| 1. |
- Jonasson, Karl, 1978, et al.
(författare)
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Environmental Assessment of Emerging Technologies: The Case of Alternative Transport Fuels
- 2005
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- There are several methods to evaluate the environmental performance of new technologies. The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the methodological development of environmental assessments, with contributions from life-cycle assessment (LCA), theories on technical change and socio-technical scenarios.LCA, or well-to-wheel studies, is a widely used tool for evaluating the environmental performance of alternative transport fuels. However, the methodology is usually not adapted to answer questions regarding strategic technology choice. Suggestions are presented that could increase the usefulness of LCA in this respect. A net output approach is used, where fuels are used for their own production and distribution. Background system changes and the size of byproduct markets are studied, and it is shown that these factors can have a large influence on the results. Studies of LCA type can be used to give information on which fuels that have a low environmental impact today, and which are promising in the long run. However, it is suggested that also dynamic processes of technical changed need to be taken into account in the selection of technologies.In a study of the history of alternative transport fuels in Sweden, we show that also short-term options can contribute to the development towards more promising long-term options. Investments in alternative fuels during the years have not only resulted in physical artefacts and new explicit knowledge, but have also created dedicated actors and changed tacit knowledge and normative rules. Positive feedback loops related to actors, knowledge and rules have created more actors and changed regulation, and an ability of alternatives to survive. At the same time, the growth of some alternatives has favoured others, due to overlaps in socio-technical systems.However, the growth of alternatives is still very much dependent on exogenous factors and policy. The balance between short-term and long-term options in the transition of the transport system is illustrated through the use of socio-technical scenarios. These show that there is a risk that any policy could result in a negative development for renewable alternatives, but they also suggest that there are opportunities for growth. Policy could balance the development in different parts of the system, and make use of short-term options to contribute to more radical changes in the transport system.
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| 2. |
- Fobbe, Lea, 1990-
(författare)
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Exploring the role of stakeholder interaction for developing organisational sustainability practices and sustainable business models
- 2021
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Stakeholder interaction has been recognised as one of the main principles to advance organisational sustainability. However, there is only limited knowledge on how organisations interact with their stakeholders to develop sustainability practices from an overarching perspective. There is also only fragmented research on the role of stakeholders when developing a sustainable business model (SBM). The purpose of this thesis is therefore to explore the role of stakeholder interaction for developing organisational sustainability practices and SBMs.Three research questions drive this thesis which compiles three papers based on three individual studies. The first study concentrates on stakeholder interaction as an organisational sustainability practice applying quantitative methods. The second study is a systematic literature review analysing the role of stakeholder interaction to develop SBMs. The third study explores how organisations implemented stakeholder interaction efforts, using qualitative methods.The results reveal that stakeholder interaction implemented as organisational sustainability practices and part of the SBM includes multiple stakeholders and different interaction degrees, potentially leading to new value opportunities and virtuous cycles of sustainable value creation. However, while organisations recognise the importance of stakeholder interaction, most organisations focus on low-to medium interaction degrees related to specific sustainability activities. This may limits the potential of stakeholder interaction for developing organisational sustainability practices and SBMs.This thesis contributes to sustainability, stakeholder and SBM literature by systematically exploring the role of stakeholder interaction, highlighting different degrees and extents practices are implemented in organisations. For practitioners, insights are offered how to foster stakeholder interaction practices and with that move towards organisational sustainability.
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| 3. |
- Pettersson, Carina, 1958-
(författare)
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Datorer åt många : en studie om datorn som vardagsteknik och kunskapsverktyg
- 2001
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Datorer och IT har befunnit sig i debattens centrum under olika perioder sedan ungefär 1950. Olika aspekter av tekniken och dess konsekvenser har lyfts fram: integritetetsfrågor, utslagning eller kompetensförändring i arbetslivet, exportnäringarnas roll, tekniska nischer av high-tech osv. Nu, i början av 2000-talet är det tillgången till bredband som är den heta frågan. Denna har gjorts till huvudpunkt i den senaste IT-politiska proposition som lades fram för riksdagen (prop 1999/2000:86). För att förverkliga målet "Sverige som första land bör bli ett informationssamhälle öppet för alla" skall politiken verka för att "hushåll och företag i alla delar av Sverige bör inom de närmaste åren få tillgång till IT-infrastruktur med hög "överföringskapacitet". Tillgång till sådan kapacitet, i debatten översatt till "bredband", betraktas alltså som central.(...)
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| 4. |
- Sammalisto, Kaisu
(författare)
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Developing TQEM in SMEs : Management Systems Approach
- 2001
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in all economies today and although their individual environmental impact is often limited, their total impact can be said to be significant due to their sheer number. Environmental management is a way to reduce the impact, but the results obtained by implementing ISO 14001 vary. The point of departure for this dissertation is the hypothesis that, the way SME's differ from the larger companies can be advantageous, defined as the SME potential, and not merely a disadvantage for them. Different approaches to management system implementation are the indentified and discussed; the approach chosen is assumed to play an important role in the implementation process. It is concluded that a company can choose an approach to the management systems implementation, where much of its SME potential can be used, and in that way do a reat deal with its limited resources. What is essential is creating a more holistic view in the company, which can lead to development of Total Quality Environmental Management (TQEM) and sustainable business practices in the future
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| 5. |
- Ahmadi, Zahra, 1966-
(författare)
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Market orientation and public housing companies in the Swedish declining market
- 2016
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The licentiate thesis consists of three papers with the particular topic in public housing. They discuss how the public housing companies manage the transition to higher economic demands meeting increased customer and market requirements. These studies focus specifically on how the public housing company deal with market challenges associated with the decision to demolish, maintain and/or new construction. Market-oriented perspective can be a tool for the public housing companies to achieve better customer value and enhance economic development. Although the market orientation concept has contributed to valuable improvements in research, the thesis assumes that it is necessary to distinguish between that the public housing companies operate market-oriented to meet customer requirements and their focus on innovation.Paper I develops market/innovation types and then investigates how public housing companies adapt to these types. It was found that economic conditions in the municipality have a major impact on the housing companies, causing them to act innovatively and create superior customer value by innovations. The study confirms that the implementation of market and innovation orientation contributes to competitive advantages in growing markets, while weak economic conditions impair implementation in declining markets.Paper II addresses how public housing companies in declining markets act based on the concept of market intelligence. This study suggested and tested whether there is a positive link between collecting customer information, disseminating it in the organization, and responding to customer needs, and whether this link has an impact on strategic performance. The result shows that weak links exist in the process; the efficiency of intelligence distribution in public housing companies is affected mainly by their responsiveness to customer needs.Paper III also addresses the public housing companies’ market strategies in declining markets. This study, based on a market-strategic perspective, compares how public housing companies act in relation to customer wants compared to the private housing market. The result shows that public housing companies are more engaged in carrying out new construction, renovation, and reconstruction, as well as taking more social responsibility compared to the private sector. In particular, their concern for the customers’ social needs is evident.
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| 6. |
- Asami-Johansson, Yukiko
(författare)
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Designing Mathematics Lessons Using Japanese Problem Solving Oriented Lesson Structure : A Swedish case study
- 2015
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This licentiate thesis is concerned with applying the Japanese problem solving oriented (PSO) teaching approach to Swedish mathematics classrooms. The overall aim of my research project is to describe and investigate the viability of PSO as design tool for teaching mathematics. The PSO approach is a variation of a more general Japanese teaching paradigm referred to as “structured problem solving”. These teaching methods aim to stimulate the process of students’ mathematical thinking and have their focus on enhancing the students’ attitudes towards engaging in mathematical activities. The empirical data are collected using interviews, observations and video recordings over a period of nine months, following two Swedish lower secondary school classes. Chevallard’s anthropological framework is used to analyse which mathematical knowledge is exposed in the original Japanese lesson plans and in the lessons observed in the classrooms. In addition, Brousseau’s framework of learning mathematics is applied to analyse the perception of individual students and particular situations in the classroom.The results show that the PSO based lesson plans induce a complex body of mathematical knowledge, where different areas of mathematics are linked. It is found that the discrepancy between the Japanese and Swedish curriculum cause some limitations for the adaptation of the lesson plans, especially in the area of Geometry. Four distinct aspects of the PSO approach supporting the teaching of mathematics are presented.
