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Validerat; 20160627 (global_studentproject_submitter)

This paper is structured with qualitative method. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding about the function of the coffee break at work, may have beside rest and recovery and the coffee break importance as a posterior region. In order to answer this end, I have had two questions; What social strategies actors use to create meaning during the coffee break? And which significance has the coffee break in that region? The empirical data were collected with semi-structured interviews and participant observation in a workplace in the public sector in order to gain a deeper understanding of the social phenomenon coffee break. Scientific articles were integrated with existing theories in organizational theory and symbolic interactionism. The paper explains the coffee break from a sociological perspective on the basis of these theoretical considerations and how these can be used to gain a deeper understanding. The essay can show how actors use different social strategies during the coffee break, partly to create meaning and also the function fill certificates. Coffee break is both an opportunity for the actor to receive social support from colleagues, but also a place of strategic considerations which the actor can use the coffee break to his advantage. Another aspect of the essay can show, is the importance of the coffee break for the actors and the organization they belong to. Firstly, the coffee break is a rear region for the team where they can make deliberations on future requests and as an informal anterior region where the actor continues his performances but with the team as the audience. Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

An auditor is hired by a company with the commission to assure the audit quality of the financial reports that the company disclose to its stakeholders, such as banks, insurance companies or others who have an interest in this reports. If the auditors have not signaled about failures, the stakeholders expect that the reports are credible. Auditing is an important activity in society and the auditors' work should follow generally accepted auditing standards. Furthermore, the financial statements should give a true and fair view of the company’s position, as these statements are the foundation for the stakeholders’ decision-making. Therefore, the auditor’s independence is vital. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze four factors that can challenge auditors’ independence; self-review by the Swedish analysis model, the audit tenure, non-audit services and the client importance. At the beginning of the 21st century, several accounting scandals were discovered where auditors failed in their independence. The fact that accounting scandals occur, even though the need for auditor independence is essential, makes this subject interesting to study. The study is based on legitimacy theory and principal-agent theory and to study whether the auditors consider that the four factors do affect their independence, we conducted a quantitative and qualitative survey. The quantitative survey was answered of 119 auditors through a web-based survey, and the qualitative survey was done by three interviews. The quantitative survey is analyzed with the statistical program IBM SPSS to examine possible connections between the four factors and how important the auditors consider their independence. The empirical data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, rotating exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. To examine the demographic variables a one-way ANOVA have been performed.The results show that there is a correlation between two of the four factors that can affect the auditors’ independence. The auditor's audit tenure indicates that a longer audit tenure with the same client tends to affect the auditor independence. The independence perceived as less important, the longer the audit tenure is. The second factor indicates that the auditor's self-review through analysis model affect the auditor's independence, due to the self-review is subjective and therefore can challenge the auditor's independence. Furthermore, the results show that there are moderate homogeneity of the auditors' standpoints regarding auditor independence. Validerat; 20160824 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160202 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Due to the increasing globalisation, the organisations all over the world are facing intensified competition and higher customer requirements. To be able to compete with other organisations it is essential to optimize production. Thereby improvements regarding shorter lead times are common in the manufacturing industri. Lead time reduction is generally associated with several benefits such as flexibility and increased profits due to minimization of tied up capital and reduced risks of incorrect demand forecasting. This thesis consists of a case study conducted at Scania Ferruform. Their aim is to deliver high quality products in a customer order sequence in a single piece flow, which requires short lead times. However the possibility is limited due to the long lead times and large inventories of their production. The case study is delimitated to only investigate the part of the production flow, which has the longest lead time. Furthermore, the study will not investigate the possibilities of investing in new machinery. By conducting a value stream mapping, the inventories impact on the lead time was visualized. Thereafter the inventories were analysed through two different perspectives; need of inventory and the actual content of inventory. This resulted in insights regarding which factors that had a negative impact on the lead time. The focus of the study was chosen to address the inventory placed after the machine that was currently seen as the bottleneck of the production. This due to the fact that the bottleneck delimitates the throughput of the production. The following factors affecting the lead time was identified; unnecessary inventory, material shortages, set-up time, poor utilization of the bottleneck, unplanned downtime and transportation. Some of these factors were caused by the lack of connection between all processes and the production planning. Furthermore, it was identified that this lack of production planning, resulted in the absence of established guidelines concerning the