Much has been written on the revanchist city (for example Smith, 1996; MacLeod, 2002; Belina and Helms, 2003) and the reclaiming of space from so-called ‘undesirables‘ through the means of the police. Here, the guiding ideas are policing strategies such as the ‘broken windows syndrome‘ (Kelling and Wilson, 1982) and ‘zero tolerance policing‘ (Giuliani and Bratton, 1994; Beckett and Herbert, 2008; Herbert and Beckett, 2010). However, the role of private security companies in the reclaiming of public space remains under-researched. Using a case study in Cape Town this research gap will be addressed in this study. Conceptualising the thesis through governance and territoriality, it will examine how revanchist ideas of reclaiming space from urban poor and street people lead to exclusionary processes in the quest for sanitised spaces. By taking private security companies out of the environment of mass private property in which they are most commonly studied (Shearing and Stenning, 1983; von Hirsch and Shearing, 2000; Wakefield, 2003), this thesis examines their role and impact on public spaces within the revanchist environment of Cape Town, South Africa. Here, fast and extensive developments in governance as well as in urban life, interwoven with exceptionally high crime rates, have created a flourishing market for private security companies. In this context this thesis examines the case of private policing companies operating in the core public spaces of the city; the research reveals their social ordering function and powers are the same as those usually associated with the public police. Drawing on these insights it is claimed that private policing companies manifest an evolution from private security companies towards the police, and that this continues the pluralisation of the policing landscape. By mapping the privately policed spaces within the case studies and analysing the functions the different governance actors carry out, this thesis also argues that social development actors become part of the policing landscape. Analysing the governance landscape and its close ties to private policing, it is argued that social development is becoming the softer side of policing. Combining effective private policing companies with social development in support of the state reveals that private governance actors are indeed powerful players in public spaces. Drawing on this governance of security and its associated power, the final argument will be that a different kind of public space is being developed. After consideration of the particular history of defunct public spaces in South Africa, it is claimed that no single public space exists anymore, but that we now face different public spaces, characterised through their different norms and rules, and the social groups that use them.

This study examines issues relating to the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Greek listed companies. Initially, the impact of transition, as a result of differences between IFRS and Greek GAAP, on the first IFRS financial statements in 2005 is assessed. Then, a disclosure index is constructed, containing all the disclosure items mandated by the IFRS extant at the end of April 2006. Based on this research instrument, and two disclosure index methods, compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosures in their first year of implementation is examined. A review of disclosure theories, the features of the Greek financial reporting system, and considerations regarding the timing of the research are used as a basis for establishing a priori expectations and testing the potential factors explaining compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosures. Subsequently, any change in the value relevance of accounting information before and immediately after IFRS mandatory implementation is examined. Whether the reconciliation statements required by IFRS 1 provided value relevant information to investors is also explored. Finally, the valuation implications of IFRS mandatory disclosures are explored. The above analyses indicate the following. Greek listed companies’ financial statements were affected significantly by the adoption of IFRS. The average level of compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosures approximates to 80%. The impact on net income and shareholders’ equity, as a result of the transition to IFRS, as well as audit firm size, are significantly associated with the extent to which companies comply. No change in the value relevance of accounting information between 2004 and 2005 is identified. Reconciliation adjustments are incrementally value relevant and levels of mandatory disclosures do have valuation effects. Based on the findings of the above analyses, the study contributes to the relevant literature and discusses policy implications. It also concludes with suggestions for further research and recommendations on the methods for measuring compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosures.

