Is public health policy based on scholarly evidence? With the manifold variables that policy makers must consider, is evidence-based policy even realistic? While strategies exist to translate research into policy, a need to understand better how that can play out in real-life remains. Using interviews from informants occupying a range of positions, and considering the atmosphere created by media reports, this study examines the case of smoking privileges at East Coast Forensic Hospital. After a patient committed murder while on leave, apparently to smoke, public pressure over public safety, a relative lack of relevant scholarship, ethical considerations, and the divergent voices of stakeholders created challenging circumstances for policy makers. Through the use of case study methodology, this project identifies the kinds of information that are employed in the creation or modification of policy and offers insights concerning how the influences exerted on policy makers determine how information is employed.

Patients with dementia are often unaware of their disease and do not seek medical attention; thus, health care providers must shift to "active detection" to identify at-risk patients early. No previous studies have focused on promoting this shift, so this study evaluates the efficacy of a new program to improve the knowledge and confidence of primary care providers in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of mild dementia. Physicians and nurses (n = 38) were recruited from 14 practices in Ontario, Canada. The Mild Dementia Knowledge Transfer Program was run at each practice. As a Neuroscience Master’s student I demonstrated the cognitive assessment procedures, and recipients assessed remaining patients with my guidance. Assessments included patient interviews using a Data Gathering Form –developed for the Program – to provide informal cognitive assessment, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. The procedures were discussed between assessments to enhance learning. Later, recipients discussed the assessment results with the dementia specialist and myself; diagnoses and initial care plans were formulated collaboratively. Questionnaires measuring knowledge and confidence regarding detection, assessment and care of mild dementia were developed to measure change pre-post and three months after the Program. Linear mixed-effects models analysis with time as fixed effect and intercept as random effect was conducted to test change. Program recipients showed increases in knowledge-confidence score after the program (10.3; P < .001) paralleling increases in both knowledge and confidence sub-scores; there was no decline after three months (P = .83). No differences were observed between medical and nursing staff. The number of assessments done by recipients was positively associated with knowledge-confidence change (P = .01). Most recipients (70%) rated the program as excellent; 65% rated interactivity as the best part, 34% rated time commitment as the worst part, and 91% rated the program as making it easier to detect dementia. Due to the complex nature of dementia, the Program was performance-oriented, specialist-supported, clinic-based, and flexible to the needs of recipients. It showed acceptability and feasibility within primary care, and the results support its’ efficacy to improve primary care providers’ self-rated knowledge and confidence in mild dementia care. / Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2010-07-26 21:38:54.945

Background: Mergers and acquisitions (hereinafter referred to as M&amp;As) are increasing in their importance and they have become a commonly applied strategic option for organizations. A major reason for an acquisition is often the objective of gaining new knowledge from the acquired company and then transferring that knowledge among other parts within the acquiring organization. Furthermore, the explicit and tacit nature of knowledge is essential for the transfer of knowledge during M&amp;As. Also, the process of knowledge transfer is dynamic and complex and thus, numerous challenges can arise along the way. As proved by the literature individuals are the key factors, which constrain the transfer of knowledge in M&amp;As. Aim: Despite the extensive existing literature in the area of knowledge transfer, it provides a rather static view and thus, less is known about the dynamic process nature of knowledge transfer in M&amp;As. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative research is to gain deeper understanding of how the process of knowledge transfer evolves over time and how employees constrain it within the acquiring organization during the post-acquisition phase in a merger and acquisition (hereinafter referred to as M&amp;A). In addition, the redefined models in this thesis provide a foundation for future research. Methodology: This thesis is based on a qualitative single-case study method, which builds upon empirical data of an anonymous Swedish international organization (hereinafter referred to as Globex) operating in the manufacturing sector. Theoretical constructs are applied in order to form a generalization. First-hand information is primarily used for this thesis, which was collected in the form of in-depth interviews with the employees of Globex. In order to present the analysed data in a more understandable and visible manner, tables and graphs were applied. Furthermore, our research method is based on the iterative grounded theory, which deals with organizational process research. Thus, we were able to analyse the dynamics in the knowledge transfer process despite its high level of complexity. Due to this complicated essence of the knowledge transfer process, we were unable to explore it entirely and could not acquire all necessary information. However, we still contribute with novelty to the academic society, as previous research explores the static view of knowledge transfer and our research relies on its dynamics. Results: The process of knowledge transfer and how it evolves is illustrated with the necessary phases for its accomplishment. The first model, which demonstrates the dynamic nature of the knowledge transfer process during M&amp;As, is presented. In order to positively influence the transfer of knowledge, enablers should be applied. The second model highlights the importance of planning the process of knowledge transfer within the post-acquisition phase during M&amp;As. Lastly, constraints from the employees’ side can influence the transfer of knowledge. The importance to consider enablers and constraints during the knowledge transfer is also emphasised. Theoretical implications: We urge that more research should accentuate on the process nature of the knowledge transfer and should further explore its dynamics and complexity especially in the context of organizational changes, such as M&amp;As. Managerial implications: Managers should understand the evolving nature of the knowledge transfer process and strengthen their focus on the planning phase of knowledge transfer in order to minimize the issues during the post-acquisition phase.