inventory levels. By connecting all processes to the production planning and introducing guidelines regarding how much to stock, the lead time can be reduced. Improving the inventory content in terms of only stocking the products which is needed, results in a lead time reduction in the flow by 8%. Additionally, there are other improvements such as reduced set-up time, transportation and unplanned downtime, which will shorter the lead further and also increase the productivity.Moreover, the case study showed that the largest inventory, with the longest lead time, was created on purpose by building up stock and having a large safety stock. However, analysis indicated the possibility of reducing the lead time by decreasing the inventory. This can be done by further investigating the possibilities of smoothen the production and optimizing the safety stock levels. A potential lead time reduction of 15% was identified, which in combination with the improved inventory after the bottleneck results in 23% shorter lead time. The conclusion is that lead time can be reduced by well thought out production planning, deliberate inventories and guidelines. However careful considerations are necessary regarding what the actual effects will be on the supply chain before implementing any major changes. Validerat; 20160630 (global_studentproject_submitter)

It is a very competitive environment in today’s marketplace. In order to attract consumers companies and organizations are not just engaged in competition about selling their products or services, but also for the consumers’ perception. Because of the global competition destinations have become substitutable and due to that destination marketing organizations have to find ways to attract and keep consumers. Destination personality is considered a good way to differentiate the destination. It has also been suggested in existing literature that consumers are more inclined to prefer brands that have personality traits that are congruent with their own traits. This could also have positive influence on the behavioral intentions of tourists. Consumer identification of brand personality is considered essential for marketers to understand, because brand personality can have the ability to affect word-of-mouth. The purpose of this master thesis is to investigate how destination personality connects to self-congruity and tourist-destination identification, as well as promotional behavior of word-of-mouth and behavioral intentions to revisit or recommend a destination. Existing literature was reviewed in order to investigate the above mentioned concepts. Thereafter a frame of reference was constructed in order to investigate these concepts further in connection to the case of Luleå. Data was collected through a quantitative questionnaire, and then analyzed in order to see if the theoretical propositions assumed in the literature review could be supported. The results of this thesis supports the theoretical propositions that destination personality, self-congruity and tourist-destination identification were positively connected to promotional behavior and behavioral intentions, this in connection to Swedish and international visitors of Luleå. The literature was also extended to some extent, as well as criticized based on the findings of the data analysis, resulting in recommendations for further research and recommendations for marketers. Validerat; 20160628 (global_studentproject_submitter)

When an organization is process-oriented, it is important that it can accurately measure process performance so as to be able to work with continuous improvements. Past studies on process- oriented work generally agree that measurement should be carried out; the problem is to determine what to measure. It has been said that what gets measured gets done. However, it seems that this is not always an accurate characterization. Most important is to measuring the "right things" in the "right way" to have any benefit from what gets measured. What are the "right things" depends on an organization's working conditions as this factor dictates the manner in which any measurement is performed.The purpose of this study was to investigate how an organization can measure process performance. To analyze this topic a case study was carried out at LKAB Minerals AB (LMAB) in Luleå. The case study was to empirically examine how key indicators can be developed to measure process performance. A theoretical model of the organization's sales process was built and tested. The reason why the sales process was selected was that top management determined that sales was strategically the most important activity if established LMAB objectives were to be achieved. The study is therefore limited to LKAB Minerals AB and examines only the indicators that measure sales performance.This study generated several interesting outcomes. Three key indicators that measure the sales performance process and several recommendations on how to develop process-oriented sales work were developed. The main finding of this study is the model that was developed to identify key performance indicators (KPIs). The model successfully identified quantifiable LMAB KPIs. The model is general and likely can be applied to other organizations. The model is based on scientific articles reviewed for this case study and summarizes findings from a wide range of scientific fields. Because the model is general and applicable to other organizations it may also be of interest to develop further as there are few commonly accepted models that develop key performance indicators for process performance. Validerat; 20160618 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Design of experiments is a method to investigate how different factors affect a process. The method is able to be used within the manufacturing industry to achieve how to adjust different factors in a process in order to improve the results i.e. reduce the number of quality deviations. To reduce the quality deviations could also affect cost savings. Design of experiments could be used together with the problem solving method DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).The purpose of this thesis is to illustrate how Design of Experiments could be used together with DMAIC to achieve cost savings in manufacturing companies. In order to reach the purpose a case study has been performed at the briquette factory of BDX Industri AB in Svartöstan in Luleå. In the briquette factory, briquettes are made of residue