abstract: The discussion on the question of integrity has a long history. It is regarded as an important research proposition in the fields of Chinese and Western philosophy, law, sociology, ethics, management and economics. Even though the research results are combined with each other for reference, there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis and empirical study on integrity. In the process of transition from planned economy to market economy, a series of problems have arisen. The problem of dishonesty has caused huge losses to the society as a whole. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical importance to conduct a quantitative analysis on the topic of trustworthiness, and investigate the relationship between trustworthiness and the economy. This paper adopts a game theory model to analyze the reasons for corporate dishonesty, and the problem faced by the regulators. Based on the results from the model, we clarify the duties of various subjects (enterprises, governments and credit organizations) in the construction of a society with integrity. Then, we analyze different cases of dishonesty and point out the channels through which the economy would be affected by the problem of dishonesty. (1) as an institution, integrity helps reduce the transaction cost and prompt market efficiency; (2) integrity serves as a production factor that influences the economy; (3) integrity will affect the economy by influencing the ability of small and medium enterprises to borrow. Finally, after we establish the relationship between integrity and the market economy, we use survey data to conduct an empirical analysis on the development of integrity in China. The survey data allow us to build a cycle of integrity risk, and identify the current position in the cycle. Besides, we also compare the region difference regarding integrity, which supports the idea that integrity matters for the economic development. Because the questionnaires are the only way to obtain the data that can be analyzed at present, the paper not only fills in the research gap caused by the lack of data, but also jumps out of the existing research methods, and enriches the empirical work for the study of integrity. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Business Administration 2017

Intellectual property law theory is premised on a utilitarian justification granting limited time monopolies for encouraging creation, innovation and its dissemination to society. However, in the last several decades, scholars have been mounting empirical evidence to show that in some industries, creativity and innovation exist outside the contours of intellectual property law and thrive despite their lack of reliance on the laws. Instead, what they uncovered is that creators in these industries follow norms that mitigate issues surrounding some kinds of copying. Intellectual property protection for fashion design in Canada is fragmented across a complex legal landscape that entails several different laws, unique in scope, eligibility requirements and rights. This complex framework is not unique to the fashion design industry but is similar for design industries generally. Navigating through these laws can be daunting and thus inaccessible for the some segments of the design industry that are small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that have limited resources to expend on legal advice and registration. Using grounded theory methodology and qualitative and quantitative methods, this research explored the use of intellectual property law and social norms by the independent fashion design segment in Montreal and in Toronto and the contours of copying and the public domain. What the empirical research reveals is that independent fashion designers do not use the law to protect their designs and instead, use mechanisms that centre on the negative copying norm. Negative copying is copying that is negatively perceived. It is not necessarily legally infringing or economically harmful, although it can be both. Further, it can apply to subject matter that is not the subject matter of intellectual property law. This norm against negative copying is supported by extra-legal prevention and enforcement mechanisms that have been developed by individuals within the segment in order to mitigate the issue of copying. The empirical research also reveals that in addition to the economic incentives to create, there are also a number of non-economic incentives such as identity and reputational interests that drive creativity and help reinforce the norm against negative copying. Using grounded theory enabled me to draw on literature from a number of disciplines in order to help contextualize these findings and approach the analysis from the perspective of intellectual property theory, policy and law, social norms (sociology and psychology) as well as economic geography, and design.

The thesis theme is research and analysis of training program in HSBC Bank which took place during September 2007. The thesis is divided in to five chapters. The first chapter is devoted to theory of andragogics, corporate training and efficiency analysis. The second chapter is devoted to empirical research also problem and its solution is introduced there. The third chapter introduces HSBC Bank and HSBC Bank training program. This training program was created for newly hired employees. The fourth chapter consist of three surveys of participators of this training. The first -questionary- is focused on trainees. The second survey is evaluated by trainers of the company, this survey was executed via internet. The last survey was realized through series of interview with trainees. Based on the results of the investigation the fourth chapter is concluded with SWOT analysis of training, evaluation of efficiency of Kirkpatrick`s schneme. The last chapter contains proposals to streamline the training process. This proposals will be submitted to the management of the company for possible use in further training.

