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  • 1.
    Abbasi, Muhammad Abbas Khan
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    The effect of time pressure on human behavior regarding phishing susceptibility: Human aspects in information security2023Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Human errors are common in the contemporary cyber ecosystem, and in an organization’s cybersecurity chain, humans are considered the weakest link. Cybercriminals exploit human vulnerabilities using sophisticated attacks such as phishing. Human susceptibility to phishing is a persistent threat, and has a devastating effect on organizational and personal security. Previous researchers found that human susceptibility to phishing increases in presence of some factors such as organizational, individual, and environmental. Various studies highlight time pressure as one of the influencing factors that can negatively or positively impact human behavior. This research study aimed to investigate the effect of time pressure on human cybersecurity behavior regarding the ability to detect phishing. The study used quantitative research and developed a questionnaire comprising interactive phishing emails distributed online to 03 random groups having different time limits to complete the questionnaire. The study received 356 complete responses. The study's result shows a slight change in user behavior under time pressure, and the impact of time pressure can be positive or negative. However, the results are not statistically significant for all demographic groups to accept this slight change in variance. Moreover, this study's results validate previous studies on human susceptibility to phishing and found more than 50 % of respondents vulnerable to phishing.

    Thus, the results of this study indicate that the factor of time pressure itself does not significantly impact the human ability to detect phishing. However, it is essential to note that other work-related tasks or stress associated with time pressure can influence human behavior in detecting phishing attempts.

    In conclusion, the author also proposes further testing and some methodology tweaking by modifying the time given to each tested group and adding more elements to the questionnaire. Finally, the study also suggested conducting the same analysis on physically controlled groups in an organizational or institutional setting. 

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  • 2.
    Abdu, Hayat
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Vilka ungdomar är det som tar SMS-lån och varför?2008Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    SMS-lån är ett samhällsproblem där olika aktörer är inblandade. Utifrån treforskningsmetoder; kvantitativ- och kvalitativ undersökning samt innehållsanalys av tidningsartiklarna, har synsättet på fenomenet vidgats. Undersökningspopulationen som består av unga SMS-låntagare mellan 18-25 år, var en väldigt svår grupp att nå. Av allt att döma berodde detta på att de är en utsatt och sårbar grupp med ekonomiska svårigheter. SMS-lånet är ett snabbt och lättillgängligt lån vilket stärker ungdomarnas tendens att agera utifrån begär, som i enlighet med Maslows motivationsteori saknar en kognitiv förbindelse. Variationen var stor mellan respondenterna i fråga om vad pengarna användes till, där en del befann sig i den nedersta delen i behovstrappan för att kunna tillgodose de fysiologiska behoven, medan andra konsumerade över sina tillgångar. Låneföretagens systematiska marknadsföring förenklar för ungdomar att ta ett sådant lån med korta återbetalningstider. De ungdomar som inte betalar tillbaka lånet i tid hamnar i ekonomiska svårigheter, vilket påverkar deras liv för flera år framåt i tiden.

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  • 3.
    Abdulahad, Nathalie
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Health and Education.
    Holmström, Jannike
    University of Skövde, School of Health and Education.
    Anorexia Nervosa: Friskförklarade kvinnors upplevelser kring orsaksfaktorer för insjuknande2014Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Anorexia is a global issue but occurs mainly in the Western world. Anorexia nervosa is a complex disease caused by biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors which often interacts with each other. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to gain a greater understanding of how recovered women created meaning in their illness and if there are mutual factors in their life-stories. We have especially focused on family patterns and the communication within the family. We have based our study on symbolic interactionism as our theoretical perspective. The study is of a qualitative nature and we used semi structured interviews which later were interpreted from a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. In our result we could see that creating meaning was central throughout the disease and was expressed in different ways by our respondents. Ten themes appeared and the most vital findings were that anorexia was an active action and that it is an expression for self-hatred and low self-esteem. We could also see that lack of expression regarding emotions within the families and not being emotionally recognized by their parents were crucial factors. The most important result was the respondents own perception of anorexia as a symbolizing action and the content of the disease is about so much more than weight and looks.

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    Anorexia Nervosa
  • 4.
    Abdulhadi, Nora
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Health Sciences.
    Omerovic, Kenan
    University of Skövde, School of Health Sciences.
    Attityder kring etnicitet hos anställda på socialtjänsten & dess påverkan på mötet med klienter2022Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Attitudes and prejudice about ethnicity is a phenomenon that occurs in many different contexts. When working with people, attitudes about ethnicity is essential for how the workplace is experienced, both for the employees and clients. The work-life in Sweden consists of employees with different backgrounds and ethnicities. Norms about ethnicity create obstacles to achieve equality and the risk of ethnic discrimination enhances. The issue can be complex and requires employees to critically examine themselves and their colleagues. Experiences of attitudes depends on several individual factors, therefore they may differ in different workplaces. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate attitudes about ethnicity among Social Services' employees and how the attitudes affect the work with clients. With a social psychological approach, this study was conducted based on theories of social cognition theory, attitudes, social attribution theory and ethnicity, we and them-thinking & indirect discrimination. The essay contains ten semi-structured interviews with social workers in three different municipalities. The results show that it exists negative attitudes about ethnicity in the social services, both between employees and clients. How attitudes appear in the work is affected by several different factors such as experience, awareness of negative attitudes and open dialogues between employees. Whilst working with clients, the influence of attitudes has a basis in the employees´ level of understanding, treatment and ability to maintain the professional role. 

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  • 5.
    Abdulhadi, Osama
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    The human connection to information security: A qualitative study on policy development, communication and compliance in government agencies2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The human factor and insider threats play a crucial role in information security. In today’s digital age, protecting organizational data requires a deep understanding of human behaviour and its impact on information security. The increasing volume of electronically stored data has led to a rise in cyber threats and breaches, necessitating effective information security policies and regulations.

    This study focuses on the experiences and perspectives of employees and top management in government agencies regarding the development, communication, compliance, and attitudes towards information security policies and regulations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from both top management or information security officers and regular employees, which allowed for an in-depth exploration of their experiences and perspectives.

    The findings show that government agencies systematically develop policies by engaging stakeholders, ensuring accessibility, and adhering to legal frameworks. Addressing the human factor involves training, awareness programs, and top management support. Policy development and implementation include risk assessment, stakeholder identification, objective setting, continuous review, and integration into daily operations. Communication channels such as intranets, training, coordinators, and awareness events are utilized, but their effectiveness is not directly measured. Proposed improvements include enhancing accessibility, improving policy document management, and using clearer language.

    Employees generally possess a positive attitude towards information security, though their understanding varies, and challenges to their understanding include complex language and unclear instructions. Compliance also varies, with difficulties arising from technical terminology and information overload. Enhanced compliance can be achieved through simplified language, providing better resources, and top management support. Proactive incident management focuses on learning and risk minimization. The human factor and insider threats remain significant concerns, which emphasizes the need for further education, awareness training, and motivation. 

