https://www.mdu.se/

 Date:                                      2023-05-30  Level:                                     Bachelor/Master thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr   Institution:                            School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen                                                 University   Authors:                                Daniela Abada                Naemi Estifanos                                                                           (99/12/11)                                       (01/06/12)  Title:                                  The influence of sales commission on the motivation of                        telemarketers  Supervisor:                       Johan Grinbergs  Keywords:                         3 keywords  Research questions          1.How do reward systems affect employee motivation? 2.What are the consequences of this impact?  Purpose:                            The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of sales commission as a reward and how it works as a motivational factor for employees   Method:                             Qualitative research method, face to face interviews. Thematic analysis and coding of data which is then analyzed in the analysis.  Conclusion:                       Sales commissions have an effect on employee motivation, possibly not in the long term as the majority of salespeople want to change workplaces due to the side effects that are the result of sales commissions such as stress, pressure and mental illness. Development opportunities are also motivating for salespeople, but not as extensive as the commission. The topic has divided thoughts between salespeople and the management team.

This paper presents a grid-connected double storage system (DSS) consisting of pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) and battery. The system is supplied by photovoltaics and wind turbines. In the proposed hybrid system, batteries absorb excess renewable energy that cannot be stored in PSH and they cover loads that cannot be supplied from the water turbine. To improve the system performance, a novel energy management strategy for the DSS is proposed. The strategy is based on an optimized factor that governs the charging process of the DSS. The problem of the optimal system design is solved by a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The multi-objective function considers simultaneously the minimal investment cost and minimal CO2 emissions. A comparative study of photovoltaic/wind/pumped-storage hydropower and photovoltaic/wind/double storage system is performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in terms of system economic and environmental performance. The considered location of the PSH station is on Attaqa Mountain at Suez (Egypt). The results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed energy management strategy for the storage system from economic and environmental perspectives. Coupling the battery with the PSH reduces the electricity cost by 22.2% and results in minimal energy exchange with the national grid (5% of the annual demand). A sensitivity analysis shows the largest variation of the electricity cost with changing the capital cost of the solar and wind generators. Also, it is observed that when the load increases, the optimal size of the system components increases, but it isn't proportional with the demand increase as could be expected. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Most construction companies want to deliver the best possible results for their customers while spending the least possible resources. Nevertheless, the construction industry has traditionally been full of unnecessary inefficiency regarding workflows. One of the most successful methods to prevent inefficiency workflow is lean construction. Lean construction consists of various methods that aim to streamline workflow as optimally as possible. Purpose: The purpose of the degree project is to use specific lean methods and tools to identify different waste and be able to use them to reduce downtime of a studied construction project. Method: A case study has been carried out where the project Heby - care homes has been studied. To gather more information a survey study has been done. To gather even further information about the project an interview was conducted with a person who has a leading role. Results: The result shows a analysis of the survey and the interviewe answers. It also includs working methods, transparency and waste minimization. Furthermore it includs solutions like identify problems, create order and structure, standardize and work on improvements. Conclusions: The conclusion that can be drawn is that standardizations in the form of checklists and guides need to be in each project. More openness and to review your chosen forms of agreement. To have a more dynamic working group that strives to achieve common goals and continuous improvements. These are the most important aspects of making a project effective.

This degree project studies implementation and comparison of different AI models to predict (1) solid biofuel elements including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen as well as moisture content, ash content, and higher heating value (HHV) of the fuel and (2) flue gas compositions such as concentration of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, nitrogen oxides, and water content using near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric approaches. The study executes these predictions by simulating the operation of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) that is equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The focus of this study is to investigate the possibility of using Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) technology to predict the emissions from a CHP plant, which can further improve the performance of the CCS system by providing the necessary fuel data in real time. The acquired NIR data is used to develop the Artificial Intelligence (AI) models using several regression algorithms including Linear regression, Gaussian process, Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Network, Ensemble Trees, and Tree regression. NIR data has been pre-processed using Savitzky-Golay (SG) and Multi scatter correction (MSC) techniques. Highest accuracy has been achieved for moisture content of the fuel using Exponential Gaussian Process, where an RMSE of 2.5687 and an R2-value of 0.9 has been obtained. Indeed, only a handful of regression algorithms have shown reasonable accuracy when predicting the fuel elements, where the HHV of the fuel has been predicted poorly as none of the algorithms have been able to execute the prediction successfully which leads to negative values of R2. Prediction of flue gas composition has been done resulting in reasonable accuracies for CO2 fraction with values of 0.1051 and 0.6 for RMSE and R2 respectively. Furthermore, the computational time of the algorithms has been investigated, which indicates that some of the pre-processing techniques could improve the computational time for a certain regression model, but not for all of them. It is conclusively possible to predict fuel elements and flue gas compositions based on data acquired from NIR spectroscopy. However, great effort must be put into model development including data treatment and AI model calibration to achieve desirable precision and reliable results.

In order to meet future electricity demand, Sweden needs to increase its electricity production, particularly through renewable energy sources. By the end of 2022, solar power production reached 2 TWh, an increase of 75 percent over 2021. Over the past few years, solar power has grown significantly, and it is predicted to continue to grow in the future. Furthermore, by 2045, the Swedish government aims to provide 100% of its energy needs from renewable sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

This study investigates whether agrivoltaic is feasible in Sweden, where solar power is coupled with agriculture. There is great potential in this technology, even though it is new. By testing different parameters, such as height and row distance, this study has also examined different agrivoltaic system designs and various geographic locations to estimate their true potential in optimizing electricity production. Using PVSyst simulations, we can then investigate how to optimize electricity and evaluate the economic feasibility based on levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and payback period of the best system. For a better understanding of this study, an extensive literature review was conducted. Although the modeling of bifacial modules is still relatively new research topic.

This study simulated three different cases using PVsyst software. Case A with a row distance of 5 meters and a system capacity of 222 kWp; case B with a row distance of 10 meters and a system capacity of 111 kWh; and case C with a row distance of 15 meters and a system capacity of 77,7 kWp. In addition, heights ranging from 0,5 to 1,5 meters were investigated, using bifacial modules. Irradiation data from PVsyst shows that the yearly global horizontal irradiance GHI in Västerås is 1004,6 [kWh/m^2] while the GHI in Trelleborg is 1023,4 [kWh/m^2]. According to the results, the most efficient system is the one-axis tracker, which produces approximately 25% more electricity than unlimited vertical sheds. It was also found that the maximum electricity was produced at 45° azimuth. The result also found a five percent increase in electricity production in Västerås over Trelleborg. Furthermore, the optimal row distance and optimal height were found to be 10 [m] and 0,5 [m]. Lastly, the most effective system was one-axis tracker system in Västerås with LCOE of 0,09 [Euro/kWh] and payback periods of 10,6 [Years].

Keywords: [Agrivoltaic, optimal system, row distance, levelized cost of energy, payback period]

This study aims to explain how many organizations in various fields are affected by the global pandemic Covid-19, which led to many organizational changes in the public sector, so those new strategies were implemented to counter these changes. Also, this research sheds light on the role of the leaders in crisis management through the sensemaking model that helps build a new story and provides logical explanations. It also seeks to study whether these new strategies are effective and how they affect the employee's performance.

