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  • 1. Aaboen, Lise
    et al.
    Löfsten, Hans
    Bengtsson, Lars
    Nourishment for the piggy bank: facilitation of external financing in incubators2011In: International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, ISSN 1470-6075, E-ISSN 1741-5284, Vol. 10, no 3/4, p. 354-374Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In this paper, we argue that incubators facilitate access to external financing for their incubatees. Incubators use a wide range of activities to facilitate the accessing of external financing from public and private sources. We have grouped these into two sets of activities. The general activities aim to develop the conditions for external financing through information, education of incubatees, network-building and lobbying activities. The specific activities aim to assist the individual incubatee in their pursuit of external finance through help in application procedures, establishing need for capital, making contacts with the best public or private investor, etc. Based on the survey data, we have also shown that it is more common for incubatees to attract external capital compared to non-incubator firms. The incubatees seem especially successful in attracting public capital. The incubatees also attract more private external capital, however, the observed frequency of private capital in the incubatees are low.

  • 2.
    Aagaard, Anna-Eva Sparf
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Group Structure: Specialists and Generalists2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this thesis is to discuss and explore the subject of organizing generalists and specialists. The purpose of this thesis is to explore and discuss different alternatives on organizational grouping from a generalists and specialists perspective. It will explore theories around organizational design, different organizational structures and give insight to the specialist and generalist function that can be found in most types of organizations. The aim is to be able to present different aspects of organizing generalists and specialists and to be able to answer the problem question: Is there a best organizational structure for specialist and generalist groups? The study is a qualitative study and the process of induction will be used. The epistemological standpoint is interprevistic and the ontological is more towards constructionism. The methods used are 1) the collection of and qualitative analysis of texts and documents and 2) qualitative semi-structured interviewing. The analysis is based on grounded theory method. The result and conclusions of the study is that generalists most likely do fit better in organizational forms such as simple structure, adhocracy and network organizations. Specialists tend to prefer bureaucracy or functional/unitary organizations. Keywords: generalists, specialists, organization, group structure

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  • 3.
    Abdul, Shakoor
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Electronic Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) from the Perspective of Two Banks with Online Marketing in Pakistan: case of HSBC PK and Standard Chartered Bank PK2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study observes an approach which is known as explorative because it aims to evaluate and examine online media as a tool for e-CRM. In addition, this involves the approach known as iterative also depends on the data, which is qualitative in congestion with observational information. This study builds on the existing literature and theories within customer relationship marketing (CRM). The subfield to CRM, called e-CRM, is further studied the phenomenon of online marketing and online CRM (customer relationship management) in a banking business context. The study builds upon empirical studies of two banks using online banking on a daily basis. The empirical material was collected through face-to-face interviews in order to gain knowledge and understanding of how corporations use e-CRM. Moreover, observations were conducted in order to gain a deeper understanding of how differently e-CRM was used by the two banks, and to see how customers reacted to their initiatives. e-CRM is a new way to interact, it involves rapid interactions that are spread faster and can be visible to anyone using the Internet. It comes along with many challenges as well as great opportunities. It is vital that managers can direct the employees to use online sources and e-CRM in a correct way in accordance with the brand values to avoid contradicting messages. It needs to be used by employees with social competence, as it involves interaction with customers. Organizations need to be involved in e-CRM and online media to be able to influence what people write about the corporation. It is a valuable channel in order to gain customer knowledge and customers' opinions about the business and their offerings. Its also a way to acknowledge complaints and thus be able to handle them. An adequate complaint handling can in turn enhance customer relationships. As e-CRM is a relatively new and constantly evolving phenomenon, it requires curiosity and courage. Further, it can be used to create emotional bonds with customers by providing a personalization.

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  • 4.
    Abdullaev, Shuhrat
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Abdurahmonov, Sharof
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Title: Potentials of Insurance Market Development in Jizzak region2007Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Title: Potentials of Insurance Market Development in Jizzak region Authors: Shuhrat Abdulaev, Sharof Abdurahmonov Supervisor: Anders Hederstierna Department: Business Administration, Blekinge Technology Institute Course: Master’s thesis in Business Administration, 10 credits Background and Problem Discussion: The main reasons why we have chosen this topic “Potentials of insurance market development in Jizzak region” for our thesis are the followings: 1) Strong and Competitive insurance market is one of the essential parts of well-developed market economy. How to reach well-developed insurance market is a complex problem that the economy of Uzbekistan is facing now. 2) Having studied previous researches regarding insurance market of Uzbekistan and the role of marketing in development of companies we concluded that there are huge potentials for growing in insurance market which have not learned yet. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to find the answers to following questions: How is the current situation in the insurance market of Uzbekistan? What kind of insurance services are there and what is the demand for them? The determination of main clientele of insurance companies; The determination of factors that can affect on insurance services The analysis of proportion of population who do not apply for insurance services and the reasons; The role of marketing research in companies’ growth; Method: This research used Quantitative method. Survey technique used to conduct a quantitative study. Primary data collected through questionnaire. Secondary data collected from banks and department of Statistics of the local government. This research can be seen as deductive research since it begins by examining theories related to insurance and consumer behavior to insurance services. Following hypothesis were developed by the assumption that • Person’s insurance expenditure dependent of their annual income • Person’s positive opinion about insurance dependent of their gender • Person’s positive opinion about insurance dependent of their age • Person’s positive opinion about insurance dependent of their education • Person’s who is insured dependent of their income Theory: The theory section contains a review of theories concerning in economic nature and functions of insurance, marketing in insurance, insurance market in Uzbekistan. Analysis: Statistical program SPSS 14v.(Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) - is used to compute the correlation values and the regression coefficients. The results presented in appropriate table and graph. We divided our analysis into three parts: 1) Using the secondary data, we analyzed accidents that happened during the last two years, obligatory insurance, insurance companies in Jizzak. 2) We analyzed dependence of respondents’ annual insurance expenditure on their annual income using the multiple regression analysis. 3) Based on the primary data and using Chi-square statistical test, we analyzed consumer behavior to insurance service interviewing people individually. Conclusion: Analysis showed that insurance premiums mostly come from obligatory insurance. We discovered that banks are the main clients of insurance agencies at the present and insurance market undeveloped yet, the main reasons are low level of insurance culture, low level of citizens income, lack of understanding by the population and legal entities the need in insurance services; undeveloped economy of country, which doesn’t allow the insurance market to develop as a whole; lack of brokerage companies to work with insurance agencies; lack of skilled specialists and prepared insurance managers.

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  • 5.
    Abiodun, Fashakin Teniola
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Oluwatosin, Odumade Adebola
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    EFFECTS OF THE EXTERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION2007Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TOPIC: Effects of the External Consequences of Organizational Activities on Employee Motivation Fashakin, Teniola Abiodun Odumade, Adebola Oluwatosin SUPERVISOR: Alsen, Göran COURSE: Master Thesis in Business Administration DEPARTMENT: School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden PROGRAMME: Master of Science in Business Administration PURPOSES: The purposes of our thesis include the following: • To know the activities carried out by organization(s) • To know the external consequences of these activities • To know how these consequences affect employee motivation • Identify certain external factors that actually measures employee motivation RESEARCH QUESTION: How Do the External Consequences of Organizational Activities Affect Employee Motivation? METHODS: Our thesis involves looking into 3 different but inter-related issues- organizational activities, external consequences and employee motivation. And so, we collated data using the secondary as well as the primary sources of data. Our secondary data includes a review of the literature which is to enlighten us on what has been studied about our topic while the primary data encompasses gathering data by constructing a questionnaire, conducting interviews, and also organising focus groups; all of these to aid giving answer(s) to our research question. FINDINGS: From the research we conducted as well as the analysis we made, we were able to get a proof that there is a strong link between an organization’s activities, the external consequences of such activities as well as how the relationship between these two affects employee motivation. We have been able to establish the fact that employees also look outside their organization for incentives that could enable them to perform their duties properly.