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  • 6.
    Abdulkader, Mohamad
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Why do people use public Wi-Fi?: An investigation of risk-taking behaviour and factors lead to decisions2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The usage of public Wi-Fi and hotspots has witnessed a substantial increase in recent times, providing convenient connectivity in various public areas. Public wireless networks are now widely accessible, especially in smart cities. However, utilising public Wi-Fi exposes individuals to potential threats to their privacy and security. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities present in public Wi-Fi networks, such as the "Evil Twin" attack, to deceive users and unlawfully obtain their personal information. The main objective of the research was to investigate people's awareness of the security risks associated with public Wi-Fi usage and to identify the factors that contribute to their willingness to take such risks. The research adopted a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with 14 participants to gain valuable insights into their understanding and knowledge of the risks connected with public Wi-Fi. The majority of respondents employed public Wi-Fi for educational purposes, browsing the Internet, and engaging with social media platforms. Additionally, the findings of the study explored the motivations and influences that lead individuals to take risks when using public Wi-Fi. Factors such as convenience, cost-effectiveness, saving mobile data usage, limited mobile network coverage, and a lack of awareness concerning privacy and security risks emerged as the most significant reasons and influences behind the utilisation of public Wi-Fi.

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  • 7.
    Abdullah, Mohammed
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Säkerhetsmedvetenhet och dess inverkan på informationssäkerhet inom hälso-och sjukvården2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Framväxten av digitalisering och skillnader i utvecklingstakt mellan digitalisering och informationssäkerhet har lett till ökade utmaningar för många sektorer i samhället, inklusive hälso- och sjukvården. En central del i att hantera dessa utmaningar är att förstå hur viktigt det är att ha en god säkerhetsmedvetenhet hos anställda. Säkerhetsmedvetenhet är därför en nödvändig komponent för att skydda och bevara informationssäkerheten i en organisation. Informationssäkerhet innefattar mer än tekniska och administrativa säkerhetsåtgärder, eftersom människor är involverade i alla aspekter av informationssäkerhet och ofta anses vara den svagaste länken i säkerhetskedjan. Till följd av detta kan ökad medvetenhet bland personalen bidra till mer effektiv informationssäkerhet. Studien fokuserade på att undersöka följande frågeställning: Hur kan IT-chefer inom hälso- och sjukvårdssektorn arbeta systematiskt för att öka personalens säkerhetsmedvetenhet?

    Resultatet visade att ledningens engagemang kan påverka personalens medvetenhet och bidra till att skapa en stark säkerhetskultur, vilket är i linje med vad litteraturen beskriver. Genom ökad medvetenhet bland personalen kan många säkerhetsincidenter relaterade till mänskliga misstag undvikas. Studien genomfördes med stöd av kvalitativa forskningsmetoder och semistrukturerade intervjuer, där ledande roller inom hälso- och sjukvården intervjuades. I nuläget visar resultatet att det finns utrymme för förbättring när det gäller personalens nuvarande medvetenhet. Dessutom visade resultatet att det inte finns en effektiv metod för att utvärdera och mäta denna medvetenhet. Däremot visar både praktiken och litteraturen att antalet ökade cyberattacker ökar och att det finns betydande utmaningar kopplade till att säkerställa informationssäkerhet. Samtidigt påvisar resultatet ett tydligt behov av ytterligare forskning samt utveckling av metoder för att mäta och förbättra personalens säkerhetsmedvetenhet.

  • 8.
    Abdullah, Zobin
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Health Sciences.
    Jafari, Hussein
    University of Skövde, School of Health Sciences.
    Tryggheten som stressar - stress och stresshantering bland unga vuxna - tidigare ensamkommande barn med rötter i Afghanistan2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Individuals who have come to Sweden as unaccompanied refugee minors meet different difficulties. In previous research, the main focal points have been the unaccompanied minors' previous experiences of violence and war, and the importance of social support. The aims of this study were firstly to gain a greater understanding regarding stress and stress management among unaccompanied refugee minors, and secondly, to look at the importance of social relationships regarding stress management. This qualitative study is based upon ten semi-structured interviews. Ten young adults gave their subjective narrative. The interviewees had their roots in Afghanistan. They all came to Sweden as unaccompanied refugee minors. The interview was analyzed based on Bronfenbrenner´s Ecological systems theory and Lazarus stress theory, using thematic analysis. The results drawn were that unaccompanied refugee minors experience stress because of a) expressed and perceived demands from the family, b) for the family's situation in the home country, c) the oral interaction with ethnical Swedes, d) be able to find work, and e) not recognizing the physical environment. The result regarding stress management shows that social relations, help from professional contacts, and their own personality were of importance for the study participants. Furthermore, the results show that being able to work and to educate themselves were important stress management strategies. Friends from the homeland and the mother tongue were sources of comfort for the participants.

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  • 9.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Command Economy as Failed Model of Development: Lessons Not Yet Learned: The Case of Eritrea2004In: Global business: Coping with uncertainty: Thirteenth World Business Congress: July 14-18, 2004 Maastricht, The Netherlands / [ed] Erdener Kaynak; Talha D. Harcar, Hummelstown: International Management Development Association , 2004, p. 772-786Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 10.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Command Economy as Failed Model of Development: Lessons Not Yet Learned: The Case of Eritrea2010In: Journal of Management Policy and Practice, ISSN 1913-8067, Vol. 11, no 5, p. 49-68Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this article is to identify which economic model is applied in Eritrea. The government claims to follow the market economy model(s), however, the actual practice seems to be different and casts doubts on the government's commitment to market economy. Against this background, the author has examined Eritrea's economic development model. Confirming to his doubts, the author found out that the government is applying a militarist command economy model, however, in an improperly planned, poorly coordinated and extremely mismanaged approach, with its serious negative impacts on the economic, social, cultural, diplomatic and political conditions in the country.

  • 11.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Leadership Crises and Nation Building in a Politically Turbulent Environment: The Case of the so Called Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) Central Office in Eritrea2010In: Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, ISSN 1913-8059, Vol. 8, no 1, p. 108-123Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this article is to examine the social dimension of the nation building process in Eritrea. A qualitative case-study method which is composed of primary and secondary data is applied to conduct the research. The main findings show that (i) the social dimension of the nation building process was a complete failure, (ii) the main reason for the failure is the inappropriateness of the leadership to lead the  task properly and (iii) a directive, visionary, participative and interactive leader that possesses, quality, legitimacy, justice, care, competence and character, i.e. honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and principle-centeredness is a leader that can accomplish the task successfully.