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| 7. |
- Bengt, Halling, 1959-
(författare)
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Lean Implementation : the significance of people and dualism
- 2013
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Lean, with its origins at the Toyota Motor Company, is a concept that is known to increase effectiveness in manufacturing. The Lean concept is now argued to be relevant not only in manufacturing but in service and health-care delivery as well. The reported results of Lean implementation efforts are divided. There are reports that most of the Lean implementation efforts are not reaching the goal; on the other hand, there are reports of promising results. The divided results from Lean implementation efforts show how important it is to research and identify factors that are barriers to successful implementation of Lean. This thesis aims to contribute knowledge about barriers to Lean implementation by collecting empirical findings from manufacturing and health care and structuring the perceived barriers and difficulties to Lean implementation. My first study aimed to compare similarities and divergences in barriers to Lean described by key informants in manufacturing and health care. The data was collected via semi-structured interviews. Findings showed that the perceived difficulties and barriers are much the same in manufacturing and health care. The second study was a case study at a manufacturing firm, researching how the views on Lean of the managers implementing Lean influence its implementation. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals and covered all hierarchical management levels in the company. Findings showed that managers' views on Lean influence the implementation but also that learning during the implementation process can alter managers' views of Lean. The third study aimed to research how management of Lean is described in the literature. This was done through a literature review. The findings showed that Lean management is a matter of dualism, consisting of two complementary systems of action, management and leadership, which are related to the two basic principles of Lean, continuous improvement and respect for the people.
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| 8. |
- Bergholm, Marie
(författare)
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Gymnasieelevers kommunikativa strategier i matematikklassrummet : En fallstudie av ett smågruppsarbete om derivata
- 2014
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Denna fallstudie belyser gymnasieelevers arbete i små grupper med ett problem kopplat till derivata och syftar till att belysa faktorer som gynnar eller hindrar individernas deltagande i och utveckling av den matematiska kommunikationen i klassrummet. Studien har sin teoretiska förankring i Anna Sfards kommognitiva ramverk, där lärande i matematik ses som deltagande i en matematisk diskurs.Under mer än ett årtionde har larmrapporter om svenska elevers bristande kunskaper i matematik avlöst varandra. Forskningsrapporter pekar på olika faktorer bakom denna sjunkande kunskapsutveckling. Den rådande undervisningskulturen, där eleverna i hög grad arbetar individuellt med uppgifter ur läroboken, ses som en förklaring till de försämrade resultaten, och att undervisningen inte ger eleverna möjlighet att utveckla samtliga föreskrivna förmågor i ämnet. För att uppnå detta betonar både forskningsfältet och den nya läroplanen från 2011 vikten av att eleverna kommunicerar i matematik. I detta perspektiv finns ett behov av att belysa skillnader i elevernas deltagande i kommunikationen om matematik, inte minst i samband med lärande i smågrupper, och hur detta antas påverka elevernas förutsättningar till lärande.Studiens fokus är riktat mot deltagarnas olika bidrag till gruppens matematiska diskurs, det vill säga då eleverna kommunicerar om matematiska objekt eller processer, och hur dessa påverkar elevernas förutsättningar och deltagande i kommunikationen. Fokus är också riktat mot den kommunikation som handlar om deltagarna i gruppen, vad eleverna gör och hur de värderar varandras sätt att delta i den matematiska diskursen i klassrummet. Denna kommunikation, benämns i ramverket för subjektifiering och antas vara sammankopplad med individens lärande i matematik.Datainsamlingsmetoder som använts är intervjuer, audio- och videoinspelningar och användning av audiovisuella pennor för att sammanföra verbal och skriftlig kommunikation. Diskursen ses som den naturliga analysenheten. I analysens första steg studerades den matematiska diskursen avseende skillnader i innehållet i deltagarnas yttranden. I ett andra analyssteg fokuserades på interaktionsflödet i gruppen för att förstå mer av skillnader i varje elevs deltagande och bidrag till kommunikation.Studiens resultat visar på stora skillnader avseende deltagande och innehåll i elevernas kommunikation, både på grupp- och individnivå. Elevernas utveckling av den matematiska diskursen gynnas av användningen av flera olika mediatorer för att representera de matematiska objekten. När eleverna erbjuds kopplingar till en tidigare erövrad diskurs, leder det till diskursiva framflyttningar. Eleverna visar sig vidare ha stora svårigheter att tolka och använda det formella matematiska symbolspråket som stöd för matematiserandet. Elevernas tolkning av likhetstecknet, olikhetstecknet och symbolen f´(x) på en processnivå skapar hinder för att utveckla den matematiska diskursen i önskvärd riktning. Den diskurs som handlar om deltagarna och deras egenskaper (identifiering) utgör ca 10 % av samtliga yttranden och är i stort sett samtliga negativa omdömen, ofta använda i syfte att utesluta eller införliva sig själva eller andra från deltagande i matematiserandet.Forskningsstudien visar på ett behov av ytterligare kunskap om hur matematiklärare på bästa sätt kan organisera arbete i smågrupper för att öka elevernas engagemang och kvaliteten på elevernas matematiserande. Studien pekar vidare på vikten av att matematiklärare belyser och varierar användningen av olika mediatorer för att representera de matematiska objekt som är föremål för lärandet. Fallstudien belyser även vikten av att bygga upp det tillåtande arbetsklimat där eleverna inte bedömer sig själva och andra, utan istället vågar ställa de frågor som innebär att de blir alltmer delaktiga i den matematiska diskursen. Ett behov framträder av ytterligare forskning riktad mot inte bara mot den bedömning som sker mellan lärare och elev, utan också mot den bedömning som pågår i klassrummet mellan eleverna, vilket kan påverka vilka roller de väljer eller tilldelas i klassrummet. Detta kan antas vara av stor vikt för hur eleverna kommunicerar om matematik med andra deltagare i klassrummet, vilket också kan antas påverka lärandet.
