Background: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a term that has become increasingly prominent in the corporate world. As the awareness of responsibly produced products is growing among both companies and consumers, it has become increasingly important for companies to get involved in sustainability issues. There may be several reasons why companies choose to integrate CSR in their business, where one reason may be related to company size. In the business category of micro, there is currently no widespread research, which makes this company size interesting to study. The choice of industry was made because coffee is one of the world's most important merchandise, and the coffee industry has come a long way with integrating CSR in comparision to many other industries. Purpose and research question: The purpose of this study is to create a deeper understanding of why coffee roasters in the business category of micro enterprises choose to incorporate CSR in their businesses. In connection with our purpose we have chosen the following research question: What are the main driving forces to why micro roasters choose to engage in CSR activities? Method: This study is based on a qualitative method with an abductive approach. We have conducted six semi-structured interviews to gather our empirical material. Conclusion: The main driving forces identified for micro roasters to engage in CSR activities include: Personal commitment, for-profit business, a meaningful work and convey messages. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, sustainability, driving forces. / Bakgrund: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) är ett begrepp som blivit allt mer framträdande i företagsvärlden. I takt med att medvetenheten kring ansvarsfullt framtagna produkter ökar hos såväl företag som konsumenter, har det blivit allt viktigare för företag att engagera sig i hållbarhetsfrågor. Det kan finnas ett flertal förklaringar till varför företag väljer att integrera CSR i sin verksamhet, där en anledning går att relatera till företagsstorlek. Inom företagskategorin mikroföretag finns det idag inte någon utbredd forskning, vilket gör att denna företagsstorlek är av intresse att studera. Valet av bransch gjordes då kaffe är en av världens viktigaste handelsvaror och kaffebranschen har kommit längre i utvecklingen kring CSR än många andra branscher. Syfte och problemformulering: Avsikten med denna uppsats är att skapa en djupare förståelse kring varför kafferosterier i företagskategorin mikroföretag väljer att arbeta med CSR. Detta syfte uppfylls med hjälp av vår problemformulering: Vilka är de främsta drivkrafterna till att mikrorosterier väljer att engagera sig i CSR-aktiviteter? Metod: Vi har i denna studie valt att arbeta utifrån en kvalitativ metod med en abduktiv ansats. Vi har genomfört sex stycken semistrukturerade intervjuer för att samla in vårt empiriska material. Slutsats: De främsta drivkrafterna som identifierats för mikrorosterier att engagera sig i CSR-aktiviteter är: Personligt engagemang, vinstdrivande verksamhet, mening i arbetslivet och förmedla budskap. Nyckelord: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), socialt ansvarstagande, hållbarhetsarbete, drivkrafter.

Detta examensarbete handlar om förebilders och idolers påverkan när det gäller val av instrument och musik, med fokus på elgitarren, samt vilka andra drivkrafter som påverkar detta. Syftet med arbetet är att få kunskap om olika drivkrafter som påverkar viljan att spela ett instrument. Teoretisk utgångspunkt för studien är den sociokulturella teorin. Tidigare forskning inom området behandlar exempelvis sociala normer, förebilders påverkan på människor samt ramfaktorer inom undervisning. Jag har använt mig av den kvalitativa forskningsintervjun som metod, och mina informanter är elgitarrister med varierande ålder och musikalisk bakgrund. Resultatet visar att uppväxtmiljöer och medias påverkan spelar roll i valet av instrument, men för att fortsätta spela efter ungdomsåren krävs en starkare ambition eller förebild. Diskussionen belyser exempelvis idolskapets fram- och baksidor samt hur efterfrågan på idoler förändras med tiden. En slutsats är att förebilder är viktiga, men också föränderliga förutsättningar för bibehållen motivation för spelande. / This is a study of how role models and idols affect the choice of instrument and music, with focus on the electric guitar, and which other driving forces that affect this. The intention with the study is to achieve knowledge about different driving forces that affect the will of playing an instrument. The theoretical point of the study is the sociocultural theory. Earlier studies on the subject are about social values, the affect role models have on people, and the frames of teaching and learning. I have used qualitative interviews, and my informants are electric guitarists with varied age and musical background. The result shows that growing-up environments and the affection from media affect the choice of instrument, but a stronger ambition is needed to keep on playing after the youth has passed. The discussion enlightens for example the positive and the negative sides of idolizing, and how the demand for idols changes through time. One conclusion is that role models are important but also changing conditions for sustained motivation in playing.