  • 12.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Leadership Vacuum and its Catastrophic (Destructive) Impact on the Cultural Dimension of Nation Building2010In: Selected Papers from the Leadership & Management Studies in Sub-Sahara Africa 2010 conference, Leadership & Management Studies in Sub-Sahara Africa Conferences , 2010, p. 21-24Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 13.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    The Kleptomaniac Leadership and his Destructive Role on the Economic Dimension of Nation Building2015Conference paper (Refereed)
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  • 14.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future Research Environment.
    Hyder, Akmal S.
    University of Gävle, Sweden.
    Transformation of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets: Volume I2021 (ed. 1)Book (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    There is much research into strategic business alliances in emerging markets, but none focuses on this form of collaboration within Europe’s emerging economies. This is a critical absence, as the European transition region is not only different from other European and Western regions but also from other regions with developing economies. Partners in the European transition region have unique cultural and social backgrounds, and consequently, unique ways of doing business. 

    Transformations of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets focuses on this important gap. This book, the first of a two-volume set, makes a unique contribution to emerging market research by investigating the transformation of alliances in Eastern and central Europe over the past forty years. It provides a conceptual framework to describe and analyse the formation, development and functional mechanisms of strategic alliances in the European transition region, ultimately offering an in-depth overview of the challenges and opportunities around strategic alliance formation in emerging European markets.  

    Transformations of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets, Volume I, is a must-read for academics and postgraduate students of development economics and business administration.

  • 15.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future Research Environment.
    Hyder, Akmal S.
    University of Gävle, Sweden.
    Transformation of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets: Volume II2021 (ed. 1)Book (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    There is much research into strategic business alliances in emerging markets, but none focuses on this form of collaboration within Europe’s emerging economies. This is a critical absence, as the European transition region is not only different from other European and Western regions but also from other regions with developing economies. Partners in the European transition region have unique cultural and social backgrounds, and consequently, unique ways of doing business.

    Transformations of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets focuses on this important gap. This book, the second of a two-volume set, makes a unique contribution to emerging market research by investigating the transformation of alliances in Eastern and central Europe over the past forty years. It provides a conceptual framework to describe and analyse the formation, development and functional mechanisms of strategic alliances in the European transition region, ultimately offering an in-depth overview of the challenges and opportunities around strategic alliance formation in emerging European markets.

    Transformations of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets, Volume II, is a must-read for academics and postgraduate students of development economics and business administration.

  • 16.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    Acquiring Cross-Cultural Competence: Insights from International Firms in Four Countries2016In: Entrepreneurship Development in a Globalized Era / [ed] Dana-Nicoleta Lascu, 2016, Vol. 13, p. 1-13Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Firms increasingly have to compete globally in order to survive. An understanding of the host country’s local culture arguably being one of the most important aspects of this survival. The greater the cultural difference, the higher the risk of miscommunication and of mismanagement. Given that cross-cultural management is acknowledged as an intrinsic part of firm establishment in foreign markets today, we set out to explore the linkages between the competence of international firms in managing cultural differences and the effectiveness of their business operations. How this ‘cross-cultural competence’ is acquired is of particular interest to this study. Swedish firms operating in Kenya, Lithuania, Poland and Russia are examined. The findings show that international firms tend not to formulate any preparatory measures to become ‘culturally competent’ prior to entering foreign markets. Learning takes place by doing. A Process Model of Acquiring Cross-Cultural Competence in Foreign Markets is constructed.

  • 17.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia.
    Learning from Failed Strategic Alliances: A European Case Study2015In: Regional and International Competiveness: Defining National and Governmental Drivers of Productivity, Efficiency, Growth and Profitability / [ed] E. Kaynak & T. D. Harcar, 2015, Vol. 24, p. 186-194Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 18.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia.
    Strategic Alliance Breakups: The Volvo-Renault Story2015In: Exploring the Possibilities for Sustainable Future Grows in Business and Technology Management / [ed] N. J. Delener, Leonora Fuxman, F. Victor Lu & Susana Rodrigues, Global Business and Technology Association , 2015, p. 1-11Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 19.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    The Process of Firm Establishment in International Markets: A European Telecommunications Operator in Latin America2016In: 17th International Academy of African Business and Development Conference Proceedings: Governance and business policies: Towards sustainable African business development / [ed] Anita Spring; Pantaleo Rwelamila, 2016, p. 376-390Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Our understanding of the process of firm establishment of foregin firms within the developing and emerging countries remains limited, while the market-specific context-driven nature of the firm establishment process has been largely overlooked in the literature. We aim to address these omissions and explore the establishment process of a Spanish multinational telecommunication firm, Telefónica, in Brazil and Chile applying the "Four Stages Firm Establishment Process Model" by Abraha (1994). We identify strategic responses crafted by Telefónica to overcome competitive challenges during its establishment process. We revise Abraha's model in view of the findings and conclude with implications for managerial practices and future research.

  • 20.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Osarenkhoe, Aihie
    Awuah, Gabriel Baffour
    Relationships and Networks in the Process of Establishment of Firms in Transaction Economies: Scandinavian firms in Central and Eastern Europe2008In: International Journal of Strategic Management, ISSN 1555-2411, E-ISSN 2378-8615, Vol. 8, no 1, p. 25-44Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 21.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Radón, Anita
    Swedish Institute for Innovative Retailing, University of Borås, Sweden.
    Sundström, Malin
    Swedish Institute for Innovative Retailing, University of Borås, Sweden.
    Reardon, James
    Monfort College of Business, University of Northern Colorado, USA.
    The effect of cosmopolitanism, national identity and ethnocentrism on Swedish purchase behavior2015In: Proceedings of the AABRI conference, Orlando Florida, January 1-3, Academic and Business Research Institute , 2015Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 22.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Radón, Anita
    University of Borås, Sweden.
    Sundström, Malin
    University of Borås, Sweden.
    Reardon, James
    Monfort College of Business, Greeley Colorado, USA.
    The effect of cosmopolitanism, national identity and ethnocentrism on Swedish purchase behavior2015In: Journal of Management and Marketing Research, ISSN 1941-3408, Vol. 18, article id 152146Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The Scandinavian market has changed significantly over the past half-decade with several online distributors, particularly of digital files such as music, originating locally. This ineffect has significantly further increased globalization of commerce in the Nordic countries. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of more traditional models of consumer choice regarding local vs global products in this context. While the major metro areas of Scandinavia have always been largely global, this research reaches further into the central part where attitudes and globalization tends to be adopted at a slower pace

  • 23.
    Abraha, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Zineldin, Mosad
    School of Management and Economics, Växjö University, Sweden.
    Major factors impacting the international market relationship and entry modes: A case of Swedish automotive industry in Mexico2007In: Studies of Sweden and Mexico: Economics, finance, trade and environment / [ed] Ignacio Perrotini Hernández; Fadi Zaher, Skövde: University of Skövde , 2007, p. 138-161Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 24.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Establishment processes in a one party economy: the case of Eritrea2010In: African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, ISSN 2040-0705, E-ISSN 2040-0713, Vol. 1, no 1, p. 91-111Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the issues of how business people perceive the business environment, how government policies impact the environment and how the environment impacts the establishment processes and position development of new firms in the Eritrean market. The process is discussed by keeping a strict focus on the main actors and the activities they carried out, as well as how the available resources are utilized and exchanged in the market.

    Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the establishment process model developed from the network approach, case studies based on interviews and focus group discussions have been used to shed light on the extent to how government policies and the environment impacts the establishment processes and position development in the Eritrean market.

    Findings – An important conclusion of this paper is that the main obstacle for business establishment is the hostile attitude of the government to the private sector. Another significant obstacle for building a successful position in the market is the state-owned command economy network of relationships. An additional crucial hindrance is the non-existence of a market economy network of relationships that can provide firms in the private sector with the resources they need to perform their operations.

    Research limitations/implications – All firms in this paper have demonstrated that the main obstacle for establishment is the hostile attitude of the government to the private sector. Another obstacle is the state-owned command economy network of relationships, which hinders firms from building a successful position in the market. An additional crucial hindrance is the non-existence of a market economy network of relationships that can provide firms in the private sector with the resources they need to perform their operations. Since the paper is based on case studies and focus group discussions, conducting a similar study on a representative sample of firms selected from a larger population will be very useful.

    Originality/value – This paper makes a unique contribution by focusing on the establishment process in a market, which is regulated, controlled and owned by the one party government. The other unique contribution is that a firm has to identify the secrets of business success and to follow the same strategy.

  • 25.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Establishment Processes in the Traditional, Complex and Fast Developing Emerging Economy: The Case of Swedish Firms in China2012In: Proceedings of the 2012 International Conference on Marketing Studies (ICMS2012), academic-journal.org , 2012Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Applying a qualitative case-study method this article examines the establishment processes of IKEA and HELDING Share Company (HSC). The findings show that establishment in China is a complex, time and resources consuming process. This is because the Chinese culture makes it a pre-requisite to build social networks of harmonious interpersonal relationships, i.e. guanxi_to achieve success. The rules are changing continuously and there is an excessive involvement of the authorities in the economic activities in the market. It thus takes time and consumes enormous resources to understand the problems and to develop strategies to achieve success in establishments. IKEA and HSC developed interpersonal networks (guanxi) with the JV partners and the various influential people (facilitators) in the different phases of establishments. The developed guanxi enabled the two firms to understand and to handle; the cultural constraint, the complicated and continuously changing legal system, the bottlenecks in authorities relationships, the most complex and time consuming bureaucratic structures, the unique style of negotiations, to get operations and import license,  license for the land for running the business and to get various types of assistance in the network development.

  • 26.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    The Destructive Impact of the Psychopathic and Narcissistic Leadership on the Diplomatic Dimension of Nation Building2016In: 17th International Academy of African Business and Development Conference Proceedings: May 2016, IAABD Annual Conference Proceedings, 2016, p. 51-Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Abstract: This article examines the Diplomatic Dimension of Nation building in Eritrea in light of the diplomatic vision adopted in 1994 by the so called the Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). Both secondary and primary data are used to write this article. The primary data is collected through telephone interviews, personal interviews, skype-interviews and focus-group discussions with some veteran liberation fighters, former government officials, diplomats and some Eritreans who were holding key positions in the government and who have experience and knowledge as to how the narcissists and psychopaths deal with the neighboring countries and regional as well as international cooperation and relationships. The main findings show that the leadership has committed a diplomatic, moral and ethical blunder scoring one of its main failures in the diplomatic dimension of nation building. This is due to the fact that it has applied a militarist and one man owned, designed, decided and mismanaged diplomatic relationships which is not at all co-operative, although it claims that it applies a healthy neighborly, regional and international cooperation and relationships as stipulated in the diplomatic vision. Moreover, the dysfunctional militarist and one man owned, designed, decided and miss managed relationships and diplomatic approach is not properly planned and it is poorly coordinated and terribly mismanaged. This reality has a serious negative consequence on the diplomatic, economic, social, cultural, organizational and political conditions of the country. The other finding of this study is that the reason why the failed, i.e. narcissistic and psychopathic leadership applies a militarist and one man owned diplomatic relationships model is because it clearly understands that to maintain and strengthen its political, economic, cultural, organizational and social power i.e. power of all aspects it has to have a full control of all the diplomatic, economic, financial and human resources in the country. The reason why the psychopaths spear headed by the self-appointed destructive dictator do not implement the diplomatic vision is because like all the other visions envisaged in the 1994 charter, the diplomatic vision was not designed to be implemented but to help the dictator to get enough time to create the conditions necessary to implement the hidden vision which the Eritrean people couldn’t yet design appropriate strategies to fight it adequately and to dismantle its power apparatus. The last reason for the failure of the diplomatic dimension of nation building is the lack of a competent and authentic leadership that possesses the qualities of an effective, legacy building and developmental leadership.

  • 27.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    The leadership hypocrisy of four million parties and its insurmountable consequences on the political dimension of nation building: An Illustration of the so called “Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) Central Office in Eritrea”2014In: 15th annual IAABD international conference, International Academy of African Business and Development , 2014, p. 1-34Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Abstract: The main results of this article are (i) the PFDJ and in particular Isayas has committed a political blunder  in the political dimension of nation building by refusing to implement the constitution, (ii) the PFDJ militarized political ideology is a poisonous tool applied to secure the political power of the dictator, (iii) the political vision was not developed to be implemented but to consolidate the raw political power’ of the ‘raw dictator’ in the raw and secretive underground party by liquidating all democratic elements, (iii) the dictator is incompetent to lead the task successfully, and (iv) the other cause for the failure is the lack of an authentic leader who possesses the qualities of a developmental and legacy-building leaders.

  • 28.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Hyder, Akmal S.
    Högskolan i Gävle.
    A Longitudinal Study of Strategic Alliances in Eastern and Central Europe: The Case of ACCEL Share Company (ASC) and two Local Firms in Lithuania2014Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 29.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Hyder, Akmal S.
    Department of Business studies, University of Gävle, Sweden.
    From industrial networks to strategic alliances or vice-versa2009In: International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, ISSN 1753-6219, E-ISSN 1753-6227, Vol. 1, no 4, p. 361-386Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this paper is: to highlight the impact of industrial networks on strategic alliances; to determine if alliances help firms to build up new or strengthen existing networks; to find out whether alliances succeed or precede networks. Our findings show that well-developed networks have a positive impact on how alliances function and the results that they can achieve. The other finding is that alliances defend and strengthen networks, and also enable firms to build new ones or penetrate those of their alliance partner(s). The final conclusion is that it is difficult to determine if alliances succeed or precede networks.

