First World improvement theory has been tested in a Third World organisation. A First World improvement process has been defined as a tool for testing. The objective of this thesis is to answer the research question: How does a Third World environment influence the introduction and application of a First World improvement process? The proposed five-stage improvement process was applied in case studies, which examined the Companywide Process, Cement Packing and Quality Control. The conclusion is that a First World improvement process, with only minor changes, can operate successfully in a Third World environment, provided management is truly committed to the concept of improvement. / <p>Godkänd; 2001; 20070314 (ysko)</p>

Several concerns with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), including acknowledgement that the process contains human subjectivity, can be found in literature; however very little research has been conducted to identify where and to what extent this variation is found. This thesis investigated sources of variation related to human decision making within FMEA. Participants were required to determine the effects of given failure modes by selection of a severity level given varied input information. The study found that participants were not able to sift through the provided information and identify the appropriate cues relating data relevance to the failure mode under analysis. Thus, it appeared that more information will reduce conservatism – however the quality of the information and experience level does not have an effect. The study concluded that FMEAs contain significant subjectivity and data quality assessment must form part of the FMEA framework.

No description available.

QC 20101111

A start-up cannot simply be considered a smaller version of an established company. They often rely on short and informal development processes because they lack data and experience from implementing similar projects in the past. These factors are among those that lead to lower success in organizational performance and new product launches. The NPD process is well researched, but these studies are often on larger companies, and the applicability for start-ups is highly questionable. One of these NPD tools is the FMEA. FMEA has been proven and established for decades in various industries. However, these success scenarios often depend on sufficient resources in terms of staff and project budget. Start-ups often lack the resources to deal with major NPD project failures, which can be disastrous for their survival in their market. Despite the innovative benefits and economic growth that start-ups contribute to when they are successful with their NPD projects, there is little research on how established tools for large companies should be adapted. Therefore, these research questions were formulated to fill the gap in the current FMEA method: RQ1: What are the challenges for start-ups when implementing FMEA? RQ2: How can FMEA implementation be adapted for start-ups overcoming novel technology challenges?  The study consisted of a literature review and a case study. The literature review examined the key factors for FMEA implementation and the differences between start-ups and established companies. The challenges for start-ups implementing FMEA were the central question of the literature review. The case study was conducted in a start-up company. An adapted FMEA method and template were created there. A workshop and ten interviews were held with a variety of representatives. The results show that the biggest challenge for start-ups implementing FMEA is that it is too complex, unclear, and often too extensive. This can be changed by simplifying the FMEA, focusing on the critical risks, and ensuring that the sessions are not too long. The proposed FMEA method is easier to use with a simplified risk assessment and fewer columns. It was found that it also is equally important to train users, hold short meetings, and limit the size of each FMEA session.

Engineering design models for the torsion and axial dynamic stiffness of carbon black filled rubber bushings in the frequency domain including amplitude dependence are presented. They are founded on a developed material model which is the result of applying a separable elastic, viscoelastic and friction rubber component model to the material level. Moreover, the rubber model is applied to equivalent strains of the strain states inside the torsion or axial deformed bushing previously obtained by the classical linear theory of elasticity, thus yielding equivalent shear moduli which are inserted into analytical formulas for the stiffness. Therefore, unlike other simplified approaches, this procedure includes the Fletcher-Gent effect inside the bushing due to non-homogeneous strain states. The models are implemented in Matlab®. In addition, an experimental verification is carried out on a commercially available bushing thus confirming the accuracy of these models which become a fast engineering tool to design the most suitable rubber bushing to fulfil user requirements. Finally, they can be easily employed in multi-body and finite element simulations / QC 20101112

Technology is evolving at a very fast pace in various domains, including the construction equipment industry. Although the increased automation and connectivity in different products, such as vehicles, heavy machinery, and many others, have advantages, they also have disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that the cybersecurity vulnerabilities increase as the system’s complexity increases. At the same time, the inclusion of cybersecurity processes into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) will soon be mandatory. Therefore, this thesis explores integrating cybersecurity verification processes into the SDLC at Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE). A case study was conducted using a combination of a literature study and a survey. The survey was conducted within the software verification department at VCE to assess the current state of cybersecurity awareness and identify potential strategies for improvement. The survey results indicate a need for increased awareness and education in cybersecurity verification processes. The proposed solution involves training and initiating cybersecurity processes early in the SDLC and gradually introducing them over an extended period. Introductory training sessions are recommended to emphasize the importance and urgency of including cybersecurity processes in the SDLC. A Security Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) is also proposed to integrate cybersecurity considerations throughout development. The thesis suggests a phased implementation approach, gradually changing to accommodate varying levels of familiarity with cybersecurity concepts.

