Internet retailing is one of the fast-growing business sectors in the UK, and this sector is currently entering a more stable development stage. In this stage, the issue of business strategy and performance measurement, often neglected during the dotcom era, is gaining in importance. Although various studies have been done, the investigation of this issue is limited. This study helps to fill this gap by investigating performance measurement and business strategy of Internet retailing business, and their significance in enhancing business performance. A mail questionnaire was used in a survey of UK Internet retailers. The questionnaire contained variables of performance indicators, use of performance measurement, strategic orientation, businessp erformance, and business profile. The survey produced 252 responses of small-and-medium-sized internet retailers, defined as having less than £10 million of annual online sales turnover. By factor analysis, strategic orientation can be treated as having two dimensions:( 1) conservativeness, and (2) aggressiveness; business performance, two: (1) financial, and (2) operational; and performance measurement, one: the number of performance indicators measured. The findings show that UK Internet retailers are likely to concentrate their performance measurement more on financial, market-sales, and web-related indicators rather than customer and process. After controlling for variations of business size, the empirical results reveal that (1) more conservative retailers are likely to measure more performance indicators, (2) retailers using more performance indicators are likely to have better operational performance, and (3) less aggressiveness retailers tend to be associated with better financial performance. This study has provided evidence that strategic orientation is associated with the financial aspect of business performance, and performance measurement with the operational aspect of business performance. The results provide useful insights for Internet retailing managers, especially concerning the importance of performance measurement, and the choice of strategic orientation. More importantly, this study opens up possibilities for further study of performance measurement and businesss strategy of internet retailing business

Geometrical and dimensional metrology is used to verify that manufactured and assembled products satisfy the defined geometrical requirements and thereby the functional requirements. The dimensional measurement planning operation is carried out to define how the measurements are going to be collected and it has to consider the reliability, uncertainty and economics of the measurement procedure. The thesis work has been performed to map the current knowledge regarding measurement strategies and principles and to develop recommendations regarding a framework which defines how the measurement planning work should be carried out. The purpose of the work was thereby to perform a state-of-the-art study to map the available theoretical and empirical measurement strategies and principles. The purpose was also to test the impact of the strategies in a measurement experiment in order to validate the methodology. To fulfil the purpose of the work, a literature review and a case study was initially performed. The literature review investigated the available academically knowledge and the requirements defined in international standards regarding the measurement planning work. The case study mapped the methodologies and principles which were used in industry through contextual research and qualitative interviewing. The majority of the case study was carried out at Saab Aeronautics but to obtain a wider understanding of the topic a survey were also conducted where additional manufacturing companies were participating. The outcome of the case study and the literature review were thereafter merged and further analysed though the measurement analysis. The case study and the literature review shown that there existed several different methodologies and guidelines regarding how the work should be and was performed. Some of the factors which were further investigated were the impact of the number of measurement points, distance between the measurement points, uncertainty of the strategy and the considerations connected to the selection of the geometrical features. The measurement analysis provided insights regarding the impact on average, minimum-, maximum deviation and the variance due to the amount and distribution of the inspection points. The findings were presented as a resulting outcome of the recommended measurement strategy framework methodology. The methodology of analysing the impact of the measurement strategy was therefore implemented into the recommendations regarding the measurement planning framework. The purpose of the framework is to offer a reliable, standardized and traceable measurement planning process where knowledge sharing and continuous improvements are possible to implement. In addition to the analysis of the measurement planning strategy the most important findings to consider in the adjacent process steps were investigated and presented. These findings are presented to enable a broad understanding of the requirements throughout the measurement process at Saab Aeronautics. The knowledge obtained in the literature review, case study and the measurement experiment was included in the measurement strategy framework which was the delivery of the thesis work.

