The purposes of this study will be to determine and pinpoint the problems of greatest current significance in electronic parts wholesaling; to describe and analyze the problems selected, utilizing case illustrations where needed to more effectively present the problem or possible solutions to the problem; and to indicate possible means of solving each problem.

Let G = (V, E) be an arbitrary graph, and consider the following game. You are allowed to buy as many tokens as you like, say k tokens, at a cost of $1 each. You then place the tokens on some subset of k vertices of V. For each vertex of G which has no token on it, but is adjacent to a vertex with a token on it, you receive $1. Your objective is to maximize your profit, that is, the total value received minus the cost of the tokens bought. Let B(X) be the set of vertices in V - X that have a neighbor in a set X. Based on this game, we define the differential of a set X to be ∂ (X) = |B(X)| - |X|, and the differential of a graph to equal the max{∂(X)} for any subset X of V. In this paper, we introduce several different variations of the differential of a graph and study bounds on, and properties of, these novel parameters.

Let G=(V,E) be an arbitrary graph, and consider the following game. You are allowed to buy as many tokens from a bank as you like, at a cost of $1 each. For example, suppose you buy k tokens. You then place the tokens on some subset of k vertices of V. For each vertex of G which has no token on it, but is adjacent to a vertex with a token on it, you receive $1 from the bank. Your objective is to maximize your profit, that is, the total value received from the bank minus the cost of the tokens bought. Let bd(X) be the set of vertices in V-X that have a neighbor in a set X. From this game, we define the differential of a set X to be ∂(X) = |bd(X)|-|X|, and the differential of a graph to be equal to max{∂(X)} for any subset X of V. In this paper, we introduce several different variations of the differential of a graph and study bounds on and properties of these novel parameters.

Global supply chains have become increasingly complex and a critical source of competitive advantage, which makes the understanding of how supply chains create and distribute value an essential task. Prior literature on concentration risks has primarily focused on customer concentration and has overlooked the challenges posed by the major upstream supply chain partners. In addition, CEOs with an optimal mix of technical and behavioral abilities can shape the strategic decision-making process to obtain an advantage against the nonfinancial stakeholders. The existing literature has also overlooked the significant role of the CEO in reducing the impact of supplier-base/customer-base concentrations. Utilizing objective supply chain relation data collected from Bloomberg SPLC and Compustat, we map the supplier base and the customer base for each electronic and chemical manufacturing firm publicly listed under S&P1500 for the fiscal year 2017. We then construct objective measures of supplier and customer concentrations and examine their impacts on the focal firm's financial performance measured by Tobin's Q, gross profit margin, and net profit margin. The performance metrics also include the focal firm's payable period (against the supplier-base) and receivable period (against the customer-base). We also collect information related to the CEOs appointed by the focal manufacturing firm, such as gender, age, and tenure from Execucomp, and consequently investigate their impacts on the supplier concentration and the customer concentration. Our empirical analysis shows contradictory results in the context of supplier-base/customer-base concentrations: higher supplier-base concentration is observed to harm the focal firm’s financial performance, but higher customer-base concentration leads to an increase in the focal firm’s profitability. Although CEO characteristics such as tenure and age did not have any notable impact, female CEOs are found to reduce the adversarial impact of supplier-base concentration and are assumed to exercise a voluntary power restraint against the cooperative customer-base.

Volunteers have been present in healthcare settings for centuries, however there is little empirical evidence supporting the impact that volunteers make on hospital performance. Since the 1990s, hospitals in the United States have had a great deal of pressure to produce high quality care at minimum expense. With the pressures of managed care and accrediting agencies, the benefits of using volunteers in a hospital setting are multiplied. Furthermore, as the population of the United States grows and the aging population creates more healthcare needs, the need for volunteers in hospitals may increase. This study utilized multiple regression analysis to explore the belief that the volunteer workforce is cost effective and can greatly enhance quality in a hospital setting. Hospitals throughout the state of Florida were invited to participate in the study by completing a brief questionnaire about their volunteer programs. Performance indicators of profit margin, volunteer cost savings, and patient satisfaction scores were analyzed using American Hospital Association and Agency for Health Care Administration data sets along with data obtained from the questionnaire. Results indicate that the use of volunteers offer significant cost savings to hospitals. Furthermore, the assignment of volunteers in patient settings can enhance a hospital's patient satisfaction scores. It also suggests that there is a need to further explore the impact of volunteers on other performance measures. Future research opportunities and policy recommendations are suggested.