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  • 6.
    Abiti, Alex
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Adzraku, William
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    The Impact of Financing Structure and Macroeconomic Variables on Profitability of listed Ghanaian banks2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    ABSTRACT The sustainability of banks profitability is very important to national economy. This is because banking institution serves as financial intermediary and hence supports the flow of funds from the borrower to the user of fund to grow economic activities. However banks profitability is affected by various variables both internal and internal. Some of these may be control by the banks whiles other may not be controlled internally. To investigate the impact of financial structure and macroeconomic variables on listed banks profitability in Ghana, secondary financial data of all the seven (7) listed banks were collected from the Ghana Stock Exchange. The profitability variables or ratios used are return on equity (ROE), return on asset (ROA) and net profit net interest margin (NIM). The financial structure components considered are the long-term debt to the total capital; short-term debt to total capital. The macroeconomic variables include the GDP, inflationary rate and the Exchange rate (GH¢ per US$). A correlation matrix was run using SPPS regression tool with profitability ratios as the dependent variables whiles the macroeconomic and the financial structure variables are considered as the independent variables. The results were mix: the ROA is negatively related to both total debt and short term debt and the relationship are significant. However, ROA is positively related to long term debt but not statistically significant. ROA is also negatively related to GDP and not statistically significant. ROA is positively related and statistically significant to exchange rate. Again, inflation is positively related to ROA but not significant. ROE on the other hand is statistically significant and positively related to short term debt and total debt. Exchange rate, long term debt is negatively and significantly related to ROE while inflation is positively but insignificantly related to ROE. However, ROE is insignificantly but negatively related to GDP. Net Interest Margin (NIM) is significantly and positively related to short term debt but insignificantly and positively related to inflation. NIM is, however, significantly and negatively related to total debt. This implies that an increase in sales growth, total debt and firm size is likely to result in a fall in NIM. Also, exchange rate, GDP and long term debt are negatively and insignificantly related to NIM. It is important to note that negative relationship between dependent variable and independent variable implies that if the dependent variable increases then the independent variable decreases. Ghanaian banks take advantage of the high inflation regime to increase cost of borrowings to their valued customers to increase their net interest margin and hence increase profitability while strategically using short-term debt in their financial structure to avoid paying long-term high cost of borrowings which will economically destroy shareholders value. Again the banks also increase their assets base as the economy grows (GDP) to improve their profitability in terms of returns on equity through higher banks size to meet all customers and economic activities The study provides an empirical conclusion that listed Ghanaian banks use 80.23% debt and 17.77% equity hence the capital structure of Ghanaian banks is hugely skewed toward debt. However, the debt structure of listed Ghanaian banks indicates more than 70% short term debt and less than 9% long term debt. Thus the impact of capital structure and macro-economic variables on profitability of Ghanaian listed banks is such that short term debt positively influences profitability and long term debt negatively affects profitability.

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  • 7.
    Abrahamsson, Annika
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Bernström, Angelica
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Gustafsson, Jonna
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Målstyrning i offentlig verksamhet: En studie av de anställdas upplevelser och deras delaktighet i målstyrning på Skatteverkets Blekingekontor / Result control in the public sector – A case study of the experiences of the employees regarding their participation in result control at the local Tax Offices in Blekinge2008Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Sammanfattning Titel: Målstyrning i offentlig verksamhet – En studie av de anställdas upplevelser och deras delaktighet i målstyrning på Skatteverkets Blekingekontor. Författare: Annika Abrahamsson, Angelica Bernström och Jonna Gustafsson Handledare: Eva Lövstål Institution: Blekinge Tekniska Högskola Kurs: Kandidatarbete i företagsekonomi 15 hp Syfte: Syftet med studien är att beskriva och försöka identifiera vad det får för konsekvenser på lokal nivå att en målstyrd offentlig verksamhet samtidigt är en hierarkiskt uppbyggd organisation där besluten fattas på en högre nivå. Det vi främst behandlar i vår studie är hur målen och målstyrningen upplevs av de anställda och vad det är som påverkar att de ska känna sig delaktiga. Metod: Studien genomfördes på Skatteverkets Blekingekontor med hjälp av tre kvalitativa intervjuer med en chef och två informatörer. Vi genomförde även en kvantitativ enkätundersökning bland de anställda. Detta för att få ett bra underlag till att besvara vår frågeställning. Slutsatser: Vår studie visar att konsekvensen av att Skatteverket är en målstyrd verksamhet där målen sätts högt i hierarkin blir att de anställda på lokala kontor upplever en begränsad delaktighet när målen sätts. De anställda upplever dock till viss del att de är delaktiga i att utforma sin egen arbetssituation, trots att de lokala målen tilldelas dem. Vi gör även tolkningen att kommunikation kring mål är en bidragande faktor till hur meningsfulla målen anses vara. Samtidigt leder kommunikation vanligtvis till att de anställda upplever en högre grad av delaktighet på sin arbetsplats.

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  • 8.
    Abrahamsson, Maria Westerling
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    ”Det beror på hur det är med allt annat runt omkring” upplevelser av den psykosociala arbetsmiljön i kvinnodominerade yrkesgrupper2012Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    I en empirisk studie gjordes fyra djupintervjuer angående den psykosociala arbetsmiljön hos kvinnliga undersköterskor och pedagoger. Studien genomfördes på två olika arbetsplatser inom samma organisation. Undersökningen gjordes med syftet att söka en ökad förståelse för medarbetarnas egenupplevda psykosociala arbetsmiljö, och även försöka utröna vilka faktorer som anses påverka och vara viktiga för densamma. En intervjuguide utarbetades, vars intention var att utreda vilka faktorer som informanterna anser särskilt viktig i frågan. Grundstenarna för undersökningen är psykosocial arbetsmiljö och gruppsykologi och i förlängningen även folkhälsa. Undersökningen gjordes på kvinnor inom barn och äldreomsorg och den insamlade datan analyserades med ett hermeneutiskt förfarande. Det visades bland annat att en arbetsplats där arbetsrotation praktiseras anser sig ha ett bra socialt klimat med få konflikter och de faktorer som personalen kan styra över själva tas om hand på ett effektivt sätt. Alla deltagare upplevde stress på arbetsplatsen och hade liknande sätt att hantera denna. Ett annat fenomen som visade sig var att personal som känner varandra privat eller har någon annan slags privat relation bildar ofta subgrupper på arbetsplatserna.

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  • 9.
    Acka, Germain Kofi
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Ntsiful, Samuel
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Odorh, Obinna
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    CUSTOMERS’ ADOPTION BEHAVIOUR IN INTERNET BANKING: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GHANA AND SWEDEN2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Internet banking has now become a global phenomenon. It is the fastest growing service that banks can offer in order to gain and retain new customers. However, the issue of adoption behaviour or pattern by final consumers seems to be a pivotal issue in the successful implementation of Internet banking which has benefited people from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from country to country. In some countries, Internet banking has proven to be very reliable, effective and efficient whilst in some others, they are found to be extremely dormant due to adoption behaviour. This study therefore tried to investigate if there are differences in Internet banking adoption behaviour between Ghana and Sweden. One bank each from Ghana and Sweden was selected for this study. The study employed the theory of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model by Davis and Venkatesh (2000). This model looks at the individual Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use and Psychological Attachment of adoption. These three parameters of the theory lead to Behavioural Intention which has a positive correlation with actual usage. The study was based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches and questionnaires were administered to some selected Internet banking customers of the two banks using purposive sampling technique. In the same vein, one banking staff each from the two banks knowledgeable in the Internet banking system of their banks was interviewed. The study concludes that there is only a marginal or subtle difference in the adoption behaviour in Internet banking between Ghana and Sweden and that the low patronage of Internet banking in Ghana as compared to that of Sweden is due to reasons other than customers’ adoption behaviour.

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  • 10.
    Ackah, John
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Vuvor, Sylvester
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    The Challenges faced by Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Obtaining Credit in Ghana.2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study, The Challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Obtaining Credit in Ghana, was undertaken to highlight the issues facing SMEs in Ghana in their quest to accessing bank credit (loans) from financial institutions (banks & non– banks) to undertake various activities; be it general business operations or carrying out expansion project all in the name of fulfilling the objectives as being job creators and helping to reduce poverty. In tackling this topic, the quantitative approach was adopted. Questionnaires were circulated to 80 SMEs in the Accra and Tema metropolis selected through a technique of convenience sampling. Based on the responses received through these questionnaires, the following major findings came to the fore. There are institutions such as bank and non-bank financial institutions that are willing to provide funds to SMEs but Ghanaian SMEs are not able to meet the requirements of these financial institutions. Chief among these requirements is the issue of collateral, which most SMEs cannot provide. Aside this is the other issue of small equity base of these SMEs among others. Secondly, those who are able to access this credit are also faced with high interest rates and short repayment periods making it very difficult to embark on any developmental or expansion projects. Another interesting revelation with regards to the high rate of defaults in repayment of loans contracted, relates to the tight Cash flow situations of these SMEs that is mostly due to difficulties in the management of the account receivables of the respective SMEs surveyed. The study concludes with some recommendations to help free up capital or credit to the SME sector. Among the recommendations are encouraging financial institutions (banks & non-banks) to establish factoring services, enforcement of the credit reporting act and finally provision of tax incentives for banks that lend to SMEs to encourage others to do same.