This thesis investigates the processes and influential factors affecting the internationalisation of SMEs in manufacturing industries in Malaysia. Internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been widely researched but little is known of how and why internationalisation takes place in developing countries and this lack of evidence in the literature provides strong grounds for this study. Jones and Coviello (2005) suggest investigation of internationalisation should include the broad range of internationalisation theories, such as the Incremental and Rapid internationalisation models, Networking, Resource-based and International Entrepreneurship perspectives. These perspectives examine the awareness, process, driving forces and influential factors relevant to SME internationalisation. Therefore, the patterns and dimensions of internationalisation, including the modes of foreign entry, market selection, triggering factors, awareness of international opportunities were investigated, as were the problems and challenges faced by internationalising firms and the key drivers influencing the internationalisation process. A critical realism paradigm and qualitative method were employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 Malaysian experts and 54 Malaysian-based CEOs, owners, and/ or key executives from SME manufacturing industries using a semi-structured interview guide. The data was analysed with the statistical package NVivo 7 and also manually to improve triangulation of the results. The results are largely inductive and interpretive and are presented in qualitative-themes as well as some basic statistical analyses. The findings indicate that interrelated factors influence the internationalisation process of Malaysian SMEs. Various paces, a myriad of entry modes and broad market scopes determine the pattern of internationalisation undertaken. A traditional internationalisation pattern is strongly evident, although some companies exhibited rapid and born global patterns, depending on their industry, products, organisational competencies, knowledge and access to information or because of a change of management. The main drivers of internationalisation centred on key personnel and firm competencies. The study also found that while domestic and global forces motivate internationalisation, aspects of Government policy, procedures and international requirements inhibit the process. More importantly, the findings suggest that networking relationships create internationalisation awareness and provide appropriate pathways to internationalisation for manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia and this is an area where strategies could be improved. The increasing emphasis on the SME sector for enhancing economic and social development in Malaysia means they can make substantial contributions to development and understanding how to improve internationalisation strategies will increase those gains. More transparent government policies and coherence among supporting agencies as well as structured and relevant networks would assist the internationalisation of Malaysian SMEs. Currently, internationalisation processes are constrained by limited resources and difficulty in accessing assistance and supports. This study provides new knowledge and important insights that will benefit manufacturing and other industries in Malaysia and other developing countries.

