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  • 1.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research (CIMER).
    Accessible luxury fashion brand building via fat discrimination2018In: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, ISSN 1361-2026, E-ISSN 1758-7433, Vol. 22, no 1, p. 2-16Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: To investigate if accessible luxury fashion brands discriminate overweight and obese consumers.

    Design/methodology/approach: The physical sizes of garments are surveyed in-store and compared to the body sizes of the population. A gap analysis is carried out in order to determine whether the supply of clothes match the demand of each market segment.

    Findings: The surveyed accessible luxury garments come in very small sizes compared to the individuals that make up the population.

    Research limitations/implications: The survey is limited to London while the corresponding population is British. It is therefore possible that the mismatch between assortments and the population is in part attributable to geographic and demographic factors. The study’s results are however so strikingly clear that even if some of the effect were due to extraneous variables, it would be hard to disregard the poor match between overweight and obese women and the clothes offered to them.

    Practical implications: For symbolic/expressive brands that are conspicuously consumed, that narrowly target distinct and homogenous groups of people in industries where elitist practices are acceptable, companies can build brands via customer rejection.

    Social implications: The results highlight ongoing discrimination of overweight and obese fashion consumers.

    Originality/value: The study is the first to provide quantitative evidence for brand building via customer rejection, and it delineates under which conditions this may occur. This extends the theory of typical user imagery. © Emerald Publishing Limited 2018

  • 2.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research (CIMER).
    Intermediate Luxury Fashion: Brand Building via Fat Discrimination2016In: 11th Global Brand Conference / [ed] Stuart Roper, Saltaire, UK: Greenleaf Publishing , 2016, p. 23-28Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate if intermediate luxury fashion brands discriminate overweight and obese consumers.

    Design/methodology/approach: 1,454 intermediate luxury garments were tallied and measured in-store in London. The physical sizes of the garments were matched to the body sizes of the population, and a gap analysis was carried out in order to determine whether the supply of clothes match the relative importance of each market segment.

    Findings: While previous research shows that mass-market fashion companies do not discriminate overweight and obese consumers, intermediate luxury garments come in very small sizes compared to the individuals that make up the population.

    Research limitations/implications: The findings show that purveyors of intermediate luxury fashion limit assortments of garments so they avoid fat typical user imagery.

    Practical implications: Companies that market products that are sensitive to the typical user imagery can optimize their brands by limiting undesirable customer types access to their brands, provided that 1) they have the financial strength to reject customers whose image would be detrimental to the brand, 2) the companies are active in an industry in which people would tolerate customer rejection, and 3) they sell a product that actually can be denied undesirable customers.

    Social implications: The study shows that fat consumers are relegated to mass-market fashion but are excluded from intermediate luxury fashion. This constitutes a social inequality.

    Originality/value: The result of this study provides quantitative evidence that companies control assortments to exclude undesirable typical user imagery. It also delineates under which conditions they do it. This adds to the theory of user imagery.

  • 3.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research (CIMER).
    Obese models’ effect on fashion brand attractiveness2018In: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, ISSN 1361-2026, E-ISSN 1758-7433, Vol. 22, no 4, p. 557-570Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: To investigate the effect of obese models vs. normal weight models on fashion brands’ attractiveness.

    Design/methodology/approach: An experiment was carried out in which 1,225 university students in Sweden and Brazil rated the attractiveness of a fashion brand worn by a normal weight model and an obese model.

    Findings: The overall effect of obese models’ effect on fashion brand attractiveness was insignificant. Further, neither culture, nor the consumer’s own weight had a significant effect. There was, however, a significant effect of the participant’s own gender; women rate fashion brands worn by obese models significantly higher on attractiveness than they did fashion brands worn by normal weight models. Men displayed the inverse response.

    Research limitations/implications: The effect of the model’s ethnicity was beyond the scope of the experiment, and the brand attractiveness scale captured only one aspect of brand character, leaving other potential brand effects for future studies.

    Practical implications: Companies can use obese models with no overall brand attractiveness penalty across markets and for marketing to women of all sizes. Given men’s negative reactions, such models might however be unsuitable for the male-to-female gift market.

    Social implications: The results support the use of obese models, which can lead to greater representation of larger women in the media, and consequently, reduced fat stigma.

    Originality/value: The study validates the theory of user imagery, and it extends the theory by examining how different target consumers react to user imagery traits and thus provides evidence for gender bias towards obese models. © Emerald Publishing Limited 2018

  • 4.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL). School of Business, Economics, and Law, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
    The influence of real women in advertising on mass market fashion brand perception2011In: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, ISSN 1361-2026, E-ISSN 1758-7433, Vol. 15, no 4, p. 486-502Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the weight of ideal users affects the perception of mass market fashion brands. Design/methodology/approach: An experiment was carried out in which 640 university students replied to a web survey, rating the brand personality of jeans and shirts according to Aaker's Big Five construct. The garments were worn by thin, overweight, and obese models. Findings: The findings show that consumers' impressions of mass market fashion brands are significantly affected by the weight of ideal users. Slender models lead to the most positive brand perception followed by obese models. Overweight user imagery is for pure fashion brand building the least attractive kind. Research limitations/implications: A limitation of this study is the use of convenient student samples. Consequently, the generalization of the results beyond this convenience sample may be limited. It is further possible, even probable, that high fashion would suffer more from the negative imagery of overweight and obese users than mass market fashion. It would therefore be interesting to replicate this experiment using clothes of higher fashion grade and price. Practical implications: The demonstrated effects of user imagery support the industry practice of slim ideal female imagery. Social implications: The results inform the debate over skinny models vs real women in advertising. Originality/value: Previous research regarding the effectiveness of real women in advertising has been inconclusive. This paper demonstrates not only that model weight affects consumers' brand perception, but also how. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

  • 5.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for Technology, Innovation and Marketing Management (CTIM2).
    To sell or not to sell: Overweight users’ effect on fashion assortments2010In: Journal of Brand Management, ISSN 1350-231X, E-ISSN 1479-1803, Vol. 18, no 1, p. 66-78Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Overweight people claim to be mistreated by the fashion industry. Fashion companies disagree. Despite the controversy, actual research has been scarce. This study compares the sizes of clothes that the four leading mass-marketing fashion retailers in Sweden offer to the body sizes of the population. Although branding theory would support the idea of rejecting fat consumers to improve user imagery for fashion brands, such practices were not evident. The main contribution of this article is that it provides the first quantified empirical evidence on the theory of typical user imagery. In the discussion, it is posited that, although mass-market fashion brands should be susceptible to negative user imagery related to overweight and obese users, the companies avoid such problems by making garments that are not directly attributable to a specific brand, thus mitigating the negative effect of overweight and obese user imagery. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

  • 6.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL).
    Frank, Anna-Sofia
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Hultqvist, Evelina
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    The persuasive effects of emotional green packaging claims2019In: British Food Journal, ISSN 0007-070X, E-ISSN 1758-4108, Vol. 121, no 12, p. 3233-3246Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of rational green packaging claims vs emotional green packaging claims on consumers' purchase propensity for organic coffee.

    Design/methodology/approach - Three within-subjects experiment were carried out (N=87, N=245, N=60). The experimental design encompasses packaging with rational green claims, emotional green claims, as well as a neutral (control) claim. Measured variables are introduced to assess participants' environmental commitment and information processing ability. A manipulated between-subjects variable is introduced to test how distraction interacts with preference for the claims.

    Findings - Overall, consumers prefer products with green claims over those with neutral (control) claims, and products with emotional green claims to those with rational green claims. The studies also reveal that this effect is moderated by participants' environmental commitment, information processing ability and by distraction. The findings were statistically significant (p<0.05).

    Research limitations/implications - As a lab experiment, the study provides limited generalizability and external validity. Practical implications - For most organic FMCG products, it is advisable to employ emotional packaging claims.

    Social implications - The presented findings provide marketers with tools to influence consumer behavior toward sustainable choices.

    Originality/value - The paper validates previous contributions on the effects of product claim types, and extends them by introducing comprehensive empirical data on all the Elaboration Likelihood Model's criteria for rational decision-making; motivation, opportunity and ability.

  • 7.
    Aagerup, Ulf
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research (CIMER).
    Nilsson, Jonas
    Handelshögskolan i Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden.
    Green consumer behavior: being good or seeming good?2016In: Journal of Product & Brand Management, ISSN 1061-0421, Vol. 25, no 3, p. 274-284, article id 115980330Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: This paper aims to expand the emerging field of symbolic green consumer behavior (GCB) by investigating the impact of anticipated conspicuousness of the consumption situation on consumers’ choice of organic products. In addition, the paper also explores whether self-monitoring ability and attention to social comparison information (ATSCI) influence GCB in situations of anticipated high conspicuousness.

    Design/methodology/approach: Two experiments test the study’s hypotheses.

    Findings: The results of both experiments show that the anticipation of conspicuousness has a significant effect on GCB. Moreover, in Experiment 2, this effect is moderated by consumers’ level of ATSCI but not by their self-monitoring ability.

    Research limitations/implications: Because ATSCI significantly interacts with green consumption because of the anticipation of a conspicuous setting, although self-monitoring ability does not, we conclude that social identification is an important determinant of green consumption.