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  • 11.
    Acquah-Hagan, Douglas
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Aggrey-Bosu, Spencer
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    The impact of the Audit Commission on the management control systems of local authorities: The case of London Borough of Lambeth2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This case study uses qualitative and quantitative analyses to examine the impact of the annual audits undertaken by the Audit Commission (hereafter the AC) at London Borough of Lambeth (LBL) on its management control system (MCS). The analysis reviews the audits undertaken between the years 2000 and 2010 and analyses the management reaction to these results to identify the impact on MCS. The objective of the research was achieved by developing research questions which served as a research framework. The study focused primarily on three research questions: (1) have the audit scores of the AC influenced MCSs at LBL?; (2) how has the audit scores of the annual audits completed by the AC influenced the MCS of LBL?; and (3) why has the audit scores of the annual audits completed by the AC influenced MCS at LBL?. The theoretical framework used in this study focused on three bodies of literature: the work of the Audit Commission, auditing and audits scores, and MCSs. The thesis used content analysis to analyse LBL’s submissions; audit results and recommendations; and improvement plans. Data for the analysis were collected via documentation, archival records, interviews, and direct and participant observation. As a local government authority, LBL receives most of its annual finance from central government to deliver services to local residents and businesses. As a result the central government, through the AC, audits them every year to ensure that they are effective and efficient with their resources. Between the years 2000 and 2004, LBL audit scores were one star out of possible four stars and this represented considerable risk to its continuous survival. It is worth noting that a council with more than three consecutive score of one star is classified as a failing organisation and that council is taken into ‘special measures’ – a situation where the central government takes administrative control of the council. The trend of audit scores at LBL had indicated the council needed to improve in the areas of: • Financial planning and monitoring; • Service performance improvement in areas such as cultural services; • Performance management processes; and • Use of resources and internal capabilities. After the audit recommendation of 2004, the council developed an improvement plan. This led to the implementation of the new financial control systems, performance management procedure and personnel control system. LBL’s performance measurement imitates the balanced scorecard approach developed by Kaplan and Norton (1992). The reactions at LBL are congruent with the findings of Asel (2009) which demonstrated that organisations with high perceived uncertainty are more likely to change their MCS. The research objectives limited the study scope which has opened opportunities for future research in local authorities such as: MCS as a package; the influence of other stakeholder; trade union contribution to MCS; and organisational leadership at local authorities. It is also worth noting that the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is in a consultation process with an intention to outsource the work of the AC with effect from 2012/13 audits (www.audit-commission.gov.uk).

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  • 12.
    ADADE, PORTIA
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    MIREKU., MICHEAL A.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEES' COMMITMENT: A STUDY OF GHANA OIL PALM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    ABSTRACT In today’s world, there is a lot of focus on the importance of leadership behavior and style to the operations of organizations and at the same time, organizations are struggling to attract and retain talented employees. Even though there are many factors that contribute to employee’s decision to either stay in an organization or not, the main aim of this thesis is to investigate the relationship between leadership style and skilled employees’ commitment. This research identified the leadership styles in Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited (G. O.P. D. C. Ltd) through ratings using the adapted Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, which was formulated from Bass and Avolio (1997), the Full Range Leadership Development Theory and rated the employees’ commitment using an adaptation of Meyer and Allen’s (1997) Three-Component Model of employee commitment. This was enhanced by using semi structured interview to explore the problem further. Eight leaders were rated high for transformational leadership behaviors, six transactional and one leader for laissez-faire. Their employee groups were identified with affective, normative and continuance commitments respectively. Other factors identified as contributing to the skilled employee’s decision to leave or remain in the organization included the stages of their working lives, perceived employment options and their sense of devotion to their organization and family commitments. Overall, findings from this study suggest that leadership behaviors do play important roles in determining commitment within an organization. However, the high turnover rate of skilled employees at GOPDC cannot be attributed only to the style of leadership in the organization. In conclusion, it can be said that leadership behaviours result in different levels of commitment among skilled employees. However, other factors also impact on the decision of skilled employees to either remain or leave an organization.

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  • 13.
    Adamala, Szymon
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Cidrin, Linus
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Key Success Factors in Business Intelligence2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Business Intelligence can bring critical capabilities to an organization, but the implementation of such capabilities is often plagued with problems and issues. Why is it that certain projects fail, while others succeed? The theoretical problem and the aim of this thesis is to identify the factors that are present in successful Business Intelligence projects and organize them into a framework of critical success factors. A survey was conducted during the spring of 2011 to collect primary data on Business Intelligence projects. It was directed to a number of different professionals operating in the Business Intelligence field in large enterprises, primarily located in Poland and primarily vendors, but given the similarity of Business Intelligence initiatives across countries and increasing globalization of large enterprises, the conclusions from this thesis may well have relevance and be applicable for projects conducted in other countries. Findings confirm that Business Intelligence projects are wrestling with both technological and nontechnological problems, but the non-technological problems are found to be harder to solve as well as more time consuming than their technological counterparts. The thesis also shows that critical success factors for Business Intelligence projects are different from success factors for IS projects in general and Business Intelligences projects have critical success factors that are unique to the subject matter. Major differences can be predominately found in the non-technological factors, such as the presence of a specific business need to be addressed by the project and a clear vision to guide the project. Results show that successful projects have specific factors present more frequently than nonsuccessful. Such factors with great differences are the type of project funding, business value provided by each iteration of the project and the alignment of the project to a strategic vision for Business Intelligence. Furthermore, the thesis provides a framework of critical success factors that, according to the results of the study, explains 61% of variability of success of projects. Given these findings, managers responsible for introducing Business Intelligence capabilities should focus on a number of non-technological factors to increase the likelihood of project success. Areas which should be given special attention are: making sure that the Business Intelligence solution is built with end users in mind, that the Business Intelligence solution is closely tied to company‟s strategic vision and that the project is properly scoped and prioritized to concentrate on best opportunities first. Keywords: Critical Success Factors, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Data Warehouse Projects, Success Factors Framework, Risk Management

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  • 14.
    ADEDIRAN, OLUWATOYIN
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    ADEDIRAN, OLUSEUN
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT: A Test of the Effect of TQM on Performance and Stakeholder Satisfaction2009Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Title: Total Quality Management: A Test of the Effect of TQM on the Performance and Stakeholder Satisfaction Authors: Adediran Oluwatoyin & Adediran Oluseun Supervisor: Anders Hederstierna Department: School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology Course: Master’s thesis in business administration, 15 credits (ECTS). Background and Problem Discussion: The performance of TQM Airlines and Non TQM airlines is measured comparing statistically three major performance indicator Customer satisfaction, Employee satisfaction and Operational effectiveness. To establish a link between TQM and performance and showing the need for the adoption of total quality culture in the local airline sector of the Nigeria aviation industry. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to highlight the benefit of TQM implementation in the Nigerian Airline industry by examining the basic principles of TQM in the airlines. The impact of TQM implementation of the three performance indicator will be assessed. Method: Quantitative and qualitative method. Primary data is collected from the airline companies by questionnaires and interview. Secondary data is gotten from articles, journals and online resources. Theory: The theory section looks at different concepts of quality as defined and viewed by various authors. Also the benefits and hindrances of TQM implementation were reviewed. Analysis: We have used a T-test hypothesis to measure the difference in means of TQM airline and Non-TQM airlines using the three performance indicator. Conclusion: The research findings confirmed the benefits that ensue from the implementation of TQM. It showed that TQM is a strategic tool industry can employ in the quest to remain competitive. It was also discovered that for the TQM to be properly implemented, everybody in the organization must be involved from the management to the employees and even the customers.

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  • 15.
    Adegboye, Adesola
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Romlin, Lena
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Heavy vehicle B2B marketing and impact of culture: a comparison case study of Volvo and Scania in Thailand2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Many Automobile companies from the developed countries are moving to Asia as the market potential in these countries is dimishing and cost of production is cheaper. Although there is a larger market potential in Asian countries, each automible company needs to attract potential customers with the ultimate goal of retaining them. A case study based on interviews was carried out at Volvo and Scania subsidiaries in Thailand to investigate the role culture play in business-to-business marketing when companies move to a country with a different culture. As the way of work in Thailand and Sweden is different, culture impact is researched in the area of relational marketing, sales forecast and market survey, market segmentation and business marketing communication with focus on the B2B marketing. Finally we perform analysis to identify what is necessary for the companies to adopt in regards to cultural with the aim of retaining and gaining market share. The analysis is based on empirical data collected during interview with employees of the two companies.

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  • 16.
    Adeleke, Adesina
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    How External Forces are influencing the Ebusiness strategy of MTN-Nigeria2009Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The Internet and e-business has had enormous impact on many companies in Nigeria and there has been much research on how e-business influences the environment, but little can be found on how the environment of a developing country like Nigeria influences e-business. In e-business, technology tells the business what can be done in smarter ways. Technology not only can make business more efficient but also can make business more effective in targeting and reaching markets, however technology cannot enhance business in isolation as there are other vital factors that equally impact business. This thesis presents an adapted version of the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Socio cultural, Technology, Environment, and Legal) framework so called e-business PESTEL framework, as a method for structural analysis of macro environment forces in the future. In addition to this PESTEL framework, the Porter’s five forces model was employed to analyse the industrial forces that also influence MTNN e-business strategy. The main goal of this research is to give an overview of industry and macro-environment forces influencing the e-business strategy MTN-Nigeria and the impact of future developments. The research methodology was explorative and descriptive. A further method for future analysis of the macro-environments influences and a suggestion on how to incorporate it in this research work is given. The e-business strategy of MTNN consists of four areas: E-procurement, E-collaboration (CRM), Supply chain management and E-commerce. The influences found on macro-environments level are political and sociocultural forces and in the industry levels are bargaining power of customers and suppliers of its products and services .The most recommendations are that MTN-Nigeria should add e-business PESTEL framework described in this thesis to its e-business strategy check. Furthermore MTNN should include environment analysis more extensively in their e-business strategy approach as the factors in this research work shape the environment in which it carries out its business.

