The emergence of new digital technologies has paved a way for new business opportunities which have led to drastic changes to the way organizations do business. This technological progress has resulted in a conundrum in which research cannot always keep up with the rate of technological progress. Said issue can be observed in the complex and resource-intensive field of digital transformation which has several research gaps. Primary of which is the lack of research concerning how an organization can systematically assist the digital transformation of another organization in a cooperative environment. The aim of this study was to generate a deeper understanding of digital transformation as a process of co-creation by conducting a qualitative study on how an organization that works with integration of digital solutions systematically assists their customers with digital transformation. In line with the aim of this study, we have analyzed the case based on an analytical framework grounded in existing digital transformation research. Our analysis shows that the studied organization succeeded in systematically assisting its customers digital transformation because of its cooperative and flexible workflow. This workflow allows the organization to rapidly and iteratively collect and exchange information with its customers. Based on that information the organization is able to produce prototypes and deliver digital innovation solutions that are in line with its customers’ demands. Additionally, the workflow combined with the acquired information allows the organization to systematically influence and steer their customers digital transformation at different stages of the co-creational process. The results of this study showcased that the conceptualization of digital transformation in existing research is limited. This indicates that future studies in the field should focus on researching digital transformation in the context of how one organization can assist in another organization’s digital transformation.

Seit mehr als 3 Jahrzehnten stehen Belebtschlammmodelle als Werkzeuge für die ingenieurtechnische Planung und Optimierung von Kläranlagen zur Verfügung. Die Verbreitung und Anwendung speziell im deutschsprachigen Raum ist dabei geringer als in anderen Weltregionen. Dies ist im Zusammenhang mit dem detaillierten DWA-Regel-werk zu sehen, das auf Seite der Anwendenden kaum zusätzlichen Bedarf für weitere Werk¬zeuge für die Anlagenplanung und –optimierung erwachsen lässt. Dies gilt ebenso für die Über¬wachungs- und Genehmigungsseite. Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet für verschiedenste Aspekte im Bereich der Kläranlagen-modellierung Methoden und Werkzeuge, um durch effizientere Nutzung eine weitere Etablierung voranzutreiben und eine breite allgemein verbindliche Anwendung zu manifestieren. Dies betrifft konkret:  Protokolldefinition für eine allgemeine Vorgehensweise (Kapitel 1.4 und 7.1)  Skriptbasierte Unterstützung der Datenauswertung, Prüfung und Aufbereitung (Kapitel 6 und 7.4)  Zulaufdatengenerierung für lückenbehaftete Betriebsdaten (Kapitel 3)  Analyse des Verweilzeitverhaltens basierend auf Betriebsdaten (Kapitel 5)  Modellkopplung für plant-wide modelling (Kapitel 4 und 7.3)  Modellerweiterungen für Belebtschlammmodelle (Kapitel 7.2) Basis sind wie bei klassischen Bemessungs¬frage¬stellungen die vorhandenen Betriebs¬da-ten von Kläranlagen. Für die Nutzung sowohl zur statischen Bemessung als auch zur dyna¬mi¬schen Simulation sind diese nach geeigneter Zusammenstellung und Aufbereitung hin¬sicht¬lich ihrer Eignung und Qualität zu bewerten. Dieser eher handwerkliche Schritt wird durch skriptbasierte Module unterstützt, um der eigentlichen Planungsaufgabe mehr Zeit widmen zu können. Eine beispielhafte Vorgehensweise wird in dieser Arbeit in Kapitel 6 präsentiert. Dies stellt aus Effizienz- und Qualitätsgründen einen Fortschritt dar. Die Betriebsdaten von kommunalen Kläranlagen speziell unterhalb der Größenklasse 5 sind sehr lückenbehaftet. Daher sind geeignete Methoden erforderlich, um die Daten zu einem kontinuierlichen Zulaufdatensatz aufzubereiten. Eine mögliche Methode findet sich in Kapitel 3 dieser Arbeit. Auch dies unterstützt die Qualitätsverbesserung. Für die praxisnahe Modellanwendung stellen die bereits verfügbaren Belebt¬schlamm-modelle eine geeignete Basis dar. Allerdings wurden einige offene Fragestellungen identifiziert. Konzepte und Vorschläge für entsprechende Modellerweiterungen finden sich im Kapitel 7.1. Dies betrifft den Umgang mit inerten Stofffrachten, Dosierung externer Kohlenstoffquellen, Lösungen für hohe Anteile industrieller Abwässer sowie die P-Elimination. Auch eine methodische Vorgehensweise für den praktischen Einsatz wurde basierend auf allgemeingültigeren Simulations¬protokollen entwickelt, um die Bear¬bei¬tung strukturierter und damit sowohl nachvollzieh¬barer als auch effizienter zu gestalten (Kapitel 1.4 und 7.1). Das Verweilzeitverhalten hat erheblichen Einfluss auf erzielbare Umsatzraten sowie die erreich¬baren Ablaufkonzentrationen. Eine diesbezügliche Analyse ist allerdings noch kein Standard¬werkzeug bei der Betrachtung bestehender Kläranlagen. Im Einzelfall bestehen allerdings erhebliche Optimierungspotentiale bei strömungsungünstiger Gestaltung. Neben der Nutzung von computational fluid dynamics (CFD) als Analysewerkzeug kann auch die Auswertung von speziellen Tracerversuchen oder die Nutzung vorliegender Daten für die Analyse des Verweilzeitverhaltens genutzt werden. Im Kapitel 5 finden sich entsprechende Erläuterungen und methodische Beispiele. Die zunehmende Durchdringung ingenieurtechnischer Bereiche mit IT-basierten Werk-zeu¬gen führt auch zu Weiterentwicklungen bei der Arbeit mit Daten. Die Besonder-heiten im Bereich der Kläranlagenplanung und Optimierung werden in dieser Arbeit beleuchtet und mit dem vorgestellten methodischen Rahmen eine Möglichkeit der modularisierten Abarbeitung wiederkehrender Aufgaben in Kapitel 6 demonstriert. Die Einbettung möglicher weiterer Werkzeuge wie z.B. Simulationssoftware in open source basierte Skripte ermöglicht eine maximale Flexibilität bei gleichzeitig hoher Transparenz. Je nach Aufgabenstellung finden sich in dieser Arbeit Ergänzungen und Hilfestellungen in Form von Werkzeugen oder methodischen Empfehlungen, um den Bearbeitungsaufwand zu minimieren sowie die Bearbeitungsqualität zu erhöhen unter gleichzeitiger Verbesserung der Transparenz für alle am Planungs- bzw. Optimierungsprozess Beteiligten. Dadurch wird eine tatsächliche Anwendung in der täglichen Ingenieurpraxis erheblich vereinfacht. Durch Integration der präsentierten Entwicklungen in die