The thesis deals with the design of multidimensional performance measurement system. The aim of the thesis is to propose a multidimensional performance measurement system for the company providing services in recruiting new employees. The performance measurement system is based on the Balanced Scorecard. The thesis is divided into two parts. The first one is about theoretical basis for design the multidimensional performance measurement system, the second one deals with the proposal of this system for the company PŘEDVÝBĚR.CZ s.r.o. Firstly, the enterprise is introduced from the point of view of basic information, provided services, organizational structure, target market segments, and competitors. Following this information, a SWOT analysis of the company is made. This is the basis for the company´s strategy. Then, a strategy map is created. It captures the key causal relationships in the company. After the strategy map, a performance measurement system is designed into four perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard.

Background: Insufficient exposure assessment is a suggested contributing factor to the current lack of clearly characterised relationships between occupational biomechanical risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders. Minimal attention has been paid to the potential bias of measurement tools from expected true values (i.e. accuracy) or between measurement tools, and empirical data on the magnitudes of variance contributed by methodological factors for measurement tool precision are lacking. Aim: The aim of this thesis was to quantify aspects of bias and precision in three commonly employed biomechanical risk factor assessment tools - inclinometry, observation, and electromyography (EMG) - and provide recommendations guiding their use. Methods: Upper arm elevation angles (UAEAs) were assessed using inclinometers (INC) and by computer-based posture-matching observation, and bias relative to true angles was calculated. Calibration models were developed for INC data, and their efficacy in correcting measurement bias was evaluated. The total variance of trapezius and erector spinae (ES) EMG recordings during cyclic occupational work was partitioned into biological and methodological sources, including the variance uniquely attributable to sub-maximal normalisation. Using algorithms to estimate the precision of a group mean, the efficacy of different trapezius EMG study designs was evaluated. Using precision criteria, the efficacy of different normalisation methods was assessed for ES EMG recordings. Results and Discussion: Inclinometer measured UAEAs were biased from true angles, with increasing bias at higher angles. In contrast, computer based posture-matching observations were not biased from true angles.  Calibration models proved effective at minimizing INC data bias. The dispersion of estimates between- and within- observers at any given set angle underlined the importance of repeated observations when estimating UAEAs.  For EMG, a unique but relatively small component of the total variance was attributable to the methodological process of normalisation. Performing three repeats of the trapezius EMG normalisation task proved optimal at minimizing variance for one-day EMG studies, while two repeats sufficed for multi-day EMG studies. A prone normalisation task proved superior for maximizing normalised lumbar ES EMG precision. Conclusion: Key aspects of measurement tool accuracy, bias between tools, and tool precision were quantified, and recommendations were made to guide future research study design.

Work-related disorders due to biomechanical exposures have been subject to extensive research. Studies addressing these exposures have, however, paid limited attention to an efficient use of resources in exposure assessment. The present thesis investigates cost-efficient procedures for assessment of work-related biomechanical exposures, i.e. procedures aiming at a proper balance between statistical and economic performance. Paper I is a systematic review of tools used in literature providing cost-efficient data collection designs. Two main approaches were identified in nine publications, i.e. comparing cost efficiency among alternative data collection designs, and optimizing resource allocation between different stages of data collection, e.g. subjects and samples within subjects. The studies presented, in general, simplified analyses, in particular with respect to economics. Paper II compared the cost-efficiency of four video-based techniques for assessing upper arm postures. The comparison was based both on a comprehensive model of cost and error and additionally on two simplified models. Labour costs were a dominant factor in the cost efficiency comparison. Measurement bias and costs other than labour cost influenced the rank and economic evaluation of the assessment techniques. Paper III compared the cost efficiency of different combinations of direct and indirect methods for exposure assessments. Although a combination of methods could significantly reduce the total cost of obtaining a desired level of precision, the total cost was, in the investigated scenario, lowest when only direct measurements were performed. However, when the total number of measurements was fixed, a combination was the most cost efficient choice. In Paper IV, demand functions were derived for a four-stage measurement strategy with the focus of either minimizing the cost for a required precision, or maximizing the precision for a predetermined budget. The paper presents algorithms for identifying optimal values of measurement inputs at all four stages, adjusted to integers, as necessary for practical application. In summary, the thesis shows that it is important to address all sources of costs and errors associated with alternative measurement designs in any particular study, and that an optimal determination of samples at different stages can be identified in several cases not previously addressed in the literature.

