Denna uppsats utgörs av en jämförande studie vars mål var att utröna huruvida åtta stycken utvalda investmentbolag på Stockholmsbörsen hade varit ett konkurrenskraftigt alternativ som sparform eller inte med avseende på risk och avkastning. Detta jämfört med SIX Return Index och den riskfria räntan under en tidsperiod på tio år, 2001-01-01 till 2010-12-31. Syftet med undersökningen var att den i slutändan skulle mynna ut i generella slutsatser kring investmentbolag som sparform utifrån de data som hämtats in från de berörda investmentbolagens hemsidor. Författarna kunde efter avslutad undersökning dra slutsatsen att investmentbolagen historiskt sett hade klarat sig mycket bra och kunnat uppvisa resultat som varken marknaden eller den riskfria räntan var i närheten av. Även om vissa av investmentbolagen hade presterat sämre än jämförelsemåtten så var dock den samlade bilden att de som grupp hade varit ett mycket fördelaktigt investeringsalternativ. Detta med en genomsnittlig totalavkastning som överträffade index med drygt åtta procent. / This essay examines how well eight chosen Swedish investment companies in the Stockholm stock market hold up as an investment alternative in relation to the risk and return of the investment. They will be compared with the SIX Return Index and the yield to maturity within a time period of ten years, 01.01.2001 – 31.12.2010. The purpose of this examination is to come to a general conclusion about investment companies as an investment alternative regarding their risk-adjusted return with the help of quantitative information gathered mainly from their company’s homepage. After the comparison the authors were able to come to the conclusion that investment companies historically had managed to show way better results than both the markets index and the yield to maturity. Despite a few investment companies achieving weaker results than the market index, investment companies as a group would have been a very beneficial investment alternative with an average rate of return that beats the market index by 8 percent.

Thesis--Boston University. / Vita. Bibliography: p. 646-668.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) apresenta obstrução crônica ao fluxo aéreo e evolui com perda da capacidade funcional. A intolerância ao exercício é um marcador prognóstico da doença. OBJETIVO: Investigar as respostas fisiológicas no teste incremental com cicloergômetro (TECP), teste do degrau de 6 minutos (TD6), teste da caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) e teste senta e levanta de um minuto (TSL) em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 24 pacientes com DPOC (VEF1/CVF<70 e VEF1 pós bd <80%), clinicamente estáveis. Todos os pacientes realizaram provas de função pulmonar e os quatro protocolos de exercício. Durante os testes foram medidos: consumo de oxigênio (VO2), produção de CO2 (VCO2), ventilação (VE), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), oximetria de pulso (SpO2), e sensação de dispneia e de desconforto nas pernas (escala de BORG modificada). RESULTADOS: Quinze pacientes eram homens, a média de idade foi de 63,7 ± 6,6 anos e do VEF1 foi de 1,20 ± 0,60 L, 42,5 ± 17,8 % do predito. O VO2pico observado no TD6 (1,01±0,40 L.min-1) não diferiu do VO2 medido no TECP (0,86±0,32 L.min-1) e no TC6 (0,99±0,46; L.min-1;p>0,05). Entretanto, o VO2 pico do TSL foi significativamente inferior (0,66±0,32 L.min-1, p<0,05). A VE foi comparável no TECP, TD6 e TC6. O estresse cardiovascular foi mais intenso no TECP, porém o pulso de oxigênio (VO2/FC) foi inferior no TECP e no TSL. Dessaturação (queda da SpO2 ³4% e SpO2 £88%) foi mais frequente no TC6 e no TD6. Dispneia e desconforto em pernas foram mais intensos no TECP. No TD6 14 pacientes interromperam o teste e no TC6 um paciente interrompeu. CONCLUSÕES: A dessaturação durante o exercício foi mais evidente no TD6 e no TC6 e estes testes reproduziram respostas fisiológicas equivalentes às do TECP. / BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has chronic obstruction of airflow and loss of functional capacity. Exercise intolerance is a prognostic marker of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physiological responses to incremental cycle ergometry (CPET), six-minute step test (SMST), sixminute walk test (SMWT), and one-minute sit-to-stand test (STST) in patients with COPD. METHODS: We included 24 patients with COPD (FEV1/FVC ratio <70 and FEV1 post bd <80%), stable. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests and the four exercise protocols. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), CO2 production (VCO2), ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse oximetry (SpO2), dyspnea and leg disconfort (modified Borg scale) were measured during the tests. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were men, mean age was 63.7 ± 6.6 years and FEV1 was 1.20 ± 0.60 L, 42.5 ± 17.8 % predicted. VO2 peak in SMST (1.01±0.40 L.min-1), measured during CPET (0.86±0.32 L.min-1) or SMWT (0.99±0.46; L.min-1) was not different (p>0.05). However, peak VO2 of STST was lower (0.66±0.32 L.min-1, p<0.05). VE was comparable among CPET, SMST and SMWT. The cardiovascular stress was more intense during CPET and oxygen pulse (VO2/HR) was lower during CPET and STST. Desaturation (decrease of SpO2 ³4% and SpO2 £88%) was more frequent during SMWT and STST. Dyspnea and leg disconfort were higher on CPET. The SMST was interrupted by 14 patients and the SMWT by one. CONCLUSIONS: Desaturation during exercise was more evident on SMWT and SMST and these tests elicited similar physiological responses as the CPET.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) apresenta obstrução crônica ao fluxo aéreo e evolui com perda da capacidade funcional. A intolerância ao exercício é um marcador prognóstico da doença. OBJETIVO: Investigar as respostas fisiológicas no teste incremental com cicloergômetro (TECP), teste do degrau de 6 minutos (TD6), teste da caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) e teste senta e levanta de um minuto (TSL) em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 24 pacientes com DPOC (VEF1/CVF<70 e VEF1 pós bd <80%), clinicamente estáveis. Todos os pacientes realizaram provas de função pulmonar e os quatro protocolos de exercício. Durante os testes foram medidos: consumo de oxigênio (VO2), produção de CO2 (VCO2), ventilação (VE), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), oximetria de pulso (SpO2), e sensação de dispneia e de desconforto nas pernas (escala de BORG modificada). RESULTADOS: Quinze pacientes eram homens, a média de idade foi de 63,7 ± 6,6 anos e do VEF1 foi de 1,20 ± 0,60 L, 42,5 ± 17,8 % do predito. O VO2pico observado no TD6 (1,01±0,40 L.min-1) não diferiu do VO2 medido no TECP (0,86±0,32 L.min-1) e no TC6 (0,99±0,46; L.min-1;p>0,05). Entretanto, o VO2 pico do TSL foi significativamente inferior (0,66±0,32 L.min-1, p<0,05). A VE foi comparável no TECP, TD6 e TC6. O estresse cardiovascular foi mais intenso no TECP, porém o pulso de oxigênio (VO2/FC) foi inferior no TECP e no TSL. Dessaturação (queda da SpO2 ³4% e SpO2 £88%) foi mais frequente no TC6 e no TD6. Dispneia e desconforto em pernas foram mais intensos no TECP. No TD6 14 pacientes interromperam o teste e no TC6 um paciente interrompeu. CONCLUSÕES: A dessaturação durante o exercício foi mais evidente no TD6 e no TC6 e estes testes reproduziram respostas fisiológicas equivalentes às do TECP. / BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has chronic obstruction of airflow and loss of functional capacity. Exercise intolerance is a prognostic marker of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physiological responses to incremental cycle ergometry (CPET), six-minute step test (SMST), sixminute walk test (SMWT), and one-minute sit-to-stand test (STST) in patients with COPD. METHODS: We included 24 patients with COPD (FEV1/FVC ratio <70 and FEV1 post bd <80%), stable. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests and the four exercise protocols. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), CO2 production (VCO2), ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse oximetry (SpO2), dyspnea and leg disconfort (modified Borg scale) were measured during the tests. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were men, mean age was 63.7 ± 6.6 years and FEV1 was 1.20 ± 0.60 L, 42.5 ± 17.8 % predicted. VO2 peak in SMST (1.01±0.40 L.min-1), measured during CPET (0.86±0.32 L.min-1) or SMWT (0.99±0.46; L.min-1) was not different (p>0.05). However, peak VO2 of STST was lower (0.66±0.32 L.min-1, p<0.05). VE was comparable among CPET, SMST and SMWT. The cardiovascular stress was more intense during CPET and oxygen pulse (VO2/HR) was lower during CPET and STST. Desaturation (decrease of SpO2 ³4% and SpO2 £88%) was more frequent during SMWT and STST. Dyspnea and leg disconfort were higher on CPET. The SMST was interrupted by 14 patients and the SMWT by one. CONCLUSIONS: Desaturation during exercise was more evident on SMWT and SMST and these tests elicited similar physiological responses as the CPET.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:53:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SILVA_Brena_2015.pdf: 2472067 bytes, checksum: 94189b9daa94ee6a53a36b5a8274dc05 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-11 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Six Sigma is an improvement program adopted by many companies to improve their business performance. However, some studies indicate that the relationship between Six Sigma and competitive advantage is not that clear. In this context, the main objective of this dissertation is to identify the relationship between the implementation factors of Six Sigma and competitive priorities in companies that operating in Brazil. As steps, this research conducted bibliometric analysis, content