| 1. |
- Abrahamsson, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Projekt: Hästkrafter för entreprenörskap
- 2010
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Annan publikation (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- En studie av företagande, ledarskap och genus i hästbranschen. Projektet pågick 2009-2011 med finansiering från Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning (2,5 milj kr). I projektet medverkade Lena Abrahamsson, Mats Westerberg och doktorand Lena Forsberg.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Bergquist, Bjarne, et al.
(författare)
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Testing for motivation to engage in improvements : a conceptual framework and an initial empirical test
- 2014
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Ingår i: Total Quality Management and Business Excellence. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1478-3363 .- 1478-3371. ; 25:11-12, s. 1224-1235
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for testing the motivation to engage in improvement work. The framework is based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB), that we suggest can be used to facilitate the implementation of improvement programmes. By using the model and probing intentions, attitudes, norms and perceived ability related to improvement work, we believe hindrances for implementation of improvement programmes will be exposed. When operationalising the framework we developed a survey instrument based on TPB and then made an initial empirical test by distributing it to 124 employees (response rate 67%) of three manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises. Factor analysis and regression were used to analyse the survey and follow-up interviews with employees and managers were used to validate the results. This initial test of the instrument showed that it has sound measurement properties, indicated by clear factor structure and good internal consistency. Interview data also validated that the instrument was able to capture important aspects related to implementation of improvement work. Based on the result, we conclude that TPB may be useful for guiding management actions. However, since our study only draws on a limited empirical sample, future research is needed to test the contextual validity.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Eriksson, Per-Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of cooperative procurement procedures on construction project performance : a conceptual framework
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Journal of Project Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0263-7863 .- 1873-4634. ; 29:2, s. 197-208
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, we develop a testable holistic procurement framework that examines how a broad range of procurement related factors affects project performance criteria. Based on a comprehensive literature review, we put forward propositions suggesting that cooperative procurement procedures (joint specification, selected tendering, soft parameters in bid evaluation, joint subcontractor selection, incentive-based payment, collaborative tools, and contractor self-control) generally have a positive influence on project performance (cost, time, quality, environmental impact, work environment, and innovation). We additionally propose that these relationships are moderated or mediated by the collaborative climate (i.e. the trust and commitment among partners) in the project and moderated by the overall project characteristics (i.e. how challenging the project is in terms of complexity, customization, uncertainty, value/size, and time pressure). Based on our contribution, future research can test the framework empirically to further increase the knowledge about how procurement factors may influence project performance.
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| 6. |
- Forsberg, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Gender and entrepreneurship in the horse-related industry
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Business Diversity. - 2158-3889. ; 12:2, s. 75-93
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, we examine the horse-related industry in terms of entrepreneurship and gender. Based on reports of the industry, a mapping of the entire sector (N= 7504) and a questionnaire (N=520) we find that the industry is portrayed as female gendered, but dominated by men. However, we also find evidence that the industry is changing gender, as women dominate among younger entrepreneurs. The strongest motives for the horse-related entrepreneurs (regardless of gender) are realizing a dream and being able to combine interest with work. We also found that entrepreneurs in this industry mainly network inside the industry.
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| 7. |
- Forsberg, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Gender and entrepreneurship in the horse-related industry
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, we examine the horse-related industry in terms of entrepreneurship and gender. Based on reports of the industry, a mapping of the entire sector (N= 7504) and a questionnaire (N=520) we find that the industry is portrayed as female gendered, but dominated by men. However, we also find evidence that the industry is changing gender, as women dominate among younger entrepreneurs. The strongest motives for the horse-related entrepreneurs (regardless of gender) are realizing a dream and being able to combine interest with work. We also found that entrepreneurs in this industry mainly network inside the industry.
