This PhD thesis contributes to the theory of information infrastructures by explaining how to use game theory and genetic algorithms for turning the pseudo-code of the bootstrap algorithm into proper code. The study is the first known study to analyse the bootstrap algorithm from an action research perspective, and it has become an important reference for further research on how to bootstrap information infrastructures.

'Using the Bootstrap Algorithm for Changing the Control Game' is clearly written and points are supported by real life case studies. Dr. Ogland demonstrates how a Total Quality Management strategy articulated through the use of bootstrap algorithms can be used to achieve world-class performance in challenging environments such as complex organisations saturated with power struggles and internal politics. The book features insights on critical systems thinking, game theory, quality management systems, the Efqm Business Excellence Model, self-assessment, and the implementation of Tqm. Case studies provide practical insights from twenty years of empirical research on how to bootstrap Tqm and Business Excellence in complex environments. The ideas developed in the book have been acknowledged as a major contribution to the theory of Tqm, and the book itself is an indispensable resource for practitioners trying to implement Tqm in environments where traditional implementation methods are bound to fail.

It has been argued that the reason seventy percent of all IT projects fail is due to lack of a formal system for guiding and monitoring IT decisions. Organisations having explicit IT governance systems are generally twice as successful as those with poor governance, given the same strategic objectives, but implementing IT governance can be difficult. In this book, Dr. Ogland looks at the public sector and argues that the implementation of IT governance has to be done through bootstrapping. The bootstrap algorithm (BA) is a time-tested approach that is known to work, but it is an approach that breaks with much of the logic of the public sector bureaucracy and is expected to be met with resistance. By analysing patterns in a study of trying to convince a Norwegian public sector organisation to implement IT governance through the use of the BA, the book is able to provide rich insights on what causes failure and how to make the implementation process succeed.

Living theory is a way of making use of personal accounts of experienced practice. As the Pac-Man perspective on organisational change helps the change agent articulate the personal values he is committed to and how these values may be resisted in practice, living theory is useful for developing knowledge that has a practical impact on self-improvement and social change, but it is also a type of theory that is difficult to publish in academic outlets. As a consequence of this, publishing Pac-Man living-theory research becomes a Pac-Man game in itself, with the journal editors as one of the four adversary gatekeepers, but it is a rewarding game for those who want to contribute both theoretically and practically on how to make the world a better place.

A comprehensive treatment for implementing Statistical Process Control (SPC) in the food industry This book provides managers, engineers, and practitioners with an overview of necessary and relevant tools of Statistical Process Control, a roadmap for their implementation, the importance of engagement and teamwork, SPC leadership, success factors of the readiness and implementation, and some of the key lessons learned from a number of food companies. Illustrated with numerous examples from global real-world case studies, this book demonstrates the power of various SPC tools in a comprehensive manner. The final part of the book highlights the critical challenges encountered while implementing SPC in the food industry globally. Statistical Process Control for the Food Industry: A Guide for Practitioners and Managers explores the opportunities to deliver customized SPC training programs for local food companies. It offers insightful chapter covering everything from the philosophy and fundamentals of quality control in the food industry all the way up to case studies of SPC application in the food industry on both the quality and safety aspect, making it an excellent "cookbook" for the managers in the food industry to assess and initiating the SPC application in their respective companies. Covers concise and clear guidelines for the application of SPC tools in any food companies' environment Provides appropriate guidelines showing the organizational readiness level before the food companies adopt SPC Explicitly comments on success factors, motivations, and challenges in the food industry Addresses quality and safety issues in the food industry Presents numerous, global, real-world case studies of SPC in the food industry Statistical Process Control for the Food Industry: A Guide for Practitioners and Managers can be used to train upper middle and senior managers in improving food quality and reducing food waste using SPC as one of the core techniques. It's also an excellent book for graduate students of food engineering, food quality management and/or food technology, and process management.

This PhD thesis contributes to the theory of information infrastructures by explaining how to use game theory and genetic algorithms for turning the pseudo-code of the bootstrap algorithm into proper code. The study is the first known study to analyse the bootstrap algorithm from an action research perspective, and it has become an important reference for further research on how to bootstrap information infrastructures.

"Games are increasingly becoming the focus for research due to their cultural and economic impact on modern society. However, there are many different types of approaches and methods than can be applied to understanding games or those that play games. This book provides an introduction to various game research methods that are useful to students in all levels of higher education covering both quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. In addition, approaches using game development for research is described. Each method is described in its own chapter by a researcher with practical experience of applying the method to topic of games. Through this, the book provides an overview of research methods that enable us to better our understanding on games."--Provided by publisher.