from the steel production in SSAB.The briquettes are then delivered to the steel production in SSAB. The case study is performed as a DMAIC-project. The case study started to investigate the savings potential in the production. Then the parameters, which were expected to affect the saving potentials, were identified. In the next step all identified parameters were included in a factor experiment. Next, a factor experiment was performed with all parameters included which affected the hardness of the briquettes according to the first factor experiment. The results then were verified with further factor experiments to confirm the reproducibility of the results.The results of the case study show that increasing the moisture content to the recommended level will make it possible to decrease the cement content and thereby decrease the cost which means a cost saving. The cost savings has also been practically verified.BDX industry AB is recommended to investigate the possibilities to increase the moisture level to the recommended level which makes it possible to decrease cement content and thereby the costs.Further it is recommended to investigate how much the curing chamber time could be decreased in order to achieve a more effective production of the briquettes.A study of Swedish companies shows that 77 % of the companies have never used factor experiments in their business. This thesis proposes to study the reasons why the companies do not use factor experiments to a greater extent and what is required for companies to start using the method. Validerat; 20160628 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160620 (global_studentproject_submitter)

A common problem during production of steel by continuous casting is centreline segregation. Centreline segregation is an accumulation of unwanted substances in thecentre of the end product, called slabs. Centreline segregation occurs because different alloys have higher solubility with liquid steel than solid steel. The solidification of steel is done from the outside and in, which makes the alloys move towards the centre where they eventually stick.At SSAB’s production facility in Luleå the centreline segregation is measured in a sampling process, where samples from the end product are cut out and etched in acid bath. After the acid bath the sample is scanned to specify the centreline segregation. Previous studies have concluded that the sampling process has high variance, which creates uncertainties for the specification of the centreline segregation. The scanner and other parts of the sampling process have been excluded during previous studies.The purpose of this project was to identify influencing factors for the acid, determine which of these factors are active for the variation and the settings of the factors to generate low variation. Since experiments and quantitative data collection were needed the method used by this thesis was Six Sigma by the DMAIC-method.A project team was appointed containing experts of both the process and the chemical properties of the acid. During discussions with the team three influencing factors where identified; purity of the acid, time and temperature. These factors where then examined by design of experiments (DoE).During the DoE each sample where etched two times at each setting and a difference between these two was calculated. The sample size was kept at seven. The average of the seven samples and the variance between these samples then became the response variablesfor the experiment. Two DoE were conducted where the purpose of the first was toeliminate the purity of the acid factor to save time. Since it could not be excluded the second experiment continued where the first ended.The purity of the acid and temperature was identified as active to the variance of the acidbath. These factors were then analysed to determine an optimal level to generate lowvariance. The recommendations of this project were to change acid after 60 samples and to improve the temperature equipment to keep the temperature at 55 oC. If the recommendation of this thesis is followed then the centreline segregation will be measured more precisely and decrease rework. Validerat; 20160314 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160512 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160217 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the identity problems Syrian refugees experiencing in relation with integration into Swedish society. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the main reasons why Syrian refugees choose Sweden as a destination country. The study is based on a qualitative research approach. The empirical data consists of eight in-depth interviews with individual from Syria. Theories that are used in the analyze of the result is Richard Jenkins (2008) Social Identity, Nils Hammarén & Thomas Johansson (2009) description of hybrid identities, Aleksandra Ålunds (1997) theory of ”multikultiungdomar”, Jonas Stiers (2003) description of cross-border identities and Everett S. Lee (1966) A Theory of Migration. The results are analyzed on the basis of these theoretical assumption and previous research on the topic. The result show that the majority of respondents had a preunderstanding about Sweden before they arrived. The information is mainly provided through contacts in Sweden. Safety, security and permanent residence permit constituted the most significant factors for the choice of destination country. Previous studies show that refugees undergo a mentalitet- and identity change associated with migration (Cormos, 2014). Whether respondents experiencing an identity change tends to be an individual experience. Consideration should be given to the notion the refugee had about migration and how the life situation looked before migration. Furthermore, identity problems tends mainly arise when the refugee's internal self-definition not corresponds with the surroundings definition. What may be considered to affect the identity in the new society is partly the refugees ”new” self-definition, and the experience of the surroundings external definition. Whether this is consistent or not brings consequences for the refugee's identity. Syrian refugees everyday life tend to be characterized by a cultural diversity which is resulting in a fusion of different cultural elements of life and lifestyles, which in turn tends to result in new hybrid identities. Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160613 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160412 (global_studentproject_submitter)

