In this study, I will first examine the institutional position of writing centers as they were published on starting in 1993 in order to gauge how those writing centers report successfully integrating into their institutions. Once a precursory set of trends and integration factors have been identified, I will then interview current writing center professionals about the institutional position of their own writing centers to determine if the parameters for the successful integration of writing center into their institutions have changed. To better describe and analyze these parameters for integration, I will apply a theoretical framework of my own design that uses systems theory, network theory, and organizational learning to create a more nuanced and critical understanding of how and why these parameters for integration change and what key factors writing center professionals should consider when examining their own writing center’s institutional position and integration.

Modern management literature highlights the importance of headquarter and country organisations working together in an interdependent fashion to improve their performance. However, empirical support for this link is scarce; moreover, the theoretical framework on the factors that may affect these relationships and the prerequisites for fostering them is limited. Current literature highlights the importance of high levels of interdependency between HQs and subsidiaries for the performance of the subsidiary, but a direct relationship has not been established. In this research, the link between headquarter-subsidiary interdependence and subsidiary-level performance is empirically probed and explored, using a longitudinal, multi-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative data. Responses to surveys from 53 marketing and business managers are used to describe the interdependence levels, which are then combined with actual launch outcomes data for Xarelto® in their respective countries. Based on the survey results, a direct link between headquarter and subsidiary interdependence and the launch success of Xarleto® could not be established and subsidiary interdependence and uptake levels were used to select 10 countries for further explorative interviews. The results of these highlighted that, through fully collaborative and supportive headquarter subsidiary relationships, improved knowledge transfer, avoidance of duplication and leveraging of materials and expertise, product launch outcomes in the subsidiary could be enhanced. Moderators to these relationships and factors to maintain these relationships will be presented and this research and a link to network theory and social capital will be made. This research provides several practical recommendations that can be taken into consideration when planning future launches to enhance product uptake in subsidiary markets. / Bayer Corporation (US)

This is an auto/ethnographic account of one organization and one person as we concurrently moved thru a process of IT driven planned organizational change. The purpose of the study is to explain how the change agent is affected by the experience of leading change. Using actor-network theory and a polyphonic approach, I present a multi-voiced, multi-actor account of the social network in situ and trace how the various actors engaged with one another during the organizational change process. I reflect upon my own multi-role performativity when acting in the role of the internal change agent next to my daily job roles and explore the effects on both me and the network; which identifies that a new actor network has been created. Finally, a multi-voiced exploration of myself is presented which traces my evolution from researcher to auto/ethnographer, further demonstrating the effects of multi-role performativity on the human actor. The study demonstrates that the effects of organizational change on both the social network and the actors within the network cannot be foreseen. Furthermore, in combining the use of Actor Network Theory and auto-ethnography, the study provides new insights into the effects of performance on the human actor within a socio-technical network, which is an unexplored dimension within the field of organizational change.

This study investigates the meaning of the creative process within Bohus Stickning. With the use of Actor-Network-Theory in combination with Material Culture Theory, a framework of actors and networks has been made. By utilizing different forms of material and spoken sources, the study uses specifically tailored methods to make sure to unlock the pieces that, the material can bring to the puzzle. To give a contextualized answer to how and why the creative process took the form it did, the investigative part takes the form of a chronological presentation of the actors that played an important part for the creative process. The results of the studies have shown that Bohus Stickning’s founder and creative director, Emma Jakobsson’s background played a significant part in the direction of the company and its creative output. Her choice to lead Bohus Stickning towards a more modern approach close to the way continental fashion and art was produced, gave the organization a unique brand unlike anything else in Sweden at the time. Not only did their unique stans make Bohus Stickning a worldwide known brand, but also their level of quality, a result of highly competent staff, who worked within the company, made a big difference.