The data collection for this paper uses qualitative and quantitative research through an inductive approach to answering the research questions by collecting primary and secondary data. Through qualitative research, six interviews were conducted with employees and leaders at KTH University. And the quantitative data were collected from a questionnaire sent to leaders at KTH University. 

The results show how the KTH University has faced several multiple organizational changes during the pandemic and how the leaders had a vital role in managing the crisis.

Some limitations were encountered, such as the response limitations of KTH leaders, so the researchers could not collect more than 6 interviews, which led to limiting the broad research and obtaining the required results.

Residential segregation is a significant problem in most cities around Sweden. Resulting in political, social, and economic exclusion for citizens that live in residential segregated areas. Therefore, the purpose of this bachelor thesis is to create an increased understanding of what residential segregation means and highlight the consequences, and what it entails for citizens in ethnic and socioeconomic segregated areas. An additional purpose of this study is to examine how citizens in residential segregated neighborhoods experience residential segregation, and how inhabitants experience their citizenship in the context to residential segregation. We have also chosen to study how Västerås and Örebro municipalities designed policies contribute to preventing residential segregation. The chosen methodology for this study is qualitative research interviews. We have chosen to do ten semi-structured interviews, five from each neighborhood. This study has been narrowed down to only research citizens who live in Bäckby and Vivalla and are over the age of eighteen. 

The material collected will be analyzed and examined based on the municipal policies and the chosen theories. The chosen theories are citizenship and urban citizenship from Marshall and Bottommore (1992), Ruth Lister (2007), Patricia Burke Wood (2017)  and Gilbert & Phillips  (2003), and residential segregation from the view of Iris Young (1999) and (2002) and Irene Molina (1997). In conclusion, the participants feel that their life opportunities are affected by living in an ethnic-and socioeconomic segregated area, they also express that the opportunities they receive are not equal to people from areas with good conditions. The participants express that their citizenship differs in practice from in theory. An additional conclusion is that the policies were found to be deficient and the municipalities were incapable of not only implementing but also pursuing a strategy, for these reasons, we can not determine if the objectives of the policies were achieved. 

Research questions: How does the company's CSR communication affect consumers' purchase intention and brand attitude?

Purpose: The study aims to examine the relationship between how companies' work with CSR (marketing) influences brand attitude and further purchase intention among consumers in the fashion industry.

Method: The study was conducted using a quantitative method and a deductive research approach. A survey was carried out, and 149 responses were collected for data analysis.

Conclusion: The results show that CSR is an effective marketing strategy for strengthening the brand, as the majority of respondents consider it important for clothing companies to take responsibility. However, it is not an easy task to effectively and credibly communicate these efforts. This study reveals that, in the case of H&M, few respondents were aware of what the company does regarding CSR and they were skeptical about the overall accuracy of H&M's claims. Thus, many respondents are still consumers with a positive brand attitude, likely due to reasons other than CSR.

I denna studie undersöks regeringens utredning angående utökade preventiva tvångsmedel. Utredningen i frågan är delbetänkande om införandet av utökade preventiva tvångsmedel (SOU 2022:52). Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur argumentationen gällande utökade preventiva tvångsmedel i utredningen ställs i förhållande till de grundläggande fri- och rättigheterna samt rättsstatens principer. För att kunna genomföra det vetenskapliga arbetet har studiens tillvägagångssätt bestått av en argumentationsanalys med en pro- och contra modell tillsammans med en idéanalys för att kunna besvara forskningsfrågan. Vidare i studien presenteras resultatet i en pro- och contra-modell där de centrala argumenten framförs i en tabell. Resultatet fördelas in i teman och förklaras i en text under tabellen, med hjälp av citat och exempel från utredningen. Detta i syfte att tydliggöra för argumentets innehåll. Resultatet utvärderas under avsnittets analys utifrån de två teorierna, utilitarism och rättighetsteorin. Här diskuteras och övervägs för- och emot argumenten utifrån teoriernas synsätt. Slutligen presenteras den sammanställda analysen i en slutsats som tydligt besvarar de framställda frågeställningarna. Detta genomförs med hjälp av en diskussion av studiens resultat. 

The idea behind this chapter is to provide teachers and students with material that can be used while studying renewable energy sources with special attention paid to their complementary characteristics. The questions and exercises included below refer to chapters presented in the book. In case of any questions, we provide the readers with contact details to chapters corresponding authors who would be happy in assisting you in case of any queries.

Title:  How Does Visual Merchandising in Fashion Retail Stores Affect Consumers’ Brand Experience and Behavior?

Research question: How do psychological- and personal factors influence customers' channel selection (in-store vs. online) when purchasing clothes from fashion retailers?  

Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to explore consumers' brand experience and behavior when buying in-store and online. Moreover, how psychological- and personal factors influence consumers' channel selection (in-store vs. online) when purchasing clothes from fashion retailers. 

Method: The study uses a qualitative research approach with data collection that took place in the form of semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data were collected with a result of 19 respondents. The interviews were answered by females between the ages of 23-35 who either are or have been customers of Zara's physical- and online stores in Stockholm. The responses were audiotaped, transcribed, and then analyzed.

Conclusion: The authors can with this study state that the results that have emerged contribute to new knowledge about how psychological- and personal factors influence customers' channel selection (in-store vs. online) when purchasing clothes from fashion retailers. Additionally, the authors can assess how the elements of customer experience, brand coherence, and perceived visual merchandising, affect the behavior among the consumer and their channel selection when purchasing clothes from fashion retailers. This study adds new information that increases understanding and the information that emerged is essential for companies to consider. The essay will be useful to fashion industry businesses, especially those with online and physical stores. The research methodology not only helps the businesses' marketing but also identifies the most important factors.

Keywords: Customer Experience, Consumer Behavior, Customer Perception, Visual Merchandising, Psychological Factors, Personal Factors, In-store, Online Retailing.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how Generation Z perceive sustainable packaging communications at the point of purchase. Hence, gain a better understanding of Generation Z's purchase intent when engaging in the buying of sustainable product packages in the context of grocery markets.

Methodology: In this section, ​​a qualitative research strategy was used to achieve the purpose of the thesis. This study was conducted from the gathered primary and secondary data. A qualitative approach was considered to be relevant for the study because of the thematic approach applied. Consequently, patterns of the empirical findings that resulted from the semi-structured interviews were presented. In addition, the literature review relied on the secondary data collection, acquired from previous conclusions relative to Generation Z consumers and sustainable packaging communication.

Conclusion: The results obtained showed that the buying behaviour of Generation Z participants for sustainable packages can be determined by the packaging communication cues which are also known as the visual, verbal and structural cues. In addition, factors such as price sensitivity and sustainability awareness also determined the purchase intent at the point of sale. Hence, based on the results gained the visual cues of a package were found to be the most prominent factor in determining the purchase intent in comparison to the structural cues. Verbal cues, on the other hand, determined the purchase intent of the consumers who are already aware of sustainability. Lastly, the price aspect of a package was also found to be of great importance in the buying process, since the majority of the participants stated price to be the first thing to consider at the point of sale.

