This study examines the effects of the discretion allowed in fair value accounting on manager selling decisions of Level 3 fair value assets and liabilities. Grounded in motivated reasoning and prospect theory, the discretion permitted for Level 3 fair value assets and liabilities is predicted to have behavioral consequences. The study employs a 2 X 2 between- participant design, manipulating a conservative level of the discretion used to ascertain the fair value (more or less conservative) and the volatility of the historically recognized fair value (low or high). Both graduate students and accounting professionals were asked to read a case scenario and make selling decisions regarding a pool of Level 3 fair value assets purchased six quarters ago. The results indicate that the discretion of the conservative level affects the asking price although the volatility of historically recognized fair values does not significantly influence accounting professionals’ selling choices. In a comparative analysis, as volatility increases, the difference in the asking price increases between the graduate student sample and the professional sample. Additionally, this study provides support that discretion of the conservative level does not affect the likelihood to sell the security, but rather affects the asking price and the lowest price willing to accept if participants were to sell the Level 3 fair value security. These findings contribute to the fair value accounting literature by providing new insights on the effects fair value discretion has on manager decision-making as well as contributing evidence to the fair value accounting relevance debate.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Ted C. Schroeder / The beef cattle industry is one of the last industries in production agriculture that is not heavily integrated. Therefore each segment of the industry is constantly looking for opportunities to increase the value of their cattle. In recent years, one of those opportunities available to cow-calf producers was verification of certain production practices (i.e. Age and Source, Natural, and Non-Hormone Treated). The value flows from the consumer to the cow-calf producer. The packers need these verified cattle to fill export contracts therefore they are willing to pay a premium for these types of cattle. The objective of the thesis was to determine the value of a Health Verified Program (HPV) to feedlot operators. HPV is not required to export beef like other verified programs, but it does verify the procedures that a group of calves has received from the previous owner. Since the feedlot is a deciding factor of value for HPV, feedlot managers were asked from across the United States not only what value they place on HPV but other questions that could be beneficial to others involved in the beef cattle industry. Regression models were used along with a correlation analysis to determine value. There is value to a health verified program along with other procedures that are available to cow-calf producers. Individual producers need to determine which verifications and procedures are economical and efficient for their individual operations with all factors considered.

Integration of operation management goals with the mission of organization requiresadoption of measures capable of pulsing mission accomplishment situation whileoperations are going on. Supply chain, as an increasingly used concept in operationsmanagement, could be supported by the concepts of customer satisfaction and profitmargin to get integrated with main goals of any for-profit organization. Value chain viewprovides such insight and lets the mission of the organization remain in focus while lowerleveldecisions and functional processes are dealt with.Every activity in a value chain could be cost driver and / or value driver. Configuration ofthese cost and value drivers refers to their locational and relational position. Afteragreement on what are going to be core values for the organization, relative positions ofvalue chain activities should be consciously reviewed periodically to identify opportunitiesfor contributing to core values of organization through repositioning or redesigning andstrengthening value activities. The term value chain reconfiguration implies to suchstrategic revision decisions.Opportunities – and threats – for improving performance of the organization not only liewithin internal chain of value activities of the organization, but also could be found out ofthe organization boundaries and among its extended value chain. Acquiring of externalgains needs sound analysis and cost and benefit evaluations for making decision regardingthe way of reacting to the identified opportunities. Virtual value chain orchestration asproposed by its introducer provides a framework for identifying and capturing suchopportunities.Gauging the results of reconfiguration of the value chain, calls for implementingmeaningful criterion so that it reflects captured value in accordance with the destined goal.Taking profit margin of the value chain as master value for organization, the thesis workproposes usage of a less-known profitability indicator, economic value added (EVA) as themeasure which should be focused on in order to evaluate success or failure of firm-levelvalue chain reconfiguration efforts. / Uppsatsnivå: D

This thesis is motivated by some of the recent results of the solvability of elliptic PDE in Lipschitz domains and the relationships between the solvability of different boundary value problems. The parabolic setting has received less attention, in part due to the time irreversibility of the equation and difficulties in defining the appropriate analogous time-varying domain. Here we study the solvability of boundary value problems for second order linear parabolic PDE in time-varying domains, prove two main results and clarify the literature on time-varying domains. The first result shows a relationship between the regularity and Dirichlet boundary value problems for parabolic equations of the form Lu = div(A∇u)−ut = 0 in Lip(1, 1/2) time-varying cylinders, where the coefficient matrix A = [aij(X, t)] is uniformly elliptic and bounded. We show that if the Regularity problem (R)p for the equation Lu = 0 is solvable for some 1 < p < then the Dirichlet problem (D*) 1 p, for the adjoint equation L*v = 0 is also solvable, where p' = p/(p − 1). This result is analogous to the one established in the elliptic case. In the second result we prove the solvability of the parabolic Lp Dirichlet boundary value problem for 1 < p ≤ ∞ for a PDE of the form ut = div(A∇u)+B ·∇u on time-varying domains where the coefficients A = [aij(X, t)] and B = [bi(X, t)] satisfy a small Carleson condition. This result brings the state of affairs in the parabolic setting up to the current elliptic standard. Furthermore, we establish that if the coefficients of the operator A and B satisfy a vanishing Carleson condition, and the time-varying domain is of VMO-type then the parabolic Lp Dirichlet boundary value problem is solvable for all 1 < p ≤ ∞. This is related to elliptic results where the normal of the boundary of the domain is in VMO or near VMO implies the invertibility of certain boundary operators in Lp for all 1 < p < ∞. This then (using the method of layer potentials) implies solvability of the Lp boundary value problem in the same range for certain elliptic PDE. We do not use the method of layer potentials, since the coefficients we consider are too rough to use this technique but remarkably we recover Lp solvability in the full range of p's as the elliptic case. Moreover, to achieve this result we give new equivalent and localisable definitions of the appropriate time-varying domains.

