The study intended to investigate whether Zimbabwe possesses realistic potential export opportunities that can lead to the sustainable reconstruction of its economy. The study was initiated on the premise that Zimbabwe is a fragile state and a post-conflict country going through reconstruction. The study also premised itself on the foundation that the current recovery efforts by Zimbabwe – although they have yielded some positive results, have still fallen short of providing sustainable economic growth without meaningful deeper reforms. Hence, this study is an attempt to provide policy makers with an alternative researched export promotion strategy with a focus on realistic potential opportunities. The study employed two techniques, namely survey of literature and empirical investigation. The survey of literature was achieved through theoretical literature on post-conflict reconstruction. Exports were identified in the various experiences of those countries that have gone through post-conflict reconstruction and still managed to use them in their recovery process. This necessitated a thorough investigation of literature to draw a theory upon which exports promotion could rely. The major theory that was surveyed in the literature is exportled growth (ELG). The theory is based on the premise that exports influence economic growth. Empirical evidence through literature was established in the studies carried out in different countries supporting the hypothesis. The theory was seen as superior to the import substitution strategy which led many developing countries to lag behind those which adopted export-led growth policies. The other aspect of empirical investigation was carried out through the application of the Decision Support Model (DSM). This is a scientific model that is used as a method of market selection. The model’s 4 filters were modified to include a 5th filter to specifically take into account the special circumstances of Zimbabwe. The 5th filter extension of the model provided a substantial contribution by this study to the model. A proxy of Zimbabwe’s neighbours – namely Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia was used to reinforce Zimbabwe’s competitiveness. This was based on the assumption that if Zimbabwe’s neighbours under similar conditions can successfully penetrate certain markets, then Zimbabwe should not find it difficult to penetrate the same markets. This empirical investigation showed that Zimbabwe does possess realistic potential export opportunities. The results identified 344 realistic export opportunities (REOs) for Zimbabwe in 17 regions, 50 countries, 13 sectors and 112 product lines. The study observed that Zimbabwe is in fact not utilising much of the REOs. In order to enable Zimbabwe to utilise the REOs, the study developed an appropriate export promotion strategy. The export promotion strategy is based on the results obtained from empirical investigation. The export promotion strategy has sub-strategies which respond to the specific needs of individual sectors and individual markets. The study established that instead of spending resources in an unfocused manner, the meagre resources can be applied to a more focused export promotion strategy. Based on the experiences of other countries that have gone through a similar post-conflict reconstruction process and have also used the theoretical conceptual framework of the export-led growth theory, the DSM results show there are realistic export opportunities (REOs) and these may contribute towards economic growth and recovery. The study further provided recommendations on how Zimbabwe could realise realistic potential export opportunities. This study has made a three-fold contribution. Firstly, a contribution has been made to the literature on post-conflict reconstruction and export promotion. Secondly, a significant contribution has been made by extending the Decision Support Model with a 5thfilter that also considers the supply side in the model. Finally, it has formulated an export promotion strategy, which can be applied by policy makers in Zimbabwe. / Thesis (PhD (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The study intended to investigate whether Zimbabwe possesses realistic potential export opportunities that can lead to the sustainable reconstruction of its economy. The study was initiated on the premise that Zimbabwe is a fragile state and a post-conflict country going through reconstruction. The study also premised itself on the foundation that the current recovery efforts by Zimbabwe – although they have yielded some positive results, have still fallen short of providing sustainable economic growth without meaningful deeper reforms. Hence, this study is an attempt to provide policy makers with an alternative researched export promotion strategy with a focus on realistic potential opportunities. The study employed two techniques, namely survey of literature and empirical investigation. The survey of literature was achieved through theoretical literature on post-conflict reconstruction. Exports were identified in the various experiences of those countries that have gone through post-conflict reconstruction and still managed to use them in their recovery process. This necessitated a thorough investigation