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The work described in this thesis develops a strategy for planning domestic energy supply systems for small, rural communities. Two methods, for system optimisation are proposed: economic optimisation and thermodynamic optimisation. Both methods are applied to the small Scottish island of Eigg, as an example of a small community. It is shown that, for the range of energy equipment studied, the two methods are generally complementary. Economic theory and choice of parameters are discussed, as is the theoretical background to thermodynamic modelling. The net present value method is used to determine unit energy costs, which are used in the economic model as the parameter by which different energy sources are chosen. For thermodynamic assessment three parameters are used: exergy, second law efficiency and energy quality. Energy quality against quantity diagrams (on which areas represent exergy) are shown to be a useful way of visualising thermodynamic system performance. This work also develops methods which can be used to determine model inputs. These include: an energy census of the island of Eigg to determine the current energy system, development of a hydrological prediction model for determining hydro power potential, use of computer models to determine house space heating demands, and development of methods for predicting meteorological parameters from long term data. The application of the economic planning model to Eigg allows a much improved energy supply system for the island to be proposed. This makes energy more available, improves comfort (with regard to energy usage), and gives 30% higher energy usage for a lower unit cost than the islanders currently pay. The thermodynamic optimisation process improves the thermodynamic efficiency of the energy system on Eigg by more than 100% and shows which areas of energy technology should be investigated to harmonise economic and thermodynamic optimisation.

In order to be competitive, one way is to focus on the internal logistics in a cost effective manner. The concept of material control covers how to control the flow of material resources from the customer to the supplier. This study intends to look at how internal material control can be done efficiently in a manufacturing company. In order to achieve an efficient internal material control, methods and approaches should be evaluated based on a situational approach. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to develop a model for analysis and improvement of internal material control in manufacturing companies. The study is a case study and has been conducted on site at Atlas Copco Tierp Works. Atlas Copco in Tierp, produces components and assembles hand-held power tools. The empirical data has been conducted with employees at Atlas Copco Tierp Works and with direct observations of the processes that the study has been limited to. Literature reviews have been made in parallel with the empirical data collection with an emphasis on internal logistics, material control and lean production. The study shows which factors that are important for an effective internal material control. Furthermore, the report presents an analysis model, which has been applied to Atlas Copco Tierp Works. The analysis model presents a recommendation on appropriate material planning method, as well as the conditions that should be complied in order to achieve an efficient internal material control. The analysis model strengths are considered as mainly to be that it covers many areas, by including the planning environment, material planning methods, efficiency and decision-making. Accordingly, the model is considered to have potential for development by including a cost analysis as a part of the decision-making part. / Att styra sin interna logistik, på ett kostnadseffektivt sätt, är en nödvändighet för att kunna konkurrera på en redan hårt utsatt marknad. Materialstyrning kan ses som en delmängd av logistik och innefattar aktiviteter för att styra och planera materialflödet från leverantör till kund. Denna studie visar på hur den interna materialstyrningen kan ske effektivt, i ett tillverkande företag. För att uppnå en effektiv intern materialstyrning så bör metoder och tillvägagångssätt utvärderas utifrån ett situationsanpassat synsätt. Studiens syfte är därför att utveckla en modell för analys och förbättring av intern materialstyrning i tillverkande företag. Fallstudien har bedrivits vid Atlas Copco Tierpverken. Vid fabriken i Tierp sker tillverkning av komponenter samt montering av handhållna industriverktyg. Den empiriska datainsamlingen har skett genom intervjuer med medarbetare på Tierpverken och observationer över det interna materialflödets processer som studien avgränsat sig till. En litteraturundersökning har gjorts, med betoning på intern logistik, materialstyrning och Lean Production. Studien visar vilka faktorer som är av betydelse för en effektiv intern materialstyrning. Rapporten presenterar en analysmodell, vilken har tillämpats på Atlas Copco Tierpverken. Analysmodellen ger en rekommendation på lämplig materialstyrningsmetod, samt vilka förutsättningar som bör uppfyllas för att uppnå en effektiv intern materialstyrning.  Analysmodellens styrkor anses främst vara att den täcker in många områden, där planeringsmiljö, materialstyrningsmetoder, effektivitet inkluderas för att beslut och rekommendationer kan utföras. Modellen bedöms ha utvecklingspotential genom att inkludera en kostnadsanalys som en del vid beslut.