This master thesis report aims to highlight the importance ofinterorganizational relationships between experienced serviceproviders and emerging biopharmaceutical (EBP) companies within theSwedish healthcare industry. A shift in innovation strategiesregarding new pharmaceutical- and medical device products hasprompted a paradigm shift within a complex industry wherecollaborations between organisations has become increasinglycrucial. With a better understanding of how these companiesoperates, increased collaboration efforts could result in a fasterand more precise product development with new products reaching themarket improving the health for people around the world. In order toallow experienced service providers to enhance services towards EBPcompanies, a fundamental understanding of how decision makers withinthese EBP companies prefer to conduct relationships is needed. Wehave examined relationship preferences of EBP companies byconducting a qualitative case study through 14 interviews withdecision makers combined with a quantitative conjoint analysis.Eight factors was identified as important for when EBP companiesdecide to engage with a service provider: cost behavior,professional competence, adaptability, communication, personalrelationship, stability, EBP insight and size. The factorsadaptability, personal relationship, cost and size were used in theconjoint analysis to determine their relative importance which showthat adaptability and cost behavior was of the largest importance.With descriptions of each factor, we have provided a meaningfulguide to action of how to address these factors as a serviceprovider. The relationships is largely investigated as relationshipsbetween contract research organizations (as service providers) andEBP companies, but we have created a framework applicable forservice providers within the healthcare industry in general.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The increasing evidence of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) in water bodies is causing major concern around the world because of their toxicological effects upon humans and aquatic organisms. The release of wastewater to the aquatic environment is most likely to introduce some trace levels of organic contaminants, some of which may be toxic, carcinogenic, or endocrine disruptors, as well as, persistent in the environment. These compounds are often persistent but not regularly monitored because they are mostly still excluded from environmental legislation. Their fate and persistence in the environment are not well understood. / 2022-02-24

The internationalization process of firms has essentially been in two contexts, one focusing on those from the developed, and the other on those from the developing economies (Buckley et al.2008). According to (Panond, 2007), internationalization of Emerging Market Multinational Corporations (EMMNCs) has appeared in two waves, the first wave, which emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s viewed the competitive advantages of EMMNCs as being derived from their ability in reducing costs through scale economies, often substituting machinery with human labour and replacing imported inputs with cheaper local ones, or improving performance through knowledge of operating in less developed markets.The objective of this research has been to understand the variables that drive the success of Mergers and Acquisitions as a mode of entry in Emerging Markets. The research looks at the application of these variables my multinational corporations from both emerging markets and those from developed markets; the aim is to ascertain if these variables are applied differently depending on the type of economy a multinational originates from.Given the saturation of developed markets multinationals have embarked on growth strategies into emerging markets where these markets are perceived as untapped, however most have failed to realise shareholder value as a result of the dynamics and challenges that these economies bring.Fukao et al. 2005 suggests that market share is one of the most useful means used in assessing the structure of the market and a particularly desirable characteristic of a target firm. This is usually couched in terms of having a ―good market position‖ in the relevant market. The specific target criterion is of special consideration in sectors which may show a high degree of stability of market structure (as compared to those which are characterized by technology intensity, low entry barriers and powerful competition, showing high volatility of market shares). As a result, it is expected that the market share variable will bear a positive coefficient in explaining the likelihood of foreign acquisition.The research proved successful that the application of the variables that determine success of an acquisition and merger between multinationals was similar and what drove this success was mainly based on experience in doing mergers and acquisitions. These led to further insights for current and future work on the topic. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Emerging markets have generated a lot of interest during the last couple of years; one reason for this is the economic growth potential of emerging markets and the opening up of new, interesting and potentially very lucrative groups of consumers. South Africa has a rich and diverse culture and shows signs of major socio-economic inequalities that are symptomatic of emerging economies. In South-Africa, department stores are significant to the emerging market female consumer market as they provide an extensive assortment of products and services. Department stores also offer a number of product categories and each provide an opportunity for indepth analysis. Work apparel is one such product category where more research is required in order to understand how these consumers evaluate product assortments. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe how the emerging market female consumer market (EFC) evaluates work wear product assortments in major South African department stores. The study makes a contribution to the field of retail, marketing and consumer behaviour in terms of a better understanding of the emerging market. It is also valuable in providing insight in consumers’ decision making processes towards work wear and preferences towards product assortment. The theoretical approach to the study included a literature review on the emerging market female consumer in South Africa, the South African retail environment and department stores, product assortment and product attributes. The cue diagnostic framework was used as a theoretical perspective for the study. This consumer-based approach was considered particularly appropriate for this study, in terms of the prioritization by a female consumer in an emerging market of product attributes when she is shopping for work wear and evaluating retailers’ product assortments. Combined with the literature review the cue diagnostic framework offered a theoretical basis for the study and provided an overall perspective on the specific phenomenon to be studied. An exploratory survey research design was employed together with a conjoint analysis method to provide insights into attribute ranking and level of influence of specific attributes. The sample consisted of 120 (n=120) female consumers living and working in Gauteng between the ages of 20 and 60, currently working with some sort of training, diploma or degree. Non-probability sampling methods were used, including purposive and snowball sampling. Respondents completed an online selfadministered questionnaire. To ensure an appropriate sample, the online questionnaire was also distributed in paper-based format.. An exploratory survey research design was employed together with a conjoint analysis method to provide insights into attribute ranking and level of influence of specific attributes. The sample consisted of 120 (n=120) female consumers living and working in Gauteng between the ages of 20 and 60, currently working with some sort of training, diploma or degree. Non-probability sampling methods were used, including purposive and snowball sampling. Respondents completed an online selfadministered questionnaire. To ensure an appropriate sample, the online questionnaire was also distributed in paper-based format. The results of the study indicated that the emerging market female consumer market has set ideas and preferences which appeal to them when purchasing work wear from department stores in South Africa. Certain product attributes were found to be more important than others while some were used in conjunction with other attributes. This combining of attributes helped to strengthen the importance of these attributes in the decision making process. The study adds value, knowledge and insight to the existing literature on consumer preferences in emerging markets and the apparel attributes that inform these preferences. This research will be useful for researchers as well as marketers who are interested in marketing campaigns, product assortment planning and retail settings. / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--Universityof Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Consumer Science / unrestricted