Science Fiction movies have in recent decades become sources of information and interpretation, in other words, a window that reflects the time period in which they were made. While the role of technology has been researched in science fiction material, not much focus has been put into researching specific types of technology. This paper attempts to do just that by investigating the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the two science fiction movies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Arrival. Primarily using the Actor-Network Theory (ANT), complemented by aspects of the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and the theory of Social Construct of Technology (SCOT), this paper highlights the role of ICTs as active agents. Through a comparative method, selected scenes featuring examples of technologies whose purpose depends on the intentions of non-technological agents such as humans are given, adding an interpretative angle. The generational differences are highlighted throughout the analysis by the networks they create, as well as the power dynamics between civilian and military actors. We find that the Actor-Network Theory can be a great framework to use with science fiction cinema to investigate these subjects.

Modern societies are fully dependent on critical infrastructures networks to support the economy, security, and prosperity. Energy infrastructure network is of paramount importance to our societies. As a pillar of the economy, it is necessary that energy infrastructure networks continue to operate safely and be resilient to provide reliable power to other critical infrastructure networks. Nonetheless, frequent large-scale blackouts in recent years have highlighted the vulnerability in the power grids, where disruptions can trigger cascading failures causing a catastrophic regional-level blackout. Such catastrophic blackouts call for a systemic risk assessment approach whereby the entire network/system is assessed against such failures considering the dynamic power flow within. However, the lack of detailed data combining both topological and functional information, and the computational resources typically required for large-scale modelling, considering also operational corrective actions, have impeded large-scale resilience studies. In this respect, the research in the present dissertation focuses on investigating, analyzing, and evaluating the vulnerability of power grid infrastructure networks in an effort to enhance their resilience. Through a Complex Network Theory (CNT) lens, the power grid robustness has been evaluated against random and targeted attacks through evaluating a family of centrality measures. The results shows that CNT models provide a quick and potential indication to identify key network components, which support regulators and operators in making informed decisions to maintain and upgrade the network, constrained by the tolerable risk and allocated financial resources. Furthermore, a dynamic Cascade Failure Model (CFM) has been employed to develop a Physical Flow-Based Model (PFBM). The CFM considers the operational corrective actions in case of failure to rebalance the supply and demand (i.e., dispatch and load shedding). The CFM was subsequently utilized to construct a grid vulnerability map function of the Link Vulnerability Index (LVI), which can be used to rank the line maintenance priority. In addition, a Node Importance Index (NII) has been developed for power substations ranking according to the resulting cascade failure size. The results from CNT and CFM approaches were compared to address the impact of considering the physical behavior of the power grid. The comparison results indicate that relying solely on CNT topology-based model could result in erroneous conclusions pertaining to the grid behavior. Moving forward, a systemic risk mitigation strategy based on the Intentional Controlled Islanding (ICI) approach has been introduced to suppress the failure propagation. The proposed mitigation strategy integrated the operation- with structure-guided strategies has shown excellent capabilities in terms of enhancing the network robustness and minimizing the possibility of catastrophic large-scale blackouts. This research demonstrates the model application on a real large-scale network with data ranging from low to high voltage. In the future, the CFM model can be integrated with other critical infrastructure network systems to establish a network-of-networks interaction model for assessing the systemic risk throughout and between multiple network layers. Understanding the interdependence between different networks will provide stakeholders with insight on enhancing resilience and support policymakers in making informed decisions pertaining to the tolerable systemic risk level to take reliable actions under abnormal conditions. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Mining of uranium ore and its extraction using the milling process generates solid and liquid waste, commonly termed uranium mine tailings. Uranium mine tailings is radioactive, as it consists of residual uranium, thorium, and radium, which amounts to 85% of the original ore’s radioactivity. Due to the extensively long half-lives of uranium (4.5x109 years), thorium (75,400 years), and radium (1,620 years) and their harmful radioactive, it is imperative to isolate uranium mine tailings from the environment for a longer period. Containment of uranium mine tailings in dam-like structures, called uranium mine tailings dam (UMTD), is the most followed disposal and storage method. Like a conventional water retention dam, UMTDs are also susceptible to failure, mainly due to adverse weather conditions. Once the UMTD fails, a fraction of the radioactive tailings infiltrates and migrate through the vadose zone contaminating the groundwater sources underlying it. Radionuclide behavior and migration in the subsurface are affected by several environmental factors. To minimize the uncertainty and improve current radionuclide fate and transport models, it is vital to study these factors and any interdependence existing between them. This study aims to understand these environmental factors by i) enlisting the factors affecting subsurface radionuclide migration through scoping review of articles and reports, and ii) analyzing the interdependence existing between the factors using the complex network theory (CNT) approach and identifying the dominant factors among them. Factors such as chemical and biological characteristics of soil stratigraphy, groundwater, and radioactive tailings plume, meteorological, and hydrogeological are found to influence radionuclide behavior and transport mechanisms in the vadose zone. CNT approach described soil microorganisms, fraction of organic carbon, infiltration rate of the soil, transmissivity, clay fraction in the soil, particulates in groundwater, and infiltrating rainwater as dominant factors in the NoF based on their centrality measures and sensitivity analysis of the network of factors (NoF). Any uncertainty associated with these factors will affect and propagate through the model. Hence, sufficient resources should be directed in the future to characterize these factors and minimize their uncertainty, which will lead to developing reliable fate and transport models for radionuclides. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Waste products from uranium mining and milling operations are called uranium mine tailings, which are radioactive. Generally, uranium mine tailings are disposed of and isolated in dam-like structures referred to as uranium mine tailings dams (UMTD). One of the most common causes of UMTD failure is extreme weather conditions. When a UMTD fails, a part of tailings, consisting of radionuclides uranium, thorium, and radium, infiltrate into the subsurface through the vadose zone. Radionuclide behavior and transport in the subsurface is influenced by several environmental factors. The objective of the present study is to understand the factors affecting radionuclide migration by i) conducting a scoping review on radionuclide migration in the subsurface to describe the factors studied in the literature, and ii) understanding and analyzing any relation among the factors and deriving the most dominant factors based on their relation. This study can be used further to develop accurate and reliable radionuclide fate and transport models with minimal uncertainty.

