I början av 2020 spreds sig coronaviruset globalt i hela världen och länder blev tvingade till att göra en omställning för att stoppa coronavirusets framfart. Resultatet av omställningarna sågs även i Sverige där Folkhälsomyndigheten införde rekommenderade restriktioner för den svenska befolkningen. Även i matbutikerna gick det att se spår av dessa.    I denna studie har matvarubutiker legat i fokus. Syftet med uppsatsen var att följa den process ICA har gått igenom från utbrottet av covid-19 till implementering av verkställande inuti butikerna. Undersökningen bygger på åtta intervjuer med olika områden från ICA gruppen och butiker, men även en observation och analys av textdokument.    Studien visar att ICAs centrala enhet har haft liten påverkan på de beslut som togs ute i butikerna. Anledningen till det är att ICA butiker är enskilda bolag, vilket betyder att ICA handlarna har en beslutsfattarposition över sina egna butiker. Den centrala enhetens roll har därav varit att vägleda ICA handlarna så att de kan ta beslut som kunnat påverka butikerna positivt. De åtgärder som har utförts har varit omfattande och med syftet att minska spridningen av covid-19. Denna uppsats har skrivits i samband med covid-19 och därför har det varit svårt att i denna studie dra slutsatser om hur effekterna av åtgärderna tett sig. Styrkan i denna uppsats att den är utformad under pandemins framfart och gör den relevant för framtida forskning om hur covid-19 påverkat matvaruindustrin. / At the beginning of 2020 a global pandemic spread over the world. To reduce the spread of the coronavirus countries had to implement restrictions for their populations to follow. The Swedish public health authority, Folkhälsomydingheten, did also provide the means in form of recommendations for the Swedish population. Remains of these recommendations are also found in grocery stores.    In this essay the main focus was on the grocery stores. The purpose of the study was to follow the process ICA (a swedish grocery retailer) went through from the first signs of covid-19 to the executives of restrictions in the grocery stores. The study is based on eight interviews with informants from three different parts of the organization. The central unit, owners of the stores and store employees. As a complement an observation and text analysis of documents were also made.     What the study shows is that ICA as an organization is not hierarchical, this means that the central unit can´t make decisions over the stores. Every ICA grocery store is a separate company and the owner has a decision-making position. In the case of covid-19 the central unit has worked as guidance for the store owners while making decisions over implementing restrictions in the store. The restrictions have been extensive but made with the purpose of reducing the spread of the coronavirus. This essay is written in connection with covid-19 and therefore it is difficult in this study to conclude how the effects of the measures appear. The strength of this essay is that it is designed during the pandemic's advance and makes it relevant for future research on how covid-19 has affected the food industry.

Biobränsle är viktigt för vår gröna omställning då det ger möjlighet att ersätta fossilt bränsle med förnyelsebart. Det finns en stor potential för att ökat uttag av grot, som är en form av biobränsle, i det svenska skogsbruket. I skogsbranschen har ett ökat fokus på minskade markskador förändrat skördarförarnas arbetssätt. Ris används i större omfattning till markförstärkning, vilket påverkar uttag av grot negativt. Anledning till att grot lämnas kvar på hugget kan vara både påverkbart och ej påverkbart. Genom att intervjua en fokusgrupp visar resultatet att en anledning till minskat uttag är att det inte i något beslutsled får någon konsekvens eller blir ifrågasatt om uttaget av grot inte blir som planerats. Det innebär att en stor mängd förnyelsebar energi i form av grot lämnas kvar i skogen.