The global world has been strongly changed and year 2013 - was for automotive big challenge! At the beginning of the year 2013 automotive experts predicted stable growth in LDC's and CIS's. But today in 2014, we know, that was different. How are the markets turbulenting shows current changes in U.S. economical and financial politics which also influents structural economical deformations and market warping in LDC's. On the other hand the current political crisis in Ukraine influence in turn CIS's markets where the ŠKODA is called the international automotive leader. Likewise, good to know is, that the current Russia annexation political approach influence negatively international exchange rates which brings strategical calm down to the ŠKODA growth and profit. In the same time running national politicical systems crises in the markets where ŠKODA long-term strong is, e.g. Arabian world. Despite of turbulent market trends introduced ŠKODA in 2013 the biggest model offensive in own history connected shortly with the biggest investment costs. Everything in the age when the world is more connected and requests bigger flexibility, faster launches of products and bigger frequency of radical innovations. Exist strategical coherence between automotive enterprises, national economies and self-started employees? Is sustainability the key condition for the growth in automotive industry? If yes, it is possible to measure sustainable growth in automotive enterprises? How manage correctly the automotive enterprise to be long-term sustainable and profitable growth despite of turbulent market environment?

Le récent développement des nanotechnologies induit des expositions potentielles aux nanoparticules dans une diversité de milieux professionnels. Une meilleure appréhension des risques et des expositions professionnelles aux nanoparticules représente alors un enjeu essentiel pour les acteurs de la prévention, ce qui nécessite d’enrichir, voire de rompre, avec les approches classiques de métrologie et de prévention. Dans ce contexte, notre thèse se centre sur le développement d’une méthodologie transdisciplinaire intégrant l’analyse de l’activité à la mesure afin de produire des connaissances sur l’exposition aux nanoparticules et sa maîtrise. A partir de la construction et de la validation d’une méthodologie par des spécialistes de la mesure des nanoparticules, de l’épidémiologie et de l’ergonomie, nos résultats s’orientent autour de trois axes. 1) La revue systématique de la littérature des préconisations actuelles pour évaluer les expositions professionnelles aux nanoparticules met en avant l’existence de 23 documents centrés sur la mesure des nanoparticules manufacturées seulement sans s’intéresser aux nanoparticules émises non intentionnellement par certains procédés industriels. Par ailleurs, ces recommandations à destination des préventeurs doivent évoluer pour une meilleure prise en compte de l’activité de travail et devenir opérationnelles. 2) La méthode d’évaluation de l’exposition produite tenant compte de ces limites, est passée par une mobilisation des acteurs de l’entreprise pour collecter des informations sur les situations potentielles d’exposition. Ensuite, des mesurages en temps réel et intégrés des aérosols, accompagnés d’enregistrements de la fréquence cardiaque et respiratoire sont synchronisés à des vidéos de situations de travail. Un découpage à différentes échelles temporelles en phase de l’activité ou en action détaillée de l’opérateur, conduit à révéler des situations d’exposition réelles aux nanoparticules, et évaluer leurs niveaux d’exposition intégrant l’intensité physique. 3) Nous montrons que les échanges avec les opérateurs lors d’entretiens de confrontation aux vidéos et mesures synchronisées, permettent de rendre visibles ces situations d’exposition et leurs déterminants, sous forme de situations d’exposition caractéristiques. Cette présentation des résultats de l’analyse de l’activité, contribue à comprendre et mettre en perspective les pratiques de sécurité formelles pour les faire évoluer. C’est par ces échanges collectifs que les déterminants de l’exposition sont découverts, ce qui permet aux différents acteurs de renforcer la maîtrise de l’exposition. L’usage des situations d’exposition est aussi un moyen d’agir sur les projets de conception en transférant des repères pour la conception et la prévention. Il devient alors possible d’enrichir les évaluations de l’exposition aux nanoparticules et contribuer à la construction collective de la sécurité dans l’innovation. / The recent development of nanotechnologies has led to potential exposures to nanoparticles in a variety of workplaces. A better understanding of occupational exposures to nanoparticles represents a major stake for prevention stakeholders. These