformado, pasando de un modelo centralizado a un enfoque en el cual el establecimiento educacional ��� el proyecto educativo ��� adquiere autonom��a de gesti��n que se vuelve determinante en la calidad de la educaci��n. Es al interior de los establecimientos escolares donde los diferentes agentes educativos llevan a cabo los procesos pedag��gicos y administrativos, y se generan las condiciones para poder desarrollar una educaci��n de calidad. Durante los ��ltimos 30 a��os, los esfuerzos se han centrado en las capacidades docentes y en alcanzar la cobertura universal. Sin embargo, en los ��ltimos 10 a��os la investigaci��n aplicada ha evidenciado que los directores y equipos directivos tienen efectos directos e indirectos sobre la gesti��n escolar, pedag��gica y de convivencia dentro de la escuela a trav��s de su desempe��o y liderazgo escolar. Es en este contexto, que se propone esta investigaci��n con el fin de contribuir en el fortalecimiento de las capacidades de estos actores y promover un desempe��o que impacte positivamente en la calidad de los aprendizajes en las escuelas Esta tesis se estructura en cinco cap��tulos. En el primer cap��tulo, se define y analiza el marco conceptual de la investigaci��n centrado en los dos ejes de este trabajo: por un lado, conceptos de competencia, competencias profesionales; y por otro lado, liderazgo y direcci��n escolar, definiendo el concepto de competencias profesionales para la direcci��n escolar. A continuaci��n, en el segundo cap��tulo, se presenta un an��lisis del contexto enfocado en el proceso de descentralizaci��n de la educaci��n p��blica en Chile y sus efectos sobre el rol de los directivos escolares en Chile, el cual a trav��s de su proceso de evoluci��n ha transformado las responsabilidades de este estamento, en cuanto la gesti��n y la administraci��n de los proyectos educativos definiendo un perfil del directivo escolar. Complementariamente, y en funci��n de la gesti��n directiva, se realiza una conceptualizaci��n de buenas pr��cticas directivas como los instrumentos a trav��s de las cuales se movilizan los elementos de competencia. En el tercer cap��tulo, se presenta la propuesta de modelo de competencias profesionales para la direcci��n escolar, como la principal aportaci��n de esta investigaci��n, que se sustenta sobre cuatro componentes como base cient��fica: el enfoque hol��stico de competencia, el enfoque de direcci��n de proyectos de la International Project Management Association (IPMA), el paradigma de gesti��n escolar y el modelo Working with People (WWP). La propuesta considera una metodolog��a de implementaci��n para el desarrollo de procesos de intervenci��n para la mejora de la gesti��n escolar, articulando las competencias profesionales directivas y las pr��cticas de gesti��n, como los principales componentes del modelo. En el cuarto cap��tulo se presenta la aplicaci��n del modelo propuesto en un estudio de caso desarrollado en el Colegio p��blico Kings�� School de San Bernardo (Chile), un establecimiento particular subvencionado, del ��rea urbana de Santiago con condiciones socioecon��micas media, con un alto porcentaje de vulnerabilidad y cuyos resultados en las pruebas de evaluaci��n nacionales evidencian una ca��da. La aplicaci��n del modelo se realiza a lo largo del curso 2012-13, trabajando de forma directa con el equipo de direcci��n, a trav��s de un proyecto de innovaci��n educativa, dise��ando e implementando una propuesta de intervenci��n de la cual se sistematizan los resultados y los aprendizajes obtenidos. A partir de la investigaci��n y los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que el modelo propuesto puede ser considerada una herramienta estrat��gica de planificaci��n e intervenci��n para la gesti��n de proyectos educativos, promoviendo que a los equipos directivos contrastar su realidad con los est��ndares propuestos, y de esta forma poder articular las capacidades ��� en t��rminos de competencias - de los recursos humanos con las pr��cticas directivas que buscan lograr los objetivos y resultados esperados, incidiendo positivamente en los resultados de aprendizaje y la calidad educativa. ABSTRACT The importance of education on the construction of human and social capital, has been vastly discussed, considering among other things, the correlation between investments in education, educational policies, stakeholders, and the effects they have on education quality. This is reflected on the efforts of different stakeholders, to improve educational outcomes, trying to build a more equitable society in which every individual can have access to quality education, allowing the same opportunities for personal, professional and social development. Education then becomes a cornerstone at development models - and a topic of constant discussion, especially in areas such as learning outcomes, management and school effectiveness, as core concepts to improve the construction of human capital in the society. In Chile, after a process of decentralization of education that started in the 80s, planning and management model of public education was transformed from a centralized approach to a decentralized perspective in which schools - the educational project - acquires management autonomy and becomes determinant in the quality of education outcomes. It is within the school context where teachers, principals and administrative assistants held teaching and administrative processes, and generates the conditions to develop quality education. During the past 30 years, efforts have been focused on teaching skills and achieve universal coverage. However, in the last 10 years applied research has shown that the principals and management teams have direct and indirect effects on school management, teaching and school environment through their performance and school leadership. This research is proposed within this context in order to contribute to strengthen the capacities of these actors, and promote a professional performance that will positively impact schools�� quality of learning. This thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter defines and analyzes the conceptual framework focused on the two main ideas of this work: first, concepts of competence, professional competence; and secondly, leadership and school management, defining the concept of professional competences for school leadership. Then, in the second chapter is developed a context analysis focused on the process of decentralization of public education in Chile, and its effects on the role of school leaders which through this process has been transformed the responsibilities on management and administration of educational projects, allowing to define a school leader���s profile. In addition, and related to principals�� management, it is proposed a conceptualization of school leadership best practices, as the instruments through which competence elements are mobilized and placed in action. Within chapter three, is presented the proposed model of professional competences for school principals, as the main contribution of this research which is based on four components as scientific basis: holistic competence approach, project management approach from the International Project management Association (IPMA), effective school management paradigm; and Working with People model (WWP). The proposal considers an implementation methodology for the development of intervention processes to improve school management, articulating professional competences and school leadership practices, as main elements of the model. Chapter four presents the implementation of the proposed model, using a case study at the Kings�� School of San Bernardo (Chile), subsidized school located at the urban area of Santiago with average socioeconomic conditions, with a high percentage of vulnerability and whose national educational assessment results show a fall. Model implementation was developed through 2012- 2013, working directly with the management team, through an innovative educational management project, designing and implementing an intervention which processes, results and lessons learned are systematized. Research and obtained results through its implementation indicates that the proposed model can be considered a strategic tool for planning and operational management for educational projects, encouraging the principals to compare their reality with the proposed standards, and thus articulate capacity - in terms of competences ��� in human resources with principals�� practices to achieve the objectives and expected results, impacting positively on learning outcomes and educational quality.

