I takt med striktare mål för energianvändning och krav på energieffektivitet skärps energikrav för småhus successivt. Moderna småhus isoleras kraftigare och görs mer lufttäta i syfte att minska transmissionsförlusterna vintertid och därmed också energiåtgången för uppvärmning. Ett ökat fokus på att minska småhusens energianvändning vintertid slår tillbaka sommartid då moderna småhus kan konstateras ha en förhöjd överhettningsrisk med sämre termisk komfort och med negativa hälsoeffekter som följd. I arbetet används Simulink för att simulera prestandan hos fyra systemlösningar för produktion av komfortkyla och tappvarmvatten. Systemlösningarna som modelleras är ett resultat av ett samarbete med Swegon AB som vill undersöka potential i frikyla samt ny, icke etablerad teknik. Systemlösningarna består av en referenssystem med luft-luftvärmepump, därefter: (1) absorptionskylmaskin driven av solfångare: (2) frikyla från borrhål med bergvärmepump: (3) frikyla med uteluft via FTX-aggregat, lagringstank för kyla och stöd av luft-vattenvärmepump. Resultatet visade att frikyla och tappvarmvatten med bergvärmepump hade den bästa energi- och miljöprestandan. Systemet med en absorptionskylmaskin driven av solfångare var, trots användningen av solfångare, klimatmässigt sämst. Systemet blir troligtvis för dyrt då huset blir beroende av ytterligare system för uppvärmning vintertid vilket driver upp kostnaderna. Frikyla via utomhusluft blev det näst bästa alternativet ur ett energi- och miljöperspektiv men lider av höga investeringskostnader på grund av många komponenter för att systemet ska fungera. Simuleringarna visade att potentialen för lagring av frikyla från utomhusluft via FTX-aggregat är relativt god men att det fanns få tillfällen under året då kylan kunde användas. Att kunna bereda tappvarmvatten med annat än enbart el kommer bli viktigare för att inte riskera att överskrida BBR:s energikrav. Att komplettera klimatskalet med åtgärder som hindrar solinstrålning från att ta sig in i byggnaden kan vara en åtgärd som kan förändra resultatet i utredningen. Det gör att det är nödvändigt med vidare studier där hänsyn tas till fler parametrar, exempelvis husets värmetröghet. Vidare studier bör även kompletteras med en analys av husets värmebehov vintertid innan en slutgiltig slutsats kan dras om vilken systemlösning som kan bli ett kommersiellt gångbart alternativ på marknaden.

When several parties are involved in a construction project are conflicts inevitable, and when one party feel that another party are not following their work according to the agreed contract, can they issue a claim. Claim management and causes of claims has been addressed by previous research, but there is lack of attention to study claim management specifically in EPC-projects. The purpose of this thesis is to shed some light on claim management and identify cause of change claims, specifically in the context of EPC-projects. A case study was conducted within an organisation that executes complex plant EPC-projects, where several parties are involved. This thesis has applied tools of root cause analysis in order to identify the causes of change claims, and conducted focus groups and semi-structured interviews to better understand problems associated with claim management and how the relationship between two parties affects claims. The thesis concludes that the most common root causes to sub-contractor change claims are related to design where not enough information for design input has been provided, or related to installation where sub-contractors issue change claims in order to fix conflicts caused by themselves. Other major root causes are related to insufficient instructions provided by the principal organisation or requests of changes by one party. The thesis also concludes that claims during plant installation are avoided since more time is required for settling an official claim. Poor documentation is a major reason why the settlement of official claims requires more time. Further does this thesis conclude that the relationship between two parties does not affect claims, and in contrast might the relationship benefit from claims if causes are treated properly.

This research uses a comparison among seven different case studies to study how different innovation enablers leading to Industry 4.0 have different effect on different sized companies. To do so, the seven companies taking part in the study are divided between SMEs and large companies. In order to develop the framework which is then deployed to the companies in the form of a self-assessing questionnaire along with open questions, relevant literature from both the study of innovation adoption and Industry 4.0 is used. The findings of the study, which due to respondents’ availability is limited to Italy, suggest that two main groups of enablers are very important for SMEs and three group of enablers are relevant for large companies. While both groups value the decrease in the cost of operations and the government incentives currently available in Italy as important enablers, the large companies also consider the prior organisational readiness to adopt industry 4.0 as crucial. The study also finds that another dimension which would be interesting to investigate in order to better understand the adoption of innovation by industrial manufacturing companies regards the type of production performed by the company, identifying customised production as more open and ready to adopt Industry 4.0 on a large scale. The thesis has been developed in collaboration with Rohrbeck Heger GmbH along with a consulting project having a very similar objective.