Background: Motor impairments are common sequelae of Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI). An estimated 55-75% of ABI survivors have on-going limitations in UL function. Objective measures of UL function that have established validity and reliability in the ABI population are not readily available in the literature. The Chedoke Arm and Hand Inventory (CAHAI) is an assessment used with the stroke population. There are 4 versions of this assessment; a 13 item version and 3 shortened ones. The main purpose is to assess how much the affected UL contributes to a bilateral task. The CAHAI has strong reliability and validity in this population; however, it is unknown whether this measure can be used with other clinical populations such as ABI. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the inter-rater reliability of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) when used with persons with ABI including 3 shortened versions of the measure.   Methods: This is an observational parameter estimation study.   Participants were recruited from an in-patient ABI rehabilitation program.   The administration of the CAHAI was video recorded for 6 persons with ABI.  The videos were assessed by 6 clinicians to estimate inter-rater reliability.  A Latin square design was used to balance the order raters evaluated the videos.   Analysis:  A repeated measures ANOVA was performed and the variance components were used to calculate an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).   Results: Inter-rater reliability was high for all versions: CAHAI-7 ICC= 0.96 (95% CL: 0.89-0.99, SEM 2.65); CAHAI-8 ICC= 0.96 (95% CL: 0.90-0.99, SEM 2.72); CAHAI-9 ICC= 0.95 (95% CL: 0.85-0.99, SEM 3.49); CAHAI -13 ICC=0.96 (95%CL: 0.88-0.99, SEM 3.35).   Conclusions: These results suggest the CAHAI is highly reliability in the ABI population. The shortened versions may be particularly useful when time constraints or patient tolerance are an issue. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / It is important to measure change using reliable assessment tools. Outcome measures are designed for specific populations. If used in a different population, the reliability may be impacted. The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) is a measure of upper limb function that has been developed for use in the stroke population. It was unknown if the measure would still be reliable in the acquired brain injury (ABI) population. The goal of this thesis was to determine if the CAHAI is also reliable in ABI. Our results suggest that the CAHAI is highly reliable in this population.