Modelo del sistema de gesti��n de la calidad y el desempe��o organizacional en la producci��n de petr��leo

El proceso de cambio de una sociedad industrial a una sociedad del conocimiento, que experimenta el mundo globalizado en el siglo XXI, induce a las empresas y organizaciones a desarrollar ventajas competitivas y sostenibles basadas en sus activos intangibles, entre los cuales destacan los sistemas de gesti��n en general y los sistemas de gesti��n de la calidad (SGC) en particular. Las organizaciones dedicadas a la producci��n de petr��leo est��n influenciadas por dicha tendencia. El petr��leo es un recurso natural con reservas limitadas, cuya producci��n y consumo ha crecido progresivamente, aportando la mayor cuota (35 %) del total de la energ��a que se consume en el mundo contempor��neo, aporte que se mantendr�� hasta el a��o 2035, seg��n las previsiones m��s conservadoras. Por tanto, se hace necesario desarrollar modelos de producci��n innovadores, que contribuyan a la mejora del factor de recobro de los yacimientos y de la vida ��til de los mismos, al tiempo que satisfagan los requerimientos de producci��n y consumo diarios de los exigentes mercados globales. El objeto de esta investigaci��n es el desarrollo de un modelo de gesti��n de la calidad y su efecto en el desempe��o organizacional, a trav��s del efecto mediador de los constructos satisfacci��n del cliente interno y gesti��n del conocimiento en la producci��n de petr��leo. Esta investigaci��n de car��cter explicativo, no experimental, transeccional y ex-postfacto, se realiz�� en la regi��n petrol��fera del lago de Maracaibo, al occidente de Venezuela, la cual tiene m��s de 70 a��os en producci��n y cuenta con yacimientos maduros. La poblaci��n objeto de estudio fue de 369 trabajadores petroleros, quienes participaron en las mesas t��cnicas de la calidad, durante los meses de mayo y julio del a��o 2012, los cuales en su mayor��a est��n en proceso de formaci��n como analistas, asesores y auditores de los SGC. La t��cnica de muestreo aplicada fue de tipo aleatorio simple, con una muestra de 252 individuos. A la misma se le aplic�� un cuestionario dise��ado ad hoc, el cual fue validado por las t��cnicas de juicio de expertos y prueba piloto. El procedimiento de investigaci��n se realiz�� a trav��s de una secuencia, que incluy�� la elaboraci��n de un modelo te��rico, basado en la revisi��n del estado del arte; un modelo factorial, sobre la base del an��lisis factorial de los datos de la encuesta; un modelo de regresi��n lineal, elaborado a trav��s del m��todo de regresi��n lineal simple y m��ltiple; un modelo de an��lisis de sendero, realizado con el software Amos 20 SPSS y finalmente, un modelo inform��tico, realizado con el simulador Vensim PLE v.6.2. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el modelo te��rico se transform�� en un modelo emp��rico, en el cual, la variable independiente fue el SGC, la variable mediadora fue la integraci��n de las dimensiones eliminaci��n de la no conformidad, satisfacci��n del cliente interno y aprendizaje organizacional (ENCSCIAO) y la variable respuesta la integraci��n de las dimensiones desempe��o organizacional y aprendizaje organizacional (DOOA). Se verific�� el efecto mediador del ENSCIAO sobre la relaci��n SGC-DOOA con una bondad del ajuste, del 42,65%. En el modelo de regresi��n m��ltiple se encontr�� que las variables determinantes son eliminaci��n de la no conformidad (ENC), conocimiento adquirido (CA) y conocimiento espont��neo (CE), lo cual fue corroborado con el modelo de an��lisis de sendero. El modelo inform��tico se desarroll�� empleando datos aproximados de una unidad de producci��n tipo, gener��ndose cuatro escenarios; siendo el m��s favorable, aquel en el cual se aplicaba el SGC y variables relacionadas, reduciendo la desviaci��n de la producci��n, incrementando el factor de recobro y ampliando la vida ��til del yacimiento. Se concluye que la aplicaci��n del SGC y constructos relacionados favorece el desempe��o y la producci��n de las unidades de explotaci��n de yacimientos petrol��feros maduros. Los principales aportes de la tesis son la obtenci��n de un modelo de gesti��n de la producci��n de petr��leo en yacimientos maduros, basado en los SGC. Asimismo, el desarrollo de un concepto de gesti��n de la calidad asociado a la reducci��n de la desviaci��n de la producci��n petrol��fera anual, al incremento del factor de recobro y al aumento de la vida ��til del yacimiento. Las futuras l��neas de investigaci��n est��n orientadas a la aplicaci��n del modelo en contextos reales y espec��ficos, para medir su impacto y realizar los ajustes pertinentes. ABSTRACT The process of change from an industrial society to a knowledge-based society, which undergoes the globalized world in the twenty-first century, induces companies and organizations to develop a sustainable and competitive advantages based on its intangible assets, among which are noteworthy the management systems in general and particularly the quality management systems (QMS). Organizations engaged in oil production are influenced by said trend. Oil is a natural resource with limited reserves, where production and consumption has grown progressively, providing the largest share (35%) of the total energy consumed in the contemporary world, a contribution that will remain until the year 2035 according to the more conservative trust estimations. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop innovative production models which contribute with the improvement of reservoirs�� recovery factor and the lifetime thereof, while meeting the production requirements and daily consumption of demanding global markets. The aim of this research is to develop a model of quality management and its effect on organizational performance through the mediator effect of the constructs, internal customer satisfaction and knowledge management in oil production. This research of explanatory nature, not experimental, transactional and expos-facto was carried out in the oil-region of Maracaibo Lake located to the west of Venezuela, which has more than 70 years in continuous production and has mature reservoirs. The population under study was 369 oil workers who participated in the technical quality workshops, during the months of May and July of 2012, the majority of which were in the process of training as analysts, consultants and auditors of the QMS. The sampling technique applied was simple random type. To a sample of 252 individuals of the population it was applied an ad hoc designed questionnaire, which was validated by the techniques of expert judgment and pilot test. The research procedure was performed through a sequence, which included the elaboration of a theoretical model, based on the review of the state of the art; a factorial model with based on factorial analysis of the survey data; a linear regression model, developed through the method of simple and multiple linear regression; a structural equation model, made with software ��Amos 20 SPSS�� and finally, a computer model, performed with the simulator Vensim PLE v.6.2. The results indicate that the theoretical model was transformed into an empirical model, in which the independent variable was the QMS, the mediator variable was the integration of the dimensions: elimination of non-conformity, internal customer satisfaction and organizational learning (ENCSCIAO) and the response variable the integration of the dimensions, organizational performance and learning organizational (DOOA). ENSCIAO��s mediator effect on the relation QMS-DOOA was verified with a goodness of fit of 42,65%. In the multiple regression model was found to be the determining variables are elimination of nonconformity (ENC), knowledge acquired (CA) and spontaneous knowledge (EC), which was verified with the structural equation model. The computer model was developed based on approximate data of an oil production unit type, creating four (04) scenarios; being the most favorable, that one which it was applied the QMS and related variables, reducing the production deviation, increasing the recovery factor and extending the lifetime of the reservoir. It is concluded that QMS implementation powered with the related constructs, favors performance and production of mature oilfield of exploitation reservoirs units. The main contributions of this thesis are obtaining a management model for oil production in mature oilfields, based on QMS. In addition, development of a concept of quality associated to reduce the annual oil production deviation, increase the recovery factor and increase oilfield lifetime. Future lines of research are oriented to the implementation of this model in real and specific contexts to measure its impact and make the necessary adjustments that might take place.

Modelo para la gesti��n de la ordenaci��n territorial en el Ecuador en el marco de su Constituci��n