This is a master thesis written by undersigned students at Mälardalens University. This report consists of a project where the goal is to develop products for the mounting fixtures for windows and exterior doors to the company Husmuttern AB.    The company Husmuttern AB is working to develop modular housing for constructions with the help of fixtures. The idea behind the usage of fixtures is that anyone even those with no previous experience should be able to build the parts for the finished house. This will be achieved by using an interactive screen with instructions that are easy to understand, even if you do not know the language.   This project has dealt with everything regarding the development of walls with windows and exterior doors. Namely, the choice of both windows and exterior door models and the development of frameworks for the walls and finally the development of support for the beams to make it possible to build these walls in the fixtures.

This thesis investigates the progress of corporate implementations of Artificial Intelligence and discusses the effects that this might have on the corporate sector as well as some implications on a societal level. The analysis is based on data from surveys conducted by Accenture, Bain & Company, Capgemini Digital Transformation Institute, Deloitte, Gartner Inc., McKinsey Global Institute and MIT Sloan Management Review & Boston Consulting Group. Over the last 3 years the adoptions of Artificial Intelligence have increased 2-3 times and the trend is expected to continue in the coming years as well, since 40-55 % of the surveyed companies are in the initial stages of AI adoption. Further, the growth rate in AI investments has been even more radical and increased 15-20 times over the last 7 years. Companies who have implemented AI report significant benefits and companies with a proactive strategy for Artificial Intelligence report higher profit margins than their industry competitors. Further the data indicates that companies that are successful in implementing AI have better general organizational capabilities, higher data & skills readiness and more AI focus in leadership and strategic planning. Another result in the study is that most managers in companies implementing AI expect that the technology will enable them to enter new markets and also that new competitors will enter their market. This will probably lead to increased competition and the results from other technology transitions indicate that this might force more companies to adopt AI to stay competitive. Regarding competence strategy some theorists have argued that companies without AI experience should compensate by acquiring a high tech start-up with the needed technology and competence. However, the data indicates that the most limiting factors for companies without AI experience are related to leadership and technical capabilities, not access to competence. It is only in later stages of the adoption process that access to competence becomes the primary limiting factor. The data gives mixed indications on AI consequences on employment. Half of the companies implementing AI expect job losses in the organization in the coming 3 years, while almost a third expects AI to lead to new jobs. However, the data also suggests that existing employees will need to change their skill sets. Therefor both the public and private sector will need to adapt and find ways to support employees that need to re-educate themselves.

The energy performance of the buildings is important for economic and environmental aspect. The building energy use is gradually increasing. This is due to economical growth and increase in population. There are various energy efficiency measures that can be implemented provided they are economically feasible. Several Studies show that the implementation of energy saving measures such as thermal insulation results in more energy saving. However, most of the outlined measures are not economically viable. The paper outlines the energy efficiency measures through the use of the computer IDA ICE software. The evaluation of energy performance of two multifamily houses was conducted and possible suggestions such as thermal insulation, change of the windows, installing new air handling unit, installing heat exchange in the showers, improving the thermal bridges and change of schedules were presented. The economic feasibility of the suggestions is analysed using the life cycle cost to determine the economic viability of the energy measures. This involved determine the investment cost and life cycle saving cost to decide the best option. The most important factor in determining life-cycle saving is the modified uniform net present factor.  The addition of attic insulation, replacement of lighting bulbs, installing heat exchange in the showers and change of schedules, meet the economical requirement within the required time frame. The total energy saving from the measures that meet the economical requirement was approximately 71 MWh/year for Centralgatan 14 and 54 MWh/year of Tebogatan 5 corresponding to 24 % for Centralgatan 14 and 20.4 % of Tebogatan 5 reduction in heating demand. Replacement of lighting bulbs results in 5 MWh/year and 7.51 MWh/year  electricity energy saving for Tebogatan 5 and Centralgatan 14 respectively. The integration of energy measures has less impact on thermal comfort. The energy measures implementaed are within the acceptable limit of < 15 % PPD for thermal comfort apart from the combined effect of adding 200 mm external insulation plus lowering indoor temperature. Key word: energy audit, economical anaylysis, life cycle savings, investment cost, energy efficiency, IDA ICE