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| 8. |
- Hai, Ling
(författare)
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Hydrodynamic Modelling of Wave Power using Electrical Equivalent Circuit Theory
- 2014
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Ocean wave energy can be harnessed and converted into electric energy nowadays. This provides a possibility for populations that live on islands or along coastlines to utilize the renewable and safe power produced by ocean waves. Point absorbing wave energy converter (WEC) is one example of such devices for electrical power production from ocean waves. It is composed of a floating buoy on the water surface, and a linear generator that sits on seabed and is connected with the buoy via a line. Electricity is generated when the buoy moves up and down in the waves.The geometry and dimensions of the floating buoy have dominant influences on the energy absorption. This thesis introduces an equivalent electric circuit for modelling the hydrodynamic interaction between the wave and a cylindrical buoy. The model allows a rapid assessment of the velocity, force in the connection line and output power, by which the system design and optimization can be performed faster and easier.The electric circuit model is based on the WEC's dynamic force analysis, and the electric components' parameters are determined from analytical approximations of the hydrodynamic coefficients. The simulation results of the equivalent circuit for one typical wave climate in Lysekil has been presented, and the results indicate a good fitting with former experimental results.The thesis also includes a hydrodynamic study for a torus shaped buoy, which aims at applying a theoretical background for a force measurement experiment. A comparison has been conducted between the torus buoy and two similar cylindrical buoys. Preliminary WAMIT simulation results demonstrate that the force in the connection line will be 5% bigger by using the torus buoy. It is also found that the torus buoy is advantageous for its larger excitation force and smaller added mass. A brief introduction of the 500kN force measurement system and the communication test have been introduced as well.
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| 9. |
- Jacobsson, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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Health-related quality-of-life and life satisfaction 6-15 years after traumatic brain injuries in northern Sweden
- 2010
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Ingår i: Brain Injury. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1362-301X .- 0269-9052. ; 24:9, s. 1075-1086
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To describe health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction many years after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assess possible associations with variables related to the time of injury and follow-up and the individuals' self-appraisal of the impact of the TBI. Method: Sixty-seven individuals (18-65 years), on average 10 years post-injury, were interviewed. Data on HRQoL, using the SF-36 questionnaire, were compared with a Swedish age-and sex-matched reference sample, and life satisfaction, using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), were compared with a nationwide Swedish sample of students. The participant's self-appraisal of the TBI was assessed with two supplementary questions. Data were analysed with hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results: HRQoL as well as life satisfaction were lower compared with the reference samples. From the regression analyses, the individuals' own appraisal of the impact of the TBI and whether they were vocationally productive or not were strongly associated with their current physical health and life satisfaction. Conclusion: These results confirm the importance of TBI as a cause of long-term disability and the impact of the injury on the individuals' self-perceived values of health, quality-of-life and life satisfaction.
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| 10. |
- Jacobsson, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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Sense of coherence and disability and the relationship with life satisfaction 6-15 years after traumatic brain injury in northern Sweden
- 2011
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Ingår i: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0960-2011 .- 1464-0694. ; 21:3, s. 383-400
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of the study was to assess sense of coherence (SOC) many years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and explore the relationship between SOC and self-rated life satisfaction (LS) as well as measures of functioning and disability, sex, age at injury, injury severity and time post-injury. Sixty-six individuals (aged 18-65 years) who were 6-15 years post-injury were interviewed. Data on SOC (SOC-13 item scale), measures of functioning and disability (Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory, MPAI-4), LS (Satisfaction with Life Scale, SWLS), and sex, age at injury, injury severity and time post-injury were analysed with hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The results showed that SOC in the study group did not differ from the general population and was strongly associated with LS. Regression analyses revealed that emotional factors, social participation, SOC, and time since injury, were more influential than sex, age at injury, and injury severity in explaining LS. It was concluded that SOC in this group of individuals with TBI who were many years post-injury was similar to nondisabled individuals. SOC, together with emotional factors, social participation and injury-related factors, were determinants of LS. These results confirm that LS after TBI is a complex phenomenon dependent on several factors that are important targets for rehabilitation professionals.
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| 11. |
- Larsson, Agneta, et al.