<p>This thesis examines customer value by studying the iPhone through its users from a Service- Dominant logic perspective. We distinguish three parts of the theory: the process of value- creation; the role of the firm; and customer involvement in shaping the offering. By conducting interviews with students in Uppsala, Sweden, we recognize three findings. First, while value is mainly created through the use of an offering the start and end of the value creating process is difficult to distinguish. Second, by interacting with the customer during the use of an offering the firm can affect the value the customer experiences. Third, by customizing an offering more value can be created, and if the customer participates in the process it is more like to succeed.</p>

This thesis examines customer value by studying the iPhone through its users from a Service- Dominant logic perspective. We distinguish three parts of the theory: the process of value- creation; the role of the firm; and customer involvement in shaping the offering. By conducting interviews with students in Uppsala, Sweden, we recognize three findings. First, while value is mainly created through the use of an offering the start and end of the value creating process is difficult to distinguish. Second, by interacting with the customer during the use of an offering the firm can affect the value the customer experiences. Third, by customizing an offering more value can be created, and if the customer participates in the process it is more like to succeed.

The competition between organizations has become tougher due to the globalization of the market place. This case study has been conducted at Stilexo, which are situated in Skillingaryd. Stilexo is an aluminum die caster and is a part of the Alteams group. Within the Swedish market approximately half of the casted products used are imported and this is a trend that seems to be increasing. In order to stay competitive next to the foreign suppliers the Swedish manufactures needs to differentiate, the question is how? In order to find the answer to the question Thomke and Hippel (2002) argues that the suppliers must listen to their customer with the intention of finding the needs and wants of the customers. The purpose of this thesis is to interpret how Stilexo can create higher customer value. This thesis has been written with an interpretivistiv research position combined with an inductive approach. The research strategy used is a single case study strategy. A qualitative approach has been used with in-depth interviews of employees at Stilexo and of existing/potential customers to them. Price, quality and the ability to deliver on time are parameters that have to be fulfilled in order for a supplier to be qualified. If these parameters are reached there are other values that can make a supplier an order winner. The main finding is that the relationship between the supplier and the customer is very vital. A higher interaction between the two parties has the potential of increasing the customer value. Co-creation of new products is something that is mentioned as value adding that can be gained from higher interaction. Further on innovativeness, flexibility, technology, and that the supplier can handle the whole supply chain has also been identified as value adding activities.

Waste-to-energy is currently at the forefront of clean technologies. It consists of the burning of different types of wastes (solid, liquid, gaseous) that provide heat and electricity. With high efficiency levels in energy production (80-90%) and low flue gas emissions, this type of energy production has quickly spread throughout Europe. In addition, laws created by both the EU and national governments have created new agendas regarding landfill and waste disposal.   Problem: We have identified three different problems that currently exist: (1) the lack of academic literature which explores specifically business models within the renewable energy industry and the potential that business models possess in exploiting the opportunity within the market place; (2) which methods are effective within a business model in achieving the value that a firm wishes to create, capture, and deliver; (3) current academic literature does not provide enough understanding of the influences and pressures that stakeholders place upon shaping a firm’s current/potential business model.   Purpose: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the business models used by three different waste-to-energy firms in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden and to identify the methods used to create, capture and deliver value. Moreover, we aim to identify and investigate the stakeholders within the waste-to-energy industry of these three companies with the goal of explaining the influence and pressures they place upon the firm’s business model through the use of institutional theory.