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Tecnologia assistiva à um leque de equipamentos, recursos, serviÃos, metodologias, prÃticas, estratÃgias aplicadas para minimizar as dificuldades encontradas pelas pessoas com deficiÃncia. A Enfermagem tem utilizado das tecnologias como forma de assistir a clientela nos diversos ambientes de educaÃÃo e promoÃÃo em saÃde. O objetivo foi desenvolver e avaliar uma tecnologia assistiva com enfoque nos mÃtodos anticoncepcionais comportamentais para mulheres cegas. Trata-se de estudo de desenvolvimento e avaliaÃÃo de Tecnologia Assistiva. O perÃodo da coleta de dados ocorreu entre marÃo 2011 e abril de 2012. A pesquisa foi realizada no LaboratÃrio de ComunicaÃÃo em SaÃde do Departamento de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do CearÃ. Os sujeitos do estudo foram juÃzes especialistas em aspectos pedagÃgicos e mulheres cegas que preencheram instrumentos de avaliaÃÃo. O estudo constou de trÃs etapas metodolÃgicas: desenvolvimento do manual, avaliaÃÃo pelos juÃzes especialistas e avaliaÃÃo com as cegas. A pesquisa foi submetida ao Comità de Ãtica em Pesquisa e aprovada conforme protocolo nÃmero 283/11. Foram respeitados os aspectos Ãticos segundo a ResoluÃÃo 196/96. O Manual SaÃde Sexual e Reprodutiva â MÃtodos Anticoncepcionais Comportamentais apresenta texto em Braille e em tinta, com figuras em alto relevo acompanhadas de descriÃÃo, utilizou-se linguagem informal. Os juÃzes especialistas sugeriram ajustes na tecnologia, com intuito de melhorar a estrutura, a linguagem e as figuras do Manual. Dentre as trÃs juÃzas desta fase, duas eram cegas, situaÃÃo pertinente porque o Manual serà usado por este pÃblico. Dos dezoito itens que constituem o Instrumento de AvaliaÃÃo respondido pelas juÃzas, treze itens foram considerados adequados, em dois itens nÃo houve acordo entre os respondentes, e nos outros trÃs itens houve acordo entre os juÃzes. As alteraÃÃes nos termos tÃcnicos e na apresentaÃÃo do Manual foram realizadas de acordo com as sugestÃes dadas pelos juÃzes. Na terceira etapa do estudo, avaliaÃÃo do Manual pelas mulheres cegas, estas foram convidadas a se reunir em local prÃ-estabelecido para realizar leitura do Manual individualmente e responder ao Instrumento de AvaliaÃÃo. Os resultados foram analisados a partir dos Instrumentos de AvaliaÃÃo respondidos pelas mulheres. Dos quinze itens, oito foram julgados como adequados; sete itens apresentaram discordÃncia entre as avaliaÃÃes das mulheres. As avaliaÃÃes foram pertinentes por tornar o Manual mais acessÃvel e completo. Por outro lado, constituiu suporte para o trabalho dos profissionais da saÃde em consultas e aÃÃes de educaÃÃo em saÃde de planejamento familiar. Ao superar as dificuldades, este estudo apresenta considerÃvel repercussÃo para a populaÃÃo, pois possibilita caminho para o desenvolvimento de outras tecnologias assistivas com outras temÃticas. / Assistive technology is a range of equipment, resources, services, methods, practices and strategies applied to minimize the difficulties disabled people are confronted with. Nursing has used technologies to assist clients in different health education and promotion contexts. The aim was to develop and assess an assistive technology with a focus on behavioral contraceptive methods for blind women. An Assistive Technology development and evaluation study was designed. Data were collected between March 2011 and April 2012. The research was accomplished at the Health Communication Laboratory of the Nursing Department at Universidade Federal do CearÃ, Brazil. The study subjects were experts in pedagogical aspects and blind women, who completed assessment instruments. The study involved three methodological phases: development of the manual, expert evaluation and evaluation by the blind women. The research was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee and approved under number 283/11. Ethical aspects were respected in compliance with Resolution 196/96. The Manual SaÃde Sexual e Reprodutiva â MÃtodos Anticoncepcionais Comportamentais includes text in Braille and in print, with high relief figures accompanied by description, using informal language. The experts suggested technological adjustments with a view to improving the structure, language and figures in the Manual. Two of the three experts in that phase were blind, a pertinent situation as that is the target public of the Manual. Out of 18 items in the Evaluation Instrument the experts responded, 13 were considered adequate, the respondents did not agree on two and agreed on the other three items. Changes were made in the technical terms and presentation of the Manual according to the expertsâ suggestions. In the third phase, evaluation of the Manual by the blind women, these women were invited to meet at a predetermined place to read the Manual individually and answer the Evaluation Instrument. The results were analyzed based on the Evaluation Instruments the women had answered. Out of 15 items, eight were considered adequate; disagreements were found with regard to seven. The evaluations were pertinent to make the Manual more accessible and complete. On the other hand, the Manual served to support health professionalsâ work during health education meetings and actions for family planning purposes. By overcoming difficulties, this study entailed considerable effects for the population, as it makes room for the development of other assistive technologies on other themes.

