The primary purposes of this paper are to describe a practical model which can be used to assist economic evaluation of district heating proposals, with particular reference to potential micro combined heat and power (CHP) applications, and to discuss the results of applying this model to a proposal for a particular scheme. The problems of realistic simulation of demand patterns, and the sensitivity of micro‐CHP project values to scale, fuel prices, differential purchase/selling tariffs for electricity, duty cycle and plant utilization factors are discussed. Of several options, two were shown to be economically viable, relative to existing methods of supply (gas‐fired boilers); however, the margin of benefit is small relative to wisely chosen modern boiler installations. A brief discussion of alternative methods of finance is provided; ceteris paribus, the proposed scheme would not be likely to attract venture capital from would‐be lease‐hire agencies. There is scope however for pilot schemes, whose results could be used to define more closely the limits of uncertainty of, for example, annual availability and duty cycle influences on the cost economics of operations.
Abstract. Does management by objectives stifle organizational innovation in the public sector? The authors explore this possibility by describing five common characteristics of mbo and then contrasting them with four characteristics of innovative organizations. The comparison suggests that mbo‐pressures lead to organizational stress that is often resolved by the creation of two working environments; one for the pursuit of innovative objectives, and one for the pursuit of regular objectives. This could lead to dysfunctionalism in the form of abandoned objectives‐objectives that might have been achieved if mbo were not used. The authors conclude with four implications for public‐sector managers: (1) the practice of including innovation objectives along with traditional objectives in the same set of objectives is questionable; (2) broader objectives, perhaps pointing in the general direction of the innovations sought, might be more productive in some cases than specific objectives; (3) possible incompatibility between mbo and innovation might be lessened if innovative ventures are pursued in ad hoc organizational structures; and (4) management by objectives and innovation are not necessarily compatible.
SUMMARYIt has long been contended by people working in the oil industry that there can be no such thing as a 'national' energy policy; that energy policy can only be an international affair. This paper shows that small (densely populated) islands can provide some isolation for themselves from the vagaries of such international oil markets. It provides a systemic insight into the small island energy problem, and takes the case of the Channel Island of Guernsey as an example.It discusses various approaches to the island energy problem and uses a Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). The work is overlaid onto a 'quality, quantity and timing template' approach to energy planning and indicates that distributed cogeneration would significantly lessen dependence on oil imports; but the focus needs to be on energy service needs rather than the present 'prepared' energy fuels.It indicates that modular cogeneration technologies, geographically dispersed but electrically interconnected, need to be at the heart of the strategy. Which runs counter to much current public energy policy in relation to utilities and supply-demand relationships.
SUMMARYSince the first oil shock in 1973, many small islands have not assessed the strategic implications of dependence on oil imports, and have not opted to interfere in their own energy markets. This paper considers the notion of different levels of energy service delivery (by concentrating on local suitability), based on research relating to the Channel Island of Guernsey, and shows that significant energy savings are available. For this energy service delivery approach to be put into effect this paper suggests that a move away from the present laissez-faire supply-based stance will be necessary. Distributed cogeneration is considered in a case situation (using techniques that no small island currently employs) and shows strategic energy conservation solutions to questions no one has yet seriously asked.
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