The purpose of this master thesis is to develop a billing system for Saab's energy use and to study the possibilities for improving energy efficiencies. The billing system is based on collected measurement data and is divided into different categories. Obtained measurement data refer to one year in a pandemic between the years 2020 and 2021, which affects the results due to employees working from home as offices are closed. Furthermore, energy use must be normalized to be able to compare the energy use despite the temperature difference each month. Thereafter, normalized energy use is divided with the area for each house. The average value calculated for offices is 133 kWh/m2 compared to the general average value at 110 kWh/m2 and entails a high cost. The swingtherm plant consumes the most energy per square meter, over 2000 kWh/m2. The billing system is developed in Excel and implemented in Space. The billing model affects all internal tenants within Saab's operations. The possibilities for improving energy efficiencies have been studied and analyzed. Effective measures that are highlighted is an increased awareness, a change in the individual's behavior, integration of drill hole system, FTX system and installation of heat recovery and LED lights.

Syftet med denna studie är att bidra med kunskap om hur kommuners budget påverkar dess möjligheter kring arbetet med hållbar utveckling för att uppnå målen i Agenda 2030. Studien har genomförts utifrån en kvalitativ forskningsmetod och deduktiv ansats. För insamling av empiri har sju kommuner intervjuats för att dra en slutsats med hjälp av tidigare forskning och teori. Studiens slutsats visar att budgeten inte har någon direkt koppling med implementering av Agenda 2030. Dock anses budgeten vara en utmaning i avseende till anställning av personal och en innovativ hållbarhet.

Abstract

Date:   2022-06-01

Level:   Bachelor thesis in Business Administration, 15cr

Institution:   School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University

Authors:  Ersin Agrali  Gabriel Chabo  George Chamoun

                 (00-05-25)  (00-03-29)  (99-01-08)

Title:    The influence of digitalisation on auditing 

Supervisor:  Leanne Johnstone

Keywords:   Auditing, Digitization, Automation, Qualifications

Research Question: 

- What influence does digitalisation have on the auditor's work?

- What qualifications will be required of auditors in relation to digitalisation?

Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to gain a better insight into the influence of       digitization of auditing and its growth thus what qualification will be requested from auditors. This purpose is to be achieved by the study answering two research questions.     

Method:  The study applies a qualitative method that includes a selection of respondents from four different companies.

Conclusion: Digitization is a current topic today in the auditing industry and in step    with the development of digitization, this has a positive effect on the    auditor’s role. Digitization is an alternative for the auditor to improve    the work, but qualifications are still needed to master digitization. In    order for the auditors to be constantly competitive, certain      qualifications are required that are in demand in the industry, in step   with the development of digitization. The work role as an auditor requires qualified competence in step with the tasks that are automated. 

As the amount of data centers continues to increase, their electricity consumption and emissions are being reviewed. The current backup solution is a conventional diesel generator running on fossil fuels. As part of climate goals to reduce carbon emissions, renewable energy sources like fuel cells running on hydrogen are being considered. The following degree project aims to analyse the impact of replacing a fossil-powered backup power system with fuel cells as well as providing insights into which parameters affect the economic analysis the most. Current studies, reports and websites were used to gather a better understanding of fuel cell systems and their key components. The calculations were carried out using values obtained from literature which then were used for simulations in Excel. The results indicated a net profit for the proposed fuel cell system during the expected lifetime. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) functions very similarly to a diesel generator while reducing emissions. While the operating costs for the conceptual FC system are lower, the initial investment is much more expensive compared to the diesel system. Even though the economic investment yields a negative profit, large carbon dioxide savings are made. To give a better understanding of how different aspects impact the economics a sensitivity analysis was also carried out. While the current results show that the investment is not feasible, many of the parameters analysed in the sensitivity analysis indicate a more hopeful future forecast.  

Syftet med denna uppsats var att analysera policys och handlingsplaner angående brottsförebyggande och trygghetsskapande arbete från Örebro kommun och Västerås stad för att sedan se hur dessa dokument liknar varandra samt skiljer sig åt. Uppsatsen ska även redovisa vilken utsträckning som samverkan påverkar det brottsförebyggande och trygghetsskapande arbetet. Bakgrunden till studien redovisar de nationella förändringar som har skett i Sverige angående polismyndigheten samt det brottsförebyggande arbetet. Studiens empiri alltså de offentliga dokumenten är inhämtad via kommunernas egna hemsidor. Både internationell samt nationell forskning har använts som underlag för denna studie. Teoretiska perspektiv om samverkan har använts som teoretiskt underlag för denna studie vilket är grunden för diskussionen i denna uppsats. Då har teorier om tvärsektoriell samverkan och samverkan mellan kommuner och myndigheter nyttjats. Analysverktyget som har använts är Carol Bacchis WPR-ansats som användes för att analysera policydokumenten och handlingsplanerna. I denna studie så avgränsas ansatsen till tre frågor som är mest relevanta till just denna analys. Slutsatser i denna studie visar att samverkan och ett kunskapsbaserat arbete är de centrala verktygen för ett fungerande brottsförebyggande och trygghetsskapande arbete. Slutsatser visar även att det finns få lokala skillnader mellan dessa kommuner vilket kan bero på nationella riktlinjer. Det krävs dock ett ännu effektivare arbete och en bättre resursfördelning då det finns stora brister i det lokala brottsförebyggande arbetet. En mer effektiv interkommunalsamverkan kan vara lösningen på de problem som representeras i materialet.

Date: 2023-05-31

Level: Bachelor thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr 

Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University 

Authors: Ahlqvist Malin, Fredmark Ida Xing and Pirani Shervin

(93-03-11)          (96-06-05)        (98-07-02)                                          

Title: Exploring sustainability performance in small and medium-sized enterprises from a triple bottom line perspective

Supervisor:  Edward Gillmore 

Keywords: TBL, Sustainability, Initiatives, Environmental performance, Economic performance

Research questions: 

RQ1: What are the characteristics of sustainable initiatives in SMEs?

RQ2: How do the sustainability initiatives affect the economic performance and the environmental performance within SMEs?

Purpose: This study aims to explore the characteristics of initiatives that an SME is undertaking regarding sustainability and how it affects their economic and environmental performance.

Method: This study has an inductive approach and one case study. Four qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, and secondary data was collected.

Conclusion: In relation to TBL, numerous environmental initiatives were detected, while fewer economic initiatives and social initiatives were detected. An inconsistency was found regarding the effect sustainability initiatives have on economic performance and environmental performance. If an SME wishes to operate sustainably it is suggested that emphasis should be directed towards the integration and improvement within areas of waste management, resource management, and optimization of transportation. 

This essay is about gender differences in attitudes towards a Swedish membership in Nato. The selected method for this essay is a quantitative survey method, and the purpose is to contribute to research on influential attitudes towards Nato amongst Swedish citizens. The presented results include the opinions of Swedish citizens that have participated in two surveys. One created by the authors of this essay, and the other by the SOM-institute. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between the variables. This essay concludes that there are gender differences in the attitudes of the Swedish population towards a Nato membership where men appear to have a more positive attitude. It was also found that there are gender differences in the Swedish population when it comes to concerns about the crisis or a war. That may explain why there is a positive view towards a Nato membership, as women that were worried about a crisis or a war, also are more positive towards a Nato membership. 