188 p. / Submitted by Santiago Fabio (fabio.ssantiago@hotmail.com) on 2012-12-17T20:37:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 5959595959.pdf: 2368108 bytes, checksum: 065c98849d77e300640299f7665acccc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-12-17T20:37:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5959595959.pdf: 2368108 bytes, checksum: 065c98849d77e300640299f7665acccc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / A petroquímica é um dos segmentos mais expressivos de qualquer economia industrial, produzindo insumos para diversos bens de consumo. A partir da década de 1970, com os dois choques do petróleo, essa indústria passou por intensa reestruturação em todo o mundo, aprofundada na década de 1990. A racionalização dos negócios petroquímicos promoveu uma intensa onda de fusões, aquisições, joint ventures e spin-offs, refletindo as estratégias adotadas pelas empresas líderes, de integração vertical e focalização em core business. As grandes petrolíferas moveram-se downstream, beneficiando-se de vantagens de custo e acesso a matérias-primas. Os anos 2000 foram marcados pela emergência da Ásia como centro produtor, adicionando-se novas capacidades no Oriente Médio, e consumidor, com destaque para a China, apontando que o acesso às matérias-primas e aos mercados com elevado potencial de crescimento são as variáveis com maior capacidade de desencadear movimentos de reestruturação nessa indústria. No Brasil, a petroquímica foi implantada seguindo um modelo tripartite, com importante participação do Estado, via Petroquisa, que acabou por resultar em uma estrutura industrial fragmentada, de empresas monoprodutoras, diversa do padrão mundial do setor. Na década de 1990, a abertura da economia e a privatização, com redução expressiva da participação da Petroquisa, tornou manifesta a vulnerabilidade das empresas nacionais e a necessidade de reestruturação. A formação da Braskem e o retorno da Petrobras deram início ao processo de reorganização da petroquímica nacional. O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar se o processo ocorrido no Brasil guarda semelhança com aqueles ocorridos em nível mundial, bem como identificar, utilizando-se de modelo das decisões de investimento nessa indústria baseado em determinadas driving forces, as principais estratégias da Braskem, maior player nacional, e da Petrobras, além dos desafios competitivos enfrentados pela petroquímica brasileira, associados à disponibilidade de matérias-primas, escoamento da oferta, mudanças tecnológicas, crescimento da demanda e políticas governamentais. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que a reestruturação ocorrida, além de fortalecer a petroquímica brasileira, equacionou parte de suas fragilidades competitivas, adequando-a ao padrão mundial do setor. Seu crescimento está bastante vinculado ao mercado interno brasileiro e uma maior inserção no âmbito internacional demonstra hoje boas perspectivas de se concretizar, especialmente no continente americano, tanto pela via das exportações, quanto pela internacionalização das empresas nacionais, in casu, a Braskem. Apesar dos desafios que se apresentam, majorados pela crise financeira de 2008, essa indústria conseguiu alcançar melhores condições competitivas para seguir uma trajetória sustentada de crescimento. / Salvador

The thesis deals with the design of communication mix for FLEA micropho-nes. It explains important terms and principles related to current marketing issues. Then there is a detailed analysis of the current state of the company and a concrete pro-posal of the communication mix is created.

Röjningsbehovet i Sverige är stort och de flesta skogliga myndigheter och organisationer är överens om att röjningsaktiviteten bör öka. Denna studie syftar till att undersöka drivkrafter och hinder hos olika kategorier av privata skogsägare och om detta kan användas av skogsföretag för att öka röjningsaktiviteten genom att anpassa kommunikationen. Studien har genomförts i samarbete med Södra och är gjord i tre steg; webbenkät, kategorisering och intervjuer. Resultaten visar att drivkrafterna ekonomi, fritid och naturupplevelsen samt tillfredställelse/stolthet dominerar i båda kategorierna. Hinderna som dominerar är tid och prioriteringar samt yttre påverkningar. Slutsaten är att drivkrafter och hinder inte skiljer sig nämnvärt mellan olika kategorier av skogsägare och att det inte finns någon anledning att anpassa kommunikationen.

Background and past studies: The effects of uncertain times include fluctuating markets anddemands rapid and agile means to cope with said fluctuations and occurring changes. Scenarioplanning is considered a great tool for coping with uncertainties and preparing means for futureevents. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to study how businesses implement and use scenarioplanning as a tool to minimize uncertainty in a volatile environment. Research question: How is Scenario planning utilized to minimize uncertainties in a volatileenvironment in large organizations within Sweden? Method: The study implements a qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews wereconducted with members within the top management of said seven companies. Complementarydocuments shared by the respondents have been utilized. Results and Conclusions: The results indicate that the organizations mainly conduct threescenarios ranked by either impact or probability of occurrence. The main purpose of scenarioplanning is readiness for action in case of sudden deviations with less focus on prediction offuture deviations. The process of conducting scenario planning is interactive and multi-leveledwithin the organizations with mainly a bottom-up approach.

