This thesis is concerned with caching algorithms. We investigate three variations of the caching problem: web caching in the Torng framework, relative competitiveness and caching with request reordering. <br /><br /> In the first variation we define different cost models involving page sizes and page costs. We also present the Torng cost framework introduced by Torng in [29]. Next we analyze the competitive ratio of online deterministic marking algorithms in the BIT cost model combined with the Torng framework. We show that given some specific restrictions on the set of possible request sequences, any marking algorithm is 2-competitive. <br /><br /> The second variation consists in using the relative competitiveness ratio on an access graph as a complexity measure. We use the concept of access graphs introduced by Borodin [11] to define our own concept of relative competitive ratio. We demonstrate results regarding the relative competitiveness of two cache eviction policies in both the basic and the Torng framework combined with the CLASSICAL cost model. <br /><br /> The third variation is caching with request reordering. Two reordering models are defined. We prove some important results about the value of a move and number of orderings, then demonstrate results about the approximation factor and competitive ratio of offline and online reordering schemes, respectively.

The work presented in this thesis is divided into two parts. The first part is the sorption of Ni and Eu to granitic materials, and cation exchange capacity measurements for powdered and intact samples. The second part is method development on autoradiography. In the first part, static batch sorption experiments were carried out to study the relative sorption properties of different granitic rocks and minerals. Experimental data were described using non-electrostatic correction models such as the Langmuir, Freundlich and Linear models. Sorption data obtained for sorption in a constant pH environment and variable metal concentration were used to test the Component Additive Model (CAM). Sorption test studies carried out using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis were used to map the sorption of Eu on an intact sample. The results showed the CAM was applicable for Ni sorption to BG but that it was not applicable for Eu sorption to any of the granitic rocks studied. The sorption data fitted the CAM in the following order; BG (1) > GA (0.7) > RG (0.5) > GG (0.2), GrG (0.2) for Ni sorption and RG (0.7) > BG (0.4) > GA (0.2), GG (0.2), GrG (0.2) for Eu sorption to the different granitic rocks. Values in brackets represent the ratio of Rd-predicted/Rd-calculated. Results from the application of the CAM showed it was not possible to predict the Rd of the bulk sample from the component minerals. Desorption studies at constant pH were analysed by calculating the hysteresis H. The results showed that the higher the Rd the higher the hysteresis. Surface complexation using JChess Geochemical Code was used to obtain surface complexation parameters for the metal-solid complex for sorption in variable pH and constant metal concentration. Experimental data were described by the mass action law to obtained proton stoichiometry at which the sorption edge is defined. Results showed the presence of NaCl decreased the sorption of Ni, and increased the sorption of Eu. Sorption kinetics experiments in different carbonate complexing environments were carried out to study the effect of carbonate on Eu sorption capacity and rate of sorption. Data were fitted to first and second order kinetic models to investigate the sorption rates. Results showed the sorption to be fast initially before reaching a steady state after more than 200 hours of equilibration. Kinetic data confirmed the low sorption capacity observed for quartz. Data obtained for sorption in a mixed radionuclide system were modelled using the Linear model and the surface complexation model. The surface complexation constants are correlated to the Rd values obtained from the linear sorption isotherms. Modelling the results using Rdmix and Rdsing showed that sorption was suppressed in a mixed system, with no effect observed for sorption to feldspar in single and mixed systems. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) measurements were undertaken to deduce a correlation between the CEC of powdered rock samples and intact sample using rock beakers developed from the British Geological Survey by applying the Bascomb method in which the pH was buffered to pH 8.1. Normalising the results using the surface area showed that the CEC of the rock beakers was 6 orders of magnitude greater than that of the powdered sample. In the second part, a method for differentiating two or more radionuclides using storage phosphor imaging plates coupled with the Storm Scanner system was tested. Initial results showed that it is possible to differentiate one radionuclide from another in a mixed system using different levels of shielding.

The purpose of this bachelor thesis is to examine the usabilityof Oatly.com, using qualitative as well as quantitative methodswithin usercentereddesign and information architecture, inorder to propose ways of developing and improving it. Byanalyzing the content of the website’s home page, andcomparing it to the home pages of similar websites usingcompetitive benchmarking, suggestions are made on how toimprove the home page of the website, along with results fromcontextual inquiries carried out using participants representingthe company’s target group. The methods used are followedout from a usability perspective, and are focused on the needsand preferences of the target group. The conclusion reached inthis thesis suggests that the overall quality of Oatly.com iswell thought out and adjusted to appeal to the desired targetgroup. However suggestions are made on how the website canbe adjusted and improved in order to appeal to the targetaudience, as well as ways for Oatly to continue the assessmentand analysis of how to continually evolve and improve thewebsite. The suggestions for development of the websiteinclude adding a search function, adding significant content tothe productandcontact pages, adding content which explainsto the user how the company’s products can be utilized, aswell as changing the current utilization of the slider on thehome page.

Competitive computer gaming, under the name e-sport, have become a popular activity inSweden and worldwide. Within the e-sport community the question about the relationbetween the e-sport and sport has been discussed. Despite of this, very few sport scientistshave studied e-sport. The aim of this licentiate thesis is to create an understanding of thephenomenon e-sport. As a theoretical framework the concept of sportification was used. Inthree articles aspects of sportification in e-sport was studied. E-sport as a concept evolvedin the late 1990 and is used by many people and organizations. The reasons why theconcept of e-sport is used are probably manifold. In the thesis three reasons are presented,namely higher legitimacy, social recognition and autonomy. Furthermore, the results showsimilarities between e-sport and contemporary sport. E-sport has, in contrast tocontemporary sports, developed from commerce around computer games to sport, and notonly from spontaneous play. In conclusion, e-sport is e-sport. By that I mean that e-sport issomething that goes beyond contemporary sport. Probably, it is due to the fact that e-sportevolved in a time when industrial society was transformed into an information- andcommunication society.

