Bakgrund: Det finns idag en problematik för kunskapsintensiva företag i Sverige att lyckas bibehålla medarbetare. Detta då den svenska arbetsmarknadens utveckling har resulterat i fler högutbildade medarbetare, vilka generellt känner lite lojalitet gentemot arbetsgivaren. Företags önskan om att bibehålla medarbetare grundar sig i deras strävan att uppnå en låg personalomsättning då det anses positivt för företaget ur flera aspekter. För att studera denna problematik studeras Employee Retention-faktorer utifrån ett generationsperspektiv. Detta då medarbetares jobbvärderingar och därmed preferenser kring viktiga faktorer enligt tidigare forskning till stor del påverkas av generationstillhörigheten. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att utforska vilka faktorer som får medarbetare i olika generationer att stanna inom kunskapsintensiva företag. Detta genom att belysa Employee Retention utifrån ett medarbetarskap- samt generationsperspektiv. Metod: Studien syftar till att undersöka medarbetarnas upplevda verklighet, därför utgår studien från en kvalitativ forskningsmetod. Fallstudiemetoden har tillämpats, då denna är lämplig för att förstå komplicerade sociala företeelser. Ett centralt drag i fallstudier är att kombinera olika datainsamlingsmetoder, därför har 10 semistrukturerade intervjuer samt 25 frågeformulär med medarbetare på valt fallföretag genomförts. En analys av insamlad data har därefter genomförts, vilket resulterat i studiens slutsats. Slutsats: Studien har identifierat de viktigaste Employee Retention-faktorerna inom respektive generation och bekräftar därmed att generationstillhörigheten påverkar de faktorer som får medarbetare att stanna inom kunskapsintensiva företag. Studien har också påvisat att de viktigaste faktorerna som identifierats i respektive generationerna har en tydlig koppling till det psykologiska kontraktet. Om kunskapsintensiva företag tar hänsyn till dessa faktorer och därmed det psykologiska kontraktet, resulterar det i lojalitet och bibehållande av medarbetare. / Background: In the last couple of years there has been an ongoing change in the Swedish labor market where the knowledge-intensive companies find it harder to retain employees. This because highly educated employees generally are less experience less loyal towards the employer. Why companies wish to retain employees is because they aim for a low employee turnover, which is considered to be important for companies in several aspects. The study focus on important variables for employees, which makes them stay at a company, using a generation perspective. This perspective is used because employee’s work values and preferences are found to be affected by generational belonging. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore which variables that make employees with different generation belongings stay at knowledge-intensive companies. This by illustrating Employee Retention from the employee’s perspective and using a generation perspective. Method: The study applies a qualitative approach since the purpose is to explore the employee’s experienced reality. A case-study method is also applied since it’s suitable for complicated social phenomenon. Fundamental for a case-study is to combine different data collection methods, which is why 10 semi-structured interviews and 25 questionnaires are made within the case-company. The analysis of the data was then made with directions of an analysis strategy, which lead to the conclusion of the study. Conclusion: This study has identified the most important Employee Retention-variables within each generation, which also acknowledge that the generational belonging affects the variables that the employees value and consequently makes them stay at a company. The study has also shown that the most important variables that are identified in the different generations, also are found in the psychological contract. If knowledge-intensive companies identifies these variables and thereby strengthen the psychological contract, the output will be organizational loyalty and Employee Retention.

Syftet med studien är att undersöka respondenter från Generation X (1964 – 1979), Y (1980 – 1995) och Zs (1996 – 2012) behov och önskemål på arbetsplatsen, vilka positiva och negativa attityder de har mot motivation, relation och arbetsmiljö. Studien har genomförts genom en kvalitativ undersökning, innehållsanalys i form av tematisering och genom att använda tidigare forskning kring generationer. Den kvalitativa metoden var intervjuer med 12 respondenter, varav fyra var från vardera generation. Modeller såsom Maslows behovstrappa, tvåfaktorteorin och förstärkningsteorin används i studien. Studien identifierade att ha kunskap kring komplexiteten kring generationsbaserade skillnaderna kan vara den avgörande faktorn för en framgångsrik organisation. På många vis finns det en konsensus mellan respondenterna men det finns även skillnader. Skillnaderna i attityder och behov mellan respondenterna har identifierats, som att respondenterna från Generation Z är drivna av inre motivation och arbetar mot ett syfte. De är driva för att skapa förändring i samhället genom deras arbete. Viktiga behov är familjära relationer och konstruktiv feedback. Respondenter från Generation Y drivs även de av ett syfte, men är även motiverade av yttre motivatorer som lön då de ser denna som ett erkännande för hårt arbete. Respondenter från Generation X däremot drivs mest av yttre motivation. Slutligen rekommenderar studien att organisationer skapar en kunskap kring områdets komplexitet för att förstå arbetarnas grundbehov kring arbetsplatsen. Om en förståelse skapas kan de utnyttja de anställdas kompetensen bättre och skapa framgångsrika team, för att främja en förberedelse för framtidens multigenerationella arbetsplats. / The purpose of the study is to research Generation X (1964 – 1979), Y (1980 – 1995) and Z´s (1996 – 2012) needs and wishes for the workplace, what they have for positive and negative attitudes towards motivation, relations and work environment. The study was conducted by conducting qualitative research, doing a content analysis, and using previous research of generations. The qualitative research was carried out by doing interviews with 12 persons, out of which four were from each generation. Models such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the Two-factor theory and Reinforcement theory has been used in the study. The study has found that having knowledge of the complexity of generational differences can be a deciding factor if an organisation is successful or not. In many ways there is a consensus between the generations, but there are also differences. Regarding the participants needs and attitudes it was identified that participants from Generation Z are very driven by inner motivation and working towards a purpose. They are driven to create change in society through their work. Important needs are familiar relationships and constructive feedback. Participants from Generation Y was also driven by a purpose but was also motivated by outer motivations such as a salary that can reinforce their hard work. Participants from Generation X were the most driven by outer motivations. In conclusion, the study recommends organisations to invest resources in the complexity of generational knowledge in the workplace to understand to understand the employees needs in the workplace. If an understanding is managed is it possible to make use of the employees’ competence better and create successful teams, as well to prepare the workplace for the future multigenerational workplace.