Ideella föreningar kräver många timmars ideellt arbete för att fungera. Alla föreningar behöver en redovisningsansvarig som sköter ekonomin och bokföringen. Arbetet med redovisning kan vara svårt utan rätt kompetens. Eftersom ingen ersättning ges när man arbetar ideellt så krävs det att den redovisningsansvariga motiveras av andra faktorer. Trots det tidskrävande arbetet finns de flera redovisningsansvariga som kämpar för sina föreningars överlevnad. Men vad motiverar dessa personer att utan ersättning arbeta med redovisning? Studiens syftet är att beskriva och analysera motivationen hos fem redovisningsansvariga i ideella idrottsföreningar. Men även analysera om det finns någon skillnad mellan motivationen hos de redovisningsansvariga och vad tidigare forskning har visat sig motivera personer vid andra roller i ideella föreningar. Studien har en analytisk utgångspunkt i inreoch yttre motivation. En intervjustudie har genomförts med fem stycken redovisningsansvariga för att besvara syfte och frågeställningar. Respondenternas idrottsföreningar är alla verksamma i Västernorrlands län. Det framkommer att det är svårt att hitta någon som vill vara redovisningsansvarig i de ideella idrottsföreningarna och de som utförde arbetet gör det till största del för att hjälpa föreningen eller för att deras barn är aktiva inom föreningen. Samt för att de redovisningsansvariga besitter den kompetens som krävs för att ta på sig ansvaret med redovisning i en ideell idrottsförening. / Non-profit associations require many hours of non-profit work. All associations need an accountant who handles the finances and accounting. The work with accounting can be difficult without the right skills. Since no remuneration is given when working for free, it is required that the person responsible for accounting is motivated by other factors. Despite the time-consuming work, there are several accounting managers who are fighting for the survival of their associations. But what motivates these people to work with accounting for their association without compensation? The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the motivation of five accounting managers in non-profit sports associations. But as well to analyze whether there is any difference between the motivation of those responsible for accounting and what previous research has shown motivates people in other roles in non-profit sports associations. The analysis of the study is based on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. An interview study was conducted with five accountants to answer the purpose and questions. The respondents' sports associations are all active in Västernorrland County. The study shows that it is difficult to find someone who wants to be responsible for accounting in the non-profit sports associations and that those who carried out the work do so mostly to help the sports association or because their children are active in the association. And another important finding is that the respondents possess the skills required to take on responsibility with finances and accounting.