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  • 17.
    Adinyra, Noamesi
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Gligui, Elliot
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Green Marketing Potential as Assessed from Consumer's Purchasing Behaviors: The Case of Ghana2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Green Marketing has become an important strategy in businesses since the international rise of environmental awareness among countries. With greater awareness rising among the public, especially with reference to the global warming and climate change phenomenon, people have become cautious with regards to their purchases, specifically towards the nature of purchased products. As green marketing continues therefore to evolve not only into a strategy but into a platform across the world, Ghana is still at the onset of a green marketing phenomenon. To therefore assess the direction of this phenomenon, the study is aimed at determining the green marketing potential in Ghana as assessed through the perspective of consumers. Environmental Awareness and Consumer Behavior was used in order to assess the presence of a green potential in Ghana. As environmental awareness is able to serve a clear purpose for green consumerism, consumer behavior is able to show the applicative potential of green consumerism. Through online surveys and questionnaires, results of the study were able to reveal a strong green potential existing in Ghana, both with positive indicators within environmental awareness and consumer behavior. Further, results have also noted specific products that have the greatest potential within Ghana‘s green market; green food and body care products showed the highest potential for a prospective green business as reflected in bivariate fit analysis.

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  • 18.
    Adolfsson, Jonny
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Ehnbom, Lars
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Martinsson, Pär-Ola
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Mål- och resultatstyrning i offentlig verksamhet: En fallstudie av äldreförvaltningen inom Karlskrona kommun2004Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: To compile a description of how output and result control works practically according to budget responsible persons on managing level in the public sector. Then study if output control and result control in the public sector could be classified as output control and result control according to general typologies of management control made by different authors. We shall at the same time both find answers on if the output and result control is a well functioning management control method and if the possibility to measure goals that has been set up must be there to be able to run output and result control in the public sector. Method: Deep interviews with budget responsible persons in the elderly administration in the community of Karlskrona. We have then interpreted the interviewed persons opinions to the meaning of output control and result control in the elderly administration. Results: Our study has come to the conclusion that the elderly administration that claims to be using output control and result control is in fact operating with “frame control with cost responsibility” according to the typologies that we have studied. We have although in the same time received an answer that their method of control works in a good way and that this mostly depends on the measurements in form of “abstract judgments” of the activity.

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  • 19.
    AGBOZO, ERIC
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    YEBOAH, ERIC OMANE
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Exploring the Financial Gap for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana: A Case Study of Ghana2012Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) tend by their very nature to show a far more volatile pattern of growth and earnings, with greater fluctuations, than larger companies. According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) policy brief report on SME development in 2006, Financing is necessary to help Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) set up and expand their operations, develop new products, and invest in new staff or production facilities. The study reveals that the major sources of finance for SMEs in Ghana are trade credit, bank overdraft and bank loans. The internal sources of finance and leasing or hire purchase are the minor source to which only few entrepreneurs resort to. The availability of external financing depends on various factors for instance, general economic outlook, access to public financial support including guarantees, firm-specific outlook with respect to their sales and profitability or business plan, firm’s own capital, firm’s credit history and willingness of commercial banks to provide loan. Many SMEs believe that access to internal funds, for example from retained earnings and sale of assets, bank loans, equity investments in the SMEs, trade credit, and other forms of financing, for example loan from a related company or shareholders, excluding trade credit, loan from family and friends, leasing and factoring are expected to improve the profitability and development of their businesses.

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  • 20.
    Aghili, Shamim
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    The Qualitative Self in Uganda: with the Western influences2013Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Self-concept within the psychological field has like many other instances excluded the African people in the research field or treated the Black people as “the other”. The present study stress the theoretical problem and, through a different methodology than the hitherto used in the field, address the self in Ugandans as Africans to cover some of the existing gap. With the assumption that the West influence on the African continent affecting the perception of the self, the self of Ugandans are investigated through deductive thematic analysis. The self, perceived to closely connected to the African culture and way of living, is affected by imperialism and the previous colonialism in the history of Uganda. Results in relation to previous research, limitations and further research are discussed.

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  • 21.
    Ahlstedt, Mikael
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Linde, Jonas
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Open innovation as a strategy for small high–tech companies2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Little academic research has been conducted in the area of open innovation as a strategy used by SMEs in their innovation process. In addition, small companies are subjected to liabilities to smallness and newness, for which open innovation could be the solution. This thesis focuses on two small Swedish high– tech companies. On the one hand we concentrate our studies on a software consultancy company providing programming services, on the other hand, the thesis also look on a small nano–technology company creating their product around material science innovation. The purpose of this study is to investigate what strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats these specific high-tech companies perceive in using open innovation in their business model. For accomplishing the investigations we have conducted two case studies. Through a review of relevant literature, a theoretical framework was first constructed, up on which we based the formulation of open-ended questions, to serve as a foundation for further data gathering. For the first case study, data was collected by interviewing the case firm’s CEO and for the second case study we used the participant observation method. The collected data was analysed and discussed in comparison to the literature. Additionally, the findings of each case were schematically evaluated by performing a SWOT analysis on open innovation, as observed by each of our two case firms and related to literature findings. Conclusions. We conclude that small firms are hampered in their innovation and commercialisation process is limitations related to smallness and newness. It was identified that, although limited by financial and structural constrains, small companies are able to use a considerable amount of open innovation aspects in their business model. These being especially those that are less resource demanding, such as employee involvement and co-creation with the customer or with other sources to innovation, like universities. It was also recognized that, while being open when capitalizing on certain aspects of open innovation to boost their innovation and commercialization process, the case firms also recognize the importance for especially small firms to protect the core technology knowledge from being leaked externally, as this is the vital component of their existence.

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  • 22.
    Ahmad, Junaid
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Majid, Muhammad Abdul
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Benchmarking of Financial Solutions Offered by Islamic Banks2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    There has been significant growth in Islamic banking sector over the last two decades and this market has become very competitive in many Islamic countries. Islamic banking products are regulated by law of Islam and regulatory authority in that particular country. Our main objective is that given the standards of Islamic financial systems, are the Islamic banks compliance with those principles. Some specific banks will be selected and so shall be the scope of standards. The solutions implemented by Islamic banks will be analyzed critically against these standards and suggestions for improvement will be presented. The secondary objective is to compare specific products offered by Islamic banks with corresponding products of conventional banks (competitors working in same country and thus regulated by same government body). Then we will present critical analysis of both products in terms of monetary value and conditions imposed by each bank.

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  • 23.
    Ahmad, Khalid
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Azumah, Kenneth
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Employee Retention Strategies: the case of a patent firm in Australia2012Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Retaining employees is an important goal of every organization. This thesis explores the factors that can significantly impact employee retention in an organisation. It attempts to relate some of the factors discovered to major theories such as the Employee Equity Model, Herzberg’s (Two-Factor) Theory and the Job Embeddedness Theory. The literature surveyed by this study mention employee motivation, job satisfaction and job embeddedness as the main factors that influence employee retention rates. The study proposes that job embeddedness is a superior model that significantly explains employee retention. The population for the study were 53 respondents out of 75 taken from a patent firm in Australia, a representation of the rapidly growing knowledge industry. The participants of the survey were contacted through private email and selected for the study by simple random sampling done via the listing of the employee names in a spreadsheet program. The survey questions were categorized under six major theories of employee retention with each category having an average of five questions. Four most significant theories emerging were compared and the theory best explaining employee retention was chosen. The four most significant theories were Employee Equity Model, Herzberg’s (Two-Factor) Theory and the Job Embeddedness Theory, and the one that most explains employee retention was Herzberg’s (Two-Factor) Theory. This implies that notwithstanding the age of the Two-Factor theory, it is still significant for managing employee retention in today’s rapidly expanding service- and knowledge-based organizations.