Denna fallstudie syftar till att undersöka vilka dimensioner av ett arbetsgivarvarumärke ett IT-konsultföretag som arbetar i geografiskt utspridda arbetsgrupper kan använda för att minska sin personalomsättning. Ett arbetsgivarvarumärke kan användas både externt, i syfte att attrahera nya talanger, och internt, i syfte att behålla befintliga talanger och se till att tidigare anställda agerar goda ambassadörer för ett företag. Ett arbetsgivarvarumärke används för att förmedla vad det är som kännetecknar ett företag som arbetsgivare och vad det är som gör företaget unikt. Det interna arbetsgivarvarumärket kan användas för att minska personalomsättningen på ett företag, vilket är ekonomiskt fördelaktigt för företaget. Ett arbetsgivarvarumärke består av olika dimensioner, till exempel organisationskultur, arbetsmiljö och kompensation som beskriver företaget, dess roll och agerande som arbetsgivare. Kopplingen mellan arbetsgivarvarumärkets olika dimensioner och ett företags personalomsättning har undersökts inom olika branscher, bland annat banksektorn, men inte inom IT-konsultbranschen. Vidare har tidigare undersökningar som genomförts inte heller tagit hänsyn till arbete som genomförs i geografiskt utspridda arbetsgrupper. Denna studie genomfördes via en fallstudie inom IT-konsultbranschen på ett företag som arbetar i geografiskt utspridda arbetsgrupper. Denna fallstudie har genom kvalitativa intervjuer med tidigare anställda hos företaget undersökt kopplingen mellan nio olika dimensioner av ett arbetsgivarvarumärke och dess eventuella inverkan på företagets personalomsättning. De dimensioner som undersöktes var flexibla arbetstider, arbetsmiljö, kompensationsnivå, utbildning och avancemang, varumärkets anseende, självbestämmande vid utförandet av arbetsuppgifter, trygghet i anställningen, organisationskultur samt socialt ansvarstagande. Resultatet visar att de dimensioner som främst påverkar personalomsättningen positivt är flexibla arbetstider, arbetsmiljö, kompensationsnivå, Utbildning och avancemang, självbestämmande vid utförandet av arbetsuppgifter samt organisationskultur. Samtidigt påverkas både organisationskulturen, arbetsmiljön och gemenskapen på arbetsplatsen av arbetet i geografiskt utspridda arbetsgrupper.

The concept of National Innovation Systems (NIS) has been widely adopted in developing countries, particularly in Latin American countries, for the last two decades. The concept is used mainly as an ex-ante framework to organize and increase the dynamics of those institutions linked to science, technology and innovation, for catching-up processes of development. In the particular case of Bolivia, and after several decades of social and economic crisis, the promise of a national innovation system reconciles a framework for collaboration between the university, the government and the socio-productive sectors. Dynamics of collaboration generated within NIS can be a useful tool for the pursuit of inclusive development ambitions.   This thesis is focused on inclusive innovation processes and the generation of co-evolutionary processes between university, government and socio-productive sectors. This is the result of 8 years of participatory action research influenced by Mode 2 knowledge-production and Technoscientific approaches.   The study explores the policy paths the Bolivian government has followed in the last three decades in order to organize science, technology and innovation. It reveals that Bolivia has an emerging national innovation system, where its demand-pulled innovation model presents an inclusive approach. Innovation policy efforts in Bolivia are led by the Vice-Ministry of Science and Technology (VCyT). Moreover, NIS involves relational and collaborative approaches between institutions, which imply structural and organizational challenges, particularly for public universities, as they concentrate most of the research capabilities in the country. These universities are challenged to participate in NIS within contexts of weak demanding sectors.    This research focuses on the early empirical approaches and transformations at Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) in Cochabamba. The aim to strengthen internal innovation capabilities of the university and enhance the relevance of research activities in society by supporting socio-economic development in the framework of innovation systems is led by the Technology Transfer Unit (UTT) at UMSS. UTT has become a recognized innovation facilitator unit, inside and outside the university, by proposing pro-active initiatives to support emerging innovation systems. Because of its complexity, the study focuses particularly on cluster development promoted by UTT. Open clusters are based on linking mechanisms between the university research capabilities, the socio-productive actors and government. Cluster development has shown to be a practical mechanism for the university to meet the demanding sector (government and socio-productive actors) and to develop trust-based inclusive innovation processes. The experiences from cluster activities have inspired the development of new research policies at UMSS, with a strong orientation to foster research activities towards an increased focus on socio-economic development. The experiences gained at UMSS are discussed and presented as a “developmental university” approach.   Inclusive innovation processes with co-evolutionary approaches seem to constitute an alternative path supporting achievement of inclusive development ambitions in Bolivia.