siedlungs¬wasserwirtschaftliche Ausbildung ist außerdem eine zukünftige niedrig¬schwelligere und damit breitere Nutzung zu erwarten.:1 General introduction 1 1.1 Explanation of terms 1 1.2 Motivation 2 1.3 Background 4 1.3.1 Quality assurance in the performance of simulation studies 4 1.3.2 Special features of simulation studies for wastewater treatment plants in German-speaking countries 6 1.4 Aims, differentiation and objectives 7 1.5 Structure of the document 9 1.6 References 10 2 Growth of science in activated sludge modelling – a critical bibliometric review 13 2.1 Highlights 13 2.2 Abstract 13 2.3 Introduction 14 2.3.1 Motivation 14 2.3.2 Introduction into bibliometrics 15 2.3.3 Objective 15 2.4 Material and Methods 16 2.4.1 Database and tools 16 2.4.1.1 Selection of database 16 2.4.1.2 Development of the number of data sets in the Web of Science 19 2.4.2 Bibliometric analysis of the entire data set 20 2.4.3 Analysis of time-related developments 23 2.4.4 Keyword development within the examined topic area 24 2.5 Results and Discussion 25 2.5.1 Bibliometric analysis of the entire database 25 2.5.2 Journal-based measures 28 2.5.3 Source dynamics 30 2.5.4 Author impact measures 30 2.5.5 Document-based measures 35 2.5.6 Structural Analysis 36 2.5.7 Analysis of time-related developments 40 2.5.8 Keyword development within the scientific field under investigation 44 2.6 Critical comments on the methodology 47 2.7 Recommendations for conducting a bibliometric analysis 49 2.8 Conclusions 50 2.9 References 52 3 A black-box model for generation of site-specific WWTP influent quality data based on plant routine data 56 3.1 Introduction 56 3.2 Material and Methods 58 3.3 Results and discussion 62 3.3.1 Test of robustness 63 3.3.2 Universality of the approach 66 3.4 Conclusions and outlook 69 3.5 References 70 4 Organic matter parameters in WWTP – a critical review and recommendations for application in activated sludge modelling 74 4.1 Highlights 74 4.2 Abstract 74 4.3 Introduction 75 4.4 Theoretical Considerations 76 4.5 Review of literature data of WWTP sludge 80 4.5.1 Literature survey 80 4.5.2 Measures related to total and volatile organic matter 81 4.5.3 Sludge composition based on biochemical families 83 4.6 Results and Discussion 85 4.6.1 Solids 85 4.6.2 COD and COD/VSS ratio 87 4.6.3 Connection between LPC and COD/VSS ratio 90 4.7 Application to plant-wide-modelling 92 4.7.1 Solids in Activated Sludge Models 92 4.7.2 Organic and inorganic solids 94 4.7.3 COD influent characterisation 96 4.7.4 Adaptation of research results and discussion 97 4.8 Conclusions 101 4.9 Data availability statement 101 4.10 References 101 5 Temperature as an alternative tracer for the determination of the mixing characteristics in wastewater treatment plants 108 5.1 Abstract 108 5.2 Introduction 108 5.2.1 Historical background 109 5.2.2 Alternatives in evaluation of tracer tests 110 5.2.3 Objective of this paper 112 5.3 Material and Methods 112 5.3.1 Lab-scale system 112 5.3.2 Pilot-scale system 113 5.3.3 Procedure 114 5.3.3.1 Substitute hydraulic model 114 5.3.3.2 Energy balance 115 5.3.3.3 Parameter estimation 117 5.4 Results and Discussion 118 5.4.1 Lab-scale system 118 5.4.2 Pilot-scale system 121 5.4.3 Sensitivity tests for optimised substitute model parameters 124 5.4.3.1 Lab scale tests 124 5.4.3.2 Pilot scale tests 126 5.4.4 Influence of recirculation 126 5.4.5 Consideration of variable flow rates 127 5.4.6 Impact of the structured model approach on ASM parameters 127 5.5 Conclusions 131 5.6 References 133 6 One script to solve it all – an open-source-based framework for a digital workflow based on WWTP data 137 6.1 Abstract 137 6.2 Highlights 138 6.3 Introduction 138 6.4 Fundamentals and requirements 138 6.5 Material and Methods 142 6.5.1 Background to the case study 142 6.5.2 Development of the concept 144 6.5.3 Technical implementation 145 6.6 Results 148 6.6.1 Preparation and data import 148 6.6.2 Plausibility checks 149 6.6.3 Calculation of design parameters (A198) 150 6.6.4 Design of WWTP (A131) 151 6.6.5 Activated sludge modelling 152 6.7 Discussion 153 6.7.1 Practical advantages of the developed methodology 153 6.7.2 Lessons learned from development process and first use 153 6.8 Conclusions 157 6.9 References 158 7 Enhancements for a practical application 161 7.1 Evolution of unified protocol of GMP taskgroup 161 7.1.1 Overview 161 7.1.2 Understand the plant + plant layout selection 163 7.1.3 Collection of existing data 163 7.1.4 Iterative process cycle for data analysis and plant model setup / adjustment 164 7.2 Extensions to the activated sludge model (ASM_EDU) 166 7.2.1 Background 166 7.2.2 Separation of inert particulate COD by origin 168 7.2.3 Integration of external carbon sources 169 7.2.4 Consideration of the influence of industrial discharges 171 7.2.5 Consideration of different precipitants in chemical P elimination 174 7.3 Plant-wide modelling 176 7.4 Digital transformation for efficiency enhancement 178 7.5 References 182 8 Conclusions and Outlook 187 8.1 Developments in the field of WWTP modelling 187 8.2 Future significance in science and application practice 188 8.3 Further scientific research needs 189 8.4 Changing the way engineering works 191 8.5 References 193 9 Appendices 195 9.1 Supplementary material for Chapter 4 195 9.1.1 References for sludge data 195 9.1.2 Data survey from references 217 9.2 Supplementary material for Chapter 6 217 / For more than three decades, activated sludge models have been used as tools for the engineering planning and optimisation of wastewater treatment plants. However, their use is less widespread, particularly in German-speaking countries, due to the detailed rules and regulations of the DWA, which do not create a demand for additional tools for plant planning and optimisation. This also applies to the surveillance and authorisation side. The current work offers methods and tools for various aspects of wastewater treatment plant modeling in order to promote further adoption through more efficient use and to facilitate a broad, generally binding application. This includes:  Definition of a protocol for the general approach (Chapter 1.4 and 7.1)  Script-based support for data evaluation, testing, and processing (Chapters 6 and 7.4)  Generation of inflow data for incomplete operational data (Chapter 3)  Analysis of residence time behavior based on operational data (Chapter 5)  Model interfacing for plant-wide modeling (Chapters 4 and 7.3)  Model extensions for activated sludge models (Chapter 7.2) The existing operational data of wastewater treatment plants is the foundation for classical design questions. In order to be used