This thesis is questioning the meanings of artistic creation. It is divided into two parts - theoretical and empirical. The first part introduces the topic through seven fundamental psychological approaches. The second part tracks the question of the meanings of artistic creation using qualitative half-structured interviews with three painters. During the interview analysis and interpretation, additional text and image documents are included as supplementary sources. Subjectively important topics that are linked to individual's artistic creation formed their so-called internal story of creation as the first output of analysis and data interpretation. Moreover, all three stories are compared with psychological approaches within the model of De Botton and Armstrong (2014), extended by a mutual comparison among artists and unification of various psychological approaches. Key words: creation, meaning, art, purpose, value

In Sweden two reforms were implemented in 2011 in order to delegate control to universities and improve the quality of tertiary education. Despite the efforts, Swedish universities are experiencing a quality crisis and the majority of students are receiving less than the recommended nine hours per week of tutor led education. The quality crisis, the low levels of student-teacher interaction and the reluctance towards marketization and customer focus within higher education, all provides cause for concern on how universities create value for their students. This study aims to examine the interaction students have with teachers, and how the interaction creates value for students. Interviews were conducted with students studying their third year of the business programme at Uppsala University. The result showed that the students thought interaction was important for their learning. Uppsala University was considered to offer sufficient amount of lectures and seminars, although with fluctuations in quality. Most notable in the study was the lack of feedback from teachers. The students showed strong discontent, as feedback would help them improve and learn, fulfilling their value creation.

As empresas do setor têxtil, a fim de demonstrar sua preocupação com as questões ambientais, têm buscado matérias-primas produzidas em sistemas de produção menos agressivos ao meio ambiente, como forma de diferenciar seus produtos diante do consumidor. Nesse contexto, o algodão naturalmente colorido se mostra como uma opção que está atraindo a atenção das indústrias e de consumidores preocupados com os danos causados ao meio ambiente, especialmente porque essa qualidade de algodão traz alternativas tanto à fase de produção, quanto à de beneficiamento (alvejamento e tingimento dos tecidos). No Brasil, o algodão naturalmente colorido tem a sua principal produção no Estado da Paraíba, onde está localizado o Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) das Confecções e Artefatos de Algodão Colorido deste Estado. Assim, a cadeia produtiva do algodão naturalmente colorido tem sido considerada importante quanto aos aspectos ambientais, econômicos e sociais da sustentabilidade no Estado, tornando-se de interesse à sociedade o desenvolvimento positivo desse arranjo produtivo. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar os relacionamentos organizacionais para formação de valor do referido APL. Tal análise foi realizada em três momentos: primeiro teve a intenção de delinear a dinâmica do APL e conhecer os seus atores; a seguir, analisar os relacionamentos com foco na confiança e no comprometimento; e, finalmente, analisar os relacionamentos para a formação de valor. Para atingir os objetivos propostos foram coletados dados no Estado da Paraíba, nos municípios de Campina Grande, Juarez Távora, São Bento e João Pessoa mediante entrevistas, aplicação de questionário e observação. Os dados coletados e analisados, utilizando a metodologia Análise de Conteúdo, indicaram que nas empresas de maior projeção os constructos confiança e comprometimento aparecem com mais força do que entre os artesãos que não trabalham com confecção de roupas; no que diz respeito aos relacionamentos para a formação de valor, foi possível constatar que o APL possui importantes grupos que se formam com a finalidade de agregação de valor. Observou-se a formação de grupos em quase todos os elos da cadeia: beneficiamento, certificação, aquisição de matéria-prima, produção, comercialização e exportação. Além disso, foi possível concluir que esses grupos são formados a partir das diferentes percepções acerca do mercado do algodão naturalmente colorido. / Textile companies, in order to demonstrate their concern about environmental issues, have been looking for raw materials produced in production systems less aggressive to the environment, as a way to differentiate their products from the consume. In this context, naturally colored cotton is an option that is attracting the attention of industries and consumers concerned about the damage caused to the environment, especially since this quality of cotton brings alternatives to both the production and processing stages (bleaching and dyeing of tissues). In Brazil, naturally colored cotton has its main production in the State of Paraíba, where the “Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) das Confecções e Artefatos de Algodão Colorido” of this State is located. Thus, the production chain of naturally colored cotton has been considered important in terms of the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability in the State, making it of interest to society the positive development of this productive arrangement. In this sense, the present study aims to analyze the organizational relationships for the formation of value of said APL. This analysis was carried out in three moments: first it was intended to delineate the dynamics of the APL and to know its actors; and then analyze relationships that focus on trust and commitment; and finally, analyze the relationships for the formation of value. To reach the proposed objectives, data were collected in the State of Paraíba, in the municipalities of Campina Grande, Juarez Távora, São Bento and João Pessoa through interviews, questionnaire application and observation. The data collected and analyzed, using the Content Analysis methodology, indicated that in the companies with the highest projection, the trust and commitment constructs appear with more force than among the artisans who do not work with clothing; in relation to the relationships for the formation of value, it was possible to verify that the APL has important groups that are formed for the purpose of aggregation of value. Group formation was observed in almost every link in the chain: processing, certification, raw material acquisition, production, marketing and export. In addition, it was possible to conclude that these groups are formed from different perceptions about the naturally colored cotton market.

