This thesis investigates the opportunities and challenges in battery assembly technology for tool manufacturers in the sectors of e-mobility and energy storage systems in the Nordics. The research aims to understand how equipment manufacturers can contribute to the advancements of batteries and their assembly, ultimately fostering innovation and sustainability in these industries. The background and context of the study highlight the rising importance of battery technology in the Nordics, driven by the growing demand for e-mobility and energy storage solutions. The objectives of the thesis focus on identifying the current battery assembly methods, factors driving the choice of assembly methods, and the challenges and opportunities for innovation in assembly technology. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a literature review, surveys, and interviews with key industry players and experts. The collected data were analysed to identify patterns, trends, and relationships related to the research questions utilizing Thematic analysis on interview results and data visualization on survey results. The findings reveal that tightening, adhesives, and laser welding are the most common battery assembly methods in the Nordics, with automation being favoured for high-volume production. Factors such as production volume, product complexity, cost considerations, quality requirements, and available expertise drive the choice of assembly methods. The study also highlights challenges related to adaptability to new tech, cost and flexibility, safety, and environmental sustainability in terms of serviceability, recyclability, and reusability, while opportunities lie in advanced automation, modular assembly approaches, and improved recyclability. The conclusion emphasizes the role of equipment manufacturers in contributing to battery advancements through compliance with regulations, collaboration with industry stakeholders, and leveraging competition for innovation and quality improvement. The study's significance lies in providing valuable insights and guidance for battery assembly equipment manufacturers, promoting market growth, and facilitating sustainable development in the e-mobility and energy storage sectors. / Denna avhandling undersöker möjligheterna och utmaningarna inom batterimonteringsteknik för verktygstillverkare inom områdena e-mobilitet och energilagringssystem i Norden. Forskningen syftar till att förstå hur utrustningstillverkare kan bidra till framstegen inom batterier och deras montering, vilket i slutändan främjar innovation och hållbarhet inom dessa branscher. Bakgrunden och sammanhanget i studien belyser den stigande betydelsen av batteriteknik i Norden, driven av den ökande efterfrågan på e-mobilitet och energilagringssystem. Avhandlingens mål fokuserar på att identifiera nuvarande batterimonteringsmetoder, faktorer som driver valet av monteringsmetoder samt utmaningar och möjligheter för innovation inom monteringsteknik. En blandad metod användes, vilket kombinerade litteraturgenomgång, enkäter och intervjuer med ledande branschaktörer och experter. De insamlade data analyserades för att identifiera mönster, trender och relationer relaterade till forskningsfrågorna, genom tematisk analys av intervjuresultat och datavisualisering av enkätresultat. Resultaten visar att åtdragning, limning och laserplåtsvetsning är de vanligaste batterimonteringsmetoderna i Norden, där automatisering föredras för produktion i stora volymer. Faktorer som produktionsvolym, produktkomplexitet, kostnadshänsyn, kvalitetskrav och tillgänglig expertis påverkar valet av monteringsmetoder. Studien belyser också utmaningar relaterade till anpassningsförmåga till ny teknik, kostnad och flexibilitet, säkerhet samt miljömässig hållbarhet avseende serviceförmåga, återvinningsbarhet och återanvändbarhet. Samtidigt finns det möjligheter inom avancerad automation, modulära monteringsmetoder och förbättrad återvinningsbarhet. Slutsatsen betonar verktygstillverkarnas roll i att bidra till batteriframsteg genom att följa föreskrifter, samarbeta med intressenter inom branschen samt utnyttja konkurrensen för innovation och förbättring av kvalitet. Studiens betydelse ligger i att ge värdefulla insikter och vägledning för tillverkare av batterimonteringsutrustning, främja marknadstillväxt och underlätta hållbar utveckling inom e-mobilitets- och energilagringssektorerna.

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Consumer behaviour and brand image are two key areas of focus in marketing research. The purpose of this study was to examine consumer behaviour shifts during economic crises and their impact on brand loyalty in the food manufacturing industry. Aaker’s Brand Equity model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour were applied in order to explore consumer behaviour towards food manufacturers in post-COVID-19 financial struggles. The findings answered the research question “How do economic downturns, such as those experienced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, shape consumers' decision-making processes and perceptions of food brands in Sweden?” by conducting a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews. The main themes found were Consumer Decision-Making Process, Brand Perception and Cognitive Factors Prior to Purchase, which all contribute to understanding the model of Consumer Behaviour. The findings showed that consumer preferences are driven by familiarity, high quality, taste, ingredients, and positive brand reputation. Marketing communication should strike a balance by avoiding aggressive advertising while still offering discounts and ethical campaigns. This is especially important during economic downturns when attention tends to shift towards price, and companies try to prompt consumers to explore new brands. Trust and brand image were also crucial for consumer decision-making. With these findings, food manufacturers will be able to adapt their marketing strategies, their branding and product offerings to manage economic difficulties and maintain consumer trust.

The purpose of the present study is to determine what per cent of dresses manufactured by Dallas dress manufacturers is produced to meet the needs of tall women.

