<p>The aim of this study is through a policy analysis to illuminate the decisions that the EU has taken to respond to the terrorist attacks in the US, Madrid and London and through this analysis try to explain the problem of each decision and find out if these decisions might risk the individual rights of the European Union’s citizens.</p><p>In order to reach this purpose the following questions are to be answered: In what way has the EU’s decision-making process, regarding its fight on terrorism, been affected by the terrorist attacks in Madrid and London? What consequences may the EU’s decisions against terrorism have on the individual rights?</p><p>The method that has been used is qualitative studies of literature and the main material is overarching policy documents from the EU.</p><p>The conclusions are that the bombings in Madrid and London have increased the speed of the decision-making process and more areas have been included in the union’s fight against terrorism. If individual rights are at risk by the union’s decisions there are reasons to be concerned. But my conclusion is that the European Union has to have strong and effective instruments to answer to the threat of terrorism.</p>

Nowadays, when the world feels smaller as a result of the increasing flow of information, the competition of tourism between countries is getting bigger. This has caused that the marketing of the country has become vital. It is important for the country to send out the right signals so that the tourists have the right image of a destination. Once the image has been created, it might be hard to change it. Scandinavian Travel Agent AB is a company arranging different trips around Scandinavia. They work as incoming agent for foreign tour operators, which they help with different types of travel arrangements in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Now they want to expand their business to other countries, and at the same time they want to identify how Sweden is seen as a tourist destination. We helped them with this by investigating travel agencies and tour operators in the Netherlands. Our purpose with this thesis was to find out what kind of picture the Dutch travel agencies and tour operators have about Sweden. Furthermore, we wanted to know how the Dutch market looks like considering the trips to Sweden. To be able to analyze the phenomena of image we have taken closer look at the decision- making process, which was originally created by Mathieson and Wall (1984). It contains four areas (tourist profile, travel awareness, destination resources &amp; characteristics and trip features) that have effect on the decision making process. Since we thought that image also has a big influence on the tourists’ decision, we chose to investigate that subject as well. With the help of our theories we created two different questionnaires, one to Dutch travel agencies/ tour operators having Sweden as a travel destination, and one to Dutch travel agencies/tour operators not currently offering trips to Sweden. After receiving the answers we interpreted them together with our theories and we found out that the respondents have a correct image of the reality. Sweden’s nature with the forests, water and snow were some of the most common parts of their image. Stockholm was also a prominent feature together with beautiful and clean nature. Sweden was also seen as a modern and safe country with high quality. Some respondent also mentioned space, but it was not as common answer as we expected. Regarding the image, we found out that an image handles both a person’s affective and cognitive images, which arises from many different sources and influences. After doing this research our believes, about the image as a part of the decision making process, were strengthened. Therefore we saw the need to change the already existing model. Our suggestions to the Scandinavian Travel Agent AB, is to first contact the travel agencies/tour operators who are currently offering Sweden, since they seem to be most interested in expanding to Sweden. Among the other travel agencies/tour operators an interest has to be aroused. This can depend on the fact that companies with Sweden can see the demand and the opportunities better than the companies who do not have Sweden.

Widowhood is a stressful life event that can impact an individual’s everyday life, including her decision making abilities. The complexity of the decision is also likely to influence the decision making abilities of these widows. The purpose of this dissertation was to better understand widows’ decision making processes, their preferences for collaboration when making decisions, and their satisfaction with the decision outcomes. Data analysis consisted of a series of 3 (widowed status) x 2 (task complexity) ANOVAS and ANCOVAS which found that both complexity and widowed status influence decision making processes. Higher complexity led to less overall satisfaction, but none of the other satisfaction variables yielded significant results. In addition, there were no significant findings with regard to preferences for collaboration. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to better understand individual difference variables on decision processing. Restoration orientation coping, loss orientation coping, and task complexity were found to be significant for decision processing and satisfaction measures. Future studies should aim to develop decision aids for this particular population so that they are able to make better decisions.

