The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is a useful model for understanding social-cognitive determinants (i.e. attitude, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control) of sexual risk reduction among adolescents. However, research using the TPB has emphasized main effects and has not considered the possibility of moderated associations. In addition to testing main effects, this study assessed the interactions between TPB constructs and investigated the influence of previous sexual experience when predicting adolescents’ intentions to use condoms and delay sexual activity. Results indicate that the TPB functions differently depending on previous sexual experience and type of risk reduction behavior. Perceived norms were the only consistent predictor of intentions for condom use and delay. Attitude moderated perceived behavioral control when predicting condom use intentions among sexually experienced youth. However, no other interaction effects were detected. Future directions for research and implications for practice are discussed.

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><strong>Purpose</strong></p><p>The purpose of this paper is to find out which personal-related factors are influencing on the task performance and the contextual performance of expatriate managers.</p><p><strong>Design/Methodology/Approach</strong></p><p>This research adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with key-information from the managers taking international assignments.</p><p><strong>Findings</strong></p><p>The findings indicate that there is a series of significant associations between personal-related factors (personality traits, competences/skills, self-willingness and previous experience) and the performance of expatriates’ assignments.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications</strong></p><p>One suggestion for further research is to explore deeper and more comprehensive on other less important factors or the important factors which we are overlooking; it also could be more comprehensive on the factors that relate to the performance of expatriates.</p><p><strong>Practical implications</strong></p><p>We present a table of the relationship between personality traits, competences/skills, self-willingness, previous experience and the job performance of expatriates’ assignments. Thus, HR departments can follow this guidance when selecting expatriates to manage overseas assignments. Furthermore, individuals can take this model as a reference when making decisions for their career lives.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Expatriate assignments, personality traits, self-willingness, competences/skills, previous experience, job performance, task performance, contexture performance</p><p><strong>Paper type</strong></p><p>Master Thesis</p>

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out which personal-related factors are influencing on the task performance and the contextual performance of expatriate managers. Design/Methodology/Approach This research adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with key-information from the managers taking international assignments. Findings The findings indicate that there is a series of significant associations between personal-related factors (personality traits, competences/skills, self-willingness and previous experience) and the performance of expatriates’ assignments. Research limitations/implications One suggestion for further research is to explore deeper and more comprehensive on other less important factors or the important factors which we are overlooking; it also could be more comprehensive on the factors that relate to the performance of expatriates. Practical implications We present a table of the relationship between personality traits, competences/skills, self-willingness, previous experience and the job performance of expatriates’ assignments. Thus, HR departments can follow this guidance when selecting expatriates to manage overseas assignments. Furthermore, individuals can take this model as a reference when making decisions for their career lives. Keywords Expatriate assignments, personality traits, self-willingness, competences/skills, previous experience, job performance, task performance, contexture performance Paper type Master Thesis

Our purpose is to understand how learnings are drawn from previous experiences of cross-border acquisition integration, to later be utilized for integration of subsequent acquisitions. Elaborately, we intend to empirically study how learnings from previous endeavors are captured and built upon. Thus, there are two research questions given the sequence: learnings are first captured, then utilized. The study aims to extend current body of literature and deepening the understanding on deliberate learning through case study aspects. To answer this, we have constructed two research questions:    (1)  How can learnings be captured from previous experience in integration after cross-border acquisition?    (2)  How can learnings from previous experience of cross-border acquisition integration be utilized in subsequent deals?   The founding pillars of our literature review are perspectives on M&amp;A and perspectives on learning. More specifically, the first perspective focuses on cross-border aspects and post-merger integration phases. Regarding the perspective on learning, our study particularly focuses on deliberate learning theory. Beyond named focus is dynamic capabilities, serial acquirers and previous experience discussed due to its connection to deliberate learning theory and our study. The literature review concludes in a theoretical tool, which summarizes the literature and is portrayed through a model.   The case study method was constructed with a qualitative and interpretive approach, which we found appropriate to reach a deeper in-depth understanding regarding the purpose and to answer our research questions. Six semi-structured interviews with managers were conducted to understand how they operated. We collected primary data by using snowball sampling and received secondary data of documentation from the studied firm. Further, this was qualitatively analyzed from a coding procedure of categories.    Our findings disclose how previous experience of post-merger integrations in cross-border acquisition is deliberately captured by our case company through learning mechanisms discussed in deliberate learning theory. The mechanisms are accordingly articulation, codification, sharing and internalizing. However, the findings disclosed a discrepancy between the literature and our empirical case due to the rotation of integration team members, which caused a disruption in sharing and internalizing of previous experience.    The contributions are both theoretical and managerial. First, the theoretical contribution is given through our revised theoretical tool, in which the findings regarding the different mechanisms are discussed and elaborated. The managerial findings provide recommendations in the assembling of an M&amp;A integration team to preserve experience from previous endeavors and disseminate to new members.