The South African automotive industry has experienced significant changes in the last 20 years. Globalisation, the implementation of lean production and the development of modularisation have had a profound influence on the relationships between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers, the automotive component manufacturers (ACMs), and their suppliers. South Africa has a number of OEMs and a vibrant automotive component manufacturing industry (ACM), which supplies the South African aftermarket and a spread of export markets. These ACMs are the focus of this study. The main objective of this research study was to identify the supply chain management problems ACMs in South Africa encounter, to what extent they face these problems and how these can be overcome. The problems were identified through a literature review and interviews with two OEMs in South Africa. Using this data a questionnaire was compiled and sent to all NAACAM members for completion. This study is by nature descriptive and exploratory and contains quantitative and qualitative elements. Seven hypotheses were formulated to guide the research. The findings of this research indicate that the geographic location, age and size of the business, have no bearing on the supply chain problems ACMs face, whist the relationship between ACMs and their suppliers and ACMs and their customers is a significant problem. The findings also indicate that the following are some of the main supply chain problems facing ACMs: pressure by OEMs to reduce prices; the price of materials; cancellation of orders; excessive inventory; the unreliability of rail transport and rail capacity problems; the high cost of South African ports; the cost of replacing outdated technology; and BBBEE – achieving and verifying BEE scorecards. The findings further indicate a lack of skills and labour problems, both of which are time consuming to resolve. This study was completed over a four-year period. At the commencement of this study the automotive industry was booming, but in mid-2008, a global economic crisis started. This crisis impacted adversely on the automotive industry globally and in South Africa. Despite these challenges, leaders in the South African automotive component industry remain positive about the future. This study was completed over a four-year period. At the commencement of this study the automotive industry was booming, but in mid-2008, a global economic crisis started. This crisis impacted adversely on the automotive industry globally and in South Africa. Despite these challenges, leaders in the South African automotive component industry remain positive about the future. / Business Management / D. Comm. (Business Management)

The South African automotive industry has experienced significant changes in the last 20 years. Globalisation, the implementation of lean production and the development of modularisation have had a profound influence on the relationships between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers, the automotive component manufacturers (ACMs), and their suppliers. South Africa has a number of OEMs and a vibrant automotive component manufacturing industry (ACM), which supplies the South African aftermarket and a spread of export markets. These ACMs are the focus of this study. The main objective of this research study was to identify the supply chain management problems ACMs in South Africa encounter, to what extent they face these problems and how these can be overcome. The problems were identified through a literature review and interviews with two OEMs in South Africa. Using this data a questionnaire was compiled and sent to all NAACAM members for completion. This study is by nature descriptive and exploratory and contains quantitative and qualitative elements. Seven hypotheses were formulated to guide the research. The findings of this research indicate that the geographic location, age and size of the business, have no bearing on the supply chain problems ACMs face, whist the relationship between ACMs and their suppliers and ACMs and their customers is a significant problem. The findings also indicate that the following are some of the main supply chain problems facing ACMs: pressure by OEMs to reduce prices; the price of materials; cancellation of orders; excessive inventory; the unreliability of rail transport and rail capacity problems; the high cost of South African ports; the cost of replacing outdated technology; and BBBEE – achieving and verifying BEE scorecards. The findings further indicate a lack of skills and labour problems, both of which are time consuming to resolve. This study was completed over a four-year period. At the commencement of this study the automotive industry was booming, but in mid-2008, a global economic crisis started. This crisis impacted adversely on the automotive industry globally and in South Africa. Despite these challenges, leaders in the South African automotive component industry remain positive about the future. This study was completed over a four-year period. At the commencement of this study the automotive industry was booming, but in mid-2008, a global economic crisis started. This crisis impacted adversely on the automotive industry globally and in South Africa. Despite these challenges, leaders in the South African automotive component industry remain positive about the future. / Business Management / D. Comm. (Business Management)

<p>The last past years have seen the emergence of some changes in the whole society as well in the concerns than in the behaviour. Indeed, people are now more and more concerned about the ecology and it is in this optic that the researchers have dealed with this thesis. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a new model in order to measure how deep a company is involved in the Green Marketing. In this thesis the authors have leaded a multiple-case study about the automotive industry in order to see how deep are the companies involved in the green marketing, and how the deal with this new kind of marketing. </p><p>The results showed that the four brands studied are deeply involved in the green marketing and that they plan it and change their processes in order to be more environmental friendly using a lot of different means. This study is a good starting point to implement a green marketing strategy for the companies as until now it was clear about how to become green for a lot of companies.</p>

The last past years have seen the emergence of some changes in the whole society as well in the concerns than in the behaviour. Indeed, people are now more and more concerned about the ecology and it is in this optic that the researchers have dealed with this thesis. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a new model in order to measure how deep a company is involved in the Green Marketing. In this thesis the authors have leaded a multiple-case study about the automotive industry in order to see how deep are the companies involved in the green marketing, and how the deal with this new kind of marketing. The results showed that the four brands studied are deeply involved in the green marketing and that they plan it and change their processes in order to be more environmental friendly using a lot of different means. This study is a good starting point to implement a green marketing strategy for the companies as until now it was clear about how to become green for a lot of companies.

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an exciting opportunity in China both in terms of the potential to build a domestic manufacturing base and the potential to create a strong domestic market for the product. The Chinese nation stands to benefit from both supply-side and demand-side promotion due to the economic stimulus from EV manufacturing and export, the environmental benefits of reduced air pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the energy security benefits of transitioning away from foreign oil dependence. The Chinese have several advantages when it comes to stimulating EV industry development and EV deployment, including: leadership in battery technology, great potential for cost competitiveness, an enormous and emerging number of new car buyers, and high level government support. Yet a number of challenges must be taken into account as well, including: shortfalls in overall automobile R&D spending, consumer concerns about Chinese cars’ safety and reliability, enhancing the appeal of the Chinese brand, and heavy national infrastructure demands. This paper will seek to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with EV deployment in China and identify industry actions and policy measures to facilitate the process.