in both static design and dynamic simulation, the data must be evaluated for their suitability and quality after appropriate compilation and processing. This manual step is supported by script-based modules to allow more time for the actual planning task. An exemplary procedure is presented in Chapter 6 of this thesis, which represents progress in terms of efficiency and quality. The operational data of municipal wastewater treatment plants, especially those below size class 5, are often incomplete. Therefore, it is necessary to develop suitable methods for processing these data into a continuous influent data set. One such method is presented in chapter 3 of this thesis. This method also helps to improve the quality of the data. For practical model application, the existing activated sludge models provide a suitable foundation. However, some open questions have been identified, and concepts and suggestions for corresponding model extensions can be found in chapter 7.1. These include handling inert material loads, dosing of external carbon sources, solutions for high proportions of industrial wastewater, and P elimination. A methodological approach for practical application has also been developed based on more general simulation protocols in order to structure the process and make it more comprehensible and efficient (Chapters 1.4 and 7.1). The residence time behaviour has a significant impact on the achievable conversion rates and effluent concentrations. However, an analysis of this behaviour is not yet a standard tool when considering existing wastewater treatment plants. In certain cases, however, there is significant potential for optimisation in cases of flow-unfavourable design. In addition to using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as an analysis tool, the evaluation of special tracer tests or the use of existing data can also be used to analyse retention time behaviour. Chapter 1.4 und 7.1 provides explanations and examples The increasing use of IT-based tools in engineering fields also leads to further developments in working with data. The special features in the area of wastewater treatment plant planning and optimisation are highlighted in this thesis and a possibility of modularised processing of recurring tasks is demonstrated with the presented methodological framework in chapter 6. The embedding of possible further tools such as simulation software in open source-based scripts allows for maximum flexibility while maintaining a high degree of transparency. Depending on the task, this thesis provides supplements and assistance in the form of tools or methodological recommendations to minimise the processing effort and increase the processing quality while improving transparency for all those involved in the planning or optimisation process. This considerably simplifies actual application in daily engineering practice. By integrating the presented developments into urban water management training, a lower-threshold and thus broader use can also be expected in the future.:1 General introduction 1 1.1 Explanation of terms 1 1.2 Motivation 2 1.3 Background 4 1.3.1 Quality assurance in the performance of simulation studies 4 1.3.2 Special features of simulation studies for wastewater treatment plants in German-speaking countries 6 1.4 Aims, differentiation and objectives 7 1.5 Structure of the document 9 1.6 References 10 2 Growth of science in activated sludge modelling – a critical bibliometric review 13 2.1 Highlights 13 2.2 Abstract 13 2.3 Introduction 14 2.3.1 Motivation 14 2.3.2 Introduction into bibliometrics 15 2.3.3 Objective 15 2.4 Material and Methods 16 2.4.1 Database and tools 16 2.4.1.1 Selection of database 16 2.4.1.2 Development of the number of data sets in the Web of Science 19 2.4.2 Bibliometric analysis of the entire data set 20 2.4.3 Analysis of time-related developments 23 2.4.4 Keyword development within the examined topic area 24 2.5 Results and Discussion 25 2.5.1 Bibliometric analysis of the entire database 25 2.5.2 Journal-based measures 28 2.5.3 Source dynamics 30 2.5.4 Author impact measures 30 2.5.5 Document-based measures 35 2.5.6 Structural Analysis 36 2.5.7 Analysis of time-related developments 40 2.5.8 Keyword development within the scientific field under investigation 44 2.6 Critical comments on the methodology 47 2.7 Recommendations for conducting a bibliometric analysis 49 2.8 Conclusions 50 2.9 References 52 3 A black-box model for generation of site-specific WWTP influent quality data based on plant routine data 56 3.1 Introduction 56 3.2 Material and Methods 58 3.3 Results and discussion 62 3.3.1 Test of robustness 63 3.3.2 Universality of the approach 66 3.4 Conclusions and outlook 69 3.5 References 70 4 Organic matter parameters in WWTP – a critical review and recommendations for application in activated sludge modelling 74 4.1 Highlights 74 4.2 Abstract 74 4.3 Introduction 75 4.4 Theoretical Considerations 76 4.5 Review of literature data of WWTP sludge 80 4.5.1 Literature survey 80 4.5.2 Measures related to total and volatile organic matter 81 4.5.3 Sludge composition based on biochemical families 83 4.6 Results and Discussion 85 4.6.1 Solids 85 4.6.2 COD and COD/VSS ratio 87 4.6.3 Connection between LPC and COD/VSS ratio 90 4.7 Application to plant-wide-modelling 92 4.7.1 Solids in Activated Sludge Models 92 4.7.2 Organic and inorganic solids 94 4.7.3 COD influent characterisation 96 4.7.4 Adaptation of research results and discussion 97 4.8 Conclusions 101 4.9 Data availability statement 101 4.10 References 101 5 Temperature as an alternative tracer for the determination of the mixing characteristics in wastewater treatment plants 108 5.1 Abstract 108 5.2 Introduction 108 5.2.1 Historical background 109 5.2.2 Alternatives in evaluation of tracer tests 110 5.2.3 Objective of this paper 112 5.3 Material and Methods 112 5.3.1 Lab-scale system 112 5.3.2 Pilot-scale system 113 5.3.3 Procedure 114 5.3.3.1 Substitute hydraulic model 114 5.3.3.2 Energy balance 115 5.3.3.3 Parameter estimation 117 5.4 Results and Discussion 118 5.4.1 Lab-scale system 118 5.4.2 Pilot-scale system 121 5.4.3 Sensitivity tests for optimised substitute model parameters 124 5.4.3.1 Lab scale tests 124 5.4.3.2 Pilot scale tests 126 5.4.4 Influence of recirculation 126 5.4.5 Consideration of variable flow rates 127 5.4.6 Impact of the structured model approach on ASM parameters 127 5.5 Conclusions 131 5.6 References 133 6 One script to solve it all – an open-source-based framework for a digital workflow based on WWTP data 137 6.1 Abstract 137 6.2 Highlights 138 6.3 Introduction 138 6.4 Fundamentals and requirements 138 6.5 