Ecuador, pa��s sudamericano, aprob�� en el a��o 2008 una Constituci��n en la que subyace un modelo de desarrollo humano multidimensional y alternativo al vigente. Sus dimensiones sociales, econ��micas, pol��ticas, culturales y ambientales se encuentran en los textos correspondientes a los ���Derechos���, ���R��gimen de Desarrollo��� y ���R��gimen del Buen Vivir���; en tanto que las dimensiones territoriales se hallan expuestas en la ���Organizaci��n Territorial del Estado���, conformada por regiones, provincias, cantones y parroquias rurales, con sus respectivos gobiernos aut��nomos descentralizados, a los que la misma Constituci��n les atribuye, entre otras, las competencias exclusivas de ���planificar el desarrollo��� y ���formular los correspondientes planes de ordenamiento territorial���, y al Estado central la ���planificaci��n nacional���. No obstante, el marco legal dictado posteriormente -que otorga al Estado central la competencia de ordenaci��n territorial, mediante la ���Estrategia Territorial Nacional���-, no logra regular con eficacia, efectividad y eficiencia este ejercicio competencial, incluyendo en esta condici��n a los lineamientos t��cnicos dictados por el organismo nacional de planificaci��n; volviendo urgente la vigencia de una ley que lo asuma, pero que demanda previamente el dise��o de un modelo de gesti��n de estas competencias, prop��sito al cual procura contribuir el presente trabajo. Su estructura es la siguiente: Cap��tulo 1: ���La problem��tica, objetivos y antecedentes���, en cuya formulaci��n se destaca el estudio del marco jur��dico y t��cnico vigente en relaci��n a la ordenaci��n territorial, partiendo de una breve visi��n sobre los empe��os previos en Ecuador por adoptarla, y que se complementa con una evaluaci��n preliminar de la experiencia vivida por los gobiernos aut��nomos descentralizados al formular y gestionar sus primeros planes de desarrollo y de ordenaci��n territorial, en acatamiento del mandato constitucional. Luego se avanza en la definici��n del objetivo general del trabajo y de un conjunto coherente de objetivos espec��ficos. Concluye este cap��tulo con el an��lisis del estado de la cuesti��n: los antecedentes sobre la ordenaci��n territorial en Am��rica Latina, en el marco de sus predecesoras hist��ricas. Cap��tulo 2: ���Dise��o del modelo de gesti��n���, que se inicia con el planteamiento de la metodolog��a a seguir, condicionada especialmente por los propios textos constitucionales que vinculan en la relaci��n de ���correspondencia��� a la ordenaci��n territorial con la planificaci��n del desarrollo y en consecuencia con el ejercicio de las competencias sectoriales asignadas por ella misma a los diferentes niveles de gobierno. Efectivamente, tal relaci��n supone b��sicamente que la planificaci��n del desarrollo adquiera el car��cter de global, total, vale decir integral, en el sentido de que igualmente contemple sus dimensiones territoriales y que la planificaci��n de ��stas se integre a la de las dimensiones sociales, econ��micas, pol��ticas, culturales y ambientales, de manera tal que en cada uno de los niveles la planificaci��n del desarrollo sea un proceso ��nico y un todo. Por estas condiciones, el dise��o en cuesti��n demanda el tratamiento previo de los aspectos contemplados por la metodolog��a en relaci��n con la conceptualizaci��n y ordenamiento de la planificaci��n y gesti��n del modelo de desarrollo humano previsto por la Constituci��n para los distintos niveles territoriales, seguido del an��lisis y evaluaci��n del reparto competencial. En este marco se dise��a el modelo de gesti��n en siete componentes espec��ficos que definen los objetivos estrat��gicos generales a los cuales apuntar�� la ordenaci��n territorial, estructuran con sus figuras ���los planes���, un sistema integrado de alcance nacional, entienden al propio territorio bajo una visi��n sist��mica y proponen un esquema metodol��gico general para la redacci��n de tales instrumentos. Luego se aborda en calidad de tema clave, la articulaci��n con la planificaci��n del desarrollo, el establecimiento de las dimensiones territoriales sectoriales y globales de ordenaci��n en cada nivel territorial, que posibilita a su vez la formulaci��n de los contenidos de las determinaciones de los planes y la definici��n de un conjunto de lineamientos para su gesti��n. Cap��tulo 3. ���Verificaci��n���, que se ha concretado en la puesta a consideraci��n de un selecto grupo de expertos nacionales en ordenaci��n territorial, el modelo propuesto siguiendo los procedimientos recomendados para este tipo de consultas. Cap��tulo 4. ���Conclusiones Generales���, esto es, un conjunto coherente de proposiciones que condensan los resultados alcanzados en los diferentes cap��tulos precedentes y que demuestran la validez del modelo propuesto. ABSTRACT Ecuador approved a constitution, by 2008, where a multidimensional human development model, different to the one in force, underlies. Its social, economic, political, cultural and environmental dimensions are at the entries for "Rights", "Development Scheme" and "Rules of Good Living"; while the territorial dimensions are given by the "Territorial Organization of the State" section, consisting of regions, provinces, cantons and rural parishes, with their respective autonomous governments, to which the Constitution conferred, inter alia, the exclusive powers of "development planning" and "land use plan formulation," while the central state has the "national planning" competence. However, the subsequent issued legal framework - which gives the central state competences over land planning, using the "National Spatial Strategy" - fails to effectively regulate this exercise of jurisdiction, including in this condition the technical guidelines dictated by the national planning agency; thus becoming urgent to put in force a law that assume it, which demands the previous design of a management model of these competences, which is the aim that seeks to contribute the present work. Its structure is as follows: Chapter 1: "The problem, objectives and background" that includes the study of the legal and technical framework in force in relation to land planning, starts with a brief overview of previous efforts to adopt it in Ecuador. The chapter is complemented with a preliminary assessment of the experience of the autonomous governments to formulate and manage their early development plans and land planning, in compliance with the constitutional mandate. Subsequently the overall objective of the work and a coherent set of objectives are defined. This chapter concludes with an analysis of the state of art: the history of land use planning in Latin America in the context of their historical predecessors. Chapter 2, "Design of a management model", which begins with the methodological approach to follow, conditioned by the constitutional texts linking the relationship of "correspondence" land planning with development planning and with the exercise of the sectorial competences assigned by itself to different levels of government. Indeed, such a relationship basically means that development planning should acquire a global, comprehensive, complete, total, character in the sense that it also provides for their territorial dimensions and that their planning is integrated to social, economic, political, cultural and environmental factors, so that in each of the levels, development planning is a unique process and a whole. For these conditions, the design in question demands pretreatment of the aspects covered by the methodology in relation to the conceptualization and management of the planning and management of human development model envisaged by the Constitution to the various territorial levels, followed by analysis and evaluation of the distribution of powers. In this framework a management model is designed into seven specific components that define the overall strategic objectives which aim to land planning, structure plans, and an integrated nationwide system, that understand the territory under a systemic vision and propose a general methodological framework to draft these instruments. Then a key issue is addressed, the coordination with development planning, the establishment of sectorial and regional and global dimensions of management at each territorial level, which in turn allows the formulation of the contents of the plans determinations and defining a set of management guidelines. Chapter 3, "Verification", It has traduced into asking for the revision of the proposed model by a select group of national experts in spatial planning by following recommended procedures for such queries. Chapter 4, "General Conclusions", a coherent set of propositions that summarize the results obtained in the different preceding chapters, which demonstrates the validity of the proposed model.