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  • 24.
    Ahmed, Juber
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Client Information Needs of MFIs: A Case Study of ASA Bangladesh2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Abstract Title: Client Information Needs of MFIs: A Case Study of ASA Bangladesh Author: Juber Ahmed Academic Advisor: Dr. Klaus Solberg Søilen Department: School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology Course: Master Thesis in Business Administration Purpose: To enrich the knowledge base of client’s needs of financial services and assessing the tools MFIs used to collect clients’ information and how they utilized the information for developing new products and services or modifying existing products and services or their terms and conditions to meet the needs of financial services of their clientele. Also how MFIs organized and managed the information and how they categorized their clients using that information. Method: The investigation conducted from both a theoretical and an empirical point of view. The deductive approach used for the study and the case study method deployed. I studied ASA which is an MFI renowned in Bangladesh and beyond. At first, I had gone through a secondary research for collecting a number of successful methods and standard types of information used by successful MFIs from existing literature. In primary research, I interviewed 10 Managers (Assistant Directors) for ASA to determine which of the methods found in the literature were more effective for collecting clients’ information for them and also asked them to add their ideas to the list. At last I asked interviewees to rate the methods and results presented in this paper. Theory: This study was an exploratory one where I discussed the related aspects for the study - Microfinance, Client Assessment, Clients of Microfinance, Information needs and Management Information System. Findings: The study showed that ASA utilized client information for developing their credit products and services and based on number of loans taken by the clients they categorized their clients and modified or developed new products and services for each category of clients. Although ASA executed several tools for collecting client information but the managers think that their staffs’ collection of information from regular meeting with clients was more effective than others for modifying products’ terms and conditions and modifying or developing new products and services to their women and small enterprise clients. The conducted study also revealed that in ASA impact study was necessary to know clients’ overall level of satisfaction but management needed specific information on what aspects of ASA and its credit products and services clients preferred and did not prefer and the reasons of the preferences. Also they needed action plan to address clients’ specific concerns, so they needed the information on a continual basis and they were successful to achieve this continuous flow of information. For ASA, the best way to get this type of information would be through client satisfaction Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), although they utilized several tools but not often as discussed in part 3 in chapter 5. ASA owned an MIS (AMMS) for monitoring and managing clients’ information and they utilized this to categorize their clients based on the collected information about their number of loans. Conclusion: This study revealed that ASA served only women and small enterprise clientele that included the vulnerable non-poor and could contribute to the profitability of ASA. There was no attempt to diversify the products to include all poor that should be the goal of microfinance to alleviate poverty. Moreover client treated as individual client but the loans used to fulfill household or family needs of the clients. There were tools for collecting information on household about impact of credit programs participation but they took seldom effort for collecting information of the household money management or in other words how they utilized the loans for variety of household needs. There is lack of access to a variety of financial services for poor clients, even though MFIs are mostly serving vulnerable non-poor instead of taking consideration of all categories of poor. It revealed from the study that MFIs could gain long term success by serving specific market segment but it should not be only focus of MFIs, their initiative should be to include all poor in their clients profile with a priority to a specific market segment. This could help them to become sustainable and to minimize risks by spreading it in different market segments. The study found that ASA considered FGDs as an effective tool for collecting clients’ information as their staffs and managers were familiar with this tool, moreover it was cost effective for them. It observed that they seldom followed Tool Selection Process and it was the top management that decided over the tools, the decision might influence by internal and external interest groups and the competition. MFIs should organize client information in a way so that they could be able to manipulate the specific client information to serve client better and to take effective decision, although it is imperative to argue that they may like to serve the wealthier clients. This research paper is also presenting some important findings from existing literature of microfinance and a number of recommendations based on the study experience and scholars opinions from existing microfinance study that may help MFIs to prepare themselves to adopt client-oriented approach by utilizing client assessment tools to fulfill the needs of financial services of their clients that may hopefully include all poor irrespective of their categories.

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  • 25.
    Ahsan, Kamran
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Offshore Outsourcing Practices of United Kingdom Engineering Services Companies: Focused on Oil and Gas Sector2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This investigate an important options of cost reductions, offshore outsourcing is found interesting, these days phenomenon of economic downturn, decreasing oil prices and credit crunch cause intense competition so this study is an attempt to understand factors that what are the driving forces for offshore outsourcing in engineering services industry. This project studies the factors of offshore outsourcing practices of engineering services companies in the UK. The scope of study limited to industrial engineering services primarily in oil and gas industry, so this project is also aimed to understand offshore outsourcing practices of UK engineering services sector. The purpose of research is to review the available literature on offshore outsourcing and understand offshore outsourcing situations. This research will focus on knowledge in these fields. The discussions on finding would be focus on why “company” needs offshore outsourcing and “how” different factors help engineering services companies to take offshore outsourcing decisions

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  • 26.
    Ajang, Sone Stanley Ngole
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Derek, Chiek Khan
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Bertrand, Njoya Mbaimoun Nji
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    COMPLYING WITH CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DEMANDS IN A CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT (THE CASE OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS)2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Corporate Social Responsibility has been a very topical issue in contemporary times, but an in-depth understanding of this salient concept is quite questionable to many including actors in corporate spheres. This we could attribute to ignorance or limited research work to propagate what corporate social responsibility means and the benefits it may bring forth if properly adhered to by corporations. This paper thus has as fundamental focus to clarify and enhance the understanding of corporate social responsibility as well as the extent to which corporations adhere to the ever increasing demands emanating from stakeholders (consumers, governments, employees, environmental activists etc) for socially responsibility. The extent to which corporate social responsibility is a valid criterion to judge the actions of corporations is also of special interest in this research work. This paper adopts a theoretical and an empirical approach to provide a better understanding of corporate social responsibility, while a broad based exploratory case study approach is used to investigate the activities of some selected multinationals across the globe .We used three management responsibility categories technique to bridge our findings to our conclusions that the management style of multinationals examined fall under the immoral category associated highly with socially irresponsible companies which typically do not consider stakeholder interests. The paper unravels the devastative effects of their activities on consumers, the environment, employees, and local communities whose interest and well being they should enhance from the corporate social responsibility perspective. The paper concludes with some limitations encountered in this study and suggestions for further research.

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  • 27.
    Akinbola, Isaac Likali Tsowa &
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Ejide, Oluwakemi
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    ETHICAL ISSUE: A PROBLEM IN NIGERIA INSURANCE COMPANIES2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The study aimed to investigate and critically analyze claims management, an ethical issue in insurance companies in Nigeria, to find out if these insurance companies recognize it to be an ethical issue and also to find out how they handle insured’s claims. A qualitative research method was used in carrying out this study; data was sourced through interviews and by secondary data using literatures from books, journals, articles, and electronic websites. The researchers used purposive sampling to select some top insurance companies in Nigeria; in these insurance companies basically personnel working in the claims department were interviewed, also sales agents from two of these insurance companies were interviewed. Data was sourced from two insurance broking firms in Nigeria by interviewing their top personnel, and also some of the insuring public with and without insurance policies was interviewed. The analytical strategy adopted in this research work was to rely on theoretical propositions. This study made use of Jones (1991) moral intensity model. Based on the analysis of data collected during the interview, the study revealed that insurance personnel in claims administration who take decision on insured’ claims in Nigeria recognize that there is a moral dilemma in their act and they discharge this responsibility professionally and ethically sticking to the rules of the business. Also the characteristics that constitute moral intensity model; proximity, social context, probability of effect, concentration of effect and magnitude of consequence offered by Jones (1991) influence the moral decision making process and moral behavior of claims personnel in Nigeria insurance companies. But due to some challenges faced by these personnel in discharging their duty and some lapses from their side and the insured’s there have always been complaint on claims. However they acknowledge that no one is perfect therefore they are open to getting feedbacks from their clients on the way they feel about their claims which they look into and make necessary amendments where needed. This study concluded with proposition for future researchers to look into how the challenges encountered by personnel managing insured’s’ claims in insurance companies in Nigeria can be dealt with and to find out how insurance companies in Nigeria can gain the awareness of the insuring public and make them understand the terms and conditions of insurance service.

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  • 28.
    Akinbola, Oluwakemi Ejide
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Tsowa, Isaac Likali
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    ETHICAL ISSUE: A PROBLEM IN NIGERIA INSURANCE COMPANIES2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The study aimed to investigate and critically analyze claims management, an ethical issue in insurance companies in Nigeria, to find out if these insurance companies recognize it to be an ethical issue and also to find out how they handle insured’s claims. A qualitative research method was used in carrying out this study; data was sourced through interviews and by secondary data using literatures from books, journals, articles, and electronic websites. The researchers used purposive sampling to select some top insurance companies in Nigeria; in these insurance companies basically personnel working in the claims department were interviewed, also sales agents from two of these insurance companies were interviewed. Data was sourced from two insurance broking firms in Nigeria by interviewing their top personnel, and also some of the insuring public with and without insurance policies was interviewed. The analytical strategy adopted in this research work was to rely on theoretical propositions. This study made use of Jones (1991) moral intensity model. Based on the analysis of data collected during the interview, the study revealed that insurance personnel in claims administration who take decision on insured’ claims in Nigeria recognize that there is a moral dilemma in their act and they discharge this responsibility professionally and ethically sticking to the rules of the business. Also the characteristics that constitute moral intensity model; proximity, social context, probability of effect, concentration of effect and magnitude of consequence offered by Jones (1991) influence the moral decision making process and moral behavior of claims personnel in Nigeria insurance companies. But due to some challenges faced by these personnel in discharging their duty and some lapses from their side and the insured’s there have always been complaint on claims. However they acknowledge that no one is perfect therefore they are open to getting feedbacks from their clients on the way they feel about their claims which they look into and make necessary amendments where needed. This study concluded with proposition for future researchers to look into how the challenges encountered by personnel managing insured’s’ claims in insurance companies in Nigeria can be dealt with and to find out how insurance companies in Nigeria can gain the awareness of the insuring public and make them understand the terms and conditions of insurance service.