Material and Methods 142 6.5.1 Background to the case study 142 6.5.2 Development of the concept 144 6.5.3 Technical implementation 145 6.6 Results 148 6.6.1 Preparation and data import 148 6.6.2 Plausibility checks 149 6.6.3 Calculation of design parameters (A198) 150 6.6.4 Design of WWTP (A131) 151 6.6.5 Activated sludge modelling 152 6.7 Discussion 153 6.7.1 Practical advantages of the developed methodology 153 6.7.2 Lessons learned from development process and first use 153 6.8 Conclusions 157 6.9 References 158 7 Enhancements for a practical application 161 7.1 Evolution of unified protocol of GMP taskgroup 161 7.1.1 Overview 161 7.1.2 Understand the plant + plant layout selection 163 7.1.3 Collection of existing data 163 7.1.4 Iterative process cycle for data analysis and plant model setup / adjustment 164 7.2 Extensions to the activated sludge model (ASM_EDU) 166 7.2.1 Background 166 7.2.2 Separation of inert particulate COD by origin 168 7.2.3 Integration of external carbon sources 169 7.2.4 Consideration of the influence of industrial discharges 171 7.2.5 Consideration of different precipitants in chemical P elimination 174 7.3 Plant-wide modelling 176 7.4 Digital transformation for efficiency enhancement 178 7.5 References 182 8 Conclusions and Outlook 187 8.1 Developments in the field of WWTP modelling 187 8.2 Future significance in science and application practice 188 8.3 Further scientific research needs 189 8.4 Changing the way engineering works 191 8.5 References 193 9 Appendices 195 9.1 Supplementary material for Chapter 4 195 9.1.1 References for sludge data 195 9.1.2 Data survey from references 217 9.2 Supplementary material for Chapter 6 217

Digitaliseringsfenomenet har inneburit ett ändrat kundbeteende gällande hur kunder numera väljer att hushålla och förvalta sin ekonomi. I och med det ändrade kundbeteendet väljer banker att distribuera många av deras finansiella tjänster digitalt. Som en följd av denna digitaliserings transformation inom finansmarknaden har den fysiska interaktionen mellan bank och kund minskat. Eftersom sparbanker är en banktyp med ett nischat koncept och ett fokus på aktivt, socialt och nära samverkan med kunder, uppstår det en kunskapslucka för hur sparbanker kan förbättra och/eller omforma sina strategier kring relationshantering i en mer digitaliserad bankvärld. För att uppfylla detta syfte utgår uppsatsen från följande frågeställning: Vilka skillnader och likheter kan identifieras mellan kundens och bankens synsätt, gällande kundrelationer i och med digitaliseringen i bankbranschen? Genom att belysa både sparbankens och kundernas perspektiv har en jämförelse mellan dessa två perspektiv kunnat framställas. Vilket i sin tur hjälper till att bygga en förståelse för hur sparbankerna kan bedriva en nära, personlig och bra relation i samband med de digitala tjänsterna och samtidigt försöka behålla långa och lojala kundrelationer som även belyser förtroende och tillfredsställelse bland kunderna.     Denna uppsats har en kvalitativ forskningsgrund, där det empiriska underlaget har samlats utifrån tre individuella intervjuer med sparbanks medarbetare och två fokusgruppsintervjuer med fyra sparbankskunder i varje grupp. Det empiriska resultatet har kodats och analyserats utifrån uppsatsens fyra valda teoretiska parametrar. Resultatet visar att det inte finns några direkta skillnader mellan kundens och bankens perspektiv på kundrelationer. Båda parterna är medvetna om att den digitala transformationen inom bankmarknaden bidrar med en stor flexibilitet som skapar tillfredsställelse. Dock parallellt med detta går det att tyda från båda parterna att den fysiska kontakten fortfarande är viktig för att skapa en tillfredsställelse, förtroende och långsiktiga kundrelationer. Likt kundrespondenterna uttrycker också sparbanksmedarbetarna att en vana och okunskap för de digitala banktjänsterna kan skapa en misstro till användningen av dessa tjänster. För att kunna behålla en bra relation med denna sorts kundgrupp i en mer digitaliserad bank, behöver sparbanken införa åtgärder för att inte skapa ett utanförskap för just denna kundgrupp. / The digitalization phenomenon has led to a change in behavior when it comes to how customers now choose to manage their finances. Due to the changes in customer behavior, banks have therefore chosen to distribute a big amount of their financial services online. As a result of the digital transformation among the financial sector, the physical interaction between the bank and customer has decreased. Sparbanken is a bank with a niche concept where the focus is on an active, social and close interaction with its customers. A lack of knowledge about how Sparbanken can improve or reshape its strategies within relationship management in a digitalized banking world arises. In order to fulfill this aim, will this study be based on the following research question: Which differences and similarities can be identified between the customers and the banks perspective when it comes to customer relations in a digitized banking sector? By analyzing both sparbankens and its customers perspective, a comparison between these two perspectives can be presented. This in turn leads to a better opportunity to gather an understanding of how sparbanken can carry out a close and personal relationship in connection to the digitization and at the same time try to keep long term and loyal customer relations. Which also builds trust and customer satisfaction among customers.    This thesis has a qualitative research base, where the empirical results have been gathered through three individual interviews with bank employees of sparbanken and two focusgroup interviews with four sparbank customers in each group. The empirical results have been coded and analyzed through four selected theoretical parameters. The results indicate that there are no direct differences between the bank and the customers perspective, when it comes to customer relations. Both the customers and the banking employees are aware of the big satisfaction and flexibility the digitalization has made among customers. However parallel to this it can be clarified that physical interaction still is an important factor in order to build satisfaction, trust and long term relationships. Like the customers, sparbankens employees also claim that habits and lack of knowledge creates trust issues towards the function of the digital financial services. In order to maintain a good relationship in a more digitized bank, with these types of customers, sparbanken have to make some changes within customer relationship management in order to not create an exclusion for a customer group.

