In the social sciences, geopolitical theory is used in order to analyze states actions and commitments when it comes to foreign policy. This thesis develops a new understanding of geopolitical theory. Firstly, the development and application of geopolitical theory, from its foundations in the early twentieth century to contemporary geopolitical studies is discussed. Secondly a revised understanding of the variables integrated in the concept and how it can be operationalized as an analytical tool is presented and tested empirically.The critical assessment of the research field of geopolitical theory tells us that six different geopolitical perspectives have been considered the most influential (room, strategy, power projection, identity, affiliation and governance) when it comes to analyzing state action. This model is applied as an analytical tool and thus tested on a single case.

The purpose of this Bachelor's thesis is to study the reasoning behind classification, cataloging and shelf arrangement of nonfiction graphic novels in public libraries. The aim was to examine which aspects of accessibility influence in which collection nonfiction graphic novels are placed.With qualitative semi-structured interviews we learned how six librarians motivated their choices concerning nonfiction graphic novels. We also interviewed a cataloger from Bibliotekstjänst to examine how nonfiction graphic novels are classified. In our analysis we compared our results to theories and practices concerning alternative shelf arrangements in libraries and legitimization of graphic novels. We found three types of shelf arrangements for nonfiction graphic novels: graphic novel shelf, nonfiction classification code and a mix of the two.

In visual programming the developer specifies her code, using visual tools. Within the range of visual programming languages lay icon-based languages, form-based languages, and diagram languages.Mediator is a multimedia authoring tool that allows the user to create interactive CD-ROM presentations, dynamic HTML pages and Flash projects, without any coding or scripting. The user can create interactivity in her project, using event driven and icon-based visual programming, through a ?drag and drop? user interface. This report intends to determine some of the qualifications of a tool of this kind, as well as its limitations.The report is based on a case study, in which a smaller software application was to be updated using Mediator 9.

Detta examensarbete belyser fenomenet kodväxling som kommunikativ strategi hos en grupp gymnasieelever med svenska som modersmål och svenska som andraspråk, vid samtal på engelska. Med en sociokulturell syn på kunskap och lärande och med språkanvändning som förargument, antogs en samtalsanalytisk inriktning med avsikt att studera form och funktioner för kodväxling. För att belysa det som sker i ett samtal mellan dessa elever och konkret ge exempel på olika former och funktioner för kodväxling genomfördes både en ljud-och videoinspelning med eleverna i två omgångar följt av en transkribering av det inspelade materialet. Det centrala materialet i studien har därför sin grund i transkriberingen och bygger ur metodologisk synpunkt på samtalsanalytiska aspekter som på kommunikativa strategier. Studien visar att deltagarna använde kodväxling för en mängd olika funktioner där målet var att få fram sitt budskap.

The purpose of this paper is to study the rules of the bill 2007/08: 136 "Areformed sick-leave process of increased return to work" as related to therehabilitation chain. In the interpretation of the material I have used the ?practicallegal method? and a minor empirical study has been conducted to find out howRegion Skåne and UMAS adjust their activities to the new regulations.The government aims to reduce sick leave and on March 19, 2008,the above mentioned bill was presented to the Riksdag. The bill is a part of thegovernment's package of measures and contains proposals for a revised sick-leaveprocess. The rehabilitation chain is a part of the package and includes actions witha tighter schedule.The employer is still after the new rules playing a central role in thesick-leave process and must through early and continuous contact with theworkers start the rehabilitation process.

This is a study of the insect community associated to the wood-decaying fungus Inonotus radiatus found on Alnus glutinosa trees growing in riparian forests at the northern and southern shores of boreal lakes in the province Uppland. Little is known about this particular bracket fungus and its inhabitants. Insects were reared out at the laboratory from samples of fruiting bodies of the fungus taken at five lakes. During the fieldwork in 2009, data about several environmental variables was also taken. After the rearing period, these variables and their effects over the insects were analyzed.

Syftet har varit att undersöka om de Svenska miljömålen kan vara ett sätt att göra hållbar ut­veckling synlig för elever på byggprogrammet. Det har också varit att ta reda på vilka mervärden som kan skapas genom att hållbar utveckling synliggörs genom att miljömål integreras i under­visningen. Delmålen är verklighetsnära och direkt kopplade till byggbranschen, vilket kan med­föra ett ökat engagemang och vilja till att medverka till förändring.Resultatet visar att yrkeslärare, elever och platschefer på byggföretag inte hade kännedom om miljömålen. Svenska miljömål behöver integreras i karaktärsämnena på byggprogrammet för att politiskt fattade beslut om vad som krävs för att vi ska kunna nå hållbar utveckling förmedlas till de elever som skall ut i yrkeslivet, så att de kan komma ut med en hand­lingskompetens som kan leda till förändring. Nästan samtliga var överrens om att det skulle kunna ge mervärden att ha kunskap om hur de i sin vardag kan arbeta med hållbar utveckling.