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  • 29.
    Akindipe, Idowu
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    The Impact of Product Innovation on Sales Volumes of Consumer Goods2007Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Studies have shown that application of innovation in products and marketing as strategy is important to the survival of a firm. However, only few companies are adopting this concept as a major strategy due to their obliviousness to its imminent contribution to the corporate goal. Many of the early adopters of this concept are also failing to achieve the most from it due to their lack of proper understanding of its fundamental and benefits. This study analysed empirically the impact of product innovation on sales volume of consumer goods using Philips consumer electronics, a division of Philips B.V as a case study. Identified hypothesis concerning the relationship between product innovation and the company corporate goal were tested with the use of telephone interviews and questionnaire to stimulate responses from staff of the firm and the consumer of its products. Analysing of the responses obtained from the field study showed that lack of product innovation could affect the organisation’s profit and consumer satisfaction because of its great impact on consumers' buying decision. Monitoring and responding accordingly to changes in consumers’ taste will ensure success in product innovation. Evidently, adoption of product innovation can lead to increase in sales volume of a firm’s product. The finding of this research work will be useful to the firm used as a case study in regards to better development of its innovation funnel with feedback from market trends and consumer dynamic needs. Although, this research work used a single company for analysis, however the result of the findings can be adequately applied to other firms especially firms within the same industry.

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  • 30.
    Akinwande, Gbenga Segun
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT IN TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    ABSTRACT Title: Working Capital Management in Telecommunication sector: A case study of VGC telecoms Author: Gbenga Segun Akinwande Supervisor: Anders Hederstierna Department: School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology Course: Master’s thesis in business administration, 15 credits (ECTS). Background and Problem Discussion: The efficient management of working capital is very vital for a business survival. This is premised on the fact having too much working capital signifies inefficiency, whereas too little cash at hand signifies that the survival of business is shaky. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study the working capital management in the small and medium scale businesses, using VGC Telecoms Company as a case study, so as to establish factors influencing working capital performance; examine how cash management, inventory management and trade credit management affects working capital management; company effectiveness in converting working capital to ready money; how working capital management impacts on the problem of slow development and to offer recommendations on possible ways of improving working capital management Method: Literatures bordering on different areas of working capital management were reviewed. Thus, this research employed qualitative and quantitative analysis; and semi- structured questions were drafted based on the issues raised from the review of various literatures. In addition, materials from journal articles, textbooks, working papers and industry practitioners are put into consideration. The use of internet and e-mails to send out questions were explored where appropriate. Analysis on the company’s financial statement was carried out in order to verify my findings. Theory: In this research, the theory section looks at various concepts that come up when analyzing the consequences of working capital management for company value and the factors that influence a company’s working capital management performance. I have therefore chosen the most common concept for the theory section. I have also tried to create a theoretical understanding for the company’s sensitivity to a workable WCM policy Analysis: In the analysis of the research findings, I employed qualitative approach to the data analysis whereby the impacts of the poor WCM on the company were discussed in depth. Conclusion: The findings corroborate the postulation of Weston et al that a company’s investment in working capital is a substantial percentage of its total investment. In case of VGC Telecoms, it is as high as 65 percent. An inefficient and ineffective management of this investment will result in slow pace of development and ultimately to the business failure. The performances of the company in the different spheres of working capital management were scored as follows:- • Cash management – 65.4 percent • Inventory management - 78.6 percent • Trade credit management and financing decisions - 60.0 percent This is an average performance of 68 percent. That is, the company’s performance is above average. This is a good performance. The financial statements as interpreted reinforce the validity of this result. The liquidity ratios are high; the collection period is short; and the cash cycle is not quite expansive. This makes it possible to sustain sufficient cash flow for the smooth running of the business. The management of working capital impacts on liquidity, investment portfolio and profitability. All these three factors are decisive in the growth or failure of a business. Hence, good performances in working capital management affects these decisive factors favourably and thus, contribute to growth and success of the business.

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  • 31.
    Akram, Muhammad Shoaib
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Asaduzzaman, Mohammad
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Sareen, Ritu Amar
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    ‘‘Reduction in working hours’’ … a motivational tool & win-win situation for Employer, Employee & Economy2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The Governments and workers have put in a great effort in regularizing the working hours and working week over the course of last one and a half century. The average work week in the world stands at 40 hours. With unemployment among all the work force in Sweden almost hitting 11 percent and in youth aged 15-24 hitting almost 27 percent. It’s definitely alarming and requires measures to reduce. Different political forces in Sweden including Green Party and left party have joined forces in reducing the working week to 30 hours. The reduction in the working hours certainly presents a solution to different issues like work life balance, quality of life and work satisfaction but is it a solution to reduce unemployment at the same time source of motivation? That is the fundamental question we have tried to answer in the pages to follow. The reduction in working hours, during the economic downturn of 2008, supported financially by Government of Germany actually helped save at least half a million jobs. Volvo Power Train saved a number of jobs in Sweden by reducing the working hours of all the employees, so did Scania, and Saab in Sweden. Toyota reduced the working hours of its employees in 1990s to increase motivation, job satisfaction and quality of life. Our research has shown that if working hours are reduced then jobs can not only be saved, but can be created as well. In the following pages you will come across information obtained through number of information sources and printed material which directly aims at looking into how reduction in working hours can reduce unemployment. Our research presents different scenarios where reduction in the hours can generate employments. The debate however is open for future researchers to test these scenarios and see if they are viable proposals and can help reduce the employment.

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  • 32. Albinsson, Gunilla
    et al.
    Arnesson, Kerstin
    Försvarsbeslut 2004: Försvarsbeslutsprocessen sett ur ett kommunalpolitiskt perspektiv2005Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Inom det svenska försvaret pågår en av de största militära reformer som Sverige genomfört i modern tid. Från att ha varit ett invasionsförsvar ändras nu inriktningen mot ett rörligt, flexibelt insatsförsvar, som både kan försvara Sverige och medverka vid internationella insatser. I december 2004 fattade riksdagen ett beslut om Försvarsmaktens struktur under tiden 2005-2007. För Karlskronas del var beslutet av yttersta vikt, då det ger anvisningar om vilken verksamhet som skall bedrivas vid Sydkustens marinbas i Karlskrona. Syftet med föreliggande studie är att fördjupa förståelsen för den påverkansprocess som ledde fram till försvarsbeslutet 2004 sett ur ett kommunalpolitiskt perspektiv. Studien omfattar tiden från det att överbefälhavare Håkan Syrén lämnade sitt underlag inför kommande försvarsbeslut till dess att riksdagen fattade beslut. De frågor som studien söker svar på är: • Vilka hegemoniska diskurser respektive motdiskurser finns från det att överbefälhavaren lämnade sitt underlag i februari 2004 till dess att propositionen röstades igenom i riksdagen 15 december 2004? • Hur uttrycks den politiska påverkansprocessen på lokal nivå? Avsikten är inte att utvärdera vare sig aktörer eller resultatet av försvarsbeslutet utan att skapa förståelse för försvarsbeslutsprocessen. I fokus står den påverkansprocess som lokala aktörer är en del av med målsättning att bibehålla Sydkustens marinbas. Studien kan därmed sägas sluta där en egentligen utvärdering skulle ha börjat. Den del av försvarsbeslutsprocessen som berör Flygflottiljen i Kallinge inkluderas inte i denna studie.

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  • 33.
    Albinsson, Gunilla
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Arnesson, Kerstin
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    How Critical can you be as an Ongoing-evaluator?2010In: International Journal of Action Research, ISSN 1861-1303, E-ISSN 1861-9916, Vol. 6, no 2-3, p. 256-287Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This article discusses experiences of on-going evaluation within a project funded by the EU Structural Funds. A question that is particularly illustrated is how we as on-going evaluators have handled the dilemma between closeness and involvement in the project in relation to distance and a critical approach. This dilemma is standard within action- and interactive research and becomes particularly evident in a concrete reality within a project. The problem is important to illustrate, especially considering the fact that the on-going evaluation task is politically governed, that is, the EU requires that the customary evaluation be replaced with an on-going evaluation. Furthermore, on-going evaluation finds itself in a developmental phase where discussions are carried on about how to define the concept and also on how the role as an on-going evaluator should be worked out. A possible outcome of this could be that the on-going evaluation becomes far too uncritical, or critical, and with that not come up to the expectations that are placed. In this article the point of departure is that the task of the on-going evaluator is to follow the development in a project vis-á-vis established goals with the purpose of creating practice-relevant knowledge. We also discuss the balancing that exists between being supportive of progress, giving constructive criticism and not being regarded as far too critical. After having worked in an innovative development project for two years, we have been strengthened in our understanding that the interactive research approach, concept usage, theoretical connection and methodological knowledge constitute imperative demands in order to handle the changing between closeness and distance

  • 34.
    Albinsson, Gunilla
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Arnesson, Kerstin
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    I vardagen konstrueras jämställdhet2004Report (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Studiens övergripande syfte är att fördjupa förståesen för jämställdhet inom en kommunal förvaltning utifrån tre teoretiska utgångspunkter; teoretiska perspektiv på organisation, könsperspektiv samt teorier om makt. I fokus står en grupp yrkesverksamma kvinnor och män. Vid genomförandet av den empiriska studien används observationer och kvalitativa intervjuer. När ett könsperspektiv är utgångspunkt vid studier av en organisation framträder könets betydelse på såväl struktur- som individnivå. I resultatet illustrerar en bild av både hinder och möjligheter för en jämställd organisation. De hinder som finns är hierarki, könssegregering, kunskapsbrist, kulturell kod samt språkbruk. Möjligherna utgörs av styrning, kunskap och metoder.