Syftet med den här uppsatsen är att få en djupare förståelse för produktplaceringsprocessen och därmed se vad produktplacering som marknadsföringskanal genererar till en film- och/eller tv-produktion. Utgångspunkten för att besvara syftet är värdeskapandeteorier tillsammans med en kvalitativ undersökning via intervjuer med sex personer inom produktplaceringsbranschen. Resultatet från undersökningen visade på att fördelarna med produktplacering är att den ger konsumenten en plattform att se en produkt eller ett varumärke i ett verklighetstroget sammanhang och därmed görs produktionen mer trovärdig. I ett större perspektiv genererar produktplacering mer än bara trovärdighet, den erbjuder ett nätverk med samarbetspartners, liksom ett värdeskapande genom kringliggande plattformar. / The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of the product placement process and to see what a marketing channel such as product placement generates to a film and/or a television production. The starting point for answering the purpose of this paper is the value creation theories together with a qualitative survey through interviews with six people in the product placement industry. The results from the survey showed that the benefits of product placement are the contribution of a platform for consumers to see a product or a brand in a realistic context and thereby making a production more reliable. In a larger perspective, product placement generates more than just credibility, it offers a network of partners, as well as value creation through surrounding platforms.

In order to drive innovation and growth in a nation is it important to have innovative companies. Many of those innovative companies are smaller companies, which are in need of capital injections for expansion of its operations or to be able to produce a commercial product. In many cases the banks will not lend because they believe there is too great a risk that they will not get their money back. It is in this situation venture capital becomes interesting. Venture capitalists’ see the potential the product and/or entrepreneur possesses and are therefore more willing to take the risk in investing in these companies. Venture capital doesn´t just bring capital in to the investment, but also competence. For venture capitalists’ to get a return from their investments they need to get the portfolio companies to increase in value. This increase in value can be created through the venture capitalists’ different roles and methods. The different roles and methods also determine what the value created will be and in what way the venture capitalist will be involved in their portfolio company.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the role and the involvement venture capital firms have in their portfolio companies and how they create value in their portfolio companies.Implementation: This study is a survey study, based on earlier research, with mainly a quantitative approach. The data collected has been analyzed with essentially an abductive method. To assist the completion of this study, we made significance tests on the differences between venture capital firms’ and portfolio companies' responses, to examine in which aspects they agreed.Conclusion: There are five roles that are common among venture capitalists: financiers, advisors, supervisors of financial performance, acting as a sounding board and providers of a wider network of contacts. The form of involvement that emerges in this study is inactive to active advisor. Venture capital firms create value by contributing to a larger network of contacts, financing, improvement of accounting procedures, supervision/monitoring, counseling and strategic guidance. The contribution that venture capital firms make to their portfolio companies is a non-financial value in the form of larger network of contacts and a greater motivation/better working environment for the portfolio company's manager/CEO.Keywords: Venture Capital, roles, involvement, creation of value, portfolio companies / För att driva innovation och tillväxt i en nation är det viktigt med innovativa företag. Dessa är i många fall mindre företag som är i behov av kapital för exempelvis expansion av sin verksamhet eller för att kunna få fram en kommersiell produkt. I många fall vill inte banker bevilja lån då de anser att det finns en alltför stor risk att de inte får tillbaka lånet. Det är här riskkapital kommer in. De ser till den potential som produkten och/eller entreprenören besitter och är därför mer villiga att ta den risk som det medför att investera i dessa företag. Riskkapitalbolag bidrar inte bara med kapital i form av betalningsmedel utan också med kompetens. För att riskkapitalisten ska få avkastning behöver denne få entreprenörsföretaget att öka i värde. Detta kan göras genom olika roller och olika tillvägagångssätt för