This paper aims to investigate if and how instruction is adjusted or differentiated based on the conception that learners are diverse and how teacher practices are connected to contemporary research in the field. It further examines whether specific adjustments are connected to a higher rate of student participation.

The method of the essay is an observation survey with a phenomenological approach. It includes the practices of 30 different teachers during thirty lessons at an upper secondary school in Sweden, where the majority of the students are diagnosed within the neuropsychiatric spectra. The outcome was quantitatively analyzed in SPSS.

The study indicates that the connection between specific adjustments and student participation is a complex issue affected by several aspects and preconditions. It appears that teachers use certain forms of adjustments at a higher rate while some are less salient in instruction. More frequently used adjustments are; praise, providing alternatives for perception, activating previous knowledge and highlighting critical features. Less frequent are differentiation of tasks, visible agendas, formative feedback, collaborative peer-learning and self-assessment.

This essay will furthermore be a basis for collaborative learning among the staff since a deeper knowledge of how instruction can be adjusted and differentiated will impact the outcome of student learning.

This study explores the formation of the teacher team leaders´ role, using interviews and job descriptions at comprehensive upper secondary schools in a Swedish metropolitan municipality. The theoretical framework includes a social constructionist and critical perspective, through Foucault, based on analysis of power. Analysis of power illuminates contemporary practices and techniques through a historical lens, using questions that are related to the basis and logics of power.

The job descriptions proclaim a diverse, extensive and somewhat scattered mission consisting of administrative duties as well as managing development and evaluation of processes. According to the job description, the teacher team leader is responsible for initiating learning processes as well as implementing decisions by principals, each advocating a different theory. Teacher team leaders describe a complex mission where a substantial amount of time is spent on tasks less prevalent or unmentioned in the job description. Acting as a messenger, yet a constant search for information and administrative duties are tasks that teacher team leaders emphasize.

In conclusion, it appears as if a comprehensive view of the mission at hand is deficient and that actual practice appears relatively different from the job description. The teacher team leaders operate as a link between school leaders, the Student Health Team and teachers where they contribute to continuity and stability in a school where school leaders more frequently are exchanged. A new and complex organization involving several distributed leadership roles requires thorough work in terms of co-ordination. Future studies may address how interplay and collaboration can work in a complex organization, where preconditions are continuously altered.

In society today, there is a great focus on sustainability and that companies should contribute to sustainable development. One way to do this is through transparency between the company and its stakeholders regarding how they work on these important issues. This is done through sustainability reports that can be designed in different ways, but this study focuses on those that follow the Global Reporting Initiative, which is the dominant framework globally.

Prior research has shown mixed conclusions regarding GRI and its usefulness. In these, both positive and negative aspects of the framework have been highlighted. This study examines what and how high and low ranked businesses based on SBI report to study the usefulness of GRI. In addition, various theories will be used to examine what may be the reasons for the similarities and differences between the groups. This result is also related to prior research that studied sustainability reporting in connection with the selected theories.

The study was conducted as a method where qualitative data was quantified through a quantitative content analysis. The sustainability reports of 32 companies were reviewed based on their GRI-index and data was then statistically tested using Chi-square-tests and a Fisher's exact test. The study shows that there is no significant difference in what the high and low ranked businesses report. This difference applies to the total number of indicators as well as within the different series, economic, environmental and social. Regarding how the companies report, the study shows that the low ranked businesses are more likely to report indicators for which they do not meet the requirements, this result is also statistically significant. The reasons for the similarities and differences that were identified can be discussed in relations to institutional theory, legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of innovation in service ecosystems by focussing on the role of values resonance in relation to the integration of brands, service systems and experience rooms.

Design/methodology/approach – An empirical, explorative case study of an innovative service system is carried out using a narrative approach and presented in the form of a saga.

Findings – Insights gleaned from the empirical study are used for conceptual developments. Analysis of the empirical case study is presented as four lessons linked to values, brands, service systems and experience rooms.

Originality/value – The paper extends a conceptual framework of innovative resource integration in service ecosystems. The paper also contributes four propositions to inform theory: values resonance is a basis for service innovation, the innovative integration of brands based on values resonance can foster innovation, the integration of resources across service system boundaries grounded in values resonance can enable innovation and the integration of experience rooms into a coherent servicescape based on values resonance can support novel forms of resource integration and value co-creation efforts in service ecosystems.

Keywords Service-dominant logic, Brands, Service innovation, Resource integration, Service ecosystem, Values resonance

Paper type Research paper

More recently, there has been increased pressure on politically controlled organizations, including municipalities, to become more flexible and find new ways of working. With increased projectification and an increased efficiency as an endeavour for this, it has created organizational tensions in municipal projects. Here, the agile working method in projects has emerged and is seen as a potential solution and a new way of working in projects for a municipal activity.

The purpose of this study has been to investigate how projects are conducted in a municipal activity and with the issues, how does the agile working method relate to projects at a municipal level and how does the project relate to political governance. In order to be able to answer these, semi-structured interviews were conducted with project managers from different municipalities, with a total of six respondents. The collected material has then been coded through a thematic analysis.