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  • 35.
    Albinsson, Gunilla
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Arnesson, Kerstin
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Team learning activities: Reciprocal learning through the development of a mediating tool for sustainable learning2012In: Learning Organization, ISSN 0969-6474, E-ISSN 1758-7905, Vol. 19, no 6, p. 456-468Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: The purpose of this article is to show how a model for sustainable learning has been formed in the meetings between practitioners and researchers. Design/methodology/approach: With the point of departure in an interactive research approach, the authors have worked with learning and common knowledge development. Empirical data were collected from nine learning seminars, which were carried out within the framework of an EU project. Findings: It is shown by means of empirical examples from an ongoing EU project how the pedagogic method of learning seminars came to be a mediating tool for reciprocal learning between researchers, project leaders and project participants. Originality/value: The learning seminars constituted an important part of a reflexive learning process where the learning consists of both practicable and theoretically anchored knowledge. Together with the project participants, the authors developed a model for sustainable learning. This model consists of a reflection model, which rests on four fundamental conditions; pedagogic leadership, the learning group, problem areas/situation and time aspects. This article fills a significant knowledge gap in terms of the development of learning within organizations.

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  • 36. Albinsson, Gunilla
    et al.
    Arnesson, Kerstin
    Jogmark, Marina
    Des médiateurs antiracistes dans les entereprises: une étude de cas suédoise2005In: Discriminations et ethnicisation / [ed] Boucher, Manuel, Rouen, 2005Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 37.
    Albinsson, Gunilla
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Arnesson, Kerstin
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Jogmark, Marina
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Utvärdering av mångfaldsutbildningen och mångfaldskonsulenternas genomförande av rådslag inom ramen för projektet Nyckelkrafter2005Report (Refereed)
    Abstract [sv]

    Föreliggande rapport är en utvärdering av utbildningsdelen inom projekt Nyckelkrafter. Projektet bedrivs inom Equalprogrammet, vars övergripande mål är ett arbetsliv utan diskriminering och ojämlikhet, präglat av mångfald.

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  • 38.
    Al-Delemi, Rafel
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Kommunikation i projekt2010Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Study of communication in the project and identification of conflicts that stand in opposition to the project .. The study consists of various tests, an interview and a Web page. These methods are appropriate for the studied project situation and structure and can test different angles in communication. Focus areas are: - Quality - Structure Based on the above factors, I have with the help of the project owner and the project manager made ​​some assumptions that affect communication in the project and then I have used various methods to test them. The answers that I got out of these reviews gave a picture of the validity and how the following tests were complementary to the previous ones.

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  • 39.
    Al-Delemi, Shahad
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Virtual Meeting's efficiency2011Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Idag använder många stora företag sig av distansarbete, där projekt utförs på olika orter/länder. För att få distansarbetet att vara så effektivt som möjligt så använder projektgrupperna sig av tekniska verktyg i sina möten som är utvecklade för att effektivisera dessa virtuella möten bland projektgruppen som befinner sig på olika orter/länder. Projektgruppen beteendet har också stor påverkan på hur effektiva dessa virtuella möten blir.

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  • 40.
    Alervall, Viktoria
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Saied, Juan Sdiq
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Perspectives on the Elements of Packaging Design: A Qualitative Study on the Communication of Packaging2013Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: In today’s markets almost all products we buy come packaged. We use packaging to protect, contain and identify products. Furthermore if this is executed in a skillful way consumers often choose products based on packaging. The work of a designer and marketer is therefore extremely valuable when it comes to the design of a package. Problem: How are packages used to communicate marketing information? Purpose: The focus of this thesis is to identify differences and similarities of a packaging's visual elements from the perspectives of designers and marketers. Method: Interviews with designers and marketers. The theoretical knowledge has served as the basis for our empirical work and lead to a research model from which an interview guide was formed. Conclusion: According to our respondents and theory, packaging is a big component in a brand's marketing strategy that communicates the brand’s message and values. Marketing information can be designed into visual elements that are used on the package to communicate a message that speaks to consumers' emotions. Our results showed that 'color' is the visual element the professionals use to catch the attention of consumers and most effectively influence their emotions. Designers and marketers can together achieve successful packaging as the designer combines design elements that tell the brand's story and the marketer knows how the package sells and maximizes profit today.

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  • 41.
    Ali, Mohammad
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Transformational Leadership: The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Performance2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    In the current economic climate the circumstances and the environment for companies constantly change and organizations which in the future want to be competitive have to adapt to these new conditions and market requirement else they are forced to be out of business. Seeing the rapid change in telecom sector with flat sales in many countries during 2008, 2009 and 2010 Ericsson decided to do a major re organization in 2010. Ericsson management set out to restructure the company to trim off fat and to help the company function as a leaner and more productive entity by assigning transformational leaders that can help company cope with the changing market conditions with focus on business performance, growth, new market segments and getting more close to customer. As a result of that change Ericsson Saudi Arabia that was known as Market Unit Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (MU KSA) part of 23 Market Units across the globe transformed to Customer Unit Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (CU KSA) part of Region Middle East (RMEA) with new Head and management team. By 2009-2010 Ericsson CU KSA was facing issues like flat sales, operators were cautious to spend more money since revenues were declining, emergence of Chinese players in the marker resulted in dramatic culture shift in industry where business models and ways of working changed and Ericsson in Saudi Arabia was having direct impact on revenue and market share. During 2008, 2009 and 2010 Ericsson in Saudi Arabia lost local market share from 60% to 50% and a complete overhaul was inevitable. One of the primary objectives of this study will be to determine the relationship of transformational leadership to organizational performance by analyzing data collected from Ericsson Saudi Arabia. It will be analyzed if new management in Ericsson Saudi Arabia has the capabilities of transformational leadership. Later I’ll try to establish correlation of transformational leadership towards strategic management, Organizational culture and Employee Motivation & Commitment to see if there is any significant impact of these that will help overcome existing market challenges explore new opportunities and redefine strategies while resulting in positive business growth and performance. For the purpose of research a study a mix of qualitative and quantitative approach was chosen. Questionnaire surveys were used as part of quantitative research. Interview surveys together with Sales reports and balanced score cards were used as part of qualitative research. A total of 48 questionnaire surveys along with 8 interviews form different members of management in CU KSA were conducted. Data analysis tool function in Excel was used to figure out mean, median and standard deviation for Transformational leadership attributes. Data analysis tool was also used to calculate correlation coefficient factor between transformational leadership with strategic management, organizational culture and business performance. It was discovered after analysis conducted using interview and survey results that Ericsson CU KSA Head and Management fulfill the criterion of transformational leadership having strong presence of transformational leadership attributes namely vision, Inspirational, role model, support for personal growth, trust and consideration for followers needs. It was also discovered that transformational leadership has a strong correlation towards strategic management, organizational culture, employee Motivation and business performance. Data collected from Interviews, Sales reports and Balanced Score Card supported the data analysis of questionnaire. This means that if companies want to experience growth in their business especially in these days of tough competition, there should be focus on making sure the leadership is transformational with strong emphasis on process of Strategic Management, fostering organization culture and boosting employee motivation & commitment that will lead towards positive Business Performance.

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  • 42.
    Ali, Muhammad Noman
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Redzovic, Adis
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Knowledge Management and Sharing Initiatives in Development Sector: Contribution in Effective Risk Management2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This thesis study explores the existing knowledge management and sharing practices in donor organizations, particularly working in the developing countries. The potentional of knowledge management and sharing to facilitate development organizations in carrying out development work has been recognised in the literature. Literature presented mix of critique and appreciation to the existing efforts of donor agencies. Knowledge sharing platforms revolves around the country initiatives and donor agencies like UNDP and World Bank which are proactive in establishing these platforms for partner organizations. This research contributes practical insight to the question of delivery of these platforms, through an empirical investigation based on the development professionals' experiences. As earlier research shows enormous amount of literature on individual, team and organizational level knowledge sharing, this study sets prime focus on community level or external knowledge sharing, an area where there exist a dearth of emperical research or contributing literature on examing the role of sharing initiatives and possible contribution in improving risk management in development projects. Literature shows the potential of knowledge management and sharing practices, as their possible contribution in the global development practices and in bridging gap between North-South stakeholders. However, cultural, technological, organizational and individual level issues escalate with external level of knowledge sharing and thesis rightly, identifies success factors from the literature alongwith their viability from the professionals. It is even more inadequate when it comes to projects of donor organizations in under developed and developing countries. With 80% of documented failure rates of knowledge sharing systems, external knowledge sharing with partner organizations or network organizations is really not adequate and do not have supporting culture. As this whole process of sharing knowledge, heavily relies on the perceived motivation and willingness to share, study has tried to identify the challenges facing wider use of these sharing systems. Study also contributes with suggestions for knowledge management and sharing system developers, policy and decision makers and system users, to improve the overall contribution of knowledge sharing in better risk management. Apart from the cultural barriers, there are technical and policy level issues which need more concerted efforts to improve the use of these sharing systems by various organizations and individuals.

