Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are information systems that integrate organizational activities across geographical and functional divisions. Being enterprise-wide systems, they are used within an organization in order to standardise its data and streamline its business processes. However, the envisaged benefits of installing an ERP system, such as better control over the company’s operations and seamless integration and data exchange, often fail to materialize. Although the literature has looked into the factors affecting a successful ERP implementation and adoption, it has largely overlooked the actual use of the system. However, as ERP systems have become widespread in many organizations, it is important to examine the use of such systems and their organizational consequences in-situ. This research is particularly concerned with the impact of the use of ERP systems on organizational control and drift. The main argument is that there are contextual factors, in the form of existing organizational control and drift, which influence the use of the ERP system by its users. The actual use of the ERP system can then also lead to organizational control or drift itself. This depends on the way the system is used by its users, as well as the affordances of the system. The former is characterized as human agency in this thesis, while the latter is characterized as machine agency. An interpretive case study approach is adopted to examine those issues. A main case study is examined in depth, aided by four auxiliary case studies. The main contribution of this research is the provision of rich insights regarding the use of ERP systems and their organizational consequences.

This thesis concentrates on laboratory measurements of the Electron Drift Instrument (EDI), focussing primarily on the EDI optics of the system. The EDI is a device used on spacecraft to measure electric fields by emitting an electron beam and measuring the E X B drift of the returning electrons after one gyration. This drift velocity is determined using two electron beams directed perpendicular to the magnetic field returning to be detected by the spacecraft. The EDI will be used on the Magnetospheric Multi-Scale Mission. The EDI optic's testing process takes measurements of the optics response to a uni-directional electron beam. These measurements are used to verify the response of the EDI's optics and to allow for the optimization of the desired optics state via simulation. The optics state tables were created in simulations and we are using these measurements to confirm their accuracy. The setup consisted of an apparatus made up of the EDI's optics and sensor electronics was secured to the two axis gear arm inside a vacuum chamber. An electron beam was projected at the apparatus which then used the EDI optics to focus the beam into the micro-controller plates and onto the circular 32 pad annular ring that makes up the sensor. The concentration of counts per pad over an interval of 1ms were averaged over 25 samples and plotted in MATLAB. The results of the measurements plotted agreed well with the simulations, providing confidence in the EDI instrument.

This thesis examines the use of adaptive user interface elements on a mobile phone and presents two adaptive user interface approaches. The approaches attempt to increase the efficiency with which a user interacts with a mobile phone, while ensuring the interface remains predictable to a user. ¶ An adaptive user interface approach is presented that predicts the menu item a user will select. When a menu is opened, the predicted menu item is highlighted instead of the top-most menu item. The aim is to maintain the layout of the menu and to save the user from performing scrolling key presses. A machine learning approach is used to accomplish the prediction task. However, learning in the mobile phone environment produces several difficulties. These are limited availability of training examples, concept drift and limited computational resources. A novel learning approach is presented that addresses these difficulties. This learning approach addresses limited training examples and limited computational resources by employing a highly restricted hypothesis space. Furthermore, the approach addresses concept drift by determining the hypothesis that has been consistent for the longest run of training examples into the past. Under certain concept drift restrictions, an analysis of this approach shows it to be superior to approaches that use a fixed window of training examples. An experimental evaluation on data collected from several users interacting with a mobile phone was used to assess this learning approach in practice. The results of this evaluation are reported in terms of the average number of key presses saved. The benefit of menu-item prediction can clearly be seen, with savings of up to three key presses on every menu interaction. ¶ An extension of the menu-item prediction approach is presented that removes the need to manually specify a restricted hypothesis space. The approach uses a decision-tree learner to generate hypotheses online and uses the minimum description length principle to identify the occurrence of concept shifts. The identification of concept shifts is used to guide the hypothesis generation process. The approach is compared with the original menu-item prediction approach in which hypotheses are manually specified. Experimental results using the same datasets are reported. ¶ Another adaptive user interface approach is presented that induces shortcuts on a mobile phone interface. The approach is based on identifying shortcuts in the form of macros, which can automate a sequence of actions. A means of specifying relevant action sequences is presented, together with several learning approaches for predicting which shortcut to present to a user. A small subset of the possible shortcuts on a mobile phone was considered. This subset consisted of shortcuts that automated the actions of making a phone call or sending a text message. The results of an experimental evaluation of the shortcut prediction approaches are presented. The shortcut prediction process was evaluated in terms of predictive accuracy and stability, where stability was defined as the rate at which predicted shortcuts changed over time. The importance of stability is discussed, and is used to question the advantages of using sophisticated learning approaches for achieving adaptive user interfaces on mobile phones. Finally, several methods for combining accuracy and stability measures are presented, and the learning approaches are compared with these methods.

