discrete parts manufacturing industries. We are motivated by the production environment of Roketsan Missiles Industries Incorporation, operating at Turkish defense industry. Our objective is to minimize the total weighted completion times of the jobs in the system. We formulate the problem as a mixed integer linear program and find that our model could find optimal solutions only to small sized problem instances. For medium and large sized problem instances, we develop heuristic algorithms with high quality approximate solutions in reasonable solution time. Our proposed heuristic algorithm has hierarchical approach and benefits from optimization models and priority rules. We improve the heuristic method via best move with non-blocking strategy and design several experiments to test the performances. Our computational results have revealed that proposed heuristic algorithm can find high quality solutions to large sized instances very quickly.

Dedication. Acknowledgements. Preface. Chapter 1: Introduction. Chapter 2: Green Business and Carbon Offsetting. Chapter 3A: Case Study. Chapter 3B: Interview. Chapter 4: Case Study. Chapter 5: Conclusion. Bibliography.

Abstract: In this study we have turned to the complex host-country environment of China to investigate Swedish companies doing business in a highly corrupt business context to see which dilemmas managers meet and their approaches to these dilemmas. The importance of adapting to the local culture and environment is something researchers stress in the business literature. In the beginning of our study we ask if the same statement is true when it comes to ethical decision making and from the findings one can see that this is true to a certain degree. Almost half of our respondents have in some way pushed their ethical limits for what is acceptable business practice despite of the uniform view that corruption is something the companies do not want to participate in. For the companies that have been able to create an organization which has been able to resist unethical host country pressures we have found several important factors. These have been the importance of senior management staying long periods of time, role models living the values, an understanding from HQ about the local subsidiary, realistic performance targets, reinforcement of ethics initiatives, and last but not least control. However we have also found that organizations need to be aware that different departments will meet different ethical dilemmas. Therefore the ethical initiatives need to be adapted to the foreign firms’ situation depending on where in the value chain the company is located. Keywords: corruption, ethical dilemmas, ethical approaches, local business culture, China, Sweden, managers

Studien går igenom ett flertal olika aspekter av studieteknik med utgångspunkt från en tänkt digital lärandeprocess. Dessutom diskuteras pedagogiskt mål och pedagogiska metoder relaterat till digitala plattformar. / The study discusses a plurality of different aspects of study approaches from the perspective an imaginary digital learning process. It discusses teaching goals and practices related to digital platforms.

A historical study of intervention for aphasia may provide information on how speech and language pathologists work with people with aphasia. Aphasia is seen as an umbrella term for symptoms of language disorders caused by aquired brain injury. The overall aim of the present study was to describe and analyze the development of intervention for aphasia during the periods 1990-1999 and 2000-2010. The study was conducted by analysis of 83 medical records from two hospitals in Sweden during a period of 20 years. These decades were compared to each other and yo current litteraturein search for differences and trends in aphasia intervention. The Results of the present study revealed that intervention mainly focused on recovering the linguistic ability in both the 1990s and 2000s. Intervention and literature focusing on communication seem to increase during the 2000s. In the 2000s, speech and language pathologists begin to report on working with cognitive abilities. The results of the present study cannot be generalized but may give an insight in aphasia intervention from a historical perspective in Sweden. / En studie om afasiinterventionens historia kan bidra med information om hur logopeder arbetar med personer med afasi. Afasi ses som ett paraplybegrepp för symtom på språkstörning som uppkommit efter en förvärvad hjärnskada. Syftet med föreliggande studie var att beskriva och analysera hur utvecklingen av den logopediska afasiinterventionen har sett ut under åren 1990-1999 och 2000-2010. Studien genomfördes genom analys av 83 journaler från två sjukhus i Sverige under en 20-års period. Dessa årtionden jämfördes med varandra och relaterades till aktuell litteratur för att utröna skillnader och trender i den logopediska interventionen. Resultatet i föreliggande studie visade att intervention med inriktning mot att återfå den språkliga förmågan är vanligast under både 1990-talet och 2000-talet. Intervention och litteratur inriktad mot kommunikation förefaller öka under 2000-talet. Under 2000-talet dokumenterar logopeder att de ger intervention med inriktning mot kognition. Resultaten i föreliggande studie kan inte generaliseras utan får ses som en inblick i afasiintervention ur ett historiskt perspektiv i Sverige.