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven society, the banking industry is undergoing a big change in digital transformation. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate the reason behind the differences in digital banking product development between South Africa and Sweden, and what reasons there are behind the differences in the two environments. Banks are presented with the strategic choice of pursuing offensive or defensive transformation paths to navigate the evolving path. Offensive transformation is when leveraging innovative technologies to gain a competitive edge and enhance customer experiences. Whereas, defensive transformation focuses on staying relevant to the market, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The findings in this study are that both banks are in their core quite similar, but due to differences in their respective banking environments and conditions, they are strategically acting differently. The South African market bears a resemblance to a market under development, with regard to its lacking of digital development. The South African banks are more customer-driven compared to the Swedish. The Swedes possess, due to their conditions a larger control over their customers. This leads South African banks to be more aggressive in their strategies, while Swedish banks tend to be more defensive. However, both banks use a mix of defensive and aggressive strategies when they need to compete or stay relevant in the market. The reasons for these differences lie in the lack of infrastructure. This means that South African banks have less control over digital development compared to Swedish banks. South Africa relies on the customer’s demand to be strong enough for them to invest in product development. The Swedish bank has a more favorable market condition, where investments in product development are most likely also successful in neighboring markets. / I dagens snabba och teknikdrivna samhälle genomgår bankbranschen en stor förändring i och med den digitala transformationen. Syftet med denna uppsats är därför att undersöka orsakerna bakom skillnaderna i produktutveckling av digitala banktjänster mellan Sydafrika och Sverige, och vilka orsaker som ligger bakom skillnaderna i de två miljöerna. Bankerna står inför det strategiska valet att välja offensiva eller defensiva transformationsvägar för att navigera på den framväxande vägen. Offensiv transformation är när man utnyttjar innovativ teknik för att få en konkurrensfördel och förbättra kundupplevelsen. Medan defensiv transformation fokuserar på att förbli relevant för marknaden och säkerställa regelefterlevnad. Resultaten i denna studie visar att de båda bankerna i grunden är ganska lika, men på grund av skillnader i deras respektive bankmiljöer och förutsättningar agerar de strategiskt på olika sätt. Den sydafrikanska marknaden liknar en marknad under utveckling när det gäller bristen på digital utveckling. De sydafrikanska bankerna är mer kunddrivna jämfört med de svenska. De svenska bankerna har, på grund av sina förutsättningar, en större kontroll över sina kunder. Detta leder till att de sydafrikanska bankerna är mer aggressiva i sina strategier, medan de svenska bankerna tenderar att vara mer defensiva. Båda bankerna använder dock en blandning av defensiva och aggressiva strategier när de behöver konkurrera eller förbli relevanta på marknaden. Orsakerna till dessa skillnader ligger i bristen på infrastruktur. Det innebär att sydafrikanska banker har mindre kontroll över den digitala utvecklingen jämfört med svenska banker. Sydafrika förlitar sig på att kundernas efterfrågan ska vara tillräckligt stark för att de ska kunna investera i produktutveckling. Den svenska banken har ett mer gynnsamt marknadsläge, där investeringar i produktutveckling sannolikt också är framgångsrika på närliggande marknader.

Цель исследования – опираясь на теоретические и практические основы управления стартапами, разработать модельный подход для повышения эффективности управления стартапами за счет разработки и внедрения информационных систем распределения внутренних инвестиционных потоков в компаниях. Объектом исследования является архитектура малого инновационного предприятия на ранних стадиях жизненного цикла (стартап). Предметом исследования дипломной работы являются методы, инструменты и информационные системы стратегического управления развитием малых инновационных предприятий (стартапов). Научная новизна исследования состоит в разработке метода оптимального управления развитием стартапа для эффективного вливания средств к его развитию. Практическая значимость исследования заключается в применении авторских предложений по совершенствованию процесса управления развитием стартапа в условиях трансформации экономики. Эффективность рекомендаций – предложенный автором подход по эффективному управлению развитием стартапа позволит отражать состояние проектов на каждом этапе развития, находящихся в акселераторе, в тех сочетаниях, которые способны привести к возникновению синергетического эффекта между реализуемыми проектами и привести жизненные циклы акселерации и реализуемых им проектов к состоянию резонанса. / The purpose of the study is, based on the theoretical and practical foundations of start-up management, to develop a model approach to improve the efficiency of start-up management through the development and implementation of information systems for the distribution of internal investment flows in companies. The object of the study is the architecture of a small innovative enterprise in the early stages of its life cycle (startup). The subject of the thesis research is methods, tools and information systems for strategic management of the development of small innovative enterprises (startups). The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of a method for optimal management of the development of a startup for the effective injection of funds for its development. The practical significance of the study lies in the application of the author’s proposals for improving the process of managing the development of a startup in the context of economic transformation. The effectiveness of recommendations - the approach proposed by the author for effectively managing the development of a startup will allow reflecting the state of projects at each stage of development in the accelerator, in those combinations that can lead to a synergistic effect between the projects being implemented and bringing the life cycles of acceleration and the projects it implements to a state of resonance.

