This thesis is mainly concerned with the estimation of parameters of a first-order Smooth Threshold Autoregressive (STAR) model with delay parameter one. The estimation procedures include classical and Bayesian methods from a parametric and a semiparametric point of view.As the theoretical importance of stationarity is a primary concern in estimation of time series models, we begin the thesis with a thorough investigation of necessary or sufficient conditions for ergodicity of a first-order STAR process followed by the necessary and sufficient conditions for recurrence and classification for null-recurrence and transience.The estimation procedure is started by using Bayesian analysis which derives posterior distributions of parameters with a noninformative prior for the STAR models of order p. The predictive performance of the STAR models using the exact one-step-ahead predictions along with an approximation to multi-step-ahead predictive density are considered. The theoretical results are then illustrated by simulated data sets and the well- known Canadian lynx data set.The parameter estimation obtained by conditional least squares, maximum likelihood, M-estimator and estimating functions are reviewed together with their asymptotic properties and presented under the classical and parametric approaches. These estimators are then used as preliminary estimators for obtaining adaptive estimates in a semiparametric setting. The adaptive estimates for a first-order STAR model with delay parameter one exist only for the class of symmetric error densities. At the end, the numerical results are presented to compare the parametric and semiparametric estimates of this model.

Nurses are expected to perform evidence-based practice (EBP) at the point of care (POC) to promote positive outcomes through the quality and safety of patient care. The struggle for nurses on the surgical digestive unit in a hospital to adopt EBP is the lack of access and knowledge to evidence-based research at the POC. The utilization of information technology is an innovated approach to providing access and knowledge for EBP at the POC to improve patient outcomes. The project was to develop a quality improvement program to improve nursing access and knowledge of EBP resources. The program was to identify the type of e-nursing resources and necessary education to provide nurses access to evidence-based resources and the knowledge to utilize these resources in nursing practice. The purpose of the doctoral project was set to identify necessary resources to develop an evidence-based program for staff nurses to access evidence-based resources and improve nursing knowledge on EBP at the POC. The use of the Stevens's star model of knowledge transformation was the framework for the project, and use of the logic model guided the structure for program evaluation. The quantitative project used a 1 group pre- and post-survey design using a convenience sample (n =10). A final statistical analysis to determine effectiveness of the educational intervention was inconclusive. Quantitative descriptive data from pre- and post-survey results were used to summarize recommendations for the future development of an EBP quality improvement project with the use of information technology tools. The further dissemination of the findings could promote new methods to implement quality improvement programs to improve the quality and safety of patient care to promote positive health outcomes.