Introduktion: Den perioperativa omvårdnaden där operationssjuksköterskan ingår innefattar faserna före, under och efter operation och kan ses som ett arbetssätt. Perioperativ omvårdnad har utarbetats under 1990-talet. Arbetssättet har inte efterlevts i någon stor grad trots positiva effekter för patienter och personal. Operationssjuksköterskans arbete är fortfarande övervägande traditionellt, med fokus på tiden då patienten är sövd och opereras. Vårdenhetschefers och sektionsledares uppfattningar om den perioperativa omvårdnaden har betydelse för hur arbetet bedrivs på operationsavdelningar. Syfte: Att beskriva vårdenhetschefers och sektionsledares uppfattningar om operationssjuksköterskans perioperativa omvårdnadsarbete samt om införandet av perioperativ omvårdnad. Metod:Datainsamling skedde genom öppna intervjuer med fyra vårdenhetschefer och fyra sektionsledare inom operationssjukvården på två länssjukhus och två universitetssjukhus i Sverige. Insamlad data har analyserats kvalitativt med manifest innehållsanalys. Huvudresultat: Perioperativ omvårdnad som arbetssätt hade enligt vårdenhetschefer och sektionsledare inom operationssjukvård ett värde genom att förnya operationssjuksköterskans arbetssätt vilket anses förbättra patientens omvårdnad. För att införa perioperativ omvårdnad krävdes att olika behov tillgodoses, som tydliggörande av patientnyttan, stöd som skapar rätt förutsättningar, samt att det behövs motivation hos operationssjuksköterskor. Slutsats: Perioperativt omvårdnadsarbete är, trots dess värde, inte möjligt att genomföra utan långtgående förändringar i synsätt och organisation. / Introduction: Perioperative care in which the operating room nurse takes part includes the phases before, during and after operation and can be seen as a way of working in parallel with the care process. This approach has however not been applied to any great extent in pratice despite several studies having shown the positive effects for both patients and staff. The common view of the operating room nurse’s role is still a traditional one with the focus on the time when the patient is anaesthetized and during the actual surgery. Unit managers and section leaders perceptions of perioperative care are important since it affects how the approach is applied in practice. Aim: To describe the unit managers and section leaders perceptions of the operating nurse’s perioperative care work together with how the process is applied in practice. Method: Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with four unit managers and four section leaders within the operating room unit of two provincial hospitals and two university hospitals in Sweden. Data have been analysed with a qualitative content analysis. Main results: Perioperative care as an approach has, according to the unit managers and section leaders in the operating room unit, a value as it revitalises the operating room nurse’s method of working which in turn is thought to improve patient care. It is maintained that in order to introduce perioperative care certain requirements need to be fulfilled, such as clarification of the benefit to patients, support in order to create the right conditions, as well as the need for motivated operating room nurses. Conclusion: Perioperative nursing care is, despite its value, not possible to implement without farreaching changes to how operating room nursing is approached as well as organisational changes.

