Esta tese tem como objetivo analisar as políticas públicas de universalização do atendimento de eletricidade, por meio de sistemas fotovoltaicos, em algumas comunidades isoladas e propor procedimentos de aprimoramento. A pesquisa de campo foi baseada em dados qualitativos através de estudo de caso. O trabalho deu-se em três comunidades tradicionais de Ilhabela-SP, onde cem domicílios receberam sistemas capazes de fornecer 30 kWh mensais - SIGFI 30 -, em 2012. cujo financiamento foi pelo Programa Luz para Todos. Foram identificados aspectos facilitadores e barreiras para a adoção dos sistemas fotovoltaicos nessas comunidades. São apresentadas proposições para aprimoramento. O trabalho conclui que nas comunidades de Ilhabela não foi ainda garantida a consecução plena dos objetivos da política pública de poder suprir as necessidades básicas de iluminação, comunicação e refrigeração, notadamente, porque não havia geladeiras; os sistemas fotovoltaicos e a luz elétrica foram muito bem recebidos e foi constatada melhoria da qualidade de vida. / This thesis aims at analyzing public policy of electricity service universalization, by means of photovoltaic systems, in some isolated communities, as well as suggesting improvement procedures. The field research was based on qualitative data collected through case study. The work was performed in three traditional communities in Ilhabela-SP, where a hundred of households received systems capable of supplying monthly 30 kWh SIGFI 30 -, in 2012 which was financed by Light for All Program. Facilitator aspects and barriers for the adoption of the photovoltaic systems in these communities were identified. Suggestions for improvement have been presented. As a result, it is possible to conclude that a plain achievement of the public policy aimed at supplying the basic needs for illumination, communication and refrigeration in those Ilhabela communities, hasnt yet been guaranteed due to the absence of refrigerator. Photovoltaic systems and electricity were well accepted ant it was observed an improvement of quality of life.

Esta tese tem como objetivo analisar as políticas públicas de universalização do atendimento de eletricidade, por meio de sistemas fotovoltaicos, em algumas comunidades isoladas e propor procedimentos de aprimoramento. A pesquisa de campo foi baseada em dados qualitativos através de estudo de caso. O trabalho deu-se em três comunidades tradicionais de Ilhabela-SP, onde cem domicílios receberam sistemas capazes de fornecer 30 kWh mensais - SIGFI 30 -, em 2012. cujo financiamento foi pelo Programa Luz para Todos. Foram identificados aspectos facilitadores e barreiras para a adoção dos sistemas fotovoltaicos nessas comunidades. São apresentadas proposições para aprimoramento. O trabalho conclui que nas comunidades de Ilhabela não foi ainda garantida a consecução plena dos objetivos da política pública de poder suprir as necessidades básicas de iluminação, comunicação e refrigeração, notadamente, porque não havia geladeiras; os sistemas fotovoltaicos e a luz elétrica foram muito bem recebidos e foi constatada melhoria da qualidade de vida. / This thesis aims at analyzing public policy of electricity service universalization, by means of photovoltaic systems, in some isolated communities, as well as suggesting improvement procedures. The field research was based on qualitative data collected through case study. The work was performed in three traditional communities in Ilhabela-SP, where a hundred of households received systems capable of supplying monthly 30 kWh SIGFI 30 -, in 2012 which was financed by Light for All Program. Facilitator aspects and barriers for the adoption of the photovoltaic systems in these communities were identified. Suggestions for improvement have been presented. As a result, it is possible to conclude that a plain achievement of the public policy aimed at supplying the basic needs for illumination, communication and refrigeration in those Ilhabela communities, hasnt yet been guaranteed due to the absence of refrigerator. Photovoltaic systems and electricity were well accepted ant it was observed an improvement of quality of life.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore and analyze perceptions and attitudes of Facebook users as consumers and merchants; investigate which perceived risks, if any, function as adoption barriers of f-commerce. Methodology: The study adopts a mixed method approach. It uses the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation technique (ZMET method) and focus groups to explore consumers’ perceptions and their mental maps. In-depth interviews with SMEs were also part of the qualitative design. A survey was conducted among consumers based on the qualitative findings to construct a perceptual map of f-commerce, which denotes the perceived-risks that were transferred from Facebook and e-commerce.  Theoretical perspective: The study builds on prior literature of perceived risks as adoption barriers in e-commerce and social networks, brand extension and product sequence attributes transfer. Further, theories on perception and attitudes, categorization, values and mental maps were used in order to apply the ZMET method and the perceptual map.  Empirical data: Data was collected for four weeks via sixteen ZMET interviews, two focus groups and a survey with two-hundred and sixty four respondents from a sample of three-hundred and eighty existent and potential consumers. Further to this, ten in-depth interviews and one ZMET interview were conducted with existing and potential merchants. Conclusion: Perceived risks such as performance, social, privacy, physical, psychological, security, time and financial were identified in consumers as adoption barriers of f-commerce, and transferred from Facebook as a parent brand.  Overall lack of trust towards apps, brand pages and f-commerce is a latent aspect for consumers, where privacy and safe processing of credit cards are crucial factors. Category-product risks were concerns in general but not substantial. When it comes to merchants, they share the same perceived risks than consumers except for privacy, which was not an important factor to them. Besides, the dependence of internal and external changes of Facebook was perceived as a network externality risk, in terms of investment threat.

The adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on construction projects is not widespread yet, because there is a growing albeit slow uptake. There is no strategically structured BIM adoption guide available on construction projects for ensuring integration and collaboration among the Building Information Modelling- Supply Chain Members (BIMSCM). Scholars adduce the lack of adoption of BIM on construction projects to the use of ineffective BIM implementation strategies. Therefore, this research investigated BIM adoption and the current dominant BIM implementation strategies used in the South African construction industry. It also examined whether BIM implementation strategies and BIM adoption on construction projects impact on the occurrence of integration and collaboration among the BIM-SCM in the South African construction industry. Using modified Implementation Process Theory, the research collected primary data using a mixed-methods research approach that involved the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data from 872 respondents randomly selected from the 1,871 BIM-based construction projects' direct participants who indicated their willingness and availability to participate in the research from the cidb databse of construction professionals in South Africa. The qualitative data collected with respect to barriers to BIM adoption and dominant BIM implementation strategies were analysed using thematic analysis. The quantitative data collected with respect to BIM adoption, barriers to BIM adoption, integration and collaboration, and BIM implementation strategies were analysed using Mean Item Score (MIS), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).The SEM method used was the Maximum Likelihood Estimation. Before modelling process, CFA was used to confirm the validity and reliability of the quantitative data using the Factor Loading, Eigenvalue, correlation coefficient, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value, Bartlett's test results, and Average Variance Explained (AVE). It emerged that the possibility of getting high-value clients, quest for a competitive edge, need for technological sophistication, need to be socially acceptable to the clients, incorporation of BIM adoption into the vision of the organisations, and development of BIM capabilities as new values in their organisations are the dominant BIM implementation strategies used in the South African construction industry. The findings also revealed that the dominant BIM implementation strategies are private driven and are not bringing about an adequate reduction in the BIM adoption barriers. Investigation of the evidence of the application of BIM tools and processes with respect to the adoption of BIM on construction projects showed that fewer building information models were developed for projects, BIM performance assessment was not intensive, emphasis was not placed on the level of objects' clarity of building information models, BIM skills and competencies were insufficient, and BIM management was dis-organised. The parameter estimates from the SEM analysis of the interactions between the BIM implementation stages indicated that the success of the BIM implementation process in South Africa depends on a positive interplay between the interacting implementation stages. The parameter estimates from the SEM analysis of the interaction between the BIM implementation stages also revealed that BIM implementation strategies control the impacts of a reduction in BIM adoption barriers on the extent of BIM adoption. However, the findings revealed that the BIM implementation strategies currently in use did not possess the required forces and intensity to strengthen the positive interplay between the interacting BIM implementation stages. The study concluded that the essential BIM implementation strategies are not in use in South Africa, while the BIM implementation strategies currently in use are not appropriately and effectively employed. However, there is evidence of elementary BIM adoption on projects and low occurrence of integration and collaboration among the BIM-SCM in South Africa. The lack of adequate skills and experience of BIM management and the inadequate understanding of what BIM adoption on projects entails mean that working policies and legislation on BIM adoption are required to drive a successful BIM implementation process. This research provides new insights on the structures and stages of the BIM implementation process and postulations that will aid the comprehension of the interconnections between BIM implementation strategies and BIM adoption on construction projects in South Africa. More importantly, this research has extended the existing theories on BIM adoption and the interactions between the levels of BIM adoption on construction projects and collaboration among the BIM-SCM.