With the growing awareness and urgency of sustainable business behavior, conducting environmental impact assessments is an important tool for companies to evaluate their impacts. However, the assessment tool has received critique over the last years, and seems not to accomplish its goal to assure a sustainable development and use of the environment. In this thesis, the possibility of integrating the concept of ecosystem services in an environmental impact assessment is investigated. The aim of this study was to create a theoretical framework that facilitates the decision making process of impact assessments with the dimension of ecosystem services. This research is based on an empirical analysis surrounding the environmental assessment of the Bunge Area on Gotland, Sweden by the Finnish mining company Nordkalk AB, together with the legal decision making process that derived from it. The theoretical framework was tested upon applicability, and resulted into providing information concerning the integration of ecosystem services on the environmental impact assessment.

Eco-labels impact consumers‟ likelihood to buy eco-labelled products and serve as a tool during the decision-making process that helps consumers make informed purchase choices. The textile industry is responsible for a large amount of pollution, but has started to follow a more holistic, eco-friendly approach. Information about their eco-friendliness is communicated to consumers via eco-labels. Consumers can influence the textile industry to include more eco-labelled textile products in their desired range of products, by buying and demanding eco-labelled textile products. However, international studies indicate that consumers do not understand textile eco-labels and the information that is found on these labels. A lack of understanding prevents consumers from including such products in their pre-purchase decision-making process. Yet some consumers, from developed and developing countries, are willing to buy eco-labelled products and pay more for such products. Limited research in this regard, within a South African context, is available hence, more research was required in this study field. Therefore, this study aimed to explore consumers‟ understanding and utilisation of textile eco-labels during pre-purchase decision-making. The research for the study was done using a convenience and purposive sampling method with a quantitative structured online questionnaire for data collection purposes. Findings suggest that respondents were environmentally conscious, but only to some extent. Most respondents objectively understood textile eco-labelled products, but not textile eco-labels or organic label information regarding cotton production processes. Respondents indicated that they do not use textile eco-labels when making a pre-purchase decision, yet they somewhat recognised the need to buy eco-friendly textile products, because they are aware of environmental implications. Regarding the information on eco-labels, respondents searched for information surrounding the quality of eco-labelled textile products, followed by the care instructions and the credibility of the eco-label on the product. Finally, there was a segment of respondents who buy and utilise textile eco-labelled products, and are willing to pay a higher price for these products. The higher price was the main factor that prevented other respondents from buying eco-labelled textile products. Consumers can benefit from education regarding environmental issues and how their purchasing choices can make a difference in protecting the environment. Furthermore, educating consumers about eco-labelled textile products might increase their awareness and utilisation of these products. In turn, this awareness about eco-labels might encourage consumers to include these kinds of products in their pre-purchase decision-making process. Additionally the industry can strive towards keeping eco-labelled products‟ prices relatively equal to regular product‟s prices to make it easier for consumers to choose between the different products, based on their environmental attributes and not price. Finally, the textile industry and manufacturers can focus on making textile eco-labels more attractive and attention-grabbing in order to focus consumers‟ attention on these labels. Furthermore, on these labels, symbols and words should be used together and all elements should correspond to enhance consumers‟ understanding. If all of these elements of an eco-label convey the same message, consumers might be able to understand the intended message by manufacturers and the industry better. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The student market is a large and growing segment of the tourism industry that contributes approximately one billion rand annually to the tourism economy Unfortunately, despite the apparent profitability of this market, students are still disregarded by the South African tourism industry This may be explained by the perception and ignorance by the industry and that little is known about the characteristics, travel motivations and behaviour of this market The literature review revealed that students have specific characteristics which influence their travel behaviour such as money, time, social factors, personal characteristics, motives, special interests and especially cultural or ethnic backgrounds. Thus it is clear that although the student market seems homogeneous, heterogeneous differences do exist In order to capitalise on this market and to comprehensively understand student behaviour, information is needed about the activities which the students pursue, with whom and where these activities are pursued and even more importantly , how the students make the decision to purchase the product to go on holiday Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. This was achieved firstly by analysing motivation (Chapter 2) and conceptualising travel behaviour (Chapter 3) by means of extensive literature reviews. Motivation is understood as the underlying forces that arouse and direct the behaviours in which students engage, in order to realise certain benefits Behaviour can be viewed as a process of internal psychological factors (e.g. needs, wants and