It is stated that projects carried out in the municipal area need to relate to, among other things, political governance, laws and frameworks. Results also illustrate that there are changes during the course of the projects in municipal projects, which is a burden. The result also indicates that an agile way of working could improve with faster handling of changes in projects. The agile way of working would also work in smaller municipalities because the result indicates that the projects conducted in smaller municipalities are not of the same scope, budget and timeframe, which suits the agile working method.

Självkörande bilar betraktas ofta som nästa steg i utvecklingen av bilen och som en del av det autonoma samhället. Bilproducenter världen över menar att vi kan se självkörande fordon så snart som år 2020 och trycker på både forskning och utveckling av självkörande fordon. Beroende på vilken grad av automatisering och hur politiken tillåter självkörande fordon att inträda i samhället, väcker detta frågor som är viktiga att studera. Vem ska äga självkörande fordon? Vilka kommer att köra självkörande fordon? Kommer det att planeras självkörande fordon? Kommer individens rörelsemönster att ändras? I så fall, hur?

I den här studien försöker vi svara på några av dessa frågor genom att undersöka vad bilen inneburit för individens mobilitet i historien och vad självkörande fordon skulle kunna förändra in i framtiden. Vi ställer oss även frågan om självkörande fordon kommer att påverka planeringen av stadsrummet. Studiens teoretiska referensram utgörs av tidigare forskning och teorier som berör mobiliteten, bilismen och planeringen. Metoden är kvalitativ och utgörs av semistrukturerade intervjuer och dokumentstudier. En intervju gjordes med en respondent från Göteborgs Stad och två stycken intervjuer gjordes Trafikverket. Dokumentstudien utgår ifrån VTI, Statens Väg- och Transportforskningsinstitut och SKL, Sveriges Kommuner och Landsting. Alla de olika myndigheterna har en betydelsefull roll i implementeringen av självkörande fordon och intervjuguiden utgår ifrån de teoretiska utgångspunkterna och den tidigare forskningen.    

I studiens slutsats kommer vi fram till att självkörande fordon påverkar planeringen av stadsrummet, men inte i den stora mån vi först trodde. Planeringen av självkörande fordon kan troligtvis främst ske utanför redan etablerade områden och främst när det planeras nytt. Vi kom även fram till att självkörande fordon kan komma att ändra mobiliteteten hos den urbana individen eftersom självkörande fordon har potentialen att erbjuda fler val av rörelse av rörelse och därmed öka tillgängligheten i stadsrummet.

In this paper, we investigate a new national collaborative Benchlearning program for principals in Norway and Sweden. Four process leaders have been running the program. The aim is to give the participants the knowledge to develop a leadership practice and school environment that are more innovative. The program includes theoretical inputs, sharing experiences, school visits, training, and trialing of new leadership practices. Drawing on data from surveys, participants’ reflections, and the leaders’ descriptions of new leadership practice, we examine and identify successful and critical aspects of the learning process. The findings show that principals’ motivation and willingness to start change processes can be created in a synergy between structured school visits, work in learning groups, and a theoretical foundation. Working in groups across schools in two countries seems to enhance principals’ sense of efficacy, which in turn is shown to have a positive effect on their willingness to trial new practices. Two implications of the study are suggested. First, in the design of principal programs, systematic and critical reflection about authentic practice should be the basis. Second, educators should be trained to be process leaders who can support principals’ learning during a critical and social construction of a new practice.

The concept of open innovation was introduced by Henry Chesbrough in 2003 and refers to firms' use of inflows and outflows of knowledge to improve innovation processes. The concept has received considerable scholarly attention, but most research has focused on how manufacturing firms can manage inflows of knowledge during their product innovation processes. How outflows of knowledge can be managed by service firms during their innovation processes has until now not received the same scholarly attention. In this chapter, we therefore aim to contribute in filling this knowledge gap by observing an innovation project in tourism during its implementation. The findings suggested that tourism firms reveal different types of knowledge to other tourism firms in non-pecuniary outbound open innovation processes. In this case the knowledge was revealed in joint workshops where several firms participated and in bi-lateral meetings between two firms, and sometimes the knowledge was transferred via consultants or researchers that acted as "knowledge mediators". The findings also suggested that tourism firms decided to reveal knowledge to other firms to improve their image, increase the market size and to sharpen up their own business. Implications for management as well as the need for further research are discussed in the chapter.

The study's purpose is to investigate whether children and parents know the instrument trumpet and the beliefs they have about this instrument.  

My questions are:

• What do 6 and 7-year-olds and their parents know of the instrument trumpet? 
• What are their beliefs concerning the trumpet and what does the trumpet mean to them? 

To find out about these questions, I have conducted a survey study in Arvika with children in first grade and their parents. 33 adults and 34 children from three schools took part in the survey.

The results showed that knowledge of the trumpet are quite good among 6 and 7-year-olds and their parents. All the respondents in this survey know what the trumpet is, and over one-third of the 67 respondents know about someone who plays the trumpet. Among the children exist no big "celebrity" trumpet player. Instead they mention friends or acquaintances that play the instrument. There were some well-known musicians among adults but it was often aging jazz trumpeters. 6 and 7-year-olds are pretty open-minded about trumpet. They seem to consider both that young, old, men and women could be playing the trumpet. The parents, however, think that men dominate playing the trumpet. Otherwise are the parents also pretty open-minded. The music school appears to have a strong name in Arvika. Many respondents stated that it´s possible to contact the music school if you want to start playing the trumpet. The results also showed that the trumpet is not considered as boring. Most people put it midway between boring and fun to play.