Syften: Syftet med studiet är dels att redogöra för huvudorsaken som har gett upphov till uppkomsten av snabblånebranschen. Dels att framställa väsentliga faktorer som har föranlett att branschen kan stanna kvar på snabblånemarknaden. Metod: Med avseende på studiets två frågeställningar har vi använt oss dels av kvalitativ ansats för att kunna beskriva noggrant anledningen till uppkomsten av snabblånebranschen via en tolkning av en del intervjufrågor. Dels tillämpades en kvantitativ ansats för att komma till viktiga faktorer som resulterat i att företagen inom denna bransch stannat kvar på kreditmarknaden. Teoretisk referensram: Studiens teoretiska referensram utgörs av vetenskapliga artiklar och  böcker som handlat om informationens asymmetriska påverkan, finansiella gap och  entreprenöriska möjligheter. Vidare har relevant material från Finansinspektionen,  Kronofogden och Konsumentverket använts som grund till den kvalitativa undersökningen  för det empiriska studien. Empiriska studier: Den empiriska studien utförts på åtta av branschens fyrtiofyra företag snabblåneföretag, som tillhör branschorganisationen S.K.E.F. Slutsats: Till följd av asymmetrisk information mellan parter (kreditgivare & kredittagare) avstår stora och traditionella kreditinstitutioner från att förmedla krediter till vissa kredittagare som har låg kredittrovärdighet. Därigenom skapas en marknad som utmärks av obalans mellan utbud av kapital och efterfrågan på kapital vilket leder till uppkomsten av ett finansiellt gap. Entreprenörer upptäcker affärsmöjligheter genom att skapa nya tjänster som efterfrågas av marknaden. På så vis fyller snabblåneföretagen det finansiella gapet på kreditmarknaden som inte fylls av andra kreditinstitutioner. Studiens resultat visar att snabblåneföretag erhåller låga vinster. Men om företagen motverkar kreditrisker genom regelrätta och noggranna kreditbedömningar leder detta troligtvis till högre vinst. / Purposes: The purpose of the study is partly to account for the main reason that has given rise to the emergence of instant loans industry. Secondly to produce significant factors have led the sector to remain on the instant lending market.  Methods: With respect to the study's two issues, we have used both a qualitative approach to describe accurately the reason for the emergence of instant lending industry through the interpretation of some interview questions. We have partly applied a qualitative approach to understand the important factors that constitute the fact that the sector manage to remain in the credit market. Theoretical framework: The study's theoretical framework is made up of scientific articles and books that dealt with media information’s asymmetric impact, financial gaps and entrepreneur opportunities. Furthermore, the relevant material from the Financial Supervisory Authority, The Swedish Enforcement Authority and Swedish Consumer Agency has been used in order to obtain a qualitative survey of the empirical study.   Empirical studies: Our empirical study consists of eight out of the industry's forty-four instant loan companies that belong to the trade organization S.K.E.F. Conclusion: As a result of asymmetric information between the parties refrain large and traditional credit institutions from providing loans to borrowers by low of credibility. A market characterized by imbalance between supply of capital and demand for capital lead to an emergence of a financial gap within the market. Entrepreneurs find business opportunities by creating new services demanded by the market. Thus fills the instant loans companies the financial gap on the credit market that is not filled by other credit institutions. The result of this study concludes that firms obtain low profits. But if companies counteracts credit risk this will likely lead to a higher profit by making regular and thorough credit checks on the borrower.

Pese a la volátil coyuntura que atraviesa nuestro país por la pandemia y un gobierno incierto, la venta de viviendas y sus precios se han mantenido estables desde finales del 2020, presentándose la oferta inmobiliaria como un “Mercado Saludable”. Sin embargo, este mismo contexto, nos exige ser muy cuidadosos con las expectativas y velocidad de ventas, disponibilidad y precios de materiales en el mercado y la capacidad de respuesta frente a las contingencias que puedan presentarse durante el desarrollo y puesta en marcha del proyecto inmobiliario “Torre Alba I”, cuyo público objetivo es el nivel socioeconómico C, del distrito de Miraflores en la ciudad y departamento de Arequipa. Con el fin de hacer viable este proyecto inmobiliario denominado “Torre Alba I”, el presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo demostrar su factibilidad económica, considerando que existe una importante demanda efectiva de viviendas para los sectores socioeconómicos B y C. En consecuencia, se planteará un proyecto atractivo para los potenciales compradores a través del estudio de mercado y una estrategia de diferenciación enfocada. Se presentará el análisis especifico del proyecto en materia de rentabilidad económica, mediante la realización del flujo de caja, demostrando la factibilidad con resultados de un VAN+ y TIR+. Posteriormente, se presentarán las interpretaciones de los resultados obtenidos, concluyendo con la declaración de factibilidad y generación de valor económico y social en el desarrollo urbano del distrito. / Despite the volatile situation that our country is going through due to the pandemic and an uncertain government, the sale of homes and their prices have remained stable since the end of 2020, presenting the real estate offer as a "Healthy Market". However, this same context requires us to be very careful with the expectations and speed of sales, availability and prices of materials in the market and the ability to respond to contingencies that may arise during the development and start-up of the real estate project "Torre Alba I", whose target audience is socioeconomic level C, of the district of Miraflores in the city and department of Arequipa. In order to make viable this real estate project called "Torre Alba I", the present research work aims to demonstrate its economic feasibility, considering that there is an important effective demand for housing for socioeconomic sectors B and C. Consequently, an attractive project for potential buyers will be proposed through market research and a focused differentiation strategy. The specific analysis of the project in terms of economic profitability will be presented, through the realization of the cash flow, demonstrating the feasibility with results of a NPV + and IRR +. Subsequently, the interpretations of the results will be presented, obtained concluding with the declaration of feasibility and generation of economic and social value in the urban development of the district. / Trabajo de investigación