  • 30.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Hyder, Seyed Akhmal
    University of Gävle.
    Fjellström, Daniella
    University of Gävle.
    The Journey of Strategic Alliances2017In: Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Conference of the EuropeanInternational Business Academy / [ed] Lucia Piscitello, Stefano Elia, 2017, p. 54-Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this article is to highlight the journey to and from strategic alliances and if alliances lead to the creation of new Alliances, how existing networks are managed and strengthened and to identify the factors which impact and determine the journey to and from strategic alliances. One of the findings of this chapter is that, in the pre-strategic alliance phase firms can have direct and indirect relationships which can lead to the formation of strategic alliances under certain circumstances, whereas in just the opposite circumstances those relationships might not lead to alliances formation. The other finding is that one of the main factors which determines the journey of strategic alliances is the degree of internationalization of the firm and the market. It is also found out that the journey of alliances can be different in the different groups of Central Europe countries depending on the pace or degree of adaptation of those countries, i.e. whether they are fast-, or medium or slow adapting countries.

  • 31.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Le Hieu, Hoc
    Faculty of Economics and Management, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    School of Business and Quality, HMBSU, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    How Developed-Country Firms Make Standardization/Transfer and Adaptations Decisions in Relation to their Developing-Host-Country Operations?2019In: Journal of East-West Business, ISSN 1066-9868, E-ISSN 1528-6959, Vol. 25, no 2, p. 107-143Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Factors influencing firms’ standardization and adaptations decisions tend to be treated as static isolated entities in the extant literature. Further, the focus is predominantly on Western MNCs and product development or marketing functions with manufacturing firms and the emerging/developing country perspective underrepresented. We explore factors, as well as their interrelations that determine standardization and adaptations decisions when a developed country manufacturing firm establishes operations in a developing country. Purposefully, Italian manufacturing firms with operations in Vietnam are examined. We identify functions, processes, and practices that are standardized/transferred and those that are adapted. A theoretical model is developed based on the findings.

  • 32.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    HBMSU, School of Business, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    A model for understanding the process of firm establishment in foreign loosely-structured emerging markets2018In: Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, ISSN 1549-9324, E-ISSN 1747-6763, Vol. 11, no 4, p. 327-342Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Our understanding of the process of firm establishment in foreign markets is relatively limited especially in relation to host-developing and host-emerging markets. The market-specific and context-driven nature of the firm establishment process is largely overlooked in the literature. Against this background, we aim to chart the establishment process of a Spanish telecommunication firm, Telefonica, in Brazil and Chile by applying the 'four stage firm establishment process model in foreign markets' (Abraha, 1994). We identify strategic responses crafted by Telefonica to overcome the challenges during its establishment process. We revise Abraha's model in view of the findings and conclude with implications for managerial practices.

  • 33.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia.
    Determinants of the international strategic alliance process and alliance failure: learning from the Volvo-Renault break-up2017In: International Journal of Strategic Business Alliances, ISSN 1756-6444, E-ISSN 1756-6452, Vol. 6, no 1/2, p. 86-110Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    While the scholarly focus has shifted from strategic alliance formation to alliance performance and thus alliance outcome, the process that leads to a particular outcome: alliance success or alliance failure remains indeterminate. Given their high failure rate, this study aims to identify factors that contribute to an alliance failure to better understand the strategic alliance management process to help alliances survive. Purposefully, the Volvo-Renault alliance break-up is investigated. A Process Model for International Strategic Alliance Lifecycle is developed. The findings establish that post-formation, the strategic alliance process necessitates managing interactions among: partners’ objectives; partners’ resource contribution; access to partner’s network; and alliance performance. However, for an alliance to sustain, learning and assessment must be an integral part. Learning and assessment are critical strategic inputs that serve as ‘binding forces’, and as an ‘alert mechanism’ whereby timely corrective managerial actions are triggered in favor of an alliance sustainability and vice versa.

  • 34.
    Abraha Gebrekidan, Desalegn
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Mukhtar, Syeda-Masooda
    King AbdulAziz University, Saudi Arabia.
    Managing Cultural Differences in International Business Operations: A Perspective from Europe2014In: Proceedings of 6th Annual American Business Research Conference 9 -10 June 2014, Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, New York, USA, World Business Institute Australia , 2014Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    While the advantages of globalization are numerous, (including economies of scale in research and development, production, marketing, access to large and many markets, access to new ideas, technologies, competencies, resources), globalization also brings with it new challenges. Cultural differences arguably being one of the most important of these challenges. Literature suggests that cultural differences and the firms’ ability to deal with them have a significant impact on firms’ operations as well as performance. Against this background, this study explores the relationship between cultural differences and the effectiveness of international business operations. The data is drawn from a sample of North European firms operating in diverse foreign markets. The findings show that for the European firms in our sample the learning, in the main, tended to take place 'by doing' over time. The paper concludes with managerial implications.

  • 35.
    Abrahamsson, Julia
    University of Skövde, School of Humanities and Informatics.
    Barns språkutveckling: En kvalitativ studie om barns språkutveckling vid samlingar i förskolan2011Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this essay is to examine how children’s language is supported and developed at the kindergarten and how it is done in reality. This study has its focus on gatherings. The content of the gatherings is analyzed with the Vygotskij’s theory in mind by interviewing kindergarten teachers and observing gatherings while focusing on the three theoretical expressions involvement, participation and autonomy. The result shows that teacher use the principles of involvement, participation and autonomy by activities like reading, songs etc. The study shows even that kindergarten teachers follow two different models consisting of the Bornholmsmodel and an own model. The main function of a gathering is to involve children into a social society. It shows that gatherings have a mixed status amongst kindergarten teachers because of having different opinions about gathering’s function and relevance for developing children’s language skills. It shows that gatherings using the Bornholmsmodel do have more content than gatherings done by kindergarten teachers with their own model. To examine if this occurs because of the mixed status or because of planning-issues would be a good start to begin with in future research.