The aim of this article is to contribute to research on responsible management by developing knowledge on how managing responsibly together in a Top Management Team (TMT) may be accomplished, thus complementing research in the area that focuses on the work of individual managers. To this end, we mobilize the concept of obligation to characterize what emerges as what a TMT needs to respond to. Having followed the TMT for a municipal company working together in meetings over time, we propose that three accomplishments (making the obligation present, making the obligation enable action and accounting for the obligation) shape how an obligation is made to matter. This is no linear process, but rather it unfolds in a series of materializations of the obligation in text and talk, as the TMT goes about its work. The article thus provides a contribution to research on responsible management but also has practical consequences for developing how a TMT works in order to address the urgent demands for change related to sustainable development.MAD statementIn this article, we develop knowledge on how managing responsibly together may be accomplished in a Top Management Team (TMT). Besides adding to the responsible management literature, we also provide theoretical tools that may be mobilized in order to develop the work practices of TMTs that want to contribute to sustainable development.

Purpose: This study aims to study the management of demolition waste in construction production in a major renovation project while proposing different improvement possibilities. Method: In this study the chosen method was literature study and a case study that was compared to a reference object. Furthermore, in the case study an interview was arranged with the site manager and a survey was conducted with a portion of the workers that were involved in this project. Results: The results show how NCC is intended to work efficiently and calculatedly when preparing a project. Furthermore, the results show the factors that have affected the project both directly and indirectly. In addition, some suggestions for improvement to achieve a smaller amount of waste are proposed. Conclusions: The conclusion is that NCC follows their guidelines for how to achieve sustainable demolition. In this project, they came in late, which meant that they did not fully succeed in planning well for the project. However, regarding the spontaneous measures that needed to be carried out, they received an acceptable amount of waste.

Research questions: How has the leader's communication changed during Covid-19 and the increased telework? In what way has the change that has taken place in the Covid-19 pandemic affected leadership?

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate whether the leader's communication has changed during teleworking during and after the Covid-19-pandemic. The study strives for a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges managers/leaders face with their leadership when communication only takes place via digital tools.

Method: Qualitative method with an interview of seven leaders. The material was analyzed by a thematic analysis method. 

Conclusion: The results show how communication has changed as leaders need to implement new ways of leading. It shows how communication has different abilities to function digitally at different times and to form new relationships digitally is more difficult. It also shows how the Covid-19-pandemic has accelerated technological development and the speed of implementation. It also shows that there are opportunities for hybrid work where certain parts of the communication can take place digitally.

The aim of this work is to apply and evaluate different chemometric approaches employing several machine learning techniques in order to characterize the moisture content in biomass from data obtained by Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The approaches include three main parts: a) data pre-processing, b) wavelength selection and c) development of a regression model enabling moisture content measurement. Standard Normal Variate (SNV), Multiplicative Scatter Correction and Savitzky-Golay first (SGi) and second (SG2) derivatives and its combinations were applied for data pre-processing. Genetic algorithm (GA) and iterative PLS (iPLS) were used for wavelength selection. Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and traditional Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, were employed as machine learning regression methods. Results shows that SNV combined with SG1 first derivative performs the best in data pre-processing. The GA is the most effective methods for variable selection and GPR achieved a high accuracy in regression modeling while having low demands on computation time. Overall, the machine learning techniques demonstrate a great potential to be used in future NIR spectroscopy applications.

Research questions: How does the servicescape in movie theaters, with a particular focus on SF Bio Västerås, influence customer satisfaction and retention, and what are the perceived quality and challenges associated with its implementation?

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how movie theaters, such as SF Bio Västerås, use servicescape to influence customer service experience. The study aims to investigate the customers' perceived quality of movie theater servicescape and its impact on customer satisfaction and retention. The research will also examine the potential challenges and trade-offs associated with implementing servicescape strategies in the movie theater industry.

Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate movie theaters, with a specific focus on SF Bio Västerås. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from multiple cases at a single point in time. Primary data collection included an email interview with the management of SF Bio Västerås and two surveys targeting customers and the general public. Secondary data were gathered to gain insight into movie theaters across Sweden and compare the primary data from SF Bio Västerås to the national context. Theoretical data were collected from academic journals, books, news articles, and websites to address servicescape and potential challenges facing movie theaters. Data analysis was conducted through consensus on data interpretation and data-triangulation. Ethical considerations, such as anonymity and permission, were taken into account throughout the research process to ensure a responsible and respectful study.

Findings: This thesis presents findings from two surveys and an email interview with the director and assistant director of SF Bio Västerås, focusing on the importance of servicescape in the movie theater industry. The interviewees emphasize the significance of servicescape in enhancing customer experience and differentiating themselves from competitors like Netflix. Primary data from the surveys indicate that maintaining a clean, comfortable, and functional servicescape, as well as effective employee interactions, are critical to customer satisfaction. Both surveys underscore the importance of managing disruptions and carefully considering the content and duration of commercials and the quality of 3D movies. By understanding and addressing these key factors, cinema operators can optimize the overall customer experience, fostering satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business, ultimately contributing to the ongoing success and growth of their enterprise.

abstract 

Date:                                                           [2023-01-04]

Level:                                                         Bachelor/Master thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr 

Institution:                                             School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University 

Authors:                                                   Muhammad Tareq Ajji                         

                                                                        (97/01/30)                             

Title:                                                            CSR and Purchase Behaviour- A Quantitative Study on The Impact of      various CSR Dimensions on Customer Purchase Behaviour

Supervisor:                                             Ali Farashah 

Keywords:                                                CSR dimensions, Legal CSR, Ethical CSR, Environmental CSR, Social CSR, Purchase Behaviour

Research questions                                              1- What kind of impact do different dimensions of CSR activities (Legal, Ethical, Environmental, and Social) have on customers’ purchase behaviour in car & IT industries? 

2- Which of the dimensions is the most effective? 

3- Is the pattern the same between these two types of industries?

Purpose:                                                    This paper focuses on the car & IT industries. The primary goal is to examine the effect of various CSR dimensions on customer purchase behavior. The sub-goals are to identify the most effective dimension and to see if there are differences between industries.   

Method:                                                     CSR dimensions’ effect on the car & IT industries were utilized as the empirical context. The research adopts the quantitative approach, and the primary data was gathered via a questionnaire that was distributed to customers.

Conclusion:                                             As for the car industry, results show that Ethical and environmental dimensions have a positive effect. The Legal and social did not have a positive effect on customer purchase behaviour. The results for the IT industry shows that all dimensions have positive effects on purchase behaviour, except the Legal one. The ethical dimension was the most effective on both industries, and differences regarding the dimensions’ effect were found.    