of literature to draw a theory upon which exports promotion could rely. The major theory that was surveyed in the literature is exportled growth (ELG). The theory is based on the premise that exports influence economic growth. Empirical evidence through literature was established in the studies carried out in different countries supporting the hypothesis. The theory was seen as superior to the import substitution strategy which led many developing countries to lag behind those which adopted export-led growth policies. The other aspect of empirical investigation was carried out through the application of the Decision Support Model (DSM). This is a scientific model that is used as a method of market selection. The model’s 4 filters were modified to include a 5th filter to specifically take into account the special circumstances of Zimbabwe. The 5th filter extension of the model provided a substantial contribution by this study to the model. A proxy of Zimbabwe’s neighbours – namely Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia was used to reinforce Zimbabwe’s competitiveness. This was based on the assumption that if Zimbabwe’s neighbours under similar conditions can successfully penetrate certain markets, then Zimbabwe should not find it difficult to penetrate the same markets. This empirical investigation showed that Zimbabwe does possess realistic potential export opportunities. The results identified 344 realistic export opportunities (REOs) for Zimbabwe in 17 regions, 50 countries, 13 sectors and 112 product lines. The study observed that Zimbabwe is in fact not utilising much of the REOs. In order to enable Zimbabwe to utilise the REOs, the study developed an appropriate export promotion strategy. The export promotion strategy is based on the results obtained from empirical investigation. The export promotion strategy has sub-strategies which respond to the specific needs of individual sectors and individual markets. The study established that instead of spending resources in an unfocused manner, the meagre resources can be applied to a more focused export promotion strategy. Based on the experiences of other countries that have gone through a similar post-conflict reconstruction process and have also used the theoretical conceptual framework of the export-led growth theory, the DSM results show there are realistic export opportunities (REOs) and these may contribute towards economic growth and recovery. The study further provided recommendations on how Zimbabwe could realise realistic potential export opportunities. This study has made a three-fold contribution. Firstly, a contribution has been made to the literature on post-conflict reconstruction and export promotion. Secondly, a significant contribution has been made by extending the Decision Support Model with a 5thfilter that also considers the supply side in the model. Finally, it has formulated an export promotion strategy, which can be applied by policy makers in Zimbabwe. / Thesis (PhD (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

As part of the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (AsgiSA), the South African government is focusing on improving the country's export performance (Department of Trade and Industry, 2006a). One of the objectives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is to increase the level of South African exports through the development and implementation of strategies for targeted markets. The DTI commissioned a study to scientifically identify priority products and markets in order to justify its export promotion activities and to ensure that government resources are effectively allocated. Tills led to the development of the Decision Support Model (DSM) by Viviers and Pearson (2007) as an instrument to identify realistic export opportunities for South Africa. The Viviers and Pearson (2007) study adapted and refined the methodology of Cuyvers et al. (1995) to the South African circumstances and used a sequential filtering process to identify realistic product/market export combinations for South Africa. The outcome of the DSM for South Africa was 9690 SITC product/market opportunities in seventy-four countries, clustered in twelve geographic regions. One of these regions was the Middle East. The DTI indicated the need for a study on South Africa's export opportunities to the Middle East as a result of their prioritisation of regions for export promotion. This need is therefore the rationale of this study. The research objectives were to analyse the identified Middle East countries and determine the product with the most realistic export opportunities to two of the Middle East countries and lastly, to develop a market profile to assist the DTI in promoting the exports of this product to these countries. In this study, several methods of product and market selection were investigated in order to determine the most suitable method to identify the product/market opportunities from the DSM to the Middle East. The product selection method selected involved a three-phase filtering process to determine the product with the highest export potential to the Middle East. The analysis was based on a cluster-selection process. It was determined that fruit juice was the product with the highest export