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore Board decision making in non-profit sport organizations operating in a multi-level governance system. Four major research objectives were addressed: (1) the way non-profit sport organization Boards make decisions, (2) the types and impacts of non-profit sport organization Boards' internal factors on their decision making, (3) the types and impacts of non-profit sport organization Boards' external factors on their decision making, and (4) the similarities and differences in non-profit sport organization Boards' decision making within and between levels of a federated sport model. Strategic decision-making theory is applied alongside internal (i.e., organization size; organization age; Board structure; Board size; leader-member exchanges; professionalization; socio-demographic indicators; motivation; and skills, expertise, and experience) and external factors (i.e., legal requirements, institutional pressures, inter-organizational relationships, market conditions, collaboration, stakeholders, and federated sport model) - originating from the Integrated Board Performance Model and relevant sport governance literature - to comprise the dissertation's theoretical framework. A multiple case study methodology was used featuring six non-profit sport organizations Boards (two national and four provincial/territorial) operating in the Canadian sport system. Data were collected longitudinally through three methods: non-participant overt observations, semi-structured interviews, and documents. Data were thematically analyzed via NVivo12, and SPSS was used for descriptive statistics and comparisons of the observed Board decisions (i.e., t-tests, ANOVA). Board decision making in non-profit sport organizations was identified as information and engagement based, which incorporated multiple sources of internal and external information, involved five members, and occurred over two meetings with some informal interactions (e.g., email discussions between Board members). Five internal factors impacted Board decision making: Board composition, Board size, Chair-Chief Executive Officer relationship, Board meeting practices and environment, and technology. The first four had a positive impact, while the latter resulted in both a positive and negative impact on Board decision making. Two external factors had a negative impact on Board decision making: the sport system structure and market conditions. Seven statistically significant differences were identified in Board decision making at the provincial/territorial level (none for national non-profit sport organizations) and 21 between levels (i.e., national versus provincial/territorial) of the federated sport model. More similarities than differences were found when comparing Board decision making within (i.e., two non-profit sport organizations at the national level, four non-profit sport organizations at the provincial/territorial level) and between (i.e., national versus provincial/territorial non-profit sport organizations) levels of a federated sport model, notably related to duration and interactions. However, differences were attributed to sources of delays, the process to acquire information, and the types of information sources used. Overall, non-profit sport organizations Boards' decision making in a federated sport model is characterized with complexities arising from internal and external factors, thereby having a positive or negative impact on duration, delays, interactions, process to acquire information, and types of information sources used to make decisions. These notions are illustrated in the developed Non-Profit Sport Organization Board Decision Making Model, which address the dissertation's overall purpose. Altogether, this dissertation offers theoretical and practical contributions. Notably, it demonstrated strategic decision-making theory's temporal and contextual boundary to investigate the chosen phenomenon at the group level (i.e., Boards) of non-profit sport organizations in a federated sport model. Further, the conceptual rigour of the applied theory is developed as novel variables (e.g., technology) to measure sub-constructs (e.g., impediments) identified in this dissertation should be incorporated to better understand decision making. Results also contribute to the broader sport governance literature as the approach undertaken in this dissertation supports the value and need for multi-method, in situ, and longitudinal research designs to better understand process-based phenomena (e.g., Board decision making). Practically, this dissertation's results develop strategies and recommendations for Boards of non-profit sport organizations. Specifically, Boards should understand virtual meetings are convenient, cost-friendly, and allow decisions to be made even when restrictions are imposed during a health crisis (e.g., travel, social). However, delays and challenges in engagement are found during virtual meetings. To engage members during decision making, Chairs have an important role to ensure a diverse set of perspectives are gathered from individual members, thereby making a better informed decision. Formalizing decision making with purposefully developed documents (e.g., Board papers) and an action registry is also vital for Boards to be transparent and accountable in their decisions made.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the decision-making processes of real estate organisations in the built environment with respect to sustainable operations, as well as how they relate to management systems and building certifications. In the study, we utilised the proposed framework by Schrettle et al. (2014) after examining the relevant literature on operations management in general and built environment-specific research, as well as acquiring insights from multiple studies. The framework included areas regarding sustainability decision motivators, mediators, approaches, and actions, as well as their impact on sustainability performance andfirm performance. Therefore, we conducted a comparative case study of six Swedish real estate organisations responding to calls for more in-depth research on these topics.Our findings support the applicability of Schrettle et al.'s (2014) conceptual framework to conceptualise and examine sustainable operations decision-making processes in the built environment. This study's results underlined the impact of stakeholder expectations and organisational capabilities influence on the strategic approaches and actions of an organisation's sustainability transition. According to the findings, active engagement from all key stakeholders is required to provide economic value as well as social and environmental achievements. It also described how real estate companies could comply with regulations, attract tenants, and prepare for the future by adopting sustainable practises at all levels of decision-making. Aligning sustainable practises with business performance is advantageous for all parties involved, resulting in cost savings, enhanced quality, and growth opportunities. Through empirical evidence, qualitative case studies, and insights into strategies, methods, andactions employed by real estate operators, this study contributes to the fields of sustainable operations management and the built environment. Additionally, linking concepts from the field of management system theory to these fields by demonstrating how management systems and certification act as green labels that increase resource efficiency, make it easier to create sustainable products, and contribute to improving firm and sustainability performance.