(författare)
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Identifying work ability promoting factors for home care aides and assistant nurses
- 2012
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 13:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In workplace health promotion, all potential resources needs to be taken into consideration, not only factors relating to the absence of injury and the physical health of the workers, but also psychological aspects. A dynamic balance between the resources of the individual employees and the demands of work is an important prerequisite. In the home care services, there is a noticeable trend towards increased psychosocial strain on employees at work. There are a high frequency of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, and a low prevalence of sustainable work ability. The aim of this research was to identify factors promoting work ability and self-efficacy in care aides and assistant nurses within home care services.This study is based on cross-sectional data collected in a municipality in northern Sweden. Care aides (n = 58) and assistant nurses (n = 79) replied to a self-administered questionnaire (response rate 46%). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the influence of several independent variables on self-efficacy (model 1) and work ability (model 2) for care aides and assistant nurses separately.Perceptions of personal safety, self-efficacy and musculoskeletal wellbeing contributed to work ability for assistant nurses (R2adj of 0.36, p < 0.001), while for care aides, the safety climate, seniority and age contributed to work ability (R2adj of 0.29, p = 0.001). Self-efficacy was associated with the safety climate and the physical demands of the job in both professions (R2adj of 0.24, p = 0.003 for care aides), and also by sex and age for the assistant nurses (R2adj of 0.31, p < 0.001).The intermediate factors contributed differently to work ability in the two professions. Self-efficacy, personal safety and musculoskeletal wellbeing were important for the assistant nurses, while the work ability of the care aides was associated with the safety climate, but also with the non-changeable factors age and seniority. All these factors are important to acknowledge in practice and in further research. Proactive workplace interventions need to focus on potentially modifiable factors such as self-efficacy, safety climate, physical job demands and musculoskeletal wellbeing.
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| 12. |
- Larsson, Agneta, et al.
(författare)
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Perceptions of health and risk management among home care workers in Sweden
- 2013
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Ingår i: Physical Therapy Reviews. - 1083-3196 .- 1743-288X. ; 18:5, s. 336-343
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Municipal home care workers provide high-quality services to an increasing proportion of elderly people living in private homes. The work environments and working conditions of these workers vary to a great extent, implying rapid prioritymaking among both employers and employees to ensure that the work can be performed in a safe way. Objectives: This study aims to examine home care workers perceptions of health, risks, working conditions and risk management within their organisation. Method: The study was based on cross-sectional data collected from home care service staff' in a municipality in the north of Sweden. Nursing assistants and care aides(n=133) replied to a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and between-group differences were analysed. Results: Home care work was perceived to require high levels of professional skill and ingenuity, a good psychosocial work situation, but required a high physical workload. The general health, the capacity and self-efficacy of the staff in relation to work were good. Difficulties in performing risk assessments and to follow safety regulations due to lack of time, equipment and information were identified.Conclusion: There is a need to increase participation in risk assessments among the staff, improve management support, structures and cooperation with other divisions of the social services and the medical care organisations.
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| 13. |
- Larsson, Agneta, et al.
(författare)
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Promoting a safety climate and safety activities for health and work ability in home care services workers
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The present study aims to describe home care service workers' perceptions of safety climate and safety activities at work as well as working conditions, self-efficacy, and health and work ability. Relevance: High frequencies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries and low prevalence of sustainable work ability in home care services workers are of great concern. They are to provide high quality services to an increasingly proportion of elderly people living in private homes. In order to promote health and safety for the home care workers, increased focus should be on organisational, psychosocial and physical factors contributing to a healthy working environment. Participants: 158 nursing assistants and nursing aides divided in 18 work units participated in this study. They all met the criterion of having worked in the same home care services unit in the last 6 months. Their mean age was 46 years, the majority were women, and the distribution of nursing aides and nursing assistants was about 40/60%. Methods: This study is based on cross-sectional data gathered in February 2009 in home care services in a municipality in the North of Sweden. All the home-care work units shared the experiences of using a model for participatory risk management in home care services. Data were obtained through a comprehensive self-administered questionnaire, covering working conditions, safety climate, safety activities, self-efficacy, health and work ability. Analysis: Descriptive statistics as well as data on between-group differences are analysed. Results: In general, the results showed fairly good levels of safety climate but only moderate levels of safety activities and of perceived safety grade at work. These variables differed significantly between work units. Environmental barriers, such as lack of time and equipment, were given as reasons for not complying with safety rules or participating in proactive risk assessment. Besides a high frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms and high physical exposure at work, the home care workers in general reported being in good health and with good work ability. They also expressed high decision making latitude, skill discretion, social support and self-efficacy. Conclusions: To promote health and safety for the home care workers, interventions could build on the high levels of safety climate and proactive activities in single work units, proposing good solutions and safe behaviour. Focus need to be placed on improved safety climate, communication and coordination with all professionals forming the home care services setting. Also, on individuals' and work units' awareness of safe behaviour and on alternatives of actions in critical risk situations at work. This may act preventive on musculoskeletal well-being and a good working environment. Implications: There need to be an increase in means given to physical therapists in occupational health services, to work with these issues. The ergonomic skills and the safety climate of the front-line home care services workers need to be addressed, as well as the organisational prerequisites for workplace safety and health.