Agile it project management professional

La gesti��n de las tecnolog��as de la informaci��n tiene cada vez m��s importancia dentro de un mundo totalmente digitalizado y donde la capacidad de respuesta al cambio puede marcar el devenir de una compa����a, y resulta cada vez m��s evidente que los modelos de gesti��n tradicionales utilizados en la mayor��a de las compa����as no son capaces de dar respuesta por si solos a estas nuevas necesidades. Aun teniendo identificado este ��rea de mejora, son muchas las empresas reacias a abordar estos cambios, principalmente por el cambio rupturista que significa a nivel interno. De cara a facilitar esta transformaci��n, se propone en este documento un modelo de transici��n controlada donde las grandes compa����as puedan incorporar nuevas alternativas y herramientas ��giles de forma paulatina y asegurando que el proceso de cambio es seguro y efectivo. Mediante una modificaci��n del ciclo de vida de proyecto dentro de la compa����a, se incorporan en las ��reas, equipos o dominios de la empresa que se identifiquen los nuevos modelos de gesti��n ��gil, permitiendo as�� una transici��n gradual y controlada, y pudiendo adem��s analizar los detalles sobre todo en etapas tempranas de la transformaci��n. Una vez seleccionada el ��rea o dominio objeto de la transformaci��n, se realiza un an��lisis a nivel de Portfolio de proyectos, identificando aquellos que cumplen una serie de condiciones que les permiten ser gestionados utilizando modelos de gesti��n ��gil. Para ello, se plantea una matriz de decisi��n con las principales variables a tener en cuenta a la hora de tomar una decisi��n. Una vez seleccionado y consensuado con los interesados el modelo de gesti��n utilizando la matriz de decisi��n, se plantean una serie de herramientas y m��tricas asociadas para que la gesti��n ��gil del proyecto d�� una visibilidad completa y detallada del estado en cada momento, asegurando un correcto proceso de gesti��n de proyectos para proveer visibilidad regular del progreso, riesgos, planes de contingencia y problemas, con las alertas y escalaciones adecuadas. Adem��s de proponerse una serie de herramientas y m��tricas para la gesti��n ��gil del proyecto, se plantean las modificaciones necesarias sobre las tipolog��as habituales de contrato y se propone un nuevo modelo de contrato: el Contrato Agile. La principal diferencia entre este nuevo modelo de contrato y los habituales es que, al igual que las metodolog��as ��giles, es ejecutado en segmentos o iteraciones. En definitiva, el objetivo de este documento es proveer un mecanismo que facilite la inclusi��n de nuevos modelos ��giles de gesti��n en grandes organizaciones, llevando a cabo una transici��n controlada, con herramientas y m��tricas adaptadas para tener visibilidad completa sobre los proyectos en todo momento.---ABSTRACT---The information technology management is every time more important in a totally digitized world, where the capacity to response the change could mark the future of a company, and results every time more evident that the traditional management models used in the most of the companies are not able to respond by themselves to these new necessities. Even having identified this improvement area, many companies are reluctant to address these changes, mainly due to the disruptive change that it means internally in the companies. In order to facilitate this transformation, this document proposed a controlled transition model to help the big companies to incorporate new alternatives and agile tools gradually and ensuring that the change process is safe and effective. Through a modification the project life cycle inside the company, the new agile management models are incorporated in the selected areas, teams or domains, permitting a gradual and controlled transition, and enabling further analyze the details above all in the early phases of the transformation. Once is selected the area or domain object of the transformation, a portfolio level analysis is performed, identifying those projects that meet a some conditions that allow them to be managed using agile management models. For that, a decision matrix is proposed with the principal variables to have into account at the time of decision making. Once the management model is selected using the decision matrix and it is agreed with the different stakeholders, a group of tools and metrics associated with the agile management projects are proposed to provide a regular visibility of the project progress, risks, contingency plans and problems, with proper alerts and escalations. Besides the group of tools and metrics proposed for agile project management, the necessary modifications over the traditional contract models and a new contract model are proposed: the Agile Contract. The main difference between this new contract model and the traditional ones is that, as the agile methodologies, it is executed in segments or iterations. To sum up, the objective of this document is to provide a mechanism that facilitates the inclusion of new agile management models in big companies, with a controlled transition and proposing adapted tools and metrics to have a full visibility over the project in all the phases of the project life cycle.

Dise��o metodol��gico para la creaci��n y desarrollo de organizaciones innovadoras, basadas en un modelo de liderazgo que genere entornos facilitadores de la creatividad, implantaci��n de procesos de innovaci��n y creaci��n de productos y servicios innovadores