De två senaste århundradena har kantats av återkommande oroligheter kring huruvida automation och ny teknologi kommer att eliminera arbetstillfällen för samhällets medelklass. Ämnet automation tillhör idag en av de stora diskussionerna inom logistikbranschen, och inte minst inom lager, där detta beror delvis på en stark tillväxt inom e-handel och tredjepartslogistik. Denna studie undersöker automation inom lager och vilken inverkan det har på arbetstillfällen, arbetsmiljö samt vad som är den främsta drivfaktorn till automation inom lager. Detta har gjorts genom kvalitativa intervjuer med olika aktörer som helt eller delvis arbetar med automation, eller har implementerat automation i sin verksamhet i någon omfattning. Studiens resultat visar att automation har potential att eliminera i princip samtliga arbetstillfällen inom lager som involverar godsförflyttning och de två begränsande faktorerna är teknologi och kostnad. Nya arbetstillfällen som skapas i anslutning till automation är teknikcentrerade och kräver högre kompetens än för de arbetstillfällen som minskas. Arbetsmiljö i automatiserade lager är en fråga som tas på allvar redan i planeringsfasen då det ska automatiseras, och stort fokus läggs på ergonomi för att maximera produktiviteten hos arbetstagare. Studien har visat att automation och olika automationslösningar förbättrar både arbetsmiljö och ergonomi utifrån en rad olika faktorer. Den främsta drivfaktorn bakom automationsinvesteringar är kostnadsbesparingar i olika former, t.ex. ökad produktivitet och minskad personalkostnad. Andra faktorer som driver automation är trygghet i form av lägre personalfrånvaro, kortare ledtider och högre servicegrad, samt optimering av hela försörjningskedjor. De tjänster som erbjuds av logistikpartner och logistikkonsulter kan också ses som en indirekt drivfaktor, då detta kan underlätta finansiering av automationslösningar och samtidigt leda till välgrundade beslut om huruvida en automationslösning är lönsam eller inte. Många företag saknar kunskap för att fatta sådana beslut på egen hand. / The past two centuries have been characterized by recurring worries whether or not automation and new technology will eliminate job opportunities for society's middle class. Automation as a topic is today a major part of the discussions within the logistics industry, not least the warehousing and storage industry, which can be partly explained by the powerful growth within e-commerce and third party logistics. This thesis examines automation within warehousing and storage, and its impact on job opportunities, working environment and the primary driving force behind automation. This has been done through qualitative interviews with various persons who are working fully or partially with automation or have implemented automation in their operations to some extent. The results of this thesis show that automation has the potential to eliminate basically every job related to the movement of goods and the two limiting factors are technology and cost. New jobs created in conjunction with automation are technology-centric and require higher skills than for the jobs that are being reduced. Working environment is an issue that is taken seriously already in the planning phase of the automation process, and a major focus is placed on ergonomics to maximize the productivity of the employees. The thesis has shown that automation and various automation solutions improved both working environment and ergonomics based on a variety of factors. The main driving force behind automation investment is cost savings in various forms, e.g. increased productivity and reduced labor costs. Other forces that drives automation are lower employee absenteeism, shorter lead time and higher service levels as well as optimization of entire supply chains. The services provided by logistics partners and logistics consultants can also be seen as an indirect driving force, as this can facilitate financing of automation solutions and at the same time lead to informed decisions about whether an automation solution is profitable or not. Many companies and organizations lack the knowledge to make such decisions on their own.

The role of bedrock on the longitudinal profile of the Colorado River has intrigued workers for over a century. The river's profile exhibits large-scale (10 to 100 km) variations in geomorphology that are qualitatively associated with changes in rock type. This study provides the first bedrock-strength data to quantitatively test the relation of bedrock-resisting to hydraulic-driving forces in Glen and Grand canyons. The intent of this study is to explore the role, if any, that bedrock has on large-scale geomorphic variations along the profile of the Colorado River. Rock-strength data collected at 84 sites along the river corridor in Glen and Grand canyons include intact-rock strength, fracture spacing , and other characteristics associated with Selby rock-mass strength (RMS). These strength data were statistically related to measurements of channel width, gradient, and calculations of unit stream power. At the canyon scale (100 km), rocks in Grand Canyon have significantly higher intact-rock strength, lower fracture spacing, and higher RMS than those in Glen Canyon. These observations correspond to the fact that Grand Canyon is steeper and narrower, and has greater mean unit stream power. Furthermore, smaller scale, reach-average values of rock strength correlate significantly to width, gradient, and unit stream power, although there are outliers related to local-scale effects such as rapids. The Colorado River runs in a narrower and steeper channel in reaches confined by resistant bedrock ( e.g., Upper Granite Gorge, RM 77-114). In contrast , reaches floored in weaker bedrock (e.g., lower Marble Canyon, river miles 37 to 58) are associated with wider channels and lower gradient. This study confirms previous research linking rock type to the geomorphology of the Colorado River. Results imply that knickzones in the profile are persistent features that reflect a dynamic equilibrium between hydraulic-driving and bedrock-resisting forces, rather than transient waves of incision due to tectonics or drainage integration. They support the hypothesis that bedrock sets the long-term, large-scale template for the Colorado River. Bedrock hypothetically acts as a direct control on the river's width and gradient, particularly when the river is in contact with bedrock. Rock-strength and weathering properties of bedrock within tributary catchments, where debris flows initiate, act as an indirect control through their influence on hillslope-to-river sediment production during episodes, such as today, when the river is not on bedrock.