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  • 36.
    Abrahamsson, Lena
    et al.
    Luleå Tekniska Universitet.
    Karlsson, Jan Ch.
    Karlstads Universitet.
    Tengblad, Stefan
    University of Skövde, School of Business. University of Skövde, Enterprises for the Future.
    Tankar om arbetslivet2015Book (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 37.
    Abrahamsson, Linnea
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Almkvist, Simon
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Paratexter och spelupplevelsen: Hur kan digitala uppslagsverk påverka spelupplevelsen i överlevnadsspel?2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Paratexter är verk som ger konsumenter en uppfattning om en produkt utan att interagera med själva produkten. Denna undersökning har studerat hur spelupplevelsen kan påverkas av en viss typ av paratext, digitala uppslagsverk, i överlevnadsspel. Spelupplevelsen är ett subjektivt fenomen, vilket ligger till grund för undersökningens kvalitativa ansats. En prototyp av ett generiskt överlevnadsspel, samt ett digitalt uppslagsverk för spelet, producerades. Därefter användes observationer och semistrukturerade intervjuer för att jämföra tio respondenters handlingar med deras åsikter. Resultatet bekräftade att det finns många olika attityder gentemot digitala uppslagsverk. Bland annat påvisades att dessa paratexter aktivt bidrar till att skapa mål för spelaren, och kan komplettera eventuella brister i spelets design. Spelupplevelsen kan också försämras, eftersom spelaren redan ”upplevt spelet” genom uppslagsverket. Framtida studier bör förslagsvis utnyttja denna introducerande studie för att skapa ett paratextuellt ramverk som spelutvecklare kan använda för att skapa så genomtänkta spelupplevelser som möjligt.

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  • 38.
    Abrahamsson, Viktor
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Visualisering av geospatialdata från firms i heatmaps: En jämförelse av visualiseringstekniker med D3.js och Heatmap.js baserat på utritningstid2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Stora mängder miljödata samlas hela tiden in och för att använda all data behöver den förstås av användarna så de kan applicera kunskapen inom deras område. Visualisering skapar förståelse om data. Heatmaps kan användas för att visualisera geospatial data och interaktivitet är ett hjälpmedel för att skapa ytterligare grafiska representationer. I detta arbete evalueras JavaScript-teknikerna D3.js, Heatmap.js och Vue.js angående vad som är mest lämpligt för att visualisera geospatial data utifrån effektiviteten vid utritning av heatmaps. Ett experiment genomförs där biblioteken D3.js, Heatmap.js testas i ramverket Vue.js. Detta för att ta reda på vilket bibliotek som föredras vid utritning av heatmaps och om ett ramverk påverkar resultatet. En miljö sätts upp för att genomföra undersökningen och tester för att påvisa detta. Resultatet indikerar att Heatmap.js och mindre datamängder ger en lägre utritningstid i den tillämpning som undersökts. I framtiden är det intressant att undersöka flera bibliotek och flera datamängder.

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  • 39.
    Abrha, Luwam
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Al Badri, Shahd
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Revisorns oberoende: En studie om hot mot oberoendet2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Auditing has a socially beneficial function because, among other things, it aims to ensure that there are no irregularities in the accountancy underlying the decision-making process. An auditor performs the audit and a prerequisite for this to be undertaken in a correct manner is that the auditor is independent in his or her assessments. In 2002, a law was introduced in Sweden based on a standard denoted “analysmodellen”. The purpose of introducing this model was to ensure the auditor's independence. The model is based on self-examination in which the auditor has to test his or her independence by taking into account five different types of situations that pose a threat to independence as well as a general legal clause.

    Purpose: The purpose of the study is to create an understanding of how “analysmodellen” is perceived by auditors as well as to describe how auditors act to counteract threats to their independence.

    Method: The study is conducted using a qualitative method; more specifically semi-structured interviews. The reason is that this method is applicable when the purpose is to create an understanding as well as a description of the process under consideration. Achieving the purpose requires a deep understanding of auditors' perceptions of ”analysmodellen” and what steps they take to counteract threats to independence.

    Theoretical starting point: The theories used in the study are institutional theory and the theory of sensemaking, this in order to analyze similarities and differences in perceptions and actions. Institutional theory has been used to analyze similarities at the organizational level. Sensemaking has been used to analyze similarities as well as differences at the individual level.

    Conclusion: The study shows that “analysmodellen” is perceived in a similar way by the auditors. The auditors consider it as a sufficient tool for dealing with the issues of independence. There were no significant differences in the way auditors acted to counter threats to independence. However, the study shows that there are minor differences that primarily can be explained by the fact that the auditors' personal experiences differ.

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  • 40.
    Abulafia, Carolina
    et al.
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Medical Sciences, Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Duarte-Abritta, Bárbara
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Villarreal, Mirta F.
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Ladrón-de-Guevara, Maria S.
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Garcia, Celeste
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Sequeyra, Geraldine
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Sevlever, Gustavo
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Fiorentini, Leticia
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Bär, Karl-Jürgen
    Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany.
    Gustafson, Deborah R.
    University of Skövde, School of Health and Education. University of Skövde, Health and Education. Department of Neurology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA / Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Vigo, Daniel E.
    Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Medical Sciences, Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Guinjoan, Salvador M.
    FLENI Foundation Department of Psychiatry, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina / FLENI Teaching Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Department of Neurophysiology, University of Buenos Aires School of Psychology, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Relationship between Cognitive and Sleep-wake Variables in Asymptomatic Offspring of Patients with Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease2017In: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, ISSN 1663-4365, E-ISSN 1663-4365, Vol. 9, article id 93Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Early neuropathological changes characteristic of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) involve brain stem and limbic structures that regulate neurovegetative functions, including sleep-wake rhythm. Indeed, sleep pattern is an emerging biomarker and a potential pathophysiological mechanism in LOAD. We hypothesized that cognitively asymptomatic, middle-aged offspring of patients with LOAD (O-LOAD) would display a series of circadian rhythm abnormalities prior to the onset of objective cognitive alterations. We tested 31 children of patients with LOAD (O-LOAD) and 19 healthy individuals without family history of Alzheimer's disease (control subjects, CS) with basic tests of cognitive function, as well as actigraphy measures of sleep-wake rhythm, cardiac autonomic function, and bodily temperature. Unexpectedly, O-LOAD displayed subtle but significant deficits in verbal episodic memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test delayed recall 10.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 8.6 +/- 0.6, t = 4.97, df = 49, p < 0.01) and language (Weschler's vocabulary 51.4 +/- 1.3 vs. 44.3 +/- 1.5, t = 2.49, df = 49, p < 0.001) compared to CS, even though all participants had results within the clinically normal range. O-LOAD showed a phase-delayed rhythm of body temperature (2.56 +/- 0.47 h vs. 3.8 +/- 0.26 h, t = 2.48, df = 40, p = 0.031). Cognitive performance in O-LOAD was associated with a series of cardiac autonomic sleep-wake variables; specifically indicators of greater sympathetic activity at night were related to poorer cognition. The present results suggest sleep pattern deserves further study as a potential neurobiological signature in LOAD, even in middle-aged, at risk individuals.