Based on the findings in this study, the trumpet seems to be a well-known and somewhat appreciated instrument among the respondents. At the same time it seems to be a bit out of range from a satisfying reputation.

Innovations based on sustainable technologies have been widely considered as a remedy for addressing societal and environmental problems in many industries. However, the large-scale adoption of such innovations goes beyond technology and requires organizing the business in a way that drive industrial transformations across actors and system layers, such as market structures, institutional frames, consumer behavior, and business values. 

The aim of this dissertation is to understand how industrial firms organize for system change towards sustainability. The study is a compilation of two papers within the same research context: the development of sustainable technology in the construction industry. The overlapping unit of analysis for both papers is business model innovation. Paper I examines how industry firms combine and complement business models with different innovation types to accelerate sustainable technology. Paper II identifies how a change in the business model and value creation logic that occur on a firm level accelerate sustainable technology and shape the socio-technical system. Together, both papers help paint a more complete picture of the business model role in transitions towards sustainability. The theoretical frame of this dissertation spans several domains: business model, innovation management, and sustainability transitions. Building on a multi-disciplinary premise, the study takes into account the organizational and the systemic parts of the change process by linking the company perspective (business models) to the wider governance of sustainability transitions. 

The findings underline the importance of business models that combine production efficiency with higher customer engagement and more collective value creation for driving larger-scale transitions toward sustainability. Moreover, business models in combination with different innovation types, such as product, process and positioning, act together and complement each other to achieve high sustainability and business outcomes. 

Sustainability transitions are a significant challenge that requires established industries to adopt innovative ways of doing business. Research suggests that while this is possible through business model innovation (BMI), risk avoidance by regime actors and high levels of future uncertainty act as barriers to successful transitions. Specifically, we lack knowledge about how established companies innovate their business model (BM) to reduce uncertainty related to sustainability transitions. We explore the case of a large forest-based manufacturing company in the construction industry, Stora Enso. We find that, by pursuing transformative BMI and combining multiple value creation logics, a company can reduce different types of uncertainty while shaping its business ecosystem towards more sustainable opportunities. We show that the BM can serve as an organizational tool for collectively exploring new knowledge, reducing uncertainty and driving change in a business ecosystem.

Purpose Green innovation can promote both environmental sustainability and economic growth. However, its development and implementation can be complex due to the need to align innovation activities within and across companies. In this study, the authors examined how this complexity can be managed by analyzing how individual companies combine different innovation activities to develop green innovation, and how companies along the value chain align to implement these innovations. Design/methodology/approach The dataset comprises both interviews and a survey of senior executives from the Swedish wood construction industry. These data were first analyzed by using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify innovation activity configurations at the level of the individual company. The interviews were then analyzed to identify alignment mechanisms enabling the implementation of green innovation along the value chain. Findings At the company level, the authors found three innovation activity configurations with varying levels of complexity: (1) systemic innovation by proactive companies, (2) process innovation by reactive companies and (3) inaction by technology-independent companies. On the value chain level, the authors found three alignment mechanisms that facilitate the implementation of green innovation along the value chain. These mechanisms promote cooperation by increasing efficiency, opening up new market opportunities and increasing the level of servitization. Originality/value This paper analyzes the complexity of green innovation and provides novel insights into how complexity is managed at the level of both the individual company and the value chain.

This study aims to explore the impact of negative life events on identity development through a qualitative systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis. The research seeks to understand how negative life events trigger identity crises and influence self-perception. Method: A systematic search was conducted in the PsycInfo and PubMed databases, resulting in the selection of 12 relevant studies for analysis. Themes were identified through qualitative content analysis to elucidate the effects of negative life events on identity. Results: The analysis revealed that negative life events can lead to both identity challenges and personal growth. The findings underscore the importance of supporting individuals experiencing identity crises for authentic identity development. Conclusion: Understanding the complexities of identity formation in the face of adversity is crucial for providing effective support and interventions. Further research in this area is essential for enhancing our knowledge of how individuals navigate identity development amidst negative life events.

Denna studie har utförts för att ta reda på vad för skillnader det finns angående tillgängligheten i tunnelbana i tätort samt pendeltåg i landsbygd och hur tillgängligheten i den kollektiva trafiken har anpassats efter resenärer med funktionsnedsättning. Dessutom, så undersöker studien huruvida den kollektiva trafiken använder sig utav snabblösningar eller noga genomtänkta lösningar för att alla människor ska känna sig inkluderade. Jag vill tacka min handledare Svante Karlsson för den rådgivning och vägledning jag fått under hela uppsatsens gång. Dessutom så vill jag tacka de olika organisationerna såsom region Stockholm, Stockholms länstrafik samt trafikanalys som på olika sätt har bistått och hänvisat mig till mycket nyttig information. Som författare, så har arbetet handlat om att analysera och observera områdena, datainsamling samt fotografier framställda i samband med iakttagelserna av de olika stationerna. Anledningen till att tillgängligheten i tunnelbanan och pendeltåget har valts är på grund av de tidigare kurserna som talade om tillgänglighet vilket fick mig att vilja skriva om tillgängligheten i den kollektiva trafiken, specifikt tunnelbanan och pendeltåget.

