Yes / Increased use of smart technologies by customers is leading to recognition of their influence on the shopping experiences of customers by practitioners. However, the academic literature fails to acknowledge the influence of smart technology usage, combined with behavioural intention of the customer, on the dynamics and experience of customers. This research utilises explanatory research at the preliminary stage to examine this phenomenon in a retail setting. A conceptual framework was created, based on the scholarly knowledge available in extant literature, and was tested using a survey of a convenience sample of 330 consumers shopping in a high-end retail store in London, United Kingdom. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via AMOS was employed to test the proposed model. This study contributes to technology adoption based consumer behaviour literature, by explaining the ability of learning commitment to drive the participation of an individual, but its inability to influence their behavioural intention. Findings of this research also reflect on the role of customer dynamics and customer experience in embracing innovative application of smart technologies in a retail setting. The results and implications included in our study also contribute to the understanding of the determinants that affect customer dynamics and customer experience when making use of smart technologies.

La distribution reste le segment du secteur de l’électricité le moins étudié. Mais les débats s’animent autour d’elle depuis deux ou trois ans quant aux changements structurels possibles du fait notamment de l’émergence amorcée ou annoncée des smart technologies: ils pourraient en effet remettre en cause dans les prochaines années les modèles d’affaires actuels des GRD et leur mode de régulation. Mais de nombreuses incertitudes pèsent sur leurs choix d’investissements. La thèse vise à anticiper les évolutions des modèles d’affaires des GRD en Europe à l’horizon 2030 en tenant compte des paramètres technologiques, macroéconomiques et géographiques. Elle propose une vision théorique et analytique originale, en introduisant tout d’abord la notion de « technologies à potentiel naturel » pour étudier le développement optimal de différentes technologies par contexte géographique et par scénario de référence. A partir de ces résultats, elle définit alors différentes évolutions possibles des activités de la distribution. Le croisement de ces futurs avec les différentes stratégies d’investissement envisageables pour les GRD permet de définir les futurs modèles d’affaires des GRD européens en fonction des combinaisons de smart technologies déployées et des contextes géographiques contrastés. Dans sa dernière partie, la thèse s’intéresse tout particulièrement aux changements prévisibles dans la relation GRD / régulateur sectoriel via une formalisation par la théorie des jeux. Enfin, en s’appuyant notamment sur les études théoriques de Brian Arthur, la thèse identifie les différents effets lock-in qui pourraient entraver l’émergence des smart technologies et les solutions possibles / Distribution activities have been the least studied domain of the electricity sector; over the last few years though, strong debates emerged with regards to the future. Indeed, this activity might soon undergo some deep structural changes, particularly as smart technologies are deployed: theses technologies could strongly impact the current business cases of the DSOs, along with the regulation now in effect, at a time when numerous uncertainties weigh on the distributors choices of investments. This thesis investigates the distributors’ business models evolutions in Europe for the next 20 years, based on technological, macroeconomic and geographical parameters. It proposes an original approach, both theoretical and analytical, to better understand the future world of DSOs. At first, it introduces the notion of “technologies with natural potential” in order to study the optimal development of the different technologies, by geographical context and macroeconomic scenarios. From these results, it then defines various possible evolutions of the distribution activities. Crossing these futures with the various possible investment strategies for the DSOs makes it possible to define the future business models of the European DSOs, according to various combinations of smart technologies displayed and contrasted geographical contexts. In its last part, the thesis studies the predictable changes in the relation DSO / regulator, using a formalization based on the Games Theory; this work is complemented by identifying the different lock-in effects (using the approach described in Brian Arthur’s studies) that could hinder the emergence of smart technologies, and the possible solutions

The diploma thesis focuses on risk assessment related to the implementation of smart technologies to non-manufacturing companies. Part of the diploma thesis is analyze of the current state of implementation Industry 4.0 in the Czech Republic and abroad. Based on the obtained information are the risks related with implementation Industry 4.0. in Czech republic and into non-manufacturing companies identified and evaluated. In this case there are assessed implementation of smart technologies in model company. Output from this thesis is proposal of appropriate strategies to reduce the risk and assessing the effectiveness and safety of implementing smart technologies into business processes.

This diploma thesis polemizes with the relationship of human and smart technologies on a background of problematic of a postmodern society and aims to formulate a conclusion in that the use of smart technologies, given their current form and the current state of affairs in general, with its side effects may affect the form and nature of the whole society. By analyzing fundamental aspects of a postmodern society, particularly by reflecting on the processes of globalization, individualization, rationalization and relativization, complemented by illustrative examples of the effects of the use of smart technologies by ordinary and lay users, it is relating to the basic characteristics of current society. Its aim is to demonstrate imaginary spectacularness, in terms of the use of smart technologies and also in terms of the unfulfilled ideal of modernity, and it also aims to relate this imaginary spectacularness to the question of scientific and technological progress and also to the question of human nature as these are questions of the future development of the current postmodern spectacular society.

Yes / Medicines management is only one part of NHS (UK) procurement and management, but essentially a very expensive part. According to the Commercial Medicines Unit (Department of Health, 2013), NHS hospitals in England currently spend around £3.6 billion annually on pharmaceuticals, having risen from £2.2. billion in 2005. The NHS continuously strives to promote excellence in what it does and justify how it does it. In undertaking this preliminary analysis 45 pharmacy staff members contributed to an online survey. The results presented a broad mix of views on how smart technology (e.g. iPhone, iPad) could be used and if it should be used at all in this setting. The outcome of this small scale study demonstrates the lack of knowledge as to if and how such technologies could be used in hospital pharmacy and therefore present grounds for testing out the broader application of smart technology via academic and practitioner consultations.