This report deals with RFID systems and how to detect nearby tags with the Mifare standard using only a microcontroller and an antenna circuit.The aim was to investigate whether there was any possibility to continuously search for a nearby tag for a system operated with batteries without compromising   the lifespan of the battery. At this time the system would take too long time to wake up and look for a tag to give a satisfactory battery lifespan, which should be done a couple of times every second.The report has two issues, namely:Is it possible to direct the microprocessor to detect and identify a nearby tag after the Mifare standard?What hardware is required for this to be possible?As the research method to provide answers to the above questions an action research was used. This approach has meant that the group worked on information retrieval, examined existing solutions, tested their own solutions and documented the results.The group examined an existing solution that can search for nearby tags with minimal energy consumption. An antenna circuit was built that was connected to the processor.

Companies acquiring ERP systems are often dissatisfied with the project and therefore consultancy firms wish to make use of project models in order to achieve success in implementations. Since research on ERP implementations in service companies is limited, there is a need for mapping of critical activities in implementation projects in this line of business. Under these premises, the purpose of our master thesis is to develop a model for implementation of ERP systems, specified in activities, which can be used by mid-sized consultancy firms with mid-sized qualified service companies as customers.A literature study including project models, modern models and methodologies for ERP implementation, commonly existent activities, success factors and system development methods was carried out. Starting out with this, a theoretical model for ERP implementation was generated. In excess of this, a case study was conducted, where the implementation of the ERP system Microsoft Dynamics AX at the service company Eurostep, performed by the consultancy firm Medius, was studied.

This bachelor thesis project has been executed at Outotec Sweden AB in Skellefteå. Outotecs main business focus is selling mineral and metal processing technologies. A rest product from the metal process is particle-polluted gas and cyclone designs are today the most commonly used abatement device for particle control. A cyclone provides a simple design with high efficiency particle percolation by using air streams.The purpose of this work is to reduce the time it takes create new cyclone designs in Outotecs projects. An extensive construction work is needed for every new cyclone order due to new designs.

Background to problem: Pensions play a big role in people's lives when life expectancy continues to increase. Companies can choose different ways of reporting their pension plans, and within the defined benefit pension plan poses the actuarial gains and losses that can be reported based on three different methods. Only one method will exist from 2013, how will the companies that use the other two handle the new situation?Purpose: Investigate why different companies have chosen to report its actuarial gains and losses along the corridor approach, directly against income or directly in equity. How will the companies that use the corridor method manage the situation when it will only be allowed to report in other comprehensive income as of 2013 and how will this affect them.Methodology: Data was collected through qualitative questionnaires sent to companies listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Stockholm, Large Cap and Mid Cap, and a qualitative interview.

The accounting scandals that have attracted attention in recent years have led to internal control becoming a more central part of business activity. Doubts about what firms actually do have increased, all caused by the attention of accounting scandals. To counter this, frameworks and laws evolved and gained a significant role in the organization and its surroundings. The aim of the present study is to find out how four companies in the Kristianstad region are working to ensure its internal control and how they work to minimize risk and reduce uncertainty. We have used a qualitative method and interviewed a person in a senior position in each company.

At first glance, the group CEO's (koncernchefens) legal position looks easy. It is the CEO?s responsibility to lead and make decisions on matters which affect the entire group, all while defending the company?s best interests. However, when one looks closely at how the Companies Act (Aktiebolagslagen) regulates how a company should organize itself, as well as the options available to manage the group, one rea-lizes that simply appointing a group CEO does not necessarily make the company compatible with the Companies Act. A group CEO threatens to reduce both the Board and CEO's legal administrative districts which are not in accordance with legal and commercial principles.In order to introduce a group CEO it requires a detailed investigation of the group's legal relationships.

Bakgrund:                   Under senare år har de börsnoterade bolagens styrning kommit att intressera samhället. Ett viktigt fenomen i bolagens styrning är styrelserna. Under de senaste 15 åren har omfattande regleringar införts för att klargöra och definiera hur styrelserna i de börsnoterade bolagen skall sättas samman och arbeta.Syfte:                            Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka om, och i så fall hur, det svenska styrelsenätverket förändras efter utvecklandet och implementeringen av en reglering. Vår ambition är att ge förklaringar till varför eventuella förändringar sker.Avgränsning:               Studien har utgått från Svensk kod för bolagsstyrning som ett fall av reglering för att se hur denna har påverkat styrelsenätverket.Metod:                          En social nätverksanalys av styrelseledamöternas nätverk har genomförts. Studien omfattar bolag noterade på en svensk reglerad marknad med säte i Sverige.Slutsats:                        Studien påvisar att införandet av en styrelsereglering inte behöver leda till förändringar i styrelsenätverket.

 We have chosen to write our thesis within a transport company. The work was carried out at DHL activities in Uppsala. DHL is one of the leading transport companies worldwide. Our interest lies in more efficient and advanced transportation and terminals, as globalization and new trends require effective solutions.The aim of our work is to explain the need for information technology applications in road haulage and associated terminal operations. Furthermore, we analyses terminal and applied information technology.