This thesis performed on master level covers an assignment given by the cab division at Volvo Construction Equipment (Eskilstuna, Sweden). The thesis has been carried out by Josefin Hult during the period 2014-01-23 to 2014-05-30 at Mälardalen University. Volvo Construction Equipment manufactures products including wheel loaders, backhoe loaders and articulated haulers. The assignment involves developing the standard door for larger wheel loaders. The current door has a welded frame surrounding the glass that is considered outdated and not cost effective. Volvo Construction Equipment wishes that the door was made in glass in a greater extent. The aim of the assignment has been to generate concepts regarding a glass door that fulfills given requirements. Three research questions have been stated and answered during the process. The product development process has consisted of three phases: information gathering, concept development process and development of detailed concept. For example, field studies and benchmarking have been performed to gather information about competitors’ products and the manufacturing and assembling of the current door. Concepts for handrails, sealant and overall door design have been generated in an iterative process. All components of the door have been developed into a detailed concept during the last phase of the process. The process has resulted in a frameless glass door. The concept suggestion consists of; a tempered sheet of glass, a clip list (sealant) that covers the edges of the glass, two different handrails, inner and outer handles, a gas spring, components to attach handrails against the glass, a cover and a lock mechanism. The major conclusion that is drawn is that it is fully possible to develop a door made in glass in a greater extent than the current door. Many competitors have machines where the door is made in glass in a large extent. This makes it believable that the glass door also will be perceived as timely and more modern and clear. Recommendations have been developed if there is interest in further development. The recommendations include, among others, development of handrail and test of prototype to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled. Figures are produced by the author if not stated otherwise.

Discrimination occurs against underrepresented and misrepresented cultures in the United States of America. Hate crimes, racism, and stereotyping are not only against adults but also students in the educational system. These actions are causing division within our nation. There is a movement for transforming the classroom into one that is culturally inclusive for everyone. These Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) methods can help to unite our nation by celebrating diversity. One very effective method to achieve this is by using multicultural literature in classrooms as a way for students to see themselves as if looking in mirrors, understand their peers as if looking through windows, and empathize with other cultures as if stepping through a sliding glass door into the other culture (Bishop, 1990). Arab Americans too often are experiencing discrimination at the same or worse levels than other underrepresented and misrepresented cultures. The goal of this study was to find quality books by and about Arab Americans as multicultural literature is an effective means for creating a culturally inclusive classroom. My first step was to locate any and all books I could find that were written by or about Arab Americans. Then using specific parameters, I narrowed my findings to list only the quality literature I found within the last ten years. These findings are listed for teachers to use and access with ease. While reading these books in the classroom, it is important to initiate conversations with and among the students. Therefore, I created a list of general guiding questions that pair with the literature for teachers to use in their classrooms to get their students talking and thinking about the multicultural books they are reading. These discussions can help move classrooms into ones that celebrate individual cultures, embrace diversity, and instill empathy among the students.