Högskolebiblioteket i Halmstad Publikationer
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Eleiko Prestera Cover Plate: från behov till prototyp : Produktutveckling i samarbete med Eleiko Group AB
No full textThis bachelor´s thesis was carried out in collaboration with Eleiko Group AB, a company specializing in precision-manufactured strength equipment with focus on quality, sustainability and design. The aim of the project was to develop a new cover plate – referred to as a Cover Plate – that simplifies the installation of rig systems in gym environments. The goal was to create a user-friendly, safe and aesthetically appealing new Cover Plate that can be easily integrated into existing gym settings. The work followed a product development process focusing on a defined set of requirements, idea generation, concepts evaluation and prototype development. Analyses were conducted throughout the process, which together with the requirement specification formed the basis of the final concept. The chosen design resulted in a complete prototype made of TPU using CAD modeling and 3Dprinting. A material selection was carried out using the Ashby method and resulted in the choice of NBR – Nitrile Butadiene Rubber – as the optimal material. A material with excellent mechanical properties, lower cost and reduced carbon footprint during production. In addition, NBR offers good fatigue strength, high wear resistance and flexibility in line with the project´s requirement specification. The results show that the final design meets most of the defined criteria, especially regarding easy installation, a modular and flexible structure and a design that aligns with Eleiko´s brand identity. From a sustainability and societal perspective, the solution is considered positive, as it offers a long-term, safe and cost-efficient solution for gym environments. The bachelor thesis contributes knowledge in the areas of product development, material selection and how a company can improve and adapt existing products to meet evolving user needs and requirements. To facilitate the reading of this thesis, a definition of terms is provided in Appendix 1 including relevant concepts and associated figures.
The difference between running and cycling as active recovery methods on heart rate recovery and lactate clearance in female soccer players
No full textBackground: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a useful method for promoting general health and improving cardiovascular fitness and athletic performance in soccer. HIIT intensity is generally monitored using heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), while recovery is assessed by heart rate recovery (HRR) and lactate clearance (LC). However, it remains unclear which active recovery (AR) method between running and cycling is most effective for HRR and LC. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate which active recovery method- running or cycling - is most effective for lactate clearance and heart rate recovery between the 4 x 4 treadmill running intervals with 3-minute active recovery periods in female soccer players performing HIIT. A secondary aim was to investigate if the recovery methods had effects on interval peak HR (HRpeak), lactate accumulation or RPE and if it differed between each interval. Methods: This experimental crossover study involved 13 female soccer players who participated in two HIIT sessions (4 x 4-minute intervals), with either 3 minute cycling (ARcycle) or running (ARrun) as AR methods. Participants served as their own control and randomisation determined the order of the recovery methods. HR, RPE and the concentration of lactate (La-) in the blood were measured throughout the sessions. HRR and LC were used to evaluate recovery efficiency. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) was used to investigate significant differences in La- accumulation, LC, HRpeak, and HRR. Results: No significant differences were observed in HRpeak or La- accumulation between running and cycling as AR (p>0.05). However, HRR was greater with ARcycle than with ARrun during the first three recovery periods (p<0.01). For LC ARcycle and ARrun were significantly different (p=0.02), where LC during ARrun was higher compared to LC during ARcycle for the first (p=0.01) and second (p<0.01) recovery period only. Conclusion: HRR was greater in ARcycle and LC was greater in ARrun, which implies that there is a difference between the recovery methods in terms of recovery between the intervals in HIIT.