La presente investigaci��n tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de una metodolog��a que favorezca la innovaci��n en las empresas a trav��s de la actividad directiva, analizando a su vez, su influencia a nivel macro, en los sistemas de innovaci��n, en las pol��ticas de innovaci��n y en el capital intelectual y a nivel micro, en la innovaci��n, en el desempe��o y en el clima organizacional. Se estima importante realizar un estudio sobre este tema debido a que la innovaci��n se considera un pilar cr��tico para el desarrollo social a trav��s de la competitividad de las empresas, as�� como, una fuente importante de ventaja competitiva. Existe abundante literatura sobre la influencia de la innovaci��n en la gesti��n empresarial y el papel que el liderazgo desempe��a en t��rminos generales. Sin embargo, la literatura presenta diversos estilos de liderazgo sin mostrar una l��nea consistente de interrelaci��n entre ellos, por lo que finalmente no existe una relaci��n s��lida entre el liderazgo, la gesti��n empresarial y la innovaci��n. Este hecho se debe, como se muestra en la tesis, a que la literatura analiza las organizaciones y el liderazgo desde una perspectiva sociol��gica u organizacional, y otra desde la perspectiva psicol��gica sin aportar una l��nea de articulaci��n entre ambas. Es decir, la literatura analiza el comportamiento organizacional pero no su causa. A lo largo de la tesis se van desarrollando diferentes l��neas de trabajo que se convierten en aportaciones emp��ricas y acad��micas. As��, una de las aportaciones de la tesis es la sustituci��n de la figura del l��der como persona, por la de un directivo con una doble funci��n; por un lado, la funci��n de liderazgo cuyo objetivo es generar cambio y por el otro, la funci��n de gestionar el d��a a d��a o desempe��o. Sustituir la figura del l��der por una doble funcionalidad directiva facilita la comprensi��n del concepto liderazgo, lo que permite a su vez, establecer estrategias para su desarrollo, haciendo una realidad el que el liderazgo puede ser aprendido. Este resultado constituye la primera aportaci��n de la tesis. As�� mismo, a trav��s de un exhaustivo an��lisis de la literatura, se desarrolla una propuesta de liderazgo integrado de acuerdo con el modelo Stuart-Kotze, el cual se describe tambi��n ampliamente. Encontrar un modelo ��nico de liderazgo supone la piedra angular para el desarrollo de la metodolog��a. Esta propuesta de liderazgo integrado da lugar a la segunda aportaci��n de la tesis. Del mismo modo, se realiza un estudio en profundidad de la perspectiva psicol��gica de las organizaciones desarrollando el constructo Miedo al Error (ME) que resulta ser un rasgo de la personalidad existente en todos los seres humanos y que presenta una influencia negativa tanto en el desempe��o, como en la innovaci��n empresarial. Este resultado permite identificar cuales son las verdaderas barreras para el ejercicio del liderazgo, se��alando que la disminuci��n del ME debe ser considerada como una competencia de la Inteligencia Emocional a ser desarrollada por los directivos. Este resultado constituye la tercera aportaci��n de la tesis. Una vez desarrollado el modelo de gesti��n empresarial expuesto, se procede a su validaci��n, analizando la relaci��n entre los constructos que definen el modelo de gesti��n: el desempe��o, la innovaci��n y el ME. Para identificar las influencias o relaciones de causalidad que subyacen entre los constructos, se utiliz�� la t��cnica del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). La poblaci��n objeto de estudio estuvo constituida por 350 profesionales con responsabilidad directiva, procedentes de empresas del sector servicios repartidas por toda la geograf��a espa��ola. Como fuente primaria de recolecci��n de informaci��n se utiliz�� el cuestionario desarrollado por Stuart-Kotze M-CPI (Momentum Continuous Performance Improvement). En primer lugar se procedi�� a evaluar las propiedades psicom��tricas del modelo de medida, llev��ndose a cabo un an��lisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y un an��lisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) de segundo orden. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que el constructo desempe��o (D) viene determinado por dos dimensiones, (DOP), desempe��o orientado hacia la planificaci��n y (DORT), desempe��o orientado hacia la realizaci��n de la tarea. Es decir, la muestra de directivos no percibe que la planificaci��n en el d��a a d��a y la realizaci��n de la tarea est��n articuladas. Posteriormente se procede a realizar el contraste del modelo a trav��s del m��todo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados muestran que la relaci��n de influencia de la dimensi��n DOP no es significativa, por lo que el constructo D queda representado ��nicamente por la dimensi��n DORT. Los resultados de la investigaci��n proporcionan conclusiones e hip��tesis para futuras investigaciones. Si bien la muestra de directivos realiza un plan estrat��gico, ��ste no se tiene en cuenta en el d��a a d��a. Este hecho podr��a explicar el alto grado de administraci��n por crisis tan frecuente en la empresa espa��ola. A su vez, el ME presenta una influencia negativa en la innovaci��n, lo que concuerda con la literatura. Al respecto, considerar el ME como un rasgo de la personalidad, presente tanto en directivos como en colaboradores, facilita la comprensi��n de las barreras de la organizaci��n hacia la comunicaci��n abierta a la vez, que una direcci��n de trabajo para la mejora de la capacidad innovadora de la organizaci��n. Por ��ltimo, los resultados establecen la existencia de una relaci��n causal entre el desempe��o diario y la innovaci��n. Con respecto a este segundo resultado y analizando los comportamientos que identifican el constructo D surgen tambi��n varias conclusiones e hip��tesis para futuras investigaciones. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que la muestra de directivos genera iniciativas de cambio con la finalidad de que el trabajo diario salga adelante seg��n los est��ndares de calidad definidos. Sin embargo, estas iniciativas s��lo proceden de los directivos, sin participaci��n alguna de los colaboradores, los cuales son s��lo responsables de la implementaci��n produci��ndose la consiguiente desmotivaci��n y p��rdida de oportunidades. Esta conclusi��n pone de manifiesto que la innovaci��n de las empresas de la muestra sucede para garantizar la eficiencia de los procesos existentes, pero en ning��n caso surge de la iniciativa de buscar una mejor eficacia empresarial. Este hecho plantea un origen doble de la innovaci��n en los procesos. La innovaci��n proactiva que buscar��a la mejora de la eficacia de la organizaci��n y una innovaci��n de car��cter reactiva que buscar��a la salvaguarda de la eficiencia. Quiz��s sea esta la causa del gap existente entre la innovaci��n en Espa��a y la innovaci��n de los pa��ses que ocupan los primeros puestos en el ranking de producci��n de innovaci��n lo que constituye un importante punto de partida para una investigaci��n futura. ABSTRACT This research aims to develop a methodology that supports innovation in companies through the managers��� activity, analysing in turn its influence at the macro level: innovation systems, innovation policies and Intellectual capital and at the micro level: innovation itself, performance and organizational climate. It is considered important to conduct a study on this subject due to the fact that innovation is considered a critical pillar for the development and future of the enterprise and an important source of competitive advantage. There is abundant literature about the influence of innovation in business management and the role that leadership plays in general terms. However, the literature presents various styles of leadership without showing a consistent relationship among them, so finally there is not a strong relationship among leadership, business management and innovation. As shown in the thesis, this is due to the fact that the literature analyses organizations and leadership from a sociological or organizational perspective and from a psychological perspective, without providing a hinge line between the two. That is, the existing literature discusses organizational behaviour but not its cause. Throughout the thesis, different lines of work that become empirical and academic contributions have been developed. Thus, one of the contributions of the thesis is replacing the figure of the leader as a person, by a manager with a dual function. Firstly, we have the leadership role which aims to generate change and, on the other hand, the function to manage the day-to-day task or performance. Replacing the figure of the leader by a dual managerial functionality facilitates the understanding of the leadership concept, allowing in turn, to establish development strategies and making true that leadership can be learned. This outcome is the first contribution of the thesis. Likewise, through a comprehensive literature review, an integrated leadership proposal is developed, according to the Kotze model, which is also described widely. Finding a specific leadership model represents the cornerstone for the development of the methodology. This integrated leadership proposal leads to the second contribution of the thesis. Similarly, an in-depth study was conducted about the psychological perspective of the organizations disclosing the construct Fear of Failure. This construct is a personality trait that exists in all human beings and has a negative influence on both performance and business innovation. This outcome allows identifying which are the real barriers to the exercise of leadership, noting that the decrease in fear of failure must be considered as an Emotional Intelligence competence to be developed by managers. This outcome represents the third contribution of the thesis. Once a business management model has been developed, we proceed to its validation by analysing the relationship among the model constructs: management, innovation and fear of failure. To identify the influence or causal relationships underlying the constructs, a structural equation model (SEM) technique was used. The study population consisted of 350 professionals with managerial responsibility, from companies in the services sector scattered throughout the Spanish geography. As a primary source for gathering information a questionnaire developed by Kotze M-CPI (Continuous Performance Improvement Momentum) was used. First we proceeded to evaluate the psychometric properties of the measurement model, carrying out an exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) of second order. The results show that the performance construct D is determined by two-dimensions (DOP: performance oriented to planning) and (DORT: aiming at the realization of the task). That is, the sample of managers does not perceive that planning and the daily task are articulated. Then, we proceeded to make the contrast of the model through a structural equation model SEM. The results show that the influence of the DOP dimension is not significant, so that only the DORT dimension finally represents the construct D. The research outcomes provide conclusions and hypotheses for future research. Although the managers in the sample develop a strategic plan, it seems that managers do not take it into account in their daily tasks. This could explain the high degree of crisis management so prevalent in the Spanish companies. In turn, the fear of failure has a negative influence on innovation, consistent with the literature. In this regard, the fear of failure is considered as a personality trait, present in both managers and employees, which enables the understanding of organizational barriers to open communication and provides a direction to improve the organization���s innovative capacity as well. Finally, the results establish a causal relationship between daily performance and innovation. Regarding this second outcome and analysing the behaviours that identify the construct D, several conclusions and hypotheses for future research arise as well. The results show that the managers in the sample show initiatives of change in order to make everyday work go ahead, according to defined quality standards. However, these initiatives only come from managers without any participation of coworkers, which are only responsible for the implementation, and this produces discouragement and loss of opportunities. This finding shows that the innovation by the companies in the sample happens to guarantee the efficiency of existing processes, but do not arise from an initiative that seeks better business efficacy. This raises two sources of innovation in processes. The first source would be a proactive innovation that would seek improved organizational efficacy. The second one is a reactive innovation that would seek to safeguard efficiency. Perhaps this is the cause of the existing gap between the innovation activity in Spain and the innovation activity in those countries that occupy the top positions in the ranking of innovation outcomes. The Spanish companies seek process efficiency and the top innovators business efficacy. This is an important starting point for future research.

Desarrollo de un Modelo de Gesti��n de Riesgos Operacionales basado en las Directrices del Comit�� de Basilea