This study covers an investigation into project management best practices in Southern Africa. The purpose of the research was to determine which of the current accepted project management tools and techniques are seen as critical in the region. It also focuses on determining any external or internal factors that hamper effective development of project management in the Southern African region. The study further tries to determine whether there are any noticeable differences between accepted project management practices in the developed world and practices used in the region. The study was conducted using a survey with a mix of open and scaled questions and was sent out to a number of companies selected because they employ established project managers. A total number of 400 questionnaires were sent out and 42 completed questionnaires were received from respondents. The study found that there are no significant differences between the techniques used for project management in Southern Africa and techniques used in the rest of the world. There are, however, several factors influencing project management development in the region that are unique to the region including a severe shortage of skilled people and infrastructure problems. There is also a lack of knowledge about project management practices amongst respondents and amongst other members of their organizations including senior management. This lack of knowledge combined with the shortage of skilled people can result in serious problems with the execution and management of projects in the Southern African region. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / MBL

Competitive clause in labour law The purpose of the thesis is an analysis of competitive clause (non-competition clause) in the Czech labour law. The thesis also contains a comparison of attributes competitive clause with the legislation in other European countries. The author of the thesis recommends changes to be made in Czech legislation. The thesis is composed of three chapters, which are Definition of basic terms, History and evolution of competitive clause and Current legislation of non-competition clause in the Czech Labour Code. Each chapter is divided into subchapters according to the relevant issues. Chapter One consists of six parts. The first four parts deal with the explanation of basic terms used in the thesis. These are labour law, employment law relationship, employee and employer and the concept of competition. In the fifth section is briefly introduced competition legislation in commercial law. The last subchapter focuses on competitive activity in labour law with an emphasis on competitive activity of the employee for the duration of the basic employment law relationship. The second chapter examines the history and evolution of non-competition clause in the area of current Czech Republic. This chapter is divided into subchapters according to the periods, in which is described the...

This thesis examines the Competitive Intelligence behaviour and attitude antecedents of SME decision-makers in a funded environment in France. As a leader in CI national policy programmes, France draws attention to the imbalance between European nations on the tangible support afforded to SME communities. This two stage sequential mixed method study within the pragmatic paradigm evaluates Competitive Intelligence as a public policy to enhance SME sustainable competitiveness. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the directors of 15 Competitive Intelligence programmes at French Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Guided by the structure and Theory of Planned Behaviour, the findings from this qualitative phase were then used to develop a research instrument to test research questions that relate to behaviours, attitudes, background factors, choice of CI advisor, terminology, and perceived constraints. In this second stage data was obtained via questionnaire from 176 SME decision makers in the Rhône-Alpes and Ile de France regions, for the two sectors of Automobile and Telecoms. The findings show that tangible results have been achieved despite resistance from small businesses in regard to their Competitive Intelligence practices. The thesis uncovers innovative practices to change SME awareness, attitude, and practices of Competitive Intelligence. Evidence of significant relationships between terminology usage, advisor choice, and SME decision-maker attitudes towards CI practices provides insight for future behaviour intervention programmes and future research. The contribution of this study of SME Competitive Intelligence practices is a five stage Competitive Intelligence typology overlaid by corresponding CI manifestations. The findings will be of interest to future initiatives by public/private partnerships in both CI programme design and implementation. The originality of this study is the investigation of SME CI behaviour and attitude antecedents in a funded environment. The findings from this study will be of interest to SME managers, current and future government CI support programmes, and the academic community.

Motivated by the lack of models that can bring a general preparation formula for developing competitive intelligence in Trade Show, the authors researched in a theoretical database to develop a model that can bring a general vision for a company that wants to start to organize the personnel to gather competitive intelligence in trade show events.          Furthermore, was discovered that not many firms do actually realize the opportunities they have to acquire competitive intelligence in trade shows, that way the model was developed to facilitate the process.         The discovering of the research pointed Socialization as well as relationship building and strengthening were the main channels to acquire information. In addition, Trade Shows create a rich environment where most of the stakeholders are present and also willing to share knowledge and information, creating an even more favorable place to develop this kind of intelligence.         The model presented takes in consideration the company’s stakeholder, and how to allocate personnel in booths and in extensive research around the area, it also classifies the visitors and attendees in different groups, facilitating the organizing process to understand and explore more easily and efficiently the Trade Show. The models also suggest approaches to each group in order to don’t invest resources in an ineffective way.

This article has as objective, to show and analyzing how the customer satisfaction in function of the Kano Model is used to take a competitive advantage within the car industry. Some results show that the impact of the customer satisfaction surveys account for 8 to 10% of the turnover of the major European car companies. In fact, in the 5 past years, the profitability of the leaders in customer satisfaction have surpassed the laggards. Leaders had a cumulative total return of + 22.5%, the SP 500 experienced a decline of -1.3% during the same period, latecomers lost - 46.3%. Therefore, these figures demonstrate how it’s important to set up a good strategic customer listening in order to take advantage on competition.

This article has as objective, to show and analyzing how the customer satisfaction in function of the Kano Model is used to take a competitive advantage within the car industry. Some results show that the impact of the customer satisfaction surveys account for 8 to 10% of the turnover of the major European car companies. In fact, in the 5 past years, the profitability of the leaders in customer satisfaction have surpassed the laggards. Leaders had a cumulative total return of + 22.5%, the SP 500 experienced a decline of -1.3% during the same period, latecomers lost - 46.3%. Therefore, these figures demonstrate how it’s important to set up a good strategic customer listening in order to take advantage on competition.