This thesis examines the expansion of private maritime security provision, its regulation and implications for national and global security. The main research question addressed is: How are private maritime security companies (PMSCs) regulated in the context of the contemporary trend towards international security privatisation? However, further questions stem from this: Is the complex framework of the PMSCs’ business model adequately regulated? To what extent could the existing practices and regulatory framework affect international security in governance and policy, strategic, social and commercial terms? Qualitative research methods were used, strongly supported by empirical data collection – available due to extensive professional experience and personal engagement of the author with the private maritime security industry. Using a case study of PMSCs’ operations off Somalia from 2005-2013, and a plethora of selected data from primary sources and semi-structured interviews, the paper argues that there is need for more effective regulation of PMSCs and the establishment of international standards. Following an analysis of the current conceptual framework of private security, focussing particularly on maritime security, in the context of contemporary academic literature and professional practice, the paper provides a detailed theoretical justification for the selection of the methodology used. After broadening and deepening the analysis of the privatisation of security ashore, the concerns raised are then transferred to the maritime domain. The situation becomes even more complicated in the high seas due to inconsistencies between flag states’ regulations, the unregulated vastness of the oceans and the reluctance of any international body (such as the IMO) to undertake the essential task of regulating PMSCs. Building on this, an analytical framework that enables the integration of maritime security and contemporary piracy into the contemporary paradigm of global security is developed. An historical overview of piracy then demonstrates that modern piracy is an ancient phenomenon with contemporary local characteristics. The maritime crime’s causal factors remain more or less the same throughout human history and, the paper argues, PMSCs serve as a short term response to address the symptoms rather than the root causes. Given that PMSCs have so far been used primarily as measures against Somali piracy, activities in this specific region provide an appropriate case study. The development of a typology of piracy offers a deeper understanding of the regional distinctiveness of the phenomenon, which is essential to acquiring a holistic picture of the operational environment in which PMSCs are deployed. The above considerations are used as a basis for analysing the complexities of the PMSCs’ business model, in legal, operational and ethical terms. The questionable practices involved in these are not fully regulated by national states. Hence, their contract and deployment raise ethical, legal and operational concerns. In the penultimate chapter, these are further assessed in terms of the extent to which the existing regulatory framework and PMSCs’ practices affect international security in governance and policy, strategic, social and commercial terms. The research indicates that states are increasingly outsourcing the monopoly they have exercised in security provision - a trend that has also expanded the private sector’s activities and business at sea. However, the lack of international laws and the consequent unstandardized plethora of flag states’ regulations has meant that the burgeoning private security services are dependent on the global market to regulate themselves. States’ reluctance and/or inability to regulate these companies has allowed controversial practices to persist and the lack of an international body responsible for their regulation and vetting on a worldwide basis has inevitable consequences in terms of global security. The overall outcome of this thesis is an elucidation of the potential implications of the privatisation of maritime security - both positive and negative. Most significantly, it suggests this could present a significant threat to international security in the near future.

These years has witnessed a rapid change in staff’s working pattern. Flexible working arrangements are increasingly widespread in developed countries as well as developing countries. The adoption level of flexible working arrangements is predicted to keep increasing in the future. However, some obstacles will emerge when flexible working policies are carried out in companies. The results such as low participation of staff in flexible working arrangements may fail to live up organizations’ expectation. Accordingly, employers’ and employees’ evaluation of flexible working policies may be helpful to remove these obstacles and plays a vital role in improving the implementation of flexible working arrangements.Considering that change of the implementation of flexible working policies will have direct impacts on employers and employees, these two groups of people are chosen as respondents to investigate. The respondents of this thesis are from foreign and multinational companies in China. Since documental data on flexible working policies are quite few, the researchers have collected both qualitative and quantitative data by doing interviews and a survey. The findings of the interviewees’ opinions and the survey data show both similarities and differences between employers’ and employees’ evaluations, which may pave the way for improvement of the implementation of flexible working arrangements.The findings of this research show that the implementation of flexible working policies is affected by two categories, “the content of policies” and “the external factors influencing the implementation of policies” such as facilities provided by companies, trust and support from supervisors. Furthermore, employers and employees tend to hold similar or different opinions on the concepts included in these two categories related to their different positions in their companies. The findings of this research are regarding the current implementation of flexible working arrangements and limited types of flexible working arrangements. Other factors and improvements can be achieved in future practice.