analysis, descriptive analysis and factor analysis. The research investigated 45 companies, through a survey, to find the relationship between Six Sigma implementation factors with competitive priorities in Brazil. Implantation factors identified were: "collect and availability of data", "previous infrastructure", "performance indicators", "goal setting", "capacity for change", "top management involvement" and "statistical thinking" . The results indicate the implementation factors that have relationship with competitive priorities are "collection and availability of data," "previous infrastructure" and "capacity for change". In addition to this result, it was found that the dimensions of competitive priorities that have relationship with implementation factors are "reliability" and "flexibility". / O Seis Sigma é um programa de melhoria adotado por muitas empresas para melhorar o seu desempenho nos negócios. No entanto, algumas pesquisas apontam que a relação entre o Seis Sigma e a melhoria da vantagem competitiva não está clara. Nesse contexto, o objetivo dessa dissertação é identificar o relacionamento entre os fatores de implantação do Seis Sigma e as prioridades competitivas em empresas que operam no Brasil. Como etapas, essa pesquisa realizou análises bibliométrica e de conteúdo, análise descritiva e análise fatorial. A pesquisa investigou 45 empresas, por meio de uma survey, para encontrar o relacionamento entre os fatores de implantação do Seis Sigma com as prioridades competitivas no Brasil. Os fatores de implantação identificados foram: coleta e disponibilização de dados , infraestrutura prévia , uso de indicadores de desempenho , estabelecimento de metas , capacidade cultural , envolvimento da alta administração e pensamento estatístico . Os resultados apontam para o relacionamento entre os fatores coleta e disponibilização dos dados , infraestrutura prévia e capacidade de mudança com o fator prioridade. Além desse resultado, foi encontrado que as dimensões confiabilidade e flexibilidade das prioridades competitivas possuem relação com os fatores de implantação do Seis Sigma.

Francis POULENC (1899-1963) a été particulièrement influencé par la musique populaire de son époque. Pour étudier cet aspect de son œuvre, notre recherche s’appuiera sur la production musicale du compositeur, sur ses nombreux témoignages (correspondances, émissions radiophoniques et divers écrits) et sur tous les documents liés à la création et à la réception de ses œuvres. Le compositeur du Bal masqué n’imitait pas la musique populaire mais en empruntait quelques éléments : tel un peintre, il réalisait des « portraits de music-hall ». Afin d’apprécier cette imprégnation, nos analyses portent sur différents paramètres musicaux : la mélodie, le rythme, l’harmonie, les structures, l’orchestration et la vocalité. La finalité de notre travail s’inscrivant dans des perspectives socioculturelles, l’analyse de ces aspects techniques ne se dissocie pas du contexte historique lié au compositeur et plus largement au Groupe des Six. / The composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was particularly influenced by the popular music of his time. In order to study this very specific aspect of his works, our research will take into account the musical production of the composer, his personal testimonies (such as correspondence, radio programs and various pieces of writing) and all documents related to the creation and reception of his works.When composing Bal Masqué (The Masked Ball) the composer’s aim was not to copy popular music but just to make use of some of its characteristics. Just like a painter he created what he would call ‘portraits de music-hall’ (‘Music-hall portraits’). For this impregnation to be fully appreciated, our analyses will tackle different musical parameters such as melody, rhythm, harmony, structures, orchestration and vocal effects. The purpose of our research involving socio-cultural perspectives, the analysis of those technical aspects cannot be dissociated from the historical context relative to the composer and, to a wider extent, to the ‘Groupe des Six’.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-06-01T14:27:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Henrique Monte Mor Silva.pdf: 1406942 bytes, checksum: 7199e7f52d42745812d5c3d4ff245245 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-01T14:27:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Henrique Monte Mor Silva.pdf: 1406942 bytes, checksum: 7199e7f52d42745812d5c3d4ff245245 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / As the competitiveness increases, organizations seek for practice and continuous improvement techniques. One approach that has been outstanding, both in academic and professional field, is Six Sigma. This approach provides several benefits for organizations. However, its implementation is often inhibited by numerous barriers. Several authors seek to study these barriers