What kind of software documentation a systems needs and how much documentation that is necessary are questions that has a lot of different answers depending on a number of variables. Traditional software development methodologies claims that software needs a lot of documentation and more agile approaches claims that it is better to write less documentation since most documentation is never used. According to studies a ratio of 11% of software projects costs are spent on documentation alone. The purpose of this study is to create a cost efficient software documentation strategy for an existing web system with a focus on deciding what information are relevant to document in order to keep a high ROI. This study was conducted as a single case study and made in collaboration with a company. The data collection was done by interviewing key people working in the system and doing participants observations. The result shows that information documented in a high level is what is most needed. Artifacts relevant to document are the source code, requirements of updates, functional tests, high-level architecture, reference manual and an end-user manual. The result also shows that new processes need to be implemented for the documentation strategy to be efficient. Recommendation for further research is to create a method of how to calculate the ROI for software documentation based on a number of organizational variables. Validerat; 20160615 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Quality management is more relevant than ever and has become an important tool for companies to succeed in the challenging and global environment they operate in. It encapsulates several different methods and principles, and is to day often referred to as Total Quality Management (TQM). Product quality control was one of the first concepts within quality management, but companies have not always understood the importance of good quality to attract customers. A paradigm shift occurred when competitiveness increased, which forced companies to work more actively to consistently create products of good quality. Resources were directed to meet quality standards and measurements for quality activities were implemented; the Cost of Quality (CoQ) concepts were born.CoQ methods allow companies to understand the implications of delivering poor quality and provide tools to prevent products of poor quality being produced. This is described by Joseph Juran who defined CoQ as “the sum of all costs that would disappear if there were no quality problems”. Several different CoQ models exist but can generally be described as a structured way to identify, me asure and lower costs associated to quality. Research argues that a CoQ model has several benefits: it could be a good marketing tool, evaluating overall production costs, used for long term forecasting and a help to set selling price to mention a few. This thesis had as purpose to explore and gain knowledge in CoQ, to investigate the relationship between conformance and non-conformance costs in the chemical man ufacturing industry, and how that could be a basis for lowering total CoQ. The literature study gave knowledge about CoQ and made it possible to create an apprehension of how CoQ could be used in organizations and the benefits it can bring. Academic journals and articles provided information and knowledge within areas such as quality management, TQM, CoQ and continuous improvements. The empirical findings from the case study showed how CoQ could be interpreted and used by an organization in the chemical manufacturing industry. The case study is built on interviews, observations and by studying internal reports and internal management systems. A major finding in this thesis was how CoQ could be modelled to support a CoQ system effectively. Identification of critical components such as definition, classification, identification and measuring was guiding how a model could be designed to detect and lower CoQ in an organization. Several CoQ components were dentified. These are discussed both specifically for the case study and in general for the chemical manufacturing industry. Specific recommendations were derived from the conclusions, suggesting ways to further improve CoQ as a method for reaching quality excellence. Validerat; 20160607 (global_studentproject_submitter)

This is an investigation carried out in an office in Luleå who recantly implemented anew approach known as activity-based. The study presents the results from twelvesemi-structured interviews conducted with employees from the office. The aim of thestudy is to investigate how an activity-based workplace affect the staff's interactionwith each other and if it may have an impact on the psychosocial work environment.In this essay theories from Ervin Goffman and Randall Collins is used to analyse thefindings of the study. In addition to the theoretical framework, previous research ofrelevance is presented.The result shows that the activity-based workplace is perceived differently bydifferent people and that the main influencing factor is the individual's profession. Anegative attitude is most common among the employees and the arguments for this isthat the new approach leads to increased stress, anxiety and frustration. Validerat; 20160622 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The purpose of this thesis is to find where and how training instructors find their workout motivation and to investigate the behavior they use to motivate others. In order to define the topic and stick to the relevant information two questions were elected. What motivation orientation drives the participants in their own training? What behavior is reflected in their role as an instructor? Interviews with 10 individuals were performed. A semi-structured interview guide was designed to give participants a chance to talk freely about the subject, but through structured questions stick to the topic. Interview responses were analyzed and interpreted with the Theory of self-determination. The results show that the training instructors/coaches found their motivation for self-training through partial goals and fitness goals. Some were run by autonomous orientation, the majority of controlled orientation and one by impersonal orientation. All interview candidates met the requirements for instructing through an autonomous-supportive behavior to some degree. Only three participants satisfied all the