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| 14. |
- Lindqvist, Anna-Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Moving From Idea to Action : Promoting Physical Activity by Empowering Adolescents
- 2014
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Ingår i: Health Promotion Practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1524-8399 .- 1552-6372. ; 15:6, s. 812-818
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. Physical activity provides fundamental health benefits for children and youth. The aim of the study was to explore the possibility of conducting an empowerment-inspired intervention and examine the impact of the intervention in promoting moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescents. Method. A nonrandomized trial with a concurrent control group was carried out. Physical activity data were collected before and after the intervention with daily questions by short message service. Self-efficacy, social support, and attitude were also measured before and after the intervention since they were possible mediators. Results. The intervention was created by the students, the researchers, and the teachers using an empowerment-based approach. Students in the intervention group (n = 21) increased their MVPA on average by 4.9 (SD = 28.9) minutes per day, and students in the control group (n = 25) reduced their MVPA on average by 25.4 (SD = 23.0) minutes per day (p = .000). Conclusions. The intervention might have contributed to a promotion of physical activity among students in the intervention group. The most valuable contribution this study provides is the knowledge that it is possible to develop and conduct an empowerment-inspired intervention to promote adolescent physical activity.
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| 15. |
- Lundkvist, Hans
(författare)
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Why are WE not more attractive for women? : different perspectives on a collaboration process to increase gender awareness
- 2012
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Access to human resources is a crucial factor in most cases of business and regional development. Due to demographical changes, urbanization and new values among the next generation, the competition to find the right workforce is likely to increase. Reports have stressed that the difficulties for companies to find the right labor can become a hindrance to sustainable business and regional development. Considering the low proportion of women in the field of engineering, only 20 percent, one must ask; Why are WE (Works in Engineering) not more attractive for women? The purpose of this thesis is to describe the collaboration between an expanding enterprise in a semirural area and a gender research project, from three different perspectives in order to find some answers for the overarching question. In the first paper, the purpose is to describe and analyze the creation of a process model for gender awareness within an enterprise. The second paper will, with the same empirical data, focus on the interdependence between enterprise and region. Finally, the last paper, written for a conference in India, addressing readers unfamiliar with the gender equality issue in the Swedish context, describes how a male facilitator combines disclosing personal life experiences with other methods, as a strategy to inspire men to consider a gender perspective, to use gender glasses. Gender equality has been a topic on the political agenda in Sweden for a long time. Although much progress has been made, many obstructive structures remain. Sweden is one of the European countries that have the highest participation rate for women in the labor force. However, the labor market is highly gender-segregated, both horizontally, which refers to the concentration of women and men in different types of jobs, and vertically, the concentration of women and men in different jobtasks and positions. Due to this background, the innovation system, Triple Steelix, was granted funding by VINNOVA for the project “Gender Perspective for Attractive Work”, in the fall of 2008. The purpose of the research project was to develop methods and knowledge that would contribute to increased gender awareness in order for employers to become more attractive to current and potential staff. The framework for the collaboration is action research in combination with feminist theory, the concept of “doing gender”, theories of masculinity, and attractive work theories. Different approaches and methods, such as analogies, anecdotes, and pictures, have been used during workshops with the organization, in order to nourish the joint learning process.Findings are that in an industrial environment with an “engineering discourse”,driven by a technical-economic rationality that prioritizes market demands, gender issues are not often seen as a parameter for sustainable business or regional development. Nevertheless, the project demonstrates that with an interactive approach and an open dialogue that considers the company's needs, arguments, and intervention for more gender-equal workplaces do not necessarily meet resistance. In this case, the concept of employer brand was the admission ticket for the collaboration. The combination of different participatory methods that were adapted to the context made it possible to counter resistance from individuals and to discuss gender from different perspectives and ways of reasoning. Another conclusion is that when launching long-term transformational processes in an organization, gender should not remain a “non-issue”. When gender issues are integrated, it will contribute to examining the organization from a new perspective regarding issues such as power, symbols, and relations. In the described collaboration, gender perspective was integrated and the enterprise became more aware of gender issues as an important component of strengthening the employer brand. The principle of the described process model can probably be used in similar cases if adapted to a local context.