and to classify them according to their relevance levels, which may vary according to the characteristics of each organization. However, there have been many contradictions between the authors on this aspect. Moreover, there are few studies on the relevance of these barriers in relation to Brazilian organizations. How would these barriers be classified in level of importance when considering Brazilian organizations? In this case, would this classification change in relation to organizational characteristics? To try to answer these questions, this study proposed to conduct a survey that has involved an extensive literature review by which it was possible to identify 16 main existent barriers. This study is characterized as an applied research concerning the nature, with quantitative approach and exploratory and correlational goals. To this end, it is intended to use the survey as a method and the questionnaire as data collection instrument. Brazilian organizations selected for the study were confined to the automotive sector. In total, the study population is made up of 529 organizations, by which were obtained 40 valid questionnaires. The study revealed that, with relation to the analyzed organizations, the most important barrier is the lack of skill and training suitable for the implementation of Six Sigma. The study also revealed that organizational characteristics such as size or type (multinational or local) are able to influence the barriers relevance order. / À medida que a competitividade aumenta, as organizações buscam obter práticas e técnicas de melhoria contínua de seus processos produtivos. Uma abordagem que vem se destacando, tanto no ramo acadêmico quanto no ramo profissional, é o Seis Sigma. Esta abordagem proporciona diversos benefícios para as organizações. Entretanto, sua implementação é, muitas vezes, inibida por inúmeras barreiras. Diversos autores procuram estudar essas barreiras e classificá-las de acordo com seus níveis de relevância, que podem variar de acordo com as características de cada organização. No entanto, muitas são as contradições entre os autores sobre esse aspecto. Além disso, poucos estudos existem sobre a relevância dessas barreiras em relação às organizações brasileiras. Como seriam classificadas essas barreiras, em nível de relevância, ao se considerar em organizações brasileiras? Neste caso, a classificação se alteraria em relação às características organizacionais? Para tentar responder estas perguntas, o presente trabalho propôs a realização de uma pesquisa que envolveu uma extensa revisão da literatura pela qual se pôde identificar 16 principais barreiras existentes. Esta pesquisa é caracterizada como aplicada, quanto à natureza, quantitativa, quanto à abordagem, com objetivos exploratório e correlacional. Para tanto, utilizou-se como método a survey, cujo instrumento de coleta de dados foi o questionário. As organizações brasileiras selecionadas para o estudo restringiram-se ao setor automotivo. No total, a população estudada é composta por 529 organizações, das quais obtiveram-se 40 questionários respondidos válidos. A pesquisa revelou que, em relação às organizações analisadas, a barreira mais relevante é falta de habilidade e de treinamento adequado para a implementação do Seis Sigma. Também revelou que características organizacionais como o porte ou a abrangência (multinacional ou local) podem influenciar na ordem de relevância dessas barreiras.

This diploma thesis deals with a Six Sigma method, about especially analysis defects of forms for tire production company Barum Continental. In the first, theoretic part, there is the Six Sigma method, improvement method and implementation into practice defined, and at last I attended to the tools of Six Sigma method, e. g. Control Charts, Regression analysis, Pareto analysis. In the second, practical part, there is the industrial process analyzed. Then I was introduced Barum Continental spol. s.r.o. concern, which data extended. Up to data processing I was used tools of Six Sigma method and also histogram.

No description available.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / Mining activities around the world are undergoing constant change and modernization owing to technological and scientific advancements. Consequently, there are frequent proposals to streamline and enhance processes in mining operations. This study deals with ore transportation in mechanized mining units and aims to optimize fleet management using the Lean Six Sigma methodology to obtain a model in this specific process. The proposed method was implemented using a Lean Six Sigma instrument known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). The case study was applied to an underground mine located in the Huancavelica region, Peru. The simulation showed that 24% of the time in the ore transport cycle is un-productive time and the improvement potential time represents 53% of the transportation process time.