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  • 41.
    Acarsoy, Sara Nil
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Effects of interactivity on narrative-driven games: A heuristic approach for narrative-driven games2021Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    In narrative-driven games, the story is an essential part of the gameplay, and understanding the story is of great importance. Given that what separates this genre from other storytelling media is interactivity, this thesis focuses on the elements in narrative-driven video games that effects the players' perception of narrative through interactivity. Using players' likes and dislikes from their previous experiences in narrative-driven games, this thesis aims to develop a heuristic approach for interactive narrative elements that offer the narrative through players' input to the game's system and create an effective gameplay experience that delivers the story to the players.

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  • 42.
    Adamson, Victor
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Bägerfeldt, Johan
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Assessing the effectiveness of ChatGPT in generating Python code2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This study investigated ChatGPT’s Python code generation capabilities with a quasi-experiment and a case study, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods respectively. The quantitative analysis compared ChatGPT-generated code to human-written solutions in terms of accuracy, quality, and readability, while the qualitative study interviewed participants with varying levels of programming experience about the usability of ChatGPT for code generation. The findings revealed significant differences in quality between AI-generated and human-written solutions but maintained overall similarities in accuracy and readability. The interviewees reported that ChatGPT showed potential for generating simple programs but struggled with complex problems and iterative development, though most participants were optimistic about its future capabilities. Future research could involve larger samples, more programming languages, and increased problem complexities. 

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  • 43.
    Adamsson, Anna
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Humanities and Informatics.
    Svensson, Cecilia
    University of Skövde, School of Humanities and Informatics.
    Kollision eller kommunikation?: En kvalitativ studie om lärares syn på hantering och förebyggande av konflikter2009Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    A general opinion among teachers in school is that a lot of time is spent on conflict handling. In the study, teachers opinions about conflict and conflict handling will be discussed though the purpose is to study conflict handling in two classrooms. The purpose is also to see what opinions teachers have when it comes to preventing and handling conflicts. The study is built on observations and qualitative interviews with two teachers. The opinion among teachers in this study is that a school without conflicts gives the pupils advantages and is something that the school teaching take benefits from. The interpretation is that the handling of conflicts in school is unavoidable and time is taken from planned education to conflict handling. The result of the study shows that different opinions of pupils benefits from conflict handling. Earlier documented research shows, unlike the result of the study, that conflict handling may give pupils valuable tools to handle social problems they may experience now and in the future. The results even presents conflicts of different type of character, some of them can be constructive and some destructive. Focus of the result in the study is also that the same pupils often end up in conflicts and that there are a common denominator among them. In the study the result is discussed. Subjects that are in focus are the lack of conflict handling in the classroom, why it is relevant to discuss conflicts in the classroom and also that children need a security to be able to handle conflicts. Finally, are the chosen methods of the study discussed.

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  • 44.
    Ademi, Valdrin
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Malsiu, Qendrim
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Utmaningarna med distansarbetet på chefers ledarskap: En kvalitativ studie om utmaningar distansarbetet fört med sig på chefers coachande ledarskap, motivation och kommunikation2022Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Questions: What challenges has teleworking brought to managers' coaching leadership, motivation & communication?

    Aim: The aim of the study is to create an understanding of how the managers in the chosen municipality have handled the challenges that telework has brought. The challenges of motivation, communication and coaching leadership should be highlighted.

    Theoretical contribution: This research report has been based on various theoretical contributions regarding leadership, coaching leadership, remote leadership, motivation and communication. The clarification of these concepts has been the basis of the theoretical frame of reference for the study. The concepts are taken from previous relevant research within the chosen subject.

    Method: In this study, an abductive research approach was used. A qualitative study was conducted with interviews. Eight respondents who have a managerial position within a municipal unit in Sweden were the respondents of the study. The literature study was compiled by collecting theory from previous research.

    Results: The challenges that teleworking brought to managers is that it led to active and more present leadership. The challenges of communication were both positive and negative and overcame each other. On the motivation, the challenges were mostly negative as it became more difficult to motivate the employees as a result of the distance work.

    Analysis: The study's analysis is based on explaining and clarifying the connection between the empirical work and the theoretical contribution. The analysis part has contributed to an account of how the remote relationship has had an impact on managers' leadership based on theoretical factors such as motivation and communication. 

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  • 45.
    Adolfsson, Anders
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics.
    Kan den underförstådda arketypens rörelsesätt påverka hur spelare interagerar med spelvärlden?: Hur animation kan förmedla spelarens disposition.2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Studien har undersökt om rörelsesättet hos en underförstådd arketyp kan påverka sättet en spelare interagerar med en virtuell miljö. För att ta reda på detta skapades ett spel som kan spelas i två olika versioner där avatarens rörelsesätt är den enda skillnaden. Data samlades in via enkät och via spelet som skapats. Resultatet antyder att spelaren anpassar sitt beteende efter sättet som avataren rör sig. Detta belyser även hur man kan utnyttja arketyper för att fömedla avatarens personlighet och dispositioner.

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  • 46.
    Adolfsson, Elin
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Kucera, Ida
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    How do B2B use social media to build trust?: An exploratory study in what aspects create, maintain and destroy interorganizational trust2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Social media usage in the B2B sector is increasing at a slower rate than B2C and the research literature sends a unanimous message; B2B firms would benefit in multiple ways using social media as a tool when establishing and entertaining business relationships. The concept of trust is proved to be of great importance in the construction of these relationships. With guidance of this thesis’ practical contribution,the model The Hourglass of Trust, displaying three categories of trust; creation, maintenance and destruction, this thesis will simultaneously highlight the theoretical contribution: aspects affecting trust, as well as the managerial contribution: aid B2B insocial media strategy planning for improved opportunities to build better business relationships on social media.

    A key finding and theoretical contribution, is the activity of switching channels from social media to other marketing channels such as email. Some B2B marketers use social media only as a storefront, a one-way promotion tool to create trust in order to reach an audience, create leads, stimulate interest or in the initial contact with another firm and then switch to the usage of other channels like email once the relationship has moved past the trust creation category. This finding is of particular interest since Sweden is a country built upon social trust and has a high social media penetration which may beviewed as counter intuitive when social media is used as a one-way-communication channel such as a storefront. B2B marketers in the empirical findings view social mediain a more positive light than earlier research, stating it is a powerful tool for building long-term business relationships.

    A second key finding is that personal values are associated with trust creation and trust maintenance in B2B, turning the spotlight from inter-organizational to interpersonal trust.

    Future research is encouraged to explore the reason for the switching of channels in B2B SMEs in Sweden as well as further explore the concept of trust in a B2B social media context testing the proposed model, The Hourglass of Trust (Fig. 2).

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  • 47.
    Afghahi, Avin
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Nickoie Monfared, Reyhaneh
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Investeringsbedömning- och processer: En kvalitativ studie om investeringsbedömning- och processer vid digitaliseringsinvesteringar i en kommun2022Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Title: A qualitative study of investment appraisal and processes in digitizing investments in a municipality. 