requirements. Notably, these were the oldest of the participants. Validerat; 20160630 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160612 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the factors that influence the intention of nursing students at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) to apply for positions in Norrbottens läns landsting (NLL) after graduation. Based on Icek Ajzen’s (1985) Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) the students’ attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were examined. An electronic survey was filled out by 164 nursing students from all three grade levels at LTU. Five factors could predict the intent of nursing students to select NLL as a future employer. Of greatest significance was the family's opinion, followed by working conditions, the ability to develop, to live close to the people that matter and finally active nurses' opinions. Contrary to expectations, salary did not emerge as an important factor. The thesis ends with concrete strategy proposals about how NLL can improve and strengthen its appeal against newly graduated nurses from LTU. Validerat; 20160627 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160215 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160602 (global_studentproject_submitter)

This study examines the railway navvies own views on their working and living conditions asit is described in interviews, the navvy´s own accounts and navvy songs and poems, inNorrbotten during the period from the 1880s to 1937. The study also compares the resultswith contemporary investigations on working and living conditions. This study utilizes both aqualitative and a quantitative method in order to answer the questions of the thesis. Previousresearch indicates that the railway navvies had positive views on their lives, this is valid both nationally and internationally. The result of this study confirm this result. The navvies demarcated deliberately from their surroundings but there are also factors outside their own control that affected class. Validerat; 20160120 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Studies in business intelligence systems has earlier focused on the success of implementations and how the system satisfies the end-user. This study therefore examines how users characteristics affects how they perceive business intelligence systems as easy of using and useful. Furthermore, perceived ease of use and usefulness in the business intelligence system and how this affects the ability to meet performance targets at unit level is examined. The study had a quantitative approach and was carried out with the help of a survey where 91 respondents participated. All respondents are working as head of units in a company applying business intelligence systems in their daily activities as a way to control and support decision making. The collected data of the study were analyzed by using a path analysis and multivariate regression. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the measures reliability. The results show that on a high significant level, both perceived ease of use and usefulness correlated with how performance targets are achieved. The results also showed that when the business intelligence system is perceived as easy of using and useful, decision is made with higher quality. The results provide indications for how companies should work with these components and thereby control the organizations results in a better way. Validerat; 20160607 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160224 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160201 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The objective with the thesis was to make a comprehensive review of scientific articles and other studies on the potential of woody biomass in Sweden. Furthermore, the impact different approaches, restrictions and type of study have had on the reported outcome from the different studies have been examined. The method is based on a meta-analysis using ordinary least square (OLS) regression estimations. The theoretical framework is based on optimal harvesting rates of renewable resources and a supply and demand model of woody biomass, identifying the factors that affect the supplied amount of woody biomass. The results imply that the choice of restrictions (economical, technical, ecological and theoretical), as expected, had a large impact on the estimated potential of woody biomass. However, the result for using economical restrictions suggests an increased potential, which was unexpected. Conclusively, the thesis suggests that there is further potential to increase the utilization of woody biomass in Sweden. Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

If the world’s natural resources should cover future needs one obvious solution is to recycle more to decrease the extraction of primary resources. The car industry is one of the most resource intensive industries for ferrous and non-ferrous metals and the need for resources is growing. Environmental concerns for the effects of end-of-life vehicles have led to legislation with the target of a recycling degree of 95 % of the cars´ mass in 2015. This target was not achieved and substantial efforts are still required to reach this target.The metal recycling industry is viewed as one of the most important areas for improvements within the whole recycling industry because recycled metal has the same characteristics as newly produced metal. To make the metal recycling industry more resource efficient improvement work that has strong focus on reducing variation is required. The problem solving methodology DMAIC popularized within Six Sigma has been described as the leading approach to tackle variation problems without obvious solutions. DMAIC methodology is based on a structured and fact based improvement approach. The lack of previous studies of Six Sigma in the metal recycling industry leaves the need for good examples to illustrate the approach and the potential benefits.In this thesis a DMAIC project at Stena Recycling’s fragmentation plant in Hallstahammar has been performed to apply and illustrate how DMAIC methodology can work in the metal recycling industry. A secondary purpose was to provide recommendations for a continued implementation of Six Sigma in the organization. However, the fragmentation residues that end up in landfills still contain a large amount of metals. The purpose of the DMAIC project was to minimize metals