Since the late 1980s, deregulation of the banking sector has opened new avenues for the internationalization of banks. There are, however, few studies on the internationalization of banks – particularly Swedish banks. The purpose of this thesis is to deepen our knowledge of bank’s internationalization process by studying how the executive function’s expectation of market conditions influences internationalization patterns. This thesis makes an empirical contribution by describing how the Swedish banks Svenska Handelsbanken AB and Swedbank AB have internationalized during the period 1995-2014. The empirical evidence comprises all of the two banks’ activities in foreign markets and the qualitative cases describing this process have been constructed using archival data (newspaper articles, press releases, and reports) complemented with interviews. Beside the empirical contribution the thesis makes a theoretical contribution to internationalization theory and more specifically to Johanson and Vahlne’s (1977) internationalization process model. While Johanson and Vahlne’s model does have a strong explanatory value, it does not fully explain its mechanisms (Andersen, 1993; Leonidou & Katsikeas, 1996) and only firm’s internationalizing incrementally (Liesch et al., 2002). For explanation of both incremental and non-incremental behaviors this thesis provides a proposed view of bank’s internationalization where the concept of executive expectation is developed as a mediating variable in Johanson and Vahlne’s internationalization process model. To this end, executive expectation is described as the driving and hindering force in bank’s internationalization process influenced by exogenous and endogenous changes.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 22-25, 2001 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / The expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is well established as a computationally efficient method for separable signal parameter estimation. Here, a new geometric derivation and interpretation of the EM algorithm is given that facilitates the understanding of its convergence properties. Geometric considerations then lead to an alternative separable signal parameter estimator based on successive cancellation. The new Generalized Successive Interference Cancellation (GSIC) algorithm may offer better performance than EM in the presence of large signal power disparities. Finally, application of the GSIC algorithm to CDMA-based radiolocation is discussed, and simulation results are presented.

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published_or_final_version / Statistics and Actuarial Science / Master / Master of Philosophy

This study asks the question; "How can playing a series of games be considered a continuous experience, rather than isolated experiences?". By asking this question, this study aims to enable game design evaluation from a new perspective, using HCI tools and theories. There is a qualitative study of a sequel game, interviewing players from a GameFlow perspective. Answers are compared to reveal differences based on thei rexperience with previous games in the series. This is done to see if looking at game design through new perspectives opens up for new context-based design opportunities. Design opportunities are analysed from an activity theory perspective, to not only uncover issues, but also explain them. By doing so, this study shows that it is possible to consider a sequelto a game a continuous experience, and that taking this into account during game design opens up for new opportunities.

Retail banking service providers are facing challenges such as continuous changes in consumer expectations and escalating global competitiveness. The banking sector is characterised as an extraordinarily competitive and regulated sector. As a result, it is essential that retail banking service providers reassess the level of their service quality and recognise the important factors that influence customer satisfaction, intention and loyalty. As pointed out by the literature, there is a fundamental need for studies on customer intention and behaviour which will show whether customer attitudes provide significant evidence of how customers act and feel. Furthermore, there is a lack of theoretical modelling and empirical studies on the relationships between customer satisfaction, service quality and variables in other areas of service experience, such as price, reputation and complaint intention, in the retail banking context. Thus, the current study adopted the expectation confirmation theory because its aim is to develop a framework that advances the understanding of customer satisfaction, intention and loyalty in the retail banking sector, which can be best achieved by choosing a theory whose main target is to measure customer satisfaction and post-purchase behaviour. The proposed framework enhances our understanding by expanding ECT theory. To clarify, the conceptual framework introduces three constructs, price, reputation and complaint intention, which had not previously been brought together into one framework with the rest of the present study constructs, a practice which is considered to offer a highly valuable contribution. Additionally, the outcomes from this study have many implications for managers and decision-makers in the banking service sector. It is essential for marketing managers in the banking sector to understand the importance of all of the components of service quality as well as price and reputation, in order to understand fully customer satisfaction and intentions. The primary aim of this study is to examine how customer intention and loyalty are affected by service quality dimensions, price and reputation, using the intermediation role of confirmation and customer satisfaction. This study has developed a theoretical framework that integrates a set of essential variables to evaluate the impact of service quality dimensions, price and reputation on customer's intentions and loyalty, using Expectation Confirmation Theory. Consequently, hypotheses are created to examine the association between the framework variables. This study employs a quantitative method alongside a positivist approach to examine the hypothetical associations within the conceptual framework. Of the online surveys distributed to retail banking consumers, 923 were valid. To validate and analyse the data, the research study employs structural equation modelling using AMOS SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The final results illustrate that tangibles, assurance, responsiveness, empathy and price have a significant impact on confirmation and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, reliability has no significant impact on confirmation and customer satisfaction in the Saudi retail banking sector. In addition, reputation has a significant impact on customer satisfaction. Furthermore, confirmation also has an important influence on customer satisfaction and customer satisfaction has a significant relationship with customer intentions and loyalty. Customer satisfaction also has a significant relationship with customer loyalty. Indeed, the overall results of this study reveal the impact of service quality, price and reputation on customer intention and loyalty through customer satisfaction, along with confirmation of customer expectations. Finally, the outcomes of this study have practical and theoretical implications which advance the knowledge in this area.

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This thesis found that many criticisms were directed to the International Auditing Standards (ISA). Thus, the ISA needs more interpretations and improvements to be more applicable and suitable for Jordan. The thesis concluded that the external auditors in Jordan are complying with the ISA. From the perceptions of external auditors, shareholders, academics, internal auditors, and financial management an audit expectation gap exists in Jordan. External auditors, shareholders and the ISA are responsible for that gap. Improvements are needed to both auditors' performance and the ISA to bridge the audit expectation gap. Furthermore, this thesis introduces recommendations to eliminate the shareholders' unreasonable expectations, which is one of the reasons for the audit expectation gap in Jordan. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p><strong>Date</strong>                                   </p><p>2009-09-07</p><p><strong>Program</strong>                           </p><p>MIMA – Master of International Marketing</p><p><strong>Course Name</strong>                   </p><p>EFO705 Master Thesis</p><p><strong>Title</strong>                                   </p><p>From Core Values to Customer Satisfaction: Ericsson in Kazakhstan</p><p><strong>Authors</strong>                             </p><p>Dalila Aitpayeva (Västerås), Dejan Mandic (Göteborg)</p><p><strong>Supervisor</strong>                        </p><p>Joakim Netz </p><p><strong>Problem                           </strong></p><p>How can a company deploy its core values into customer relations to increase customers’ satisfaction?</p><p><strong>Purpose</strong>                             </p><p>The purpose of this study is to explore how company’s core values can interact with customer’ expectations and as embedded in the customer relation make impact on the customer satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Method                            </strong><strong>  </strong></p><p>Inductive research was used for data collection and analysis because the study is explorative in nature and therefore based on interviews and document analysis. Interviews were conducted with Ericsson’s managers and their customers in Kazakhstan.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Findings                             </strong></p><p>Findings resulted from this study indicate that strong direct relationship exist among core values of service providers and expectations of their customers.<strong>        </strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion                         </strong></p><p>Ericsson’s core values: professionalism, respect, and perseverance are constantly integrated in Ericsson daily business operations. Commitment to its customers, willingness to share knowledge and continuous offering of new technologies are best examples of that integration. Ericsson’s unique and professional service offerings meet and in many cases exceed high customer expectations and ultimately satisfy its customers in Kazakhstan.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.