Globaliseringen har blivit något företag måste ha i åtanke när de opererar på den internationella marknaden. Detta innebär att Transnationella företag i dag är vanligt och dessa arbetar i virtuella team vilka stöter på andra problem än team som arbetar på samma fysiska plats. Denna studie undersökte vilka hinder i överföringsprocessen virtuella team ställs inför och om dessa hinder skiljer sig från de hinder som team som arbetar på samma fysiska plats ställs inför. Detta utfördes genom en fallstudie av två företag, ett i Sverige och ett i USA, som nyligen hade slagits samman till följd av ett uppköp. Företagen agerade som ett Transnationellt företag som arbetade i virtuella team på den globala marknaden. Resultatet av undersökningen visade att de huvudsakliga hindren i kunskapsöverföringsprocessen skilde sig något åt i virtuella team jämfört med team som arbetar på samma fysiska plats. Studien fann att de främsta hindren i kunskapsöverföringsprocessen i virtuella team är kausal tvetydighet, sändarens brist på motivation och komplicerade relationer mellan källan och mottagaren.

Uminova Innovation AB is an organization that helps entrepreneurs to develop and support a business idea and build growing company. The company also provides important knowledge, network and business coach which helps an entrepreneur to think bigger with free of charge (Uminovainnovation, 2013). Uminova Innovation AB also contributes commercialization of business ideas. The company offers structured process, network and creative setting. It focuses on business ideas from students, employees and researchers at Umeå University and hospital in general. Uminova Innovation creates inspiring environment which is comfortable for working process by offering full infrastructure; from conference room to fully equipped office. At the same time, they also work to develop multi- aspects in the areas of leadership, book-keeping, financing, business development, communication, sales and intellectual property. Knowledge management made a considerable development over the last 40 years. During 1990’s knowledge management was considered as one of the critical part of service provision. In the current knowledge based economy, competitive advantage and organizational performance are highly influenced by the human capital which depends on the knowledge of the manual labor. The concept became a source of competitive advantage in the last few decades in many organizations. This thesis investigates the role of knowledge management and knowledge transfer in an innovation supporting firm setting. It specifically deals how the interpersonal knowledge sharing perceived by the actors(employees) involved in an innovation supportive firm and how the knowledge transfer process function in the firm. The thesis aspires to contribute its role on interpersonal knowledge sharing/transfer process in innovation supporting firm as there is a limitation of study in that specific area.  The purpose of the study is to explore the mechanism of knowledge sharing (transfer) in an innovation supporting firm. The study follows qualitative approach; case studies are applied by using semi-structured data collection mechanism. Furthermore, purposive sampling is used to select the five respondents for the empirical chapter. The theoretical part of the thesis is written in the way to increase the understanding of the research area and to answer the research question by examining various concepts which is related to the study. The analysis part is made incompatible with the theoretical parts which were; knowledge, knowledge management, knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing, knowledge management and innovation supporting firm and communication The finding of the thesis shows Uminova Innovation AB has given emphasize on the inter-personal employees communication. Interpersonal communication has been characterized by open, outgoing, very informal and good climate. The main channel of communication identified in the study is: internal meetings, weekly meetings, dialogues, e-mail, conference, telephone, business coaching and intranet document save system. A similar finding shows that knowledge transfer process conducted 60% by informal and 40% formally. This study has found that generally communication, personal knowledge (tacit), socialization, Trust &amp; culture, organizational structure and motivational factors are the factors that the study highlights would influence interpersonal knowledge sharing/ transfer process in innovation supporting firm. / Uminova Innovation AB