potential to the region. The market selection process used a composite market potential index to determine which country in the Middle East had the highest potential for exports of fruit juice from South Africa. The two countries in the Middle East with the highest potential to import fruit juice from South Africa were Oman and Qatar. A market profile for the export of fruit juice to Oman and Qatar was developed. The market profile provided an economic overview of the two markets, analysed the market potential of fruit juice and provided technical information regarding the requirements for the export of fruit juice by South Africa to Oman and Qatar. The results of this study firstly indicate to the DTI and exporters that South Africa should export fruit juice to Oman and Qatar and secondly presents a market profile with detailed information of the process to follow in exporting fruit juice to these countries. / Thesis (M.Com. (International Commerce))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

As part of the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (AsgiSA), the South African government is focusing on improving the country's export performance (Department of Trade and Industry, 2006a). One of the objectives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is to increase the level of South African exports through the development and implementation of strategies for targeted markets. The DTI commissioned a study to scientifically identify priority products and markets in order to justify its export promotion activities and to ensure that government resources are effectively allocated. Tills led to the development of the Decision Support Model (DSM) by Viviers and Pearson (2007) as an instrument to identify realistic export opportunities for South Africa. The Viviers and Pearson (2007) study adapted and refined the methodology of Cuyvers et al. (1995) to the South African circumstances and used a sequential filtering process to identify realistic product/market export combinations for South Africa. The outcome of the DSM for South Africa was 9690 SITC product/market opportunities in seventy-four countries, clustered in twelve geographic regions. One of these regions was the Middle East. The DTI indicated the need for a study on South Africa's export opportunities to the Middle East as a result of their prioritisation of regions for export promotion. This need is therefore the rationale of this study. The research objectives were to analyse the identified Middle East countries and determine the product with the most realistic export opportunities to two of the Middle East countries and lastly, to develop a market profile to assist the DTI in promoting the exports of this product to these countries. In this study, several methods of product and market selection were investigated in order to determine the most suitable method to identify the product/market opportunities from the DSM to the Middle East. The product selection method selected involved a three-phase filtering process to determine the product with the highest export potential to the Middle East. The analysis was based on a cluster-selection process. It was determined that fruit juice was the product with the highest export potential to the region. The market selection process used a composite market potential index to determine which country in the Middle East had the highest potential for exports of fruit juice from South Africa. The two countries in the Middle East with the highest potential to import fruit juice from South Africa were Oman and Qatar. A market profile for the export of fruit juice to Oman and Qatar was developed. The market profile provided an economic overview of the two markets, analysed the market potential of fruit juice and provided technical information regarding the requirements for the export of fruit juice by South Africa to Oman and Qatar. The results of this study firstly indicate to the DTI and exporters that South Africa should export fruit juice to Oman and Qatar and secondly presents a market profile with detailed information of the process to follow in exporting fruit juice to these countries. / Thesis (M.Com. (International Commerce))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Psykosocial arbetsmiljö är samspelet mellan psykiska och fysiska faktorer vilka är av vikt för en individs hälsa, välbefinnande och arbetstrivsel. Forskning inom området har främst fokuserat på hälsa, välmående och stress där krav-kontrollmodellen är en vanligt förekommande modell. Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur faktorerna krav, kontroll och socialt stöd relaterar till arbetstrivsel. Utgångspunkt var krav-kontroll-stödmodellen samt dess relation och interaktion till arbetstrivsel utifrån fem frågeställningar och tre hypoteser. Medverkande var 65 kvinnor och 22 män från två kontor inom en statlig myndighet i Mellansverige. Undersökningen genomfördes med en enkät inspirerad av mätinstrumenten ASK 2.0 och Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. En trevägs variansanalys påvisade resultatet att kontroll eller stöd kan vara av betydelse för arbetstrivsel, men krav verkar inte vara avgörande. De anställda ser ut att trivas och befinner sig antingen i det avspända eller i det aktiva arbetet.