Sustainability reports should provide a balanced picture of a company’s sustainability aspects, but because of its voluntary nature, overly positive aspects are often presented (Holder-Webb et al., 2009; Lougee & Wallace, 2008). Though, negative disclosure may also be released as it could improve transparency, enhance trust, and decrease the risk of green or whitewashing tendencies (Hahn & Lüfs, 2014, Hahn & Reimsbach, 2013). However, when disclosing negative information, it is important for companies to legitimize the negative aspects, as the negative information could otherwise harm the company. As a result of this, different legitimacy strategies are used by companies when disclosing negative information (Hahn et al., 2021). Based on this, this thesis explores and analyses strategies for disclosing negative sustainability information. In particular, the study examines companies within the fast fashion industry, a heavily debated sector in regard to sustainability, which indicates that the companies within the business should try to legitimize themselves. 

To fulfil the purpose of this study the choice was made to conduct a content analysis and semi-structured interviews, where four fast fashion companies’ (H&M, SHEIN, Boohoo and American Eagle) sustainability reports were analysed to identify negative sustainability disclosure and assess how the companies’ tried to legitimize these negative aspects. Later, the disclosure strategies’ impacts on stakeholders were examined through 10 semi-structured interviews with concerned stakeholders. The results show that the companies subject to research did use the strategies corrective action, marginalization, abstraction, and preventive action to legitimize negative sustainability issues. The strategies were often not effective in enhancing legitimacy mainly because of too vague measures, but also because of the disbelief from stakeholders regarding the industry’s will and ability to change. However, the findings also indicated that the negative disclosure could enhance a bit of legitimacy as it signalled transparency and accountability, which is preferred compared to denial or compliance. 

The study’s implications are important for scholars and practitioners. The theoretical contributions were added to the research field of negative disclosure and legitimacy strategies, and the implications are important for managers working within the fast fashion industry as well. This is because the results of this study will develop their knowledge of how certain negative disclosures strategies can play a both positive and negative role in enhancing the legitimacy towards stakeholders.  

The aim of the present study was to examine coping strategies for stress and life satisfaction among students. A further aim was partly to investigate possible differences between men and women regarding the coping strategies used, and differences in the relationship between coping strategies and subjective well-being. The survey was conducted by an electronic poll. The selection was a coincidence sample of women and men aged 18- 47 who studied at a university. Total 128 participants, 44 men and 84 women. The participants answered a questionnaire that consisted of background questions and gauge which measured stress and life satisfaction. The result showed that the most used coping strategies were active coping, planning and acceptance. The conclusion is that men and women differ in terms of coping strategies and that life satisfaction correlates with coping strategies.

Key words: Stress, students, coping strategies, life satisfaction

A special attention has been given to education system in Afghanistan after new government established in 2001.Initially in 2001, the ways of teaching and learning were mainly based on behaviorist approaches. This behaviorist approach to learning and teaching is gradually changed to cognitive and constructivist approaches which are mostly used in advanced education systems. These approaches to learning and teaching are mainly focused on learners themselves. Therefore, student-centered and active learning became the buzzwords in education system in Afghanistan. This study investigates constructivist learning in Afghan secondary schools. It is vast to investigate each and every aspect of constructivist learning. So, I have selected to investigate the mostly used methods (question-answer, individual and group-work) considering constructivism in Afghan secondary schools. The mentioned methods are investigated in the light of constructivism. I have investigated the methods considering four criteria of constructivist method given by Baviskar et.al, (2009). The criteria are: assessing student’s prior knowledge, differentiating what is already known and what should be learnt, changing students pre-concept in the context of new knowledge and reflection on learning. Teachers’ perceptions were found through questionnaires and their use of these methods was observed from classroom observation.

Findings show that, around half of the teachers perceive the mentioned methods in line with constructivism while remaining teachers still perceive to use these methods as a traditional way of teaching. Furthermore, teachers perception based on their answers is not similar to their teaching practices considering constructivism. It means teachers’ responses in the questionnaires did not conform to their teaching practices from classroom observations. Moreover, generally teachers seem to be more constructivists in perception and applying individual work method as compared to group-work activities. In some cases, teachers who participated in pedagogical workshops answered questionnaire more in line with constructivism as compare to the teachers who did not participate in pedagogical workshops in the past.

Denna uppsats handlar om implementering av Lean-konceptet i praktiken. Syftet är att utreda vilka faktorer som kan påverka personal inom en organisation, att trots vetskap, inte implementera ett koncept i praktiken. Här har studien valt att se närmare på Migrationsverket, som är en statlig organisation som har infört ett Lean-koncept. 

En kvalitativ undersökning har gjorts i form av intervjuer med handläggare vid en mottagningsenhet inom Migrationsverket. Sammanfattningsvis, trots införandet av Lean koncept i receptionen på den svenska Migrationsverket, är det svårt för tjänstemän att använda det på grund av olika faktorer såsom: stress, utmaningen att arbeta smidigare, hög arbetsbelastning, hög grad av administrativt arbete.