in the fragmentation residues. An additional purpose of the DMAIC project was to provide recommendations of how to use of statistical data to monitor and reduce variation. The lack of secondary data of potential causes to why metals end up as fragmentation residues meant that data collection mainly was based on primary data.The DMAIC project resulted in a decreased waste in fragmentation residues earning savings of 294 000 SEK per year as well as a number of suggestions for improvements for on-line monitoring and reduction of variation. These suggestions are primarily focused on the use of statistical control charts and a focus on following guiding measurements that can be influenced by operators.If Stena Recycling chooses to continue with implementing Six Sigma in the organization they are assessed to have good possibilities for internal recruitment of Six Sigma competence. The need for support functions is substantial if the person responsible for improvements lacks prior experience of managing DMAIC projects. Six Sigma is based on frequent use of statistical tools and therefore requires access to measurement data. Stena Recycling’s greatest problem today concerns the currently limited measurement system. If differences caused by adjusted settings cannot be detected and monitored, the motivation to actively work with improving the processes will suffer.Based on the result the DMAIC methodology is regarded as a suitable approach for reducing variation in the metal recycling industry. DMAIC methodology has previously been applied successfully in a variety of industries and the results from this DMAIC project demonstrate its high degree of generalizability. Validerat; 20160612 (global_studentproject_submitter)

This study deals with the effect of water and sewage systems women’s and men’s work in the home and outside the home from a gender perspective in a rural area of Sweden. This study is a qualitative study conducted through interviews of senior citizen experiences of the life be-fore the sewage systems installation and after the sewage systems had been installed. The re-sults of the study are that life before the installation of the sewage systems has been very gen-der segregated in Korpilombolo and especially troublesome for women. Life after the sewage systems installation, on the other hand, has eased the labor, especially for women, but they are still performing the work in the homes. The washing machine in particular was revolutionary. In the discussion, I have compared conditions today based on previous research and my own experiences on this. In addition to the interviews, the study relies on contemporary sources films from 1940 to 1970 era in Korpilombolo and some documentary photographs that de-scribe what I have said in my study. Validerat; 20160810 (global_studentproject_submitter)

This paper provides the functionality requirements, identified through research, for a software platform to support Supply Chain Management (SCM) and to aid the carrying out of security reviews/due diligence of third parties. The paper looks at supporting the process of supply chain management through an up-stream approach, assisting those who are often responding to security reviews and due diligence. It focuses on data as an asset within a supply chain, transferred/shared and processed over the internet with the associated cyber risks. This paper looks at Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (CSCRM) i.e. the processes of performing risk management involving security reviews and/or due diligence and the management of third parties risks. Validerat; 20160620 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160220 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160209 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The purpose of this thesis is to examine how the unconscious factors affect purchase and repurchase behaviors in onlinegames/mobilegames. The questions that were addressed, from an explorative point of view, where to examine how habits, immersion and impulse buying affects purchase and repurchase behaviors in onlinegames/mobilegames and to see which factors explain this. The method that was used in this study is a single password based survey that was published on eight international online forums for games with freemium characteristics. The results show that the response rate of the survey is too low for any generalizable conclusions, but indicates that impulse buying can be a significant factor for purchase and repurchase behaviors. Validerat; 20160824 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Today, most people have heard of Bitcoin, but few have truly understood the concept and its functions. The phenomenon causes strong emotions and the opinions are divided. Some think that Bitcoin will revolutionize the financial system, while others lean towards the possibility that it is merely a short-lived trend. The aim of this report is to analyze if Bitcoin has the qualities required of a substitute for the domestic currency. The study is based on money’s necessary functions and the variables that cause an individual to go as far as abandoning their domestic currency. Even though Bitcoin is a functioning alternative, an analytic comparison with the American dollar showed that bitcoin cannot yet compete with the qualities of dollars, much due to the lack of expansion. The report indicates that in the long run Bitcoin’s characteristics can develop today’s monetary system and create considerable changes in the future. Validerat; 20160707 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Date: 2016-06-01Level: Master thesis in Business Administration, Specialization Marketing Institution: Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences – Luleå University of TechnologyAuthor: Hasanen HadiTitle: Organizations Management of e-WOM on Social Media – Three case studies; Scandic hotell, Luleå kommun and Lulebo ABTutor: Anne EngströmKeywords: Social media, WOM, E-WOMPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of the business and organizational management of e-WOM on social mediaMethod: A deductive study in a qualitative manner which is conducted through interviewsConclusion: The discontent or criticism arises and grows in social media is a challenge for organizations. The risk that the businesses damaged by negative e-WOM in the form of complaints and grievances in social media is great because more people can take part of the complaint via negative e-WOM on social media channels. As a result of these challenges in social media, companies should implement some strategies e.g. communicate and engage in social media in order to manage and reduce the risk of e-WOM. If all the complaints and grievances in the form of comments and opinions are handled, the risk of the adverse effects which may occur in the form of negative e-WOM will be minimized. Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Mycelium Biking, a master thesis project about using mycology in eco-design made by design engineering student Alexander Wagner. The present global ecology drives researchers to find environmentally friendly alternatives to commonly used materials such expanded plastics and concrete. The project examined the possibilities of implementing mycelium materials in systematic product development processes. The eligibility of the material was tested by developing products for electric cargo bikes and, by doing so, reduce their ecological footprint. Mycelium materials relevant to Industrial Design Engineering mainly because of their ecological qualities but also because of their performance and the wide range of applicable fields. This study presents six different products developed for the cargo bike in which mycelium materials was considered eligible. The study also presents the material in general showcasing the applicability for other types of products. It was found most applicable for lightweight products used in friendly environments and with low demands on tolerances. These types of product don’t need additional coating, are self-compostable, are possible to create with no manufacturing costs and its production close-to carbon neutral. Conclusively, any product developer in need of a material with an elastic modulus of 15MPa for densities 100kg/m3 (These are the properties of untreated mycelium materials grown without pressure) should consider using mycelium materials. Designers have the option to design a product with a manufacturing process that need no supplementary energy and without any ecological footprint (should you assume availability of local feedstock). The ecological and economic benefits of such material are obvious and it is up to the designer to weigh them against the issues related to using the material (shrinkage, coating & quality). Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160520 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160309 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The tool due diligence is used to analyze different aspects in a potential investment. Due diligence started to apply in connection to real estate investments in Sweden twenty five years ago. Gradually the connection between real estate investments and due diligence became more frequent. Today is due diligence performed ordinary in connection with real estate investments. The designated purpose with a due diligence is to analyze relevant aspects who is connected to the success of the investment. In a due diligence process several actors are involved to perform a specific due diligence. Professionals who are involved in the process can be accountants, lawyers, technical consultants with targeted knowledge of specific areas of property investments. The purpose of this study is to describe how the part who attempts to acquire a residential property applies due diligence and the expectations connected to the tool. Totally the study contains five interviews with actors who are connected to property investments. The theoretical part of the study is connected to due diligence and aspects who applies in property investments.The results of the study indicates that due diligence in connection to residential acquisition is object adapted after the properties characteristics and opportunities. The study also indicates that the due diligence isn’t a predetermined process who applies a regular pattern. Instead the process in reality is applied after the client’s preferences. Validerat; 20160621 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The main purpose of the thesis is to determine the degree of relationship between customer relationships and brand equity in the customer-based brand equity (CBBE) perspective. The lack of comprehensive and approved definition of brand equity (BE) has in turn produced various methodologies to measure the construct. Even though there is no generally accepted definition of BE, there is some consensus in that BE indicates the added value endowed by the brand for product. Brand equity is based on the product position of the brand in the mind of customers. A consumer who believes that a brand delivers superior performance is excited to use the product, and is likely to be willing to pay a premium for the brand, and to go to extra trouble to locate and buy it, to recommend it to others, to forgive a mistake or product flaw, or to otherwise engage in behaviors that benefits the firm that markets the brand. Thus, one source of economic value from a positive brand image results from consumers’ behaviors toward existing items with that brand name. The study presents several objectives such as customer relationships and Brand equity that provide new insight in Brand equity (BE) areas. Our study develops a theory-based framework and empirically exhibits that exploration and exploitation are major constructs that can positively effect on overall brand equity for the improvement of long-term relationships in the petrochemical suppliers companies. We have selected 400 companies of Petrochemical industry suppliers as population sample size. Descriptive analysis, and structural equation model (SEM) has been developed on collected data. The result shows that Factors of customer relationships such as Trust, customer satisfaction and relationship commitment has a significant effect on brand equity in suppliers companies of Iranian Petrochemical industry. Validerat; 20160607 (marikav)