The main aim of this dissertation is to investigate whether the price convergence between new and old EU member countries occurred. According to development of price level index it is shown that new member countries converge towards the EU27 and that old member countries more or less hover around their initial levels. Germany is chosen to be a benchmark country and thus the development towards Germany is also examined. The results reveal that new member states converge towards the benchmark country. However, in the case of old member states both convergence and divergence occurs. Furthermore, factors that may have an influence on such a development are investigated. The empirical research shows that GDP, hiring regulations and minimum wage and business regulation were of significance during the examined period, from 2000 to 2009 respectively.

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This thesis analyzes works of the contemporary Spanish translation theorist, teacher, translator and researcher, Rosa Rabadán Álvarez. The basis of this paper is the analysis of the most important works published in books and journals in Spain and abroad. Close attention has been paid to the translation theories Rabadán has been proceeding from and to the context of her theoretical, pedagogical, translation and research work. The last chapter focuses on the reception of her works in and outside of Spain and in the Czech Republic.

Neste trabalho analisam-se os modelos conceituais e operacionais de brand equity baseado no cliente apresentados na literatura acadêmica. Sendo essa a alternativa para explorar o tema: documentar os modelos de brand equity, bem como as diferenças conceituais e empíricas entre os modelos de brand equity, pela ótica do cliente. Neste contexto, surge o seguinte problema de pesquisa: Os modelos existentes na literatura (teórico-práticos) de brand equity, baseado no cliente, podem compor um modelo de mensuração aplicável à realidade brasileira? Para isso faz-se uma pesquisa descritiva com o intuito de apresentar e enumerar os modelos de brand equity baseados no cliente, constantes entre os autores em ciências sociais aplicadas. Os resultados dessa parte do trabalho são tabelas resumo da literatura, apresentadas em capítulo específico, bem como as interpretações provenientes dessas análises. Elabora-se, então, uma pesquisa empírica para verificar a relação existente entre as dimensões que compõem o brand equity baseado no cliente e o mix de marketing organizacional. É desenvolvido análise da literatura, análise de confiabilidade, regressões, e modelagem de equações estruturais. Nessa pesquisa empírica encontra-se as análises de confiabilidade (Alpha de Cronbach´s), onde verificou-se que as dimensões propostas inicialmente por Aaker (1998) e Keller (1993) têm alta confiabilidade de escala. O patrimônio total da marca e a percepção dos preços, propostos por Yoo, Donthu e Lee (2000) também têm alto poder de confiabilidade na escala em português. Na análise das regressões completa, tradicional, e confiável do brand equity, baseado no cliente, houve uma semelhança de resultados. Apesar de algumas diferenças nos números e valores de R2 e de erro, esses foram muito próximos deixando as três equações propostas com mesma significância e valor de predição. Esse valor de predição para as três equações de regressão são moderados/baixos, demonstrando uma predição da variável dependente em grau leve pelas variáveis independentes, propostas nos modelos de regressão. Seguidos das análises de ajustes, verossimilhança, e significância da modelagem de equações estruturais m.e.e. Os objetivos do trabalho, propostos inicialmente, foram alcançados de forma clara e apresentados melhor no decorrer deste trabalho. Essa pesquisa empírica foi replicada para o Brasil, utilizando-se como base o trabalho de Yoo, Donthu e Lee (2000), sendo uma investigação agora desenvolvida nacionalmente. Tendo como alvo da pesquisa o setor de sapatos esportivos de uma grande marca mundial Adidas. / In this paper examine the conceptual and operational models of based-client brand equity presented in the academic literature. This being the alternative to explore the theme: documenting models of brand equity, as well as differences between the conceptual and empirical models of brand equity, through the eyes of the customer. In this context, there arises the following research problem: The existing models in the literature (theoretical and practical) of based-client brand equity can make a measurement model applicable to the Brazilian reality? For this it is a descriptive research in order to present and list the models of basedclient brand equity, listed among the authors applied social sciences. The results of this study are part of the summary tables of literature, presented in separate chapter, as well as interpretations from these tests. It elaborates, then, empirical research to verify the relationship between the dimensions that comprise the client-based brand equity and organizational marketing mix. It is developed literature analysis, reliability analysis, regression, and structural equation modeling. In this empirical research is the analysis of reliability (Cronbach\'s Alpha), where it was found that the dimensions initially proposed by Aaker (1998) and Keller (1993) have high reliability scale. The total equity of the brand and the perception of prices, proposed by Yoo, Donthu and Lee (2000) also have high reliability in the power of scale in Portuguese. In the analysis of complete regressions, traditional and trusted brand equity, based on the client, there was a similarity of results. Despite some differences in the numbers and values of R2 and error, these were very close to leaving the three equations with the same significance and value prediction. This predictive value for the three regression equations are moderate / low, showing a prediction of the dependent variable in mild by the independent variables proposed in the regression models. Followed by analysis of settings, likelihood and significance of structural equation modeling s.e.m. The objectives of the work originally proposed, were reached in a clear and better presented in this all paper. This empirical research has been replicated in Brazil, using as basis the work of Yoo, Donthu and Lee (2000), an investigation now being developed nationally. Targeting the research sector of athletic shoes of a great global brand - Adidas.