In this study, we have considered if, how, or to what extent emerging Christian expressions within the context of the Emerging Church (EC) movement, and related Emerging Missional partners and postcedents, might reform, contextualize, innovate, or revise Christian forms, language, practices, or doctrines to reform the church and inculturate the gospel in postmodern contexts, while retaining continuity and congruence with apostolicity and orthodoxy. We also wished to see if, how, or to what extent EC voices considered accountability to apostolicity and orthodoxy and, if not, to what they were accountable and also to what extent they remain authentically Christian. We have done so by examining the perspectives of leading EC authors, practitioners, and current and historical conversation partners including Vincent of Lérins and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, using historical, theological, ethnographic and narrative inquiry and analysis methods. Our review of literature from EC authors provides insights into debates that led to fracturing of the EC movement and that offer challenges to orthodoxy. Our analysis also reveals methods EC authors appealed to in order to justify their views, or defense or revisions of core historic doctrines. When they rarely appealed to orthodoxy, there were two common but divergent approaches in which orthodoxy was either viewed as a system of beliefs, in which one could treat orthodox doctrines trans-subjectively, or else as being subjectively grounded in the incarnate Christ, in which accountability to Christ was primarily evidenced in materialist acts. We also placed our analysis of key EC sources and their approaches to apostolicity and orthodoxy in conversation with the historical perspectives of Vincent of Lérins and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as with current EC practitioners, via an ethnographic questionnaire. We found that Vincent’s method of consensual orthodoxy, instead of seeing orthodoxy as a system of universal beliefs, or as entirely subjective, appeared to center orthodoxy in the unified life of the Body of Christ in which doctrine may grow and, yet, its apostolic meaning is safeguarded by requiring Christians to surrender current interpretations of Scripture to the universal ecumenical consensus of the Body of Christ through history. Then too, our review of Bonhoeffer’s works reveals the ways that he provides room for questioning and flexibility, while holding that the creedal beliefs and sacred practices of the apostolic faith must be surrendered to as-is, as agents of revelation. In further analysis of primary sources and ethnographic responses, the study also reveals a third EC approach to apostolicity and orthodoxy, in which, in synergy with Vincent and Bonhoeffer, orthodox doctrine is seen as the unified faith, obedience, worship, and witness of the Body of Christ, and in which body doctrine may contextually grow in faithful alignment with apostolicity. Additionally, we considered Vincent’s method as providing orthodox EC voices a rule to guide contextual listening, inculturation and growth of doctrine while ensuring continuity and congruity with apostolicity. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Church History and Church Policy / PhD / Unrestricted

