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Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) has become increasingly popular since the early 1990s. CCF utilises several silvicultural techniques in order to promote and enhance forest structural diversity and favours natural regeneration. As CCF is relatively new to the UK there are still areas of knowledge regarding management interventions that need to be improved upon. This study utilises simple models, seedling physiology and a hybrid gap model and applies them to the Glentress Trial Area which has been under transformation from even-aged forestry since 1952. These efforts have led to an improved understanding of thinning interventions and the effects they may have on future stand structure. Since the formation of the Forestry Commission in 1919, clearfell-replant forestry has been the main form of management practiced in the UK. CCF management differs in several respects and is commonly practiced using expert knowledge in Continental Europe. In the UK the knowledge-base is still growing and therefore simple models can prove useful for guiding management. This study investigated the use of the idealised reverse-J and the Equilibrium Growing Stock (EGS). This study found that the reverse-J shaped diameter distribution is maintained at the Trial, Block and sub- Block scale indicating that an irregular structure is being approached. In addition, the diminution coefficient, a parameter of the reverse-J distribution, falls within values typical of continental Europe. Comparison of the actual diameter-frequency distribution against an ideal reverse-J distribution can inform both thinning intensity and which diameter classes to target. The EGS, which is a volume–diameter distribution, examines standing volume and how that volume is distributed across three broad diameter classes. Typical distributions from the Swiss Jura indicate that percentage volume should be split 20:30:50 across diameter classes. The EGS analysis showed that standing volume in the Trial Area is much lower than European values at just 174 m3 ha-1. In addition, the classic 20:30:50 percent split was not observed. The 1990 data set showed a 49:43:8 distribution but by 2008 it was 40:41:19. As natural regeneration is favoured in CCF a better understanding of seedling physiology is essential. This study established open (15-35 m2 ha-1) and closed canopy plots (>35 m2 ha-1). Plot characteristics were recorded and then seedlings were selected for physical measurements, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas-exchange measurements. There were clear differences between the physical characteristics with a mean Apical Dominance Ratio (APR) of 1.41 for the open plots and 0.9 for the closed plots which is consistent with previous studies suggesting an APR of 1 is needed for successful regeneration. The chlorophyll fluorescence measurements showed a linear relationship with PAR. However, although the results of the gas-exchange measurements showed an increase in photosynthetic rates with PAR for open plots, there was no obvious relationship in the closed plots. As a result, the study did not find a linear relationship between photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence. Finally a complex, hybrid gap model was used to investigate the effects of management on predicted future stand structure. The hybrid gap model, PICUS v1.41, was parameterised for Sitka spruce. The model was used to explore different management scenarios on stand structure over two time periods; 1954-2008 and 1952- 2075. The output from the group selection with underplanting scenario, which resembled the actual management, produced realistic output that was comparable to the stand characteristics measured during the 2008 assessment. The output from the 1952-2075 runs suggested that thinning to a residual basal area suitable to allow natural regeneration (<30 m2 ha-1) or a group selection with underplanting were the best management options for maintaining structural diversity.

<p>Information technology (IT) has developed and spread and the internet is now available in nearly every corner of the world all the time. It is adequate to say that we are entering an information economy. E-business is an important business tool, which is reflected by the emerging presence of the internet. Furthermore, the Internetworld says that in accordance with a development plan from the European Union it should be possible to carry out all government business electronically in 2010. But, already in January 2008, the state authorities shall be able to send and receive e-invoices. The project "E-service for safe mining projects" is one of the projects within the government owned Vinnova programme Innovative development of cross-boundary public e-services. This thesis is written on assignment for that project, taking on the role of a consultant.</p><p>Companies can through the internet easily find business over boarders, geographical or other, and there is money to be earned in new markets. To do this companies have a need to know their potential customers, their needs and wants. The purposes of this thesis are to explore the perceived needs for the "E-service of safe mining projects" and the benefits it could bring to its potential customers. By considering the customers potential needs with the aid of a theoretical lens this thesis also aims to make suggestions to the company of what to consider in the development process of this e-service and discuss how their desires could be met by the e-service.</p><p>The theoretical chapter begins with explaining the concepts of services and e-services. Cravens and Piercy's model for determining product-markets and Zeithaml's et al gap model are used. The study is done using semi-structured interviews of four different interest groups for the e-service. There were three researchers conducting the interviews together.</p><p>The conclusions of the study are that to satisfy the customers is not very easily done. Customers of today often have high expectations of the quality of the service and they want the service provider to know their needs and wants. What could be helpful for this e-service is that because it is semi-public service the potential customers may consider it a public service instead of a private service and thus the expectations will be lowered. The generic need is the "need to get the right information" and there are a number of specific perceived needs adherent to the potential customers. Also recommendations are given to the project.</p>