Abstract Intelligent field technology is being developed for the management of industrial processes, but its development and diffusion have met with problems. This research looks at the problem area from the perspective of industrial decision-makers and end users. The lowest level of process management consists of various electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, using analog and digital signals. In this research the term 'field technology' refers to instrumentation and electrical devices, the communication between them, alarm and registration devices, programs, functions and process management methods. Important concepts in this connection are distribution, availability performance, usability, feasibility and degree of automation. Decision-making and hermeneutical methodologies have been used as research strategies. The leading idea is to provide support to industrial decision-makers and end users involved in the design and planning of processes, field technology and management systems. The research strategy is applied in all parts of the research: methods, historical review, decision-making support model and criteria, and when studying the diffusion of innovations. The objective is to experimentally verify the decision-making models. This was accomplished by means of multiple-choice questionnaires, example and case process surveys, and by collecting information on intelligent field technology. The target group of the research consisted of 50 decision-makers and end users from 20 factories, and the response percentage varied from 28% to 47%. The study of the example and case processes contains contributions from 13 key persons from the factories. Field technology knowledge has been obtained from a number of experts and sources. The results have been employed to verify the current multivariable decision-making model and its technological and economic subcriteria and decision-making criteria (1), as well as the expanded multivariable decision-making model based on the features of intelligent field technology (2). The most significant parameters of the example processes are described (3). The typical characteristics, operations, input and output materials of the case processes and their parameters are examined and assessed (4). A proposal for intelligent field technology solutions will also be made (5). The decision-making support model is an excellent tool in situations involving technological changes. The current set of decision-making criteria will have to change and expand due to the concepts, operations and changes introduced by new, intelligent field technology. Changes will occur in the communication protocol interfaces, in the data processing of field devices, in diagnostic operations and operation management. Suitable decision-making tools include development and decision databases, lifelong learning, human and electronic information networks, the decision-making support model, and benchmarking. In the future, investments will focus on the acquisition and maintenance of field technology. Intelligent field technology is more expensive, and thus automation design requires more economic and human resources during the diffusion phase; its economic benefits will become more apparent when it gains more ground and the users' skills and expertise increase. Industrial enterprises must actively seek to promote the diffusion of innovations. The current research has also brought up numerous topics that would merit further research.

Teleworking is a fastly developing field, but the teacher profession has not been among thosein the forefront. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic several professions, including universityteachers, have been forced into telework in order to decrease infection rates of Covid-19. Thisstudy analyzes how forced telework affects the experience of a changed work situation. Theaim is to examine how, due to the pandemic, forced telework have affected universityteachers’ experience of their work situation and work/family balance. Six qualitativeinterviews are analyzed through themes of room for action, work load, workplace support andwork/family balance by using the Command -control(-support)model and Work/FamilyBorder Theory. Level of responsibility, authority and previous technical abilities and digitalexperience are shown to be important aspects in relation to dealing with the changed workingenvironment. The balance between work and family/private life is experienced differently butyoung children and availability are two aspects which makes boundary-making harder nowcompared to before the switch to teleworking. / Distansarbete blir allt mer förekommande men läraryrket har inte varit en av de framståendeyrkesgrupperna i utvecklingen. På grund av den rådande pandemin har flera yrkesgrupper,däribland universitetslärare, tvingats till distansarbete för att bidra till minskning avsmittspridningen av Covid-19. Detta självständiga arbete undersöker hur påtvingatdistansarbete påverkar upplevelsen av en förändrad arbetssituation. Syftet med föreliggandestudie är att undersöka hur påtvingat distansarbete, i samband med pandemin, har påverkatuniversitetslärares upplevelse av dels sin arbetssituation och dels balansen mellan arbetslivoch privatliv. Sex kvalitativa intervjuer analyseras utifrån handlingsutrymme,arbetsbelastning, stöttning på arbetsplatsen samt balans mellan arbetsliv och privatliv medstöd i Krav-kontroll(-stöd)modellen och Gränsteori. Grad av ansvar och befogenheter samttekniska färdigheter och digital vana är viktiga faktorer relaterat till hur situationen upplevsoch hanteras. Balansen mellan arbete och privatliv upplevs olika men små barn ochtillgänglighet är två faktorer som gör att gränsdragningen mellan arbetsliv och privatlivupplevs svårare nu jämfört med innan omställningen till distans.