    Background and problem: Investing in digitalisation contributes to municipalities being more active and efficient in their work. However, making sensible judgments can be challenging because of the difficulty of predicting the future. This emphasizes the importance of the decision-making process, where relevant investment proposals are addressed and evaluated, to ensure that the right resources are available at appropriate times and in sufficient quantities.

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate investment evaluation (appraisal) for digitization investments in municipal operations by outlining how digitization investments are carried out and which criteria are important in investment evaluation. Furthermore, which strategies for digitization investments exist inside the municipality must be determined.

    Method: The thesis has been written through qualitative research and a case study of a medium-sized municipality, with the aim of examining investment appraisal and processes for digitalization investments in the municipality. The empirical data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with digital strategists in the health and care sectors, as well as controllers in the municipality who work with investments.

    Conclusion: Digitalisation investments are initiated because of a need in order to achieve higher quality and efficiency in the business, but also to deliver better and simpler service to inhabitants. It can be stated that there is a strong connection between the municipality's digitization investments and digitization target images. The purpose of all investments that the municipality makes is to achieve quality and utility. Regardless of the type and size of the investments, quality and utility are criteria that must be taken into account and are intended to be achieved at the end of the investment process.

  • 48.
    Agaeus, Catharina
    University of Skövde, School of Humanities and Informatics.
    Sociala kognitiva arbetsmiljöproblem (SKAMP) inom datorstött samarbete2012Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Delar av dagens samhälle fortsätter att datoriseras och nya möjligheter för interaktion med datoriserade produkter som stödjer social interaktion introduceras i ökad takt. Själva grunden för hur organisationer ser ut förändras och pekar mot ett allt mer distribuerat sätt där människor kan interagera med varandra utan att vara på samma plats, vid samma tidpunkt. Samtidigt visar forskning att det finns brister i användbarhet hos gruppverktyg. Kognitiva arbetsmiljöproblem (KAMP) kan uppstå när användbarhet brister men har hittills främst studerats ur ett enanvändarperspektiv. Syftet med den här rapporten är att identifiera samt klassificera socio-kognitiva arbetsmiljöproblem (SKAMP) inom datorstött samarbete för att bidra med kunskap som i förlängningen kan leda till en tydligare förståelse kring SKAMP. En arbetsplatsstudie utfördes där distribuerad kognition användes som analysverktyg. Studien genomfördes på en avdelning inom en organisation där förutsättningarna för att finna SKAMP ansågs som gynnsamma. Genom att anta ett distribuerat synsätt där observationer av avbrott och ”mismatches” i informationsflödet beaktats samt hur kognitiva processer implementeras i en grupp mynnade det analyserade materialet ut i fem kategorier av SKAMP: Problem med informationskoordinering, ”Bristande kommunikation”, ”gemensam lägesbildsaknas”, ”Brister i medierad kommunikation”, ”Otillräcklig kontroll och överblick”och ”Oklar holistisk helhetsmodell”. Dessa skall ses som komplement till de redan idag identifierade KAMP.

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  • 49.
    Agapuu, Marie
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Humanities and Informatics.
    Svensson, Ingrid
    University of Skövde, School of Humanities and Informatics.
    En studie om elevers självkänsla: Elevers utsagor om uppmuntran och stöd i en sjätteklass2009Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

     

    Abstract

     

    Study: Degree project in teacher education, Advanced level, 15hp

    University of Skövde

    Title: A study on students' self-esteem Students' statements on the encouragement and support in a sixth grade

    Number of pages: 26 pages

    Author: Marie Agapuu & Ingrid Svensson

    Tutor: Anna-Stina Ahlrik

    Date: January 2009

     

    Keywords: Self-esteem, encouragement, support

     

     

    A good self-esteem of students will often coincide with good academic performance, but it has also shown that students do not have low self-esteem due to low academic performance. Students' self-esteem is both a complex topic and concepts. We want this study to draw attention and to discuss teachers' efforts to enhance students' self-esteem in school. Encouragement and support of the school adopted in the study contribute to strengthening students' self-esteem. The study examines whether and how nine pupils in a sixth class is that they get encouragement and support of / from their teachers in school subjects and in learning situations. Of the results revealed that some students feel that the teacher encourages them through praise, it may be both written and oral. It further appeared that some students feel the support of teachers by allowing them to practice more on what they think is difficult and some students expressed that they do not receive any encouragement or no aid from their teachers. The results show that students have different difficult to perceive what is aid and what is encouragement from the teacher. The results illustrate the discussion we pupils statements in relation to the concept of self-esteem and our thoughts.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • 50.
    Agardsson, Alida
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Blomquist, Alice
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Engström, Emmalisa
    University of Skövde, School of Business.
    Kvinnliga ledares navigering genom glaslabyrinten: En kvalitativ studie om kvinnliga ledares upplevelser av att leda i den svenska bygg- och anläggningsbranschen2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Följande examensarbete ämnar undersöka och förmedla en djupare bild av kvinnliga ledares upplevelse av att leda i den svenska bygg- och anläggningsbranschen. Uppsatsen är en kvalitativ studie där åtta kvinnliga ledare djup-intervjuats om deras personliga upplevelser gällande de utmaningar som de navigerat sig genom under sitt avancemang i arbetslivet. Dessa utmaningar är i denna studie uppdelade i fem kategorier för att skapa en tydlighet för läsaren genom uppsatsen. Syftet är att generera en större förståelse för de utmaningar som kvinnliga ledare förhåller sig till, vilket i sin tur kan bidra till att utvecklingen går framåt inom branschen. Samt att undersöka om tidigare forskning kring de metaforer som används för att beskriva dessa utmaningar går att tillämpa på kvinnornas upplevelser av bygg- och anläggningsbranschen. Urvalet till studien omfattar åtta kvinnliga ledare med befattningar som platschef och arbetsledare, där majoriteten av den grupp som de leder består av män. Resultatet av studien visade att tidigare forskning gällande teorin om glaslabyrinten passar in på upplevelserna kvinnorna hade från sina karriärsliv, och andra föregående metaforer anses mindre relevanta i sammanhanget.

    Inledningsvis uttryckte flertalet av intervjupersonerna att de inte upplevde några svårigheter att leda i branschen. Under intervjuerna uppdagades dock flera faktorer som kvinnorna tidigare inte upplevt som utmaningar, men som författarna till studien tolkar som svårigheter de fått förhålla sig till. Detta uppfattar författarna till uppsatsen vara en del av en copingstrategi för att hantera den rådande kulturen och således bli accepterad och respekterad av sina medarbetare. Dock framkom det i studien att den svenska bygg- och anläggningsbranschen på senare tid haft en positiv utveckling, men för att ytterligare förbättringar ska kunna genomföras behöver dessa utmaningar fortsätta att uppmärksammas i samhället.

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