Influencers have been working with collaborations with different brands during a long period of time, the latest development in their career has been to launch their own brands without any intermediators. Previous studies have investigated influencers' own brands but there is still a knowledge gap between intention and behavior. To fill the gap about this subject it is relevant to further expand on the underlying drivers by expanding the variables to get a deeper understanding for the purchase intentions that drives purchase behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to get a deeper understanding of the drivers underlying young female followers' purchase intentions towards influencers' own brands in the category of beauty products. To answer this research purpose, the “Theory of Reasoned Action” has been used and through that a theoretical framework has been developed. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with young females (18 to 30 years old) living in Northern Sweden. The interview questions focused on the females shopping habits, attitudes, subjective norm, previous experiences and purchase intentions towards influencers' own brands. In order to analyze the data a thematic analysis was used. The interview respondents were divided into two groups depending on whether they have purchased a product from an influencer's own brand or not to be able to find out if there were any differences or similarities between them. The result showed that attitudes of influencers in general and subjective norms did not have a big impact on the participants' purchase intention towards influencers' own brands. However, attitudes towards influencers' own brands had an impact on purchase intention. More important factors were also their shopping habits and previous experience from influencer marketing.

The study aimed at investigating the role played by ABET programmes in the development of rural black women in the Omusati Region. The study was to determine whether the ABET programmes that are provided in the area are offering relevant education that helps the women of the area in their development. The research findings indicated that the ABET programmes offered are not providing the relevant skills needed to develop the women participants. The programmes that are offered concentrate on literacy and numeracy, and it seem not to be very effective in making a difference to the women's lives. Women needs skills that can help them generate income to improve their living conditions. The study, in summary, established that the programmes offered by the ABET centres would be more effective if skills training is included to uplift and improve the lives of the participants on a social, economical as well as educational level. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Tech. (Human Resource Development)

The study aimed at investigating the role played by ABET programmes in the development of rural black women in the Omusati Region. The study was to determine whether the ABET programmes that are provided in the area are offering relevant education that helps the women of the area in their development. The research findings indicated that the ABET programmes offered are not providing the relevant skills needed to develop the women participants. The programmes that are offered concentrate on literacy and numeracy, and it seem not to be very effective in making a difference to the women's lives. Women needs skills that can help them generate income to improve their living conditions. The study, in summary, established that the programmes offered by the ABET centres would be more effective if skills training is included to uplift and improve the lives of the participants on a social, economical as well as educational level. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Tech. (Human Resource Development)

El propósito de la presente investigación ha sido identificar aquellos factores que afectan el acceso al financiamiento de las pymes, esto debido a que a la fecha existen muchas limitantes que funcionan como barrera en el desarrollo de dichas empresas. Es preciso indicar que en el mercado en donde se desarrollan existen diversas formas de financiamiento; sin embargo, estas normalmente benefician o aportan un mayor apoyo y valor a las grandes empresas o a las que tienen un historial crediticio previo. Por ello, es que en este trabajo de investigación nos enfocamos en analizar específicamente el apoyo o facilidades de financiamiento que reciben las pymes para su desarrollo. Los tipos de financiamiento que existen para las pymes son con capital propio y/o con capital de terceros: el primero consiste en el inicio y financiamiento de las operaciones con los fondos propios de los inversionistas, y el segundo consiste en el otorgamiento de financiamiento mediante el capital semilla, préstamos informales, proveedores, subsidios del Estado, entidades bancarias-financieras y la emisión de bonos-acciones. Es importante mencionar que existen diversos factores que dificultan o facilitan el acceso al financiamiento de las pymes, los cuales se hacen referencia en esta investigación: la asimetría de la información, el riesgo crediticio, la calidad de los proyectos de negocios pymes y la experiencia previa del cliente. / The purpose of this research has been to identify those factors that affect access to financing for SMEs, due to the fact that to date there are many limitations that function as a barrier in the development of these companies. It is necessary to indicate that in the market where they are developed there are various forms of financing; however, these typically benefit or provide greater support and value to large companies or those with a prior credit history. Therefore, in this research work we focus on specifically analyzing the support or financing facilities that SMEs receive for their development. The types of financing that exist for SMEs are with own capital and / or with third-party capital: the first consists of starting and financing operations with investors' own funds, and the second consists of granting financing through seed capital, informal loans, suppliers, State subsidies, banking-financial entities and the issuance of bond-shares. It is important to mention that there are various factors that hinder or facilitate access to financing for SMEs, which are referenced in this research: the asymmetry of information, credit risk, the quality of SME business projects and previous experience. the client's. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional