An effective tool used by planners and policy makers in public health, such as Center for Disease Control (CDC), to curtail spread of infectious diseases over a given population is contagion diffusion simulations. These simulations model the relevant characteristics of the population (age, gender, income etc.) and the disease (attack rate, etc.) and compute the spread under various configuration and plausible intervention strategies (such as vaccinations, school closure, etc.). Hence, the model and the computation form a complex agent based system and are highly compute and resource intensive. In this work, we design a benchmark consisting of several kernels which capture the essential compute, communication, and data access patterns for such applications. For each kernel, the benchmark provides different evaluation strategies. The goal is to (a) derive alternative implementations for computing the contagion by combining different implementation of the kernels, and (b) evaluate which combination of implementation, runtime, and hardware is most effective in running large scale contagion diffusion simulations. Our proposed benchmark is designed using C++ generic programming primitives and lifting sequential strategies for parallel computations. Together, these lead to a succinct description of the benchmark and significant code reuse when deriving strategies for new hardware. For the benchmark to be effective, this aspect is crucial, because the potential combination of hardware and runtime are growing rapidly thereby making infeasible to write optimized strategy for the complete contagion diffusion from ground up for each compute system. / Master of Science

Following proper guidelines and recommendations are crucial in software security, which is mostly obstructed by accidental human errors. Automatic screening tools have great potentials to reduce the gap between the theory and the practice. However, the goal of scalable automated code screening is largely hindered by the practical difficulty of reducing false positives without compromising analysis quality. To enable compile-time security checking of cryptographic vulnerabilities, I developed highly precise static analysis tools (CryptoGuard and TaintCrypt) that developers can use routinely. The main technical enabler for CryptoGuard is a set of detection algorithms that refine program slices by leveraging language-specific insights, where TaintCrypt relies on symbolic execution-based path-sensitive analysis to reduce false positives. Both CryptoGuard and TaintCrypt uncovered numerous vulnerabilities in real-world software, which proves the effectiveness. Oracle has implemented our cryptographic code screening algorithms for Java in its internal code analysis platform, Parfait, and detected numerous vulnerabilities that were previously unknown. I also designed a specification language named SpanL to easily express rules for automated code screening. SpanL enables domain experts to create domain-specific security checking. Unfortunately, tools and guidelines are not sufficient to ensure baseline security in internet-wide ecosystems. I found that the lack of proper compliance checking induced a huge gap in the payment card industry (PCI) ecosystem. I showed that none of the PCI scanners (out of 6), we tested are fully compliant with the guidelines, issuing certificates to merchants that still have major vulnerabilities. Consequently, 86% (out of 1,203) of the e-commerce websites we tested, are non-compliant. To improve the testbeds in the light of our work, the PCI Security Council shared a copy of our PCI measurement paper to the dedicated companies that host, manage, and maintain the PCI certification testbeds. / Doctor of Philosophy / Automatic screening tools have great potentials to reduce the gap between the theory and the practice of software security. However, the goal of scalable automated code screening is largely hindered by the practical difficulty of reducing false positives without compromising analysis quality. To enable compile-time security checking of cryptographic vulnerabilities, I developed highly precise static analysis tools (CryptoGuard and TaintCrypt) that developers can use routinely. Both CryptoGuard and TaintCrypt uncovered numerous vulnerabilities in real-world software, which proves the effectiveness. Oracle has implemented our cryptographic code screening algorithms for Java in its internal code analysis platform, Parfait, and detected numerous vulnerabilities that were previously unknown. I also designed a specification language named SpanL to easily express rules for automated code screening. SpanL enables domain experts to create domain-specific security checking. Unfortunately, tools and guidelines are not sufficient to ensure baseline security in internet-wide ecosystems. I found that the lack of proper compliance checking induced a huge gap in the payment card industry (PCI) ecosystem. I showed that none of the PCI scanners (out of 6), we tested are fully compliant with the guidelines, issuing certificates to merchants that still have major vulnerabilities. Consequently, 86% (out of 1,203) of the e-commerce websites we tested, are non-compliant. To improve the testbeds in the light of our work, the PCI Security Council shared a copy of our PCI measurement paper to the dedicated companies that host the PCI certification testbeds.