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| 9. |
- Boustedt, Jonas
(författare)
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Students working with a large software system : experiences and understandings
- 2007
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This monograph describes an empirical study with the overall aim of producing insights about how students experience the subject Computer Science and its learning environments, particularly programming and software engineering.The research takes a start in the students' world, from their perspective, using their stories, and hence, we have chosen a phenomenographic approach for our research. By interpreting the students' descriptions and experiences of various phenomena and situations, it is possible to gain knowledge about which different conceptions students can have and how teaching and the learning environment affect their understanding. In this study, we focus specifically on students' conceptions of aspects of object-oriented programming and their experiences of problem solving situations in connection with object-oriented system development.The questions posed enlighten and focus on the students' conceptions of both tangible and abstract concepts; the study investigates how students experienced a task concerning development in a specific software system, how they conceived the system itself, and how the students describe the system's plugin modules. Academic education in programming deals with abstract concepts, such as interfaces in the programming language Java. Hence, one of the questions in this study is how students describe that specific abstract concept, in a context where they are conducting a realistic software engineering task.The results show that there is a distinct variation of descriptions, spanning from a concrete to-do list, to a more advanced description where the interface plays a crucial role in order to produce dynamic and adaptive systems. The discussion interprets the results and suggests how we can use them in teaching to provide an extended and varied understanding, where the educational goal is to provide for and strengthen the conditions for students to be able to learn how to develop and understand advanced software.
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| 10. |
- Eklinder Frick, Jens, 1980-
(författare)
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Building Bridges and Breaking Bonds : Aspects of social capital in a regional strategic network
- 2011
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Investing in cluster formation or encouraging companies to network in regional strategic networks is a common strategy used by municipalities to promote regional growth in peripheral regions. Previous research has investigated the significance of creating regional advantages by building clusters and regional networks, but researchers have not provided much insight into the problems facing the project management trying to implement such collaboration. In my thesis I describe and analyze a network project in order to shed light upon some of the complications that such a collaboration project might entail. My theoretical framework of analysis rests upon the concept of social capital, a concept that investigates the value that social contacts might incur. I have studied a designed network situated in the Swedish municipality of Söderhamn called Firsam. After the closure of the telecommunications factory of Ericsson/Emerson and the military airbase F15 Söderhamn lost 10 % of its local employment in 2004.The need for regional growth programmes therefore became dire. The companies that prior to the closure worked in close collaboration with the Ericsson/Emerson factory were also looking for new revenue streams to compensate for their loss of business. Collaboration with the local manufacturing companies to create innovative projects and to take on joint tenders seemed to be a perfect solution to the problems facing them and the municipality. In this spirit a regional strategic network called Firsam (Företag i regional samverkan) was initiated. I analyze the Firsam project using two different aspects of the concept social capital:”bonding” and”bridging”. The bonding form of social capital is associated with small and homogeneous groups that build prerequisites for long-term collaboration by forming close contacts and building trust. The bridging form of social capital creates an open stance towards social relations that enables new contacts to be formed outside one’s own socially established context. The bonding form of social capital provides prerequisites for close collaboration but can also result in close-mindedness and over-embeddedness in one’s own social context. Building bridging connections outside one’s own social context might encourage innovative thinking and spur entrepreneurship. The somewhat fleeting connections that are associated with the bridging form of social capital might on the other hand make it difficult to cultivate a common sense of trust within an existing group. These different manifestations of social capital create a paradox that might be hard to handle in the design of a regional strategic network. Is it best to support already existing network structures and impose the risk of creating a less innovative environment, or should members from outside the established social context be included in the network design to encourage innovative thinking? There are both positive and negative effects associated with either strategy. I shed light upon this paradox by analyzing the regional strategic network of Firsam.
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