    Practical implications: Marketers who focus on building green brands could consider designing conspicuous consumption situations to increase GCB.

    Social implications: Policymakers could enact change by making the environmental unfriendliness of non-eco-friendly products visible to the public and thus increase the potential for GCB.

    Originality/value: The results validate the emerging understanding that green products are consumed for self-enhancement, but also expand the literature by highlighting that a key motivating factor of GCB is the desire to fit in.

  • 8.
    Aasberg Pipirs, Julius
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Carlsson, Christoffer
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    USING BRAND MANAGEMENT TO ESTABLISH NETWORK RELATIONS: How SMEs can work with brand management in order to establish and develop corporate reputation and legitimacy in network relations in a B2B context2015Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Title: Using Brand management to establish network relations: How SMEs can work with brand management in order to establish and develop corporate reputation and legitimacy in network relations in a B2B context

    Authors: Aasberg Pipirs Julius & Carlsson Christoffer

    Level: Master thesis, 30hp

    Keywords: Brand management, SME, Legitimacy, Corporate reputation, Network relations

    Background: Given the crucial role SMEs play in the modern society it is vital that knowledge is evolved that can be used to support and grow these businesses. Using brand management practices SMEs could establish and develop corporate reputation and legitimacy in network relations, which could result in higher chances of long-term survival in a B2B context.

    Research Question: How does working with brand management among SMEs establish, and develop, corporate reputation and legitimacy, and how do these three concepts affect the process of establishing network relations in a B2B context?

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to first investigate how SMEs, in a B2B context, work with brand management and how this can establish and develop corporate reputation and legitimacy. Finally the authors wants to see how these three concepts affect the process of establishing network relations.

    Method: Based on an abductive research approach, a qualitative research method will be used to study six Swedish SMEs that operate in a B2B context. Primary data will be based on semi-structured interviews with managers at each company.

    Theoretical Framework: The current literature concerning SME brand management is presented followed by its linkages towards establishing and developing corporate reputation and legitimacy. Finally previous research concerning, the process of establishing network relations among SMEs, its relevance for SMEs, and how brand management, corporate reputation, and legitimacy could affect this process, is presented.

    Findings & Conclusions: Brand management offers SMEs the tools to communicate and interact with various types of stakeholders, which connects the organization to its external and internal environment. By combining this tool with a dedication of always performing above expectations, SMEs stands to efficiently establish and develop corporate reputation and legitimacy. These two constructs essentially acts as the foundation of that which network relations are built upon.

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  • 9.
    Abboud, Mohamad Moulham
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Biological and Environmental Systems (BLESS), Energy Science.
    Simulation of 3ph induction motor in Matlab with VVVF starting method2016Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 40 credits / 60 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Nowadays, three-phase induction motors are widely used on industrial and other types of processes. Therefore, accurate knowledge of an induction motor performance is very essential to have an idea of its operation conditions. This study is a sequel of a previous one, where Direct and Soft starting methods of three-phase motors has been simulated and compared. As in the previous study, the theory behind this one is based on representing the real motor by aset of equations and values in Matlab, forming a corresponding idealistic motor in a way where all the physical effects are similar. The motor is started under three different frequencies in the VVVF method using supporting simulation of the current, torque, speed,efficiency and power factor curves. The results of the three starting methods are then discussed and compared.

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  • 10.
    Abdul Gabar, Allan
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Protic, Dennis
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Kartläggning av arbetsledarens arbetsfördelning i byggproduktion: En undersökning av möjliga förbättringar inom yrkesrollen2017Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Every company strives for maximum efficiency. The construction industry, which is complex while margins are small, makes efficiency an important issue. In the construction industry today,the high demand for production is to be delivering high quality projects as well as within certain timeframes. In order for this to be achieved, there is a great demand for work management in production. Therefore, we have chosen to analyze improvement areas within the supervisor’s role.The purpose of this report is to investigate the supervisor’s situation in the construction industry.Furthermore, the purpose is to identify work-related tasks in the professional role that have the potential for efficiency enhancement.A frequency study has been conducted in three different workplaces where we have followed three different supervisors for a total of nine days to get an insight into how the supervisors spend theirtime. Interviews have been conducted with supervisors for an even broader view of the study. Literature search has been made where we have found theories that we also present. During the course of the study we have found that there are a few improvement areas. As an enhancement, we think digitalization should be implemented, and everyone should keep order and clean up afterwards, more feedback to employees, and develop communication.

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  • 11.
    Abdulkarim, Zahra
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Malmstedt, Annelie
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Segmentation model for strategic decision-making to increase customer value: A study of absentee proprietors in the Swedishforest industry as a result of urbanization2017Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Urbanization is a major factor causing unsupported perceptions within the traditional vision offorest management. Urbanization has led to a reconstruction on forest owners’ economicdependency on the forestry. This contributes in emigration from rural areas to bigger cities.To understand how distant forest owners, manage their forest they need to be segmentedaccording to specific criteria. The purpose of the study is to create a segmentation model thatis theoretically anchored and empirically verified, to increase the customer value and maptheir different needs. Through the purpose a research question was developed: How can asegmentation model for absentee proprietors within the forest industry be developed toincrease the customer value? A segmentation model provides comprehensive knowledge andinsights about forest owners’ different needs. The empirical data, collected through surveys,was presented individually and some connections could be found. Through these connectionsproperty area and distance were chosen as factors that are appropriate for segmentation. Basedon the segmentation factors a correlation analysis was made to create four demographicsegmentations. The visitors: small area, small distance. Conservationists: small area, largedistance. Investors: large area, small distance. Specifiers: large area, large distance. Theconclusion shows that a segmentation model over absentee proprietors is necessary for thestrategic management in forest companies, when it comes to decisions regarding sales criteria,communication and recommended approaches.

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  • 12.
    Abebe, Abay Damte
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    He, Qikang
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Foam Behavior Analysis Based On A Force Measurement System2018Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Abstract

    In the world where every sector of industrial manufacturing is being converted toautomated systems, surface finishing processes like sanding and polishing seem to lag.This phenomenon is not surprising as these processes are complex to optimize. Therehave been projects going on with the support of European Commission to findsolutions under SYMPLEXITY (Symbiotic Human-Robot Solutions for ComplexSurface Finishing Operations). One of the projects in under this include poliMATIC(Automated Polishing for the European Tooling Industry). Halmstad University isinvolved in doing projects.

    This project took a portion of this study in aim to understand a foam material’s behavior used for sanding tool at the tip of a robotic arm. This is studied using a forcemeasurement system developed at Halmstad University. The project has two sectionsand starts with one; Understanding the force measurement system and upgrading innecessary ways. Two; studying how the foam material compressive hardness propertyis affected when the material is fit with sandpaper for sanding operation using theforce measurement system. The study finally revealed how the combination of thefoam with sandpaper affects the robustness of the material, and significantlyimproved the output of the system with by reducing the noise level with 40%.

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  • 13.
    Abedin, Raeed Ibnul
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Hossain, Syed Sajjad
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Ecosystem Approach in Value Creation: A Case Study of HMS2019Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: This thesis paper aims to understand how companies in the industrial automation sector can create value for the emerging technology ecosystem. 

    Design/methodology/approach: A single case study approach was taken to write this thesis, the case study was based on HMS Industrial Networks AB. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews, various personnel from HMS were interviewed which facilitated to create the case study. Secondary data were also collected mainly from industry reports and other publicly available reports. To perform the analysis relevant literature were discussed in the literature review section.  

    Results: The study revealed that to create value in industrial automation sector companies need to evaluate their existing role in the ecosystem and adjust the role based on their industry competence and partnership capability with other platform participants. Through collaboration with the right partners, companies can create value for different stakeholders in the ecosystem. For HMS, we have suggested the role of ecosystem orchestrator, the conclusion was made based on their existing ecosystem role, extensive industry competencies, and high partnership capability.   

    Originality/value: Previously academic research has not been done on this topic as per the knowledge of the authors. This thesis paper can be useful for academics to do further research on different industries facing issues related to value creation and professionals can apply the suggested practical implications in their industry.  

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  • 14.
    Abrahamsson, Caroline
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Swedish SME companies revisited ten years after2017Student paper other, 5 credits / 7,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 15.
    Abrahamsson, Caroline
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    The advantages of social capital for businesses on Facebook2017Student paper other, 5 credits / 7,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 16.
    Abrahamsson, Caroline
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    The nature of friends on Facebook2017Student paper other, 5 credits / 7,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 17.
    Abrahamsson, Caroline
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Lezis Israelsson, Jennifer
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Nilsson, Viktoria
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Identifying influencers on Instagram: Important factors to consider when identifying influencers to use for sponsorships and collaborations2018Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The growth of the Internet and social media has led to companies considering the use of influencers in sponsorships and collaborations on Instagram. The subject has been problematized and the gap found is a need for a framework combining different factors when identifying influencers, which resulted in the following research question; From both a company- and consumer perspective, which factors are important to take into account when identifying an influencer for sponsorships and collaborations on Instagram?

