This thesis explores the ethical and legal implications of targeted killing operations employingCombat Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (CUAVs), focusing on the practices of the United Statesand Israel. Grounded in Just War Theory and international law, the research critically examineshow both nations justify these operations under the principles of self-defence and nationalsecurity. Through a comparative analysis of specific case studies, such as the assassinations ofQasem Soleimani and Baha Abu Al Ata, the study highlights the complexities of balancingsecurity imperatives with adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws. Thefindings reveal significant ethical tensions, particularly concerning the principles ofproportionality, distinction, and the risk of extrajudicial killings. The lack of transparency andaccountability in drone operations further complicates their legitimacy. Additionally, itadvocates for comprehensive policy and legal reforms to enhance oversight and regulation,ensuring compliance with international standards and ethical norms. This research aims tocontribute to the ongoing discourse on modern military practices, urging a more just andaccountable framework for the use of lethal force in contemporary conflicts.

ABSTRACT Date:                           02 June 2024 Level:                          Master thesis in Product and Process Development, advanced level, 30                                       credits. Institution:                 School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University Author:                       Aziz EzzAlden                        Zain Momin    20th November 1998  10th August 1998                                Title:                           Optimizing Logistic Operations: exploring diverse approaches to order                                         point  dynamics  Tutor:                         Ebba Bengtsson, Organisation                                     Yuji Yamamoto, Mälardalen University Keywords:                  RFID, Kanban; Push; Pull; Just In Time; internal logistics; Signals;                                      Material flow; Order point Purpose:                     The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of order points on                                           logistics operations and how smart inventory technologies address the                                                 challenges of order  point management. By utilizing a framework that                                                                  aligns with logistics operations and smart inventory practices.  Research  questions:  1. How does order point affect the logistic operations and their                                              performance?                           2. How can smart inventory address the challenges related to order                           points?  Method:                      This study adopts an abductive approach, facilitating a dynamic                                      interaction between theoretical frameworks and empirical findings.                                       The theoretical framework is based on scientific articles. The study                                      focuses on a singular main case organisation, supplemented by                                                    comparative analyses involving three additional organisations,                                       forming a case study design. Empirical data allocation used multiple                                       semi-structured interviews, unstructured interviews, and observations                                       to gather data.  Conclusion:                The study indicated that efficient order point systems are crucial for                                        ensuring timely material replenishment and optimizing material flow.                                        Additionally, smart inventory technologies offer effective solutions,                                        including real-time monitoring and automated reordering, which                                        minimize errors and enhance efficiency in logistical operations. / SAMMANFATTNING Datum:                        02 juni 2024 Nivå:                            Examensarbete i produkt- och processutveckling avancerad nivå, 30 hp.                                     Institution:                  Akademin för Innovation. Design och Teknik. IDT, Mälardalens                                                 universitet  Författare:                  Aziz EzzAlden                        Zain Momin     20 November 1998   10 Augusti 1998                                Titel:                            Optimering av logistik operationer: utforska olika tillvägagångssätt för                                        order punkts dynamik. Handledare:               Ebba Bengtsson, Organisation                                     Yuji Yamamoto, Mälardalens universitet Nyckelord:                  RFID, Kanban; Push, Pull; Just In Time; instant logistics; Signaler,                                       Materialflöde; Order Punkt Syfte:                          Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur orderpunkter påverkar                                      logistik operationer och hur smarta lager teknologier hanterar                                      utmaningarna med orderpunkt hantering. Detta genom att använda en                                    ram som överensstämmer med logistikoperationer och smarta                                    lagerpraxis. Frågeställningar:       1. Hur påverkar order punkten logistikoperationer och deras prestanda?                                      2. Hur kan smarta lager hantera utmaningarna relaterade till                                                                order punkter? Metod:                          Denna studie antar ett abduktivt tillvägagångssätt som underlättar en                                         dynamisk interaktion mellan teoretiska ramverk och empiriska resultat.                                        Det teoretiska ramverket är baserat på vetenskapliga artiklar. Studien                                           fokuserar på en enda huvudorganisation, kompletterad med jämförande                                          analyser som involverar tre ytterligare organisationer, vilket bildar en                                         fallstudiedesign. Empiriska datainsamlingen använde sig av flera                                          semi-strukturerade intervjuer, ostrukturerade intervjuer och                                                observationer för att samla in data. Slutsats:                       Studien indikerade att effektiva orderpunkt system är avgörande för att                                        säkerställa att material återfylls i rätt tid och för att optimera                                       materialflödet. Dessutom erbjuder smarta lager teknologier effektiva                                       lösningar, inklusive realtidsövervakning och automatisk ombeställning,                                        vilket minimerar fel och ökar effektiviteten i logistikoperationer.

[pt] Mais de duzentos anos se passaram desde o início da Revolução francesa, será que já se falou demais sobre ela? Creio que não. Por ser um dos eventos fundantes das sociedades modernas, sua história é continuamente disputada. A sua complexidade vai além da simples categoria de revolução burguesa e autoriza ver neste evento um verdadeiro laboratório de experiências, não modelos, já que não se prestam a serem imitados, mas podem inspirar o presente para imaginar – e construir – o futuro. Assim, o presente trabalho se debruça sobre um período específico da Revolução francesa: o julgamento de Luís XVI; nesta cena, um personagem é principal, não Luís, mas o jovem revolucionário Saint-Just. Sendo o mais jovem membro da Convenção nacional, sobe à tribuna da assembleia e afirma de maneira contundente: Para mim, não vejo meio-termo, este homem deve reinar ou morrer. Segundo Saint-Just, um rei é um inimigo, deve ser combatido e não julgado. Para explorar esse corte em meio aos debates de quem e como julgar Luís XVI, apresento o seguinte trajeto: na primeira parte, investigo a biografia desse jovem revolucionário, os caminhos de sua formação e obras anteriores a seu début na carreira parlamentar. Na segunda parte, traço um breve histórico dos acontecimentos que precipitaram o fim da monarquia constitucional na França, para em seguida mergulhar na cena principal, o julgamento de Luís XVI. Apresento as teses jurídicas em questão, pró e contra a acusação e condenação no ex-monarca, as questões constitucionais, e busco mostrar a radical ruptura introduzida pela fala de Saint-Just, tendo em conta suas obras teóricas que nos foram legadas como fragmentos o Da natureza, do estado civil e da cidadania ou Regras da independência de Governo e o Instituições Republicanas. / [en] More than two hundred years have passed since the beginning of the French Revolution, have we talked too much about it? I think not. As one of the founding events of modern societies, its history is continually disputed. Its complexity goes beyond the simple category of bourgeois revolution and allows to see in this event a real laboratory of experiments, not models, since they do not lend themselves to be imitated, but can inspire the present to imagine - and build - the future. Thus, the present work focuses on a specific period of the French Revolution: the trial of Louis XVI; in this scene, the main character is the young revolutionary Saint-Just. Being the youngest member of the National Convention, he stands in the tribune of the assembly, and he sharply states: For myself, I can see no mean, this man must reign or die. According to Saint-Just, a king is an ennemi that must be fought, not tried. To explore this cut amid the debates of who and how to judge Louis XVI, I present the following route. In the first part, I investigate the biography of this young revolutionary, the paths of his formation and works before the beginning of his parliamentary career. In the second part, I trace a brief history of the events that precipitate the end of the constitutional monarchy in France, and then dive into the main scene, the trial of Louis XVI. I present the legal theses in question, pro and against the accusation and conviction in the former king, the constitutional issues, and I seek to show the radical rupture introduced by the speech of Saint-Just, keeping an eyes in his works De la nature, de l état civil et de la cité ou les règles d indépendance du gouvernement and Institutions républicaines. / [fr] Plus de deux cents ans se sont écoulés depuis le début de la Révolution française, en a-t-on déjà trop parlé? Je crois que non. Étant l un des événements fondateurs des sociétés modernes, son histoire est continuellement contestée. Sa complexité va au-delà d une simple catégorie de révolution bourgeoise et autorise à voir dans cet événement un véritable laboratoire d expériences, non pas desmodèles, car ils ne se prêtent pas à être imités, mais ils peuvent inspirer le présentpour imaginer – et construire – l avenir. Ainsi, le présent travail se penche sur unepériode spécifique de la Révolution française : le jugement de Louis XVI; dans cette scène, un personnage est principal, non pas Louis, mais le jeune révolutionnaireSaint-Just. Étant le plus jeune membre de la Convention nationale, il monte à la tribune de l Assemblée et affirme de manière tranchante : Pour moi, je ne vois point de milieu, cet homme doit régner ou mourir. Selon Saint-Just un roi est un ennemi et doit être combattu et non pas jugé. Pour explorer cette coupe au milieu des débats de qui et comment juger Louis XVI, je présente le chemin suivant : dans la première partie, j étudie la biographie de ce jeune révolutionnaire, les voies de sa formation et les œuvres antérieures à son début dans la carrière parlementaire. Dans la deuxième partie, je trace un bref historique des événements qui précipitent la fin de la monarchie constitutionnelle en France, pour ensuite plonger dans la scène principale, le procès de Louis XVI. Je présente les thèses juridiques en question,pour et contre l accusation et la condamnation dans le ci-devant monarque, les questions constitutionnelles, et cherche à montrer la rupture radicale introduite par le discours de Saint-Just, en prenant compte de ses œuvres De la nature, de l état civil et de la cité ou les règles d indépendance du gouvernement et Institutions républicaines.