Event marketing is a promotional tool which play an important role in the marketing strategy of many companies today. The overall purpose of this thesis is to provide a better understanding on how companies use event sponsorships in order to improve brand equity, through a descriptive and exploratory approach to the area of study. To reach the purpose of this study, research questions were formulated, focusing on the objectives of event sponsorships and how companies choose the right event to sponsor, in order to reach stated objectives and build brand equity. In order to answer the research questions, a literature review was conducted which provided the base for the frame of reference. The method used is a qualitative multiple-case study. The data were collected by interviews with representatives from three well-known companies, Telia Company, Handelsbanken and Polarbröd, which all use sponsorship as a promotional tool. The results of the study indicate that sponsorship objectives within the corporate/product- and marketing categories are most frequently used in the building of brand equity. The single most common objectives are brand awareness, enhanced brand image and public perception, improved customer relations and to reach target markets. It was found that it is important for companies to achieve an appropriate fit with a sponsored event. The choice of event is based on a number of criteria, of which the most important are typicality, relevancy, target market, image and complementary. Another finding was that companies today consider sponsorships as a long-term relationship and cooperation, not only a one-time event, as a tool for building brand equity. Validerat; 20160616 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160613 (marikav)

The purpose of this study was primarily to increase the understanding of incentives for and barriers to a technological innovation system, TIS, with in the power industry occurring in a rapid technology shift. The aim was also to verify the literature covering TIS analytical framework. The result has therefore extended the framework's scope and contributed with new features that are important in TIS within the power industry. Technology shift with in the power industry was for this study defined as the shift from nuclear to other energy sources, which is expected to be available in early 2021. In order to accomplish this study a case study of Vattenfall AB was conducted, which is a large actor with in the power industry. The study had an additional exploratory intent meant to investigate a future scenario where nuclear power is phased out in 2020. The scenario is focused on identifying incentives and barriers of three major functions of the usage of energy sources with in the power industry.The collected data was based on 22 interviews from stakeholders with in the power industry with varying knowledgebase and interests. Furthermore, documented material from the participants and from the case study company was used. The results of the study have contributed to an increased awareness of an alternative vision of the future within the power industry and the potential incentive forces and barriers that may involve the usage of the identified energy sources. Additionally the result shows how the TIS framework can be used to analyze the usage of technology and what features that then will be important. Previous literature has used the TIS framework to analyze the development of renewable energy within the power industry. Previous studies have also analyzed TIS based on features for development. In this study, the TIS framework has been used for a nother purpose, than other previous studies have done, since it has focused on the usage rather than the development of technology. This study has identified the functions energy supply, economic sustainability and climate impact as important for usage in TIS with in the power industry. Literature has also highlighted a need to gain a better understanding of issues and stakeholders in the power industry. The results of the study contribute with a new perspective for the power industry’s relevant aspects and actors and can be used to clarify the complexity with TIS. The study shows which energy sources Sweden would be able to use in the beginning of 2021 and declare that carbon dioxide emissions would increase. Validerat; 20160627 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160204 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The expert role is often an important component in televised news reports. Experts contributes with comments, facts and analysis that will help viewers understand the news and its context. SVT has been broadcasting news since 1958 and has previously been criticized for a skewed gender representation. In this essay, 29 news broadcasts from SVT’s news program ”Rapport” have been analyzed. The result have concluded that male experts, in accordance with previous research, dominated the news broadcasts. The most common subject that a female expert spoke about was ”politics”, and the most common subject male experts spoked about was ”economy”.This essay notes that previous research which describe that men speaks on the so called ”hard news”, while women talk about the ”soft news”, is not consistent with this essays results. For example, women dominated the hard news category ”war”. This was partly due to SVT and their usage of ”in-house experts”, also known as journalists hired by SVT. The results have also shown that experts usually were white and middle-aged. The most used political affiliation was either of the two government parties, Miljöpartiet and Socialdemokraterna. Validerat; 20160711 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The development of the society has gone from customers buying products, to consuming guest experiences. This study was conducted to find out how the experience production can be combined with the increasing global trend of gamification, to contribute to research whether it is possible to create a meaningful experience through a composition of these two areas. Festivals in Sweden has become an increasingly interesting area of scientific research. A case study is performed at the festival Piteå Dansar och Ler by utilizing a semi-structured interview, concept development and reviewed literature, a theoretical concept is developed and exemplified at the festival. The concept consist of a mobile application that provides game mechanics, and experiences based on the human senses where guests can participate actively without technology. The results shows that there are good opportunities to combine theories of gamification with experience-based models that can bring a wide spectrum of experience, physical and digital activities. A concluding discussion about the importance of further developing the concept and to test it empirically to see whether the concept is user-friendly are suggested.Key words: Experience production, gamification, festivals, concept development. Validerat; 20160620 (global_studentproject_submitter)

Validerat; 20160708 (global_studentproject_submitter)