    The purpose is first to identify and incorporate important factors discussed in previous research into a proposed framework, which aims to be used when identifying influencers to sponsor on Instagram. Second, after conducting the empirical research, the framework is extended depending on the new collected information. Background theories and concepts that lay the foundation to influencer marketing are presented. Also, previous frameworks regarding identification of influencers are introduced. The theoretical framework chapter is concluded with a proposed framework alongside introducing the factors.

    Abductive research strategy is used as well as a method triangulation, using both a qualitative and a quantitative approach. The study is an explorative research due to conducting both a documentary analysis and a questionnaire. The factors studied have shown to be of different importance for companies and consumers.

    The findings indicate that there are multiple types of influencers. The Updated influencer identification model consists of seven important factors; ideal, trust, popularity, productivity, managing sponsorships and collaborations, information content and visual aspect.

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  • 18.
    Abrahamsson, Filip
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering (SET), Biological and Environmental Systems (BLESS), Biomechanics and Biomedicine.
    Björklin, Jimmy
    Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering (SET), Biological and Environmental Systems (BLESS), Biomechanics and Biomedicine.
    Hur muskelaktiveringen påverkas vid en inåtrotation i axelleden med och utan Activation Grip.2012Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Bakgrund: Även om kaströrelsen i detalj skiljer sig mellan olika idrotter så är den biomekaniska funktionen i grunden densamma. Inom alla kastrelaterade idrotter återkommer den så kallade accelerationsfasen, här har det visat sig att inåtrotationen i axelleden har en hög korrelation med bollhastighet i kaströrelsen. Axelledens inåtrotatorer har alltså en viktig funktion för ett effektivt kast. En funktionell uppvärmning av dessa strukturer optimerar prestationsförmågan och minskar skaderisken. Kan träningsredskapet Activation Grip (AG) effektivisera uppvärmningen av den övre extremiteten hos kastidrottare?

    Syfte: Att undersöka och jämföra hur muskelaktiviteten i m. pectoralis major (PM), m. deltoideus anterior (DA), m. flexor carpi raidalis (FCR) och m. extensor digitoris communis (EDC) påverkas vid inåtrotation i axelleden med och utan träningsredskapet AG. Studien syftar även till att utvärdera AG som produkt.

    Metod: Muskelaktiviteten i PM, DA, FCR och EDC registrerades med hjälp av elektromyografi (sEMG) hos 18 aktiva idrottare inom överarmskastrelaterade idrotter (ålder 23,7 ± 5,7) vid inåtrotation i axelleden med maximal hastighet, jämfört med samma rörelse med AG och 30% belastning.

    Resultat: Resultatet visade på en signifikant högre muskelaktivering (p < 0.05) i DA, FCR, EDC under inåtrotationen med maximal hastighet. Hos PM sågs ingen signifikant skillnad i muskelaktivitet. AG fick över lag positiv respons från testdeltagarna. 

    Konklusion: Med resultatet i beaktande så skulle AG kunna kombineras tillsammans med andra uppvärmningsövningar för att få specifik aktivering i önskad muskulatur. Vidare studier gällande rörelse, motstånd och hastighet för att effektivisera användningen av AG bör göras. Även om AG fick positiv respons så bör produkten utvecklas ytterligare.

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  • 19.
    Abrahamsson, Louise
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Tover, Sofie
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Hållbarhetsredovisning: En undersökning av hur lag (2016:947) om ändring i årsredovisningslagen (1995:1554) påverkar stora företag2017Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    From the fiscal year of 2017 and onwards, large companies in Sweden will be obligated by

    law to publish a sustainability report. Amendment (2016:947) to the Annual Account Act

    (1995:1554) is based upon an EU directive, which aims to create transparency and openness

    among companies. The amendment will affect about 1600 Swedish companies and aims to

    make companies more transparent and thus consider how their businesses affect the world.

    Scandals and crises from all over the world are contributing to the increasing demands and

    expectations on companies taking responsibilities for their actions. The sustainability reports

    aims not only to help companies operate a more sustainable business, but also to

    communicate their sustainable progress to stakeholders. Sustainability is a current issue and

    poses major challenges for companies, at which the amendment aims to respond. Hence the

    research question is: how does the amendment (2016:947) to the Annual Account Act

    (1995:1554) affect the sustainability reporting of large companies? To answer the research

    question we have assumed a qualitative method with inductive approach. An empirical study

    has been conducted with both visit and telephone interviews with six respondents responsible

    for the sustainability reporting on six different companies affected by the amendment. An

    additional three interviews have been conducted with auditors working with advisory and

    review of sustainability reports. The study shows that the largest companies are unlikely to be

    affected by the amendment due to the fact that they are already producing a detailed

    sustainability report. The smaller of the companies concerned and the companies that are

    unlisted will probably need to either develop the existing report or start up a sustainability

    report from scratch. When establishing a sustainability report, companies experience

    problems regarding validation and assurance of the published information. The study shows

    that auditing would be effective in response to this challenge, but auditing is not statutory for

    the sustainability report. As external demands and expectations are increasing, the

    implementation of sustainability in the businesses of companies is growing in importance.

    The study shows that since more companies are obligated to produce a sustainability report,

    the sustainable activities of the company will evolve, which ultimately leads to a more

    sustainable development.

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  • 20.
    Abrahamsson, Mickael
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Berg, Simon
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Tillfälliga modulhus - en ekonomisk och kvalitetsmässig analys2016Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The populations of Sweden are right now facing an acute housing shortage. One of the reasons of this is the huge amount of immigrants that have been taken in over recent years. The construction industry hasn’t been able to keep up with the rising demand and is right now looking for a solution. Modular housing is one solution that has been proposed by Boverket, the national board of housing, building and planning as it reduces construction times. The purpose of this paper is to analyze this method and the potential consequences/gains it has. In this paper we have used three different case studies were we have done 3 interviews in each.   This research concludes that the problem doesn’t lie within the quality or the costs associated with modular housing. It lies within the temporary building permits that are often used when time is of the essence. 

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  • 21.
    Abrahamsson, Victoria
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Eckerberg, Christopher
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Insourcad polsk arbetskraft i svensk byggindustri: En studie utifrån NCCs arbetslednings perspektiv2018Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 12 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The need for labor in the construction sector is today greater than the supply. As a result, several companies use foreign labor, which constitutes challenges. Previous studies highlight that problems can arise mainly in the categories of cultural differences, communication, security, quality and time.

    The purpose of this study is to investigate issues of foreign labor from the perspective of managers. Furthermore, the study aims to highlight positive effects with insourcing, a difference to previous research where the workforce has been external.

    The study is conducted through qualitative methodology where review of existing literature has highlighted apparent issues to handle. In addition, semistructured interviews where conducted with the case company management team to investigate experienced issues as well as the impact of the insourcing strategy. The analysis and discussion of the interviews results in a list of improvement suggestions for companies using foreign labor. A general conclusion is that insourcing is beneficial to construction companies using foreign labor, as it provides continuity and improved opportunity for development and guidance. Furthermore, the education and development of the workers is easier to follow up.

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  • 22.
    Abrams, Philip
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Simulering och känslighetsanalys av ett pumpkraft-dagvattendammsystem: En utvärdering av potential för småskalig energilagring av solelsöverskott eller arbitrage2020Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The global move to more sustainable and renewable energy sources causes increased fluctuations in theelectric market. That fact combined with the Swedish regulations on micro producers make high levels ofself-use critical and have increased the interest in energy storage of energy from intermittent sources.Cooperation with Eksta AB have provided the opportunity to evaluate an innovative energy storage conceptfor a future exploitation area of around 17,2 hectares planned residential and urban area. This bachelorthesis studies the potential of using stormwater management ponds for small-scale energy storage in theform of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES). The focus is on storage of surplus energy from a solarenergy system designed for micro production and local energy supply. However, it also evaluates thepotential of using the equivalent dimensions for energy storage which storage level only change whenbuying or selling electricity at market prices for arbitrage purposes.Potential in the form of financial benefit and increased self-use of solar energy are studied through aquantitative methodology that, in the case of storing surplus energy from a solar system, use a simulationmodel developed for this thesis that takes Eksta´s contractual electric specifications into account. Toevaluate the case of energy storage for arbitrage a simulation model is used in the form of an algorithmbaseddrive strategy named “Optimal”, which has been recreated from research in the field of energy storageand drive strategies. The level of innovation is high on account of including such as energy additions to thestorage from rain water management, energy losses from dispersion of stored stormwater to surroundingground layers, it´s novel focus on a stormwater pond for energy storage, the rarely studied combination ofPHES and small scale solar systems and finally that the dimensions of the pump and turbine that is neededin PHES is based on PaT (pump as turbine) technology, allowing the reverse drive of a centrifugal pumpto operate as a turbine.Sensitivity analysis is included to increase the understanding of PHES-stormwater systems in the case of Eksta and as a concept for energy storage. The work also includes a brief examination of relevant regulationsin order to supply a wider perspective.The result shows that the implementation of a PHES-stormwater system during the years 2018 and 2019increased the self-use of generated solar energy by 28,59 % and provide the joint financial benefit of 5989SEK. The simulation model of energy storage for arbitrage during the years 2018 and 2019 resulted in thecombined financial benefit of 699 SEK when “Optimal” operation strategy is used and 678 SEK with apractically applicable operation strategy.The main conclusion is that PHES-stormwater systems as an energy storage for small-scale solar surplushas high potential to increase the self-use of solar energy but relatively low potential to increase the financialbenefits of small-scale solar systems. From the sensitivity analysis it can be concluded that the simulatedPHES-stormwater system is sensitive to small and medium ranged changes in storage capacity, efficiency,rate of dispersion, set electrical buying price and selectivity of which hours to empty the storage. This whilebeing generally insensitive to small and medium ranged variations in installed peak effect of the solar system,filling/emptying time and the relative size of the turbine compared to the pump.The conclusion from the simulation of arbitrage application is that the potential for financial benefit inthese circumstances is extremely low. The sensitivity analysis lead to the conclusion that the system issensitive to small and medium ranged variations in storage capacity, efficiency, filling/emptying time andmarginal operation costs.Besides the limited financial benefit, other potential hindrances may be the legality of connecting the systemelectrically, lack of financial benefits given to larger but still small-scale solar systems and the eventuality ofdisrupting the main function of the stormwater pond, which is purifying stormwater.