Due to the development of, and the opportunities that social media provides for different groups in society, companies and organizations are encouraged to be present on, and be a part of the new social media landscape. This research examines how five companies and five organizations use social media as a tool to create relationships with individuals, and what role social media plays in the daily communication work. The social media platforms discussed in this research companies and organizations can utilize not only to create an identity and work with branding, but also to apply two-way communication with individuals. The research applies qualitative interviews with representatives from each company and organization. The main findings revealed surprisingly that there are not any significant differences between companies’ and organizations’ way of using social media, but that it differs more between different kinds of companies and organizations. Most companies and organizations use different social media platforms for different purposes or to reach different target groups. Facebook and Instagram are the two platforms that most companies and organizations from the research use. Facebook is generally used to share information and Instagram to inspire. Furthermore, social media provides different possibilities to reach out to people than more traditional ways of communication such as print advertising and newsletters. Hence, social media plays an important role in the work with communication in order to reach out to people and can have a decisive effect for companies and organizations. The advantages of social media that the participating companies and organizations emphasized are that they get to have their own voice, they can themselves create interest and commitment, rather than using a PR-firm for example, and it enables two-way communication which in turn foster relationships with individuals. Finally, one of the biggest advantages highlighted is the fast communication that is enabled on social media platforms which keep the companies and organizations closer to the public

Using a sample of 1007 U.S. bank holding companies from 1995 to 2015, this study investigates whether the use of financial derivatives of U.S. bank holding companies affects distance-to-default, a measure of a bank’s chance of defaulting. My results show that total derivatives and total derivatives for trading purposes do not have any statistically significant impact on distance-to-default. There is, however, a statistically significant correlation between total derivatives for non-trading purposes and distance-to-default. More exposure to total non-trading derivatives decreases distance-to- default, thus making a bank holding company riskier. Further analysis of the results shows that, after the initiation of the Dodd-Frank Act, more exposure to credit derivatives will decrease distance-to-default, therefore increasing the riskiness of a bank holding company.

M.Comm. / Economic growth is the key to wealth creation and competitiveness. The purpose is to improve the welfare of society and upgrade the standard of living of all citizens. The most important element to any nation seeking growth and stability is economic growth - and the key to this is a high level of productivity. Sustained growth transforms the lives of poor people. It makes higher output and income possible, which raises the productivity of their work. However, South Africa's productivity record is disappointing and has fallen behind that of its main trading partners. Productivity growth has slowed down since 1970 and is poor compared to world standards. This contributes to the poor economic growth and a decline in competitiveness. Despite strong capital investment, productivity growth in South Africa has been weak and even negative for a long time. South Africa's lack of economic growth is further accentuated by high unemployment, labour unrest and high goverment expenditure. South Africa, competing with developing countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Greece and Mexico has lagged behind these countries in terms of economic growth. Real incomes rose steadily in the 1960's, but dropped during the 1980's. South Africa was also the only country where output per person was lower (8%) in 1994 than in 1970. The next worst performer, Argentina, reported output per person of 13% higher in 1994 than in 1970. Brazil performed the best with over 80% higher output in 1994. The challenge facing the Goverment of National Unity is sustained productivity-growth. Firstly, the economy must grow faster to provide the basis for human development in the long run. Secondly, growth must benefit everybody. The economy must be stimulated to increase job creation to help alleviate poverty. In an attempt to stimulate the local economy and focus on productivity growth, incentive-based schemes are more widely being used to increase productivity. The use of incentives and "gainsharing" is recognised by management as an effective and one of a few successful methods to help raise productivity levels. In the process, a "win-win" solution is created. Ultimately, productivity gains translate into benefits for all the stakeholders. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the problems regarding productivity, methods of improving productivity in general with the emphasis on incentive schemes and "gainsharing" with a specific focus on the insurance industry in South Africa. The study begins with a thorough literature study regarding productivity, productivity improvement techniques and incentives to increase productivity. Following this is an imperical study to investigate certain specific factors which influence productivity, and methods to improve productivity through incentive schemes.

