The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of schools of teacher education (STE) in Turkey in terms of how they prepare future teachers to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in their professions, and the current situation of K-12 schools in terms of how teachers employ ICT in their professions. The primary focus was to develop a deeper understanding of ICT perceptions, competencies, classroom use, related courses effectiveness, main barriers, and possible enablers to integrating ICT. This study may contribute to the existing literature by revealing and establishing baseline data on the current status of ICT integration into schools of teacher education and K-12 in Turkey. The results of this study can be used by policy makers, Ministry of National Education, Higher Education Council, universities, and K-12 schools to reexamine the current status of ICT and revise related policies, strategies, and courses. A mixed method approach was used by utilizing questionnaires from 51 deans, 111 faculty members, 1330 prospective teachers, and 1429 K-12 teachers / and interviews with 6 faculty members, 6 prospective teachers, and 6 K-12 teachers. It could be interpreted from the results that most of the participants expressed positive perceptions about the integration of ICT into teacher education and K-12 schools. Generally, faculty members perceived themselves as competent overall, while prospective and K-12 teachers did not. Faculty members and prospective teachers perceived ICT related courses beneficial and effective in ICT integration into education. On the other hand, K-12 teachers showed a degree of overall unsure (neutral) perception towards their ICT related courses and considered themselves well prepared for professional life. There were strong agreements between the participants as to the main barriers and possible enablers.