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  • 23.
    Abt, Tobias
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering (SET), Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL).
    Erath, Fabian
    Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering (SET), Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL).
    Power of E-Motion: Business Model Innovation for the Introduction of Electric Cars to China2014Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    E-Cars challenge prevailing business practices, especially in industrial sectors that heavily depend on the use of fossil fuels such as the automobile industry. The sustainable powertrain has to fight against prejudices towards a lack of performance, long charging times, the fear of too short driving ranges and a long list of other concerns. However, hazardous environmental pollution in Chinese megacities as well as changes among the consumers’ mindsets and purchasing behavior claim for a change in the product portfolios of today´s car manufacturers. In the western world we can see a successive (although hesitant) penetration of the markets by E-Cars. However, the Chinese market is still almost untouched and car manufacturers have just started to show the first signs of action. This phenomenon is mainly based on differences among the markets, especially the customer segment, partnerships and the proposition of value in China differ compared to the western markets. Furthermore, there are dissimilarities between China and the western car markets when it comes to political, legal and social aspects. To successfully introduce E-Cars to China, car manufacturers have to develop business models that transform the specific characteristics of E-mobility to create economic value and overcome the barriers that preclude them from penetrating the market. Of course, not an entirely new Business Model is needed. However, car manufacturers have to consider various aspects to innovate among their existing ones. A key prerequisite to enter a market with new products or services is to understand it. Based on a qualitative analysis about the introduction of E-Cars to China we therefore conducted an in-depth PESTEL-Analysis by hand of secondary data as well as an interview with a Shanghainese Business Manager of the Auto Components Working Group from the European Chamber of Commerce in China. After this market description we analyzed the Business Models of two German car manufacturers from the premium segment, which on the one hand operate successfully in the Chinese market and on the other hand, already show some movement in terms of E-Cars – the BMW AG and the Daimler AG. In our analysis we give valuable information about the two companies’ current Business Models, according the nine building blocks of the business model canvas and in regard to the data emerging from the PESTEL-Analysis. The conclusion chapter gives an overall discussion of the most important findings emerging from the analysis with regard to the business operations and the existing business models of the two car manufacturers. Findings have been evaluated on a global level and substantially transferred to a national level on the Chinese market by hand of the information from the PESTEL-Analysis. Furthermore, we offer important implications for the adaption and adjustment of high consideration areas of a car manufacturer Business Model as well as the future of the Business Models of a car manufacturer to successfully introduce E-Cars to China.  

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  • 24.
    Achampong, Davis
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Eriksson, John
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Purus Velox: En mekanisk städmaskin2015Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    One of the park and street workers many tools, is the traditional broom. The

    broom is used to tidy up surfaces where machines can’t reach, such as; underneath

    benches, in corners and smaller areas. Using a traditional broom requires a twisted

    and forward leaning body posture that, if performed during an extended time

    period, can result in musculoskeletal problems and negative impact on the health.

    This project aimed to develop a new cleaning tool to reduce the forward-leaning,

    twisted body posture.

    This thesis used a product development methodology and a biomechanical

    analysis to fulfil, and evidence base the aim. Review of the literature,

    biomechanical analysis and benchmarking were used to set requirement

    specifications for this project. The project applied David G Ullman's iterative

    product development methodology, including brainstorming, quality function

    deployment, morphology, Pugh´s matrix and a failure mode effects analysis.

    Furthermore, a functional prototype was built as a last step of the development

    phase.

    Evaluation of the prototype, in comparison to the traditional broom, was

    performed using 3D movement analysis (Qualisys motion capture system) and

    surface electromyography (Mega 8 channel system) on one test person.

    The project resulted in a physically functional prototype that can be used for

    similar tasks as a traditional broom. The concept design dictates the user to push

    the cleaning tool in front of the body with postural symmetry in all three planes.

    The comparison between a traditional broom and the prototype showed a

    reduction in muscle activity when using the prototype. Furthermore, the

    movement analysis showed a working posture with less forward leaning and back

    rotation. Furthermore, the participant could keep neutral angles in the shoulders

    and wrists throughout the task. Note that, the biomechanical analyzes was only

    made on one test person which is not enough to conclude that the prototype

    contributes to a more healthy working posture.

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  • 25.
    Ackermann, Max
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Håkansson, Kevin
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Den generativa dämparen2020Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    It becomes more common with hybrid and electric vehicles around the world and in Sweden. These cars are becoming more and more effective with new sources of regenerative power such as the engine break. This prolongs the cars range which is making electric vehicles more and more competitive. So what is the next step when it comes to reusage of already used electricity? Is there more electric energy that we can reuse to help power the car? Each car has four dampers that absorbs momentum and converts it to thermal energy so that they can dampen its spring. If instead this movement would be turned into elektricenergy it could be stored to the battery or used by the car directly, just like the electric energy generated from the engine brake. The cars would be even more effective and get an even longer range. “Den generativa dämparen” will take advantage of this energy so it won’t go to waste. “Den generative dämparen” will dampen the springs momentum with induction charging. If this implementation succeeds in hybrid and electric cars big savings can be made. It’s estimated that Sweden, with this damper, can save 170 GWh each year in 2030.

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  • 26.
    Adamsson, Julia
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Annie, Danås
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Millennials komplexa attityd gentemot grön klädkonsumtion: En kvalitativ studie om millennials attityd gentemot klädkonsumtion2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The consumption has increased by 40% in just a few decades, which has given a negative impact on the environment. At the same time, millennials also called generation X, have a huge purchasing power compared to other generations. A major problem of unsustainable clothing consumption is fast fashion. Millenials are the biggest target group for fast fashion companies and are those who buy more products than any other target group. Through this thesis, we want to provide with motivation, attitude and values for both sustainable consumption and unsustainable consumption.

    The aim is to investigate the target group of millennials and their attitudes towards environmentally consciousness and what motivates them in their purchase decision when it comes to clothing consumption. This should, among other things, make it easier for marketers to know how to best reach out to the group who has the highest purchasing power.

    Through 20 qualitative in-depth interviews with as many men as women, they have been interviewed regarding their views, attitudes and behavior regarding clothing consumption and sustainable clothing consumption. The study's results show that many millenials are not ready to buy green clothing for various reasons such as pricing and trust in companies. Other interesting discoveries about norms and self-image is also emerged.

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  • 27.
    Adamsson, Sören
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Tahir, Muhammad
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    From One to Many - The Impact of Individual's Beliefs in the Development of Cryptocurrency2015Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 40 credits / 60 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study analyses the growing area of research that explores the evolution of technology from social and cognition perspective – and how the design and various implementation of technology are being shaped by the factors related to social-constructivism and beliefs systems of individuals. The newly developed technological phenomena of Cryptocurrency – the digital currency for all, provides us with an excellent case to study. We apply social and cognitive processes to understand technology trajectories across the life cycle of cryptocurrency. We thus deepen our understanding by analyzing why and what causes the various technological trajectories in the era of ferment and concluding our research by deriving various technological 'themes'. – that might evolve as the phenomena of cryptocurrency while moving towards the era of dominant design.

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    Sören and Tahir Thesis Final Copy
  • 28.
    Adari, Praveen
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Lakshmipathy, Ganesh
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Frugal Innovation in Smaller Firms in the West: "How do smaller firms in theWest use Frugal Innovationwhich in its nature best suitedfor emerging markets, havingno subsidiaries in the localmarkets essential to developfrugal solutions for those emerging markets?"2015Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 40 credits / 60 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Although researchers during the last 5 years have been doing a lot of study onemerging market innovations, and of which Frugal Innovation had its special place. They haveparticularly concentrated on this innovation type on how it re-emerged in the emergingcountries especially India and China and gave it new theoretical definition and a framework.Although this frugal innovation usage is constrained only to the firms located in those emergingmarkets and this innovation has not seen much application in the western smaller firms. In thisresearch our main idea is to develop a theoretical model on frugal innovation for the westernsmaller firms, where currently not much emphasis is given by the previous researchers in thiscontext. To achieve this we have been involved in an action research with a company lookingto enter an emerging market by using frugal innovation strategy for their product development.The output of this research is a theoretical framework model which is sequential and includesall the stages that a firm has to follow as part of a frugal innovation strategy having not muchknowledge of the emerging markets or its customers and who had to rely on external partnersin developing countries to successfully develop frugal innovations. We have also identifiedchallenges firms face in this context and listed out alternatives at each level of the strategy,finally concluded by listing out the future scope of research on frugal innovation in thisparticular area.