The oil and gas industry in Libya has suffered a number of health and safety accidents including environmental disasters due to the nature of the work involved and the hazardous materials it handles in all facets of exploration and production. Such issues have hitherto not received due attention by the Libyan Authorities. The fact that strict HSE assessment standards are neither well-defined nor established in Libya is not helpful. Furthermore, oil and gas industry in new free Libya has suffered immensely during the 2011 Arab Spring and its rebuilding poses a number of critical HSE challenges. The purpose of the research is to develop and validate a HSE Performance Review Methodology for Libyan oil and gas industry based on clearly defined and measurable aspects for assessment. The thesis starts by performing a comprehensive literature review on all aspects of HSE including universal standards. The review indicates that there is a gap in respect of semi-qualitative methods for assessing HSE performance commensurate with other disciplines. The thesis then identifies four key research problems in the context of Libyan oil and gas industries. Based on these problems, an empirical research was conducted and included three distinct Stages. Stage 1 consisted of a pilot study based on an interview questionnaire with 15 experienced HSE professionals working in oil and gas companies in Libya to help identify key issues pertaining to HSE assessment. Data analysis results for Stage 2 have been used to derive a list of 12 main groups of HSE questions which have then been tested on 84 HSE professionals working in Libya stemming from 35 medium and large oil and gas companies. Modal distribution analyses have been performed to scope down the number of HSE performance factors, which would then be used in Stage 3 of the empirical research. This consisted of issuing the same 84 interviewees with a questionnaire requesting their assessment of how Critical, Important and Less Important were the 60 factors identified. Central Tendency, Variation Ratios and Indices of Diversity were used to successfully analyse the data. With the QAA Subject Review in mind as a potential model for the sought methodology, and a mapping of the four research problems with data analysis results from Stages 1, 2 and 3; six HSE Performance Review Aspects emerged: Prevention, Surveillance, Response, Achievements, Resource and HSE Management and Enhancement – judged and graded using a 1 to 4 scale. The HSE Performance Review methodology has been validated by direct application to five comprehensive studies starting from the self-assessment document written by the companies, an extensive review visit by peer-assessors and a final report showing grades, benchmarks and shortcomings. Lessons learned from the validation exercise have been used to revise the definition of the six Aspects and used to propose an appropriate implementation plan in Libya. The results of the validation exercise are very encouraging and readily confirm that the methodology can be applied to other industry sectors.