Covid-19 brought various challenges that the world that was not fully prepared to face since 2019. The pandemic came with both health and economic repercussions, and various organizations had to adapt their Organization Design to confront these new challenges posed by this Black Swan event. Since the pandemic is still recent, most of the research related to Organization Design and Covid-19 has focused on the changes during the pandemic. What has been missing in the research is a perspective on the evolution of Organization Design over time. Two research questions were addressed. The first question explored how individuals from different positions perceived changes in Organization Design during the pandemic using Jay Galbraith's Star Model. The findings revealed variations in perceptions across positions, particularly regarding hiring growth, structure, communication, rewards, and the hiring process. The second research question uses a combination of Path Dependence Theory and Jay Galbraith's Star Model to compare the short-term and long-term effects of contingencies on Organization Design within a Medical Manufacturing Company. Some changes, like temporary Covid-19 protocols and rewards, were phased out, while others, including remote work, digital transformation, hybrid work models, and certain structural changes, became permanent. The thesis contributes to the understanding of how Black Swan events impact Organization Design in the Medical Manufacturing Industry, providing practical recommendations for decision-making during crises and emphasizing the significance of organizational resilience and change management. The study's theoretical contributions include exploring path dependence in crisis-induced transformations, highlighting the dynamic nature of organizational responses, and suggesting future research avenues. Overall, this research enhances knowledge of Organization Design dynamics and offers guidance for organizations in crisis response and resilience-building. / Covid-19 förde med sig olika utmaningar och konsevenser såväl ekonomiskt som hälsomässigt. Pandemin kan ses som ett exempel på en svart svan-händelse, dvs. en osannolik händelse med omfattande konsekvenser. Organisationer var tvungna att anpassa sig för att möta utmaningarna som denna svarta svan-händelse medförde, i synnerhet när det gäller organisationsdesign. Eftersom pandemin fortfarande ligger relativt nära i tiden, har en stor del av forskningen kring organisationsdesign och Covid-19 fokuserat på förändringarna under pandemin. Det som har saknats i forskningen är ett perspektiv på utvecklingen av organisationsdesign över tid. Denna uppsats bidrar till att fylla detta kunskapsgap genom en fallstudie av ett medicinskt tillverkningsföretag. Två forskningsfrågor behandlas, den första frågan fokuserar på hur individer på olika positioner i företaget uppfattade förändringar i organisationsdesign under pandemin. Med utgångspunkt i Jay Galbraiths Star Model visar uppsatsen att uppfattningar om förändringar skiljer sig åt mellan olika positioner, särskilt med avseende på personaltillväxt, struktur, kommunikation, belöningar och rekryteringsprocesser. Den andra forskningsfrågan behandlar hur organisationsdesignen utvecklats i ett stigberoende perspektiv.Vissa förändringar, som rutiner för hantering av Covid-19 och specifika belöningsmodeller, fasades ut, medan andra, som distansarbete, digitalisering, hybridarbetsmodeller och vissa strukturella förändringar, förblev permanenta. Uppsatsen bidrar till en ny förståelse för hur en svarta svan-händelse kan påverka organisationsdesign inom ett företag och ger rekommendationer för beslutsfattande under kriser samt betonar betydelsen av organisationsresiliens och förändringshantering. Studiens teoretiska bidrag ligger i kombinationen av stigberoendeteori och omvandling under en extern kris av svart svan-typ.

[pt] Essa tese considera um modelo não linear para se obter previsões de curto prazo de carga de energia elétrica. O modelo combina um modelo de múltiplos regimes auto-regressivo com transição suave com um periódico auto-regressivo criando o modelo de múltiplos regimes periódico com transição suave (STPAR). Um método de construção do modelo é desenvolvido com métodos estatísticos simples e um teste de linearidade contra a hipótese de modelo periódico autoregressivo com transição suave. Outros dois destes foram elaborados para se avaliar o modelo estimado: um teste de Multiplicador de Lagrange (LM) para a hipótese de auto-correlação serial dos resíduos e outro teste LM para a hipótese de não linearidade remanescente. Um experimento de Monte Carlo foi implementado para avaliar a performance dos testes propostos. Estimação por mínimos quadrados não lineares é considerado. Finalmente, dados de carga de energia elétrica do estado de New South Wales na Austrália são apresentados e foram usados como exemplo real. Outros modelos foram utilizados para comparar a performance do modelo. / [en] This thesis considers a non linear approach to obtain short term forecast for electricity load. The model combines a smooth transition autoregressive process with a periodic autoregressive time series model, creating the Smooth Transition Periodic Autoregressive (STPAR) model. A model-building procedure is developed and a linearity test against smooth transition periodic auto-regressive is proposed. Other two tests were created to evaluate the model: a Lagrange multiplier (LM) test for the hypothesis of no error autocorrelation and LM-type test for the hypothesis of no remaining non-linearity. A Monte Carlo experiment was implemented to evaluate the performance of the proposed tests. Estimation by nonlinear least squares is considered. Finally, load data from New South Wales State in Australia`s electricity retail market is presented and will be used as a real example. Other models were used to compare the performance of the proposes model.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is used worldwide to improve the quality of patient care to provide cost-effective care. EBP is a mandate for nursing practice combining individual clinical judgment with available expertise to generate a positive outcome for the patient. Investigators have documented that nurses have varying degrees of confidence and knowledge about EBP. The purpose of this project was to improve knowledge of EBP among registered nurses (RNs). The ACE Star Model of Knowledge transformation was used as the conceptual model. The key project question was to assess the level of knowledge and confidence about EBP among RNs in a cardio-thoracic (CT) intensive care unit (ICU) before and after viewing a computer-based EBP educational module. The quasi-experimental project used a 1 group pretest-posttest design. In the pretest, a convenience sample (n = 29) completed ACE-ERI competencies to self-assess confidence in EBP and an EBP Knowledge Test. The participants then viewed an EBP educational module based on major steps in EBP practice. Afterward, they repeated both tests. As a group, the paired t test showed a significant increase in scores for the ACE-ERI competencies between pretest and posttest scores. Using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, knowledge scores increased but were not statistically significant. These findings suggested that there was improvement in both confidence and knowledge supporting the use of the educational module. In order to effectively implement EBP, nurses require knowledge to assess the quality and evidence for improved patient outcome. These results can guide administrators and educators to enhance RN EBP by the use of educational modules to improve the quality of patient care creating positive social change.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how and to what degree Swedish multinational companies (MNCs) adapt to local conditions when they establish subsidiaries in China, and if cultural differences play an important role in their operations. Background: The major challenge for MNCs establishing abroad is the configuration and integration of their country subsidiaries (Galbraith, 2000). Therefore, it is vital to understand how activities within an organization, such as structures, processes, reward systems, and people practices, should be designed in order for the company to be as efficient as possible (Weiss, 2007; Kesler & Kates, 2011). Swedish direct investments in China have increased significantly in the late 2000s, especially in the eastern regions, where a majority of about 650 Swedish companies in China are located (Swedish Trade Council, 2012a). Establishing across borders is a step towards future growth, but it is important to note that a cross-border expansion comes with many challenges (Galbraith, 2000). Method: This study uses a qualitative research method by investigating the experiences and practices of two Swedish multinational companies with operations in Shanghai, China. Information has been collected from eight respondents in the form of interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Conclusion: Swedish MNCs standardize their organization to a large extent when they establish subsidiaries in China, and culture has a slight influence on the practices of Swedish MNCs but does not play a major role for the business as a whole.