La presente investigaci��n tiene como objetivo principal dise��ar un Modelo de Gesti��n de Riesgos Operacionales (MGRO) seg��n las Directrices de los Acuerdos II y III del Comit�� de Supervisi��n Bancaria de Basilea del Banco de Pagos Internacionales (CSBB-BPI). Se considera importante realizar un estudio sobre este tema dado que son los riesgos operacionales (OpR) los responsables en gran medida de las ��ltimas crisis financieras mundiales y por la dificultad para detectarlos en las organizaciones. Se ha planteado un modelo de gesti��n subdividido en dos v��as de influencias. La primera acoge el paradigma hol��stico en el que se considera que hay m��ltiples maneras de percibir un proceso c��clico, as�� como las herramientas para observar, conocer y entender el objeto o sujeto percibido. La segunda v��a la representa el paradigma totalizante, en el que se obtienen datos tanto cualitativos como cuantitativos, los cuales son complementarios entre si. Por otra parte, este trabajo plantea el dise��o de un programa inform��tico de OpR Cualitativo, que ha sido dise��ado para determinar la ra��z de los riesgos en las organizaciones y su Valor en Riesgo Operacional (OpVaR) basado en el m��todo del indicador b��sico. Aplicando el ciclo hol��stico al caso de estudio, se obtuvo el siguiente dise��o de investigaci��n: no experimental, univariable, transversal descriptiva, contempor��nea, retrospectiva, de fuente mixta, cualitativa (fenomenol��gica y etnogr��fica) y cuantitativa (descriptiva y anal��tica). La toma de decisiones y recolecci��n de informaci��n se realiz�� en dos fases en la unidad de estudio. En la primera se tom�� en cuenta la totalidad de la empresa Corpoelec-EDELCA, en la que se present�� un universo estad��stico de 4271 personas, una poblaci��n de 2390 personas y una unidad de muestreo de 87 personas. Se repiti�� el proceso en una segunda fase, para la Central Hidroel��ctrica Sim��n Bol��var, y se determin�� un segundo universo estad��stico de 300 trabajadores, una poblaci��n de 191 personas y una muestra de 58 profesionales. Como fuentes de recolecci��n de informaci��n se utilizaron fuentes primarias y secundarias. Para recabar la informaci��n primaria se realizaron observaciones directas, dos encuestas para detectar las ��reas y procesos con mayor nivel de riesgos y se dise���� un cuestionario combinado con otra encuesta (ad hoc) para establecer las estimaciones de frecuencia y severidad de p��rdidas operacionales. La informaci��n de fuentes secundarias se extrajo de las bases de datos de Corpoelec-EDELCA, de la IEA, del Banco Mundial, del CSBB-BPI, de la UPM y de la UC at Berkeley, entre otras. Se establecieron las distribuciones de frecuencia y de severidad de p��rdidas operacionales como las variables independientes y el OpVaR como la variable dependiente. No se realiz�� ning��n tipo de seguimiento o control a las variables bajo an��lisis, ya que se consideraron estas para un instante especifico y solo se determinan con la finalidad de establecer la existencia y valoraci��n puntual de los OpR en la unidad de estudio. El an��lisis cualitativo planteado en el MGRO, permiti�� detectar que en la unidad de investigaci��n, el 67% de los OpR detectados provienen de dos fuentes principales: procesos (32%) y eventos externos (35%). Adicionalmente, la validaci��n del MGRO en Corpoelec-EDELCA, permiti�� detectar que el 63% de los OpR en la organizaci��n provienen de tres categor��as principales, siendo los fraudes externos los presentes con mayor regularidad y severidad de p��rdidas en la organizaci��n. La exposici��n al riesgo se determin�� fundament��ndose en la adaptaci��n del concepto de OpVaR que generalmente se utiliza para series temporales y que en el caso de estudio presenta la primicia de aplicarlo a datos cualitativos transformados con la escala Likert. La posibilidad de utilizar distribuciones de probabilidad t��picas para datos cuantitativos en distribuciones de frecuencia y severidad de p��rdidas con datos de origen cualitativo fueron analizadas. Para el 64% de los OpR estudiados se obtuvo que la frecuencia tiene un comportamiento semejante al de la distribuci��n de probabilidad de Poisson y en un 55% de los casos para la severidad de p��rdidas se obtuvo a las log-normal como las distribuciones de probabilidad m��s comunes, con lo que se concluy�� que los enfoques sugeridos por el BCBS-BIS para series de tiempo son aplicables a los datos cualitativos. Obtenidas las distribuciones de frecuencia y severidad de p��rdidas, se convolucionaron estas implementando el m��todo de Montecarlo, con lo que se obtuvieron los enfoques de distribuciones de p��rdidas (LDA) para cada uno de los OpR. El OpVaR se dedujo como lo sugiere el CSBB-BPI del percentil 99,9 o 99% de cada una de las LDA, obteni��ndose que los OpR presentan un comportamiento similar al sistema financiero, resultando como los de mayor peligrosidad los que se ubican con baja frecuencia y alto impacto, por su dificultad para ser detectados y monitoreados. Finalmente, se considera que el MGRO permitir�� a los agentes del mercado y sus grupos de inter��s conocer con efectividad, fiabilidad y eficiencia el status de sus entidades, lo que reducir�� la incertidumbre de sus inversiones y les permitir�� establecer una nueva cultura de gesti��n en sus organizaciones. ABSTRACT This research has as main objective the design of a Model for Operational Risk Management (MORM) according to the guidelines of Accords II and III of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision of the Bank for International Settlements (BCBS- BIS). It is considered important to conduct a study on this issue since operational risks (OpR) are largely responsible for the recent world financial crisis and due to the difficulty in detecting them in organizations. A management model has been designed which is divided into two way of influences. The first supports the holistic paradigm in which it is considered that there are multiple ways of perceiving a cyclical process and contains the tools to observe, know and understand the subject or object perceived. The second way is the totalizing paradigm, in which both qualitative and quantitative data are obtained, which are complementary to each other. Moreover, this paper presents the design of qualitative OpR software which is designed to determine the root of risks in organizations and their Operational Value at Risk (OpVaR) based on the basic indicator approach. Applying the holistic cycle to the case study, the following research design was obtained: non- experimental, univariate, descriptive cross-sectional, contemporary, retrospective, mixed-source, qualitative (phenomenological and ethnographic) and quantitative (descriptive and analytical). Decision making and data collection was conducted in two phases in the study unit. The first took into account the totality of the Corpoelec-EDELCA company, which presented a statistical universe of 4271 individuals, a population of 2390 individuals and a sampling unit of 87 individuals. The process was repeated in a second phase to the Simon Bolivar Hydroelectric Power Plant, and a second statistical universe of 300 workers, a population of 191 people and a sample of 58 professionals was determined. As sources of information gathering primary and secondary sources were used. To obtain the primary information direct observations were conducted and two surveys to identify the areas and processes with higher risks were designed. A questionnaire was combined with an ad hoc survey to establish estimates of frequency and severity of operational losses was also considered. The secondary information was extracted from the databases of Corpoelec-EDELCA, IEA, the World Bank, the BCBS-BIS, UPM and UC at Berkeley, among others. The operational loss frequency distributions and the operational loss severity distributions were established as the independent variables and OpVaR as the dependent variable. No monitoring or control of the variables under analysis was performed, as these were considered for a specific time and are determined only for the purpose of establishing the existence and timely assessment of the OpR in the study unit. Qualitative analysis raised in the MORM made it possible to detect that in the research unit, 67% of detected OpR come from two main sources: external processes (32%) and external events (35%). Additionally, validation of the MORM in Corpoelec-EDELCA, enabled to estimate that 63% of OpR in the organization come from three main categories, with external fraud being present more regularly and greater severity of losses in the organization. Risk exposure is determined basing on adapting the concept of OpVaR generally used for time series and in the case study it presents the advantage of applying it to qualitative data transformed with the Likert scale. The possibility of using typical probability distributions for quantitative data in loss frequency and loss severity distributions with data of qualitative origin were analyzed. For the 64% of OpR studied it was found that the frequency has a similar behavior to that of the Poisson probability distribution and 55% of the cases for loss severity it was found that the log-normal were the most common probability distributions. It was concluded that the approach suggested by the BCBS-BIS for time series can be applied to qualitative data. Once obtained the distributions of loss frequency and severity have been obtained they were subjected to convolution implementing the Monte Carlo method. Thus the loss distribution approaches (LDA) were obtained for each of the OpR. The OpVaR was derived as suggested by the BCBS-BIS 99.9 percentile or 99% of each of the LDA. It was determined that the OpR exhibits a similar behavior to the financial system, being the most dangerous those with low frequency and high impact for their difficulty in being detected and monitored. Finally, it is considered that the MORM will allows market players and their stakeholders to know with effectiveness, efficiency and reliability the status of their entities, which will reduce the uncertainty of their investments and enable them to establish a new management culture in their organizations.