Microgrids are turning to be one of the most important factors for future power systems. In this thesis, the considered system consists of two resourses, namely Solar and Wind energy. These renewable energy sources are generally connected parallel in Microgrid system. In order to get better performance from Microgrid, the existing system has to be modified. This thesis presents the modeling and control of PV/wind Microgrid. Selection of suitable wind turbine and AC or DC Microgrid is clearly presented in thesis.             Microgrid concept integrates large amounts of micro sources without disrupting the operation of main utility grid. This hybrid Microgrid consists of PV/wind energy sources for DC and AC networks respectively. Energy storage systems may be connected to either AC or DC Microgrids. The proposed hybrid Microgrid operates in grid-tied or isolated mode. AC sources and loads are connected to AC network, whereas DC sources and loads are connected to DC network. Uncertainty and intermittent characteristics of wind speed, solar irradiation level, ambient temperature and load are additionally considered in the system model and operation.

Diabetes är en kronisk sjukdom som finns i form av diabetes typ 2 och diabetes typ 1. Den vanliga behandlingen för diabetes typ 2 är främst genom förändrade kost och motionsvanor. Det kan vara aktuellt med medicinering med orala tabletter och i vissa fall insulin. I diabetes typ 1 är behandlingen alltid med insulininjektioner. För att förbättra behandling, förebygga sjukdom och ge patienter mera information så finns det idag på marknaden många applikationer (appar) att ladda ned till sina digitala enheter. För att dessa ska vara klassade som en medicinteknisk produkt ska de vara CE-märkta. Det finns många appar som ger hjälp med viktnedgång, diet, insulindosering, loggar för glukosvärde, påminnelser för medicinering och så vidare. Appar tros kunna förbättra för diabetespatienter då de till stor del själva ska sköta sin sjukdom och dessutom minska kostnader då diabetessjukdomar och komplikationer av diabetes kostar samhället otroliga mängder pengar. Trots att appar har exploderat på marknaden så har inte många studier utförts. Det pågår forskning och studier inom området och det är väldigt intressant att se vad vi kan göra med den moderna teknik som hela tiden går framåt. Syftet med det här litteraturarbetet är att undersöka om appar kan vara till hjälp för att förebygga eller behandla patienter med diabetes och vilka effekter de kan innebära att använda appar. Studierna som undersökts visade att appar har haft positiva effekter och varit till stor hjälp och stöd, samt förbättrat glukosvärden och gett information om bland annat insulin till patienter. Att ta hjälp av appar har varit stor motivation till viktnedgång och förbättrad hälsa för diabetespatienter. Studierna har visat att appar kan vara ett bra komplement till patienter men ska inte ersätta den standardterapi som finns. Användning av appar kan vara ett bra stöd till behandling och för att förebygga att insjukna i diabetes typ 2 genom livsstilsförändringar. Att använda appar sparar också samhället pengar genom att färre drabbas av sjukdomen. Om patienter får mer information och kan sköta sin diabetes ännu bättre så blir det även mindre komplikationer av sjukdomen. / Diabetes is a chronicle disease and can be divided in to two types of diabetes, diabetes type 2 and diabetes type 1. The treatment for diabetes type 2 is often just a lifestyle change involving exercise and diet. But you can also treat it with oral medication and sometimes insulin. Diabetes type 1 is always treated with insulininjections. To improve treatment, prevent disease and to inform patients about their conditions there are many applications (apps) to download to your digital devices. For these apps to qualify as a medical product they have to be certified with a CE-mark. There is many apps to help individuals with weight-loss, diet, insulindosage, diary for glucosevalues, medicationreminders and so on. Apps could of value to patients with diabetes since they have to manage their condition themselves and it can also save money since diabetes and complications from diabetes cost the society a lot of money. Although the amount of apps on the market and increasing, not a lot of studies have evaluated their effects. But the research is ongoing and it is very interesting to see what can happen with apps and digital support to help patients in our digital world that is always heading forward. In this report it will be investigated if apps can be effective and of help to diabetespatients for treatment, support, information and to prevent diabetes type 2. In the studies evaluated it has been shown that apps have had positive effects and has been of support and help for patients. It has improved glucosevalues and given a lot of important information to diabetespatients, about the usage of insulin among other things. The apps have been effective to motivate weight-loss and motivate patients to live healthier. Apps have been a good complement to the usual therapy, but should not replace it. To combine treatment with support from apps seems to be a valuable thing for information, help and to prevent individuals to get diabetes type 2.