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Purpose - The aim of the study is to further bridge the gap regarding adoption of Circular Business Models (CBM) more specifically in this case, the barriers to the adoption of Green Steel CBMs, and how Business Models (BM) can be configured for the adoption of Green Steel CBMs. Method - The research questions in the study were answered through a thematic analysis based on a three-phase data collection consisting of two informal meetings with industry specialists and 25 semi-structured interviews, followed by eleven additional interviews from a Green Steel conference to validate the findings of the semi-structured interviews. Findings - The analysis of the interviews resulted in eight identified barriers towards Green Steel CBM adoption, and eight enabling factors for the configuration of BM components specified for Green Steel CBM adoption. Furthermore, the findings present a framework showcasing how to utilize the enabling factors to overcome the barriers for the facilitation of CBMs in the steel industry.  Theoretical contribution – The study contributes to existing literature by providing a steel industry perspective on the barriers for the adoption of CBMs and presenting a framework for the configuration of BMs to overcome the barriers. The study further contributes with managerial insights to the literature towards the Green Steel transition, in contrast to the existing technical perspectives that previously has been conducted. Practical contribution - The study offers practical guidance for decision-makers in the steel industry and other industries undergoing similar transitions. The framework work as guidance for the configuration and adoption of Green Steel CBMs, highlighting the role of collaborations between stakeholders to enable new revenue streams and economic opportunities. Limitation and future research – The study was conducted with a restricted number of interviews and geographical reach, making the generalizability of the study limited. Future research could broaden the scope to include perspectives from additional regions, industry segments and stakeholders. / Syfte - Syftet med studien är att överbrygga kunskapsgapet gällande adopteringen av cirkulära affärsmodeller, mer specifikt i detta fall, barriärer för adopteringen av cirkulära affärsmodeller för Grönt Stål och hur affärsmodeller kan konfigureras för adopteringen av affärsmodeller för Grönt Stål. Metod - Forskningsfrågorna i studien besvarades genom en tematisk analys baserad på en datainsamling i tre faser bestående av två informella möten med branschspecialister och 25 semistrukturerade intervjuer, följt av elva intervjuer från en konferens om Grönt Stål för att validera resultaten av de semistrukturerade intervjuerna. Resultat - Analysen av intervjuerna resulterade i åtta identifierade barriärer för adopteringen av cirkulära affärsmodeller för Grönt Stål, samt åtta möjliggörande faktorer för konfigurationen av affärsmodells komponenter som specificerats för adopteringen av cirkulära affärsmodeller för Grönt Stål. Ytterligare presenteras resultaten i ett ramverk som visar hur man kan använda de möjliggörande faktorerna för att övervinna barriärerna och främja cirkulära affärsmodeller i stålindustrin. Teoretiskt bidrag – Studien bidrar till befintlig litteratur genom att tillhandahålla ett stålindustriperspektiv på barriärerna för adopteringen av cirkulära affärsmodeller och presentera ett ramverk för konfigurationen av affärsmodeller för att övervinna barriärerna.  Praktiskt bidrag - Studien ger praktisk vägledning för beslutsfattare inom stålindustrin och andra industrier som genomgår liknande omställningar. Ramverket fungerar som vägledning för konfigurationen och adopteringen av cirkulära affärsmodeller för Grönt Stål, och belyser rollen av samarbeten mellan intressenter för att möjliggöra nya affärsmöjligheter.  Avgränsningar och framtida studier – Studien genomfördes med ett begränsat antal intervjuer och geografisk räckvidd, vilket gjorde studiens generaliserbarhet begränsad. Framtida forskning skulle kunna bredda omfattningen till att inkludera perspektiv från ytterligare regioner, branschsegment och intressenter.