Modelo de gesti��n de un embalse en tiempo real durante avenidas basado en redes bayesianas entrenadas con el m��todo de optimizaci��n PLEM

En la actualidad, la gesti��n de embalses para el control de avenidas se realiza, com��nmente, utilizando modelos de simulaci��n. Esto se debe, principalmente, a su facilidad de uso en tiempo real por parte del operador de la presa. Se han desarrollado modelos de optimizaci��n de la gesti��n del embalse que, aunque mejoran los resultados de los modelos de simulaci��n, su aplicaci��n en tiempo real se hace muy dif��cil o simplemente inviable, pues est�� limitada al conocimiento de la avenida futura que entra al embalse antes de tomar la decisi��n de vertido. Por esta raz��n, se ha planteado el objetivo de desarrollar un modelo de gesti��n de embalses en avenidas que incorpore las ventajas de un modelo de optimizaci��n y que sea de f��cil uso en tiempo real por parte del gestor de la presa. Para ello, se construy�� un modelo de red Bayesiana que representa los procesos de la cuenca vertiente y del embalse y, que aprende de casos generados sint��ticamente mediante un modelo hidrol��gico agregado y un modelo de optimizaci��n de la gesti��n del embalse. En una primera etapa, se gener�� un gran n��mero de episodios sint��ticos de avenida utilizando el m��todo de Monte Carlo, para obtener las lluvias, y un modelo agregado compuesto de transformaci��n lluvia- escorrent��a, para obtener los hidrogramas de avenida. Posteriormente, se utilizaron las series obtenidas como se��ales de entrada al modelo de gesti��n de embalses PLEM, que optimiza una funci��n objetivo de costes mediante programaci��n lineal entera mixta, generando igual n��mero de eventos ��ptimos de caudal vertido y de evoluci��n de niveles en el embalse. Los episodios simulados fueron usados para entrenar y evaluar dos modelos de red Bayesiana, uno que pronostica el caudal de entrada al embalse, y otro que predice el caudal vertido, ambos en un horizonte de tiempo que va desde una a cinco horas, en intervalos de una hora. En el caso de la red Bayesiana hidrol��gica, el caudal de entrada que se elige es el promedio de la distribuci��n de probabilidad de pron��stico. En el caso de la red Bayesiana hidr��ulica, debido al comportamiento marcadamente no lineal de este proceso y a que la red Bayesiana devuelve un rango de posibles valores de caudal vertido, se ha desarrollado una metodolog��a para seleccionar un ��nico valor, que facilite el trabajo del operador de la presa. Esta metodolog��a consiste en probar diversas estrategias propuestas, que incluyen zonificaciones y alternativas de selecci��n de un ��nico valor de caudal vertido en cada zonificaci��n, a un conjunto suficiente de episodios sint��ticos. Los resultados de cada estrategia se compararon con el m��todo MEV, seleccion��ndose las estrategias que mejoran los resultados del MEV, en cuanto al caudal m��ximo vertido y el nivel m��ximo alcanzado por el embalse, cualquiera de las cuales puede usarse por el operador de la presa en tiempo real para el embalse de estudio (Talave). La metodolog��a propuesta podr��a aplicarse a cualquier embalse aislado y, de esta manera, obtener, para ese embalse particular, diversas estrategias que mejoran los resultados del MEV. Finalmente, a modo de ejemplo, se ha aplicado la metodolog��a a una avenida sint��tica, obteniendo el caudal vertido y el nivel del embalse en cada intervalo de tiempo, y se ha aplicado el modelo MIGEL para obtener en cada instante la configuraci��n de apertura de los ��rganos de desag��e que evacuar��n el caudal. Currently, the dam operator for the management of dams uses simulation models during flood events, mainly due to its ease of use in real time. Some models have been developed to optimize the management of the reservoir to improve the results of simulation models. However, real-time application becomes very difficult or simply unworkable, because the decision to discharge depends on the unknown future avenue entering the reservoir. For this reason, the main goal is to develop a model of reservoir management at avenues that incorporates the advantages of an optimization model. At the same time, it should be easy to use in real-time by the dam manager. For this purpose, a Bayesian network model has been developed to represent the processes of the watershed and reservoir. This model learns from cases generated synthetically by a hydrological model and an optimization model for managing the reservoir. In a first stage, a large number of synthetic flood events was generated using the Monte Carlo method, for rain, and rain-added processing model composed of runoff for the flood hydrographs. Subsequently, the series obtained were used as input signals to the reservoir management model PLEM that optimizes a target cost function using mixed integer linear programming. As a result, many optimal discharge rate events and water levels in the reservoir levels were generated. The simulated events were used to train and test two models of Bayesian network. The first one predicts the flow into the reservoir, and the second predicts the discharge flow. They work in a time horizon ranging from one to five hours, in intervals of an hour. In the case of hydrological Bayesian network, the chosen inflow is the average of the probability distribution forecast. In the case of hydraulic Bayesian network the highly non-linear behavior of this process results on a range of possible values of discharge flow. A methodology to select a single value has been developed to facilitate the dam operator work. This methodology tests various strategies proposed. They include zoning and alternative selection of a single value in each discharge rate zoning from a sufficient set of synthetic episodes. The results of each strategy are compared with the MEV method. The strategies that improve the outcomes of MEV are selected and can be used by the dam operator in real time applied to the reservoir study case (Talave). The methodology could be applied to any single reservoir and, thus, obtain, for the particular reservoir, various strategies that improve results from MEV. Finally, the methodology has been applied to a synthetic flood, obtaining the discharge flow and the reservoir level in each time interval. The open configuration floodgates to evacuate the flow at each interval have been obtained applying the MIGEL model.

A proposal for a model-based approach for adapting software configuration to runtime environments

Las metodolog��as de desarrollo ��giles han sufrido un gran auge en entornos industriales durante los ��ltimos a��os debido a la rapidez y fiabilidad de los procesos de desarrollo que proponen. La filosof��a DevOps y espec��ficamente las metodolog��as derivadas de ella como Continuous Delivery o Continuous Deployment promueven la gesti��n completamente automatizada del ciclo de vida de las aplicaciones, desde el c��digo fuente a las aplicaciones ejecut��ndose en entornos de producci��n. La automatizaci��n se ve como un medio para producir procesos repetibles, fiables y r��pidos. Sin embargo, no todas las partes de las metodolog��as Continuous est��n completamente automatizadas. En particular, la gesti��n de la configuraci��n de los par��metros de ejecuci��n es un problema que ha sido acrecentado por la elasticidad y escalabilidad que proporcionan las tecnolog��as de computaci��n en la nube. La mayor��a de las herramientas de despliegue actuales pueden automatizar el despliegue de la configuraci��n de par��metros de ejecuci��n, pero no ofrecen soporte a la hora de fijar esos par��metros o de validar los ficheros que despliegan, principalmente debido al gran abanico de opciones de configuraci��n y el hecho de que el valor de muchos de esos par��metros es fijado en base a preferencias expresadas por el usuario. Esto hecho hace que pueda parecer que cualquier soluci��n al problema debe estar ajustada a una aplicaci��n espec��fica en lugar de ofrecer una soluci��n general. Con el objetivo de solucionar este problema, propongo un modelo de configuraci��n que puede ser inferido a partir de instancias de configuraci��n existentes y que puede reflejar las preferencias de los usuarios para ser usado para facilitar los procesos de configuraci��n. El modelo de configuraci��n puede ser usado como la base de un proceso de configuraci��n interactivo capaz de guiar a un operador humano a trav��s de la configuraci��n de una aplicaci��n para su despliegue en un entorno determinado o para detectar cambios de configuraci��n autom��ticamente y producir una configuraci��n v��lida que se ajuste a esos cambios. Adem��s, el modelo de configuraci��n deber��a ser gestionado como si se tratase de cualquier otro artefacto software y deber��a ser incorporado a las pr��cticas de gesti��n habituales. Por eso tambi��n propongo un modelo de gesti��n de servicios que incluya informaci��n relativa a la configuraci��n de par��metros de ejecuci��n y que adem��s es capaz de describir y gestionar propuestas arquitect��nicas actuales tales como los arquitecturas de microservicios. ABSTRACT Agile development methodologies have risen in popularity within the industry in recent years due to the speed and reliability of the processes they propose. The DevOps philosophy and specifically the methodologies derived from it such as Continuous Delivery and Continuous Deployment push for a totally automated management of the application lifecycle, from the source code to the software running in production environment. Automation in this regard is used as a means to produce repeatable, reliable and fast processes. However, not all parts of the Continuous methodologies are completely automatized. In particular, management of runtime parameter configuration is a problem that has increased its impact in deployment process due to the scalability and elasticity provided by cloud technologies. Most deployment tools nowadays can automate the deployment of runtime parameter configuration, but they offer no support for parameter setting o configuration validation, as the range of different configuration options and the fact that the value of many of those parameters is based on user preference seems to imply that any solution to the problem will have to be tailored to a specific application. With the aim to solve this problem I propose a configuration model that can be inferred from existing configurations and reflect user preferences in order to ease the configuration process. The configuration model can be used as the base of an interactive configuration process capable of guiding a human operator through the configuration of an application for its deployment in a specific environment or to automatically detect configuration changes and produce valid runtime parameter configurations that take into account those changes. Additionally, the configuration model should be managed as any other software artefact and should be incorporated into current management practices. I also propose a service management model that includes the configuration information and that is able to describe and manage current architectural practices such as the microservices architecture.