Utvecklingen inom byggbranschen går i en riktning mot mer komplicerade konstruktioner och installationer. För att bibehålla en konkurrenskraftig position på marknaden efterfrågas nu bättre planeringsunderlag som kan öka produktiviteten, kvaliteten och säkerheten inom byggprojekt. Utvecklingmöjligheter finns inom planering, där en är att inkludera en fjärde dimension, tiden. 4D-planering är ett arbetssätt som innebär att en 3D-modell kopplas samman med en produktionstidplan. Syftet med examensarbetet är att kartlägga förutsättningar för tillämpning av 4D-planering i produktionsskedet. Syftet är även att undersöka och kunskapsåterföra 4D-planering till ett byggföretag i Sverige. En enkätundersökning har skickats ut till projektverksamma medarbetare aktiva i Stockholmsområdet för att redogöra för i vilken omfattning 4D-planering tidigare har använts. Personliga intervjuer har även genomförts med medarbetare från hela Sverige, som innehar erfarenhet och kunskap inom 4D-planering. Intervjuerna har utgjort underlag för framtagandet av vilka förutsättningar som är nödvändiga för att tillämpa 4D-planering. I enkätundersökningen deltog 112 respondenter, där 59,8 % tidigare hört talas om 4D-planering. Av de 112 respondenter hade tretton personer också deltagit i projekt där 4D-planering tillämpats. 89,3 % av samtliga respondenter uppvisade ett intresse för en ökad användning av 4D-planering inom byggproduktion. Det har framkommit via de personliga intervjuerna att totalentreprenad är den lämpligaste upphandlingsformen för tillämpning av 4D-planering. Utöver det anser respondenterna att storlek, komplexitet och programvara påverkar tillämpningen av 4D-planering. Slutsatsen är att 4D-planering idag används i en liten omfattning. De viktigaste förutsättningarna för att tillämpa 4D-planering är en för ändamålet korrekt utformad 3D-modell, produktionstidplan och ett lämpligt 4D-simuleringsprogram. Dessutom är det nödvändigt att tidigt i projektprocessen ta beslut om att 4D-planeringen ska tillämpas och till vilken utsträckning. Det är även avgörande att ha en väl fungerande kommunikation mellan projektörer och entreprenörer. Rekommendation till företaget är att inleda en tillämpning av 4D-planering med långsiktiga mål. / The development in the construction industry is continuously progressing towards more complex buildings and installations. In order to retain a competitive market position careful planning is required since it can increase productivity, quality and worker safety in construction projects. 4D-planning is a method of planning a construction project which means that a 3D-model and a production schedule are interconnected. The main purpose of this study is to investigate information on 4D-planning and to identify the conditions that need to be fulfilled to effectively use 4D-planning in construction. A second purpose has been to collect information regarding the knowledge and experience in using 4D-planning possessed by employees at a company in Sweden. A survey has been sent out to employees located in Stockholm, Sweden, to investigate the scope in which 4D-planing has previously been used. Personal interviews have also been made with employees whom possess experience and knowledge of 4D-planning, located in different places of Sweden. These persons form the basis for identifying the conditions required to use 4D-planning in construction projects. There were 112 participants in the survey of whom 59,8% had previously heard of 4D-planning. A number of 13 participants had also participated in projects where 4D-planning had been used. A total of 89,3% of the participants in the survey answered that they have an interest in further progress in the area of 4D-planning. Answers have also given some insight into how 4D-planning has been applied and how well it has worked. The personal interviews have demonstrated how factors such as contract form, type of computer planning software, size and complexity of the construction project all affect the execution of 4D-planning. The three main conditions which affect the use of 4D-planning is the shape and design of the 3D-model, the production time schedule and the 4D-simulation program used. Moreover, it is necessary to make an early decision whether to and to what extent 4D-planning is to be used. The communication between consultant and entrepreneur are also of great importance for the implementation of 4D-planning. The survey showed that the employees at the studied company has only used 4D-planning in a small scope. They are however, interested in an increased use of 4D-planning but emphasize the importance of guidelines and clear applications for its usage. Implementation of 4D-planning is deemed viable for the company with the recommendation to start the process immediately by establishing long-term goals.