Using long panels of industry-specific offshoring information and subjectively reported well-being datasets mainly from Germany, which is also supported by datasets from the UK and Australia, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between offshoring and workers' subjective well-being in the source country. We employ panel data fixed-effects models with time-variant personality measures and industry-specific measures to alleviate the bias stemming from the non-random sorting of individuals in industries. Our findings suggest that offshoring negatively relates to workers' subjective well-being. The result is unexceptionally consistent across Germany, the UK, and Australia, and the effect is larger in business services and among high-skilled workers. We extensively discuss how contextual "fear-factors" prevailing in the source countries interact with the angst generated by the negative framing of offshoring. To single out such angst, we first show that objective and subjective job security concerns, job characteristics, and labor market conditions only marginally relate to the well-being effect of offshoring. Then, we investigate how the effect of offshoring on well-being is amplified by a larger set of contextual factors pertaining to temporary economic shocks, negative narratives about offshoring during electoral cycles, partisan political preferences, and high immigration rates. Finally, we show that a recent skill upgrade significantly diminishes the negative effect of offshoring on well-being.

CFD is widely used in indoor air quality, air flow pattern, indoor pollutant distribution and thermal comfort as a cost effective and powerful tool and it can be used to predict, estimate and visualize the indoor radon level. The intention of this article is to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as a standalone tool to simulate indoor radon distribution and ventilation effects. This technique can be used to predict and visualize radon content and indoor air quality throughout a one family detached house in Stockholm. In this study a mechanical balanced ventilation system and a continuous radon monitor (CRM) were also used to measure the indoor ventilation rate and radon levels. In numerical approach the FLUENT, CFD package was used to simulate radon entry into the building and ventilation effects. Results of numerical study indicated that indoor pressure made by means of ventilation systems and infiltration through door or window has significant effects on indoor radon content. It is observed that the location of vents can affect the indoor radon level, particularly in breathing (seating) zone. The analytic solution is used to validate numeric results at 3 distinct air change rates. The comparison amongst analytical, numerical and measurement results shows close agreement.

Heat recovery ventilation systems, because of reducing ventilation loss through recovered exhaust air, can play a good role in the effectiveness of ventilation to reduce energy use. In this paper, the impact of a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) on the energy use and indoor radon in residential buildings is investigated. This paper describes the effects of a heat recovery ventilation system on energy consumption in a detached house in Stockholm, Sweden. The performance of the heat recovery ventilation system is examined with respect to radon mitigation and energy saving by measuring the radon concentration and analyzing the life cycle cost of a heat exchanger unit. In this study, a multizone model of a detached house is developed in IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA ICE 4.0). The model is validated using measurements regarding use of energy for heating, ventilation and whole energy use. The results of the measurements and dynamic simulation showed that heat recovery ventilation system 74% energy savings of the ventilation loss, amounted about 30 kWh.m-2 per year. Life cycle cost analysis used for assessing total costs and the result showed that using this system is quite cost-effective and investment would payback during 12 years.

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the impact of heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) on the energy use and indoor radon in a one family detached house. Heat recovery ventilation systems, because of reducing ventilation loss through recovered exhaust air, can play a good role in the effectiveness of ventilation to reduce energy use. In addition HRVs can maintain pressure balance and outdoor ventilation rate at a required level to mitigate indoor radon level. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, a multizone model of a detached house is developed in IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA ICE 4.0). The model is validated using measurements regarding use of energy for heating, ventilation and whole energy use. The performance of the heat recovery ventilation system is examined with respect to radon mitigation and energy saving by measuring the radon concentration and analyzing the life cycle cost of a heat exchanger unit. Findings: The results of the measurements and dynamic simulation showed that the heat recovery ventilation system could lead to 74 per cent energy savings of the ventilation loss, amounting to about 30 kWh m-2 per year. Life cycle cost analysis used for assessing total costs and the result showed that using this system is quite cost-effective and investment would payback during 12 years. Research limitations/implications: Limitations of this study generally refer to radon measurement and simulation because of radon complex behavior and its high fluctuations even during short periods of time. Practical implications: Heat recovery ventilation systems with reducing radon concentration improve indoor air quality and decrease environmental problems with energy savings. Social implications: Using balanced heat recovery ventilation can have benefits from the viewpoint of environmental impacts and household economy. Originality/value: Employment of a heat recovery unit to control indoor radon level is a new usage of this technology which along with energy savings can improve sustainable development.

Balanced ventilation with heat recovery has strong effects on radon mitigation and energy saving in residential buildings. This new technology enables improvement of both indoor air quality and energy efficiency without sacrificing either. Reducing radon by means of forced ventilation requires an increase in outdoor supplied air (i.e. ventilation rate), which in turn can increase energy use. Energy losses in ventilation systems are inevitable, but new technologies such as heat recovery systems make it possible to recover most of this ventilation heat loss. Heat recovery ventilation systems, which recover energy from exhaust air, can significantly reduce ventilation losses, and balancing the indoor air pressure plays a positive role in the effectiveness of ventilation to reduce and mitigate radon levels and control indoor air quality. This paper describes a case study which considers the effects of a heat recovery ventilation system on the radon concentration and energy consumption in a detached house in Stockholm, Sweden. The performance of the heat recovery ventilation system is examined with respect to radon mitigation and energy saving by measuring the radon concentration and analyzing the life cycle cost in winter. The results of the measurements and dynamic simulation showed that a heat recovery ventilation system was able to reduce the radon level from around 600 Bq.m-3 to below 100 Bq.m-3 and reduce energy loss from ventilation by 80%, equivalent to around 3500 kWh per year. The results of life cycle cost analysis used to assess total costs showed that this system is cost-effective and investment would pay for itself in 12 years. It should be noted that this saving is a representative sample, and that actual savings would be influenced by a large number of factors. IDA 4.0 Indoor Climate and Energy software was used to perform the dynamic simulations.

Cooling loads are a substantial part of the total electricity demands of countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Fortunately, because of its warm and sunny climate, the MENA region is naturally suited to solar cooling technologies. This article summarizes the most recent research and developments in solar thermal cooling technologies. The working principles and a general literature survey of solar thermal cooling technologies including absorption, adsorption, and desiccant is presented. This is followed by a summary of the literature specific to the MENA region, along with a survey of the prototypes and commercial installation of solar cooling across the MENA region. Based on this review, pilot solar cooling projects in the region are around 1180 kWc, which are split between space conditioning and industrial refrigeration applications. Most of the pilot projects are of absorption cooling type using an ammonia–water binary cycle and parabolic trough solar collectors. However, a few adsorption cooling systems are employed with a water–silica working pair and flat plate collectors. Finally, desiccant cooling systems are still in their infancy, as research and experimental systems in educational institutes.