Between Risk and Potential : A Qualitative Study on Employers’ Views on Hiring Formerly Convicted Individuals
No full textExkludering av personer med tidigare domar från arbetsmarknaden utgör en problematik som får konsekvenser både på individnivå och för samhället i stort, inte minst då arbetslöshet är en välkänd riskfaktor för återfall i brott. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka faktorer som påverkar arbetsgivares inställning till att anställa personer som tidigare varit dömda. Vidare syftar studien till att bidra med en fördjupad förståelse för de överväganden som präglar arbetsgivares rekryteringsbeslut, samt att synliggöra både de utmaningar och möjligheter som är förknippade med denna typ av anställningar. Studien har genomförts med en kvalitativ forskningsansats. Empiriskt material har samlats in genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med åtta arbetsgivarrepresentanter och analyserats med hjälp av tematisk analys. Resultatet visar att arbetsgivares inställning påverkas av flera samverkande faktorer, däribland brottets allvarlighetsgrad, tidsaspekten sedan brottet begicks, tjänstens art samt den arbetssökandes öppenhet och ärlighet. De utmaningar som identifierats rör främst frågor om arbetsmiljö, organisationens rykte och bristande tillit, medan fördelarna bland annat utgörs av ökad motivation och lojalitet hos den anställde, värdefull livserfarenhet samt ett upplevt samhällsbidrag genom att erbjuda en andra chans. Studien har utförts av Ronja Harrysson och Lulzime Beshiri vid Högskolan i Halmstad 2025. The exclusion of individuals with prior criminal convictions from the labor market presents challenges with consequences both at the individual level and for society at large, not least because unemployment is a well-established risk factor for recidivism. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing employers' attitudes toward hiring ex-offenders. Furthermore, the study aims to contribute a deeper understanding of the considerations that shape employers’ recruitment decisions and to highlight both the challenges and opportunities associated with this type of employment. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight employer representatives and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that employers’ attitudes are influenced by several interrelated factors, including the severity of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense was committed, the nature of the position, and the applicant’s openness and honesty. The identified challenges primarily concern workplace environment, the organization’s reputation, and issues of trust, while the advantages include increased motivation and loyalty from the employee, valuable life experience, and a perceived societal benefit through offering a second chance. The study was conducted by Ronja Harrysson and Lulzime Beshiri at Halmstad University in 2025.
Manager in the Middle? : How first-line managers experience and handle demands from both senior management and employees in the public sector
No full textManager in the Middle? How first-line managers experience and handle demands from both senior management and employees in the public sector. This study investigates how first-line managers in health care in the public sector experience demands and expectations from both senior management and employees. The focus is on how these demands are sometimes in conflict, how managers handle them, and what organizational and social support they feel they have or lack. The goal is to contribute knowledge and insights that can help organizations better support their first-line managers. A knowledge gap is that previous research rarely considered demands from both management and employees at the same time, which justifies the direction of the study. The study was based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with nine managers in health and care in a public organisation. The analysis was carried out with a reflexive thematic analysis, which enabled a systematic identification of recurring themes. The results show that managers sometimes experience conflicting demands from different quarters. They manage this through their own strategies and collegial support, but sometimes experience a lack of support from their immediate manager and that the support functions rather create additional burden. Despite this, the managers show a strong commitment and positive attitude to their work, with several respondents concluding with the words: "I love my job".Denna studie undersöker hur första linjens chefer inom vård och omsorg i offentlig sektor upplever krav och förväntningar från både högre ledning och medarbetare. Fokus ligger på hur dessa krav ibland står i konflikt, hur cheferna hanterar dem, samt vilket organisatoriskt och socialt stöd de upplever sig få eller saknar. Målsättningen är att bidra med kunskap och insikter som kan hjälpa organisationer att bättre stötta sina första linjens chefer. En kunskapslucka är att tidigare forskning sällan beaktat krav från både ledning och medarbetare samtidigt, vilket motiverar studiens riktning. Studien baserades på kvalitativa semistrukturerade intervjuer med nio chefer inom vård och omsorg i en offentlig organisation. Analysen genomfördes med en reflexiv tematisk analys, vilket möjliggjorde en systematisk identifiering av återkommande teman. Resultatet visar att cheferna ibland upplever motstridiga krav från olika håll. De hanterar detta genom egna strategier och kollegialt stöd, men upplever ibland bristande stöd från närmsta chefoch att stödfunktionerna snarare skapar ytterligare belastning. Trots detta visar cheferna ett starkt engagemang och positiv inställning till sitt arbete, där flera respondenter avslutade med orden: ”Jag älskar mitt jobb”