Educators have a responsibility to foster a positive school climate while also ensuring that all students meet established educational benchmarks and make adequate growth. The relationship between school climate and student achievement is well-documented, but there is a gap in the literature examining the relationships among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement at the elementary school level in Virginia. A nonexperimental, correlational design was used to address this research question: What are the relationships, if any, among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement among fourth grade students in three school divisions in Virginia for the 2022-2023 school year? Existing data sets from 73 schools within 3 school divisions in Virginia were used: (a) the 2023 Virginia Survey of School Climate and Working Conditions, (b) fourth graders' Fall 2022 to Spring 2023 growth in reading and mathematics on the Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress assessment, and (c) fourth graders' mean performance on the 2023 Virginia Standards of Learning assessments in reading and mathematics. A correlational analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among these variables. Results were analyzed, and there were 12 findings. The most significant finding was a stronger positive relationship between school climate and benchmark achievement in reading and mathematics than between school climate and academic growth in either subject. This study contributes to the body of research on school climate and benchmark achievement by addressing relationships among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement. / Doctor of Education / Educators have a responsibility to foster a positive school climate while also ensuring that all students meet established educational benchmarks and make adequate growth. The relationship between school climate and student achievement is well-documented, but there is a gap in the literature examining the relationships among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement at the elementary school level in Virginia. A nonexperimental, correlational design was used to address this research question: What are the relationships, if any, among school climate, academic growth, and benchmark achievement among fourth grade students in three school divisions in Virginia for the 2022-2023 school year? Existing data sets from 73 schools within 3 school divisions in Virginia were used: (a) the 2023 Virginia Survey of School Climate and Working Conditions, (b) fourth graders' Fall 2022 to Spring 2023 growth in reading and mathematics on the Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress assessment, and (c) fourth graders' mean performance on the 2023 Virginia Standards of Learning assessments in reading and mathematics. A correlational analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among these variables. Results were analyzed, and there were 12 findings. The most significant finding was a stronger positive relationship between school climate and benchmark achievement in reading and mathematics than between school climate and academic growth in either subject.

Denna rapport undersöker huruvida det befintliga nätverket av publika laddstationer i Hallands län är tillräckligt för att möta den växande efterfrågan i linje med elektrifieringen av vägtrafiken, som i sin tur kan hjälpa Sverige nå sina långsiktiga klimatmål. Vad som är att betrakta som tillräckligt definieras i denna rapports kontext utifrån riktmärken angivna av Europeiska unionen (EU) och European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). För att genomföra analysen skapades en karta med publika laddningsstationer i programmet ArcMap, till vilken geodata över administrativa länsgränser och vägar lades till. Enligt Europaparlamentets direktiv 2014/94 krävs en laddningspunkt per tio elbilar - ett förhållande på 1:10. ACEA tillhandahåller en liknande, men inte identisk, riktlinje där de rekommenderar ett förhållande på 1:7 i Sverige. Båda dessa riktlinjer överträffas av den nuvarande infrastrukturen enligt resultaten som redovisats i denna rapport, som uppnår ett förhållande på 1:4,3. ACEA specificerar dock ytterligare en riktlinje - att 134 laddningspunkter krävs per 100 km väg längs huvudkorridorerna i TEN-T-nätverket. I detta sammanhang visar resultatet från rapporten att det befintliga nätverket av publika laddstationer endast uppgår till 118 per 100 km. Även om det är betryggande att den befintliga infrastrukturen uppfyller två av de tre nämnda riktlinjerna, bör den uppfylla alla för att anses vara tillräcklig. Slutsatsen i denna rapport är därför att det nuvarande nätverket av offentliga laddstationer inte är tillräckligt. Tilläggningsvis har det även i rapporten observerats att endast 57% av länets befolkning har en eller fler publika laddningsstationer inom 2 km - vilket ytterligare antyder att den befintliga infrastrukturen ej erbjuder tillräcklig täckning för invånarna. Fortsatt utveckling och utbyggnad av laddinfrastrukturen är nödvändig för att stödja den ökande elektrifieringen av vägtrafiken och bidra till att uppnå Sveriges långsiktiga klimatmål. Framtida arbeten där andra län med andra