The recent empirical literature has shown that the dynamic generating mechanism of macroeconomic variables can be asymmetric. Inspiring from these empirical results, this thesis uses a class of nonlinear models called smooth transition autoregressive models to investigate possible asymmetric dynamics in inflation and nominal exchange rate series of Turkey. Estimation results imply that variables under consideration contain strong nonlinearities and these can be modeled by STAR models.

No description available.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004 requires schools to provide students with disabilities with all the academic opportunities, services, and extracurricular involvement afforded non-disabled peers and with non-disabled peers. Accountability measures resulting from the law, No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), place increased emphasis on the performance of students with disabilities who must be included in the state assessment system, and meet the levels of proficiencies identified by the state for Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and math no later than 2013-2014. According to the literature, principals felt unprepared to provide the leadership in special education. The purpose of the case study of the leadership of a principal was to provide descriptions of practices in implementing and supporting inclusion so that instruction for children with disabilities can be delivered in general education classrooms. The data were triangulated from an interview with the principal, a focus group discussion of general and special education teachers, and examinations of physical artifacts. The findings revealed that the principal organized the school to support instruction of children with disabilities in general education classroom, planned intentionally for scheduling and grouping of students, expected general education and special education teachers to share equal responsibilities for instruction, used data to monitor the progress of students, developed visible and written procedures for academic and behavioral expectations, and collaborated with parents. Underlying each of the findings was the expectation that the faculty collaborate in understanding the impact of the disability upon learning, and problem solve interventions to positively affect academic outcomes for children with disabilities. / Ph. D.

Following the debate by empirical finance research on the presence of non-linear predictability in stock market returns, this study examines forecasting abilities of nonlinear STAR-type models. A non-linear model methodology is applied to daily returns of FTSE, S&P, DAX and Nikkei indices. The research is then extended to long-horizon forecastability of the four series including monthly returns and a buy-and-sell strategy for a three, six and twelve month holding period using non-linear error-correction framework. The recursive out-of-sample forecast is performed using the present value model equilibrium methodology, whereby stock returns are forecasted using macroeconomic variables, in particular the dividend yield and price-earnings ratio. The forecasting exercise revealed the presence of non-linear predictability for all data periods considered, and confirmed an improvement of predictability for long-horizon data. Finally, the present value model approach is applied to the housing market, whereby the house price returns are forecasted using a price-earnings ratio as a measure of fundamental levels of prices. Findings revealed that the UK housing market appears to be characterised with asymmetric non-linear dynamics, and a clear preference for the asymmetric ESTAR model in terms of forecasting accuracy.