goals) which generate tension to some extent Different students have different needs; their purchase decision may be influenced by individual preference and social circumstances at the least The aim of conducting a literature review concerning the total concept of travel behaviour was to analyse the process of travel behaviour and effecting factors including travel motives, in order to understand and how best to attract the student market. In order to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus, a survey was conducted between the 5th and 14th of October 2010 The survey was conducted by means of distributing a Questionnaire among third -year students during contact sessions in each of the different Faculties. From the data obtained from the questionnaire; a profile of the third-year students could be compiled and through factor analyses, the travel behaviour of the students could be determined. ANOVAs and Chi-square tests were used to determine whether the student travel behaviour in the different faculties differed from each other as well as to what extent These analyses were conducted in Chapter 4. Evidently convenience was considered as the most important factor with regard to the travelling characteristics of the students, Relaxation and Having fun as the most important factors influencing the travel motivation of students and Finance was the most important factor influencing the travel behaviour of the third-year students at the NWU, Potchefstroom_ Overall it was clear that the students in each faculty differed in their travel characteristics, activities influencing the holiday experience, motives to go on holiday and factors influencing the choice of destination as well as holiday preferences The Faculty of Theology stood out as the faculty which differed the most with regard to the afore-mentioned, whereas the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated the least differences This research therefore revealed that the third-year student market at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus cannot be seen as a homogenous market since there are definite heterogeneous differences with regard to their travel behaviour. This market is also very complex since the Faculty to which the student belongs, contributes to these heterogeneous differences Knowledge of the travel behaviour of students can aid in segmentation of the student market in order to refine the marketing strategies of the destination as well as the development of target specific marketing messages. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Labels serve as a source of external information during the consumer decision–making process, and frequently contribute to consumers’ prior knowledge of different products as well as their search activities prior to purchase of furniture. Labelling of a wide range of products, such as food and clothing has been investigated with regard to the effectiveness of the label, to convey information and draw consumers’ attention to the product, and the usage of the labels by consumers. However, no literature suggests the existence of labels with regard to furniture items, or consumers’ expectations about furniture labels. It is believed that labels on furniture items could assist consumers during the pre–purchase information search of the decision–making process. The current study investigated consumers’ expectations of furniture labels, during the pre–purchase information search of the consumer decision–making process, in order to propose furniture labels. The objectives of the study were to determine what questions regarding product information consumers frequently ask store assistants prior to furniture purchasing; to determine consumers’ expectations regarding furniture labels in terms of the product information on the label, the appearance of the label and the placement of the label on furniture items; and finally to suggest a preliminary furniture label according to consumers’ expectations. A mixed–method research approach was followed, using a two–phase exploratory design. Qualitative findings indicated that consumers enquire about the type of materials used for the manufacturing of furniture items, finishes used on items, quality, guarantees, warrantees, design, performance, maintenance, care instructions and colours of items. Similarly, quantitative results showed that the majority of respondents deemed the price, materials used, cleaning instructions, guarantee and warrantees important to be displayed on the furniture label. Appearance characteristics were summarised and preliminary furniture labels were suggested accordingly. These labels can be used by product developers, marketers, and the furniture industry to assist consumers during their pre–purchase information search of the consumer decision–making process. / Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The student market is a large and growing segment of the tourism industry that contributes approximately one billion rand annually to the tourism economy Unfortunately, despite the apparent profitability of this market, students are still disregarded by the South African tourism industry This may be explained by the perception and ignorance by the industry and that little is known about the characteristics, travel motivations and behaviour of this market The literature review revealed that students have specific characteristics which influence their travel behaviour such as money, time, social factors, personal characteristics, motives, special interests and especially cultural or ethnic backgrounds. Thus it is clear that although the student market seems homogeneous, heterogeneous differences do exist In order to capitalise on this market and to comprehensively understand student behaviour, information is needed about the activities which the students pursue, with whom and where these activities are pursued and even more importantly , how the students make the decision to purchase the product to go on holiday Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. This was achieved firstly by analysing motivation (Chapter 2) and conceptualising travel behaviour (Chapter 3) by means of extensive literature reviews. Motivation is understood as the underlying forces that