| 1. |
- Andersson, Per A, 1986-
(author)
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Norms in Prosocial Decisions : The Role of Observability, Avoidance, and Conditionality
- 2022
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Prosocial behaviors benefit other people and range from donations to charity to behavior limiting the spread of disease, such as masking and vaccination. The overarching purpose of this thesis was to contribute to our understanding of how social norms and conformity affect prosocial behavior. Here, three norm-related factors that affect such prosocial behavior were investigated: observability, avoidance and conditionality. Observability concerns whether a person is being observed during prosocial decisions, which can typically increase conformity to norms. Avoidance concerns whether a person avoids or seeks out knowledge about prosocial norms. Conditionality concerns the conditional nature of when behavior shifts occur in relation to others behavior. For instance, a person may want to follow a prosocial norm only if a very large majority adheres to it, or only if the goal of the norm is realistic to attain. Paper I focused on observability of prosocial decisions. Making decisions while knowing they would be shown to others increased prosocial behavior in the form of cooperation in a Public Goods Game, and preferences for deontological choices in moral dilemmas, but not donations given to charity. Paper II examined the existence of avoidance behavior regarding social norm about donations. Such norm avoiders appeared to be comprised of both prosocial and less prosocial individuals. Paper III investigated the interplay between descriptive (what people do) and injunctive (what one should do) norms in regards to masking during COVID-19. Paper IV then explored how varying the goal set for a prosocial norm affects willingness to try to achieve the goal, in the context of thresholds for herd immunity and vaccines for COVID-19. Some individuals were demotivated by seeing a higher goal as harder to achieve and others were motivated by believing a higher goal to lead to more people getting vaccinated. Taken together, these papers point to the inherent complexity of how norms relate to prosocial behavior, and suggest relevant aspects to consider when wanting to promote prosocial behavior.
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| 2. |
- Bueno, Edgar, 1983-
(author)
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Essays on Sample Surveys : Design and Estimation
- 2020
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Sampling is a core stage in every survey. A sampling design carefully elaborated may imply not only a more accurate estimation of the parameters of interest, but also a reduction in the required sample size in a study. In this thesis we consider two particular but connected subjects. On the one hand, the selection of samples with probabilities proportional to some prescribed values. The first two papers are devoted to this topic. On the other hand, the choice of sampling design to implement in a given survey, which is a topic to which the last two papers are devoted.Probability proportional to size sampling designs, often referred to as πps designs, are of practical interest due to their potential efficiency. In the literature we can find many of these designs, all having different characteristics. In the first paper we describe and compare ten πps designs with respect to several desired properties. The results suggest that the so called order sampling methods, as well as those proposed by Sunter and Chromy may be considered as good options from a practitioner's point of view.In the second paper we introduce an algorithm for approximating a target distribution by a mixture distribution. Being a mixture, most of its properties are easy to calculate. We illustrate the use of the algorithm with several examples, both univariate and multivariate. The results indicate that the algorithm succeeds in approximating the target distribution.The strategy that couples πps designs with the generalized regression estimator is optimal under a given superpopulation model. However, this optimality assumes that the model is correct and some of its parameters are known, which are assumptions that are hardly satisfied in practice. In the third paper we introduce a method that allows for incorporating uncertainty about the model parameters into the choice of the sampling design and then quantifying this uncertainty with a risk measure. The method is illustrated with a real dataset. The results show that the method allowed us to correctly choose the sampling design. The risk measure -as well as other functions that are useful at the planning stage of a survey- is implemented in the package optimStrat developed for R. The fourth paper in this thesis describes the functions in this package.
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| 3. |
- Dahlin, Mats, 1975-
(author)
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Development and evaluation of an internet-based treatment for generalized anxiety disorder : An acceptance-based approach
- 2020
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive and uncontrollable worry. GAD has a highly negative impact on all aspects of life, and the costs for society are considerable. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), delivered face-to- face or online, has been shown to be effective in treating GAD. However, there are still room for improvement, with treatment content and format of delivery being two areas to further investigate. Internet-based treatments are often based on a generic CBT model of GAD and include treatment strategies such as cognitive restructuring and relaxation. Furthermore, the impact of therapist support has shown inconclusive results.Overall, this thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of a new internet-based treatment for GAD, based on acceptance, mindfulness, and valued action, delivered with different types of support. Study I was a small pilot trial with a within-group design. The study included 16 participants diagnosed with GAD who received the newly developed treatment program with weekly therapist support. Statistically significant and large effect sizes were observed on self-rated worry at post-treatment, and the effects were maintained at a three-months follow-up. Study II included 103 participants diagnosed with GAD who were randomized to nine weeks of treatment with the treatment program and weekly support, or a waiting-list control group. Statistically significant moderate to large effects were observed on primary and secondary outcomes in favour of the treatment. The exception was a measure of quality of life, with no significant difference between the two groups. The treatment effects were maintained at a six-months follow-up. Study III was a pilot trial including 33 participants diagnosed with GAD. A within-group design was used to investigate the effects of the treatment program delivered with automated messages and support on demand. Significant and large within-group effects were observed on all outcome measures at post-treatment with the exception of quality of life, for which there was a small effect. Study IV was a pilot factorial design trial that compared the acceptance-based treatment program against a self-tailored treatment, as well as two types of support: scheduled support and support on demand. The study included 85 participants with GAD randomized to four different treatment groups. Significant moderate to large effects were observed in all treatment groups, with no statistically significant differences between the groups on self-rated outcome measures. Receiving scheduled support was rated as more positive than support on demand, and self-tailored treatment was rated as more positive than the acceptance-based treatment. Treatment satisfaction was high in all studies.In conclusion, the studies indicate that an internet-based treatment based on acceptance, mindfulness, and valued action is a viable option in the treatment of GAD.