Change and adaptation to change has always been a part of human life. Some are more used to changes in their daily life and some are more resistant towards it. In big organizations all types of people are working together to create a better future. In manufacturing companies, change and implementation of digital transformation are more frequently occurring and in faster paces. This thesis aids to study how Change Management can be adapted in a manufacturing company regarding digital transformation by minimizing the resistance. This thesis is an inductive qualitative case study where both theoretical framework and data collections are provided. The theories brought up in this thesis are Change Management, psychological, social and organizational aspects of Change Management and how to adapt Change Management and Operator 4.0. To be able to compare theory with practice, a total of 10 interviews were held with 7 team leaders and 3 production leaders and 4 observations were held. The collected data and theory were analyzed and compared to each other and later on, gaps between theory and practice were identified. The results show that there is a lack of communication within the organization and a deficient communication chain. The results show that there is involvement of employees but mainly from the same type of department. There is an uneven distribution of implementation within the production where one part of the production is almost fully digitalized while the other has nothing digital at all. Depending on the shifts, there is a lack of support from the production engineers and top management. As a conclusion, adapting change management seems to be easy when reading about its theory but is in fact difficult when adapting it in practice, especially when the organization is big. To deal with the problem, the developers and managers should include employees from the very beginning of the formulation process and divide project teams in smaller groups in order to provide support to all departments and shifts. The developers and managers should also use Lewin´s three-step model for minor changes and consider using Kotter´s strategic eight-step model for changes made at a bigger scale. / Förändring och anpassning till förändring har alltid varit en del av människans liv. Vissa är mer vana vid förändringar i sitt dagliga liv och andra är mer motståndskraftiga mot det. I stora organisationer arbetar alla typer av människor tillsammans för att skapa en bättre framtid. I tillverkande företag sker förändring och implementering av digital transformation oftare och i snabbare takt. Detta examensarbete hjälper till att studera hur Change Management kan anpassas i ett tillverkande företag avseende digital transformation genom att minimera motståndet. Detta examensarbete är en induktiv kvalitativ fallstudie där både teoretiska ramar och datainsamlingar tillhandahålls. Teorierna som tas upp i detta examensarbete är Change Management, psykologiska, sociala och organisations aspekterna av Change Management samt hur man anpassar Change Management och Operator 4.0. För att kunna jämföra teori med praktik hölls totalt 10 intervjuer med 7 teamledare och 3 produktionsledare och 4 observationer genomfördes. Insamlade data och teori analyserades och jämfördes med varandra och senare identifierades luckor mellan teori och praktik. Resultaten visar att det råder brist på kommunikation inom organisationen och en bristfällig kommunikationskedja. Resultaten visar att det finns engagemang av medarbetare men främst från samma typ av avdelning. Det är en ojämn fördelning av genomförandet inom produktionen där en del av produktionen är nästan helt digitaliserad medan den andra inte har något digitalt alls. Beroende på skiften saknas stöd från produktionsingenjörerna och högsta ledningen. Sammanfattningsvis verkar det vara lätt att anpassa förändringsledning när man läser om dess teori men är faktiskt svårt när man anpassar den i praktiken, speciellt när organisationen är stor. För att komma till rätta med problemet bör utvecklarna och cheferna inkludera anställda redan från början av formuleringsprocessen och dela in projektteam i mindre grupper för att ge stöd till alla avdelningar och skift. Utvecklarna och cheferna bör också använda Lewins trestegsmodell för mindre förändringar och överväga att använda Kotters strategiska åttastegsmodell för förändringar som görs i större skala.

The research study aims to delve deeper into analyzing the interplay between crisis and innovation to delineate the key drivers influencing innovation during the crisis. The literature review discusses innovations during the time of crisis and how they become long-term changes with systemic effects for the companies. It also includes a study of successful innovation models in modern society, including digital transformation. The analysis results proved to be consistent with the theoretical framework and confirm the importance of a non-traditional approach for managing innovation in an unknown and uncertain environment. The emphasis is on the current COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on the luxury fashion industry's innovations. / Forskningsstudien syftar till att fördjupa sig i analysen av samspelet mellan kris och innovation för att avgränsa de viktigaste drivkrafterna som påverkar innovation under krisen. I litteraturöversikten diskuteras innovationer under krisens tid och hur de blir långsiktiga förändringar med systemeffekter för företagen. Det inkluderar också en studie av framgångsrika innovationsmodeller i det moderna samhället, inklusive digital transformation. Analysresultaten visade sig överensstämma med den teoretiska ramen och bekräftar vikten av ett icke-traditionellt tillvägagångssätt för att hantera innovation i en okänd och osäker miljö. Tyngdpunkten ligger på den nuvarande COVID-19-pandemin och dess konsekvenser för lyx modebranschens innovationer.