Gabon is a Sub-Saharan francophone country which has been independent since August 1960. Its Educational System is modelled on the French System. However, the Gabonese Education System currently does not have any guidelines or policies for the system-wide implementation, integration and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education system. The Gabonese Government committed itself to some ICT-related partnerships, but did not launch any programme or activity relating to those commitments. In addition, the Government provided funding to change the country’s Internet connectivity by satellite with the WASC/SAT3 sub-marine cable in order to make Internet access and connection ten times cheaper at the international level. Unfortunately, the benefit from this investment is not experienced in the country as the potential users, such as teachers, keep having challenges with Internet connection. After fifty years of independence, the government also does not offer sufficient opportunity for teachers to enhance their pedagogical knowledge and skill through teacher professional development (TPD). As a result, no research, guidelines or policies exist for the implementation and use of Open Distance Learning (ODL) for TPD supported by ICT. The aim of this qualitative descriptive exploratory research study was to explore, describe and understand the enablers and challenges of initiating ICT in the ODL training of Gabonese in-service teachers. Although the academic seat for this research was the School of Continuing Teacher Education on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University in South Africa, the research project’s focus, conceptualisation, data-collection and data-interpretation were all based and conducted within the researcher’s heimat, i.e. the Gabonese Education System context. An interactive qualitative casestudy research design (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005; Merriam, 1998) was used in this investigation to obtain in-depth context sensitive data concerning the attitudes, fears, needs, expectations, infrastructure and readiness of the Gabonese Education teachers (at schools and training institutions) for the implementation and use of ICT for ODL training of Gabonese English (second language) teachers, collected through qualitative research methods, i.e. semi-structured open-ended individual and focusgroup interviews, as well as additional research artefacts in the form of photographs to visually record the unique contexts involved. The researcher decided to involve Gabonese English (second language) teachers in the investigation, as he has worked in this discipline for at least twenty years. To ensure sufficient participants, the researcher made use of a snowball strategy where participants in the research referred others. Participants were also selected according to specific selection criteria. Two English (second language) teachers, one school principal, four ICT specialists, one advisor of English teachers, and one inspector of English teachers (ICT specialist) participated in eight individual interviews. Nine English teachers and two advisors of English teachers participated in four focus-group interviews. All interviews were conducted in French. At the North-West University in South Africa, the researcher transcribed the interview data and used ATLAS.ti™ (qualitative data-analysis software) to construct an integrated data-set for analysis. Qualitative data-analysis was performed under the guidance of an expert researcher in qualitative data-analysis. The relevant research findings were translated into English for the purpose of this report. Qualitative data-analysis of the integrated data-set identified six categories of data related to three themes, i.e. (i) Gabonese Education, (ii) ICT in Gabon and (iii) ODL in Gabon. The six categories are: (i) Challenges of Gabonese Education, (ii) Enablers of Gabonese Education, (iii) Challenges to implementation and integration of ICT, (iv) Enablers of ICT; (v) Challenges of ODL, and (vi) Enablers of ODL. These categories supported by codes and quotations provide basic ideas on the research enablers and challenges of initiating ICT in ODL training of Gabonese in-service teachers. The discussion comprises thirty codes, and recommendations are made. The findings of this rich qualitative exploration could benefit and support the Gabonese Education Department, policy makers and academic institutions in their quest to implement, integrate and use ICT in the TPD of in-service teachers via DE and ODL. / Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Gabon is a Sub-Saharan francophone country which has been independent since August 1960. Its Educational System is modelled on the French System. However, the Gabonese Education System currently does not have any guidelines or policies for the system-wide implementation, integration and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education system. The Gabonese Government committed itself to some ICT-related partnerships, but did not launch any programme or activity relating to those commitments. In addition, the Government provided funding to change the country’s Internet connectivity by satellite with the WASC/SAT3 sub-marine cable in order to make Internet access and connection ten times cheaper at the international level. Unfortunately, the benefit from this investment is not experienced in the country as the potential users, such as teachers, keep having challenges with Internet connection. After fifty years of independence, the government also does not offer sufficient opportunity for teachers to enhance their pedagogical knowledge and skill through teacher professional development (TPD). As a result, no research, guidelines or policies exist for the implementation and use of Open Distance Learning (ODL) for TPD supported by ICT. The aim of this qualitative descriptive exploratory research study was to explore, describe and understand the enablers and challenges of initiating ICT in the ODL training of Gabonese in-service teachers. Although the academic seat for this research was the School of Continuing Teacher Education on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University in South Africa, the research project’s focus, conceptualisation, data-collection and data-interpretation were all based and conducted within the researcher’s heimat, i.e. the Gabonese Education System context. An interactive qualitative casestudy research design (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005; Merriam, 1998) was used in this investigation to obtain in-depth context sensitive data concerning the attitudes, fears, needs, expectations, infrastructure and readiness of the Gabonese Education teachers (at schools and training institutions) for the implementation and use of ICT for ODL training of Gabonese English (second language) teachers, collected through qualitative research methods, i.e. semi-structured open-ended individual and focusgroup interviews, as well as additional research artefacts in the form of photographs to visually record the unique contexts involved. The researcher decided to involve Gabonese English (second language) teachers in the investigation, as he has worked in this discipline for at least twenty years. To ensure sufficient participants, the researcher made use of a snowball strategy where participants in the research referred others. Participants were also selected according to specific selection criteria. Two English (second language) teachers, one school principal, four ICT specialists, one advisor of English teachers, and one inspector of English teachers (ICT specialist) participated in eight individual interviews. Nine English teachers and two advisors of English teachers participated in four focus-group interviews. All interviews were conducted in French. At the North-West University in South Africa, the researcher transcribed the interview data and used ATLAS.ti™ (qualitative data-analysis software) to construct an integrated data-set for analysis. Qualitative data-analysis was performed under the guidance of an expert researcher in qualitative data-analysis. The relevant research findings were translated into English for the purpose of this report. Qualitative data-analysis of the integrated data-set identified six categories of data related to three themes, i.e. (i) Gabonese Education, (ii) ICT in Gabon and (iii) ODL in Gabon. The six categories are: (i) Challenges of Gabonese Education, (ii) Enablers of Gabonese Education, (iii) Challenges to implementation and integration of ICT, (iv) Enablers of ICT; (v) Challenges of ODL, and (vi) Enablers of ODL. These categories supported by codes and quotations provide basic ideas on the research enablers and challenges of initiating ICT in ODL training of Gabonese in-service teachers. The discussion comprises thirty codes, and recommendations are made. The findings of this rich qualitative exploration could benefit and support the Gabonese Education Department, policy makers and academic institutions in their quest to implement, integrate and use ICT in the TPD of in-service teachers via DE and ODL. / Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of the dissertation is to indicate that a large number of problems in rural communities are the consequence of ineffective knowledge management, and that the effective management of knowledge could significantly improve the range and quality of services provided to community members. Knowledge is reviewed by examining the process of changing social facts into data, data into information and information into knowledge. Knowledge management is examined by reviewing the history of knowledge management as well as defining the term knowledge management. A generic model for knowledge management is developed that divides knowledge management into five basic processes namely; knowledge identification, knowledge mobilisation, knowledge generation/elaboration, knowledge application and knowledge evaluation. The model further describes the knowledge management ”enablers” that can either facilitate or debilitate the management of knowledge. Various practical suggestions are proposed that will facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management programme in a rural community. / Psychology / MA (PSYCHOLOGY)

Current human activities have a significant impact on the socio-ecological system, endangering this system’s capacity to support human civilization and biodiversity. Today’s linear industrial model can be seen as a main driver of this challenge, which implies a need for a model that uses less raw material and is more aligned with the cyclical nature of Earth. A concept that claims to provide such a model is Circular Economy (CE). This study analyses CE for its potential contribution to strategic sustainable development, and explores the barriers and enablers companies face in its implementation process. The main methodologies used for this research include the analysis of the concept by means of a conceptual framework and a Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, as well as interviews with experts in related fields. The research exposed several gaps between CE and strategic sustainable development. The main barriers were found on a technological, legal, economic level, and at the behavioural level, i.e. the difficulty to change mindsets. Leadership, collaboration, the CE concept itself and customer behaviour were identified as important enablers. These results show that the concept is difficult to implement and that there is a need for a refined approach, which is easier to apply while leading closer towards sustainability.