Covid-19-pandemin som drabbade världen under 2020 bidrog till stora ekonomiska problem i många länder och orsakade stora nedgångar på världens börser, så även Sverige. Detta drabbade således väldigt många av de svenska företagen och människorna i Sverige då ekonomin snabbt blev sämre och stabiliteten vacklade. Det ekonomiska tillståndet för de svenska företagen och den svenska börsen blev även betydligt mer oberäknelig och volatiliteten ökade då många av företagen riskerade att hamna i finansiell stress. Vissa företag klarade dock pandemin bättre än andra och en anledning till detta bör rimligtvis gå att finna om företagens finansiella resurser undersöks. Med detta som utgångspunkt är syftet med denna studie att beskriva och analysera hur Stockholmsbörsens Large Cap-listade bolags avkastning under pandemiåret 2020 och normalåret 2019 påverkades av deras tillgång till likvida medel, soliditet och vinstmarginal. Detta görs med hjälp av ett kvantitativt tillvägagångssätt och en deduktiv ansats där tre olika tester genomförts; ett Pearson korrelationstest, en univariat analys och en multivariat analys. Den data studien bygger på har hämtats från Retriever Business och Nasdaq OMX Nordic. Resultatet i studien påvisar ett svagt kausalt samband mellan likvida medel, soliditet, vinstmarginal och börsens avkastning där de finansiella resursernas storlek verkar haft stor betydelse för företagens avkastning under pandemin. Resultatet i denna studie verkar däremot skilja sig mot tidigare studier gjorda på olika börser under Covid-19-pandemin. Den mest centrala slutsats som kan dras är därmed att länders hantering av Covid-19-pandemin haft stor betydelse för hur olika företag påverkats och att Sveriges företag varit relativt skyddade från de största negativa konsekvenserna till följd av att Sverige aldrig helt stängde ner och staten gav företag finansiella stöd. / The covid-19 pandemic that struck the world during 2020 brought some huge financial problems in many countries and caused many stock market crashes all over the world, and Sweden was no exception. This affected a lot of companies and private citizens in Sweden since the economy was no longer as stable. It also caused the Swedish stock market to experience higher volatility and many companies risked going in to financial distress. Some companies outperformed others and why that is could be explained by taking a look at the companies financial statements. With this is mind, the purpose of this study was to describe and analyze how OMX Stockholm Large Cap-listed companies returns have been affected by the access to cash, solvency and profit margin during the pandemic year of 2020 and the normal year 2019. The study had a quantitative approach with a deductive focus and three tests were conducted; one Pearson correlation test, one univariate analysis and one multivariate analysis. All data were retrieved from the data bases Retriever Business and Nasdaq OMX Nordic. The results of this study show a weak causality between cash, solvency, profit margin and the stock returns, where the size of the financial resources seems to have had the greatest impact on the stock performance during the pandemic. This implicates differences from previous research and studies that has been made on different stock markets during Covid-19. The prime conclusion of the study is therefore that countries choice in how to handle the pandemic have had a great impact on how different companies have been affected. The Swedish companies has therefore also been relatively protected from the most extensive negative consequences due to the country never shutting down completely and the government giving financial help to companies.