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With the increasing emergence of multinational companies and the increased popularity of these companies, the question of the organization of their activities becomes interesting for the HR community worldwide. These companies are renowned for deliberate management structure of human resources and their effective use. For effective use of employees’ skills and knowledge the company has to constantly motivate them by intrinsic and extrinsic motivational tools. Motivational tools which use a company may be different depending on specific features of the country that the office is located. The purpose of this research is the study of how multinational companies organize the motivational system in different countries taking into account cultural characteristics and needs of the personnel in the offices of a particular country. On the basis of data derived from interviews with 12 representatives of 6 companies (4 of them Swedish companies, Oriflame, SCA, Volvo, IKEA, and two American companies, IBM and Deloitte, that have representative offices in Sweden and in Russia) it was revealed that modern multinational companies use similar motivational tools that partly standardized to keep the specifics of the company, and partly adapted to the local requirements.

Syftet med uppsatsen är att ta reda på vilka strategier olika reseföretag använder sig av för sin marknadsföring på Facebook och hur de utnyttjar detta till sin fördel. Vi vill även ta reda på hur en sådan marknadsföring kan påverka konsumentens val av resmål. Vi undersöker både stora och mindre reseföretag för att ta reda på om strategierna för en sådan marknadsföring skiljer sig. Vi undersöker även kundens perspektiv för att ta reda på om reseföretagens strategier stämmer överens med hur kunden upplever företaget. Tre olika undersökningsmetoder har använts. Strukturerade och semi-strukturerade intervjuer med åtta olika reseföretag för att få en djup förståelse för hur de arbetar med marknadsföring på Facebook. Vi har även använt oss av kvantitativ metod i form av en enkätundersökning för att få fram kundernas perspektiv på detta. De teorier som har använts är e-marketing pyramiden, teorier för hur ett företag ska gå tillväga för att marknadsföra sig på sociala medier, teorier om vilket innehåll som är mest attraktivt för användaren, teorier om vilket språkbruk som ska användas samt teorier för hur Facebook kan fungera som en klagomålskanal och hur detta kan undvikas. Efter att studerat detta fenomen kom vi fram till resultat som svarar på våra frågeställningar. Genom att arbeta strategiskt och organiserat med marknadsföring på Facebook har reseföretag möjligheten att locka både befintliga samt nya kunder. För att kunna göra detta är det viktigt att publicera inlägg som skapar engagemang och som anspelar på människors känslor. Dessa inlägg ska gärna varvas med informativa inlägg. Det är viktigt att reseföretag är medvetna om vad som ska till för att lyckas på kanalen och använda sig av de verktyg som Facebook erbjuder och även andra mätningsverktyg. På så sätt kan företag se hur väl deras marknadsföring fungerar. Undersökningen visar på att de personer som ser reseföretagens inlägg på Facebook i någon grad påverkas av dessa i sitt val av resmål. Den visar även på hur reseföretag kan arbeta för att undvika negativ återkoppling från sina kunder och hur denna återkoppling hanteras. / The purpose of this essay is to research which strategies different travel companies use to market themselves on Facebook and how they use this to their advantage. We are also researching how this kind of marketing can affect the consumer’s choice of destination. We are researching both large and small companies to see if the strategies for this kind of marketing differ. We are also researching the consumer’s perspective to see if the travel companies’ strategies are consistent with how customers perceive the company. Three different methods of research have been used for this study. We performed both structured and semi-structured interviews with eight different travel companies to gain a deep understanding of how they work with marketing on Facebook. We also used the quantitative method in the form of a survey to obtain the customer's perspective on this. The theories that have been used are the e-marketing pyramid, theories for how a company should proceed to market themselves on social media, theories about what content is most attractive for the user, theories about which language to use, and theories of how Facebook can function as a complaint channel and how this can be avoided. After studying this phenomenon, we were able to come to conclutions answering our questions at issue. By working strategically and organized with marketing on Facebook, travel companies have the ability to attract both existing and new customers. To do this it is important to publish posts that create engagement and posts that create emotional reactions. These posts may also vary with informative posts. It is important that travel companies are aware of what is needed for them to succeed on Facebook. It is also important that they use the tools that Facebook provide in addition to other measurement tools. In this way the companies have the possibility to see how well their marketing works. The study shows that the customers that sees the travel companies posts on Facebook is somewhat affected by this in their choice of destination. The study also shows how travel companies can work to avoid negative feedback from their customers and how this kind of feedback is handled