exposures require an overhaul of, and perhaps a break from traditional metrology and prevention approaches, as they are challenged by the particular characteristics of nanoparticles. In this context, this thesis focuses on the development of a transdisciplinary methodology integrating work activity analysis with measurement in order to produce knowledges on exposure to nanoparticles and its control.From the construction and the validation of a methodology between specialists in nanoparticle measurement, epidemiology and ergonomics, our results follow three axes. 1) The systematic review of the literature on current recommendations for assessing occupational exposures to nanoparticles highlights the existence of 23 documents focusing on the measurement of manufactured nanoparticles only, excluding nanoparticles emitted unintentionally by some industrial processes. In addition, these recommendations for preventionists must evolve to take better account of work activity and become operational. 2) The exposure assessment method developed in this thesis work is based on the mobilization of the company's stakeholders to gather information on potential exposure situations. Then, real-time as well as time averaged aerosol measurements, accompanied by heart rate recording, were synchronized with videos of work situations. A breakdown at different time scales, at the work activity stage or in more detailed action carried out by the operator, revealed real exposure situations to nanoparticles, and characterized the associated exposure levels, taking into account the physical intensity of the work. 3) We show that discussions with operators during confrontation interviews involving real-time measurement synchronized to videos of the work activity, made it possible to make these exposure situations and their determinants visible, in the form of “typical exposure situations”. Presenting the results in association with the work activity analysis in the companies contributes to understanding and questioning the regulated safety practices to make them change. It is through these collective exchanges that the determinants of exposure are discovered, allowing to the company’s stakeholders to improve exposure control. The use of exposure situations is also a means of influencing design projects by transferring requirements for conception or prevention. It therefore becomes possible to expand exposure assessment to nanoparticles and contribute to collectively build safety within innovation.

La banque de données IMIS (Integrated Management Information System) de l’agence américaine OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) contient l’ensemble des mesures de l’exposition effectuées par les inspecteurs d’OSHA chargés de vérifier la conformité aux valeurs limites d’exposition. Les résultats analytiques correspondant aux prélèvements effectués par les inspecteurs sont également disponibles dans la banque CEHD (Chemical Exposure Health Data). Ces deux banques représentent une source d’information potentielle majeure sur les conditions d’exposition aux substances chimiques en Amérique du Nord. Cependant, leur représentativité par rapport à la distribution réelle des niveaux d’exposition retrouvés dans les milieux de travail est largement inconnue. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’établir dans quelle mesure les données de contamination de l'air recueillies par l’agence fédérale américaine OSHA peuvent être utilisées pour l’estimation des expositions professionnelles en Amérique du Nord. Les analyses ont porté sur 511 047 et 588 818 mesures d’exposition contenues dans les banques IMIS et CEHD respectivement, pour la période 1979-2011. Premièrement, des modèles additifs généralisés ont été utilisés pour étudier l’association entre les variables reflétant les caractéristiques des établissements visités et des inspections et les niveaux d’exposition pour 77 agents chimiques (90% du contenu d’IMIS). Dans un second temps, une approche de régression de Poisson modifiée a été utilisée pour étudier les facteurs déterminants l’enregistrement ou non des échantillons de CEHD dans la banque IMIS en jumelant les deux banques pour 78 agents chimiques. Finalement, des modèles CART (Classification And Regression Tree) ont été développés permettant de prédire, parmi les résultats non détectés de la banque IMIS, lesquels correspondent à des mesures courte durée ou des moyennes pondérées sur 8 heures (VEMP-8h) en se basant sur les variables communes aux banques IMIS et CEHD. Dans la première analyse, les modèles statistiques ont montré que les niveaux d’exposition étaient plus susceptibles de dépasser la TLV (threshold limit value) pour les mesures effectuées sous un régime OSHA fédéral par rapport au régime OSHA d’État (rapport de cote (RC) de 1,22 à