De senaste årens omvärldsutveckling i vårt närområde ställer nya krav på Försvarsmakten. Det nationella försvaret är återigen i fokus och för första gången på mycket länge står Försvarsmakten inför ett återtagande och en tillväxt. De närmaste tio åren kommer pensionsavgångarna bland officerare att vara av betydande storlek. Samtidigt har Försvarsmakten de senaste åren haft svårt att fylla platserna vid Officersprogrammet. Syftet med studien är att få förståelse för vilka motiv som fanns för att söka till Officersprogrammet. Studien är genomförd med induktiv ansats, kvalitativ metod och inspirerad av Grundad teori. Empirin är inhämtad genom intervjuer med förstaårskadetter vid Officersprogrammet. Vid kodningen av vår empiri framträdde fyra huvudkategorier som ger förståelse för vad som låg bakom och motiverade kadetterna att söka till Officersprogrammet. Dessa fyra huvudkategorier är Personlig ambition, Socialt inkluderande, Potentiell utveckling och Extern influens. De slutsatser som dras i studien är att kadetternas motiv och bakomliggande faktorer för att söka till Officersprogrammet handlar om att en individ med stor Personlig ambition känner att både Socialt inkluderande och Potentiell utveckling är uppfyllda i Försvarsmakten. I denna process verkar Extern influens som katalysator och är det som får dem att söka till Officersprogrammet. Kadetterna ger uttryck för att ha en vilja att prestera, att göra bra ifrån sig. De uttrycker även en önskan om att få vara en del av en större grupp och arbeta för gruppens bästa. Vidare ger de uttryck för en vilja att försvara den svenska friheten, våra värderingar och vår demokrati. Dessutom ger kadetterna uttryck för att uppskatta förmåner som idrott på arbetstid, att få en betald akademisk utbildning och möjligheten att göra karriär. De har även ett behov av att få återkoppling på sitt arbete och framhåller betydelsen av den personliga upplevelsen. / The development in recent years' in our vicinity places new demands on the Swedish Armed Forces. The national defence is once again in focus and for the first time in a very long time the Swedish Armed Forces is facing a readmission and growth. Over the next ten years retirements among officers will be of significant size. At the same time the Swedish Armed Forces have had a hard time filling the positions at the Officers' Programme the last few years. The purpose of the study is to gain an understanding of the motives that existed for applying for the Officers' Programme. The study is conducted with an inductive approach, a qualitative method and inspired by Grounded Theory. The empirical data is obtained through interviews with first-year cadets at the Officers' Programme. During the coding process of the empirical data four main categories emerged which give an understanding of what was behind and motivated the cadets to apply for the Officers' Programme. These four main categories are Personal Ambition, Social Inclusion, Potential Development and External Influence. The conclusions in the study are that the cadets' motives and underlying factors for applying for the Officers' Programme are that an individual with great Personal Ambition senses that Social Inclusion as well as Potential Development are fulfilled in the Swedish Armed Forces. In this process, External Influence acts as a catalyst and drives them to apply to the Officers' Programme. The cadets express a desire to perform. They also express a desire to be part of a larger group and work for the best of the group. Furthermore, they express a desire to defend the Swedish freedom, our values and our democracy. In addition, the cadets express their appreciation of benefits such as sports in working hours, getting a paid academic education and the opportunity to make a career. They also have a need to get feedback on their work and emphasize the importance of the personal experience.