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| 16. |
- Malyshev, O. B., et al.
(författare)
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Ar beam induced desorption from different materials at TSL
- 2010
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Ingår i: Vacuum. - : Elsevier BV. - 0042-207X .- 1879-2715. ; 85:2, s. 338-343
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper describes new experiments on the heavy ion desorption yield measurements with 5 MeV/u Ar8+ and summarizes all results of experiments with 5 MeV/u Ar8+ performed at The Svedberg Laboratory in Uppsala (Sweden). These results are important for the update and design of the FAIR facility at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt (Germany) where the required increase in beam intensity is limited by ion induced pressure instability. It was shown that lowest desorption yields can be achieved with gold coatings, whereas grazing incident loss increases the desorption yield by roughly an order of magnitude compared to perpendicular loss. The desorption yield of saturated NEG samples was measured to be higher compared to any non pumping samples. The desorption yield of copper can be lower and higher compared to stainless steel depending on cleaning procedure and sample history. Additionally the secondary electron and ion yield was measured to be a few tens of electrons and ions emitted per projectile impact in backward direction. Their influence on the desorption yield due to secondary effects was less than 5% compared to the primary desorption by the high energetic projectile. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 17. |
- Morant, Amparo, et al.
(författare)
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Knowledge management in a railway network: The case of signalling systems
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Railway Technology. - Kippen : Civil-Comp Press. - 9781905088591
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The railway network is a complex system with several technologies and a multitude of stakeholders working together to solve problems created by the increasing demands on capacity, speed and mobility for the transportation of goods and passengers. However, the presence of many different stakeholders complicates knowledge management and transfer. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the potential for improving inter-organisational knowledge management in the maintenance of railway signalling systems and make concrete suggestions for improvements. Even if information logistics processes can disseminate explicit knowledge on the maintenance of railway signalling systems, they cannot handle the tacit knowledge transfer that often is crucial. The study finds considerable potential for improving the knowledge management process. It suggests possible measures and makes suggestions for future studies.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Nilsson, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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The duality of strategic managerial work in SMEs: A structuration perspective
- 2012
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Ingår i: The Work of Managers. - Oxford : Oxford University Press. - 9780199639724 - 9780191738661 ; , s. 264-280
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This chapter examines strategic managerial work in SMEs using a theoretical framework based on structuration and entrepreneurship theory. Three managerial episodes illustrate how CEOs deal with strategic situations in SMEs. Several propositions about strategic managerial work in SMEs, which is multifaceted and complex, are offered. Such work is a social practice that is ingrained with symbolism, emotions, and power. The propositions of this study are that the level of strategic intensity is an influential contingency factor that affects the balance of those aspects of the practice, and that strategic intensity depends on whether strategic managerial work relies more on already established structures or on managers’ original actions. The conclusion is that structuration provides a promising framework for understanding the subtle complexities of strategic managerial work in SMEs.
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| 20. |
- Parida, Vinit, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of open innovation activities on SMEs innovative performance : an empirical study
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several studies suggest that open innovation (OI) practices positively influences innovation efforts of large and small firms. However, few studies have investigated implication of adapting OI in the SMEs context. In this study, we address the research gap by investigating the effects of four in-bound OI practices on innovative performance based on data from 252 technology-based SMEs. Our results reveal that different OI are beneficial for different innovation performances. For instance, technology sourcing is linked to radical innovation, while technology scouting is linked to incremental innovation. Based on our study, it seems worthwhile to further study OI issues in SMEs.
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| 21. |
- Parida, Vinit, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the effects of network configurations on entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance: an empirical study of new ventures and small firms
- 2010
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Ingår i: Annals of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2000-7396. ; 1:1, s. 1-13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prior studies have suggested that networks are important for new ventures and small firms as a provider of access to entrepreneurial opportunities and as a tool to increase firm performance. Although the strategic value of networks on a general level is undisputed, one major shortcoming of prior studies has been to evaluate the effects of specific network configurations. Moreover, small firms have all too often been treated as a homogeneous group, expected to reveal similar needs and patterns of behavior. The purpose of this explorative study was therefore to examine the effects of different network configurations on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance for two categories of small firms - new ventures and established small firms. The results were achieved by using empirical data from two independent samples of new ventures (n=171) and small firms (n=291) and show that network relationships have quite different effects in the two samples. While networking is overall positively linked to EO and performance for small firms, no positive effect from networking is evidenced for new ventures' EO and performance. For both samples, we found a strong link between EO and performance. This paper concludes with a discussion on the results and suggestions for future research.