Organizations are under constant threat from global competition, socioeconomic factors, and political forces that are often unforeseen and dynamic. Consequently, decision makers adopt strategies, some including the principles of modularity, as a countermeasure. The problem addressed in this study was the lack of knowledge about the significance of modularizing contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to assess the significance of modularizing CMOs by statistically analyzing capacity utilization, efficiency, and profit margin between modular and nonmodular departments in a focal CMO. This study was grounded in the theory of modularity and the research question addressed what might be the significant value of implementing organizational modularity. The hypotheses posited that a significant difference exists in these metrics between the modular and nonmodular departments of the focal company. ANCOVA was applied to the hypotheses using secondary data of complete job orders undertaken at a company from 2008 to 2013. The results indicated significant differences in capacity utilization, efficiency, and profit margin between modular and nonmodular departments after controlling for differences based on overhead cost or lead-time. Decision makers in manufacturing companies, particularly those in CMOs, may benefit from these findings because they provide answers to questions on the value of modularizing CMOs. The social change implications of this study are based on companies gaining knowledge to improve productivity, manufacture more affordable goods, and provide more skilled employment opportunities. As a result, more people leave poverty and experience an improved quality of life.

Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka om det finns något sammanband mellan hållbarhetsarbete och lönsamheten hos de företag som är noterade på Nasdaq OMX Stockholm.    Metod: För att uppnå syftet med studien har en kvantitativ metod använts. En tvärsnittsdesign har varit grunden för de statistiska undersökningarna. Den empiriska data som har samlats in är av sekundär art där hållbarhetsarbetet har operationaliserats med hjälp av Folksam index för året 2013. Måtten på företagens lönsamhet består av nyckeltalen avkastning på eget kapital, avkastning på sysselsatt kapital och vinstmarginal. Dessa mått är inhämtade från företagens årsredovisningar från räkenskapsåret 2015. Vidare har den insamlade data analyserats med hjälp av deskriptiv statistik, Pearsons korrelationstest och linjära regressioner. Resultat & slutsats: Studiens resultat visar hur ett positivt samband finns mellan samtliga nyckeltal som berör den finansiella lönsamheten i företagen och dess redovisade hållbarhetsdata. Avkastningen på eget kapital har ett svagt positivt samband med en signifikansnivå på 0,05. Avkastning på sysselsatt kapital har ett svagt positivt samband där signifikansnivån 0,1 analyserades. Vinstmarginalen har det starkaste sambandet med en förklaringsgrad på 52,1 procent och en signifikansnivå på 0,01. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Ett förslag till vidare forskning är att göra en studie under en längre period, men även att jämföra hållbarhetsarbete inom Europa. Den nya lagen som träder i kraft under 2017 är även en intressant ståndpunkt. Detta för att se hur det kan påverka sambandet mellan hållbarhetsarbete och lönsamhet.   Uppsatsens bidrag: Denna studies praktiska bidrag visar hur sambandet mellan noterade företag hållbarhetsarbete och lönsamhet ser ut. År 2013 var de ungefär 226 företag som redovisade sitt hållbarhetsarbete vilket även utformar studiens population. Det teoretiska bidraget i denna studie är att se vilket samband hållbarhetsarbete och lönsamhet verkligen har och studien berör tre olika mått på företagens finansiella prestation. Samt om det förekom ett positivt, negativt eller neutralt samband mellan den beroende och oberoende variabeln. / Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between sustainability performance and profitability of the companies listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. Method: In order to achieve the aim of the study a quantitative method used. A cross-sectional design has been the basis of the analyses. The empirical data that have been collected from the secondary nature in which sustainability work has been operationalized with the help of Folksam Index for the year 2013. The dimensions of financial performance consist the keywords, return on equity, return on capital employed and profit margin. These measurements are obtained from annual reports from the year of 2015. Furthermore, the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test and linear regressions. Results & Conclusions: Our results demonstrate how a positive correlation exists between all the key figures relating to the financial profitability of businesses and its reported sustainability data. Return on equity has a weak positive correlation with a significance level of 0.05. After the analyze return on capital employed has a weak positive correlation with significance level of 0.1. The profit margin has the strongest relationship with an explanation rate of 52.1 percent and a significant correlation at a significance level of 0.01. Suggestions for future research: A proposal for further research is to make a study for a longer period, but also to compare the different European countries CSR. The new law that takes effect in 2017 is also an interesting position to see how it affects the relationship between CSR and corporate profitability during a specific timeline. Contribution of the thesis: This study practical contribution shows how the relationship between listed companies' sustainability performance and profitability looks. In 2013 it was approximately 226 companies that reported its sustainability work and these companies are the population in this study. The theoretical contribution of this study was to see what connection work on sustainability and profitability, indeed, and the study involves three different measures of corporate financial performances. If there was a positive, negative or neutral relationship between the dependent and independent variable.