The aim of this study is to expand the knowledge regarding whether the riskperception among investors in different generations in the stock market differs, as well as how it differentiates. This study delves deeper in four different generations, consisting of an age range between 18-78 years. The four generations are the following: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y and Z. This essay utilizes a quantitative research method, which includes a survey, along with a deductive approach. The survey study involves questions that are intended to differently measure riskperception. Furthermore, the empirical basis is based on relevant statistical methods, containing descriptive statistics, a two-sided unpaired t-test, a regression analysis, and a correlation analysis with the purpose of answering our hypotheses nuancedly, as well as correctly. A 95% confidence interval is applied. With respect to the empirical evidence of the study, a discussion is also made, which thereby is connected to the theories and previous research that are presented in this study. Lastly the essay concludes that there is enough statistical evidence in order to confirm that the riskperception among shareholders between different generations differs in the stock market. Additionally, the study also leads to the conclusion that differences specifically manifest between Generation Baby Boomers and Generation Z. Following that, with the help of the correlation analysis, the empirical evidence confirms that Generation Baby Boomers riskperception is higher in comparison with Generation Z. All and all, the study did not result in any significant differences regarding the rest of the generations. / Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka huruvida samt hur riskperception hos investerare inom olika generationer på aktiemarknaden skiljer sig. Generationerna som denna uppsats tittar på är Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y och Z, vilket föranleder till att åldersintervallet är 18-78 år. Studien utgår från en kvantitativ forskningsstrategi i form av en enkätstudie samt är av deduktiv karaktär. Enkätstudien involverar frågor som på olika sätt är ämnade att mätariskperception. Det empiriska underlaget är baserat på relevanta statistiska tester som innefattar t-test, regression och korrelation som tillsammans besvarar hypoteserna. Dessa tester förutsätter ett 95 procentigt konfidensintervall. Med hänsyn till resultaten studien kommit fram till, förekommer även en diskussion rörande resultatet. De resultat som uppsatsen genererat diskuteras med koppling till de teorier och den tidigare forskning som finns. Slutsatsen som kan dras är att det finns tillräckligt med statistiskt belägg för att säkerställa att riskperceptionen hos aktiesparare skiljer sig mellan olika generationer inom aktiemarknaden. Därtill föranleder studien att skillnader specifikt förekommer mellan Generation Baby Boomers respektive Generation Z. Med hjälp av korrelationsanalysen, gårdet även att konstatera att Generation Baby Boomers riskperception är högre i jämförelse med Generation Z. I allmänhet resulterar studien inte i signifikanta skillnader rörande resterande generationer.

Electrical energy supply in South Africa, provided by ESKOM, has become more expensive with regular price increases in the past seven years. Increases on an annual basis have seen the Mega flex tariffs quadruple in the years from 2007 to 2014. ESKOM is the sole supplier of electricity to Safripol, a polymer producer of which the manufacturing facility is located in Sasolburg, South Africa. This study will provide contextual information on what impact the escalation in cost of this utility has on the financial returns of the business. Independent power generation within the boundaries of the manufacturing site has become essential in order to alleviate the impact of inflated electricity costs, by at least 10% of the current total demand from ESKOM. Primary research includes different types of alternative electricity generation techniques that will be able to deliver a practical solution to the business. The means of operation, required resources and cost to produce are set out to provide input into concrete models that are scaled to the potentials applicable to the production facility. Total alternative electricity generation added up to almost half of the current total site electricity demand from ESKOM. This finding was truly beyond the expectations of the case study and clearly set out how understated the potential to generate electricity is within the industrial sector. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Electrical energy supply in South Africa, provided by ESKOM, has become more expensive with regular price increases in the past seven years. Increases on an annual basis have seen the Mega flex tariffs quadruple in the years from 2007 to 2014. ESKOM is the sole supplier of electricity to Safripol, a polymer producer of which the manufacturing facility is located in Sasolburg, South Africa. This study will provide contextual information on what impact the escalation in cost of this utility has on the financial returns of the business. Independent power generation within the boundaries of the manufacturing site has become essential in order to alleviate the impact of inflated electricity costs, by at least 10% of the current total demand from ESKOM. Primary research includes different types of alternative electricity generation techniques that will be able to deliver a practical solution to the business. The means of operation, required resources and cost to produce are set out to provide input into concrete models that are scaled to the potentials applicable to the production facility. Total alternative electricity generation added up to almost half of the current total site electricity demand from ESKOM. This finding was truly beyond the expectations of the case study and clearly set out how understated the potential to generate electricity is within the industrial sector. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