Introduction: More and more companies have realized that keeping and using the knowledge in their companies is getting more important to get or keep a competitive advantage. The companies’ organizational culture and knowledge management are essential to create knowledge transfer. Also that the employees and the leaders of the company knows how knowledge- and information transfer arknkoe done best for them. That is why we chose our purpose to be: The aim is to understand the differences between managers and employees perception about knowledge- and information transfer in a manufacturing company. Methodology: A qualitative method with an abductive approach has been used in this thesis. We had our focus on one specific company so we chose to do a case study with semi-structured interviews and observations. We did five interviews where two was with leaders and three with employees. In addition to this we did two observations. Theory: The different theories for this study are mainly about information, knowledge, knowledge transfer, organizational culture and motivation. Analysis: The analysis is about managers and employees perception about information, knowledge, knowledge transfer, how they get motivated and how the culture of the company affects this. The empirical material is analyzed with the previous theories to get a conclusion. Conclusion: The perception of information- and knowledge transfer differs between managers and employees mostly when it comes to working-process and motivation to knowledge transfer. With more standardization the employees get more stressed and less motivated. They believe that this leads to their knowledge to be less important and that the knowledge is transferred less. The employees believes that motivation to knowledge transfer should be prioritized but the managers believe that the motivation should be a part of the job. Reflection and further research: For further research it would be interesting to investigate how “newer” employees at the company see the subject of knowledge- and information transfer to get another perspective. Also how companies can work with lean-production but still make the employees to feel good about their assignments. / Inledning: Fler och fler företag har insett att det blir allt viktigare att tillvarata samt använda den kunskapen som finns i företaget för att få en konkurrensfördel. Ett företags organisationskultur och knowledge management är ytters väsentliga för att kunna skapa kunskapsöverföring. Det är också viktigt att både ledarna och de anställda har samma uppfattning om hur kunskapen ska kunna föras över på bästa sätt. Därför blev vårt syfte: Syftet med denna kandidatuppsats är att förstå skillnaderna mellan ledarnas och medarbetarnas uppfattning om kunskaps- och informationsöverföring i ett produktionsföretag. Metod: I uppsatsen valde vi en kvalitativ metod med ett abduktivt angreppssätt. Vi gjorde studien på ett företag och valde att göra en fallstudie med semi-strukturerade intervjuer samt observationer. Vi gjorde individuella intervjuer med tre medarbetare och två ledare samt två observationer. Teori: De teorier som använts i uppsatsen handlar om information, kunskap, kunskapsöverföring, organisationskultur och motivation. Analys: Analys kring medarbetares och ledares uppfattningar om information, kunskap, hur kunskapen ska överföras samt hur motivation och kulturen påverkar detta. Materialet analyseras med de teorier som tagits upp tidigare för att komma fram till en slutsats. Slutsats: Uppfattningen om informations- och kunskapsöverföring skiljer sig mellan medarbetare och ledare framförallt när det gäller arbetssätt och motivation till att överföra dessa. Ett mer standardiserat arbetssätt har gjort medarbetarna mindre motiverade och mer stressade. Detta tror de leder till att kunskapen blir mindre viktig och att kunskapen också överförs mindre. Motivationen anser medarbetarna borde läggas mer energi på medan ledarna tycker att motivationen till att dela kunskap och information ska ingå i arbetssättet. Reflektion och vidare forskning: Vid fortsatt forskning om ämnet skulle det vara intressant att undersöka hur ”nya” anställda på företaget ser på informations- och kunskapsöverföring samt hur företag kan arbeta med lean-production men ändå få medarbetarna att trivas med sina uppgifter.