En studie av hur åtta svenska kommuner enligt dokument tolkar implementering i tidiga och samordnade insatser : En kvalitativ dokumentanalys
No full textThis thesis aims to examine how eight Swedish municipalities interpret the implementation of Early and Coordinated Interventions (TSI) in official documents. TSI is a nationally initiated development framework intended to ensure that children and young people in need of support receive early and coordinated assistance from actors such as social services, healthcare, preschools, and schools. Although the national goals are shared, previous research shows that the implementation of TSI varies significantly between municipalities. This study therefore focuses on how municipalities describe their TSI efforts in relation to key concepts such as early action, interagency collaboration, interventions, target groups, and roles and responsibilities. The study is based on a qualitative document analysis of steering documents, guidelines, and action plans from eight Swedish municipalities. The material has been thematically analysed using implementation theory and the theory of discretionary space, in order to understand how municipalities define and structure their TSI work, and which organizational and conceptual priorities are made. The results show that municipalities interpret and materialize TSI in different ways. Some have developed local models, coordination roles, and follow-up structures, while others express broader visions without clear operationalization. These differences reflect not only organizational capacities, but also how municipalities perceive their mandate and the discretionary space available to them. Using the components of will, capacity, and understanding, the analysis reveals varying levels of engagement, organizational readiness, and conceptual clarity across the municipalities. The conclusion is that TSI does not function as a standardized model, but rather as a flexible framework that allows for local interpretation and adaptation. Implementation is closely tied to local organizational conditions, professional logics, and political priorities, and should be seen as a meaning-making process in which local actors actively shape and reshape national reform ideas based on their own contextDenna uppsats syftar till att undersöka hur åtta svenska kommuner i dokument tolkarimplementering i tidiga och samordnade insatser (TSI). TSI är ett nationellt initieratutvecklingsområde som syftar till att barn och unga i behov av stöd ska få hjälp i etttidigt skede och på ett samordnat sätt. Trots gemensamma utgångspunkter visar tidigareforskning att TSI-implementeringen ser olika ut beroende på lokala förutsättningar.Denna studie fokuserar därför på hur kommuner beskriver sitt arbete med TSI utifrånbegrepp som tidigt, samverkan, insatser, målgrupper samt roller och ansvar.Studien bygger på en kvalitativ dokumentanalys av styrdokument, riktlinjer ochhandlingsplaner från åtta svenska kommuner. Materialet har analyserats tematiskt medstöd av implementeringsteori och teorin om handlingsutrymme, med syftet att förstå hurkommuner konkret formulerar och strukturerar sitt TSI-arbete samt vilkaorganisatoriska och innehållsliga prioriteringar som görs.Resultatet visar att kommunerna tolkar och utformar TSI på skilda sätt. Medan vissakommuner utvecklat egna modeller, samverkansroller och strukturer för uppföljning,väljer andra att formulera sig mer generellt utan tydlig konkretisering. Skillnadernaåterspeglar inte enbart varierande organisatoriska resurser, utan även hur kommunerförstår sitt uppdrag och vilket spelrum, handlingsutrymme, de uppfattar sig ha. Genomatt analysera dokumenten utifrån komponenterna vilja, kunna och förstå framträderockså olika nivåer av engagemang, kapacitet och mening i TSI-arbetet.Slutsatsen är att TSI inte fungerar som en enhetlig modell, utan snarare som ett ramverksom lämnar stort utrymme för lokal tolkning. Studien visar att implementeringen av TSIär nära kopplad till kommunernas organisatoriska förutsättningar, professionslogikeroch strategiska prioriteringar, och bör förstås som en process där lokala aktörer bådeanpassar, formar och ibland omdefinierar arbetet utifrån sina egna kontexter
Implementering och förvaltning av grönstrukturer för hållbar stadsutveckling
No full textGreen structures play a crucial role in urban planning to promote both human well-being and ecological sustainability. This case study examines two fictional residential blocks to identify which nature-based solutions can be implemented to best deliver ecosystem services over time, while also being easy to maintain and manage. The study also investigates the role of a green area factor (GYF) requirement, and whether this requirement can realistically be met in the planning of residential areas and if it creates a balance between different types of ecosystem services. The study was conducted using a qualitative method in the form of semi-structured interviews with six professional respondents, an ecologist, a consultant, a planning architect, and three property managers, selected through subjective sampling. The results show that certain green structures, such as trees and meadows, are considered particularly beneficial from several perspectives. At the same time, the study shows that a GYF requirement serves as a guiding value in planning but does not automatically lead to a balanced or strategic distribution of ecosystem services. The conclusion is that local context, the right type of solution, and a holistic perspective on multifunctionality are crucial for the successful implementation of nature-based solutions in urban development.