Arbetsrelaterad stress är ett utbrett samhällsproblem. Som en konsekvens av den flexibla arbetsmarknaden ökar tidsbegränsade anställningar, vilket kan orsaka arbetsrelaterad stress. Syftet med studien är att undersöka vad som kan predicera att människor upplever generell arbetsstress, och om stressen skiljer sig utifrån anställningsform. Arbetsrelaterad stress mättes flerdimensionellt genom generell arbetsstress, krav-kontroll-stöd-modellen och anställningsotrygghet. Enkäten besvarades av 181 deltagare varav 69% var kvinnor och 31% män, 76% hade en visstidsanställning och 27% hade en tidsbegränsad anställning. Resultatet visade att de med tidsbegränsade anställningar hade högre anställningsotrygghet än tillsvidareanställda. Vidare framkom att anställningsotrygghet, krav, stöd, och kön kan predicera generell arbetsstress, men inte anställningsform, kontroll och ålder. Krav förklarade störst andel variation i generell arbetsstress, därefter stöd, anställningsotrygghet och kön. Totalt förklarades 44% av variansen av generell arbetsstress. På grund av högre anställninsgotrygghet riskerar anställda med tidsbegränsad anställning mer negativa hälsoeffekter än tillsvidareanställda. Eftersom stöd har en dämpande effekt mot stress, kan det vara anledningen till att resultatet inte visade en skillnad mellan anställningsformerna gällande generell arbetsstress.

Arbetets struktur kan påverka individens hälsa i både positiv och negativ bemärkelse. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka den psykosociala arbetsmiljön på Ängdala Skolor. En kvantitativ metod har använts där 50 ut av 55 anställda som under våren 2009 arbetade på Ängdala Skolor har besvarat en validerad enkät. Resultatet analyserades utifrån Karaseks och Theorells krav-kontroll- stöd modell som teoretisk referensram tillsammans med teorier kring socialt stöd och stress på arbetsplatsen. Då populationen var liten har resultatet även till viss del jämförts med en tidigare studie inom samma område, utförd av Region Skåne. Faktorer som identifierats på skolan och som anses vara av vikt för god arbetsmiljö och individens hälsa är bland annat meningsfullhet, variation, utvecklingsmöjligheter, delaktighet, inflytande, bra samarbete samt socialt stöd. De faktorer som identifierats på Ängdala Skolor och som anses vara negativa för arbetsmiljön och därmed utgör en risk för ohälsa och sjukdom är bland annat brist på uppskattning från chefen, höga krav, stress samt brist på konstruktiv kritik. / How the workplace is structured can have both a positive and negative effect on the health of the individual. The aim of this study was to investigate the psycho-social work environment at Ängdala School. A quantitative method of study was applied where 50 out of 55 staff members who in spring 2009 were working at Ängdala Schools were interwieved by a validated questionnaire. The results were analysed using Karasek’s and Theorell’s demand-control-support model as a theoretical framework as well as theories about social support and stress within the workplace. Since the population was small the results have also partly been compared with an earlier survey based on a comparative questionnaire executed by Region Skåne in the same field. Determinants that are generally viewed as positive for a good workplace environment including the promotion of the individual health are meaningfulness, variation, opportunities for individual development, participation, influence, good co- operation and social support which have been identified at Ängdala Schools. Determinants which are considered as being negative in the workplace environment and a potential risk for developing ill-health and disease is lack of appreciation from the leader, high demands, stress and lack of constructive criticism have also been identified at the Ängdala Schools.

With the increasing mental health challenges, a growing demand for professional help can be seen. Despite their crucial role in society, the counseling profession is not sufficiently researched. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine counselors' ability to disconnect from work in their private lives in relation to workload. The study included 89 counselors, including 16 men, 72 women, and 1 identifying as other. The survey consisted of several background variables and two already well-developed measurement instruments, along with a self-created instrument. The analysis revealed that only the variable demand can explain 50% of the variation regarding spillover. The factors demand and control had the strongest correlation with the ability to disconnect from work. Furthermore, the analysis showed that women are more affected by work-related demand than men. Finally, the result demonstrated that a high level of health had a positive effect on spillover and the impact of the demand variable on the individual. The results allowed for further research, such as exploring the difference between 'old' and 'new' counselors.