Change has become a vital business partner for many organizations. Survival of most organizations depends on their ability to implement adequate changes to support the organization. This thesis deals with questions about measurement systems, process based system models and organizational change with a specific focus on implementation challenges.The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between management models and systems of meaning in change implementation processes and hopefully contribute to the understanding of organizational change through empirical research based on practical experience. To be able to accomplish the purpose, the following research questions have been formulated:1. How can a measurement system act as a driver for organizational change?2. How can business excellence models be designed to focus on stakeholder demands and organizational sustainability?3. How can the implementation of a process based system model help organizations to accelerate change?4. What is the role of management models when implementing change?The theoretical frame of reference is focusing on aspects of organizational change and systems thinking. Three papers, based on three case studies, are appended to the thesis. The first study deals with performance management systems, the second study is assessing the use of business excellence models and the third study is tracking the implementation of a process based system model in three organizations. The indications are that there could be easy gains to be realized in focusing on the measurement system and by adopting a process based approach focused on stakeholder satisfaction. Study 2 indicates that successful use of business excellence models requires effective deployment of basic quality-related values within the organization. However, organizations considering the use of BEMs need to have strong long-term commitment. The results from study 3 indicate that implementation of a system model focusing on processes, resources and a multiple stakeholder perspective aids management to accelerate change. The results also indicate that there are other more crucial success factors than the model as such. Key success factors seem to be: Strategic clarity, management decisiveness and perseverance. Finally, the network of gaps between change theory (meaning different theoretical and methodological considerations written in textbooks and articles) and change practice (meaning organizations trying to accomplish things based on interpreting textbooks and articles) is discussed. / Modeller och meningsskapande : om ledningsmodeller och meningssystem vid genomförande av förändringFör många organisationer har förändring blivit en viktig följeslagare. De flesta organisationers överlevnad är beroende av förmågan att genomföra nödvändiga förändringar. Denna uppsats behandlar frågor om organisatorisk förändring med särskilt fokus på mätsystem, processbaserade systemmodeller och implementeringsutmaningar.Syftet med de studier som presenteras i denna uppsats är att utforska relationen mellan ledningsmodeller och meningssystem vid genomförande av förändring och förhoppningsvis, med hjälp av empiriska studier baserade på praktisk erfarenhet, bidra till ökad förståelse för området organisatorisk förändring. För att uppnå detta syfte har fyra forskningsfrågor formulerats:1. Hur kan ett mätsystem fungera som drivkraft vid organisatorisk förändring?2. Hur kan "business excellence"-modeller utformas för fokus på intressenter ochorganisatorisk hållbarhet?3. Hur kan implementeringen av en processbaserad systemmodell hjälpa organisationeratt accelerera förändring?4. Vilken roll har ledningsmodeller vid genomförande av förändring?Den teoretiska referensramen i denna uppsats fokuserar på olika aspekter av organisatorisk förändring och systemtänkande. Tre artiklar, baserade på tre studier, ingår i uppsatsen. Den första studien handlar om mätsystem, den andra studien utvärderar "business excellence"-modeller och den tredje studien följer implementeringen av en processbaserad systemmodell i tre organisationer.Resultaten från studie 1 indikerar att det finns enkla vinster att nå genom att fokusera på organisationers mätsystem samt införandet av ett processynsätt med fokus på intressentnytta. Den andra studien ger bilden att det krävs inarbetade kvalitetsorienterade värderingar för att en organisation ska kunna använda "business excellence"-modeller framgångsrikt. Organisationer som överväger att använda dessa modeller måste även se det som ett långsiktigt åtagande. Resultaten från studie 3 indikerar att införandet av en systemmodell som fokuserar på processer, resurser och intressentperspektiv hjälper ledningen att accelerera förändring. Resultaten tyder också på att det finns andra mer kritiska framgångsmönster än användandet av en viss modell. Nyckelfaktorer tycks vara: strategisk tydlighet, beslutsamhet hos högsta ledningen samt uthållighet.Slutligen diskuteras nätverket av gap mellan förändringsteorier (i betydelsen teoretiska aspekter på förändring framlagda i böcker och artiklar) och förändringspraktiker (i betydelsen organisationer som försöker åstadkomma praktisk förändring genom att tolka teoretiska aspekter framlagda i böcker och artiklar).

The concepts of continuous improvement (CI) and learning are advocated in project management (PM) literature and standards, as suitable concepts to adopt when managing projects. CI can be described as philosophy in which all members of an organization work together to achieve sustained and incremental improvements.Learning can in turn be divided into the learning organization, focusing oncharacteristics that allow an organization to learn, and organizational learning,focusing on how learning is achieved in an organizational context. How big of a part projects play in organizations can differ, from scarce occurrence to being the dominant way of working. Organizations that solely carry out projects can bedescribed as project-based organizations (PBOs). This study explores the concepts of CI and learning in the context of a project-based organization. The reason for doing this is that little information has been found on how CI and learning should be achieved and sustained in a PM context, although being described as important concepts in PM.A longitudinal exploratory case study was performed, at the Projects department at Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB, in order to understand how the concepts of CI and learning could be applied in a PBO. Several data collection methods have been applied in order to achieve triangulation. A qualitative approach was used in order to understand the specific characteristics associated with operating as a PBO, and thus affecting if and how CI and learning could be applied. The research process, whichdescribes the case study in chronological order, and display findings as they emerged, is given a fair amount of room in the thesis, in order to allow the reader to both scrutinize the study, and reach conclusions of her own.The findings indicate that no aspects of operating as a PBO counteract the potential of achieving CI and learning, but that awareness has to be raised regarding the challenges that come with it. CI is described as attractive due to a low-cost approach, and low entry barriers. This description is however based on applying CI in repetitive task environments (e.g. manufacturing industry), not the non-repetitive task environment that characterizes operating as a PBO. If CI is to be achieved in a PBO it is likely that both the PBO and the concept of CI has to be adjusted to one another, to a much greater extent than is described in the CI literature. The current approaches to learning in PBOs seem to be based on a hard approach, trying to capture and disseminate learning throughout the organization. However, this study indicates that this way of working falls short, and suggests that a softer approach might be needed in order to achieve organizational learning in PBOs