Socialtjänstens organisatoriska förutsättningar att förebygga placering av barn och unga : En kvalitativ studie om beslutsprocessen och bedömning i placeringsnära ärenden
No full textOut-of-home placement may result in negative consequences for children and adolescents. In some cases, intensive in-home services and methods that collaborate around children’s network, might constitute an alternative to placement. The aim of the study is to examine in which ways social services organizational conditions has significance for social workers practice to prevent out-of-home placement of children and adolescents. It is further intended to analyze which factors that affects social workers judgment and decision-making in pre-placement cases. Organization theory and Lipskys theory about street-level bureaucracy was chosen as theoretical framework. The study is based on a qualitative method with a vignette as a starting point in combination with semi-structured interviews. The empirical material was collected through eight interviews with social workers in the field of child and youth services and has been processed through thematic analysis. The study shows that access to time, reasonable workload, close leadership and a varied range of flexible outpatient care constitute important success factors in the prevention work in pre-placement cases. Home-based interventions and collaboration emerge as decisive factors for social workers opportunities to prevent out-of-home placement of children and adolescents. Placering utanför hemmet riskerar att leda till negativa konsekvenser för barn och unga. I vissa ärenden kan intensiva öppenvårdsinsatser och metoder som samverkar kring barnets nätverk utgöra ett alternativ till placeringar. Syftet med studien är att undersöka på vilka sätt socialtjänstens organisatoriska förutsättningar har betydelse för socialsekreterares arbete med att förebygga placering av barn och unga. Vidare avses även att analysera vilka faktorer som påverkar socialsekreterarens bedömning och beslutsfattande i placeringsnära ärenden. Organisationsteorin och Lipskys teori om gräsrotsbyråkrati valdes som teoretisk utgångspunkt. Studien utgår från en kvalitativ metod med en vinjett som utgångspunkt i kombination med semistrukturerade intervjuer. Det empiriska materialet har samlats in genom åtta intervjuer med socialsekreterare inom barn och unga, som sedan bearbetats genom en tematisk analys. Studien visar att tillgång till tid, rimlig arbetsbelastning, nära ledarskap och ett varierat utbud av flexibla öppenvårdsinsatser utgör viktiga framgångsfaktorer i det förebyggande arbetet i placeringsnära ärenden. Hemmabaserade insatser och samverkan framträder som avgörande faktorer för socialsekreterarnas möjligheter att förebygga placering av barn och unga.
Automatic brightness adjustmentfor display and interior illumination : Ramping Control and Output Transition Logic
No full textThis thesis presents the design and simulation of an automatic brightness adjustment system for vehicle displays. The goal is to improve driver comfort and safety by reducing abrupt luminance shifts during rapid ambient light changes, such as tunnel transitions or changing weather conditions. The proposed system uses a mathematical ramp-up function based on Stevens' power law to generate perceptually smooth brightness transitions. Integrates ambient light input and user preferences through a structured interval mapping and rheostat scaling mechanism. Simulations demonstrate that the system effectively balances responsiveness and stability by applying configurable ramp durations and hysteresis logic. Comparative evaluation against competitor solutions and scientific models confirms that this perceptually guided ramp approach reduces visual distraction while remaining computationally lightweight and suitable for embedded applications. Future work will focus on implementing feedback mechanisms, optimizing sensor placement, and user-adaptive control.Detta examensarbete presenterar design och simulering av ett automatiskt ljusstyrningssystem för fordonsdisplayer. Målet är att förbättra säkerhet och förarkomfort genom att minska plötsliga ljusförändringar i skärmen vid snabba variationer i omgivande ljus, såsom vid tunnelpassager eller väderomslag. Det föreslagna systemet använder en matematisk rampfunktion baserad på Stevens effeklag för att skapa perceptuellt mjuka ljusövergångar. Systemet kombinerar data från omgivningsljussensorer med användarpreferenser via intervallkartläggning och justering med reostat. Simuleringar visar att systemet effektivt balanserar snabb respons med visuell stabilitet genom konfigurerbara ramptider och hystereslogik. Jämförelser med befintliga fordonssystem och vetenskapliga modeller bekräftar att detta perceptuellt baserade tillvägagångssätt minskar visuell distraktion samtidigt som det är beräkningsmässigt effektivt och lämpligt för inbyggda tillämpningar. Framtida arbete kommer att fokusera på feedbackmekanismer, optimering av sensorplacering och användaranpassad reglering