arouse and direct the behaviours in which students engage, in order to realise certain benefits Behaviour can be viewed as a process of internal psychological factors (e.g. needs, wants and goals) which generate tension to some extent Different students have different needs; their purchase decision may be influenced by individual preference and social circumstances at the least The aim of conducting a literature review concerning the total concept of travel behaviour was to analyse the process of travel behaviour and effecting factors including travel motives, in order to understand and how best to attract the student market. In order to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus, a survey was conducted between the 5th and 14th of October 2010 The survey was conducted by means of distributing a Questionnaire among third -year students during contact sessions in each of the different Faculties. From the data obtained from the questionnaire; a profile of the third-year students could be compiled and through factor analyses, the travel behaviour of the students could be determined. ANOVAs and Chi-square tests were used to determine whether the student travel behaviour in the different faculties differed from each other as well as to what extent These analyses were conducted in Chapter 4. Evidently convenience was considered as the most important factor with regard to the travelling characteristics of the students, Relaxation and Having fun as the most important factors influencing the travel motivation of students and Finance was the most important factor influencing the travel behaviour of the third-year students at the NWU, Potchefstroom_ Overall it was clear that the students in each faculty differed in their travel characteristics, activities influencing the holiday experience, motives to go on holiday and factors influencing the choice of destination as well as holiday preferences The Faculty of Theology stood out as the faculty which differed the most with regard to the afore-mentioned, whereas the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated the least differences This research therefore revealed that the third-year student market at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus cannot be seen as a homogenous market since there are definite heterogeneous differences with regard to their travel behaviour. This market is also very complex since the Faculty to which the student belongs, contributes to these heterogeneous differences Knowledge of the travel behaviour of students can aid in segmentation of the student market in order to refine the marketing strategies of the destination as well as the development of target specific marketing messages. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Labels serve as a source of external information during the consumer decision–making process, and frequently contribute to consumers’ prior knowledge of different products as well as their search activities prior to purchase of furniture. Labelling of a wide range of products, such as food and clothing has been investigated with regard to the effectiveness of the label, to convey information and draw consumers’ attention to the product, and the usage of the labels by consumers. However, no literature suggests the existence of labels with regard to furniture items, or consumers’ expectations about furniture labels. It is believed that labels on furniture items could assist consumers during the pre–purchase information search of the decision–making process. The current study investigated consumers’ expectations of furniture labels, during the pre–purchase information search of the consumer decision–making process, in order to propose furniture labels. The objectives of the study were to determine what questions regarding product information consumers frequently ask store assistants prior to furniture purchasing; to determine consumers’ expectations regarding furniture labels in terms of the product information on the label, the appearance of the label and the placement of the label on furniture items; and finally to suggest a preliminary furniture label according to consumers’ expectations. A mixed–method research approach was followed, using a two–phase exploratory design. Qualitative findings indicated that consumers enquire about the type of materials used for the manufacturing of furniture items, finishes used on items, quality, guarantees, warrantees, design, performance, maintenance, care instructions and colours of items. Similarly, quantitative results showed that the majority of respondents deemed the price, materials used, cleaning instructions, guarantee and warrantees important to be displayed on the furniture label. Appearance characteristics were summarised and preliminary furniture labels were suggested accordingly. These labels can be used by product developers, marketers, and the furniture industry to assist consumers during their pre–purchase information search of the consumer decision–making process. / Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

It is important, for companies operating on a homogeneous product market, to understand and adapt to customer needs. Since coffee is a homogeneous product in food retail it is vital for coffee companies to work extensively with differentiation and the fierce competition. The prevailing homogenity makes it difficult for companies to develop the product itself and must therefore work to create added value to the product. The purpose of this thesis is to carry out a study on consumer decision-making when purchasing homogeneous products, and to examine how companies work to strengthen their brand and gain market share in a homogeneous product market. The market that this thesis highlights is the coffee market. To answer the purpose of this thesis the writers have conducted a questionnaire survey regarding consumers’ decision-making process and interviewed two marketing managers for two major actors on the coffee market. The results of the survey show that the availability and the price are key factors for consumers when choosing coffee, and the generated responses from the interviews emphasize the importance of working with strengthening a brand and finding an identity for the product.