värdeskapande som riskkapitalbolagen kan åta sig. Det avgör också vad för värde som skapas samt vilken form av involvering riskkapitalbolagen har.Syfte: Studiens syfte är att undersöka vilka roller och vilken form av involvering riskkapitalbolag har i sina portföljbolag samt hur de går tillväga för att skapa värde i portföljbolagen.Genomförande: I denna studie användes framför allt en kvantitativ enkätundersökning baserad på tidigare forskning som sedan analyserades med en i huvudsak abduktiv ansats. Som hjälp till fullbordandet av denna studie gjorde vi också hypotesprövningar på skillnaderna mellan riskkapitalbolagens och portföljbolagens svar för att undersöka vilka aspekter de var överens om.Slutsats: Det finns fem roller som är vanligt förekommande bland riskkapitalbolagen: finansiär, rådgivare, övervakning/kontroll av finansiell prestation, agera bollplank och bidra med ett större kontaktnätverk. Involveringen som framkommer är inaktiv till aktiv rådgivare. Riskkapitalbolagen skapar värde genom bidragande av ett större kontaktnätverk, finansiering, förbättring av redovisning, övervakning/kontroll, rådgivning och strategiskt arbete. De bidrar med icke-ekonomiskt värde i form av större kontaktnätverk och en större motivation/bättre arbetssituation för portföljbolagets chef/VD.Nyckelord: riskkapital, roller, involvering, värdeskapande, portföljbolag

Submitted by Rosangela Silva (rosangela.silva3@unioeste.br) on 2018-02-22T11:59:37Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Viviana Beatriz Huespe Aquino Vieira.pdf: 1356654 bytes, checksum: bb34248b2a67f2a499c77526ac5b2711 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-22T11:59:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Viviana Beatriz Huespe Aquino Vieira.pdf: 1356654 bytes, checksum: bb34248b2a67f2a499c77526ac5b2711 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-23 / The co-creation of value is an emergent concept in marketing area whose focus acts over the interaction consumer – company. According to Prahalad and Ramaswamy (2004a), consumers seek for high quality interaction which enable them to co create unique experiences with the firm once the passive role they had had was left behind and a new and more active position was assumed in relation to the availability of information, internet and the desire of experiencing. From Prahalad and Ramaswamy surveys (2004a, 2004b, and 2004c), a lot has been developed and discussed with the aim of better understanding the background, moderators, processes and consequential which influence the consumer behavior into the co-creation of value. In this context, this piece of work had as its main target to analyze the influence of satisfaction, fidelity and confidence of the students as background for co-creation value in the field of higher public education seeking to answer the relations between these variables. Since it is a theory under construction, the achievement of empirical research remains as one of the priorities of the marketing agenda, and the educational environment has been chosen because it is considered an example of co-creation, in which students and teachers interact and such interaction can generate accomplishment and high value for everyone involved. From the perspective of university management the understanding of the dynamics of co-creation of value can provide insights into the definitions of strategies which lead to the accomplishment of the institutional targets. This survey was conducted with the use of a questionnaire applied personally in various groups of students from a university. The date was analyzed statistically both in correlation and regression, which pointed the existence of moderated positive correlation among every and each of the variables surveyed, besides the confirmation of the hypothesis tested which aimed into the direct and positive influence of the variables “satisfaction”, “fidelity” and “confidence” to the variable “co-creation of value”. The conclusion of the work aims into the applicability of the model to the context surveyed, or rather, it shows that practicing the satisfaction, fidelity and confidence of the students may create a friendly atmosphere in which unique experiences of co-creation of value occur bringing benefits to all the involved in the process. / A cocriação de valor é um conceito emergente no Marketing, no qual o foco é a interação consumidor-empresa. De acordo com Prahalad e Ramaswamy (2004a), consumidores buscam interações de alta qualidade, permitindo cocriar experiências únicas com a empresa, deixando para trás o papel passivo e assumindo uma postura mais ativa em função da disponibilidade de informações, da Internet e do desejo de experimentar. A partir das pesquisas de Prahalad e Ramaswamy (2004a, 2004b e 2004c), muito tem sido desenvolvido e discutido no sentido de melhor compreender os antecedentes, moderadores, processos e consequentes que influenciam o comportamento do consumidor para a cocriação de valor. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a influência da satisfação, lealdade e confiança dos estudantes como antecedentes da cocriação de valor no ambiente do Ensino Superior Público buscando responder quais as relações entre estas variáveis. Por se tratar de uma teoria em construção, a realização de pesquisas empíricas permanece como uma das prioridades da agenda do Marketing, sendo que o ambiente educacional foi escolhido por ser considerado um exemplo de cocriação, em que alunos e professores interagem, podendo essa interação gerar desempenho e valor superior para todos os envolvidos. Desde a perspectiva da gestão universitária, a compreensão da dinâmica da cocriação de valor pode fornecer insights para a definição de estratégias que conduzam ao atingimento das metas institucionais. Para a realização da pesquisa, utilizou-se um questionário que foi aplicado pessoalmente em diversas turmas da instituição. Os dados foram submetidos a análises estatísticas de correlação e regressão, as quais indicaram a existência de moderada correlação positiva entre cada uma das variáveis pesquisadas, além da confirmação das hipóteses testadas que indicaram que as variáveis “satisfação”, “lealdade” e “confiança” influenciam de forma direta e positiva a cocriação de valor. Os resultados indicam que trabalhar a satisfação, a lealdade e a confiança dos estudantes tende a criar um ambiente propício para a ocorrência de experiências únicas de cocriação de valor com benefícios para todos os envolvidos.

Studien behandlar hur företag i den digitala kontexten kan stärka sin varumärkesidentitet med hjälp av fenomenet co-creation of value, samt vilka utmaningar och möjligheter som finns med användandet. Syftet är att undersöka hur B2C-företag som använder digital marknadsföring kan stärka sin varumärkesidentitet, med hjälp av co-creation of value och storytelling för värdeskapande. Studien ämnar även till att bidra till en ökad förståelse för hur fenomenet co- creation of value kan användas i arbetet och processen i en förändrad digital kontext. Studien är en kvalitativ studie med en induktiv ansats där det empiriska materialet samlats in genom intervjuer från sju respondenter från fem olika företag, samt genom en workshop som hölls med fyra respondenter. Teorin underbyggs av forskning inom varumärkesutveckling, co-creation of value, storytelling och medieutveckling.Det har identifierats ett samband mellan de tre olika fenomenen co-creation of value, storytelling för värdeskapande och varumärkesidentitet. I studiens slutsats framgår det hur det sociala samspelet i ett medietekniskt perspektiv kan jämföras vid relationen mellan de tre olika fenomenen. Det går att konstatera att det skett ett maktskifte mellan företag och konsument då företagen inte längre äger kommunikationen. Studiens resultat påvisar att den samskapande relationen mellan företag och konsument är beroende av relevans. Vidare belyses även utvecklingen av co-creation of value i den digitala kontexten med nya tekniker, som sociala medier, som i dagens samhälle naturligt finns i vardagen. / This study discusses how companies in the digital context can strengthen their brand identity using the phenomenon co-creation of value, as well as the challenges and opportunities that exist with the use. The purpose of this study is to investigate how B2C companies that use digital marketing can strengthen their brand identity, using co-creation of value and storytelling for value creation. The study also aims to contribute to an increased understanding of how the phenomenon co-creation of value can be used in the work and the process in a changed digital context. The study is a qualitative study with an inductive approach where the empirical material was collected through interviews from seven respondents from five different companies, and through a workshop held with four respondents. The theory is supported by research within brand development, co-creation of value, storytelling and media development.The study has also identified a relation between the three different phenomena co-creation of value, storytelling for value creation and brand identity. The conclusion shows that social interaction in a media-technical perspective can be compared to the relationship between the three different phenomena. It can be noted that there has been a change of power between companies and consumers since the companies no longer own their communication. The result shows that the relationship between companies and consumers is dependent on relevance. Furthermore, the development of co-creation of value in the digital context with new technologies, such as social channels, which in today's society is naturally present in everyday life, is also illustrated.