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The concept of Green Brand Equity is based on the assumption that customers will be more favorable towards a firm's brand when the firm provides products and services that satisfy the customers' environmental needs. While environmental and brand management have been researched thoroughly in business-to-consumer (B2C) markets, similar research inbusiness-to-business (B2B) contexts is still scarce. This study aims to contribute to environmental management and B2B brand research through an empirical study of customers' perceptions of Green Brand Equity in industrial B2B markets. A qualitative study was conducted analyzing customers who purchase products from a brand of a Swedish high-tech and global industrial engineering company. The findings suggest that although traditional aspects like price, quality and delivery performance are of high importance, customers in B2B markets also take environmental impact into consideration in their purchase decisions. The customers' consideration of environmental impact mainly stemmed from the customer firms' Green Policies, as well as the individual buyer's Green Concerns. The findings further showed that supplier firms can strengthen Green Brand Equity through sustainability initiatives. By supporting the applicability of Green Brand Equity in a B2B context, this study contributes to the theoretical discussion as well as to practitioners in the field.

The EU is changing. Why do we care? Because it is us, the citizens, that make up the Union. This essay attempts to answer questions on how the Lisbon treaty will affect important institutions when it comes to decision-making, namely the European Parliament (EP), the Council of Ministers and National Parliaments, in terms of democracy and legitimacy. The authors use a case study in order to describe and explain what changes the Lisbon treaty brings. The essay is based on democratic theories originating from Robert A. Dahl as well as the federalist and constitutional theories described by Karvonen. The latter theories are used to give an explanation as to where the EU is heading – will it eventually become a federation?The results show that the Lisbon treaty will have positive effects on democratically elected institutions such as the EP and national parliaments, as the treaty enhances their power of decision. Results also prove that the EU show more and more traits of a federal state, as attempts to finalize a constitutional document which would make the Union more “glued” together have been made. These attempts are visible in the Lisbon treaty and their implications facilitate the Union becoming a federation. The authors draw some important conclusions from these results. They find that a strengthened European Parliament as well as strengthened National Parliaments will increase democracy within, as well as the legitimacy of, the Union. They also find important aspects in the new treaty pointing towards a development into a federal state. There seem to be a will amongst politicians to strengthen the unification and as the Lisbon treaty started out being a constitutional document, the authors conclude that the EU leans toward a federal order, however, not in the near future.

Bakgrund: Förändringar i omvärldsfaktorer så som ränta och inflation har skapat förändringar av faktorer i investeringskalkyler. Detta påverkar riskbenägenheten hos företagen, hur påverkar detta investeringsviljan och hur ändrar det förutsättningar för nuvarande investeringar. Beteende hos beslutsfattare kan reflekteras i bolags prestation. Syfte: Syftet var att förstå och förklara hur förändrade faktorer påverkar förutsättningar för en investering. Utöver det utreddes hur chefers psykologiska aspekter påverkar investeringsbeslut och på vilket sätt de går till väga. Genomförande: Studien är av kvalitativ karaktär. Empiriska data insamlades från fem semistrukturerade intervjuer med respondenter som är i ledningsroll i olika företag inom olika branscher. Slutsats: Investeringar utvärderas under investeringens livslängd ifall investeringen ska fortgå. Vissa beslutfattare låter psykologiska faktorer påverka deras investeringsbeslutsfattning. Investeringsbeslut bör grundas i investeringskalkyler för att säkerhetsställa att en investering har bra utfall / Background: Changes in external factors such as interest rates and inflation have led to alterations in the factors considered in investment calculations. This affects the risk appetite of companies, influencing their willingness to invest and altering the conditions for current investments. Decision-makers' behavior can be reflected in a company's performance. Purpose: The purpose was to understand and explain how changing factors impact the conditions for an investment. Additionally, the study investigated how psychological aspects of managers affect investment decisions and their approach to the process. Methodology: The study has a qualitative nature. Empirical data was collected through five semi-structured interviews with respondents holding managerial positions in various companies across different industries. Conclusion: Investments are evaluated throughout their lifespan to determine if they should continue. Some decision-makers allow psychological factors to influence their investment decision-making. Investment decisions should be based on investment calculations to ensure favorable outcomes

