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This brief paper considers the various possible mathematical operations on fuzzy sets that are required to implement a set of control rules as a fuzzy logic control element. The influence that these operations have on the characteristics of the final control element is a factor that is used to select those operations most suitable in the control context.

Using initial public offering (IPO) involuntary delisting data, this chapter examines whether and how motivated institutional investors affect the survivability of IPO firms. The empirical evidence shows that the likelihood of future delisting is much lower for IPOs with more motivated institutional investors. This impact is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry. The motivated institutional investors also facilitate better post-IPO operating performance. The results are consistent with the prediction of the limited attention theory.

This paper studies how performance funding of education is perceived by principals, teachers and administrative staff and management. The dysfunctionality of performance measures often reflects how the measures prevent an organisation from achieving its goals. This paper proposes that perceptions of dysfunctionality can be analysed by separating the perceptions of the programme's intentions, of the school-level actions and of the outcomes for students.

Following a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers, school management, staff specialists and top management in a large Danish municipality when outcome-based funding was introduced.

The performance-funding programme affected teaching by changing educational priorities. Different perceptions of the (dys)functionality of intentions, actions and outcomes fuelled diverging responses. Although the performance measure was generally considered incomplete, interviewees' perceptions of the financial incentivisation and the dysfunctionality of actions depended on interpretations of the incentivisation and student-related outcomes of the programme.

Dysfunctionality can be contested; the interpretations of the intention of a performance-funding programme affect the perceived dysfunctionality of reactions. Both technical characteristics of funding schemes and administrators' and principals' mediating roles are essential for the consequences of performance funding.

The paper examines conditions for dysfunctionality of performance measures. We demonstrate that actions can be perceived as dysfunctional because of a measurement's intentions, actions themselves and the actions' outcomes. Further, the paper illustrates how the reception of performance funding depends on how consequences are enacted based on educators' interpretations of the (dys)functionality of intentions, actions and outcomes.

An established method of modelling a controller using a fuzzy relation is examined in the light of recent criticisms. An alternative formulation of the fuzzy relation is described and use of the fuzzy relation as a synthesis tool is discussed. A new approach to tuning such controllers is proposed.

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) are created by a group of specialists to pool funds for financing future acquisitions within a specified time limit. SPACs are basically “shell” companies with no operations and business, assets or liabilities but they acquire the status of public corporations through initial public offerings (IPOs). The SPAC founders use the IPO funds to acquire a potential target. They are generally found to be successful to close an mergers & acquisitions (M&A) deal but they may not bother to ensure perpetual success of the acquired entity for a long time. In many countries, “shell” companies are characterized as the “bad boys” of the corporate world but they can be used for long-lasting successful M&As due to their inherent strengths, if they play the role of protagonists and “good guys” as SPACs. This chapter examines how SPACs can be used as special vehicles to ensure worthy and successful acquisitions to create sustainable corporations.

A tension leg platform (TLP) is a vertically moored, floating structure which is normally used for offshore oil/gas production. However, these types of structures can be damaged by vibration responses that are too large. The purpose of this paper is to consider the influence of the external waves on oceanic structures.

A mathematical model of an ocean environment was constructed, in which wave‐induced flow fields cause structural surge motion, then solutions to the mathematical model were analytically derived.

The Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model is employed in the approximation of the oceanic structure. The stability analysis of the TLP system is carried out using the Lyapunov direct method.

The dependence of the wave‐induced flow field and its resonant frequency on the wave characteristics and the structural properties of the platform, which include width, thickness and mass, can be drawn using a parametric approach.

Mathematical modeling is applied to find the wave‐induced displacement due to the surge motion. The vibration of the mechanical motion of the platform structure caused by wave force is also discussed.

This study investigates non-government organisations' (NGO) current accounting and reporting practices in a developing economy context (Mauritius) and argues the case for reforms to enhance their transparency and accountability.

A content analysis of a sample of NGO annual returns was carried out followed by interviews with NGO officers and actors on the state of accounting and reporting practices in Mauritius. The authors analyse the data from a public accountability perspective.

The content analysis revealed poor accounting and reporting practices by Mauritian NGOs. Based on interview insights, the authors find that these poor practices arise due a lack of (1) NGO-specific accounting standards, (2) engagement with narrative reporting, (3) properly trained NGO officers and (4) proper monitoring and control. Some of the interviewees expressed their support for introducing online filing systems and accounting requirements that are commensurate with NGO size, improving regulatory oversight, while ensuring that NGO accounts are made available to the public.

While there are many calls for better NGO accountability and transparency in developing economies, little is known about the state of accounting and reporting mechanisms (and regulatory framework thereof) that could provide the basis for relevant reforms towards enhancing accountability. Considering the opacity of NGO information in Mauritius and recent concerns about money laundering practices and the perceived ineffectiveness of regulatory oversight, this first national assessment of accounting and reporting practices sheds light on current challenges and formulates locally appropriate recommendations for the sector.

In September 2001, the Professional Headship Induction Programme was implemented in Wales. This programme is intended to support the professional development of new headteachers and is made up of a professional headship profile, mentor support, peer networking and a directory of training resources. The programme was developed by a consortium comprising the Glamorgan University, the educational advisory service for the Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda‐Cynon‐Taf local education authorities, the Welsh Primary Schools Association and the Welsh Secondary Schools Association. This paper describes the programme and its development and, on the basis of interviews with those involved, reports the tensions and shifts that emerged during the development process. These include the timescale of the development, the programme structure and content, determination of the balance between support and challenge for new headteachers, historical and political tensions and the inter‐relationship between the participants in the development. In the final section, success factors are identified.

The study attempts to examine the viewpoints of those involved in evaluating the performance of section heads in Kuwait secondary schools; mainly section heads themselves, supervisors and principals. It sets out to determine the strength and weaknesses in the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.

A study was conducted on a sample of section heads, principals, and supervisors at secondary schools, six educational districts in Kuwait via a 15‐item questionnaire.

The sample believe that the performance evaluation form designed for the section head: enables self‐evaluation; contributes by content to the principle of self‐evaluation; encourages discipline at work by minimizing absence; enables them to develop their performance in the next semester of the study year; contributes to defining training requirement; and encourages taking training courses.

This study is important for several reasons. First, according to researchers, this is the first field study that examines the viewpoints of section heads, supervisors and principals collectively about the performance evaluation form designed for section heads at secondary schools in the State of Kuwait. Second, it provides recommendations and proposals for designing an evaluation form for section heads based on the outcome of a field survey and previous studies. Third, it helps lay down criteria for selecting and training section heads. Finally, it examines the viewpoints of researched participants involved in the evaluation of section heads, showing potential differences of opinion with regard to the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.