The intervention in Libya is the best example to date to judge the implementation of the Responsibility to Protect. In 2011, public demonstrations started in Libya seeking political and economic reforms in the country. In return, the Libyan President Maummar Al-Qaddafi threatened mass atrocities in Libya. This allowed the UNSC to sanction the use of force against Qaddafi’s regime in order to protect civilians. First, under resolution 1970 (2011), the UNSC referred the case to the International Criminal Court and applied sanctions. Second, via resolution 1973 (2011), the application of force was approved for the express purpose of “protecting civilians.” This thesis assess whether the military intervention in Libya in 2011 was R2P case. This question is answered by an analysis based upon the UNSC’s Resolutions, Council’s proceedings, and other official documents. / May 2016

Over the last two decades, the international community has taken on the task of rebuilding societies in the aftermath of mass-atrocities. Through a combination of trial and error and vigorous academic research, a relatively clear (and semi-malleable) blueprint of post-atrocity peacebuilding has developed. This includes setting up a temporary international transitional authority, establishing democracy, facilitating economic development, and holding war crime trials. Though there are volumes of studies which address the pragmatic strengths and weaknesses of these key elements of peacebuilding, to date political theorists have not critically analyzed the moral legitimacy of these policies. My thesis aims to fill this gap. The overarching question of this thesis is this: What moral duties does the international community have to post-atrocity societies? To answer this question, I critically examine the normative issues involved in the four key aspects of peacebuilding (identified above). Using the framework of just war theory and a cosmopolitan theory of fundamental human rights, I argue that, in most post-atrocity cases, the international community has duties to remove atrocity-committing regimes from power, occupy the target-state and act as a transitional authority, help facilitate the creation of democracy and economic development, and hold war crimes trials. These duties, of course, are extremely complicated and limited and these qualifications are examined and developed throughout. Running through the construction of my theory of post-atrocity duties is a clear message: we – the international community – have obligations to the victims and survivors of atrocities. In other words, providing assistance in the wake of mass-atrocities is not a supererogatory act of charity, rather, it is a duty which we owe to the victims of these horrible crimes.