Contemporary supply chain management (SCM) issues are multiplex and continually evolving catalysed by complexities and dynamism. The perishable food industry exemplifies this phenomenon, driven by globalisation, technological advancements and a highly competitive business environment. Inescapably, food supply chains are increasingly operating as supply chain networks (SCN). SCNs are typified by a higher level of interdependence and connectivity amongst firms, consequently evolving from dyad and triad relationships, which have dominated SCM research. These changes generate divergent risks and vulnerabilities that perturb perishable food supply chains in unconventional ways. Thus, the purpose of this empirical study is to investigate how firms within a perishable food supply chain network can build resilience and sustainability. The research focuses on advancing the management of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Methodologically, an empirical qualitative study is undertaken within a food manufacturer (focal firm) and 18 independent firms operating across all tiers of its SCN. Applying a pragmatic philosophical positioning, the study draws concepts from key supply chain theories to investigate the phenomena. The investigation uses Nicolini’s Zooming in and Zooming out as an analytical lens. The zooming in and out is established by shifting analytical lenses and re-positioning actors’ praxis, to ensure certain facets of their actions are fore-grounded while others are put in a background position and contrariwise moving the background to the foreground. The purpose of this technique is to draw meaning from everyday practices and trace the actions of actors across the entire SCN. The results uncover four distinct but intertwined main categories; whose subtle and often ignored interplay is crucial in attaining SCN resilience and sustainability. These main categories are Collaboration, Power Dynamics, SCN Culture and Information Systems. Current supply chain literature argues that collaboration is an essential enabler of resilience and sustainability. Building on this, the findings make a significant contribution by teasing out the intangible and predominately unacknowledged antecedents and salient sustaining factors of effective SCN collaboration. Furthermore, the study develops a resilience and sustainability (RS) matrix, which renders different impacts and outcomes of varying levels of SCN collaboration between firms operating in a perishable food SCN. Therefore, this thesis contributes knowledge towards constructing resilient and sustainable perishable food SCNs by proffering pragmatic propositions. These aim to address challenges facing industry stakeholders and ignite pertinent future research avenues for scholars.

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