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| 4. |
- Ulvenblad, Per-Ola, 1959-
(author)
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Sustainable business model innovation in agri-firms
- 2023
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background The focus of the research in the thesis is the development of sustainable business model innovation in Swedish agri-firms. There are needs on global and national levels for sustainable business model innovation in the agri-sector. More food must be produced to feed the growing world population. Simultaneously, agriculture must become more sustainable even when the sector raises production. Hence, the firms in the agri-sector must become more sustainable even if they are raising production. In order to raise production, the agri-firms need to be profitable. Consequently, this generates the practical relevance and problem: How can agri-firms develop sustainable (economically, socially, and environmentally) business model innovation?Purpose The neglect of theoretical research regarding sustainable business model innovation in the agri-sector is partly dependent on the limited empirical research regarding this phenomenon. Sustainable business model innovation in the agri-sector has not been closely studied, which constitutes an empirical problem. Against this background, the overall purpose of the thesis is to contribute to theorizing regarding the application and use of sustainable business model innovation in agri-firms.To fulfill the overall purpose, two research questions have been formulated. Since the previous research regarding business models and business model innovation in the agri-sector is scarce, recent, and fragmented, there is a need to systematize research within the field. This leads to the first research question: What is the state-of-art research on sustainable business model innovation in the agri-sector? Further, previous research has neglected empirical studies of sustainable business model innovation in the agri-sector. This research strives to contribute to change and empirical studies of sustainable business model innovation in the agri-sector will be conducted. This leads to the second research question: How do agri-firms apply sustainable business model innovation practices? Methodology In order to understand and generate knowledge regarding sustainable business model innovation in agri-firms, different mixed methods assessed as suitable for the focus of the research have been used. The research process started with systematic literature reviews, followed by the conceptual development of a theoretical framework regarding sustainable business model innovation in agri-firms. Following, qualitative semi-structured interviews with agri-entrepreneurs were conducted. A smaller quantitative survey was also carried out. After that, a large quantitative telephone survey of agri-firms was conducted. Finally, eight qualitative cases are conducted based on interviews, financial reports and documentation in different media.Findings and conclusions The value intention of the agri-entrepreneur has been identified as the starting point for development of sustainable business model innovation. Value intention has been added to the three previous building blocks of a sustainable business model; value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture. The building block value intention makes it possible to include the actor, the agri-entrepreneur, in the business model construct. Further, sustainability aspects have been added to all four building blocks of a sustainable business model. Stewardship has been identified as a concept which can be used to understand the value intention of agri-entrepreneurs striving for economic, social, and environmental goals. Stewardship can be understood from the interdependency between agriculture and environmental, human and physical resources. The definition of stewardship in this thesis is in contrast with the sustainable business model archetypes framework, where stewardship is one of the eight archetypes. In the thesis, stewardship is a concept of a higher order, a driver of sustainable business model innovation. Stewardship theory is a relevant theory when studying sustainable business model innovation in agri-firms. The manager of an agri-firm is often the owner of the firm, which means that a formal contractual relationship is not at hand. However, the manager/owner has commitments towards family, value chain actors, farm and land. This is especially valid when the agri-firm is conducting sustainable business model innovation, which contains considerations regarding society as well as environment, which can be regarded as the principals.A dichotomization in farmer-producer and farmer-entrepreneur has been conducted. The dichotomization has implications in several dimensions. The dimensions which are elaborated upon are; main focus, value chain position, profit strategy, economics focus, size, logic, environmental and animal welfare laws and regulations, sustainability, innovation, and digitalization.Implications Based on the conclusions of the research presented in this thesis, the farmers ought to regard themselves as entrepreneurs and ascend along the value chain. A practical implication for agri-entrepreneurs is to involve sustainability aspects in all four building blocks more explicitly (i) value intention, (ii) value proposition, (iii) value creation and delivery and (iv) value capture. A practical implication for advisory organisations is that they should not focus on entrepreneur’s knowledge, what the entrepreneur should know. Instead, the focus should be mindsets, strategies for thought patterns and strategies for behaviours, what the entrepreneur should be able to do. For future research, the inclusion of value intention of the owner-manager and the importance of stewardship in further theory building regarding sustainable business models could generate important insights into potential trade-offs and barriers based on social, environmental, and economic aspects. This is important not only for research, but for practice in all sectors of industry due to the current and future societal challenges.
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| 5. |
- Bougt, Daniel, 1990-
(author)
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A Sequence of Essays on Sequences of Auctions
- 2022
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Essay I (with Gagan Ghosh and Heng Liu). The existence of declining prices in sequential auctions is a well-documented empirical pattern. Three explanations that can explain the puzzle are bidders being risk averse, loss averse, or ambiguity averse. We use a data set on bids and prices from sequential auctions of train tickets to confirm the existence of declining prices. We further document bidder behavior that is inconsistent with bidders being risk averse or bidders being loss averse.
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