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  • 43.
    Alipour, Meysam
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Tapper, Jimmie
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Effekten av könshomogen idrottsundervisning för flickor i årskurs 52007Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Abstract Syftet med att studera detta är att undersöka anledningen till den könsuppdelade idrottsundervisningen samt vilka effekterna blivit med fokus på flickornas situation. Detta har vi gjort genom att bedriva observationer i två olika skolor i Blekinge, där en av skolorna fortfarande har gemensam idrott och den andra skolan övergått till könsuppdelad idrottsundervisning. För att bredda vårt material har vi även intervjuat inblandade parter, det vill säga elever, rektorer samt idrottslärare. Resultatet av observationerna och intervjuerna visade att flickornas situation förbättrats i den skola där man infört könsseparerad idrott. Flickorna tar för sig, lever ut och tycker det är roligare med idrott där de kan vara för sig själva. Även i den skola där man fortfarande har gemensam idrott var läraren och eleverna av den uppfattningen att det hade varit bra med könsuppdelad idrott vid vissa tillfällen.

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  • 44.
    Alisic, Senadin
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Karapistoli, Eirini
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Katkic, Adis
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Key Drivers for the Successful Outsourcing of IT Services2012Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Services are without doubt the driving force in today’s economies in many countries. The increased importance of the service sector in industrialized economies and its productivity rates are testified by the fact that the current list of Fortune 500 companies contains more service companies and fewer manufacturing companies than in previous decades. Many products today are being transformed into services or have a higher service component than previously. In the development of this increasingly important bundling of services with products, outsourcing and offshoring play a key role. Companies have been outsourcing work for many years now appointing the latter a well-established phenomenon. Outsourcing to foreign countries, referred to as offshoring, has also been fuelled by ICT and globalization, where firms can capitalize on price and cost differentials between countries. Constant improvements in technology and global communications virtually guarantee that the future will bring much more outsourcing of services, and more specifically, outsourcing of IT services. While outsourcing and offshoring strategies play an important role in IT services, we would like to investigate the drivers that affect the successful outcome of an offshore outsourcing engagement. Purpose: The principle aim of the present study is therefore twofold: a) to identify key drivers for the successful outsourcing of IT services seen from the outsourcing partner’s perspective and b) to investigate how the outsourcing partner prioritizes these drivers.

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  • 45.
    Alkhateeb, Ali
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Alli, Zahir
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Moussa, Wissam
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Analyzing the determinants of the UK consumer's engagement in Viral Marketing on Social Networking Sites: A university Student's perspective2012Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Social media, especially the social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook.com, has experienced exponential growth all across the globe in the last decade. It is rapidly attracting the consumers and replacing the traditional media. Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) through social media has acquired substantial position in the marketing mix as well as integrated marketing communication of the business organizations. This research aimed at analyzing different social relationship factors or determinants of engagement of the UK consumers in the process of viral marketing from the perspective of the university students in the UK. The process of viral marketing on SNSs is initiated by the manufacturers, marketers or distributors but the process is controlled by the consumers. To meet the main objectives of the research, quantitative research methods were followed through deductive approach. Convenience and purposive sampling were utilized in order to select a sample of 130 students from the population of the UK university students. Only 105 students responded and took part in the survey. All the ethical issues involved in the survey were catered and participants were informed about the purpose of investigation through consent letters prior to email the questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to the students to collect primary data that was statistically analyzed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The data for each variable was subjected to univariate analysis in order to evaluate the significance of each social factor under study. The results obtained from univariate analysis were graphically presented and interpreted. Correlation (Bivariate) analysis of different factors including trust, homophily, interpersonal influence, love for exchanging information etc. was also conducted and results were presented in a tabulated form. The analysis revealed that all the factors under investigation showed positive relationship and some showed positive correlation with the activity of the consumers on SNSs, especially in seeking opinion or information and passing it to others. The correlation analysis revealed that some social constructs e.g. trust, homophily and normative influence was positively correlated with the consumer’s activity on the social networking sites. Tie strength showed positive correlation with homophily, frequency of communication or contact between the online consumers on social networking sites. Gender showed negative correlation with most of the social factors under study. The results are discussed in light of existing literature on word of mouth marketing and social media marketing. The implications (theoretical, managerial and strategy related) of these results are along with the main findings of the study.

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  • 46.
    All, Charlotte
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Mahdi, Carl-Göran
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Isaksson, Vincent
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    The Effects of Charismatic Clients on Auditors Objectivity2013Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study empirically examines and attempts to model auditors’ relationships with their charismatic clients. Reviewing the prevailing research on charismatic leadership theories and auditor situation as well as related literature, we posit that the prevailing major models pertaining to charismatic leadership can be applied to extend and refine the current models of auditor acquiescence. After hypothesizing such a model, we design an instrument based on the revised Conger-Kanungo model used by (Su & Huang, 2004) to measure the extent to which auditor identify with a charismatic client. We then use the instrument to directly measure auditors’ attachment to the charismatic client and the threat of this attraction and attachment to auditors’ objectivity. Empirical results from our sample of N=192 auditors in the U.S and Sweden demonstrate that a new improved charismatic leadership model indeed could be emerged and fit to the actual situation of auditors. We specifically find an indication that Client Identification will increase the risk of auditor acquiescence. Combined with Professional identification driving increased the risk of Client identification, Professional Identification appears not to provide the resilience against acquiescence that we hypothesized. Instead the clear direct connection of the charismatic leadership affecting the auditors objectivity warrants study of a model where Client Identification and Professional Identification as mere variants of each other (Clients business just being another profession).

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  • 47.
    Allahdadi, Marzieh
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Strategy and structure of entrepreneurial universities in Sweden: The case of BTH, Chalmers and Linköping universities2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    These days’ universities are playing a major role in leading society to more social and economic growth by transferring knowledge to society, as this leads to new firms being created, new products and services injected into markets, and shifts society toward a more knowledge intensive system. This thesis is related to a larger study on Nordic entrepreneurial universities. The study is to be carried out between 2011 and 2013 and is funded by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond under the management of Professor Bengtsson. The purpose of this study as the first phase of this research project is to increase empirical knowledge regarding three Swedish university cases: Blekinge Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and Linköping University and their strategies and structures regarding entrepreneurial policy and activities. The study illustrates that even within universities in the same country there are different unexploited resources and opportunities toward academic entrepreneurship. The study provides useful information about the entrepreneurial activities in three heterogeneous Swedish universities. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, university, strategy, structure, Sweden Paper type: Case study

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  • 48.
    Alldén, Linda
    et al.
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Domeij, Erika
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Petersson, Linda
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Förändringar i ledarstilar- Påverkar de organisationens livscykel och struktur?2005Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Syftet med vår uppsats var att förstå vikten av förändringar i ledarstilar under ett företags utveckling och hur organisationens struktur förhåller sig till dessa. Vi har genomfört intervjuer på ett företag med ett antal anställda samt ledare. Efter detta har vi kommit fram till att variation i ledarstilar har varit viktiga för företagets framgång. Våra studier visar också på att det inte alltid behöver vara endast en person som innehar ledarrollen, utan att den kan vara delad mellan flera personer.

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  • 49.
    Alm, Carina
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Buying decisions, the impact of customer administration quality2010Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year))Student thesis
    Abstract [en]

    In the competitive market of Information Technology Maintenance Services, the understandings of the key components affecting sales are important to survive in the market. Centres of Excellence are created with the aim of being a more standardised and cost efficient solution for customer services. Is the quality of the vendor customer administration important in business-to-business sales and procurement situations? Furthermore, does it affect the next sale for the vendor? The overall purpose of this work is to give guidance in terms of how cost saving programs in the customer administration area can affect sales in a long-term perspective. The hypothesis; Past vendor customer administration quality does impact the customer decision to buy again from the same vendor; has been designed to show which key components within customer administration, such as invoices and disputes, impacts the decision.

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  • 50.
    Almljung, Sofia
    Blekinge Institute of Technology, School of Management.
    Sambandet mellan social kompetens och stress på arbetsplatsen2006Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Den här uppsatsen syftar till att ta reda på om det finns något samband mellan social kompetens och stress. I uppsatsen presenteras vad social kompetens är och vad stress är. Sambandet har undersökts med hjälp av enkät med 16 slutna frågor, 8 som handlar om social kompetens och 8 som handlar om stress och en öppen fråga på slutet. Urvalet, som var ett bekvämlighetsurval, var 60 anställda på olika arbetsplatser i Karlskrona, av dem erhölls 52 svar. Med hjälp av en Pearsonkorrelation och en fenomenologisk analys visade det sig att det finns ett samband mellan social kompetens och stress.

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