In this era of globalisation and fierce competition amongst businesses, there is a need to improve advanced operations management philosophies such as just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing to enhance business performance. Literature review shows that there is no mechanism so far to identify key JIT drivers relevant to a given organisation and its production processes, and their impact on enterprise performance. The research carried out here therefore involved the development of a generic performance measurement model to identify and capture the influence of JIT practices on enterprise performance. A conceptual performance measurement model, which was designed based on comprehensive literature review and informal interviews/discussions with both academic researchers and industry practitioners describes the link between JIT drivers (Xi) and measurable performance (Y). This mathematically determined model is aimed at assisting managers in the systematic identification of the influence of key JIT drivers on enterprise performance using a multidimensional tool such as the extended balanced scorecard. The case study approach was selected as the most suitable methodology for testing and validating the conceptual model in JIT enabled production plant and was applied to the production process of Denso Manufacturing (UK) Ltd., a global automotive component manufacturer. A novel eight-step implementation procedure was designed to collect data, which were analysed and validated by design of experiments, linear mathematical modelling, computer based dynamic simulation and analytic hierarchy process tool. The performance measurement model was then successfully applied to a non-automotive component production plant (Risane Ltd.). In conclusion, the performance measurement model can now be suitably applied to JIT enabled manufacturing environments using relevant organisation specific JIT drivers and key performance indicators to optimise system performance. The contribution to knowledge is an innovative, user friendly, robust and multidimensional performance measurement model enabling industry practitioners to optimise JIT processes with substantial performance enhancement. The model could also be applied by future researchers to other operations management philosophies and industries, and at a higher level could be developed into a self-optimising software package, which will enable rapid determination of the key control parameters needed to optimise process performance just in time.

This text investigates the harmonic dimension of music and the various social, cultural and political consequences that arise through the act of tuning and tempering harmonic space. While no singular musical domain can exist divorced from the rest (i.e., duration, rhythm, dynamics, spatiality, etc.), in order to examine its afflictions and possible remedies, this text focuses only on the harmonic domain and the severity of its influence over listeners. This text questions the standardisation of twelve tone equal temperament, the implications it has inflicted culturally, the capital agents it may serve, and the possible insights just tuning systems and alternate temperaments may provide. / Cast of Mind

Les recherches historiques montrent que les croyances en la fin du monde (CFM) sont très anciennes et qu’elles s’adaptent aux cultures et aux époques en fonction de certains risques perçus par les groupes sociaux (Boia, 1999). Sur cette base cette thèse fait l'hypothèse générale d'un système de croyances déjà structuré intégrant ces CFM, système dont l'équilibre pourrait évoluer sous l'influence de certaines peurs humaines. La première partie de ce travail postule donc l'existence d'un système de pensée intégrant les CFM. A partir de questionnaires (881 participants), nous avons pu mettre en évidence trois modalités de CFM : la fin du monde écologique (responsabilité humaine), la fin du monde scientifique (éloignement temporel et totalité), et la fin du monde religieuse (cause religieuse et meilleur monde possible). Chacune de ces modalités est liée de manière spécifique à diverses façons de justifier le monde : les Croyances en un Monde Juste (notamment la Justice Finale et la Justice Immanente ; Maes, 1998), la Justification du Système (Kay & Jost, 2003), la Religion et la Spiritualité. C'est ce système que nous nous efforçons de "déséquilibrer" dans la deuxième partie en intégrant les apports de la Psychologie Existentielle Expérimentale (Greenberg, Koole & Pyszczynski, 2004). Selon la littérature, l’individu mis dans une situation de « menace existentielle » (i.e. Mort et Incertitude) a besoin de se raccrocher à des croyances rassurantes. Nous émettons donc l'hypothèse selon laquelle ces menaces bouleversent la structure de croyances de l’individu. Nos résultats (245 participants) confirment en partie cette idée, et indiquent aussi l’importance de mesurer les affects. Pour résumer, cette thèse montre l'existence et le fonctionnement d'un système de croyances capable de se déséquilibrer sous l'influence de menaces existentielles et de l’état émotionnel. / Historical research show that beliefs in the end of the world (BEW) are very ancient and that they are culturally guided through the risks that are perceived by social groups (Boia, 1999). Thus, this thesis makes the hypothesis that there is a beliefs structure which integrates BEW, and that this structure could evolve with human fears. The first part of the present study suggests that there is a beliefs system that integrates BEW. 881 participants answered to a questionnaire, and results have shown three main BEW: ecological end of the world (human responsibility), scientific end of the world (totality and temporal distance), and religious end of the world (religious causality and possibility of a better world). Each of these beliefs is linked with specific ways of justifying the present world: Beliefs in a Just World (particularly Ultimate Justice and Immanent Justice, Maes, 1998), System Justification (Kay & Jost, 2003), Religion and Spirituality. In the second part of this study, we used the Experimental Existential Psychology to make this beliefs system unbalanced (Greenberg, Koole & Pyszczynski, 2004). According to this theory, individual faced to an “existential threat” (i.e. Death and Uncertainty) needs to cling on to reassuring beliefs. Thus, we made the hypothesis that these existential threats would have an effect on the beliefs system analyzed previously. Results have partially confirmed this hypothesis (on 245 participants) and brought new information about the importance of measuring emotional state. To summarize, this thesis shows the existence of a beliefs system, how it works, and how existential threats and emotional state can unbalance this beliefs system.