The master´s thesis deals with performance measurement of the company STAVOS Brno, a.s. The theoretical part is about some of approaches and methods of company performance measurement. In the second part the company is characterized and company´s current situation is described. The last part contains an application of START PLUS model based on the principles of The EFQM Excellence Model. At the end the proposals for improving self-assesment and performance of the company are deduced from the results of applied model.

Purpose – The study aims to investigate the drivers and enablers Swedish companies’ have when reshoring. To fulfill the purpose of the study, two research questions have been formulated: What drivers do Swedish companies’ have for reshoring? What enablers do Swedish companies’ have for reshoring? Method – In order to fulfill the purpose of the study, a literature review and a case study of three manufacturing companies was conducted. The literature review was conducted to create a theoretical framework of drivers and enablers when reshoring and the case study consisted of interviews and document studies which generated empirical data. This data was analyzed and the theory of reshoring has been developed and updated through the results of this study. Findings – In this study, 19 of the 45 drivers and 7 of the 19 enablers identified in theory are confirmed. The study shows that it is not only one driver or one enabler behind Swedish companies' reshoring decisions, it is a combination of many. The study also identifies 15 new drivers and 12 new enablers to Swedish companies when reshoring. These new drivers and enablers are not considered specific for Swedish companies, but can be seen as general. However, further research is required to confirm this. The study shows that there are major differences in the drivers and enablers for Swedish companies when reshoring, as only four drivers and four enablers are confirmed by more than one case company. Even though the case companies all are manufacturing companies, they differ in several aspects and have different conditions. This has resulted in the study showing a variety of drivers and enablers and that a number of new drivers and enablers have been identified. This confirms that more research of this type, about reshoring in a Swedish context, is needed to identify more drivers and enablers and fill the gap that exists in the theory. Implications – Since research about reshoring is fairly unexplored, the theoretical implications of this study have been to partially fill the gap of knowledge about drivers and enablers, as new ones have been identified at the case companies. However, the study has also contributed with a new dimension as it separates drivers and enablers from one another, something that is not clearly made in the existing theory. Furthermore, a suggestion of how the drivers and enablers can be categorized is presented. From a practical perspective, this study has given companies wishing to reshore, other companies experiences of reshoring. This can facilitate decision making, as decisions to a greater extent can be based on facts rather than gut feeling. This may result in companies becoming more competitive and long-term strengthening their survival. Limitations – The limitations of the study consists of the fact that only three companies were included in the case study and that only one person was interviewed from each case company. Had more companies and more respondents been included in the case study, more drivers and enablers probably would have been identified. Furthermore, the generalization is also limited by the fact that only manufacturing companies have been included in the study. Companies in the service sector have been reshoring, and if any of these companies were included in the study, other drivers and enablers would probably have been identified. / Reshoring