travers les agents). La probabilité de dépasser la TLV augmentait avec le nombre total des amendes reçues par un établissement, indépendamment de la nature des infractions (RC de 1,54 à travers les agents entre les catégories « élevée » et « aucune »). Elle était également plus élevée pour les visites de suivi que pour les visites planifiées (RC de 1,61). Dans la deuxième analyse, la comparaison des banques IMIS et CEHD a montré un taux d’enregistrement global de 38% des données CEHD dans IMIS. Les résultats non détectés (particulièrement ceux mesurés sur un panel d’agents – p. ex. panel de métaux) étaient moins susceptibles d’être enregistrés dans IMIS (risque relatif ~0,6). Finalement, les modèles CART ont prédit plus précisément le type de prélèvement (courte durée, VEMP-8h) pour les résultats non détectés dans IMIS que des méthodes simples d’attribution (p. ex. attribution du type le plus fréquent parmi les résultats détectés) pour les agents les plus pertinents (c.-à-d. ceux ayant une proportion substantielle de mesures ND, courte durée et VEMP-8h). Nos résultats ont montré la présence de plusieurs mécanismes de sélection dans le processus conduisant à l’enregistrement d’une mesure d’exposition dans IMIS, ce qui suggère l’existence de différences systématiques entre les niveaux rapportés dans les banques OSHA et les niveaux moyens d’exposition dans la population de travailleurs. La prise en compte des informations contextuelles aux mesures et l’emploi de méthodes prédictives peuvent aider à pallier partiellement ces biais et ainsi raffiner les portraits d’exposition établis à partir des données d’OSHA. / The Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) contains exposure measurements taken by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors to verify compliance with permissible exposure limits. Supplementary data containing analytical results of the field samples are available in the Chemical Exposure Health Database (CEHD). These databanks represent a major potential source of information on exposure conditions in North American workplaces. However, the degree to which they represent the actual distribution of the exposure levels found in the workplace is largely unknown.The objective of this thesis is to examine the extent to which exposure data collected by OSHA can be used for estimating occupational exposure in North America. Analyses focused on 511 047 and 588 818 exposure measurements in IMIS and CEHD respectively, for the period 1979-2011. First, generalized additive models were used to explore associations between exposure levels in IMIS and ancillary variables reflecting characteristics of establishments and inspections for 77 chemical agents (90% of IMIS content). Second, modified Poisson regression was used to identify determinants of recording or not of CEHD samples in IMIS by linking both databanks for 78 agents. Finally, Classification And Regression Tree (CART) models were applied to predict which non-detected (ND) results stored in IMIS are 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or short-term samples, based on common variables available in IMIS and CEHD databanks. In the first analysis, statistical modelling showed that measurements collected under federal OSHA plans were more likely to have a sample result exceed the TLV compared to measurements collected under state OSHA plans (odds ratio (OR) of 1,22 across agents). An increase in the total amount of penalty assessed to a company was associated with higher odds of having a sample result exceed the TLV (OR of 1,54 across agents for « high » vs. « none »). Follow-up inspections were more likely to have a sample result exceed the TLV compared to planned inspections (OR of 1,61 across agents). In the second analysis, linkage between CEHD and IMIS showed a 38% overall proportion of CEHD samples recorded into IMIS. Non-detects (especially ND records corresponding to analytical panels – e.g. panel of metals) were less likely to be recorded in IMIS (relative risk ~0,6). Finally, CART models predicted more accurately which IMIS ND results were TWA or short-term samples compared to simple methods of assignment (e.g. assignment of the most frequent category from detected values) for the most relevant agents (i.e. with high proportions of ND, short-term, and TWA results). Our findings showed the presence of several selection mechanisms in the process leading up to the recording of a sample in IMIS, which suggest systematic differences exist between OSHA measurements and actual occupational exposures in the general U.S. working population. These biases can be partially controlled by using ancillary information on exposure measurements together with predictive methods, thus helping to draw more accurate portraits of exposure levels from OSHA data.