Information technology (IT) has developed and spread and the internet is now available in nearly every corner of the world all the time. It is adequate to say that we are entering an information economy. E-business is an important business tool, which is reflected by the emerging presence of the internet. Furthermore, the Internetworld says that in accordance with a development plan from the European Union it should be possible to carry out all government business electronically in 2010. But, already in January 2008, the state authorities shall be able to send and receive e-invoices. The project "E-service for safe mining projects" is one of the projects within the government owned Vinnova programme Innovative development of cross-boundary public e-services. This thesis is written on assignment for that project, taking on the role of a consultant. Companies can through the internet easily find business over boarders, geographical or other, and there is money to be earned in new markets. To do this companies have a need to know their potential customers, their needs and wants. The purposes of this thesis are to explore the perceived needs for the "E-service of safe mining projects" and the benefits it could bring to its potential customers. By considering the customers potential needs with the aid of a theoretical lens this thesis also aims to make suggestions to the company of what to consider in the development process of this e-service and discuss how their desires could be met by the e-service. The theoretical chapter begins with explaining the concepts of services and e-services. Cravens and Piercy's model for determining product-markets and Zeithaml's et al gap model are used. The study is done using semi-structured interviews of four different interest groups for the e-service. There were three researchers conducting the interviews together. The conclusions of the study are that to satisfy the customers is not very easily done. Customers of today often have high expectations of the quality of the service and they want the service provider to know their needs and wants. What could be helpful for this e-service is that because it is semi-public service the potential customers may consider it a public service instead of a private service and thus the expectations will be lowered. The generic need is the "need to get the right information" and there are a number of specific perceived needs adherent to the potential customers. Also recommendations are given to the project.

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This master’s thesis investigates the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) in Chicago, a non-profit organization, in order to aid it with customer defection. The chosen literature contributes to a better understanding of customer behavior, and thus, customer defection, by examining customer retention, customer defection, switching behaviors, and different gaps that can occur in the relationship between a service supplier and its customers. Through a systematic combining approach and empirical findings gained through semi-structured interviews with both executives and defected customers, this study reveals that the main reason for customer defection is a perceived lack of value in their membership to the SACC, along with the sentiment that their business-oriented expectations are not being met. As for the SACC, the Board members have a varied range of views as to the value of defected customers, though overall, acquisition is prioritized over customer defection strategies.

Title: Using the GAP Model of Service Quality in the FITcentrum Chrudim. Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to analyze through GAP model the causes of the gaps that exist between the various levels of interaction in the process of providing services in the FITcentrum Chrudim. Based on the results was assessed the state of the organization and the solution was designed to achieve a higher quality of service and higher customer satisfaction. Methods: For the research is used GAP model of service quality, model of five gaps. Individual gaps were investigated using questionnaires designed for customers and staff of fitness center, semi-structured interview with the owner of fitness and self-observation. Results: The results of research are illustrated using the method of classification crosses, tables and graphs. The obtained dates helped to identify the services, what can be improved and to find the gaps in communication between employees and on the basis of this are set recommendations, how existing deficiencies minimize or completely removed. These results help to achieve a higher quality of providing services and enjoyment of the customers. Keywords: sports service, service quality, customer satisfaction, GAP model of service quality, FITcentrum Chrudim

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<p>Natural forest dynamics is a foundational topic of forest science. A new Wood Pasture hypothesis considering large herbivore as driving force in forest ecosystem is now challenging the traditional High Forest hypothesis, in which vegetation is regarded as main driving force. In this study, a model-based approach is applied to investigate differences between these two hypotheses and the determine factors in the system. A theoretical landscape of 1 km²formed by 100*100 cells is set up with 100 vegetation patches and free moving herbivores on. Our null hypothesis that herbivores make no difference in vegetation dynamics especially at canopy level is rejected. It is found that synchronization of herbivore behaviors is the most influencing factor of how a landscape might be shaped. It is also found that landscape could be a mosaic of both high forest and wood pasture depends on large herbivore’s herd size.</p>

Natural forest dynamics is a foundational topic of forest science. A new Wood Pasture hypothesis considering large herbivore as driving force in forest ecosystem is now challenging the traditional High Forest hypothesis, in which vegetation is regarded as main driving force. In this study, a model-based approach is applied to investigate differences between these two hypotheses and the determine factors in the system. A theoretical landscape of 1 km²formed by 100*100 cells is set up with 100 vegetation patches and free moving herbivores on. Our null hypothesis that herbivores make no difference in vegetation dynamics especially at canopy level is rejected. It is found that synchronization of herbivore behaviors is the most influencing factor of how a landscape might be shaped. It is also found that landscape could be a mosaic of both high forest and wood pasture depends on large herbivore’s herd size.