The initial idea for this research is based on the gap that I found in my company performance and specifically in the process of value offering and the relationship with customers. The company has recently faced the challenges of a loss of market share and competitive advantage. The aim of this study is to provide a validated value offering constructs for the company. That is, knowing the customers’ needs, value and preferences better; identifying what kind of value the customers are looking for and improving the value offerings of the company in order to raise customers´ satisfaction. Understanding the priority of value offering elements from customers’ perspective, the nature of customer satisfaction and the relationship between the elements of value offering and customers´ satisfaction are the main objectives. The relevant literature and research related to value offering including its elements, value, perceived value and customer satisfaction are reviewed comprehensively. The methodology used is a case study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used for collecting and analysing the data. In qualitative phase, 16 customers were selected for in-depth interviews and for quantitative phase 268 customers who all are dentists responded a survey made up of 24 scales. The result showed that the highest significant element is Price value and also it was revealed in which important parts related to value offering and customer satisfaction the company is performing poorly.

Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to examine if sustainable investments is important for customers in the banking sector in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach This thesis is a quantitative study, which is based on a service-perspective. Since the purpose of this study is to examine if sustainable investments are important for customers in the banking sector, banking customers are chosen to be the respondents of this study. This is a deductive study and theories have been developed and result in four hypotheses. The empirical data is based on a survey of 186 respondents.   Findings The result of the study show that the majorities of the respondents prefer and think it is important that their bank is working for sustainability and sustainable development. However, the results show that more information, from the banks, is needed for words to become actions and for customers to be more aware of what the banks do for a sustainable development. The study also shows that sustainable investments are important to customers, but at the same time, it is not something that in the end creates value for the customers and it is not a criterion that makes the customer feel more loyal. This is another sign which tells us that the bank must be better in informing and reach out to their customers about their work for a sustainable development, for example through sustainable investments in funds. Then, the demand of these sustainable investments can increase and this may turn into a loyalty criterion in the future. Research limitations/implications In order for the result to be applicable to the whole population, banking customers in Sweden, further research is required in this specific subject. For example in form of a larger study with a larger random sample selection. Originality/value Sustainability and sustainable development is a subject in time. The banking sector is facing a major challenge in relation to other industries, when it comes to understanding the customers and their perception and opinions on sustainability issues. This study can therefor contribute to banks’ sustainability work, by helping this industry to understand what their customers really demands and how the bank, through information, can help their customers to choose more sustainable products and in turn, contribute to a sustainable development.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-05T18:41:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 29 / Nenhuma / A co-criação de valor é pouco explorada no ensino superior e na área de serviços de um modo geral. Com um segmento que está em constante crescimento, como é o caso do ensino superior privado, desenvolver estudos que contemplem essa teoria pode ser estratégico. A co-criação de valor sinaliza que, em determinados segmentos, a participação do cliente é imprescindível para a verdadeira criação de valor, mesmo que a satisfação durante o processo possa ser questionada. Nesse sentido, pode-se dizer que a participação do aluno na relação ensino e aprendizagem é fundamental para a criação de valor. Alunos que interagem no processo da sua aprendizagem podem ter um aumento na sua satisfação, um melhor desempenho e se tornarem leal à universidade em que estudam. Esses aspectos contribuem para a retenção do aluno que é um dos principais objetivos das instituições de ensino superior privado que estão inseridas em um mercado de acentuada concorrência. Com o objetivo de explorar esse contexto, este estudo avalia os efeitos d