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| 22. |
- Parida, Vinit, et al.
(författare)
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Inbound open innovation activities in high-tech SMEs : the impact on innovation performance
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of small business management (Print). - 0047-2778 .- 1540-627X. ; 50:2, s. 283-309
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prior studies suggest that open innovation activities positively influence innovation outcomes in large firms. However, few studies have investigated the implications of SMEs’ adoption of open innovation. We address this research gap by investigating the effects of four inbound open innovation activities on innovation performance of SMEs. In doing so, we draw on data from 252 high-tech SMEs. Our results reveal that different open innovation activities are beneficial for different innovation outcomes. For instance, technology sourcing is linked to radical innovation performance, whereas technology scouting is linked to incremental innovation performance. These findings hold several important theoretical and practical implications.
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| 23. |
- Parida, Vinit, et al.
(författare)
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Network capability revisited : empirical evidence from a new scale on two samples of small firms
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction Small firms are widely recognized as being in need of managing social and professional networks with other actors and are therefore no longer considered as individual and self-fulfilling units that do not require other actors to be competitive. Rather the individual firm can be seen as an “organizer” that interacts with other actors in order to be able to carry out a strategy and build competitive advantage that is far beyond the limitations of the single firm. Studies have also reported that all collaborating partners can focus on their core activities and by interlinking these, competitive advantage can be achieved (Dyer and Singh, 1998; Ebben and Johnson, 2006; Hong and Antoncic, 2003). As such, authors like Anand and Khanna (2000) and Kale et al. (2002) concludes that having a capability to know about and tap into other firm’s resources seems to be a valuable asset in the harsh competitive landscape of today’s business environment. Unfortunately, although prior research much emphasizes the value of such a network capability, there are not many scales or approaches integrating such scales in models of small firm entrepreneurial orientation and performance, with the exception of Hagedoorn et al. (2006) and Walter et al. (2006). As a response, our study develops and tests an operationalization of network capability, and examines the significance of this concept in order to understand small firm performance and entrepreneurial orientation. Based on scholars such as Walter et al. (2006, p.542) we define network capability as the firm’s “ability to develop and utilize inter-organizational relationships to gain access to various resources held by other actors”. Network capability includes the following components: a) the firm’s ability to coordinate collaborative activities , b) the firm’s relational skills , c) partner knowledge, i.e. possessing organized and structured information about their partner organizations, and, d) the firm’s internal communication. However, in our effort to refine the concept we also add a dynamic aspect, that is, a capability in locating and building up new relations. For small firms in today’s dynamic business environment, such a capability may be very valuable for both pursuing entrepreneurship and ultimately performing well (Kim and Aldrich, 2005). Consequently, we also see the relevance of e) skills in locating and building up new relations with future partners, as a potential part of network capability. Aware of problems using laundry lists of items in questionnaires, we test a measurement of these five dimensions of network capability with very limited set of items (three) in each dimension. As such, our research can also be considered as an assessment of a short scale of network capability. Besides evaluating measurement properties of a short scale of network capability we also investigate whether network capability has any effect on small firm behaviors and outcomes in terms of entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. While developing this line of argumentation, we posit that entrepreneurial orientation could potentially be an important construct to consider, when understanding the network capability-performance linkage. Thus, this paper attempts to contribute towards the literature of “inter-organization network research” (Anand and Khanna, 2000; Kale et al., 2002; Oliver, 2001; Powell et al., 1996) and towards the entrepreneurship literature (Covin and Slevin, 1991; Lumpkin and Dess, 1996; Wiklund, 1999). Thus, based on the above background we propose three hypotheses: Hypothesis 1: Network capability consists of five prominent and distinct dimensions: coordination, relational skills, partner knowledge, internal communication, and building new relationships.Hypothesis 2: Network capability is positively related to entrepreneurial orientation.Hypothesis 3: Once the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance is controlled for, network capability is still positively related to firm performance.Research MethodWe used two independent samples of small firms (i.e. firms having less than 50 employees) in Sweden to be able to reach our aim. The samples are selected based on their relevance for the study at hand. The first survey sample involved ICT-related firms. The sample is from single industry and we have under-sampled the smallest firms (i.e. less than five employees. The other survey is a random sample of firms that started their business 2003, representing firms that are fairly young and in their start-up phase. We believe that both these conditions (turbulence and start-up) constitute cases where networking is important and are worthy candidates in a study of networking capability. Both surveys were done in summer 2007. Altogether 462 answers were obtained, where 291 came from the ICT sample and 171 came from the start-up sample. This corresponds to response rates of 21 % and 12 % respectively. A non-response analysis shows little difference between respondents and non-respondents for both samples.The operationalization of networking capability is much based on refinements of the research of Walter et al. (2006). Three items from their study that measure each of the four dimensions (coordination activities, relationship skills, partner knowledge and internal communication) were selected as inputs for the scale. The wording was changed in some items based on feed-back from several pre-tests. We have also added a building component and measure it by three items. As with those noted above, also this measure was pre-tested and refined by being put to test to both scholars and practitioners before sending the surveys. Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is measured based on the scale developed by Lumpkin and Dess (2001), where we consider the “classics” innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking. Consistent with prior small firm research, we used a perceived measurement of firm performance, where the respondents rate their performance in relation to their competitors (Walter et al., 2006 and Lichtenthaler, 2009). According to Chandler and Hanks (1993), asking firms to evaluate their performance in comparison with that of their competitors leads to a higher level of reliability and validity. Firm performance is captured by two items reflecting the firm’s sales performance. We used firm size, environmental dynamism and hostility, and actual networking (number of current partners) as controls. The statistical analysis is based upon factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory) and hierarchical regression analysis.Result and Discussion The result from on the network capability scale showed acceptable reliability and discriminant validity. In both samples, all factors had good Cronbach’s alpha (Hair et al., 2006) between 0.72 and 0.90 and correlations between the five factors varying between 0.2 and 0.4, which indicates that these five aspects form an overall scale for network capability. In support of accuracy, a confirmatory factor analysis also report acceptable model fit measures. In evaluating the structural model we followed recommendations to interpret multiple model fit indexes (Bollen, 1990). For the start-up sample, we notice that model chi-square is significant, but that traditional goodness-of-fit indices are in line with recommended levels (2 = 150.62, df = 80, p < .001, NFI = .91, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = .073). The corresponding numbers for the ICT sample is similar (2 = 169.10, df = 80, p < .001, NFI = .92, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = .062). Overall, this provides support for Hypothesis 1 and our condensed scale operationalization suggesting that network capability consists of five prominent and distinct dimensions: coordination, relational skills, partner knowledge, internal communication, and building new relationships.When performing regressions to estimate influences on firm performance and entrepreneurial orientation as dependent variables, we get interesting results. For the start-up sample, two aspects of network capability is significant to explain entrepreneurial orientation, namely capabilities in building (0.27, p<0.01) and partner knowledge (0.15, p<0.10). Our control, the actual networking is also significantly affecting EO. The explanatory power is rather high with an R square adjusted at 0.363. For firm performance, the block of network capability do not increase explanation over and above what the controls and EO do. The link from EO on performance is in line with earlier research (Limpkin and Dess, 1996; Wiklund, 1999). For the ICT sample, there are three dimensions of network capability that show significant results in relation to EO. Both the internal communication (0.19, p<0.01) and the building (0.20, p<0.01) dimension have strong positive coefficients, while the coordination dimension has a marginally significant negative coefficient (-0.13, p<0.10). Among controls, firm size, hostility and networking have positive effects on EO. The level of R square adjusted (0.171), indicates a satisfactory explanatory power for the full model. For firm performance, two dimensions are significant. These are internal communication (0.21, p<0.01) and coordination (0.15, p<0.05). The effect from EO on firm performance is still strong, but the inclusion of the network capability block makes it somewhat more modest. Among controls, networking is a strong positive influence while a perceived dynamic environment influences the performance negatively at a lower significance level. Like the EO model, the overall explanatory level is satisfactory with an R square adjusted at 0.189. Overall, the above tests clearly support Hypothesis 2 suggesting that network capability is positively related to entrepreneurial orientation. Several network capability dimensions are related to EO. Hypothesis 3, positing that once the relationship between entrepreneuri
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Vikström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Success with succession : an empirical study of small Swedish family firms
- 2010
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Ingår i: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. - 1476-1297 .- 1741-8054. ; 11:3, s. 223-241
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Successful succession in small family firms may be a key to sustainability for the individual firm but also to regional growth. This paper examines how leadership succession factors associated to attitudes, norms and perceived havioural control of leading actors in a small family firm can be related to how well the succession process works and to the firm's post-transition performance. We structure factors pointed out in earlier studies according to Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TpB) where we put forward hypotheses for the three areas. The results based on a survey of 55 small family firms that have experienced a leadership succession show that TpB works well for understanding a successful succession process, but is dismal for understanding post-transition performance. The strongest results are found for aspects linked to perceived behavioural control and attitudes.