Syfte: Studien syftar till att undersöka internationaliseringsprocessen hos svenska sjukvårds-och omsorgsföretag som tillhandahåller sjukvårdstjänster. Dessutom kommer studien att undersöka svårigheter, möjligheter och framtidsutsikter i samband med sjukvårds-och omsorgsföretagens internationalisering. Metod: Denna studie har genomförts genom tillämpningen av en kvalitativ metod och en deduktiv ansats. Informationen hämtad från studiens primärdata och sekundärdata har varit grunden för undersökningens analys och slutsats. Slutsats: Företagens internationaliseringsprocess har sett olika ut beroende på företagens struktur och hur de arbetar med sjukvård och omsorg vilket lett till olika val av strategi. Svårigheterna har varit i form av skillnader i lagar, regler, kultur och olika sjukvårdssystem som finns i olika länder. Den största möjligheten från en internationalisering har varit förvärv av ny kunskap och kunskapsutbytet mellan länder. Framtidsutsikterna för sjukvårdsföretagen innefattar stora möjligheter i samband med utvecklingen runtom i världen som ökar efterfrågan på effektiva sjukvårdslösningar.

The nexus that exists between Aboriginal ways of knowing and Western modern science provided the setting for this research project. It investigated the process of using digital film as a learning tool in the documentation and reflection of Aboriginal knowledge with respect to science. It used Participatory Action Research (PAR) as the research methodology, specifically students engaged in creating films on topics of their choice with respect to Aboriginal knowledge and science. The findings emerged into two themes; one focused on the traits of Aboriginal knowledge and its knowledge transfer systems; the other on the traits that encompass the use of digital film in the learning process, and the capacity development that accompanies it.

Mit dem Thema Innovationen beschätftigen sich in heutiger Zeit nicht nur Unternehmen. Diese Problematik spielt auch für den wirtschaftlichen Erfolg ganzer Regionen eine wichtige Rolle. Die mit Innovationen verbundenen Aspekte werden deshalb sowohl von der Wirtschaft als auch seitens der Wissenschaft mit großem Interesse verfolgt. Die Publikation präsentiert die grundlegenden Ergebnisse des Ziel3-Projekts „INPOK – Innovationspotenzial als Faktor zur Erhöhung der Konkurrenzfähigkeit des sächsisch--böhmischen Grenzraums“. Der Forschungsansatz der beiden Projektpartner, die Jan Evangelista Purkyně Universität in Ústí nad Labem sowie die Technische Universität Dresden basiert auf qualitativen und quantitativen Untersuchungsmethoden. Darüber hinaus wurden verschiedene Transferaktivitäten umgesetzt. Aus den vorgestellten Untersuchungsergebnissen können vor allem Vertreter/innen aus dem Bereich des Wissens- und Technologietransfers, d.h. aus innovationsorientierten Unternehmen, Forschungseinrichtungen, kommunalen Verwaltungen und intermediären Einrichtungen einen besonderen Nutzen ziehen. Nicht zuletzt wird ein Lösungsansatz präsentiert, um den grenzüberschreitenden Wissens- und Technologietranser im sächsisch-böhmischen Grenzraum zu steigern.

Having experienced climatic warming before, First Nations people of the Albany River basin in sub-arctic, Canada, have already shown the ability to be adaptable to external influences. However, societal changes and the current accelerated rate of environmental change have reduced First Nations people ability to adapt. In addition, young people are no longer going out on the land as much. Fort Albany First Nation community members have commented on the lack of connection that some youth have with the land. A disconnect with the environment by youth can threaten the adaptive capacity of sub-arctic First Nations. As identified by Fort Albany First Nation community members, one potential tool that could influence the youth to become more aware of their land, is the collaborative geomatics tool. The collaborative geomatics tool is based on the WIDE (Web Informatics Development Environment) software toolkit. The toolkit was developed by The Computer Systems Group of the University of Waterloo to construct, design, deploy and maintain complex web-based systems. The collaborative geomatics tool supports a common reference map, based on high-resolution imagery. Three environmental outreach camps were held from 2011-2012, programming utilized place-based education as the platform to engage youth in their environment and community and begin using the associated mapping technology. All camps utilized the newly developed collaborative-geomatics tool and a camera ready handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) while participating in various activities that engaged them in their community and environment. The outreach program worked well in connecting youth with knowledgeable community members allowing for the direct transfer of traditional knowledge in a culturally appropriate manner, that is, learning through observation and doing, as well as other culturally-appropriate educational strategies. In addition, the informatics tool supported the archiving of this knowledge through the uploading of geospatially tagged pictures taken by the youth.