The aim of this study is to describe adoption barriers emerging on the cosmetics for men market through market research and consumer behaviour exploration. The relationship men have with the cosmetics is not easy to understand, so the purpose of this study is to explore on what is based their relationship to cosmetics market - why some are ready to use cosmetics while other reject. Regarding market of cosmetics for men, there are the barriers that prevent in adoption of cosmetics. The thesis would reveal what influence the social decision making, and would go deeper into what influence men; and what the relationships with products, brands, services, and environment they have. The conclusion will be the interpretation of the adoption barriers on cosmetics for men market.

Background:  Marketing is evolving because of Big data, and there are a lot of possibilities as well as challenges associated with Big data, especially for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), who face barriers that prevent them from taking advantage of Big data. For companies to analyze Big data, Big data analytics are used which helps companies analyze large amounts of data. However, previous research is lacking in regard to how SMEs can implement Big data analytics and how Big data analytics are perceived by SMEs. Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to investigate how the employees of Swedish SMEs perceive Big data analytics. Research Questions: How do employees of Swedish SMEs perceive Big data analytics in their current work environment? How do the barriers impact the perceptions of Big data analytics? Methodology: The research proposes a quantitative cross-sectional design as the source of empirical data. To gather the data, a survey was administered to the employees of Swedish companies that employed less than 250 people, these companies were regarded as SMEs. 139 answered the survey and out of those, the analysis was able to use 93 of the answers. The data was analyzed using previous theories, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Findings: The research concluded that the employees had positive perceptions about Bigdata analytics. Further, the research concluded that two of the barriers (security and resources) analyzed impacted the perceptions of the employees, whereas privacy of personal data did not. Theoretical Implications: This study adds to the lacking Big data research and improves the understanding of Big data and Big data analytics. The study also adds to the existing gap in literature to provide a more comprehensive view of Big data. Limitations: The main limitation of the study was that previous literature has been vague and ambiguous and therefore may not be applicable. Practical Implications: The study helps SMEs understand how to better implement Big data analytics and what barriers need to be prioritized regarding Big data analytics. Originality: To the best of the author’s knowledge, there is a significant lack of academic literature regarding Big data, Big data analytics and Swedish SMEs, therefore this study could be one of the pioneer studies examining these topics which will significantly contribute to current research.

Självbetjäningsteknologi har en expansiv tillväxt och grundar sig i konsumenters produktion och konsumtion av tjänster utan personlig kontakt från servicepersonal. Trots användningens fördelar finns det konsumenter som tenderar att undvika självbetjäningsteknologi. Det finns flertalet teoretiska modeller vilka beskriver processen kring konsumenters adoption av teknologi. Dessa teoretiska modeller tar dock inte hänsyn till de barriärer konsumenter upplever vid adoption av självbetjäningsteknologi. / Self-service technology has had an expansive growth and is based on consumers' willingness to produce and consume services without personal contact from service personnel. Despite this, there are consumers who tend to avoid self-service technology. There are several models that describe the process of consumer adoption of technology. However, there exists no model that takes into account the barriers consumers experience for adoption of self-service technology.

This thesis deals with a specific area of cloud computing - Enterprise Content Management services and their adoption among small and medium-sized businesses. The main goal is to identify and analyse factors affecting the expansion of cloud ECM services among SMBs. Secondary goals include definition of basic concepts, introduction of benefits and risks, definition of a suitable category, presentation of several products from this category, analysis of cloud computing adoption surveys, identification and analysis of main adoption barriers, description of products with focus on identified barriers and compilation of a set of recommendations for cloud service providers. These goals were achieved by studying literature, searching and analyzing cloud computing adoption surveys and consulting with professionals. This thesis contributes to the field with mapping of real world companies' opinions into practical recommendations for cloud computing vendors. Other contributions include definition of product parameters that are important when making a cloud ECM adoption decision, presentation of current market situation and how individual producers deal with main customers' barriers. Benefits for customers include cloud ECM market overview and showing which facts are worth their notice.