Выпускная квалификационная работа посвящена исследованию концепции умных общественных пространств с акцентом на применение смарт-технологий в городах России и за рубежом, с конкретным примером города Златоуст. Основной целью исследования является разработка инновационного подхода к созданию общественных пространств, обеспечивающих высокий уровень комфорта и безопасности для жителей. Работа включает историко-социологический анализ развития общественных пространств, анализ нормативной документации, исследование инженерно-технического оснащения, а также градостроительный анализ города Златоуст. На основе полученных данных была предложена концепция открытого общественного пространства в городе Златоуст с использованием передовых смарт-технологий. Научная новизна работы заключается в систематизации отечественного и зарубежного опыта применения смарт-технологий в общественных пространствах и разработке уникальной концепции для конкретного города. Практическая значимость исследования состоит в возможности использования предложенной концепции для проектирования и реализации умных общественных пространств в других российских городах, что способствует повышению качества городской среды и уровня жизни населения. / The final qualifying work is devoted to the study of the concept of smart public spaces with an emphasis on the use of smart technologies in Russian cities and abroad, with a specific example of the city of Zlatoust. The main purpose of the research is to develop an innovative approach to creating public spaces that provide a high level of comfort and safety for residents. The work includes a historical and sociological analysis of the development of public spaces, an analysis of regulatory documentation, a study of engineering and technical equipment, as well as an urban planning analysis of the city of Zlatoust. Based on the data obtained, the concept of an open public space in the city of Zlatoust using advanced smart technologies was proposed. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematization of domestic and foreign experience in the application of smart technologies in public spaces and the development of a unique concept for a particular city. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the proposed concept for the design and implementation of smart public spaces in other Russian cities, which contributes to improving the quality of the urban environment and the standard of living of the population.

This diploma thesis deals with modern technologies that are used as smart home equipment. The analysis of the current state is devoted to the concept of the Internet of Things, into which smart home technologies can be included. The research part is focused on the analysis of risks that are associated with the implementation and use of smart technologies. Financial, technical and security risks are analyzed using adequate research methods. Financial risks were analyzed using the financial plan of the model house. Technical, which also included process risks, and security risks were analyzed using network analysis methods and risk analysis methods. The network graph method and the project evaluation and control method (PERT) were used for the analysis of process risks. The analysis of technical and safety risks was performed using the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) methods.

This thesis is focused on the smart public lighting management possibilities. It describes smart public lighting management itself and the advantages of the new management possibilities compared to the current ones are illustrated as well. Furthermore, it deals with a comparison of the most used light resources and LED light resources. This thesis also outlines NS-3 simulation environment and states its advantages. Theoretical concept for energy-saving smart public lighting management system and its modifications for the needs of simulation is described in the paper. This theoretical concept is simulated and compared with the current smart public lighting management systems as well as with the systems designated by the third party.

Магистерская диссертация состоит из введения, трех глав, заключения, библиографического списка и приложений. В работе рассмотрено обоснование финансово-экономического проекта создания ледового дворца с применением smart-технологий в городе Заречный, Свердловская область. Проанализирована территория расположения рассматриваемого объекта, рассмотрены smart-технологии, применяемые в сфере спорта и разработаны концепция и финансово-экономическая модель проекта по созданию ледового комплекса с применением механизма государственно-частного партнерства при финансировании проекта. Сформирован бюджет проекта, рассчитаны интегральные показатели экономической эффективности проекта. В заключении сформулированы основные выводы и обобщены результаты исследования. / The Master's thesis consists of an introduction, three chapters, a conclusion, a bibliographic list and appendices. The paper considers the rationale for the financial and economic project of creating an ice palace using smart technologies in the city of Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region. The territory of the location of the object under consideration is analyzed, smart technologies used in the field of sports are considered, and the concept and financial and economic model of the project for the creation of an ice complex using the mechanism of public-private partnership in financing the project are developed. The project budget has been formed, integral indicators of the economic efficiency of the project have been calculated. In conclusion, the main conclusions are formulated and the results of the study are summarized.

This study was devoted to researching the effectiveness of e-learning, in terms of the reported experiences of the Language Services section employees in Parliament RSA. At present, the internet is seen as a successful and influential educational tool in both academic and corporate institutions. Academically, it has been adopted for e-learning methods of teaching and learning. It is perceived as a cost-effective method of providing lifelong education. It is important to know about the pros and cons of e-learning in adult education and compare them with the experiences of the people who are and have been engaged in adult education. To create an adult education skills development framework that can be used successfully in e-learning, it is important to get information about and from the people concerned regarding their learning experiences. To understand more about the influence of e-learning, this study administered a questionnaire to the employees of the Language Services Section of Parliament who participated in the pilot learning programmes offered by Parliament. The questionnaire was designed to gather structured responses from the participants in the inquiry. The results were studied and applied to draw recommendations for what can be improved in the programme to promote and endorse continuing learning experiences as is the aim of the in-house programme offered by Parliament. The study also has relevance in terms of a discussion of issues that arise in the literature on adult education, which were located as part of the study. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Adult Education)