Ninety percent of all single-family houses and smaller residential buildings in Sweden are built with timber frames. Though, this figure is different for higher buildings, about twenty percent in timber frames and eighty percent in concrete and steel. However, the knowledge and experience about tall timber houses is limited today and it needs to be developed over the time, both technically and architecturally. Purpose: The wood has a lower E-module than concrete and steel, which cause an additional problem in high-rise buildings of more than eight floors, stability. The measures for this problem can be costly and reduce the living space of the building due to large dimensions of the wooden structure. This project work is based on the challenges that exist around the construction of tall wooden buildings and tries to present a beneficial hybrid solution for the construction of tall houses in wood and concrete. Method: The study object is a multi-story building on ten floors where wood is used in combination with concrete for the frame system. The vertical loads such as self-weight, payload and snow load are carried by the wooden frame. On the other hand, concrete has the task of taking care of the horizontal forces caused by wind loads. The frame system is dimensioned according to the Eurocodes and standard dimensions to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the building. Results: The result reports that two concrete cores in the hybrid building absorb all horizontal forces and loads down to the foundation. These cores can also be used as stair/elevator shafts and will not affect the building's living area. A timber-concrete composite with a thickness of 300 mm, replaced the wooden composite which normally reaches a thickness of 400 to 500 mm. This means a height gain of one to two meters. The columns will get smaller dimensions because of the cores and give more living space. The concrete utilization in that hybrid building decreases by 57 percent, which is a large saving from an environmental perspective. In addition, life cycle analysis, LCA shows that carbon dioxide equivalents, CO2e are 43 percent less in the hybrid framework. Conclusion: The hybrid multi-stories houses of concrete and wood can be a useful alternative for increasing construction of wooden houses. A concrete core in the middle of building helps the construction to become more stable and the swaying due to wind loads be minimized. Furthermore, the columns can have smaller dimensions, which increases the living space in the building. The timber-concrete composite gives the building more weight and solves the step sound problem that arises due to low E-module on the wooden flooring. Additionally, the height of the building decreases, which in turn leads to buildings being able to have more stories and more living space. Moreover, through hybrid solutions in buildings, the environmental benefits of wood can be utilized to build environmentally friendly buildings. The ten-stories hybrid framework in this study, saves 43 percent CO2e compared to the corresponding framework in concrete. 

Purpose: This project compares two foundation insulation materials: cellular plastic and cellular glass. Currently, cellular plastic is the most used material for foundation insulation. While cellular glass is not widely utilized. Its disadvantage lies in its higher cost, which makes contractors prefer the cheaper alternative, cellular plastic. Cellular glass exhibits exceptional properties, including its notable attributes of high load-bearing capacity and superior moisture resistance. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how material savings can be achieved by using cellular glass instead of cellular plastic in the load-bearing parts of the foundation. In addition to cost savings, the study also includes the analysis of carbon dioxide emissions during the production of these materials and specific heat losses through the material. Method: To facilitate understanding of the study, two different buildings were visualized: a two-story building and a seven-story building. The choice of different building sizes aimed to investigate how different loads on foundation insulation affect insulation material costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and the heating requirements of the buildings. Revit and AutoCAD were used for modelling and visualization. Flixo and manual calculations were employed for energy calculations, while manual calculations were used for structural calculations. One Click LCA Software was used to determine the carbon dioxide emissions for the different foundation insulation scenarios. Results: The study suggests that for buildings with lighter loads, cellular plastic is a cost-effective choice, while a hybrid insulation approach combining cellular glass and cellular plastic is the best option considering environmental factors. However, for buildings with higher loads, cellular glass outperforms cellular plastic both in terms of economics and the environment. Nonetheless, a combination of cellular glass and cellular plastic remains the most favourable choice among the three scenarios, as energy losses are approximately the same due to the similar thermal conductivity values of these materials. Conclusion: Hybrid insulation proves to be the most advantageous option in terms of both the environment and economics for both types of buildings studied: the two-story residential building and the seven-story residential building. By using cellular glass F for the load-bearing structures and cellular plastic EPS S60 for the ground slab, effective insulation is achieved. The use of cellular glass F results in material savings, such as cellular plastic XPS 700, which has half the load-bearing capacity of cellular glass F. Additionally, reducing the use of extra concrete for load-bearing foundation constructions decreases the load on the foundation insulation material. 

Date: 2022- 06 - 02

Level: Master thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr

Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University

Authors: Ferial Kays Al Hallak Elmohdar Zeid

Title: University Students' Attitudes to Shopping Smartphones in Sweden: Factors that influence University students in Sweden to purchase asmartphone

Supervisor: Edward Gillmore

Keywords: Smartphones, purchase intent, university students, word of mouth,e-word of mouth, brand image, product features, consumer behavior

Research questions: - What factors influence university students’ purchase intent for smartphones?- How do demographic factors impact the attitude of universitystudents when purchasing smartphones?

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to look into and research what leadingfactors and characteristics that influence university students to buy asmartphone by analyzing their shopping behavior.

Method: This research is studied from a quantitative perspective. An online survey wascreated and distributed to university students in Sweden as part of a Master'sthesis in the International Marketing program conducted by two Mälardalenuniversity students. The questionnaire is written in English and consists of 16statements divided into five categories that represent independent anddependent variables.

Conclusion: Results indicate that factors such as Social influence, Social marketing, Brandimage, and Product features do not visibly affect university students' purchaseintentions. The age factor plays a vital role in affecting purchase intention,Additionally, students from various nationalities have a variety of backgroundsand beliefs that influence their purchasing decisions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine what view business and economics students and recently graduated business economists have of sustainability reporting. Furthermore, this study also aims to examine the knowledge and competences that the business and economics students and recent graduated business economists have regarding sustainability reporting. In addition to that, the study will highlight the attitudes of business and economics students and recently graduated business economists towards sustainability reporting. The study will be limited to students who study and have recently studied accounting at university.

Method: This study has a quantitative approach in which 50 respondents have answered a series of questions to measure their level of knowledge and attitudes, aiming to demonstrate the purpose of the study.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the majority of students and recent graduates have a positive attitude towards a change in the curriculum that highlights sustainability reporting to a higher degree. Additionally, it is evident that students lack knowledge in the subject due to lack of education in sustainability reporting.

Purpose: The horizontal stabilization of a building is of great importance in the design of its structural system. Insufficient counteraction of horizontal loads can lead to problems where columns and beams deflect more than the allowable margins. One common horizontal load arises from wind hitting an exterior wall. In this study, four bracing types were analyzed using software to evaluate and compare them, taking various factors into account. The building upon which the study is based is an industrial four-story structure located in Västerås. The building is designed with hinged column bases, which require a stabilization system to maintain its stability. This study aimed to determine the optimal solution for the stabilization system by comparing multiple proposals (X, V, inverted V, and diagonal) considering all factors that significantly influence stabilization. The different proposals were compared in terms of material usage, horizontal displacement, and the number of spans required for steel bracing. Method: Hand calculations were used in this report to design various structural components such as columns, beams, and bracing, which were compared with FEM (Finite Element Method) designs. Additionally, different perspectives were considered within the relevant subject framework, including steel properties, general loads, characteristics, and descriptions of the examined models. Results: After conducting the calculations, it was found that the optimal number of spans required for bracing the industrial steel structure was 32 diagonal braces, placed in the outermost bays on all sides of the building at each floor. This proposal resulted in reduced material usage with a secure horizontal displacement, ensuring stability and durability of the building. Conclusions: In conclusion, this report provides a deep understanding of the importance of stability in buildings, especially when it comes to the safety of occupants and the structural integrity of the building. Proposal 1 has likely met the requirements based on all the calculations and analyzed models that have been conducted, and therefore, diagonal bracing has been chosen as the optimized solution.