Yrket som fastighetsmäklare kräver en hel del tid, ansträngning och framför allt tillgänglighet, av individen. Yrkets flexibilitet och gränslöshet, som med dagens tekniska utveckling ökat, leder till att arbetet inkräktar på det övriga livet. Att framgångsrikt kunna balansera kraven från arbetet med det privata livet, utan att låta en sfär undertrycka den andra, kan anses vara problematiskt för en fastighetsmäklare. Frågan är då hur de klarar av att kombinera det krävande arbetet med ett familjeliv? Syftet med studien är att öka förståelsen för hur mäklare lyckas kombinera arbetsliv med familjeliv. Vi ville därmed ta reda på hur och om fastighetsmäklare lyckas uppnå balans, vilka konflikter de upplever, samt hur de hanterar kraven från arbete och från familj. Detta gjordes med teorier relaterade till Work-Life Balance och genus. En kvalitativ undersökningsmetod användes i studien för att besvara frågeställningarna där vi använde oss av intervjuer för att samla in data. Vi genomförde nio intervjuer, varav fyra var män och fem kvinnor. Dessa valdes utifrån vissa kriterier; de skulle arbeta som fastighetsmäklare på heltid och ha barn. Dock intervjuades även fastighetsmäklare i form av franchisetagare. Resultatet visar att det beror på individuella faktorer och förutsättningar, för hur väl fastighetsmäklarna lyckas uppnå balans. Fastighetsmäklaryrket innebär obekväma arbetstider, stora krav på tillgänglighet och en gränslöshet, som kan försvåra balansen för individen. Faktorer som främjar balansen och underlättar kraven visar sig vara: flexibilitet i arbetet, stöd från omgivningen (framför allt stöd från en partner), att sätta gränser för sig själv och mot kunder, samt att ha passion för arbetet. De visar sig även i undersökningen att det finns vissa könskillnader. De kvinnliga mäklarna var mer familjeorienterade och tog ett större ansvar för sysslorna i hemmet medan de manliga mäklarna var mer arbetsorienterade och tog ett mindre ansvar i hemmet. Däremot kan vi utifrån resultatet inte se att kvinnliga mäklare har större svårigheter att kombinera sfärerna arbete och familj, trots skillnaden i prioriteringar mellan könen. Detta beror till stor del på att mäklarna har egna tillvägagångssätt för att klara av kraven från familj och arbete, samt starkt stöd från partnern. En viktig del i att uppnå balans för mäklarna var just samarbetet med partnern samt en ansvarsdelning båda var nöjda med.

The purpose is to examine the role of online video advertising in brand awareness. In order to provide marketers information regarding the impact online video advertising has on its customers, as online video advertising is increasing in relevance in terms of creating brand awareness.

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are an important tool of poverty reduction which has gained grounds over the years and grown rapidly given the services they provide. The rapid growth of the MFIs has had huge challenges on their regulatory framework which in turn has resulted in the prevalence of fraudulent cases. With the devasting effects of fraud on MFIs and the importance of MFIs in many economies this thesis aims to examine how the design and use of internal control impact fraud detection and prevention in MFIs. To achieve this aim, a qualitative study was conducted with a case study on eight MFIs in Cameroon. Primary data will be obtained from fourteen semi-structured interviews. Data will be analysed manually using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that internal control has a positive impact on fraud detection and prevention in MFIs by reducing fraud incentive, opportunity, rationalization, and capability. Further, findings revealed that the greatest causes of fraud in MFIs are poor remuneration, weak monitoring, and a poor internal control system. Therefore, for the purpose of future fraud prevention, MFIs should ensure to improve their remuneration schemes, improve1 their monitoring system and ensure regular internal control system updates in term of software and design. The study also, suggests further research on this topic in MFIs with a case study in other countries of the world. It will also be interesting for other researchers to explore how the aspect of capability as a key determinant of fraud can be reduced. This thesis contributes to academic literature as there is lack of studies on the impact of internal control on fraud detection and prevention in MFIs.

Den genomsnittliga privata konsumtionen i Sverige är långt ifrån miljömässigt hållbar. Studien belyser projektledares strategier i beteendeförändrande projekt med inriktning på miljömässigt hållbar konsumtion. Det handlar inte bara om att påverka vad vi konsumerar, utan även om att säkerställa hållbara konsumtionsnivåer och förändra beteenden. I genomförda semistrukturerade intervjuer berättar projektledare om vikten av flexibilitet och nytänkande för att hitta innovativa lösningar som kan få människor att förändra konsumtionsmönster, resvanor och attityder. I projekt med hög teknisk komplexitet förespråkas kontinuerlig uppföljning och utvärdering för att utröna vilka insatser som är bäst lämpade för att nå projektmålen. Effekterna och målen av beteendeförändrande projekt är ibland svåra att mäta och den förespråkade flexibiliteten riskerar att inskränkas om tidsram och budget är för snäv. Beteendeförändrande projekt bör vara lustfyllda och inkludera målgruppens viljor och åsikter för att förmedla känsla av självbestämmande. Att fortsätta att påminna om ett önskat beteende och designa situationer som gör det lätt för omgivningen att agerar ökar chansen att hållbara beteenden fortgår. Att visa upp goda exempel på beteenden som gynnar miljö bidrar till att beteendena så sakteliga blir norm och sprids i samhället. Det mest effektiva är dock att reglera konsumtionsmönster och resvanor med strängare lagar.