A new generation of recent graduates and young workers, the Millennials, have started entering the workforce within the last ten years and work alongside older generations, such as Generation Xers and Baby Boomers. The limited research on Millennials suggests that Millennials are significantly different from their predecessors. The lack of robust or academic findings on the subject of Millennials and their impact in the workplace form the motivation for this research. To give clarity and cohesion on the topic of Millennials and to guide the analysis, it was necessary to develop a comprehensive taxonomy, or model, of Millennials’ traits. Two aspects of the model were investigated through the use of interviews. The results of the study do not support the existence of all of the numerous and distinct traits that Millennial have, as suggested by the literature; however, the results do support a subset of the traits. Compared to other current generations and to other recent generations of youths, the results suggest that Millennials have a greater sense of entitlement, have more unrealistic expectations, and need a greater amount of management involvement, such as supervision, structure, and feedback. Some factors outside of the model were found during the course of conducting the study. These factors may have impacted the results and possibly resulted in a false rejection of the propositions of this study. This exploratory research takes a step towards getting a better understanding of Millennials by providing a comprehensive taxonomy of Millennials’ traits and some academic findings for future research to build upon. A more rigorous study with a strengthened field methodology may better explore the impact of various factors on the results of intergenerational and Millennial investigations.

In this study we demonstrate the use of third harmonic (TH) and second harmonic (SH) generation in imaging dental sections. Teeth are the hardest and most indestructible part in human body. The TH and SH greatly facilitate observation of porous structures and collagen within the dental sections, respectively. Strong SH has been found on various biological specimens, such as collagen, potato starch, and skeletal muscles. These materials all possess periodical nano-structures that are often referred as (nonlinear) bio-photonic structures. In particular, collagen is an extra-cellular structural protein and is a major component of bone, cartilage, skin, and other tissues. Collagen fibrils have a triple-helical structure and it is believed that this structure enables collagen to generate SH signal from a wide range of wavelengths in the infrared region. For comparison, microtubule structures within dentin, due to its large index mismatch with surrounding, can be clearly seen with THG imaging. The THG also facilitate observation of prismatic structures in enamel. The successful construction of a multi-photon laser scanning microscope that can operate in both reflection and transmission modes is the key for this study. A femtosecond, sync-pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is used to generate second and third harmonics from dental sections. Dental sections have large index of refraction¡]n~1.68¡^and scatter visible light severely. The employment of excitation wavelength at 1260 nm greatly reduces scattering and absorption within the sample. Its corresponding SH and TH wavelengths are at 630 nm and 420 nm, respectively. Additionally, 3-D structural views are also reconstructed from the optically sectioned images by the use of specialized 3D image processing software.

A new generation of recent graduates and young workers, the Millennials, have started entering the workforce within the last ten years and work alongside older generations, such as Generation Xers and Baby Boomers. The limited research on Millennials suggests that Millennials are significantly different from their predecessors. The lack of robust or academic findings on the subject of Millennials and their impact in the workplace form the motivation for this research. To give clarity and cohesion on the topic of Millennials and to guide the analysis, it was necessary to develop a comprehensive taxonomy, or model, of Millennials’ traits. Two aspects of the model were investigated through the use of interviews. The results of the study do not support the existence of all of the numerous and distinct traits that Millennial have, as suggested by the literature; however, the results do support a subset of the traits. Compared to other current generations and to other recent generations of youths, the results suggest that Millennials have a greater sense of entitlement, have more unrealistic expectations, and need a greater amount of management involvement, such as supervision, structure, and feedback. Some factors outside of the model were found during the course of conducting the study. These factors may have impacted the results and possibly resulted in a false rejection of the propositions of this study. This exploratory research takes a step towards getting a better understanding of Millennials by providing a comprehensive taxonomy of Millennials’ traits and some academic findings for future research to build upon. A more rigorous study with a strengthened field methodology may better explore the impact of various factors on the results of intergenerational and Millennial investigations.

M.Phil. / Although a great deal of research has been conducted on diversity management in South Africa, very little of this research has focused on age diversity within interactive information societies such as libraries in South Africa. This study will focus specifically on academic libraries. It is also clear that most of the research regarding age diversity within Academic Information Services (AIS) has focused on managing the difference in ages between library patrons and library staff members. Very little of the research is devoted to age diversity between co-workers, and even less research has been conducted regarding Cuspers as a generational cohort within the library environment. This study is aimed at investigating age diversity within AIS in South Africa in relation to its effect on work, work performance and co-worker relationships. It is also aimed at encouraging organisations, and specifically AIS, to take cognisance of the current age demographic of their libraries and to develop and implement not only succession planning policies, but also relevant recruitment and retention policies in order to avoid employee and leadership vacuums. The research findings of this study are relevant as they give organisations in general, and specifically AIS within higher education institutions (HEI), a point of reference to guide the formulation of recruitment and employment policies that would appeal to the values and preferences of younger generational cohorts currently under-represented in these organisations. In addition, this study is of value with regard to the formulation of succession policies focused on the planning and training of new middle and top management staff members in order to improve current succession policies and plans.