<p>In a competitive environment which needs constant strategic adaptation, the companies look for the best way to stick to markets’ trends. The way the company is organized can optimize both the required strategic adaptation and the performance of the human capital by enhancing the flow of information for instance.</p><p>Some companies are organised in a very special way and adopt a project-structure. We therefore have inquired about these project-structures and their ability to favour communication in order to enable better performance. Then comes the reason for our work, we wonder: How is information flow processed in project-based companies compared to others and how it affects strategic drift?</p><p>Existing theories concerning strategy, communication and organisation has been confronted in order to create an original lens through which we look at companies. Based on this lens are qualitative interviews led to collect empirical data from two hierarchical levels in four companies with very different businesses.</p><p>After analysis, the study shows that the strategic drift is well known by companies. Good communication is recognised as a way to tackle this strategic drift and is high on companies’ agenda. The project-structure owns several assets (like customization, size and resilience) which make it better to process information flow and which eventually reduce or eliminate the strategic drift. Yet, classical organisations and project-structures seem to create synergy for a company which uses adequately both, regarding the type of business.</p>

The computational ability to accurately simulate boiling water reactor operation under the full range of standard steady-state operation, along with the capability to fully track the isotopic distribution of any fueled region in any location in the core has been developed. This new three-dimensional node-by-node capability can help designers track, for example, a full suite of minor and major actinides, fission products, and even light elements that result from depletion, decay, or transmutations. This isotopic tracking capability is not restricted to BWRs and can be employed in the modeling of PWRs, CANDUs, and other reactor types that can be modeled with the NESTLE code, the base core simulator employed in this research. To accurately simulate boiling water reactor operation, a major thermal-hydraulics upgrade was performed which involved the implementation of a drift-flux solution scheme to model steady-state boiling water flow. Sub-cooled boiling and bulk boiling are accurately modeled and a scheme for computing the correct flow distribution has been implemented. In addition, the incorporation of a nodal ORIGEN-based microscopic depletion solution has been included which allows for exceptional detail in tracking a large number of elements in every node of a core design, thus accounting for spectral dependencies such as moderator density effects, moderator temperature effects, fuel temperature effects, as well as controlled or uncontrolled conditions. The results of this study show the excellent fidelity of the two-phase solution for accurately predicting the boiling of water when compared to experimental results. Likewise, the isotopic inventory results show near-identical agreement with the well-established and validated ORIGEN-based SCALE/TRITON isotopic depletion sequence. The aim of these developments is to eventually produce a publicly available three-dimensional core simulator capable of assessing detailed isotopic inventories, a capability particularly valuable for the evaluation of recycling scenarios and actinide management in a variety of reactor types and fuel designs.

In a competitive environment which needs constant strategic adaptation, the companies look for the best way to stick to markets’ trends. The way the company is organized can optimize both the required strategic adaptation and the performance of the human capital by enhancing the flow of information for instance. Some companies are organised in a very special way and adopt a project-structure. We therefore have inquired about these project-structures and their ability to favour communication in order to enable better performance. Then comes the reason for our work, we wonder: How is information flow processed in project-based companies compared to others and how it affects strategic drift? Existing theories concerning strategy, communication and organisation has been confronted in order to create an original lens through which we look at companies. Based on this lens are qualitative interviews led to collect empirical data from two hierarchical levels in four companies with very different businesses. After analysis, the study shows that the strategic drift is well known by companies. Good communication is recognised as a way to tackle this strategic drift and is high on companies’ agenda. The project-structure owns several assets (like customization, size and resilience) which make it better to process information flow and which eventually reduce or eliminate the strategic drift. Yet, classical organisations and project-structures seem to create synergy for a company which uses adequately both, regarding the type of business.

Efficient algorithms for time synchronization, including compensation for clock drift, are essential in order to obtain reliable fusion of data samples from multiple wireless sensor nodes. This paper evaluates the performance of algorithms based on three different approaches; one that synchronizes the local clocks on the sensor nodes, and a second that uses a single clock on the receiving node (e.g. a mobile phone), and a third that uses broadcast messages. The performances of the synchronization algorithms are evaluated in wireless personal area networks, especially Bluetooth piconets and ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 networks. A new approach for compensation of clock drift and a realtime implementation of single node synchronization from the mobile phone are presented and tested. Finally, applications of data fusion and time synchronization are shown in two different use cases; a kayaking sports case, and monitoring of heart and respiration of prematurely born infants. / <p>QC 20130605</p>

This thesis has proposed a slender well concept for exploration drilling with 15000 psi pressure rating based on enabling technologies. The main findings relates to the use of expandable liner hangers to reduce the required radial clearance between consecutive casing sections. Finite element analysis of the liner hanger expansion is performed in Ansys Workbench, a platform for advanced engineering simulations. The background for the thesis relates to the high cost of constructing offshore wells. There is a potential for considerable cost reduction by starting the well with a substantially smaller diameter, without compromising the final pipe size across the zone of interest. The topic builds on ongoing research in SBBU – Centre for drilling and wells for improved recovery, a joint project between NTNU, Sintef, University in Stavanger and IRIS. The slender well concept renders the possibility to use modified 3rd or 4th generation semi-submersible rigs. These rigs have significantly lower day-rates compared to new 5th and 6th generation rigs. Cost reduction is also expected with respect to consumption of steel for casing, drilling fluids and cement. Additional savings in steel is obtained by basing the casing program mainly on liners. The expandable liner hanger of choice is based on the XPak liner hanger developed by TIW. Finite element analysis indicated that a pressure rating of 15000 psi is feasible with the proposed liner hanger system. To avoid reduction in burst and collapse rating, the expansion mandrel is retained in the liner hanger after expansion. The mandrel is designed such that it creates an internal flush design with the liner string. It is recommended to use metal-to-metal sealing to avoid communication around the liner top. The slender well is constructed with limited radial clearance between consecutive casing sections. The problem of high surge pressures during running in hole is overcome by introducing a surge protection system with an artificial inner annulus to displace drilling fluids. The concept of pre-installing a liner string in the surface casing is introduced to render the possibility of an additional casing section and reduction in riser ID. The concept is untested and further evaluation is recommended. For further work on the topic proper field testing is recommended to validate the reliability of the concept. An assessment of slender well production drilling is also recommended to fully exploit the potential in slender well design. More detailed analysis and testing is necessary to qualify the expandable liner hanger for 15000 psi.

