/library/oar/handle/123456789/36086 2025-12-27T06:47:54Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/121001 Title: Enhancing Malta customs intelligence unit effectiveness to combat fraud and contraband : a case study Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to enhance the effectiveness of the Customs Intelligence ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ through the application of knowledge management processes and routines. Design/Methodology/approach: For the purpose of this study, a qualitative approach for the collection of primary data was adopted. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions. For data analysis, grounded theory was used. The grounded theory approach provides a systematic procedure for data collection. Findings: The findings suggest that the intelligence process adopted by the Customs Intelligence ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ for risk analysis has enabled it to become more effective in its operations. Results attained are encouraging but can be improved. The Department must work harder to achieve even better results. This may be achieved through enhancing its human resources capabilities, especially at the Customs Intelligence ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ and strategically capitalise on knowledge owned. Research limitations/implications: A research limitation is that the author as a former member of the Customs Intelligence ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ, tends to view things from the employee perspective. Though this is a constraint, the utmost was done to eliminate such bias in this research. Practical implications: The recommendations, based on data collected and the literature review can assist management address the shortcomings identified. Originality/Value: Although knowledge management is a highly topical issue in business and related fields, there remains much ambiguity as to its nature and its theoretical basis, when it comes to the Customs operations. This is due to the lack of empirical studies on the relationship between knowledge management and Customs procedures. Description: B.A.(HONS)PUBLIC ADMIN. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/41029 Title: Leadership in public administration : a demand and supply analysis Abstract: Leadership is an important function of management which helps to maximize efficiency, reach targets, achieve budget measures and also implement key performance indicators. Therefore, the right candidate needs to be chosen, a candidate who has a clear vision, share the said vision with his subordinates so that they will follow enthusiastically, and will be able to provide information and knowledge. In my place of work, I see applications of those candidates who wish to be in a headship position. The fact that some of the positions advertised remain without a nominee triggered me to see whether these applicants have the right leadership qualities. This concept instigated me to do this research by seeing the views of the Head of the Civil Service who is the chair of the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, Profs Cassar who is a technical member as psychologist within the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, and the Permanent Secretaries‟ views because apart from providing advice to the minister they lead the department of which he or she is the administrative head. Moreover, I have also taken the views of the Directors General and Directors who presently are in a headship position. Respondents were asked questions on various aspects in relation to their position such as about leadership qualities within the Public Administration and what leadership qualities should be looked for in an applicant who wishes to be in a headship position. Questions were asked by means of face-to-face interviews with the Principal Permanent Secretary, Professor Cassar and Permanent Secretaries. Moreover, an online questionnaire was distributed to Directors General and Directors. It was found out that progress has been done but this does not stop here. More training such as the Senior Management Toolkit and more courses within the Institute for Public ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ need to be given so that prospective candidates keep themselves informed in certain areas and they can build their leadership qualities. Everyone needs to work hand in hand and be involved in bringing ideas forward so decisions could be taken. Moreover, the financial package to be paid to incumbents is to be revised because employees holding a headship position have a lot on their hands and this will also help to attract people from outside the public service to apply for headship positions. The public service needs to encourage more women to apply for such positions. This is being done through the introduction of family-friendly measures. Description: B.A.(HONS)PUBLIC ADMIN. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/41026 Title: Sickness absence patterns and trends in the public service of Malta : a case study of the Ministry for family, children's rights and social solidarity Abstract: Employee absenteeism is a worldwide phenomenon, which, due to the financial impact on a nation's economy, is an important subject on the international agenda. The official figures show that a total of €43.9 million was paid out in sickness benefits in 2015. (www.timesofmalta.com, 2017) Unscheduled disruption of the work process due to days lost as a result of sickness or any other cause not excused through statutory entitlements or company approval. (Martin Wall, 2011, p. 8) Employee sick absenteeism is a costly yet still a non-understood organisational phenomenon. The consequences of employee absenteeism are various and consist of direct and indirect effects. Absenteeism leads to higher costs, which can be caused directly and indirectly. This research will present a vast literature review available on sick leave absenteeism in general and its causes; that are common in every company. This research has studied the sick leave trends that occurred between the years 2014 until 2017 in the Ministry for the Family, Social Solidarity and Children's rights. This study will propose measures on how to curb sick leave abuse and understand better why such phenomenon could be happening. Description: B.A.(HONS)PUBLIC ADMIN. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/41004 Title: Sustainability of unemployment benefits in Malta Abstract: This study is an analysis of information obtained through credible sources, who are experts in their field. To sustain this research a detailed explanation on the Unemployment Benefit and Assistance was submitted, in accordance with the Maltese Social Security Act Chapter 318 of the Laws of Malta. The Republic of Cyprus was utilised as a data subject due to geographical resemblance with the Island of Malta and since the economic actives of both Islands are quite similar. The information obtained through this study was analysed and utilised for comparison reasons between both EU member states, focusing mainly on the mode of payment and entitlement rates. Description: B.A.(HONS)PUBLIC ADMIN. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z