In the pursuit of planning for inclusive public space, this thesis addresses feelings of unsafety as a hindering aspect of equal access. The aim of this thesis is to explore the role of embodied knowledge within urban planning for understanding feelings of safety in public space. Due to the complexity of socio-spatial relations, I suggest a feminist approach to knowledge creation. The study is based on semi-structured interviews including a visual elicitation with urban planners in Sweden (n=16). My findings show that planners’ conceptualisations of safety relate to an overall focus on social sustainability and a problematic relationship between safety and crime prevention. While multiple methods are being used to understand feelings of safety, such as site audits and citizen dialogues, embodied methods are not (actively) used. There is therefore a need to recognise our bodies as helpful tools for understanding feelings of safety. Furthermore, who we are affects the way we perceive our surroundings as well as our feelings. Thus, urban planning practitioners need to (continue to) be reflexive about their positionalities, as well as to include experiences and perspectives of peoples’ situated, embodied knowledge to create inclusive public space for all.

Background - A company’s distribution system is a critical component and businesses need to consider the aspects of customer service and total cost when designing the distribution system. A distribution system can be defined as the process of making products or services available for customers. The rise of e-commerce has increased the challenge of having a cost efficient distribution system together with a high standard of customer service.  The distribution system is put under heavy pressure to deliver goods as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost due to globalization and outsourcing. E-commerce involves a new approach of the distribution system with its small order sizes, daily order volumes and small parcel shipments that are often shipped the same day. Inventory management is being regarded as an important part of the distribution system. Inventory management is the ability to balance the demand of products with the supply of products in a cost-effectively way. Companies therefore need to use material planning methods to coordinate the flow of material effectively throughout the distribution system. Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study Mionix’s current distribution system with focus on customer service and total cost. Based on the findings, this thesis will identify which costs that are possible to influence and reduce.  Secondly, the aim is to study how material planning methods can help Mionix to improve the inventory management function and propose measures for improvement. Method - This thesis has used a positivistic view with a deductive approach. It is a case study that contains elements of both qualitative and quantitative research strategy. In order to fulfil the purpose of the study the authors have conducted a flow and situational analysis in order to identify services and costs in the distribution system that Mionix can influence. Further, the authors conducted a situation analysis of Mionix’s current inventory management function. The authors then calculated and analysed how material planning methods such as EOQ, Total cost, Sensitivity analysis, Ordering points and optimal safety stock and service levels could improve Mionix’s inventory management function. Next, alternative solutions are presented together with the authors’ evaluations and recommendations for the company. The data that was needed to accomplish this was collected by performing interviews, observations and extracting data from computer system e.g. Excel. Conclusion - The authors have identified two distribution channels within the distribution system: the wholesaler channel and the retailers/e-commerce channel. Mionix has the opportunity to influence two particular costs: capital costs and cost of loss of sales, which are included in inventory- and customer service costs according to the total cost model. Material planning methods can improve Mionix’s inventory management function by deciding safety stock levels, ordering points and EOQ for all products in accordance with the theoretical framework. Further, if Mionix use the authors’ recommendation the company can reduce estimated total annual cost by 23% or 26% depending on what mode of transportation that is used

This study has aimed to investigate how a growing municipality defines social sustainability and what methodology is used to achieve this. The municipality of Skellefteå has been selected to be analyzed for this essay.  The method applied is a qualitative case study where four documents related to the municipality of Skellefteå and its planning unit have been analyzed. The documents that have been used for the study are the municipality's comprehensive plan, the public health policy program, their development strategy for 2030 and the digital citizen dialogue that formed the basis for the development of the strategy. To gain a deeper understanding of how the work on these documents is carried out and how they relate to social sustainability, two semi-structured interviews were conducted with two professionals who actively worked with the documents. What the study shows is that within recent years the work with social sustainability has been actualized and more visible within the planning unit and the municipality's work around the concept. Skellefteå's municipal growth has meant that the various documents within the municipality had to be updated for them to be adapted to the new conditions within the municipality. How it will be reflected later in the physical planning in the municipality remains to be seen as Skellefteå is still in an initial phase of the social transformation that has begun. Further research is proposed since each municipality is unique and that site-specific conditions need to be analyzed to apply social sustainability in the best possible way. Social sustainability is also a complex and broad concept, which makes it difficult to generalize conclusions based on this study.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / The purpose of this research is to study the effect of different demographic and socio economic factors on the contraceptive use among currently married women of age 15-49 in the two regions of Ethiopia, Amhara (17,214,056) and Oromiya (27,158,471). Data are obtained from the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Information on contraceptive use was provided by current use 1334 (14.7), future use 4017 (52.0), unmet need for spacing 1817 (20.0) and limiting 1249 (13.3) currently married women aged 15-49 interviewed in the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). / South Africa

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