Abstract

Date:   2023-05-29

Level:   Master thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr

Institution:  School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University

Authors:  Ali Al-Saadie, 94/04/27 & Las Amin, 97/10/21

Title:   Blockchain - The optimized future of logistics

Supervisor:  Dariusz Osowski

Keywords: Logistics, Blockchain, Technology, Streamlining, Challenges, Technochange

Research questions: 

1. What factors have a significant impact on technological development in the logistics industry.

2. What are the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing blockchain technology in logistics?

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the ongoing technological development work within the logistics industry with a focus on blockchain, as well as the organizational factors needed to facilitate such an implementation. Through a multiple case study, this work will study and contribute with implications for both opportunities and challenges in a potential implementation of blockchain.

Method: A qualitative study has been conducted with 7 semi-structured interviews in 6 different organizations. The empirical findings have been analyzed through a thematic analysis.

Conclusion:  The continuous changing market dynamics have made the logistic companies in constant need of technological change. This study shows that Blockchain is a possible solution to assist logistic companies in improving the efficiency of the work process. Nevertheless, implementation of large-scale technological changes requires logistics companies to take into account the impact of the implementation process on the organization and its structure. For the implementation process to be successful the organization needs to take into account the need to teach employees as well as including the whole organization in the process.

Abstract                                                                                          

Date:         [2023-05-23]                      

Level: Bachelor/Master thesis in Business Administration 15 cr

Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalens University

Authors: Simon Albadri 00-05-04, Hassan Al-Nuaimi 99-09-14

Title:         Cultivating Motivation in the Workplace: An Analysis of the Relationship between Managers and Employees, Leadership Styles, and Reward Systems?

Tutor: Magnus Lindström

Keywords: Motivation, Performance, Leadership styles, Reward systems

Research questions: How does the relationship between managers and employees affect motivation in the workplace, and what role do leadership styles and reward systems play in promoting motivation in the workplace?

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate and analyze how relationship between managers and employees affects motivation in the workplace and how leadership styles and reward systems can play a role in promoting motivation. By examining these factors, this thesis aims to contribute to an increased understanding of how organizations can create an environment where employees feel motivated and engaged, which in turn can lead to increased performance and success for the organization. 

Method: This study has used a qualitative research method and the empirical data have been collected by semi-structured interviews.

Conclusion: This bachelor's thesis concludes that the relationship between a manager and an employee significantly impacts workplace motivation. By fulfilling employees' basic psychological needs, such as autonomy and competence, managers can promote motivation and engagement. Democratic leadership has been found to enhance motivation, while authoritarian leadership can decrease it. Motivated employees are more engaged and take responsibility, leading to increased efficiency and organizational success. Customized motivation methods and reward systems, based on individual preferences, can foster motivation

Date:   2022-06-02 

Level:   Bachelor thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr 

Institution:  School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University, 15cr 

Authors:  Albinsson Ellinor (98/06/27)  Alvaro Natasha  (99/09/24) Engström Emilia  (98/06/20) 

Supervisor:  Mostaghel Rana 

Title:  What affects parents’ online purchase intentions? 

Research question: What factors influence consumers’ purchase intentions online when buying baby products? 

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to examine consumers' purchase intentions online when buying baby products. Also, what underlying factors underlie consumers' online buying intentions. 

Method: The study uses a quantitative research approach with a data collection that took place in the form of a questionnaire survey. The quantitative data were collected with a result of 304 respondents, then calculated dropout, the valid answers became 226. The questionnaire was answered by parents who either were expecting or already have children in the age range 0-5 years old. The questionnaire responses were then analyzed in the statistical computer program SPSS, where correlation analysis and descriptive analysis and statistics were performed. 

Conclusion: With this study, the authors conclude that the results obtained have contributed a unique understanding of what the target group considers valuable. Among other things, it emerged how the amount of detailed information can determine product trust for respondents. In addition, the authors are able to determine how the variables of trust, perceived value, and information exchange influence existing and prospective parents' online purchase intentions. The results of this unique empirical study have also found high sensitivity on how consumers may trust or not trust products. Adds new knowledge and information that increases understanding on the topic of online purchase intentions. The paper will benefit companies that sell baby products, more specifically soothers and baby bottles.  Key words: Purchase intention, Trust, Influencer Marketing, eWOM, Marketing Mix, Buying Behavior, Perceived Value.  

Purpose: This study aims to assess the three cultural historical buildings located in the municipality of Strängnäs, that doesn’t meet the accessibility requirements currently.  Therefore, the aim is to suggest solutions for each three buildings that could be useful to different authorities in the future. The focus is on wheelchair users using the buildings with the help of technical installations such as ramp, elevators, and accessible doors. The study will be based on the social-, historical-, and aesthetic aspect as well as the safety risk. Method: The method for this study is based on a literature study, and a case study, alongside with reference objects which will be the inspiration for our results. The literature study is based on fact-gathering from books and the internet which provides the study with information on cultural historical buildings, laws and regulations concerning the private buildings, cultural values, and with various safety risks. While the reference objects inspired our proposals for the measures, the case study was used to gather information in form of an interview, site visits, and communal document analysis. Results: The result of thisstudy provides measures for each of the three studied objects. Changes made to the first building, Hospitalsgatan 15, focuses on the side entrance with a ground slope pointing down towards it. Thereby the following indoor changes presents threshold ramp, and a stairlift. For the secondary building, Långgatan 9 E-F, there was suggestions made such as using an outer ramp with an idle plan. There should also be an indoor loose ramp, and a stairlift. The third building, Kyrkogatan 13, had suggestions by installing an outdoor platform lift with an adjusted idle plan in front of the outer stairs and threshold ramp. In comparison to the first mentioned building, the focus for the last two buildings were on the main entrance. All these measures were considered to reach an accessibility in cultural historical building while also keeping in mind the cultural value of the building and its safety risks. Conclusions: The study concludes that the social-, historical-, and aesthetic aspect as well as the safety risk works a crucial role in shaping the proposed solutions for the three buildings and contributes to the accessibility improvements. By adopting appropriate technical installations and considering the cultural significance of these structures, accessibility in cultural historical buildings can be achieved effectively. 

 This study aims to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge about the influence in which third-party online reviews have on consumers’ online purchase intention for skincare products during the implemented restrictions during COVID-19. The study is conducted using a quantitative research method by distributing an online questionnaire. A deductive approach was chosen in order to examine the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable; third-party online reviews and online purchase intention in the context of skincare products. Simple linear regression was conducted to test the statistical significant relationship between the independent variable and the factor variable with the online purchase intention separately. The results of this study indicate that third-party online reviews have a significant influence and an impact on the consumers’ online purchase intention for skincare. Also, it was also discovered that COVID-19 restrictions had a strong effect on the dependent variable, but not necessarily as strong to influence consumers to use third-party online reviews before making an online purchase.         