This thesis examines the operational delivery systems of information-centric Mass Claims Processes. Empirical data is presented which builds upon existing literature within the Operations Management discipline. This thesis aims to extend the area of knowledge which focuses on the rendering of assistance to very large groups of individuals disadvantaged through particular events such as armed conflict, civil unrest, acts of government and other similarly sweeping actions. One such approach of aid delivery is through a legal process known as a Mass Claims Process which delivers assistance. This research examines how this assistance is rendered to the individual, the ‘claimant’, through a legally guided and controlled analysis of claimant-provided information. Such organisations are typically either publicly funded or funded through social schemes, which introduces significant pressure for efficiency. Similarly, the legal nature of MCPs emphasises the need for accuracy in the delivery of justice and law. The research addresses a number of areas not fully explored by the extant literature. There is a lack of research which explores the apparent trade-off between efficiency and accuracy in large scale legal services. Little empirical evidence exists on the application of Postponement strategies in information-centric operations. This research also investigates a previously unexplored context in which strategic frameworks must find optimal alignment between the service concept and the design of the delivery system in a restricted and challenging environment. Fieldwork was carried out over a three year period in two separate organisations, and utilised a polar case approach to increase the validity of the findings. The phenomenon of information interrelation, previously unidentified in the literature, is shown to have significant impact in this context. Several models are presented to describe the dynamic relationships between the characteristics and the strategic choices of the MCP. The results produce a set of findings illustrating optimal design choices for the key delivery system characteristics associated with MCPs. The financial impact of such organisations reaches into the billions (USD), and will continue to be a significant economic consideration for the foreseeable future. As such, research in this area has the ability to increase the efficient use of organisational resources for the organisations, while improving the service for the applicants. Whilst this thesis contributes to the body of knowledge for delivery system design, further research is welcomed, especially on the phenomenon of information interrelation, for the growing area of information-centric organisations.

NHS research ethics committees (RECs) serve as the gatekeepers of health research involving human participants. They have the power to decide, through a regulatory 'event licensing' system, whether or not any given proposed research study is ethical and therefore appropriate to undertake. RECs have several regulatory functions. Their primary function has been to protect the interests of research participants and minimise risk of harm to them. Yet RECs, and other actors connected to them, also provide stewardship for the promotion of ethical and socially valuable research. While this latter function traditionally has been seen as secondary, the 'function hierarchy' is increasingly blurred in regulation. Regulatory bodies charged with managing RECs now emphasise that the functions of RECs are to both protect the interests of research participants, and also promote ethical research that is of potential benefit to participants, science, and society. Though the UK has held in some of its previous regulations (broadly defined) that RECs equally function to facilitate (ethical) health research, I argue that the 'research promotionist' ideology has moved 'up the ladder' in the regulation of RECs and in the regulation of health research, all the way to implementation in law, specifically in the Care Act 2014, and in the regulatory bodies charged with overseeing health research, namely the Health Research Authority. This thesis therefore asks: what impact does this ostensibly twinned regulatory objective then have on the substantive and procedural workings of RECs? I invoke a novel 'anthropology of regulation' as an original methodological contribution, which enables me to study empirically the nature of regulation and the experiences of actors within a regulatory space (or spaces), and the ways in which they themselves are affected by regulation. Anthropology of regulation structures my overall empirical inquiry to query how RECs, with a classic primary mandate to protect research participants, now interact with regulatory bodies charged with promoting health research and reducing perceived regulatory barriers. I further query what this changing environment might do to the bond of research and ethics as seen through REC processes of ethical deliberation and decision-making, by invoking the original concept of 'regulatory stewardship'. I argue that regulatory stewardship is a critical, but hitherto invisible, component of health research regulation, and requires fuller recognition and better integration into the effective functioning of regulatory oversight of research involving human participants.