Pricing is a complex yet important process that has a large influence on profitability; however few managers utilize pricing as a strategy to increase competitive advantage. The potential of pricing based on specific customer’s needs should be acknowledged, since it is beneficial for the customers by allowing them to recognize the true value of a product. It is also beneficial for marketers since they can present the price in the content of a total solution tailored for those customer needs. Even though a value-based pricing strategy is considered superior to alternative pricing strategies, few companies practice it. The limited amount of researches that has been conducted in the field of value-based pricing strategies has revealed various obstacles in the implementation phase. However, it is still not proved that these obstacles can be found in all industries. The purpose of this thesis is to present research in the field of pricing, by adding to prior research, practical observations on obstacles when implementing a value-based pricing strategy. A qualitative case study at Volvo Construction Equipment in Sweden was conducted and the results show similarities with prior researches. However additional obstacles were identified and further evidence from this study stresses the importance of possessing fundamental knowledge about value-based pricing strategies; as it impacts a company’s ability to implement it successfully and entirely. Therefore this thesis includes the fundamental knowledge and describes how obstacles connected to the concept are perceived in practice. Further a managerial framework is provided to help companies interested in implementing value-based pricing strategies.

Bakgrund: Volvo Cars Body Components (VCBC) tillverkar och levererar karosskomponenter till Volvo Cars. För sex år sedan påbörjade VCBC sin implementering av lean production. För att beräkna de kostnader som uppstår i produktionen använder VCBC produktkalkyler. Representanter vid VCBC anser att företaget har problem med höga plåtlager, överproduktion samt problem med att se kostnadssamband. Ett value stream där förbättringsmöjligheter finns är Flöde 1 vid VCBC. Enligt vad Maskell et al. (2011) påstår kan problemen vara effekter av kombinationen mellan lean production och produktkalkyler. Maskell et al. (2011) menar att företag bör beräkna kostnader på hela value stream vid lean production. En modell som gör det och som Maskell et al. (2011) menar att företag bör använda vid lean production är value stream costing. Syfte: Den här studien syftar till att identifiera de kostnader som bör ingå i en VSC-modell för VCBC. Vidare syftar studien till att, med hjälp av första problemformuleringen, beräkna vad den totala kostnaden för Flöde 1 skulle bli om VCBC tillämpar VSC. Studiens syfte är även att undersöka vad införandet av en VSC-modell skulle innebära för VCBC. Metod: Studiens angreppssätt är av kvalitativ art. Då studien har en intervenistisk forskningsstrategi där vi tillämpade aktionsforskning föll det sig naturligt att använda fallstudie som forskningsdesign. För insamling av data har vi använt dokument, arkivmaterial, intervjuer och direkta observationer. Slutsatser: De kostnader som bör ingå i en value stream costing-modell för VCBC är; fastighetskostnad, materialkostnad, avskrivningar, kapitalkostnader, personalkostnader, leasing &amp; hyror samt IT-kostnader. Om VCBC tillämpar value stream costing skulle det resultera i att den årliga kostnaden för Flöde 1 blir; 3 277 524 kronor. Skulle VCBC implementera value stream costing hade det framför allt inneburit att VCBC hade fått en större förståelse för sina value stream, att det hade skapat ett bättre flöde samt att VCBC inte hade behövt spåra historisk data utan att uppföljning kan ske veckovis för att kunna göra förändringar innan det är för sent. Dessutom hade det inneburit att VCBC’s maskiner hade blivit värderade till kalkylmässiga värderingar så att den fysiska kapaciteten är bevarad, samt att genomsnittskostnaden per produkt hade uppgått till 70 kronor per styck istället för den VCBC kalkylerar med idag som är 98 kronor per styck. / Background: Volvo Cars Body Components (VCBC) manufactures and supply body parts for Volvo Cars. It is six years since VCBC began the implementation of lean production. VCBC is using traditional accounting methods to calculate the production costs. Some employees at VCBC consider that the company has problems with high stocks of raw material, overproduction, and trouble seeing relation between costs. One value stream where improvements can be made is at “Flöde 1” at VCBC. As Maskell et al. (2011) say that the problems might be a result from the effects of the combination between lean production and traditional accounting methods. Maskell et al. (2011) argue that costs in lean should be calculated for the entire value stream. A model that makes so and who Maskell et al. (2011) believes should be used in lean is value stream costing. Purpose: This study aims to identify the costs that should be included in a value stream costing-model for VCBC. Furthermore, the study aims to calculate the total cost for “Flöde 1” by using the first research question. Last the study will investigate what the value stream costing model would mean if VCBC includes the method in their lean work. Methodology: The study was performed by using a qualitative research method. Since we used a interventionist research in which we applied action science it was obvious to use case study as a research design. For data collection, we used documents, archival records, interviews and direct observations. Conclusions: The costs that should be included in a value stream costing model for VCBC are; property cost, material cost, depreciation, capital cost, labor cost, costs for leasing and IT cost. If VCBC apply value stream costing it will result in the annual cost for “Flöde 1” to be; 3 277 524 SEK. If VCBC would implement value stream costing it will primary mean that VCBC can get better understanding for their value streams and by this create a better flow. Furthermore, VCBC does not need to track historically data but instead follow-up on a weekly basis to make changes before it is too late. Another change for VCBC if they implement value stream costing is that they have to evaluate their machines so they keep the physical capacity in mind, and that the cost per product will be decreased from 98 SEK to 70 SEK.