Theoretical part of the thesis deals with the concept of well-being and life-span psychology. Classification of the concept of well-being with regard to related terms is presented, as well as main theoretical and analytical approaches to this topic. Several chapters are dedicated to analyzing results of existing research that investigates the relationship between well-being and important variables. The part dedicated to life-span psychology contains, in addition to a definition of the subject, several significant theories and subsequent field of successful development. Empirical part of the thesis concentrates mainly on relationship between life satisfaction and specific life course, particularly career stability and relationship stability. Relationships are examined with the help of combined data of participants in Brno longitudinal study on life-span development (N=78) and newly approached subjects (N=35). The empirical part continues with examination of relationship of successful development, which is operationalized into composite score with personality dimensions within five- factorial personality model and socio-cognitive variables of self-concept clarity, self-efficacy and self-esteem. A significant correlation was found only in those relationships between satisfaction with life and selected...

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To investigate whether multilingualism can be used to predict working memory in older adults this study has used a categorical variable as well as a continuous variable to measure multilingualism. This was done while also accounting for possible confounding variables such as intelligence. Furthermore, subjective memory was investigated regarding how it can be affected by multilingualism and if subjective memory is an accurate measure of objective memory. A positive correlation between the Ospan score and composite language score was found while correlations could not be found for subjective memory. However, according to the hierarchical multiple regressions that were done, composite language score was not a significant predictor of Ospan score when demographics and intelligence were accounted for, only intelligence could predict both Span and Ospan scores. In regards to subjective memory, it was found that composite language scores could predict subjective memory and that those who spoke four languages rated themselves worse than monolinguals. Working memory tasks could not, however, predict subjective memory. The conclusions that were made were that multilingualism does not have an effect on working memory capacity but that composite language score and quadrilingualism have an effect on subjective memory.

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This thesis analyzed the securitization of COVID-19 in Norway as a negotiation of meaning between the public and Norway’s prime minister. By employing framing analysis and a sociological approach to securitization, this thesis breaks with the binary view of ‘audience acceptance’ in securitization theory’s original framework. Instead, it argues for the relevance of understanding securitization in the context of COVID-19 as an intersubjective process between securitizing actor and audience. While scholars have tended to overlook the audience’s role in securitization processes, this thesis analyzed both the securitizing actor’s and the audience’s perspective. This made it possible to reveal competing views regarding threat perception and emergency measures.  The thesis contributed to the theoretical debate on the audience by highlighting the special ingrained role the public has been assigned in this particular securitization context. The nuanced analysis of audience acceptance showed that despite a general resonance regarding the threat perception, it revealed important tensions regarding the measures and the audience’s participatory role in the process. This questions whether COVID-19 in Norway can be considered to have been ‘successfully securitized’.

Today’s fast-paced and global market has added pressure on firm’s to constantly strengthen their competitive advantage. Over the last couple of years, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become an increasingly used strategy for firms to acquire resources that cannot be developed internally. However, M&As often fail to achieve the initial purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate two research questions; RQ1: What are the effects on employees in a newly created multicultural team that is the outcome of a merger between two firms? and RQ2: How can managers manage these effects, in order to create a successful team integration?To gain understanding of the phenomena, and their respective connections, qualitative research has been conducted. Through a multiple case study design, and data collection in the form of interviews, empirical data was obtained. In total eight interviews were conducted with individuals originating from different roles and acquired firms. Their experiences and emotions were later analysed through thematic analysis and coding.The findings of this study add an additional layer to the conclusions of previous studies within the area of multicultural team integration, post-acquisition. Well-communicated integration strategies have been deemed important; this study confirms that statement. However, the findings of this study provide evidence that transparency should be considered an important dimension of the communication strategy, in order to increase employee satisfaction.

Small business manufacturing enterprises represent viable means of creating employment, stimulating economic growth, and accelerating development. Many newly formed small business enterprises do not continue beyond 5 years after formation. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by small business manufacturing leaders in Lagos, Nigeria to sustain their businesses, using general systems theory as the conceptual framework. The sample comprised 3 small business leaders who have sustained their business enterprises beyond 5 years after formation in Lagos, Nigeria. The data collections were through semistructured, in-person interviews and the review of business feasibility and planning documents, handbills and contract documents. The results from computer-aided qualitative data analysis, methodological triangulation of the data sources, and Rowley's 4 step analysis led to the emergence of 10 major themes: minimizing debt and overhead expenses, proper record keeping, skills, and expertise are essential for small business success. Small business leader participants in the study achieved longer-term successes by engaging in research, strategic planning, and preparation before launching their business ideas. Applications of findings from this study might influence positive social change if future and current small business leaders' implementation of the strategies identified leads to the longer-term success of their business enterprises. Successful business enterprises provide continued employment for the business leaders and their employees, better living standards for the community by offering goods and services, and enhanced quality of life for the community because the government can now provide improved social amenities with increased tax revenues.

Female offenders are distinctly different from male offenders, and present with their own gender-specific needs and issues both in and out of the correctional setting. Most approaches to treatment and programming for female offenders are currently based on research involving males and approaches designed for males. Inquiry regarding the gender-specific needs of female inmates as they pertain to treatment and reentry programs is necessary so professionals can better understand how to serve this population. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 8 women who were formerly incarcerated in the United States, this phenomenological study was used to examine the perceptions of successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated women before, during, and after incarceration that influenced their successful reentry into the community. Coping mechanisms or traits that were important to their successful reentry to the community were also explored. Feminist theory was used to illustrate the differences between male and female offenders, and to highlight the potential benefits of designing treatments and programming that are specifically aimed at the needs of female offenders. Data were analyzed via descriptive and pattern coding, which then allowed for identification of themes, and then cross-interview analysis. Six themes emerged that related to factors that influenced their successful reentry into the community, and 5 themes emerged related to coping mechanisms or personal traits that were important to their successful reentry. Recommendations include implementation of programs and services for incarcerated and newly released women that are gender-specific. These findings could contribute to social change by improving treatment outcomes, reducing recidivism, and improving functioning in the community for female offenders.