förutsättningar än Halland undersöks kan potentiellt erbjuda värdefulla insikter i hur laddinfrastrukturen skiljer sig mellan länen och var ytterligare investeringar eventuellt behövs för att skapa en mer homogen infrastruktur i landet. Alternativt kan en övergripande analys på riksnivå göras, vilket skulle ge en bra överblick över infrastrukturen i riket generellt. En utmaning i en sådan undersökning blir dock att fastställa var ytterligare investeringar behövs, då situationen kan skilja sig avsevärt mellan länen. Risken är då att skillnaderna inte framgår tydligt ifall studien görs på en övergripande riksnivå, beroende på detaljnivån i en sådan studie. / This report examines whether the existing network of public charging stations in Halland County is sufficient to meet the growing demand in line with the increasing number of electric cars, which in turn would help Sweden reach its long-term climate goals. In the context of this report, what is considered sufficient is defined using benchmarks from the European Union (EU) and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). To carry out the analysis, a map of public charging stations was created in ArcMap, to which geodata of county boundaries and road networks was added. According to the European Parliament's directive 2014/94, one charging point is required per ten electric cars - a ratio of 1:10. The ACEA provides a similar, but not identical, benchmark where they recommend a ratio of 1:7 in Sweden. Both of these benchmarks are exceeded by the current infrastructure according to results shown in this report, which achieves a ratio of 1:4.3. However, the ACEA also specify another benchmark - that 134 charging points are required per 100 km of road along the main corridors of the TEN-T network. In this context, the results of this report show that the existing network of public charging stations only number 118 per 100 km. Although it is reassuring that the existing infrastructure achieves two of the three outlined benchmarks, it should achieve all of them in order for it to be considered sufficient. The conclusion of this report is therefore that the current network of public charging stations is not sufficient. Additionally, it has in this report been observed that only 57% of the county’s population have one or more public charging stations within 2 km - further indicating that the current infrastructure does not provide sufficient coverage for the populace. Continued development and expansion of the charging infrastructure is necessary to support the increasing electrification of road traffic and contribute to achieving Sweden's long-term climate goals. Future studies in which other counties with different conditions than Halland County are examined could potentially offer valuable insights into how charging infrastructure varies between counties and where further investments may be needed to create a more homogeneous infrastructure in the country. Alternatively, a comprehensive national-level analysis could be conducted, providing a good overview of the infrastructure in the country overall. However, a challenge in such a study would be to determine where additional investments are needed, as the situation can vary significantly between counties. These differences may not be clearly visible if the study is conducted on a nation- wide scale, depending on the level of detail of the study.

Private equity (PE) has consistently delivered robust financial returns relative to the public stock market, therefore attracting significant interest from institutional and private investors alike. Private equity performance is generally benchmarked against the public stock market with the help of the Public Market Equivalent (PME) framework. However, a common criticism is that very broad indices, not reflecting the characteristics of private equity investments, are generally used in this framework. This thesis explores the application of tailored indices in the PME framework, designed to more closely mirror the specific characteristics of PE investments, such as sector and geographical composition, and thus providing a more realistic picture of PE performance. The research adopts a quantitative approach and through comprehensive data collection of cash flows, valuations, composition and index data the authors construct two Excel models: one assessing the performance of the PE market and the other analyzing a Fund of Funds (FoF) actor's underlying funds. The findings indicate that using tailored indices generally reduces the outperformance of PE investments compared to the public market. Specifically, PE funds with vintages from 2004 to 2018 experience a 2% to 3.5% decrease in yearly excess return when benchmarked against a tailored index rather than the MSCI World index. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the PE market's concentration on high-performing sectors in America. These findings highlight the critical role of benchmark selection in assessing PE performance. Additionally, funds with a specific investment focus, known as specialist funds, are more accurately benchmarked against tailored indices that reflect their focus. Conversely, generalist funds can be effectively benchmarked against a broad index.

Le terme de « prix de transfert » désigne le prix des transactions conclues entre les filiales d’une même entreprise multinationale. La thèse traite, sous un angle essentiellement normatif, de la problématique de réglementation de ces prix, c'est-à-dire de la détermination du mode de partage optimal du profit d’un groupe entre ses filiales. La thèse s’attache tout d’abord à montrer l’effet de la réglementation des prix de transfert sur les décisions de production et d’investissement des entreprises, puis sur le bien-être mondial. Sur la base des résultats obtenus, les objectifs qu’un dictateur bienveillant international devrait assigner à ce type de réglementation sont ensuite établis. Ce double travail permet de tracer le contour d’un projet de réglementation optimale, fondé sur le concept d’équité inter-nations, et dont l’application conduirait à attribuer à chaque filiale sa valeur de Shapley dans un jeu préalablement défini. La thèse éclaire également le débat contemporain en proposant un protocole permettant de comparer le principe de pleine concurrence avec la méthode d’allocation forfaitaire. / The prices of the transactions set between subsidiaries of a multinational corporation are usually called « transfer prices ». The dissertation deals with the normative questions raised by the regulation of such prices, particularly the optimal way of distributing the profit of a multinational between its subsidiaries. The dissertation first shows how the transfer prices regulation can influence corporate production and investment decisions, thereby impacting worldwide welfare. Based upon these results, the objectives that an international benevolent dictator would pursue through such a regulation are then identified. This program allows for the sketching of an optimal transfer prices regulation, which relies strongly upon the inter-nation equity concept, and which application would grant each subsidiary its Shapley value in a certain game. The dissertation also makes a contribution to the current debate by proposing a protocol to compare the arm’s length principle with the formulary apportionment method.

Grocott metoden är den känsligaste metoden för infärgning av svampstrukturer i histologisk vävnad i jämförelse med till exempel Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Handhavandet av det cancerogena oxidationsmedlet kromsyra samt tidsaspekten för Grocott är signifikanta problem. Syftet med studien var att undersöka om den automatiserade färgningsmetoden för Grocott ger likvärdiga resultat som vid den manuella färgningsmetoden. Tolv preparat färgades med både den manuella och den automatiserade metoden för Grocott. Den automatiserade färgningsmetoden använder ett färdigt kit med alla ingående lösningar. Visuell bedömning av preparaten utfördes med hjälp av legitimerade biomedicinska analytiker samt en patolog. Svampstrukturer i åtta av ela preparat samt kontroll bedömdes vara tydligare infärgade med den automatiserade metoden i färhållande till den manuella. Svampstrukturer i endast ett preparat bedömdes vara tydligare infärgade med den manuella metoden. Resterande två preparat visade inga svampstrukturer. Resultaten tyder på att den automatiserade färgningsmetoden för Grocott ger likvärdiga, alternativt tydligare infrägning av svampstrukturer i jämförelse med den manuella metoden. / The Grocott method is the most sensitive staining method for fungal structures in histological tissues in comparison to for example Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Usage of the cancerogenic chromic acid and the time aspect for Grocott are significant problems. The aim of this study was to examine if the automated staining method for Grocott provides equivalent results in comparison to the manual staining method. Twelve tissue sections were stained with both the automated and the manual method. The automated method contains a kit with all solutions. Visual evaluation was conducted with authorized biomedical scientists and a pathologist. Fungi structures in eight of eleven tissue sections and a control were evaluated as more distinct in the automated method in comparison to the manual method. Fungal structures in one of the tissue sections were evaluated more distinct in the manual method. In the remaining two tissue sections, no fungal structures were identified. Results from this study indicates that the automated staining method for Grocott provides equally, alternatively more distinct fungal staining in comparison to the manual method.

La conception des machines électriques a une longue tradition et l’approche « business as usual » est un processus itératif d’essais et d’erreur, certes convergent mais nécessairement stoppé prématurément, car trop couteux. Un perfectionnement récent a consisté à remplacer les prototypes et les maquettes par des prototypes virtuels, entièrement numériques, comme ceux fournis par la méthode des éléments finis. Néanmoins, le procédé s’arrête toujours sur une frustration car le concepteur n’est jamais sûr d’avoir exploré complètement l’espace de conception qui s’offre à lui. La démarche de conception optimale se propose d’améliorer ce processus en le guidant, c'est-à-dire en proposant une méthodologie, et en l’automatisant, c'est-à-dire en proposant des outils logiciels. Mais dans cette démarche apparaissent de nombreuses difficultés. Ainsi, les objectifs généraux de cette thèse sont multiples. Il s’agit de définir des problèmes d'optimisation spécifiques représentatifs des choix structurels et d’élaborer des benchmarks de référence : discret, multiphysique, multidisciplinaire, multi-objectif et multi-niveaux. Ensuite, il faut rechercher, adapter et qualifier les méthodes d'optimisation les mieux à même de résoudre ces problèmes. Enfin, les différentes méthodes d'optimisation proposées sont implantées et testées de façon à prouver leur efficacité et leur adaptation. Un objectif secondaire mais important est de les capitaliser et diffuser les connaissances élaborées / The design of electrical machinery has a long tradition and the business as usual approach is a tries and errors iterative process, certainly converging but necessarily stopped prematurely as too expensive. A recent upgrade has been to replace the prototypes and models by virtual prototypes, fully numerical, such as those provided by the finite element method. Nevertheless, the process stops always on a frustration, because the designer is never sure to have completely explored the design space that offers to him. The optimal design approach proposes to improve this process by guiding it, i.e. by proposing a methodology and by equiping it, i.e. by providing software tools. But in this approach many difficulties appear. Thus, the general objectives of this thesis are multiple. It is to define specific representative optimization problems of the structural choices and develop reference benchmarks of optimization: discrete, multi-physics, multidisciplinary, multi-objective and multi-level. Then, it must seek, adapt and describe the best optimization methods able to solve these problems. These methods are implemented and tested in order to prove their efficiency and adaptation. A secondary but important objective is to capitalize and disseminate the developed knowledge

Ce travail de thèse démontre l’importance d’intégrer des outils théoriques à des observations expérimentales dans le but d’étudier le rôle des interactions non-covalentes et plus précisément de la dispersion dans la chimie des métaux de transition. Plusieurs thèmes ont ainsi été abordés comme les interactions d’empilement entre chélates de métaux de transition à l’état solide; l’influence de la chiralité sur l’oligomérisation en solution de complexes plans carrés de Rh(I) isonitrile; la stabilité et inactivité inhabituelles de complexes de type cis-platine en solution concentrée. Les résultats obtenus par titration calorimétrique isotherme ont permis d’évaluer la capacité de méthodes théoriques à reproduire avec précision les résultats expérimentaux. Les calculs ont démontré qu’un traitement théorique approprié des effets de la dispersion et de la solvatation, donne des valeurs cohérentes avec les résultats expérimentaux. Cependant, des améliorations supplémentaires sont nécessaires. / This thesis has shown the importance of integration of theoretical calculations and experimental investigations in studying the role of non-covalent interactions and particularly dispersion interactions in transition metal chemistry. Several subjects were addressed, such as stacking interactions of chelates in transition metal complexes in solid state, influence of chirality on the oligomerization of Rh(I) isonitrile complexes in solution and the stability of the cis-platin type complexes in concentrated solutions. Isothermal titration calorimetry proved to be very useful in the studies by providing accurate experimental data on the thermochemistry of addressed processes. This data was used to gauge the ability of the theoretical methods to accurately reproduce the experimental results. Calculations have shown that the proper treatment of dispersion effects and solvation by theoretical models gives values in relatively good agreement with experiments, but further improvements are needed.

Abstract Higher education is facing a range of major challenges during the twenty-first century. Personalised, flexible and open learning are considered among the driving forces, thus, issues of quality must be urgently addressed. This qualitative, multiple-case-study research with single and cross-case analysis focuses on benchmarking e-learning in higher education. The results of this study include providing conceptual lenses with which to see, discuss and perceive the complexity of benchmarking e-learning in higher education in extended, stretched and boundless learning environments. It has become obvious through the research that there is a need for new frames of reference for quality in e-learning. The choice of theoretical foundations for benchmarking e-learning will impact the consequences of accomplishing and selecting benchmarks. This research provides directions and recommendations for the future regarding how to accomplish benchmarking e-learning in extended learning environments in which students can study, work and