It is of utmost importance for learners to master language in order to learn effectively at school. Problems in language development can cause learning problems that have negative results for the learner. Language consists mainly of the spoken language (listening and speaking), reading and writing. These three aspects of language form an integrated unit so that a problem with one will influence the others. Learners are initially taught in school to read and write. Learners should later be able to use acquired reading skills to learn, and acquired writing skills must be applied to reproduce that which has been learnt. If learners do not master the foregoing skills, their progress at school will be seriously handicapped. A further aggravating factor within the milieu of the South African education system is the complicated socio-political history of the country that created a large number of disadvantaged schools. A Report by the Ministerial Committee on Education in Disadvantaged Areas (2005:10, 43) emphasises the needs and skills of learners; training, dedication and competencies of teachers; as well as the importance of instructional media in disadvantaged areas. In spite of the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement Grade R-9 (Schools) and Grade 10-12 (Schools), illiteracy is still a serious problem in South Africa. Because the basis of all reading and writing skills are laid in the Foundation Phase, it is necessary for drastic steps to be taken to ensure that learners will be able to read with comprehension in their first years at school. This research is aimed at proving the significant relationship between high frequency words and reading skills (measured by word recognition and reading comprehension) and also improving the reading skills of learners by the acquisition of high frequency words. An effort has also been made to meet the requirements of the core elements for good teaching/instruction. To achieve this objective, the focus of this study is binary. In the first phase the researcher determines if there is a significant relationship between the visual recognition of the high frequency words and reading skills (measured by visual word recognition and reading comprehension) of learners in the Foundation Phase (Grade 2). After completion of Phase 1 it was determined that there is a correlation between the visual recognition of high frequency words and the reading skills (measured by visual word recognition and reading comprehension) of learners in the Foundation Phase (Grade 2). After the successful completion of Phase 1 the focus shifts to the study of Phase 2. In Phase 2 the researcher makes a contribution to the instruction/teaching milieu and meets the requirements of the stated criteria to ensure good instruction/teaching as determined by the Report of the Ministerial Committee on Education in Disadvantaged Areas (2005:10, 43). This contribution is made through the designing of a reading instruction programme that is aimed at the improvement of reading skills (measured by visual word recognition and reading comprehension) of learners in the Foundation Phase. The focus of this Reading Instruction Programme is the acquisition of the first 100 high frequency words as they appear in Aucamp's list (1932: 79 - 80). The gathering/collection of data in both phases is characterised by the use of standardised tests. In Phase 1 use was made of descriptive statistics; Pearson's product moment correlations and Cohen's r-values; t-tests and Cohen's d-values; as well as one sample t-tests to analyse and interpret data. In Phase 2 pre- and post-tests were used. Statistical techniques used during the analysis reporting and interpretation of data in Phase 2 are descriptive statistics; Wilcoxon rank sum tests; one-way covariance analysis; Wilcoxon symmetry-tests, and Cohen's d-values. This study contributes to the education milieu when it proves that the instruction of high frequency words by means of this Reading Instruction Programme leads to the improvement of the reading skills (measured byword recognition and reading comprehension) of learners in Grade 3. The Reading Instruction Programme is based on a balanced reading approach in which the main components of reading integrated with high frequency words are instructed. This instruction is characterised among others by direct, explicit instruction; multi-sensory methods; the use of high quality instructional media; and the automatisation of high frequency words. The Reading Instruction Programme is based on the behaviouristic and cognitive learning theories as well as the transactional reading theory. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This thesis compares the variability of commissioning savings and the persistence of savings from the Normalized Annual Consumption (NAC) and standard International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) weather normalization approaches and from Option C and Option D of the IPMVP. Twenty-nine different weather years were used to obtain a set of savings results under each method. Variability of savings was quantified by the average standard deviation of the 29 percent savings results across all post-commissioning periods for each method. For the combined chilled and hot water savings, the average standard deviation is 0.39% savings for Option D using the NAC weather normalization approach, 0.57% savings for Option D using the standard IPMVP weather normalization approach, 0.71% savings for Option C with regression models using the NAC weather normalization approach, and 0.98% savings for Option C with regression models using the standard IPMVP weather normalization approach. The variability of savings persistence results deviate a little from variability of savings results. For the combined chilled and hot water persistence of savings, the average standard deviation across all post-commissioning periods is 0.48% persistence for Option D using the NAC weather normalization approach, 0.55% persistence for Option D using the standard IPMVP weather normalization approach, 0.52% persistence for Option C with regression models using the NAC weather normalization approach, and 1.26% persistence for Option C with regression models using the standard IPMVP weather normalization approach. Overall, the NAC weather normalization approach shows less variability in savings and persistence than the standard IPMVP weather normalization approach. Additionally, Option D of the IPMVP generally shows less variability in savings and persistence of savings than Option C with regression models. This thesis also determines the savings and persistence of savings from commissioning for three Texas A&M University buildings. Aggregate site savings averaged 11.4%, 16.5%, and 19.0% for the three buildings over differing periods of available data. Persistence results for the three buildings are quite favorable, as each building shows an increase in aggregate site savings between the first and last post-commissioning periods. Follow-up commissioning restored and prevented degradation of savings in two of the buildings.

Providing support for the agricultural development of small farmers is the main goal of the project Agriculture in Guatemala: Technology, Education and Commercialization (AGTEC). To accomplish this, it is necessary, to identify the characteristics and needs of participants, as well as their environmental, social, and farming conditions. Through this study, two case studies were conducted to identify and analyze the context of small farmers of the region. This research study used qualitative and participative methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observation, to gather data about the participants' thoughts and opinions concerning their situations. The case study systemically gathered information about the conditions and needs of small farmers to provide a better understanding of the people and their interactions within the farm systems. This needs assessment showed how the farmers' decisions about adoption are related to their interactions on their farms. Therefore, this study analyzed the system, as a whole, to identify priorities among different critical components that will provide optimum results for beneficiaries. These priorities will allow the identification of appropriate technologies that will satisfy the needs of small farmers according to their local, cultural, and economic conditions. The appropriate technologies need to be diffused among the farmers for adoption. Rogers observed that technologies that are diffused by opinion leaders are adopted by their peers. Thus, the second case study analyzed the social networks and their leaders to observe their potential to support the diffusion process of technologies. The study revealed the presence of diverse social networks, one provided by the political structure, others based on organized groups of farmers and other informal networks formed by independent farmers. Data also showed that opinion leaders have desired roles and characteristics among their networks. Therefore diffusion of innovations through formal and non-formal leaders represents a promising strategy as they are recognized and respected by peers. The diffusion of innovations through opinion leaders promotes the active participation of local members, validates the innovations, and sustains adoption over time. Therefore, the analysis of the social networks and selection of opinion leaders supports the diffusion process of the AGTEC project in Chimaltenango, Guatemala.

This thesis concentrates on evolving concepts on conservation of cultural heritage with an emphasis on archaeological sites and evaluates the realization of diverse concepts in a particular case. The study is handled in two main sections that cover theoretical study and case study. The initial conceptual section clarifies the circumstances in archaeological sites with a view to historical developments followed by current approaches at international and national level. The following section comprises the case study concerning the archaeological site of Perge studied through historical and urban evolution and investigation of excavations and interventions for evaluation of concerns for its conservation. The thesis is finalized by concluding remarks of the study as a guide for further studies for conservation issues of the ancient city of Perge.