Industry 4.0 and the development of novel digital technologies is forcing manufacturing companies to introduce drastic changes to their productions systems. These technologies provide unique opportunities for manufacturing companies to collect, process and store large data volumes, which can be used to facilitate the coordination of factory elements. Previous research indicate that decisions based on data can provide fact-based decisions which can contribute to an increased productivity. However, manufacturing companies are not fully exploiting data as support for decision-making, which is desirable for an increased competitiveness. Currently, much attention is pointed towards the technology instead of the humans responsible for interpreting data and making decisions. Adding to this, there is a lack of guidance on how manufacturing companies can go from current decision making practices (i.e., decisions based on gut feelings) to fact-based decisions driven by data. To address this gap, the purpose of this thesis is to propose a framework for achieving data-driven decision making in production development in the context of Industry 4.0. The purpose is accomplished by using a qualitative-based case study approach at a small and medium sized enterprise in the electronics industry. The results indicate that both challenges and enablers for achieving data-driven decision making in production development are related to perspectives and attitudes, processes for data quality, technology and processes for decision making. Four maturity levels of data-data driven decision making are also identified. The proposed framework can be used by manufacturing companies to help them plan and prepare for their own specific development path towards data-driven decision making. Contributing to current understanding, this thesis considers the human decision makers perspective to develop the ability to collect, process, analyze and use the data to support time efficient and high-quality decisions, an insight lacking in prior academic studies. Future research may include confirmation of the findings presented in this thesis with additional use cases and industry types. / Industri 4.0 och utvecklingen av nya digitala teknologier tvingar tillverkningsföretag att introducera drastiska förändringar i sina produktionssystem. Dessa teknologier skapar unika möjligheter för tillverkningsföretag att samla, processa och lagra stora datavolymer, vilka kan användas för att stödja koordineringen av fabrikselement. Tidigare forskning indikerar att beslut baserade på data kan innebära faktabaserade beslut vilket kan bidra till en ökad produktivitet. Tillverkningsföretag utnyttjar dock inte data som underlag för beslutsfattande, vilket är önskvärt för en ökad konkurrenskraft. I dagsläget är mycket uppmärksamhet riktat mot teknologier istället för de människor som är ansvariga för att tolka data och fatta beslut. Dessutom saknas ledning gällande hur tillverkningsföretag kan gå från nuvarande beslutsrutiner (exempelvis beslut baserade på magkänsla) till faktabaserade beslut på data. Syftet med detta examensarbete är därför att föreslå ett ramverk för att åstadkomma data-baserade beslut genom produktionsutveckling i ett Industri 4.0 kontext. Syftet har uppnått genom en kvalitativ fallstudie på litet och mellanstort företag i elektronikindustrin. Resultaten påvisar att både utmaningar och möjliggörare för att åstadkomma databaserade beslut i produktionsutveckling är relaterade till perspektiv och attityder, processer för datakvalitet, teknologi och processer för beslutsfattande. Fyra olika mognadsnivåer för data-baserade beslut har också identifierats. Det föreslagna ramverket för databaserade beslut kan användas av tillverkningsföretag i syfte att hjälpa dem planera och förbereda sig för deras egna specifika utvecklings mot databaserat beslutsfattande. Genom att bidra till nuvarande kännedom avser detta examenarbete de mänskliga beslutsfattarnas perspektiv gällande utveckling at förmågan att samla, processa, analysera och använda datan för att stödja tidseffektiva och högkvalitativa beslut. Detta är en insikt som saknas i tidigare akademiska studier. Framtida studier kan inkludera verifiering av resultaten presenterade i detta examensarbete med fler tillämpningsområden och typer av industrier.

A company cannot be more sustainable than its supply chain. Given their complexity and the need for collaborative, strategic action for sustainability across supplier networks this research takes a systems perspective to answer, “How can a Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD) lens support supplier network collaboration towards sustainability?”.The application of the SSD lens includes mapping barriers and enablers to collaboration for sustainability found in literature and a case company along with the Five-Level Model (5LM) to which we add complex adaptive system elements. Based on this a thematic analysis of the barriers and enablers is performed paper presents results of the 5LM and thematic analysis, finding that taking an SSD perspective shows interconnections across the multiple enablers and barriers to collaboration. The challenges encountered during 5LM along with the results implications for the Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) academic field and practitioners are discussed. We conclude that the variety and complexity of barriers and enablers for collaboration make it important to approach sustainability strategically across the supplier network. The SSD perspective supports collaboration for sustainability by providing an opportunity to examine it from a systems perspective and to formulate prescriptive considerations for the case company and guiding questions for SSCM practitioners.

The established use of IT systems has increased the use of information in modern enterprises.From this information use, the concept of Business Intelligence has developed to enable more efficientand informed decision-making. As the business’ requirements of Business Intelligence reports changesrapidly due to changes of the business’ needs and more analytical organisations, traditional BusinessIntelligence development faces problems of ad-hoc analyses due to the inefficient adaption to changingneeds.This Master Thesis serves the purpose of deepen the understanding of the establishment of an agiledevelopment program of Self-service BI, addressing the concerns of more effectively meeting the changingrequirements of traditional Business Intelligence development. This study explores enablers through aqualitative case study, conducted at a Swedish bank, consisting of four group interviews discussing theestablishment of such program in Organisational, Processes, Technical and External dimensions,respectively. The qualitative case study was then followed by a discussion of governance of such programfor alignment to enablers.The qualitative case study resulted in 15 enablers of an agile development program of Self-Service BI,considering further enablers compared to more general literature of BI success factors, addressing theperspective of both an agile development program and Self-Service BI applications. The discussion ofgovernance of the program then identified eight governance mechanisms, which might align the programto the enablers, for successful establishment and development of applications.The findings of the study can be considered to culminate into a structure of an agile development programof Self-Service BI. The Thesis presents, from the findings, a framework for structuring such program,consisting of three development phases; Ordering process, Agile development, and Maintenance/Supportand Training, and with the discussed governance for steering the development.