ESG och skuldkostnaden : En kvantitativ studie av svenska börsbolag
No full textESG performance and its impact on companies' financing conditions are becoming increasingly important. Interest in how ESG performance (Environmental, Social, Governance) affects companies' cost of debt has increased. ESG ratings are used by investors and lenders as a basis for decision-making, but the relationship between ESG and the cost of debt is still unclear in the Swedish context. The purpose of this study is to describe whether there is a relationship between ESG performance and the cost of debt, and how it can help companies reduce the cost of debt. A deductive approach was used, based on signaling theory and agency theory, as well as previous research suggesting that ESG performance sends positive signals to lenders and reduces information asymmetry. The investigation was carried out using a quantitative research method. It began with a correlation analysis, and a regression analysis was conducted to confirm the result. The study shows a weak negative relationship between ESG and the cost of debt in the correlation analysis, but the relationship is not statistically significant in the regression analyses. ESG ratings are not statistically significant as a whole, nor did the individual ESG components (E, S, G) show significant results. Therefore, the effect of ESG factors in the credit granting process is currently small for Swedish listed companies
WorkFlowConnect : Optimization of Workflow and Communication
No full textThis project aims to develop a modern and secure backend system to improve workflow andcommunication at "Petra AB," a company specializing in parcel delivery services. The researchfocused on two main components: a secure authentication system using JWT (JSON WebTokens) technology, and a real-time communication system based on WebSocket andSocket.IO technologies. The system was designed to address limitations in the currentinfrastructure, such as the lack of a modern authentication mechanism and the absence of real-time communication tools, which negatively affect work efficiency and decision-making.The project was implemented using technologies such as Node.js and Express.js for thebackend, and MongoDB for data storage, ensuring security through password encryption androle-based access control. The system’s performance was tested under various loads using theArtillery tool, which showed promising results regarding response speed and the ability tohandle concurrent requests.The results demonstrated the system's success in providing a secure and efficient environmentfor real-time communication between employees and supervisors while maintaining scalabilityfor future growth. Some challenges were identified, such as the need to improve theperformance of certain routes under high load, and the suggestion to add additional securitylayers like end-to-end message encryption. This project represents an important step towardenhancing the company's digital infrastructure and provides a solid foundation for futuredevelopment.Detta projekt syftar till att utveckla ett modernt och säkert backend-system för att förbättraarbetsflöde och kommunikation hos "Petra AB," ett företag som specialiserar sig på post- ochpaketleveranstjänster. Forskningen fokuserade på två huvudkomponenter: ett säkertautentiseringssystem med hjälp av JWT (JSON Web Tokens) -teknologi, samt ettrealtidskommunikationssystem baserat på WebSocket- och Socket.IO-teknologier. Systemetutformades för att åtgärda begränsningar i den nuvarande infrastrukturen, såsom avsaknaden aven modern autentiseringsmekanism och frånvaron av verktyg för realtidskommunikation, vilketpåverkar arbetseffektivitet och beslutsfattande negativt.Projektet implementerades med teknologier såsom Node.js och Express.js för backend, samtMongoDB för datalagring, med säkerhet genom lösenordskryptering och rollbaseradåtkomstkontroll. Systemets prestanda testades under olika belastningar med verktyget Artillery,vilket visade lovande resultat vad gäller svarshastighet och förmåga att hantera samtidigaförfrågningar.Resultaten visade att systemet lyckades tillhandahålla en säker och effektiv miljö förrealtidskommunikation mellan anställda och chefer samtidigt som det bibehöll skalbarhet förframtida tillväxt. Vissa utmaningar identifierades, såsom behovet av att förbättra prestandan påvissa rutter under hög belastning, samt förslaget att lägga till ytterligare säkerhetslager som end-to-end-kryptering av meddelanden. Detta projekt representerar ett viktigt steg mot att stärkaföretagets digitala infrastruktur och ger en solid grund för framtida utveckling