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    Frugal Innovation in the West
  • 29.
    Aderklint, Denice
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Legal Support for a Resilient Stormwater Management: Review of Swedish Regulations and Objectives2017Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 40 credits / 60 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Sustainability entails a system that has the capacity to sustain itself. Stormwater management is one part of the concept sustainable development but traditional practices entail adverse effects on social-ecological systems and there is a need for increasing the resilience of urban stormwater systems.  The growing pressure from climate change and intensified urbanization increase the need for stormwater management. If poorly managed the security and functioning of societies will be negatively affected. Regulations are essential in the achievement of sustainable urban environments. However, national regulations concerning stormwater management are spread through different legal frameworks from different times and it has been recognized that the spread could challenge implementation of the regulations and climate change adaptation. Administrative instruments are important to support the social, economic and ecological value of green and blue structures. The thesis target to analyze relevant regulations and investigate their effectiveness for a sustainable stormwater management through combined interpretation methods based on the intention behind the law and their function in society. The thesis claims that consequences of poorly regulated sustainable stormwater management results in an inefficient use of resources and pose a risk for the environment. Sustainable development is not visible in any article in the Law on General Water Services and it therefore risk to be overlooked in practice. The issues of urban stormwater need to be more integrated in the municipal work and planning processes.

    The analysis reveals that there is support for resilient stormwater management when there is a combination of up-to date research and an objective teleological interpretation. As the shift towards sustainable urban environments entails several aspects, the use of administrative instruments is one important strategy in ensuring urban resilience.

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  • 30.
    Adolfsson, Matilda
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Vibrationer och engesvängningar i Alfdex separator2019Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this thesis is to create a greater understanding of what happens inAlfdex’s separator in terms of natural frequencies, also called resonances. Try in asystematic way to find out where the problem is and produce a possible solutionto the problem. To achieve this smoothly, vibration measurements were made onthree different models with two variants, a total of six different variants. Themeasurements made with an electric shaker were set to run a sweep of 2-500Hz,which means that it increases the frequency from 20-500Hz with a constantacceleration of 2G. The measurement was first made on these six variants and, onthe basis of the results, it has been possible to compare with the modificationsmade.As the first modification, the disks in the separator were glued together to see ifthey made any difference from the previous result. As the next test spacers wereprinted out of the 3D-printer, that would replace the existing springs in theseparator, to aww what happens if we do not have any springs. There was also atest where the top of the separator the so-called house, was cut into a larger holeso as to see how the disks hold a constant amplitude relative to each other, whichmeans that the disks are not exposed to any natural frequencies. The springs werefilmed to see how they act and move, where it is clear that there are naturalfrequencies in the springs.Based on these tests, it can be concluded that the disk in question are not aproblem. The problem instead has its foundation in the springs that carry the diskstack throughout the separator, resonances in these give a great influence in theentire contents of the separator.

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  • 31.
    Adriansson, Emma
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Biological and Environmental Systems (BLESS), Environmental Science.
    Turesson, Linnéa
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Biological and Environmental Systems (BLESS), Environmental Science.
    Klimatanalys av avloppsreningsverk: Analyser av två av Laholmsbuktens VA:s avloppsreningsverk med förslag på förbättringsåtgärder2016Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The intensified greenhouse effect is the biggest cause for a negative climate change. Global warming is a result of enhanced greenhouse effect and poses a potential threat for humans and its surrounding environment that can result in disastrous consequences. The rise in temperature is driven by increased human activity whereas the leading cause for emissions of greenhouse gases is the combustion of fossil fuels. The prominent source of emissions is from the following sectors: transport, industrial and energy. The task of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases is both globally and internationally prioritized. Progress has been made although every potential source for emissions has to be investigated in order to reduce the total climate impact. Based on scientific research, wastewater treatment plants are also a contributing factor to the greenhouse effect by emissions of gases. This bachelor’s thesis is investigating two wastewater treatment plants and identifying which processes contribute to the climate impact. The climate impact is calculated with an Excel-based analyzing tool and the results show the Carbon Footprints for the treatment plants. The purpose of this paper is to present result acquired from the treatment plants and identify the processes that have the biggest impact on our climate. Afterwards, solutions derived from the analysis of results will be suggested to improve and bring additional help to the treatment plants with their climate work. In conclusion, it is determined that the treatment plants both have net emissions of greenhouse gases. The biggest contributor is the wastewater treatment and the use of biogas. Results from analysis show that some of the assumptions on emissions made in the tool make the initial results doubtful. Therefore, further research is needed on this subject in order to produce more reliable facts.

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  • 32.
    Aftab, Mohammad Adnan
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Biofuel, An alternative source for jet fuel in Aviation2017Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The transport industry is one of the fastest growing industries with the sector playing a significant role in negative impact on global warming and pollution through the emission of greenhouse gases. Aviation in particular, has enjoyed growth especially in the few decades. New airlines and aircraft manufacturers are coming up with different innovations and technologies to ensure they make the best possible environmentally friendly aircraft. The new main area of focus has been on how to come up with fuel that will reduce the greenhouse gas-emissions. The stakeholders in the same effort include developed nations like the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany, and Canada among others. Energy providers as well as jet fuel suppliers are also making efforts to conserve the environment. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the area of biofuel in aviation by looking into various stakeholders involved in the efforts of the transition from fossil fuel to biofuel. The conclusion of this thesis is that biofuels are viable options in the aviation industries since there have been positive results in the tests made. 

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  • 33.
    Ahdrian, Matilda
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Claudén, Emelie
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    The importance of value-based leadership: A framework of factors related to a manager's perception of value-based leadership2019Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Value-based leadership is needed and demanded in today’s complex and changing business environment. Values facilitate upcoming obstacles and difficult situations that everyone in an organization encounters. Hence, a manager should be able to lead and influence the entire organization towards these values, which make the role of the manager essential. Research argue for the effectiveness of implementing value-based leadership in organizations. Yet, less is known about how today’s companies and managers work with it, and what the factors are related to it.

    Research QuestionHow are managers working with value-based leadership and how can certain factors be related to it?

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe how managers both view and work with value-based leadership in terms of social transformation, organizational culture and leadership behavior. Further, to explain how certain factors are related to value-based leadership in the company. The study also aims to develop and broaden the academical field with a framework of value-based leadership in order to create a deeper understanding of value-based leadership in practice and its possible outcomes.

    Method: A qualitative approach was used during this study, where ten managers from four Swedish companies from the private sector were interviewed. These companies were chosen due to their awareness of value-based leadership and clarification of values.

    Theoretical framework: The framework consists of three theoretical blocks: value-based leadership, leadership behavior, and organizational culture. Based on this, an analyze model was created to facilitate the analysis of the empirical data.

    Findings: All managers and their companies are working in accordance with value-based leadership, but to different extents, which is partly due to social transformation in terms of a shift in generations and social sustainability. The factors trust and values are most emphasized and related to value-based leadership, while the factors organizational culture and self-leadership are less emphasized. Still, the authors claim that these factors are crucial in value-based leadership.

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  • 34.
    Ahlbeck, Iselin
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Johansson, Ida-Paulina
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Hållbarhet - styrning, arbete och redovisning: Arbetsförloppet med hållbarhetsfrågor i sex stora svenska textilföretag2015Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Problembakgrund: Ekonomiska kriser och hållbarhetskriser har lett till förändringar i sociala, ekonomiska och ekologiska förhållanden världen över. Företag börjar ta större ansvar för hållbarhet men kan uppleva stora svårigheter att uppnå sina hållbarhetsmål. Detta beror på att det saknas förståelse för hur processen ser ut. Beslutsfattare har svårigheter med att skapa en plan som går ända från hållbarhetsvision till hållbarhetsredovisning via strategi, implementation och prestationsmätning. Textilindustrin spelar en stor roll i den globala ekonomin, och har stor påverkan på sociala och miljömässiga frågor. Studien undersöker hur arbetsförloppet med hållbarhetsfrågor ser ut hos sex stora textilföretag: KappAhl, Hemtex, Åhléns, Haglöfs, Indiska samt Gudrun Sjödén.

    Frågeställning: Hur ser arbetsförloppet ut i svenska textilföretags verksamhet från att hållbarhetsmål utformas till att resultat redovisas?

    Syfte: Syftet med uppsatsen är att beskriva och analysera arbetsförloppet i stora svenska textilföretag från att hållbarhetsmål utformas till att resultat redovisas, och generera en ökad förståelse för detta.

    Metod: För att få fram relevant data med utgångspunkt i frågeställningen utfördes en kvalitativ studie. Eftersom det saknas kunskap kring frågeställningen har studien ett induktivt angreppssätt där ökad förståelse inom området försöktes skapas. Detta gjordes med hjälp av intervjuer med personer som aktivt arbetar med hållbarhetsarbete i respektive företag.