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| 26. |
- Westerberg, Mats
(författare)
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Building a competence center for entrepreneurial learning in Northern Scandinavia
- 2013
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Ingår i: Disruptions and eruptions as opportunities for transforming education. - : Nordic educational research association, NERA.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In Sweden the introduction of entrepreneurial learning into curricula in the entire school system has prompted a need for competence development and research on the subject to satisfy the demand for practical guidance on the practical level and policy development on the different government levels. To address this, Luleå University of Technology together with Umeå University will build a competence center for entrepreneurial learning with a special focus on northern Sweden. In this presentation we will describe and reflect on 1) the current situation in terms of actors and resources linked to entrepreneurial learning; 2) the process we plan to apply in building this competence center, including attracting international actors to a reference group, Swedish national actors as partners and local actors as core center participants; 3) the content in terms of research, education, competence development and collaboration; and 4) guiding principles for how the center will work where the idea is to practice aspects of entrepreneurial learning (i.e. be proactive, creative and initiate action that have potential to provide positive change). One area where we will try to use our innovative power is on how we in a sparsely populated area can reach out to places far away from the University using new technology for communication and collaboration. Here the center can collaborate with CiiR (Center for interorganizational innovation research) an existing Vinnova excellence center at LTU/UmU focusing on innovation in sparsely populated areas.
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| 27. |
- Westerberg, Mats, et al.
(författare)
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Project: Innopreneurship 21
- 2013
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Annan publikation (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Projektets mål är att • öka medvetenheten om roller och betydelsen av entreprenörskap i de deltagande högskolorna och andra offentliga institutioner i norra Skandinavien. • påverka attityder och kultur i de deltagande högskolorna och deras regionala partners mot ett mer entreprenöriellt tänkesätt och handlingsmönster. • utveckla och främja åtgärder som kan bidra till att integrera den entreprenöriell verksamheten i högskolornas läroplaner och deras dagliga verksamhet • uppmuntra studenter och lärare att starta företag och/eller agera entreprenöriellt i deras dagliga verksamhet. Syftet med projektet är att: 1. utveckla ny kunskap dvs. hur man på ett effektivt sätt skall bedriva utbildning som stärker entreprenörskap och innovation i en gles perifer miljö i samverkan mellan olika länder 2. genomföra pilotutbildningar inom entreprenörskap och innovation med minst två universitet/högskolor delaktiga i varje omgång. 3. skapa möjligheter för kunskapsutbyte mellan universiteten/högskolorna med fokus på lärare inom entreprenörskap och innovation. Eftersom detta inte är något som görs idag behöver projektaktörerna göra detta i projektform och lära sig mer om hur detta sedan kan bli en del i den ordinarie verksamheten 4. skapa möjligheter för bredare kunskapsutbyten inom och utanför regionen genom att skapa virtuella mötesplatser och workshops.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Westerberg, Mats, et al.
(författare)
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Using internal contracts to promote intrapreneurship in the public school system : hopeless half-measure or promising hybrid?
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper we explore the use of a novel governance form – internal contracts - in the Swedish public school system, in terms of its effect to promote intrapreneurship in the organization. We studied a public school that during the time period 2007-2010 was a test case, by performing interviews with management and staff and through a questionnaire measure entrepreneurial behaviour and other relevant aspects in this school and two control schools. The results show that the internal contract gave the school room to act entrepreneurially and that it is a promising organizational tool for renewing the public sector.
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| 30. |
- Åmo, Bjørn Willy, et al.
(författare)
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Introduction
- 2013
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Ingår i: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing. - : INDERSCIENCE ENTERPRISES LTD. - 1742-5360 .- 1742-5379. ; 5:1, s. 1-8
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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