Czech courts regularly deal with a question of so-called just satisfaction; particularly, when, on what basis, and how much should be awarded. Just satisfaction, as a form of damages, is primarily compensatory. However, there are some indications that it is perfectly legitimate for law of damages to pursue also another aims than compensation such as prevention or punishment. This view was recently upheld by the Czech Constitutional Court and the Highest Court of the Czech Republic. According to doctrinal approach, it is the domain of punitive or exemplary damages as a specific Anglo-American instrument that covers these two principles (prevention and punishment). Still, the Czech Civil courts consistently refuse to award exemplary damages albeit they do not provide us any sound argumentation. The author of this article suggests it is inaccurate and only partial understanding of exemplary damages that causes the current judicial refusal of them. While focusing on current English and Czech law, the author in his article describes exemplary damages in great detail with respect to their theoretical, conceptual and systematic position. Subsequently, he shows that the negative attitude of the Czech courts is not always appropriate. First, looking at relevant case law, the article characterises what the...

Utgångspunkten i examensarbetet är flödesmässiga förbättringar. Vid kontakt med fallföretaget presenterades en för företaget viktig produkt. Värdeflödeskedjan för denna produkt går genom flera värdeadderande processer, samt flera icke värdeadderande aktiviteter, vilka företaget önskar kartlägga. Dessa aktiviteter utgörs både av icke värdeskapande, men nödvändiga, aktiviteter, likväl som rena slöserier. Därmed är studiens syfte: Att kartlägga det interna flöde produkten följer, i syfte att identifiera och minimera icke värdeskapande aktiviteter, för att slutligen utifrån teorin utforma förslag på flödesmässig effektivisering och förbättring För att besvara syftet har två frågeställningar formulerats: ”Hur ser värdeflödet för aktuell produkt ut i nuläget, samt vilka slöserier kan identifieras?” samt, baserat på den första: ”Vilka aktiviteter kan uteslutas utan att kundens förväntningar påverkas negativt samt vilka förslag kan ges utifrån teorin för att effektivisera och förbättra flödet?” Frågeställningarna har besvarats genom analys av empiriskt material insamlat genom dokumentstudier, intervjuer samt observationer. Studiens resultat går i linje med de centrala teorierna inom konceptet Lean, vilket anammats och praktiseras av verksamheter av vitt skilda karaktärer. Utifrån den genomförda värdeflödesanalysen för aktuell produkt identifierades slöserier i det logistiska flödet, vilka analyseras och avhandlas. Utifrån den genomförda värdeflödesanalysen har förslag på önskat framtida läge formulerats och illustrerats med grund i befintlig processgruppering och - indelning, i vilken slöserierna minimerats. Utifrån studiens empiriska material och resultat skönjas ett utbildningsbehov i organisationen. Genom att öka den teoretiska och praktiska förståelsen för centrala delar, begrepp och verktyg inom konceptet Lean kan förbättringar inom företagets internlogistik uppnås, och i förlängningen, enligt teorin, för hela företaget. Arbetets flödesövergripande perspektiv medför vissa begränsningar. De ingående värdeadderande processerna har inte analyserats djupare än till deras flödesmässiga påverkan i form av takt och cykeltid, då detta är av processteknisk karaktär.