    Resultat:Studien har identifierat ett arbetsförlopp över hållbarhetsarbetet i de undersökta företagen bestående av vision, mål, strategi/plan,genomförande och redovisning. Studien har även funnit faktorersom påverkar hållbarhetsarbetet. Dessa är lönsamhet, mål, strategi, budget, struktur, kultur, lärande, samarbete, integration samt redovisning. Studien har även ökat förståelsen för vikten av att integrera hållbarhet i hela verksamheten.

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    Hållbarhet - styrning, arbete och redovisning
  • 35.
    Ahlbom, Joel
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research (CIMER).
    Andersson, Daniel
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), Centre for International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research (CIMER).
    E-bike users are lazy… and healthy: A study in consumer behaviour on the symbolic values of e-bikes, why some want e-bikes and others avoid them.2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Research question: To examine what aspects affect some consumers to avoid e-bikes and others to desire them.

    Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to see if e-bikes have a symbolic value. We aim to see if e-bikes is associated as an environmentally friendly product. We will examine stereotypes and brand avoidance. Further we will see what attributes consumers associate with typical users of e-bikes.

    Theory: To test our research question we chose our main theory of the matching process between self-image and typical user. Prior studies on e-bikes in areas as typical users and environment were analyzed. Previous studies on e-bikes were analyzed in areas such as environment and typical users.

    Methodology: A survey was made on two groups who are underrepresented in sales of ebikes. Students aged 21-30 and cycling enthusiasts.

    Results and conclusions:

    • We found that e-bikes have symbolic value.

    • Many respondents perceive e-bike users as environmentally friendly, comfortable and lazy.

    • E-bikes being perceived as environmentally friendly can be a pre-purchase indicator for students, but not for cycling enthusiasts

    • Different groups of students have conflicting user imagery, one group describe e-bikers as lazy, and another group describe e-bike users as healthy

    • The stereotype that e-bike users are old is not very frequent

    • Viewing e-bike users as lazy influences impacts the perceived value and are likely to lead to brand avoidance

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  • 36.
    Ahlbäck, David
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    KONCEPTANALYS OCH DRIFTFALLSOPTIMERING AV "FREEPOWER – SOLAR BOAT"2019Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This report aims to analyse the concept of Bjurtech AB:s ongoing development project “Freepower - Solar Boat”. Main focuses are technical optimization and usability from an end user perspective. Bjurtechs idea is to build an electric-powered 5-meter boat charged by integrated photovoltaic cells. The project´s intended pilot market is Sri Lankas coastal fishing fleet. A version for the Scandinavian market is also under consideration and both concepts are analysed in this report. Initially a 4.5-meter prototype was built and tested to try the concept in practise. Methods used are computer simulations in Matlab based on data collected from trail runs with the prototype combined with weather data from Sri Lanka and Sweden. The data and simulations were then used to try to determine whether the concept works for the intended target markets, as well as how the assumed user profiles affect usability and technical deterioration such as battery life. The approach used was to try to determine how to maximize the availability of the system in regards to battery charge level over the whole year at the same time as maximizing distance and boat speed per day. The systems CO2 emissions were then compared to an equivalent petrol-powered boat with the same amount of running hours over 25 years. The main findings of the study are, provided 12 to 14.5 nautical miles is regarded as a sufficient daily distance at 3 to 3.7 knots boat speed, that the system can deliver a high level of availability all year around for fishing operations in Sri Lanka. Considering the demand for daily availability is not as high for the assumed recreational use in Scandinavian markets the system is deemed to perform at a satisfactory level at these latitudes as well. The CO2 comparison showed a significant emissions decrease in the case of year around operations in Sri Lanka. In Scandinavia a reduction is obtained if there are a sufficient amount of operating hours per year. An increase of the installed rated power, Wp, was found to be the most cost efficient way of improving overall performance and that the prototypes photovoltaics of 580 Wp should in both the Sri Lankan and Scandinavian case be increased to a minimum of 800 Wp. Finally it was concluded that user awareness of how system operation impacts battery life can be of significant importance for a positive environmental result and long technical lifetime.

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  • 37.
    Ahlebrand, August
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science. 920801117.
    Investigating the effects of pre-exhausting a synergist prior to a compound exercise.: An electromyographic study2017Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Pre-exhausting a synergist prior to a compound exercise has been shown to alter the firing patterns in the muscles during the exercise. Pre-exhausting a muscle is done by exercising a muscle group to fatigue with a single joint exercise prior to an exercise.

    Aim: The purpose of this study was to further investigate the effects of pre-exhausting the triceps brachii prior to performing a bench press, measuring the EMG activity in pectoralis major, triceps brachii and deltoid anterior.

    Methods: 30 participants, men (n=15) and women (n=15), performed two different protocols (T1 and T2) while the muscle activity was measured with surface EMG. Electrodes were placed on pectoralis major, triceps brachii and deltoid anterior. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was performed prior to performing protocols in order to get reference values.

    Results: Pectoralis major and deltoid anterior activation was significantly higher when preexhausting triceps brachii before bench press compared to no PRE, but no significant increase was seen in triceps brachii (p=0.000, p=.0009 and p=0.405 respectively) MVIC expressed in percentages and mean values ± standard deviation during protocol T1 for pectoralis major 45.3(±12.4), triceps brachii 56.28(±15.9) and deltoid anterior 63.45(±31.4) and during protocol T2 pectoralis major 56.41(±18.4), triceps brachii 58.49(±20.07) and deltoid anterior 71.65(±42.7).

    Conclusion: These results suggest that pre-exhausting a synergist prior to a compound exercise may change the muscle activity in the involved muscles. This can be used in a practical sense to develop weak points in the muscles by changing the activation pattern in the muscles hence being able to target specific muscles better.

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  • 38.
    Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, Felicia
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    The impact of eutrophic discharge on invertebrate abundance in Fucus communities2015Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Eutrophication due to enhanced nutrient concentrations can affect marine communities by altering the species composition of macroalgae and marine invertebrates, where certain species have shown tendencies to increase. The aim with this study was to assess how the species composition changed in relation to the distance from a nutrient enriched stream discharge. The study was conducted in an area with rocky shores and Fucus vesiculosus as the dominant alga, and also included the mouth of the eutrophic stream Kvarnabäcken. Macroalgae and invertebrate abundance was examined in eight locations (including an unaffected reference location) at different distances from the mouth of Kvarnabäcken. The concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus were measured in the marine locations as well as in the stream. Although Kvarnabäcken displayed elevated nutrient concentrations, no distinct nutrient gradient was detected in the marine locations due to distance from the stream. The abundance of invertebrates and macroalgae varied to some extent in the locations, where the location in the immediate mouth area showed most differences, which contributed to the conclusion that the direct impact of nutrient discharge is limited. Although there are aspects indicating that the alterations in animal and algae abundance are consequences of nutrient discharge, other factors that regulate community composition must be considered when evaluating eutrophication in marine communities.

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  • 39.
    Ahlin, Lina
    et al.
    Lunds universitet, Lund, Sverige.
    Gabrielsson, Jonas
    Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering (SET), Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL). CIRCLE, Lunds universitet, Lund, Sverige.
    Wennberg, Karl
    Handelshögskolan i Stockholm, Stockholm, Sverige.
    Akademiskt entreprenörskap ger samhällsekonomisk vinst: Entreprenörskap och företagande bland akademiker under perioden 2004–20092013Report (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
    Abstract [sv]

    I denna rapport analyseras samhällseffekter av satsningar på akademisk utbildning genom att se på hur akademikers involvering i kunskapsintensivt företagande under perioden 2004-2009 bidrar till nya arbetstillfällen och ekonomisk tillväxt. I rapporten fokuseras särskilt fyra huvudsakliga grupper av akademiker: civilekonomer, civilingenjörer, jurister samt läkare/ tandläkare (medicinare). Rapporten är författad av Lina Ahlin; verksam vid CIRCLE och Nationalekonomiska institutionen/Lunds Universitet, Jonas Gabrielsson; verksam vid CIRCLE/Lunds Universitet och Sektionen för Ekonomi och Teknik/Högskolan i Halmstad, samt Karl Wennberg; verksam vid Centrum för Entreprenörskap och Affärsskapande/ Handelshögskolan i Stockholm och Ratio - Näringslivets Forskningsinstitut.

    Rapportens resultat visar genomgående att akademikers företag bidrar till nya arbetstillfällen och ekonomisk tillväxt i betydligt högre utsträckning än andra företag. Det finns även stora skillnader mellan företag som startas och drivs av individer med olika akademiska utbildningsinriktningar. Civilekonomers och civilingenjörers företag skapar betydligt fler nya arbetstillfällen än juristers och medicinares företag. Samtidigt är bidraget från civilekonomers företag till nya arbetstillfällen cirka 20 procent högre än civilingenjörernas företag.