Trafikverket Region Mitt hade i början av år 2013 en misstanke om att antalet olyckor på Europaväg 4 i Gävleborgs län hade ökat i jämförelse med tidigare vintrar. De utförde därför en miniutredning där de undersökte olyckor med personskador som inträffat mellan vintern 2005-2013. Resultatet av denna visade att det var önskvärt att en mer omfattande utredning skulle genomföras för att slutsatser skall kunna dras om olyckorna har ökat och vad de olyckor som uppkommer längs vägen beror på. Därför fattades ett beslut om att detta examensarbete skulle genomföras för att utreda hur denna typ av undersökning kan utföras, hur störningarna i trafiken kan minskas och antalet olyckor reduceras. Målet med examensarbetet är att hitta de sträckor och de dagar på Europaväg 4 som har varit extra olycksbenägna, analysera anledningar till att olyckorna uppkommit och utifrån denna information föreslå lämpliga generella och platsspecifika åtgärder som kan vidtas för att öka trafiksäkerheten på sträckan, både på kort sikt och över tid. För att undersöka vad olyckorna kan bero på har faktorerna vägutformning, drift och underhåll och andra aspekter som är påtagliga vintertid såsom väder och mörker studerats. De undersökningar som utfördes för att studera dessa faktorer visade att det är möjligt att sortera ut olycksdrabbade platser och ta fram statistik som är användbar för att se tendenser och olika faktorers möjliga påverkan på trafiksäkerheten. Det finns dock svårigheter med att peka ut kopplingar mellan specifika olyckor och anledningen till deras uppkomst. En kartläggning av olyckor inrapporterade till polisen, sjukvården och Trafikverket visar att fler olyckor har rapporterats in vintern 2012/2013 än tidigare vintrar och att olyckorna tenderar att inträffa där förändringar i vägnätet sker och där fordon med olika hastigheter möts såsom i anknytning till trafikplatser och korsningar. De förslag på åtgärder som har tagits fram inriktas främst mot att göra vägnätet mer trafiksäkert genom att framförallt minska antalet upphinnandeolyckor och singelolyckor, som är de vanligaste olyckstyperna vintertid. De valda åtgärderna fokuserar på att göra vägnätet tydligare genom förändrad vägvisning, belysning och informationstavlor som kan anpassas efter förhållandena som råder längs vägen. För att minska variansen mellan olika fordons hastigheter i anknytning till korsningar och på- och avfarter bör vägutformningen ses över på vissa speciellt olycksdrabbade platser.

This bachelor thesis is written as a part of the geography program at Stockholm University, Sweden, and the study was conducted from April to June 2012. Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease and one of the most widespread infectious diseases in the world with more than nine million new cases each year (SMI 2012, digital source). The disease is a major source of death and suffering in many places and the number of deaths remains high despite the availability of highly efficacious treatment. To control and prevent further spread of TB, the mapping of the disease spatial distribution is of essential importance. In this study, maps were produced that shows the spatial distribution of TB between the years 2002 to 2011 in the municipality of Stockholm. These maps allow an analysis of the spatial distribution at a local scale over time. The aim of this paper is to study how the spatial distribution of TB has looked like in the municipality of Stockholm the last 10 years and to analyze why the spatial distribution of the disease looked like it did. This study is based on the hypothesis “drift”. The hypothesis imply that individuals with certain conditions for a particular state of health or disease is passed (drift) to a certain location or become concentrated there through various social processes. The processes would therefore lead to fact that specific qualities or health attributes become more common in certain geographical places than others (Schæerström et al, 2011:110). The maps of the disease prevalence between the years 2002-2011 illustrates that TB was more concentrated in specific geographical areas of the municipality of Stockholm. The result of the analyzed factors in the different neighborhood areas in 2002, 2006 and 2010 reveals that there are individuals with certain socio-economic conditions which are largely concentrated in the areas mentioned above. The results provide a basis for an assumption that the cause of the spatial distribution of TB during the studied period largely depends on what the drift hypothesis implies. Drift is therefore a likely contributing factor to the fact that particular characteristics and health manifestations were more common in certain geographical places than others in the municipality of Stockholm between the years 2002-2011.