Purpose The purpose was to investigate what effect an intervention of low-dose, high-frequency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training with feedback for one month would have on professionals' subjective self-assessment skill of CPR. Design/methodology/approach This study had a quantitative approach. In total, 38 firefighters performed CPR for two minutes on a Resusci Anne QCPR. They then self-assessed their CPR through four multiple-choice questions regarding compression rate, depth, recoil and ventilation volume. After one month of low-dose, high-frequency training with visual feedback, the firefighters once more performed CPR and self-assessed their CPR. Findings With one month of low-dose, high-frequency training with visual feedback, the level of self-assessment was 87% (n = 33) correct self-assessment of compression rate, 95% (n = 36) correct self-assessment of compression depth, 68% (n = 26) correct self-assessment of recoil and 87% (n = 33) correct self-assessment of ventilations volume. The result shows a reduced number of firefighters who overestimate their ability to perform CPR. Originality/value With low-dose, high-frequency CPR training with visual feedback for a month, the firefighters develop a good ability to self-assess their CPR to be performed within the guidelines. By improving their ability to self-assess their CPR quality, firefighters can self-regulate their compression and ventilation quality.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the intervention of low-dose, high-frequency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training with feedback for firefighters for one month. Design/methodology/approach: The study had a quantitative approach. Data were collected through an intervention by means of simulation. The data collection consisted of a pre- and post-assessment of 38 firefighter’s CPR performance. Findings: There was a statistically significant improvement from pre- to post-assessment regarding participants’ compression rates. Compression depth increased statistically significantly to average 2 mm too deep in the group. Recoil decreased in the group with an average of 1 mm for the better. There was a statistically significant improvement in participants’ ventilation volume from pre- to post-assessment. Originality/value: Prehospital staff such as firefighters, police, and ambulance perform CPR under less than optimal circumstances. It is therefore of the utmost importance that these professionals are trained in the best possible way. The result of this study shows that low-dose, high-frequency CPR training with an average of six training sessions per month improves ventilation volume, compression depth, rate, and recoil. This study concludes that objective feedback during training enhances the firefighters’ CPR skills which in turn also could be applied to police and ambulance CPR training.

In this comparative case-study, elements of diffusion theory are used to examine local conditions conducive to political organization in terms of independent local lists (ILLs). Empirical evidence supports the formulation of three hypotheses for future and more systematic research into the problem: a hypothesis of size, an elite-hypothesis and a mobilization-hypothesis. Although several factors are likely to play a role, the results suggest particularly that ILLs are less likely to occur in localities lacking historical legacies in terms of popular mobilization.

Artikeln belyser Erik Nydahls avhandling I fyrkens tid som tar avstamp i en omdiskuterad, om än relativt väl utforskad, fråga: hur formades svensk politisk kultur i övergången från jordbrukarsamhället till det moderna industrisamhället? Viktiga faktorer i det sammanhanget var att svensk industrialisering i många avseenden ägde rum utanför de framväxande storstadsregionerna, att jordbruksnäringen samtidigt spelade en fortsatt viktig roll under lång tid och att urbaniseringsprocessen internationellt sett var mera utdragen.

Auditors are considered the most important resource of audit firms, yet many auditors have chosen to leave the auditing industry. One of the fundamental factors for auditors’ decision to leave audit firms is decreased job satisfaction. In the audit industry, time management, is the dominant form of control that primarily affects audit associates and senior auditors. However, time management has become increasingly tighter in recent years, leading to higher demands for completing the audit within significantly tighter time frames. Tighter time management leads to increased time pressure and stress, which can affect auditors’ job satisfaction, and their decision to leave the audit industry. To further understand how time management may influence auditors’ job satisfaction, self-determination theory was considered, emphasizing the importance of basic psychological needs such as competence, relatedness and autonomy. By considering self-determination theory, a more nuanced understanding was obtained of how time management affected auditors’ job satisfaction. 

Previous studies have mainly focused on how dysfunctional behaviours develop due to tighter time management. However, there are limited studies on how time management impacts auditors’ job satisfaction, resulting in an identified knowledge gap. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to increase understanding of how audit associates and senior auditors in the audit industry perceive that time management affects their job satisfaction. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative method was applied. 15 interviews were conducted with audit associates and senior auditors working at one of the Big Four audit firms. 

The results of the study show that auditors perceive the time management as something positive for their job satisfaction. The auditors experienced that time management provided clear goals, planning, structure, and opportunities for professional development, which increased job satisfaction. However, those auditors who did not experience job satisfaction referred to understaffing as a factor that resulted in increased workload and, consequently, lower job satisfaction. Therefore, the study can be said to contribute to a better understanding of how audit associates and senior auditors perceive the impact of time management on their job satisfaction.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to discuss about precolonial and colonial education and the development of the education systems in the postcolonial Africa. The paper will deal with the questions whether there were any education systems in precolonial Africa and motives for introducing the colonial education systems. Further the relation of the colonial education systems with the needs of the local society, the postcolonial education systems and their future will be analysed. 

Methodology: Postcolonial perspective is a theoretical frame for the study. A desk-research was conducted to identify and select the relevant literature. Content analysis was used as a method to understand, analyse and interpret the literature. 