Contribuci��n a los modelos de gesti��n de las redes m��viles ad hoc

La capacidad de comunicaci��n de los seres humanos ha crecido gracias a la evoluci��n de dispositivos m��viles cada vez m��s peque��os, manejables, potentes, de mayor autonom��a y m��s asequibles. Esta tendencia muestra que en un futuro pr��ximo cercano cada persona llevar��a consigo por lo menos un dispositivo de altas prestaciones. Estos dispositivos tienen incorporados algunas formas de comunicaci��n: red de telefon��a, redes inal��mbricas, bluetooth, entre otras. Lo que les permite tambi��n ser empleados para la configuraci��n de redes m��viles Ad Hoc. Las redes m��viles Ad Hoc, son redes temporales y autoconfigurables, no necesitan un punto de acceso para que los nodos intercambien informaci��n entre s��. Cada nodo realiza las tareas de encaminador cuando sea requerido. Los nodos se pueden mover, cambiando de ubicaci��n a discreci��n. La autonom��a de estos dispositivos depende de las estrategias de como sus recursos son utilizados. De tal forma que los protocolos, algoritmos o modelos deben ser dise��ados de forma eficiente para no impactar el rendimiento del dispositivo, siempre buscando un equilibrio entre sobrecarga y usabilidad. Es importante definir una gesti��n adecuada de estas redes especialmente cuando est��n siendo utilizados en escenarios cr��ticos como los de emergencias, desastres naturales, conflictos b��licos. La presente tesis doctoral muestra una soluci��n eficiente para la gesti��n de redes m��viles Ad Hoc. La soluci��n contempla dos componentes principales: la definici��n de un modelo de gesti��n para redes m��viles de alta disponibilidad y la creaci��n de un protocolo de enrutamiento jer��rquico asociado al modelo. El modelo de gesti��n propuesto, denominado High Availability Management Ad Hoc Network (HAMAN), es definido en una estructura de cuatro niveles, acceso, distribuci��n, inteligencia e infraestructura. Adem��s se describen los componentes de cada nivel: tipos de nodos, protocolos y funcionamiento. Se estudian tambi��n las interfaces de comunicaci��n entre cada componente y la relaci��n de estas con los niveles definidos. Como parte del modelo se dise��a el protocolo de enrutamiento Ad Hoc, denominado Backup Cluster Head Protocol (BCHP), que utiliza como estrategia de encaminamiento el empleo de cluster y jerarqu��as. Cada cluster tiene un Jefe de Cluster que concentra la informaci��n de enrutamiento y de gesti��n y la env��a al destino cuando esta fuera de su ��rea de cobertura. Para mejorar la disponibilidad de la red el protocolo utiliza un Jefe de Cluster de Respaldo el que asume las funciones del nodo principal del cluster cuando este tiene un problema. El modelo HAMAN es validado a trav��s de un proceso la simulaci��n del protocolo BCHP. El protocolo BCHP se implementa en la herramienta Network Simulator 2 (NS2) para ser simulado, comparado y contrastado con el protocolo de enrutamiento jer��rquico Cluster Based Routing Protocol (CBRP) y con el protocolo de enrutamiento Ad Hoc reactivo denominado Ad Hoc On Demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV). Abstract The communication skills of humans has grown thanks to the evolution of mobile devices become smaller, manageable, powerful, more autonomy and more affordable. This trend shows that in the near future each person will carry at least one high-performance device. These high-performance devices have some forms of communication incorporated: telephony network, wireless networks, bluetooth, among others. What can also be used for configuring mobile Ad Hoc networks. Ad Hoc mobile networks, are temporary and self-configuring networks, do not need an access point for exchange information between their nodes. Each node performs the router tasks as required. The nodes can move, change location at will. The autonomy of these devices depends on the strategies of how its resources are used. So that the protocols, algorithms or models should be designed to efficiently without impacting device performance seeking a balance between overhead and usability. It is important to define appropriate management of these networks, especially when being used in critical scenarios such as emergencies, natural disasters, wars. The present research shows an efficient solution for managing mobile ad hoc networks. The solution comprises two main components: the definition of a management model for highly available mobile networks and the creation of a hierarchical routing protocol associated with the model. The proposed management model, called High Availability Management Ad Hoc Network (HAMAN) is defined in a four-level structure: access, distribution, intelligence and infrastructure. The components of each level: types of nodes, protocols, structure of a node are shown and detailed. It also explores the communication interfaces between each component and the relationship of these with the levels defined. The Ad Hoc routing protocol proposed, called Backup Cluster Head Protocol( BCHP), use of cluster and hierarchies like strategies. Each cluster has a cluster head which concentrates the routing information and management and sent to the destination when out of cluster coverage area. To improve the availability of the network protocol uses a Backup Cluster Head who assumes the functions of the node of the cluster when it has a problem. The HAMAN model is validated accross the simulation of their BCHP routing protocol. BCHP protocol has been implemented in the simulation tool Network Simulator 2 (NS2) to be simulated, compared and contrasted with a hierarchical routing protocol Cluster Based Routing Protocol (CBRP) and a routing protocol called Reactive Ad Hoc On Demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV).

Relating goal scheduling, precedence, and memory management in and-parallel execution of logic programs

The interactions among three important issues involved in the implementation of logic programs in parallel (goal scheduling, precedence, and memory management) are discussed. A simplified, parallel memory management model and an efficient, load-balancing goal scheduling strategy are presented. It is shown how, for systems which support "don't know" non-determinism, special care has to be taken during goal scheduling if the space recovery characteristics of sequential systems are to be preserved. A solution based on selecting only "newer" goals for execution is described, and an algorithm is proposed for efficiently maintaining and determining precedence relationships and variable ages across parallel goals. It is argued that the proposed schemes and algorithms make it possible to extend the storage performance of sequential systems to parallel execution without the considerable overhead previously associated with it. The results are applicable to a wide class of parallel and coroutining systems, and they represent an efficient alternative to "all heap" or "spaghetti stack" allocation models.

A proposal for a flexible scheduling and memory management scheme for non-deterministic, andparallel execution of logic programs

In this paper, we examine the issue of memory management in the parallel execution of logic programs. We concentrate on non-deterministic and-parallel schemes which we believe present a relatively general set of problems to be solved, including most of those encountered in the memory management of or-parallel systems. We present a distributed stack memory management model which allows flexible scheduling of goals. Previously proposed models (based on the "Marker model") are lacking in that they impose restrictions on the selection of goals to be executed or they may require consume a large amount of virtual memory. This paper first presents results which imply that the above mentioned shortcomings can have significant performance impacts. An extension of the Marker Model is then proposed which allows flexible scheduling of goals while keeping (virtual) memory consumption down. Measurements are presented which show the advantage of this solution. Methods for handling forward and backward execution, cut and roll back are discussed in the context of the proposed scheme. In addition, the paper shows how the same mechanism for flexible scheduling can be applied to allow the efficient handling of the very general form of suspension that can occur in systems which combine several types of and-parallelism and more sophisticated methods of executing logic programs. We believe that the results are applicable to many and- and or-parallel systems.