With the introduction of a fourth industrial revolution, new technologies are changing the behaviour of buyers in all markets. Coupled with an acceleration caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers are now more than ever facing a pressure to digitally transform. These digital transformations entail not only the implementation of new technologies, but also require change in every part of the organisation. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the role that digital transformation and technological advancements has on B2B sales. Moreover, the thesis aims at creating recommendations for managers to strategically address these transformations as well as providing empirical data on digital transformation. To achieve the purpose and aim of the thesis, an exploratory single case study was performed on one of Europe’s largest paper manufacturers. The case study includes a semi-systematic literature review of 108 research articles, as well as 12 interviews with various employees from the case organisation. The findings of the case study were three-fold. Firstly, combining the areas covered by literature with the findings from the case study, a proposed framework for how technology affects the entire B2B sales organisation is created. This framework consists of the four dimensions: technology, value chain, business model and internal aspects. Secondly, based on the current level of digitalisation in the case company, 15 specific measures for improving the level of digitalisation and enabling digital transformation are presented. Lastly, the study revealed that the challenges an organisation faces when aiming at achieving a digital transformation are not only related to the organisation’s current level of digitalisation but also reliant on it’s customers, product sell and the market in which it operates. / Med introduktionen av en fjärde industriell revolution förändrar nya teknologier beteendet av köpare på alla marknader. Med en ökad acceleration av digitalisering kopplat till covid-19 pandemin står tillverkare inför ett större tryck än någonsin att digitalisera. De digitala transformationerna innebär inte bara nya teknologier utan kräver också förändring i hela organisationen. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka rollen digital transformation och teknologisk utveckling har för en B2B försäljningsorganisation. Dessutom syftar uppsatsen till att skapa rekommendationer för ansvariga för att strategiskt hantera dessa transformationer samt förse empirisk data på digitala transformationer. För att uppfylla syftet och målet med uppsatsen utförs en explorativ fallstudie på en av Europas största papperstillverkare. Fallstudien inkluderas en semi-systematisk litteraturstudie bestående av 108 forskningsartiklar, samt 12 intervjuer med anställda inom organisationen i fallstudien. Resultatet av fallstudien var trefaldigt. För det första, genom att kombinera litteraturen med insikterna från fallstudien skapades ett föreslaget ramverk för hur teknologi påverkar en hel B2B försäljningsorganisation. Ramverket består av fyra dimensioner: teknologi, värdekedja, affärsmodell ,och interna aspekter. För det andra, baserat på den nuvarande nivån av digitalisering i organisationen i fallstudien presenteras 15 specifika medel för att förbättra nivån av digitalisering och göra digital transformation möjligt. Till sist, visar studien på hur utmaningarna en organisation möter när de försöker digitaliseras är inte enbart relaterade till organisationens nuvarande nivå av digitalisering, utan beror också på organisationens kunder, produkter, och marknaden de har sin verksamhet i.

[ES] La investigación llevada a cabo en esta tesis doctoral tiene como objetivo general analizar la importancia del poder transformador de la analítica de big data, a través de las capacidades analíticas de big data en el ecosistema español de las pequeñas y medianas empresas. El contexto de la transformación digital ha remodelado la forma de hacer negocios en las organizaciones debido a la complejidad e incertidumbre del entorno, el surgimiento de empresas nativas digitales, la introducción de nuevas tecnologías e industria 4.0 y el aumento de la competitividad de los mercados. Si bien la implantación de la tecnología e infraestructuras digitales ha sido un tema estudiado en la literatura académica en los últimos años, se divisan retos importantes a nivel humano debido a la modificación del contexto laboral, el liderazgo y las habilidades y competencias necesarias para competir de forma exitosa actualmente. Las personas, y no la tecnología, son el centro de la transformación digital y todo cambio organizativo derivado debe priorizarlas. Muchas de las empresas que invierten en tecnologías como el big data son incapaces de extraer el valor que éste puede ofrecer a través de la analítica de datos, y por tanto, no lo utilizan para tomar decisiones de valor para la organización que lleven a un incremento del desempeño. Tienen poco desarrolladas las capacidades analíticas de big data, necesarias para aprovechar la transformación digital y promover una implementación efectiva de las nuevas tecnologías. De esta problemática derivamos la importancia de conocer cuáles son los antecedentes de las capacidades analíticas de big data y su efecto en ellas, con el objetivo de conseguir un verdadero impacto en el desempeño organizativo. Por una parte, la cultura organizativa se ha identificado como una de las barreras al cambio o un factor impulsor que permite efectuar una transformación digital efectiva. Para ello es necesario implantar nuevas formas de trabajar y adquirir habilidades y conocimientos adecuados que permitan tomar decisiones en base al análisis de los datos. Es por tanto fundamental, que la cultura organizativa promueva e incentive la promoción de capacidades analíticas de big data y la transformación digital. Por otra parte, se destaca el papel del CEO de la organización, y de su visión estratégica orientada al dato para incentivar, liderar y motivar el cambio hacia una transformación digital. El rol del directivo es crucial para motivar un cambio cultural que permita ver la transformación digital y las capacidades analíticas de big data como instrumentos para lograr una mejora de la competitividad, desempeño, creación de valor y aumento de la reputación y satisfacción de las personas. Por tanto, el CEO debe tener un compromiso con la transformación digital tangible y visión estratégica orientada a los datos para tomar decisiones y planificar la estrategia a seguir por toda la organización. Entre las conclusiones del estudio se destaca en primer lugar la relación positiva y significativa de las capacidades analíticas de big data con la transformación digital y el desempeño organizativo a través de la innovación. Además, se pone en valor la importancia de la cultura organizativa y de la orientación al dato, así como de un nivel adecuado de madurez digital, como antecedentes de las capacidades analíticas de big data. Finalmente se analizan los diversos arquetipos culturales para destacar que una cultura digital, jerárquica o adhocrática favorecen la creación de capacidades analíticas y por tanto incrementan el proceso de transformación digital. A partir de las conclusiones se deriva la necesidad de inversión en formación para las personas en capacidades digitales y analíticas y el rol clave del directivo para conseguir una transformación digital exitosa y aprovechar la inversión tecnológica realizada. Por último, se destaca la importancia del diagnóstico cultural y elaboración de un plan de cambio cultural. / [CA] La investigació duta a terme en aquesta tesi doctoral té com a objectiu general analitzar la importància del poder transformador de l'analítica de big data, a través de les capacitats analítiques de big data en l'ecosistema espanyol de les petites i mitjanes empreses. El context de la transformació digital ha remodelat la manera de fer negocis en les organitzacions a causa de la complexitat i incertesa de l'entorn, el sorgiment d'empreses natives digitals, la introducció de noves tecnologies i indústria 4.0 i l'augment de la competitivitat dels mercats. Tot i que la implantació de la tecnologia i infraestructures