Findings: The results of the literature review show that there were socialization mechanisms before colonialism in African societies. Education introduced in its modern form by missionaries was supposed to serve mainly religious purposes and to train low level functionaries by colonial states. Instead of focusing on local realities education was used to teach the glories of the colonial countries, spread their language and culture as well as introduce a new way of life by condemning all that was native. After independence the inherited colonial education systems continued isolating the masses who had no access to the colonial languages. 

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Findings of this study shows some limitations in African education systems. It is necessary that education policy makers and other concerned stakeholders´ to increase the use of local languages to reach the society at large, to focus on contents relevant to their contexts, to provide both theoretical and skill-based education useful for development of society and to aim towards educating productive, conscious, critical and democratic citizens.

Critical pedagogy is a transformation-based approach to education. The aim of this article is to introduce the origin, vision, action and consequences of critical pedagogy. It also aims on finding out about educators’ possibility of actualising it in their practice. As a source materials articles, book chapters and books are used. The literature shows that critical pedagogy has its origin in the tradition of critical theory of the Frankfurt School and the work of the Brazilian pedagog Paulo Freire. According to the literature, its major theses is that education should go beyond transfer of knowledge and training the future labour force; to help developing critical consciousness, which leads to transformation of the individual, learning environment and society at large. Critical pedagogy is criticised for a focus on macro level system, for not having a model for classroom implementation and for being abstract. Despite some critics, I argue that critical pedagogy has still the potential to empower those in the field of education to increase their consciousness about the injustice in their society and to involve in transforming it.

Keywords: Critical pedagogy, critical thinking, critical theory, dialogue, Frankfurt School, transformation.

Democratic values in the comprehensive schools curricula of the Nordic countries.

The major focus of this paper is to find out which aspects of democratic values are emphasised in the comprehensive schools curricula of the five Nordic countries. It is also an intention of the paper to find out similarities and differences in emphasis and if available data allows to further investigate the reasons for differences and similarities.

Major sources for the work were curricula of comprehensive schools from the different Nordic countries. Each countries current curriculum was closely read to understand their contents and to undertake comparative analysis. Text analysis was used as a major tool to look closely at the text and context. For further knowledge journals on curriculum studies and other relevant materials were consulted.

A preliminary review of the general section of comprehensive schools curricula of these countries show:

In the Danish curriculum participation, responsibility and understanding rights and duties are emphasised.

The Finnish curriculum raises issues on human rights, equality, natural diversity, preservation of environment and multiculturalism. Responsibility, a sense of community and respect for the right and freedom of the individual are emphasised. General diversity and gender equality are given significant attention.

In the Icelandic curriculum the major focus is human rights, collective responsibility, participation, influencing, and respect. Concern for people, animal and the environment are included in the curriculum. Critical thinking and reflection, active cooperation & collective responsibility are also emphasised.

The Norwegian curriculum mentions understanding, cooperation, independence, individual freedom and tolerance as important issues.

Swedish curriculum raises issues on respect for human rights, respect for persons and the environment. It considers inviolability of human life, individual freedom and integrity, equality between women and men, solidarity with the weak and vulnerable as crucial points. Sense of justice, generosity of spirit, tolerance and responsibility, well-being and development of the individual, no discrimination and personal responsibility were among the areas the curriculum lifted up.

The curricula in these five countries give room for democratic values. There are some variations on emphasises on specific issues. But all the curricula include issues of rights and responsibilities.

Keywords: curricula, democratic values, Nordic countries

The purpose of the study is to investigate reasons students with an immigrant background in one Swedish high school gives for their failure in some subjects at the end of their compulsory education. An interview with 18 students with an immigrant background is used as a method. According to the students, schools’ employment of substitute teachers without subject knowledge, reducing and firing competent teachers and less time for Swedish language lessons are reasons for failure in relation to schools. Other reasons given that affect results relate to family issues; leaving their country of origin, having many siblings and not getting enough attention from parents, parents inability to help them with school work, limited family financial resources and social obligations to support family members in their country of origin. In their residential area; not meeting persons with Swedish origin, lack of recreational facilities and meeting place, higher unemployment and crime rate are emphasized as affecting their lives and influencing their results. Based on the research findings and reviewed literature, students’ failure is mainly related to school, family and residential areas. The problems vary to a great extent, hence, the solutions should also bemulti-dimensional.

International practicum for what and on whose terms?

                                                                 Getahun Yacob Abraham

                                                                                       Senior Lecturer

                                                                                       Karlstad University

The aim of this paper is to investigate about the aims of international practicum and who is benefiting from it. If it is found that one side, the North or the South, is benefiting, to look at the possibilities to reconsider the practicum in order to benefit both. Review of literature in the field and my own experiences as a Swedish university lecturer involved in the teacher students practicum in the South will be the base for this paper. Some preliminary results of my literature review show that practicum in the South mainly focuses on giving the teacher students from the North the possibility of intercultural understanding with specific focus of dealing with change taking place at home, the diversity of students in classrooms (Abraham & von Brömssen, 2018; Bosire & Brigham, 2009;  Marx & Moss, 2011; Wiken & Klein, 2017). Long time experiences show that in the movement of students from the North to the South, the economically and politically dominant countries can dictate the terms (Bosire & Brigham, 2009; Yang, 2002). In addition to that the countries in the center gain more advantages than the countries in the periphery (Barnet & Reggie, 1995).