Datum: 2 juni 2022 

Nivå: Kandidatuppsats Företagsekonomi  

Akademi: Akademin för Ekonomi, Samhälle och Teknik, Mälardalens Universitet 

Författare: Sara Alhaj Khalifa, Shahad Jasem and Sara Özgun Bari  

Titel: Hållbarhetsredovisningen påverkan på intressenternas förtroende - En kvalitativ forskning av intressenternas påverkan på bankerna

Handledare: Aija Voitkane 

Forskningsfråga:

1. Hur fångar banker intressenternas informationsbehov? 

2. Hur hanterar banker intressenternas informationsbehov i hållbarhetsrapporter?

3. Hur följer banker upp sin hållbarhetsrapportering med hänsyn till intressenternas informationsbehov? 

Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur banker tillgodoser primära intressenters informationsbehov i sina hållbarhetsrapporter. 

Metod: Studien utgår från en kvalitativ metodik. Kvalitativ forskning är en forskningsstrategi som omfattar fler ord än kvantifiering vid insamling av data. Kvalitativ har ett induktivt synsätt där sambandet mellan teori och praktik är i fokus.                       

Slutsats: Studien visar utifrån att bankerna hade många likheter samtgemensamma mönster i dess arbete gentemot intressenterna utifrån hållbarhetsredovisningen. Studien visar att bankerna alltmer jobbar för att tillgodoser sina intressenter och tar emot kritik från dem för att kunna utvecklas och uppfylla dess krav. Bankerna jobbar på olika sätt men strävar efter samma mål i slutändan.  

Date: 29th May 2023

Level: Master thesis in business administration, 15 cr

Institution: Academy of Economics, Society and Technology, Mälardalen University

Authors:   Sara Alhaj Khalifa     Danijella Matic 

   (1999/04/24)    (2000/05/10)

Title: Comparison of the legitimacy of the gender perspective in the accounting and auditing industry - A qualitative study with a focus on women's competence and power differences

Supervisor: Dariusz Osowski 

Keywords: Competence, power differences, legitimacy, gender (women/men), accounting, auditing & affirmative action

Research questions: 

• What influence does competence and power differences have on women in relation to hierarchical career advancement in the accounting and auditing industry?
  • What reasons are explained to be the basis for the woman's difficulty in a hierarchical career rise?
  • What consequences and penalties can be established if women cannot reach leading positions in the accounting and auditing industry?

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate gender perspectives, with the role of women as a starting point. In addition, the study will focus on legitimacy issues with a focus on competence and the influence of power differentials, to study the obstacles, opportunities and consequences for women to reach leadership positions in the accounting and auditing industry. 

Method: The study is based on a qualitative methodology with an abductive approach. The qualitative research method has collected primary data through semi-structured interviews.

Conclusion: Based on the accounting and auditing industry, the study demonstrates that competence tends to have a positive influence within both professions, at the same time power differences constitute greater influence within the auditing industry, while the accounting industry was also shown to have larger extent for women to achieve hierarchical success. The study also shows penalties in the form of lost dynamism and affirmative action, which, however, can lead to both reduced competence in the workplace and dismissal of the woman, alternatively a reduction in the value of the woman's competences. Finally, motherhood which is a biological factor is considered to be one of the main reasons for difficulty in women's hierarch65ical rise, hence the second difficulty emphasized is that organizations are influenced by past norms and outdated organizational culture.

Abstract 

Date: 31 Maj 2023.

Level: Bachelor thesis.

Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Malardalens University 

Authors: Reem Ahmad (960124), Aya Ghassan Allahham ( 920521) and Zomorud Alobaidi (940806). 

Title: The relationship between accounting and taxation- A qualitative study of 12 interviews

Tutor: Leanne, Johnstone.

Keywords: Tax evasion, good accounting practice, legitimacy, decoupling and transparency.

Research question: 1-How do external factors affect the relationship between accounting and taxation and good accounting practice?

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the relevance of the connection or disconnection between accounting and taxation, how changed tax rules depend on good accounting practice, and to investigate the impact of the connection on improvements in accounting standards. Therefore, a concrete question was formulated, which led to an interesting research question.

Method:  The study is based on a qualitative method, where semistructured interviews were conducted. The respondents include accountants, accounting consultants, authorized auditors and accounting assistants.

Conclusion:  The conclusion is the connection between accounting and taxation is more beneficial than decoupling. External factors help to determine the connection's ability to handle economic phenomena and strengthen the company's ability regarding problem solving in an optimal way.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the pandemic's impact on integration policy based on lived experiences from Bäckby, Västerås and Vivalla, Örebro. The aim of this study is to contribute to an increased knowledge of the challenges for integration policy in vulnerable areas. This thesis will analyze how the pandemic has affected the possibilities to achieve the goals of the integration policy in these areas. The research will be carried out through qualitative research methods using semi-structured interviews with eight different respondents. These eight respondents share their lived experiences of living in a vulnerable area during the pandemic. 

Ruth Lister's theory of citizenship is used as an analytical tool and the interview questions are designed based on her four theoretical criteria for citizenship: justice, self-determination, recognition and solidarity. The national integration goal strives for equal rights and opportunities regardless of ethnic and cultural background. The results of the study show that the residents of Bäckby and Vivalla experienced difficulties due to factors such as language barriers, lack of information and prejudices, which resulted in the residents lacking support from the authorities during the time of the pandemic. The conclusion is that the pandemic has an impact on integration policies since the rights and opportunities of individuals have been neglected during the crisis.

Date: (05/01/2022)

Level: Bachelor thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr

Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University

Authors: Fernando Aliaga Narva, Chiara Schneider, Lisa Weller 

Title: The Effects of Environmental Policies on Companies’ Competitive Advantage through Green Supplier Selection

Tutor: Noushan Memar

Keywords: environmental policies, green supplier selection, competitive advantage, eco-labels, green labels, environmental awareness

Research Question: How do environmental policies influence companies’ competitive advantage through green supplier selection?

Purpose: This research aims to explore and gain an understanding of the connection between environmental policies and competitive advantage. Thus, the purpose of this study is to contribute to companies and their suppliers’ future operations and potentially reveal how they can gain a competitive advantage.

Method: Qualitative research method through an exploratory multiple case study.

Conclusion: Non-regulatory environmental policies have a direct effect on the supplier selection of an organization. Organizations benefit from the competitive advantage through differentiation gained through the non-regulatory environmental policies effect on green supplier selection. This stimulates the utilization of additional non-regulatory environmental policies.  

This work proposes a novel yet practical dragonfly optimization algorithm that addresses four competing objectives simultaneously. The proposed algorithm is applied to a hybrid system driven by the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) integrated with waste heat recovery units. A function-fitting neural network is developed to combine the thermodynamic model of the system with the dragonfly algorithm to mitigate the calculation time. According to the optimization outcomes, the optimum parameters create significantly more power and have a greater exergy efficiency and reduced product costs and CO2 emissions compared to the design condition. The sensitivity analysis reveals that while the turbine inlet temperatures of power cycles are ineffective, the fuel utilization factor and the current density significantly impact performance indicators. The scatter distribution indicates that the fuel cell temperature and steam-to-carbon ratio should be kept at their lowest bound. The Sankey graph shows that the fuel cell and afterburner are the main sources of irreversibility. According to the chord diagram, the SOFC unit with a cost rate of 13.2 $/h accounts for more than 29% of the overall cost. Finally, under ideal conditions, the flue gas condensation process produces an additional 94.22 kW of power and 760,056 L/day of drinkable water.