    Utöver sammanställningen av akademikerföretagens bidrag till nya arbetstillfällen och ekonomisk tillväxt presenterar vi också ett antal pedagogiska och användbara nyckeltal för att mäta den entreprenöriella avkastningen från investeringar i akademisk utbildning. Denna avkastning baseras på akademikerföretagens bidrag till nya arbetstillfällen och ekonomisk tillväxt i förhållande till statens kostnader för olika typer av akademiska utbildningar. I analysen finner vi att om myndigheterna satsar 10 000 kronor på en akademisk utbildning så har detta generellt sett en god entreprenöriell avkastning för samtliga utbildningsgrupper.

    Vi finner även att resultaten skiljer sig markant åt mellan olika akademiska utbildningar. Våra resultat visar att juristers och framförallt civilekonomers företag genererar betydligt fler nya arbetstillfällen per statlig utbildningskrona jämfört med civilingenjörers och läkares/ tandläkares företag, framförallt eftersom kostnaden för att utbilda de senare grupperna är så pass mycket högre. Skillnaderna i entreprenöriell avkastning mellan de olika akademiska utbildningsgrupperna i termer av löneutbetalningar och skatteintäkter baserat på företagens omsättning är mycket snarlika de skillnader som vi finner för nya arbetstillfällen.

    För att driva på tillväxten och den industriella utvecklingen i ekonomin behöver Sverige individer och företag som kan omsätta teknologi och ny kunskap till produkter och tjänster. Förhoppningen är att rapporten skall bidra till den fortsatta debatten kring hur akademiker bidrar till den samhällsekonomiska utvecklingen genom involvering i kunskapsintensivt företagande och entreprenörskap.

  • 40.
    Ahlmark, Marcus
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL).
    von der Esch, Ulric
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL).
    Ränderna som aldrig går ur: En studie om yrkesidentitet i Försvarsmakten2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Officers in today’s Swedish Armed Forces are part of an organization that for more than 30 years has been going through a constant flow of political and economic cut backs, with a drastic reduction in both size, numbers and importance as a result. However, as a consequence of the deteriorating security situation in the Baltic Sea region, the Swedish Armed Forces are now about to enter a phase of expansion again for the first time since the Cold War. Ever since the occupation of the Swedish military officer got professionalized sometime during the 17th cen- tury, it has gone through a number of similar phases – not only regarding its practice, but also its stature in society. Well into the 1900s, being a military officer in Sweden was associated with social status and was almost considered as much of a lifestyle as a profession. Today, the situation is quite different.

    What raised our curiosity is how we as officers, together with our professional community as a whole, view our profession today, in particular given the background above. How proud are we really to be military officers these days? Do we wear our uniforms with the same pride and self- assurance as we did 30 years ago? It soon became clear that the answers lie hidden within something both frail, complex and changeable that we as officers carry with us in everything we do: our professional identity.

    The ambition with this study is to explore the professional identity among today’s officers in order to understand what the main aspects are that shape it and drive it. We have chosen to do so by studying a population of eleven senior officers who all to some degree have experienced the journey the Swedish Armed Forces has taken from being one of society’s key institutions, to becoming more of a marginalized government body among others.

    Our work has resulted in a few key findings. Firstly, we have seen how the core of the profes- sional identity is shaped early on in the career as the individual is being socialized into the institution. The professional identity will then change and transform during the course of a career, but this core will largely remain the same throughout.

    We have also seen how important the feeling of being useful and needed at work is in order to uphold a strong professional identity. Different people have different needs to fulfill in order to achieve this, but regardless – the greater the fulfillment, the more positive the impact. When the institution manages to offer a professional situation where these needs are fulfilled, this will have a strengthening effect on the professional identity. If not, the result will be the opposite.

    The professional identity is also being affected by the general climate in society. The many years of downsizing and cut backs of the Armed Forces, together with general societal changes in attitude toward the institution, have had an obvious negative impact. However, the prospects of expansion and increased funding seem to have spurred a positive change for the professional identity.

    Finally, we have noticed how the individual may be forced to compromise with these needs in order to facilitate a positive career progression. Accepting a job that lies far from the own idea of being useful and needed, but that is favorable for the process of reaching a higher rank, may well have a negative impact on the professional identity.

    This thesis describes how we have arrived at these conclusions.

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  • 41.
    Ahlquist, Emma
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Ryman, Jonatan
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Bankers processer vid kreditgivning till fastighetsförvärv för företag och privatpersoner: En jämförande studie av likheter och skillnader mellan en privatkredit och företagskredit2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Problemdiskussion: Bankers kreditprocess har under åren utvecklats och utformats till att minimera riskexponeringen och att säkerhetsställa kundens återbetalningsförmåga. Genom de praktiska erfarenheter som marknaden fått under dess olika kriser har strategier och processer utvecklats. Det har förts diskussioner att det nuvarande regelverket med bostadslån till privatpersoner är problematiskt och att stora grupper ställs utanför bostadsmarknaden. Medan att ett företagslån inte har samma krav på låntagaren. Problemformulering: Finns det skillnader i bankernas processer vid kreditgivning till ett fastighetsförvärv för privatpersoner jämfört med företag? Hur och varför skiljer sig processerna åt? Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att identifiera och beskriva skillnader och likheter i processen för kreditgivning till ett fastighetsförvärv för privatpersoner och för företag. Studien avser att analysera empiri med teori för att ge en djupare förståelse i skillnaderna mellan processerna för en privatkredit jämfört med en företagskredit. Avgränsning: Kreditinstitut som erbjuder både bostadslån och företagskrediter. Metod: Studien utgår ifrån en kvalitativ ansats med deduktiva inslag. Insamlingen av information startar i tidigare forskning, såsom litteratur och vetenskapliga artiklar, som sedan mynnar ut i en grund till insamling av empiriskt material. Det empiriska materialet har samlats in genom sju stycken intervjuer med banktjänstemän. Slutsats: Kreditgivningsprocessen mellan ett företag och en privatperson har stora likheter. Lagstiftningen skiljer sig däremot då delen till privatpersoner har ett betydande regelverk där Finansinspektionen har tydliga direktiv kring uppläggningen av en bostadskredit. Till en företagskredit har de inte liknande uppsatta direktiv utan banken har utformat deras egna policys för att säkerhetsställa återbetalningsförmågan. Väsentliga delar i dessa processer är att den hårda faktan om kunden är viktig för att bedöma kreditvärdigheten. Då banker har skapat sina egna policys till företag har de valt att ta hänsyn till de mjuka värdena vid en kreditgivning, för att skapa en nyanserad bild av kredittagaren. Företag har därmed en mer komplex och analytisk process än jämfört med en privatperson.

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  • 42.
    Ahlström, Sara
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Jansson, Patricia
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Chatbot den digitalakundtjänstmedarbetaren: En kvalitativ studie kring hur lojalitetsfaktorernapåverkas av konsumentmötet med en chatbot2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Titel: Chattbot den digitala kundtjänstmedarbetaren: En kvalitativ studie kring hur lojalitetsfaktorerna påverkas av konsumentmötet med en chattbot.

    Ämne: Kandidatuppsats i företagsekonomiinriktning marknadsföring, 15hp

    Författare: Sara Ahlström & Patricia Jansson

    Nyckelord: Varumärkeslojalitet, artificiell intelligens, chattbot

     

    Syfte: Syftet med studien är att ur ett business-to-consumer perspektiv genomföra en djupgående undersökning av hur faktorerna bakom varumärkeslojalitet påverkas av konsumentmötet med en chattbot. Genom den ökade förståelsen eftersträvas att utveckla ett teoretiskt ramverk.

     

    Metod: Studien är av det kvalitativa slaget och har genomförts med en abduktiv forskningsansats. Studiens slutliga resultat grundar sig i genomförda datorbaserade chattintervjuer med konsumenter.

     

    Slutsats: Utfallet av studien har utökat förståelsen för hur faktorerna vilka ligger till grund för byggandet av varumärkeslojalitet förändras med den digitala teknologin chattbots. Genom studien har en förståelse för vilka komponenter bakom lojalitetsfaktorerna som är av stor vikt. Viktiga komponenter vilka uppmärksammats är utfallet av chattbotens service-kvalité bestående av kundnöjdhet och förtroende, och kvalité av interaktionen bestående av kommunikation och personlighet

     

    Kunskapsbidrag: Praktiska och teoretiska kunskaper kring chattbots påverkan på kundnöjdhet, relationer, kommunikation och avsaknaden av den mänskliga kontakten har lyfts fram. Genom det teoretiska ramverket belyses viktiga delar att ta hänsyn till kring skapandet och utvecklandet av chattbots, vilket är av betydelse för företag som vill skapa en positiv upplevelse i mötet med den digitala medarbetaren

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  • 43.
    Ahmad, Ammar
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Abbas, Rand
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Tillverkning av vingblad för små vindkraftverk enligt Piggotts kunstruktion2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This thesis includes a mechanical engineering work that has been conducted in collaboration with TEROC AB, in the endeavour to manufacture blades for small wind turbines with 1.2 m rotor diameter primarily based on Piggott's construction. The method used in the project is based on Freddy Olsson's books; Principal & Primary construction, Piggott's design, Michael F. Ashby process and International Electrotechnical Commission.

    The group was commissioned by TEROC AB to review alternative manufacture with clear requirements specifications, various proposals were put forward. The first is that the blades are made of wood material, others of plastic composite and third proposal of aluminum.