Outsourcing är ett organisationsverktyg som kan ge möjligheten att utvidga kompetensen inom ett företag. Tidigare studier visar att SME-företag har ett större behov av att outsourca, men kan behöva stöd för att ta rätt beslut. Inom akademin förklaras verkligheten på ett förenklat sätt genom teoretiska modeller som inte alltid blir testade i praktiken. Denna studie utvärderar en nyskapad teoretisk modell om beslutsprocesser för outsourcing av digitala marknadsföringsuppdrag, för att undersöka vad som styr outsourcingbeslut inom SME-företag i Sverige. Fem företag deltog i studien genom semistrukturerade intervjuer och diskussioner om beslutsmodellen. I teorianknytningen behandlas huvudämnena marknadsföring, outsourcing och beslutsmodellen. Resultatet visar hur de deltagande företagen arbetar med huvudämnena marknadsföring och outsourcing, samt deras åsikter om beslutsmodellen. Resultatet har analyserats och tolkats till företagens olika attityder om huvudämnena samt företagens interna förutsättningar och hur det påverkar företagen. För att kunna besvara studiens frågeställningar diskuteras företagens finansiella brister, kompetensbrist, konkurrenskraft, tidsbrist, beslutsmodellen samt outsourcingbeslut mot teorianknytning. Tre av fem SME-företag anser beslutsmodellen som användbar, men beslutsprocessen är alltför generell för att appliceras på mediebranschens olika verksamhetsområden. / A way for a company to extend its competencies is to use outsourcing as a management tool. Previous studies show that SMEs have a greater need for outsourcing but also need support to make the right decision. Academia explains reality through simplified, theoretical models. It’s not always that these models are tested for their practical use. This study contains an evaluation of an newly created model of the decision-making processes to outsource digital marketing activities to examine what controls these decisions within SMEs in Sweden. Five companies took part in this study through semi-structured interviews and discussions about the decision model. The collected theory involves the main subjects: marketing, outsourcing, and the decision model. The result shows how the partaking companies conduct business relating to marketing and outsourcing, as well as their opinions about the decision model. The result has been analyzed and interpreted to the companies' different attitudes about the main subjects as well as the companies' internal qualifications and how this affects the companies. To be able to answer the study's framing of questions the following topics about the companies are discussed: lack of financial assets, lack of competence, competitiveness, lack of time, the decision model as well as the decisions to outsource in relation to the collected theory. Three out of the five SME companies perceive the decision model to be useful. However, the decision-making process is too general to apply to all the different areas of activity within the media industry.

The Swedish government issued a statement in 1999, which included that all sports should be conductedfrom a child's rights perspective. This, among other things, involved an ambition to increase children'sand young people's influence on and responsibility for their sporting activities. As sport has beenproblematized as being driven by adults, much emphasis has been placed on how sports clubs work toincrease children's and young people's opportunities to become involved in sports clubs themselves. Thepurpose of this study is to investigate in what ways sports clubs in Northern Sweden work with theinclusion of young people in decision-making processes. The approach we used to collect data wasthrough semi-structured interviews, where we interviewed eight chairpersons in sports clubs’ boards.Data was analyzed with thematic analysis. The results show that clubs are working to create basicconditions, which are described as being prepared to include young people, being attentive to whatchildren and young people want to do, or have opinions about, asking for their opinions, as well as usingmethods to allow children and young people to express themselves, whose opinions form the basis ofdecision-making processes. The results also show that sports clubs have established absolute conditions.This means that children and young people are included in decision-making processes and shareinfluence and responsibility with adults, by, for example, having young people on their board or havingincorporated youth sections, which often get the opportunity to run projects and activities bythemselves. On the other hand, the sports clubs argue for prioritizing the issues in which children andyoung people should be included based on the idea that they understand their responsibility as adultsand have a comprehensive view of the sports clubs’ major areas of responsibility such as finance, staff,and safety.