digitals ha sigut un tema estudiat en la literatura acadèmica en els últims anys, s'albiren reptes importants a nivell humà a causa de la modificació del context laboral, el lideratge i les habilitats necessàries per a competir de manera exitosa actualment. Les persones, i no la tecnologia, són el centre de la transformació digital i tot canvi organitzatiu derivat ha de prioritzar-les. Moltes de les empreses que inverteixen en tecnologies com el big data són incapaços d'extraure el valor que aquest pot oferir a través de l'analítica de dades, i per tant, no l'utilitzen per a prendre decisions de valor per a l'organització que porten a una millora dels resultats. La raó és que tenen poc desenvolupades les capacitats analítiques de big data, necessàries per a aprofitar la transformació digital i promoure una implementació efectiva de les noves tecnologies. D'aquesta problemàtica derivem la importància de conéixer quins són els antecedents de les capacitats analítiques de big data i el seu efecte en elles, amb l'objectiu d'aconseguir un vertader impacte en la millora dels resultats. D'una banda, la cultura organitzativa s'ha identificat com una de les barreres al canvi per a efectuar una transformació digital efectiva. Per aquesta raó cal implantar noves maneres de treballar i adquirir habilitats i coneixements adequats que permeten prendre decisions sobre la base de l'anàlisi de les dades. És per tant fonamental, que la cultura organitzativa promoga i incentive la promoció de capacitats analítiques de big data i la transformació digital. D'altra banda, es destaca el paper del CEO de l'organització, i de la seua visió estratègica orientada a les dades per a incentivar, liderar i motivar el canvi cap a una transformació digital. El paper directiu és crucial per a motivar un canvi cultural que permeta veure la transformació digital i les capacitats analítiques de big data com a instruments per a aconseguir una millora de la competitivitat, acompliment, creació de valor i augment de la reputació i satisfacció de les persones. Per tant, el CEO ha de tindre un compromís amb la transformació digital tangible i una visió orientada a les dades per a prendre decisions i planificar l'estratègia a seguir per tota l'organització. Entre les conclusions de l'estudi es destaca en primer lloc la relació positiva i significativa de les capacitats analítiques de big data amb la transformació digital i la millora dels resultats a través de la innovació. A més, es posa en valor la importància de la cultura organitzativa i de l'orientació a la dada, així com d'un nivell adequat de maduresa digital, com a antecedents de les capacitats analítiques de big data. Finalment s'analitzen els diversos arquetips culturals i es destaca que una cultura digital, jeràrquica o adhocrática afavoreixen la creació de capacitats analítiques i per tant incrementen l'éxit del procés de transformació digital. A partir de les conclusions es deriven algunes implicacions pràctiques com la necessitat d'inversió en formació per a les persones en competències i capacitats digitals i analítiques, el rol clau del directiu per a aconseguir una transformació digital exitosa i aprofitar la inversió tecnològica. Finalment es destaca la importància del diagnòstic cultural i elaboració d'un pla de canvi cultural alineat amb els objectius envers la transformació digital. / [EN] The general objective of the research carried out in this doctoral thesis is to analyse the importance of the transformative power of big data analytics through big data analytical capabilities in the Spanish context of small and medium-sized enterprises. The context of digital transformation has reshaped the way of doing business in organisations due to the complexity and uncertainty of the environment, the emergence of digital native companies, the introduction of new technologies and the increased competitiveness of markets. Whilst the implementation of technology and digital infrastructures has been covered in the academic literature in recent years, there are significant challenges at the human level due to the changing context of work, leadership and the skills needed to compete successfully today. People, not technology, are at the heart of digital transformation and any resulting organisational change must priorise them. Many companies that invest in technologies such as big data are unable to extract the value that big data can offer through data analytics, and therefore do not use it to make valuable decisions for the organisation that lead to increased performance. They have underdeveloped big data analytical capabilities, which are necessary to take advantage of digital transformation and promote the effective implementation of new technologies. From this problem the importance of knowing the background of big data analytical capabilities and their effect on them is derived, in order to achieve a real impact on organisational performance. On the one hand, organisational culture has been identified as a barrier or booster of change for an effective digital transformation. This requires the implementation of new ways of working and the acquisition of appropriate skills and knowledge to enable data-driven decision making. It is therefore essential that the organisational culture promotes and encourages the promotion of big data analytical capabilities and digital transformation. On the other hand, the role of the CEO of the organisation, and his or her data-driven strategic vision to incentivise, lead and motivate change towards digital transformation is highlighted. The role of the top management is crucial to motivate a cultural change that allows to see digital transformation and big data analytics capabilities as instruments to achieve superior outcomes (i.e., improved competitiveness, performance, value creation and increased reputation and people satisfaction). Therefore, the CEO must have a strong commitment to digital transformation and a data-driven orientation to make decisions and settle the strategy for the entire organisation. Among the conclusions of the study, the positive and significant relationship of big data analytics capabilities with digital transformation and organisational performance through innovation are highlighted. This thesis points out the importance of organisational culture and data orientation, as well as an appropriate level of digital maturity, as antecedents to big data analytics capabilities. Finally, the various cultural archetypes are analysed to highlight that a digital, hierarchical or adhocratic culture favours the creation of analytical capabilities and therefore enhances the digital transformation process. From the conclusions, some practical implications are derived, such as the need to invest in training people in digital and analytical skills and capabilities, the key role of the manager in achieving a successful digital transformation and leveraging technological investment. Finally, the importance of cultural diagnosis and the development of a cultural change plan aligned with the strategic objectives for digital transformation is highlighted, and practical recommendations are settled. / Tesis elaborada gracias al apoyo de las Ayudas de Formación del Profesorado Universitario (FPU) otorgadas por el Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Universidades, del Gobierno de España, y a la Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo de la Universitat de València. / Orero Blat, M. (2023). Enhancing Big Data Analytics Capabilities: The Influence of Organisational Culture and Data-Driven Orientation [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/191788

Aus Punkt 1 Einleitung: Die jährliche Konferenz GeNeMe „Gemeinschaften in Neuen Medien“ diskutiert insbesondere Online Communities aus integraler Sicht auf mehrere Fachdisziplinen wie Informatik, Medientechnologie, Wirtschaftswissenschaft, Bildungs- und Informationswissenschaft, sowie Sozial- und Kommunikationswissenschaft. Als Forum für einen transdisziplinären Dialog ermöglicht die GeNeMe den Erfahrungs und Wissensaustausch zwischen Teilnehmenden verschiedenster Fachrichtungen, Organisationen und Institutionen mit dem Fokus sowohl auf Forschung als auch Praxis.