Keywords: Internationalization, International practicum, teacher students, North, South. 

References

Abraham, G.Y. & von Brömssen, K. (2018). Internationalisation in teacher education: Student teachers reflections on experiences from a field study in South Africa. Education Inquiry.  

https://www-tandfonline-com.bibproxy.kau.se/doi/full/10.1080/20004508.2018.1428035

Barnet, G.A. & Yingli Wu, R. (1995). The international student exchange network. 1970&1980, Higher Education, 30, 353-368.

Bosire, M.M. & Brigham, S. (2009). Preparing North American preserivice teachers for global perspectives: An international teaching practicum experiences in Africa, The Alberta Journal of Education Research, 55 (3), 415-428.

Marx, H. & Moss, D.M. (2011). Please mind the culture gap: Intercultural development during a teacher education study abroad program, Journal of Teacher Education, 62 (1), 35-37.

Wikan, G. & Klein, J. (2017). Can international practicum foster intercultural competence among teacher students? Journal of the European Teacher Education Network, 12, 95-104. 

Yang, R. (2002). University internationalization: Its meaning, rationales and implications, Intercultural Education, 13 (1), 81-95.

This paper will investigate the aims of internationalisation and international practicum, with the focus on the later. It is important to consider whether both partners in the exchange receive benefits, and if not to reconsider the practicum arrangements to ensure greater equity of benefit. Review of literature in the field and my own experiences as a Swedish university lecturer involved in student teacher practica will be the base for this paper. Some preliminary results of my literature review show that practicum in the South mainly focuses on giving the teacher students from the North the possibility of intercultural understanding with specific goal of dealing with demographic change taking place in the student teacher´s home country. This demographic change has typically resulted in an increased cultural diversity of students in classrooms (Abraham & von Brömssen, 2018; Bosire & Brigham, 2009;  Marx & Moss, 2011; Wiken & Klein, 2017). Experiences show that in the movement of students from the North to the South, economically and politically dominant countries are more likely to dictate the terms of relationships (Bosire & Brigham, 2009;  Yang, 2002). Viewed from another perspective, countries considered in the center due to their economic and political influence gain more advantages than countries considered in the periphery (Barnet & Reggie, 1995).

Life Orientation: lessons on leadership qualities and voting in grade three classes

Abstract

The focus of this study was lessons on leadership qualities and voting in grade three classes in four Eastern Cape schools. Frame factor theory and theory of pedagogical devices were used. The study employed text analysis, classroom observation in four 3rd grade classes and interviews with 14 third grade teachers as sources of data. The results of the study indicated there were differences among teachers when it came to understanding and interpreting the theme. The teachers interviewed have general qualifications but lacked training to teach this theme. Between the schools there were differences in manpower, material and financial resources. There were similar teaching procedures although there were differences in teachers’ approaches. Learners’ understanding was influenced by family background. In general, teachers dominated and controlled the whole procedure by proposing candidates and vote counters. Findings from this study could be relevant for teachers and other school personnel for their future commitment to teaching democracy by practising it. Keywords: Classroom, democracy, differences, leadership qualities, learners, life orientation, participation, South Africa, teachers, voting

The focus of this study is to find out about the neoliberal New Public Management entry into the Swedish higher education institutions, its effect and the possible alternative to it. The study is based on articles in academic journals, policy documents and government sponsored reports. The result of the study shows that the Swedish higher education institutions are influenced by New Public Management. This is visible as market characters such as efficiency, competition, quality control, customer satisfaction is highly valued at present in the higher education. There is also emphasis on manpower training for the labour market. Easily measurable knowledge for immediate use of economic growth are prioritized at the expense of critical and analytical knowledge. Higher education’s autonomy is to some extent violated, collegial leadership is replaced by appointee leadership, staff are under pressure to follow instructions instead of exercising their academic freedom. Based on these findings I will argue against these trends and emphasis on the importance of all partners in higher education to review the present condition in order to facilitate the possibility for keeping higher education (universities) as public autonomous institution, to keep academic freedom intact, to assure that higher education should have both professional and democratic contents, and that higher education should continue to undertake basic long term and short term research for immediate use.

NUKRUMA’S AND NYERERE’S EDUCATIONAL VISIONS – WHAT COULD CONTEMPORARY AFRICA LEARNS FROM THEM?

Getahun Yacob Abraham

Senior Lecturer

Institution for Pedagogical Studies

Karlstad University  

This study tries to assess the educational visions of two post independent African leaders, Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere. The focus is on, what could contemporary Africa learn from their visions on developing the welfare of society through education? To answer this question a literature review of their own works and other writers was conducted. The review shows that they emphasised on the need for education for further development in their own and other countries in the continent. They also focused on relating education with the local reality with due concern on the relevance of knowledge of the global reality. The instrumentality of education to change the life of the masses was given a vital place. For them  education should aim at including all sectors of society and on creating equality among the population instead of contributing to evolving an elite class that selfishly prioritize its own interest than the society at large. They stressed that education should not be too theoretical in the expense of the practical activities. According to them the purpose of education should go beyond individual gains and take into consideration the welfare of the whole society. In line with their visions information technology and welfare development in the continent should be assumed in a way that benefits the broad masses.  

Key words: contemporary Africa, Education, Nkrumah, Nyerere, visions