This study describes a sustainable empowerment process used to mobilise, capacitate and sustainably empower communities.An approach to unlock the potential of the high number of unemployed youth within the emerging markets was investigated. These unemployed youth do not have the correct skills, experience and opportunities to become productive citizens of a country. This research looked at methods used to enable the youth to contribute sustainably to the formal economy as a key to empowering the community.The success factors for community empowerment and the contributions made by stakeholders were explored.The research was based on exploratory research of a South African company, Next S and their operations within local communities. Next S was used because of their innovative and dynamic operations and long history with community projects. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

In light of the global mining industry’s record profits in 2011, this inquiry explored the institutional drivers of mining multinational’s subsidiaries overall performance. Using a lens of institutional theory, this inquiry explored why the subsidiaries of emerging mining multinationals have outperformed the subsidiaries of developed mining multinationals in emerging markets.The inquiry used Mann-Whitney U hypothesis testing to compare the financial performance of 46 emerging mining subsidiaries and 39 developed mining subsidiaries. The inquiry ran eight multiple regression models to test subsidiary performance variables against institutional variables obtained from the 2011/2012 Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies.The findings support and add to the institutional and international business literature. Emerging multinational enterprises and their subsidiaries possess dynamic institutional capabilities which allows them to better manage institutional uncertainty than developed multinational enterprises and their subsidiaries in emerging markets. An institutional development model has been developed to assist managers of multinational enterprises reduce their institutional uncertainty in emerging markets. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Institutional voids are increasingly gaining precedence and research attention due to the increased participation of developing countries in global markets (Mair&Marti, 2009). This theory focuses on the identification of weaknesses in institutions and how these voids result in ineffective functioning of emerging markets (Mair&Marti, 2009). In this study, focus is on collaboration as a strategy used by the emerging markets to overcome the absence of institutional and regulatory frameworks, prevalent in their capital, labour and product markets.Forty (40) South African small-medium enterprises were analysed to determine what the priority collaborative benefits are for firms operating in the emerging market context. The research shows that in emerging markets, collaboration benefits are based on a need to overcome institutional voids i.e. to reduce the costs and risks associated with weak institutions. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Multinational corporations operating in emerging markets have to be able to operate within the institutional context of those markets. Emerging markets institutions are mostly in transition or remain undeveloped and create a variety of institutional voids. International Business scholars have also been grappling with understanding how multinational corporations deal with liability of foreignness in the host environments in which they operate. The research canvassed the views from multinationals operating in South Africa as an emerging market. This study relies on institutional theory to understand how the institutional voids in emerging markets create specific liabilities of foreignness for the multinational corporations. How multinational corporations respond to these liabilities of foreignness is investigated. / Mini Dissertation (MPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MPhil (International Business) / Unrestricted

Thesis advisor: Judith A. Vessey / Significance of Problem: Emerging adults (ages 18-30) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are a specific group that experiences worse glycemic control, more frequent severe hypoglycemia and more frequent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) than any other age group. The multiple transitions and stressors associated with the developmental stage of emerging adulthood can magnify and exacerbate the diabetes specific emotional burden of living with T1D, resulting in increased diabetes distress (DD). However, there is no measure of DD specific to the developmental stage of emerging adulthood. Purpose: The purpose of this program of research is to explicate the need for a developmental stage-specific measure of DD, as well as to develop, refine and psychometrically validate a new measure of DD in emerging adults. Method: This multi-phase study employed methods grounded in both item response theory (Rasch analysis) and classical test theory to reduce, refine and validate a new measure of DD in emerging adulthood, entitled the Problem Areas in Diabetes-Emerging Adult version (PAID-EA). In phase 1, data were collected from emerging adults with T1D using a cross-sectional online survey strategy. Rasch methodology was used to reduce and refine the PAID-EA. In phase 2, an additional cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the refined PAID-EA. Classical test theory-based approaches were employed to examine the psychometric properties of the refined measure. Finally, the relationships between scores on the PAID-EA and related constructs and clinical variables were explored. Conclusions: Collectively, this work advances the science by providing insight into how the challenges of emerging adulthood impact life with T1D during this developmental stage and providing a new measure to accurately and validly capture this experience for both clinical and research purposes. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2021. / Submitted to: Boston College. Connell School of Nursing. / Discipline: Nursing.