live independently of time and space with global resources at their disposal in lifelong learning environments. The greatest challenge identified in this study for integrating benchmarking e-learning into general quality assurance is the fact that the required changes related to and demanded for e-learning are not fully understood. The research shows that benchmarking as a method will have a significant impact on ordinary quality assurance in higher education. This doctoral dissertation revealed challenges to integrate external quality audits and internally driven benchmarking. The studies have likewise revealed the need for methodological changes by quality assurance bodies and authorities carrying out audit and accreditation for integrating e-learning into quality assurance, as well as the need to fully understand the complexity and the special characteristics of e-learning. Probably, the challenge lies not with the system, success factors or benchmarks but in the lack of knowledge and experience of e-learning systems amongst those charged with implementation. The concept benchlearning was introduced as part of benchmarking exercises. / Tiivistelmä Yliopistokoulutus on tällä vuosisadalla suurien haasteiden edessä. Yksilöllinen, joustava ja avoin opetus ovat tärkeimpiä kehitystä ajavia voimia. Tässä ympäristössä opetuksen laatuvaatimukset ovat tärkeitä. Tämä laadullinen monitapaustutkimus keskittyy e-lerningin benchmarkkaukseen yliopistoissa. Tutkimuksen tulokset tarjoavat käsitteellisiä linssejä, joiden avulla voidaan keskustella ja ymmärtää e-lerningin benchmarkkauksen kompleksisuutta avoimessa oppimisympäristössä. Tutkimus on osoittanut, että tarvitaan uusia viitekehyksiä e-learningin laadun varmistamiseen. Benchmarkkausta käytettäessä teoreettisen perustan valinta vaikuttaa käytännön toteutukseen ja vertailukohteiden valintaan. Tutkimus tarjoaa vinkkejä ja suosituksia, miten e-learningin benchmarkkausta tulisi toteuttaa yliopistoissa, joissa oppilaat opiskelevat avoimessa ympäristössä ja voivat työskennellä ja elää ajasta ja paikasta riippumatta siten, että heillä on käytettävissä globaalit resurssit elinikäiseen oppimiseen. Tutkimuksessa havaittiin, että suurin haaste liittyy siihen, miten e-learningin bechmarkkaus liitetään yliopistojen yleiseen laatujärjestelmään. Tätä integraatiota ei nykyisin täysin ymmärretä. Tutkimus osoittaa, että benchmarkkausmenetelmällä on merkittävä vaikutus yliopistojen yleiseen laadunvarmistamiseen. Tutkimus osoittaa, että on haastavaa integroida sisäisesti organisoitu benchmarkkaus ulkoisiin laatuauditointeihin. Laatuauditointeja järjestävien tahojen ja auditointeja sekä akreditointeja suorittavien viranomaisten tulee tehdä metodologisia muutoksia toimintaansa, jotta e-learning voidaan integroida laatujärjestelmiin. E-learningin kompleksisuus ja erityispiirteet tulisi myös ymmärtää. Varsinaiset haasteet eivät niinkään ole järjestelmässä, sen menestystekijöissä tai benchmarkeisssa vaan siinä, että päättäjillä ja käyttöönottajilla on liian vähän tietoa ja kokemusta e-learningista. Käsite benchlearning nousi esille tässä väitöstutkimuksessa kuvaamaan problematiikkaa. / Sammanfattning Högre utbildning står inför en rad stora utmaningar under det tjugoförsta århundradet. Personligt, flexibelt och öppet lärande utifrån ett livslångt lärande perspektiv är av största vikt. E-lärandet ses som en av de drivande krafterna för denna utveckling där kvalitet är av avgörande betydelse. Denna kvalitativa studie, fokuserar på benchmarking e-lärande i högre utbildning. Potentiella fördelar och utmaningar, fokuseras samt hur benchmarking av e-lärande bör integreras som en naturlig del av ordinär kvalitetssäkring. Resultaten visar på konceptuella perspektiv och komplexiteten av benchmarking av e-lärande inom högre utbildning i stretchade och gränslösa miljöer. Det finns behov av nya referensramar för kvalitet inom e-lärande. Forskningen ger anvisningar och rekommendationer för framtiden när det gäller hur man kan utföra benchmarking e-lärande i stretchade inlärningsmiljöer där studenterna kan studera, arbeta och leva oberoende av tid och rum med globala resurser till sitt förfogande i livslånga lärande miljöer. Den största utmaningen som identifieras i denna studie för att integrera benchmarking e-lärande i den allmänna kvalitetssäkring är behovet av att fullt ut förstå komplexiteten och särdragen gällande e-lärande Forskningen visar att benchmarking som metod kommer att ha betydande inverkan på ordinarie kvalitetssäkring i den högre utbildningen. Denna doktorsavhandling visar på utmaningar för att integrera extern kvalitetsgranskning och internt driven benchmarking. Studierna har också visat på behovet av metodförändringar för kvalitetssäkring och för myndigheter som utför revision och ackreditering för att integrera e-lärande i kvalitetssäkring, samt behovet av att fullt ut förstå komplexiteten och särdragen i e-lärande. Förmodligen ligger utmaningen inte i metoden som sådan eller, i framgångsfaktorer och benchmark, utan i brist på kunskap och erfarenhet av e-lärande bland de som ansvarar för implementering. Konceptet benchlearning infördes som en del av benchmarking.