    Proposals were the most suitable option for continuing with and developing further. The group performed simulation in Catia V5 and design of prototype sheets.

    The group performed strength calculations on the blade, with the collected facts the group could ensure the wind power blade's strength. The result has become a CAD model drawn in the Catia V5, the Cad model has also been used for a FEM analysis of strength theory, and selected material using the Michael F. Ashby process

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  • 44.
    Ahmed, Ahmed Omar
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Abdulrhman, Hithem
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Trappklättrare hjälpmedel till manuella rullstolar2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    In this thesis stair climbing tools were made for manual wheelchairs. The tool is intended to be used primarily on entrance stairs. It can also be used as an evacuation aid for apartments/workplaces that do not have evacuation sites. At the present time there are only electric commercials aids which are expensive to own. The main problem of the work was to find a stair climbing mechanism. The design must be above all safe and cheap. The group used Fredy Olsson's method which consists of two phases namely principle and primary construction and other methods during work. A force analysis has been performed to confirm that the assistant’s pulling force is reduced during the stair climbing with the aid. The mechanics of material was analyzed with the help of Simsolid and then checked by hand calculations. The project team has at the end achieved a product that fulfills the most requirements that were set from the beginning.

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  • 45.
    Ahmed Ali, Gulaed
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Eyob Kflemariam, Samuel
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Konstruktion av 3D-skrivare medeffektivisering av munstycke2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 46.
    Ahmethodzic, Amina
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    The effect of strenuous exercise on circulating cytokines2019Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Cytokines are small proteins secreted by white blood cells which play an important part of the immune system. These proteins are secreted due to inflammation which can be caused by infection, cancer and also exercise stress. In this regard the most controversial type of exercise is strenuous exercise. That is why this study focused on this type of exercise in order to bring more knowledge about its effect on immune system, cytokines in particular. Aim: The aim of this research was to study the effects of strenuous exercise on levels of circulating cytokines, and analyze the association of cytokines with baseline fitness and body composition variables. Methods: Thirty recreationally active and healthy male participants were cycling at 70% of their VO2max. Venous blood samples were taken before and after exercise. The serum levels of 37 cytokines were analyzed. Additional variables involved in this study are fitness and body composition as well as temperature measures. Statistical analysis tests used in this study were dependent t-test and Pearson correlation. Results: Interleukin-19 (IL-19) and Osteopontin (OPN) showed significantly lower levels post exercise, whereas APRIL/TNFSF13, sCD30/TNFRSF8, MMP-3, sTNFR1, and TSLP showed significantly higher levels after exercise compared with levels before exercise. Cytokines that showed an association with VO2max, peak power output, body fat percentage and body temperature at baseline were BAFF/TNFSF13B, MMP-2, Pentraxin-3, IFNa2, IL-29 and Osteocalcin. Conclusion: It is concluded that acute strenuous exercise change both pro-inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines levels, but it remains to be investigated for how long these changes are sustained, or modified by regular exercise training.

  • 47.
    Ahmeti, Zejnullah
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Hamad, Fahmy
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science.
    Prefabricerade broar: En studie av prefabricerade broar i USA, Storbritannien och Nederländerna2018Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 48.
    Aili, K.
    et al.
    Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden & FoU Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Andersson, M.
    FoU Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden & Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Bremander, Ann
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS). FoU Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Haglund, Emma
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS). FoU Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Bergman, S.
    FoU Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden & University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Sleep problems and fatigue as a predictor for the onset of chronic widespread pain over a 5- and 18-year perspective: a 20-year prospective study2018In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, ISSN 0003-4967, E-ISSN 1468-2060, Vol. 77, no Suppl. 2, p. 87-87Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: If localised pain represent one end of a pain spectra, with overall better general health, chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia represent the other end of the spectra with worse general health and more comorbidities with other somatic diseases and mental illness. Sleep problems and fatigue are common among individuals reporting CWP and previous research indicate that sleep problems may be an important predictor for pain prognosis.

    Objectives: The aim of this population-based study was to investigate if sleep problems and fatigue predict the onset of CWP 5 and 18 years later.

    Methods: In order to get more stable baseline classifications of CWP, a wash-out period was used, including only individuals who had not reported CWP (according to ACR 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia) at baseline (−98) and three years prior baseline (−95). In all, data from 1249 individuals entered the analyses for the 5 year follow-up (−03) and 791 entered for the 18 year follow-up (−16). Four parameters related to sleep (difficulties initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, early morning awakening and non-restorative sleep), and one parameter related to fatigue (SF-36 vitality scale) were investigated as predictors for CWP. Binary logistic regression analysis were used for analyses.

    Results: All investigated parameters predicted the onset of CWP five years later (problems with initiating sleep (OR 1.91; 1.16–3.14), maintaining sleep (OR 1.85; 1.14–3.01), early awakening (OR 2.0; 1.37–3.75), non-restorative sleep (OR 2.27; 1.37–3.75) and fatigue (OR 3.70; 1.76–7.84)) in a model adjusted for age, gender, socio-economy and mental health. All parameters except problems with early awakening predicted the onset of CWP also 18 years later. In all, 785 individuals did not report any of the sleeping problems at baseline (fatigue not included), 268 reported one of the problems, 167 two, 128 three and 117 subjects reported to have all four sleep problems. Reporting all four sleep problems was significantly associated with CWP at follow-up at both time points when adjusting for age, gender, socio economy and mental health (OR 4.00; 2.03–7.91 and OR 3.95; 1.90–8.20); adjusting for age, gender, socio economy and number of pain regions (OR 2.94; 1.48–5.82 and OR 2.65; 1.24–5.64) and in a model adjusting for age, gender, socio economy and pain severity (OR 2.97;1.53–5.76; and OR 3.02;1.47–6.21) for the 5 year and 18 year follow-up respectively, compared to not reporting any of the sleep problems at baseline.

    Conclusions: Both sleeping problems and fatigue predicts the onset of CWP 5- and 18 years later. The results highlight the importance of the assessment of sleep quality in the clinic.

  • 49.
    Aili, Katarina
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Health and Welfare, Centre of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (CVHI). RandD Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden & Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bergman, Stefan
    Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Bremander, Ann
    Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Sweden.
    Haglund, Emma
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS). RandD Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Larsson, Ingrid
    Halmstad University, School of Health and Welfare, Centre of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (CVHI). RandD Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Passive coping strategies but not physical function are associated with worse mental health, in women with chronic widespread pain – a mixed method study2019In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, ISSN 0003-4967, E-ISSN 1468-2060, Vol. 78, no Suppl 2, p. 2159-2159Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a common condition (approximately 10% prevalence), that affects women twice as often as men. There is a lack of knowledge in how different coping strategies relates to health status during CWP development in a general population.

    Objectives: To explore different ways of coping with CWP and to relate the different coping strategies to health-related factors, before and after developing CWP.

    Methods: A sequential explorative mixed methods study including 19 women 45-67 of age, who had reported CWP in a survey 2016, but not in 1995. Individual interviews were analysed with a phenomenographic approach, and resulted in four categories of coping strategies. These categories were further explored with regard to four dimensions of health status (physical function, bodily pain, vitality and mental health) as measured by SF-36 (0-100, a lower score indicates more disability) and sleep problems measured both in 1995, and 2016.

    Results: The qualitative analysis revealed four categories representing different coping strategies, where each woman was labelled by the most dominant category; the mastering woman, the persistent woman, the compliant woman and the conquered woman. The first two categories emerged as being active coping strategies, and the latter two as passive. Women with passive strategies reported significantly lower vitality (median 57.5 vs 75, p=0.007) and worse mental health (median 54 vs 93, p=0.021) in 1995, before they had developed CWP compared with those with active coping strategies. No differences were seen between the groups on physical function, bodily pain or sleep.

    In 2016, there were still a difference between the passive and active group regarding mental health (median 56 vs 80, p=0.022), but not for vitality (median 35 vs 40, p=0.707). No differences were seen between the groups on physical function or bodily pain. All eight women with passive strategies reported problems with sleep in 2016, as compared to 6 of the 11 women with active strategies (p=0.045).

    Conclusion: Women that reported CWP in 2016, but not in 1995, described both active and passive coping strategies. The qualitative findings were associated with differences in vitality and mental health already in 1995, before they had developed CWP. Further, those with passive coping strategies reported worse health with regard to mental health and sleep problems in 2016. Interestingly, the groups did not differ in bodily pain or physical function neither in 1995 nor in 2016, which implicates the importance for the clinician to take the typical coping strategy into consideration, when meeting these patients in clinical settings. © Aili, Bergman, Bremander, Haglund & Larsson 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

  • 50.
    Aili, Katarina
    et al.
    Halmstad University, School of Health and Welfare, Centre of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (CVHI). Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden & RandD Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Bergman, Stefan
    RandD Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden & Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Primary Health Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Haglund, Emma
    Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS). RandD Spenshult, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Adding information on widespread pain to the start back screening tool when identifying low back pain patients at increased risk for poor prognosis2019In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, ISSN 0003-4967, E-ISSN 1468-2060, Vol. 78, no Suppl 2, p. 1457-1457Article in journal (Refereed)
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