Publikationer från Mälardalens högskola
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Cybersäkerhet ochinteroperabilitet : En jämförande studie av svenska KSF och internationella cybersäkerhetsstandarder
No full text Date: 2025-06-09 Level: Master thesis in Product and Process Development, advanced level, 30 credits. Institution: School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University Author: Jesper Blomqvist Title: Cybersecurity and Interoperability: A Comparative Study of the Swedish KSF and International Cybersecurity Standards Supervisors: Kristian Sandström, Mälardalen University. Jonas Eliasson, SAAB AB. Keywords: Cybersecurity standards, requirement traceability, natural language processing and security requirements, NIST mapping methodology, KSF and cybersecurity, standard harmonization and defense systems. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the Swedish cybersecurity standard KSF with international frameworks, and to explore opportunities to streamline the requirements management process through AI-based methods such as NLP and LLM. Research questions: 1. What similarities and differences can be identified between KSF and international cybersecurity standards? 2. What opportunities and challenges can be identified with AI-based methods, such as NLP and LLM, for streamlining requirements management across different cybersecurity standards and minimizing redundancy? Method: This study applies a qualitative research design based on comparative document analysis. Using an inductive approach, it systematically examines the Swedish KSF cybersecurity standard and compares it to international frameworks. AI-based concepts such as NLP and LLM are explored as potential tools for future automation of requirements management. The analysis is supported by a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), which enables structured, requirement-level comparison to identify overlaps, gaps, and redundancies. Primary data consists of official standard documents. Conclusion: The study finds that while KSF shares structural and conceptual similarities with international standards, it is more rigid and nationally specific, limiting interoperability. AI methods like NLP and LLM offer potential for automating requirements management, but challenges related to explainability, security, and confidentiality must be addressed for use in the defense sector
INTEGRATING THE POWER OF LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS AND MODEL CHECKING IN REQUIREMENT ENGINEERING
No full textDetecting and resolving conflicts within requirements is a crucial challenge in requirements engineering. This research aims to explore an innovative approach to address the challenges of discovering inconsistencies in natural language requirements by automating their transformation into formal models, by exploring the integration of the Large Language Model, ChatGPT, with a formal verification tool, UPPAAL, for improving the quality of requirements engineering. This study provides a methodology for detecting potential conflicts in natural-language requirements. The methodology integrates ChatGPT’s natural language processing capability by automatically transforming the natural language requirements into UPPAAL timed automata models. Experimental results demonstrate the potential of this hybrid approach to reduce manual errors and ultimately improve the accuracy of conflict detection
Inventory management : Inventory balance by sale & operation adherence, operation efficiency and working capital
No full textEffective inventory management is pivotal for balancing sales and operations planning (S&OP), operational efficiency, and working capital in manufacturing. This study examines inventory management practices at a global hard metal manufacturing organization to identify inefficiencies and propose actionable improvements. Adopting an abductive research approach, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six key stakeholders across production, finance, and procurement departments. The analysis revealed three critical inefficiencies, firstly, reliance on manual processes and fragmented systems, such as siloed ERP software and Excel-based planning, which introduce errors and hinder real-time visibility secondly, forecast inaccuracies exacerbated by geopolitical risks, supplier-imposed minimum order quantities (MOQs), and volatile demand, and thirdly misalignment between global and local strategies, such as rigid economic order quantity (EOQ) mandates and local operational realities, including safety stock requirements for critical materials like cobalt. These gaps undermine S&OP adherence, inflate working capital, and reduce operational efficiency. To address these challenges, the study recommends integrating ERP systems to eliminate manual reconciliations, adopting AI-driven & software tools for demand forecasting and raw material planning, and decentralizing S&OP cycles to incorporate local demand signals. Cross-departmental key performance indicators (KPIs) and hybrid inventory strategies blending just-in-time (JIT) principles with buffer stocks are proposed to enhance collaboration and resilience. The findings underscore the need for adaptive inventory models that reconcile theoretical frameworks with contextual complexities, such as supply chain disruptions and technological constraints. By prioritizing technology modernization and fostering cross-functional transparency, manufacturing organizations can achieve a responsive, cost-efficient, and customer-centric inventory management system. This study contributes practical insights for large-scale manufacturers navigating the evolving demands of globalized markets while advancing inventory management theory through sector-specific adaptations.ne
Digital tools in preschool : Opportunities and challenges from preschool teachers' perspectives
No full textStudiens syfte är att bidra med kunskap om hur förskollärare använder digitala verktyg i förskolan samt belysa eventuella utmaningar och hur dessa kan hanteras utifrån förskollärares perspektiv. En kvalitativ metod användes, där åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med förskollärare. Resultaten analyserades ur det sociokulturella perspektivet. Resultaten och analysen visar att digitala verktyg i förskolan utgör betydelsefulla komplement till analoga aktiviteter och används medvetet för att stödja barns lärande, i enlighet med deras behov och intressen. Förskollärarens kompetens och engagemang är centrala för att skapa en balancerad och meningsfull pedagogisk praktik där barnens delaktighet spelar en avgörande roll. Samtidigt framträder tekniska, pedagogiska, didaktiska och kollegiala utmaningar, vilka kräver strategier i form av förberedelser, samarbete och reflektion för att möjliggöra en framgångsrik implementering av digitala verktyg. Slutsatser visar att förskollärare använder digitala verktyg som ett pedagogiskt stöd för att främja barns lärande och sociala samspel. Både barnens och pedagogernas agens framstår som centrala faktorer. Samtidigt möter förskollärare utmaningar såsom teknisk kompetensbrist och varierande kollegiala inställningar, vilka hanteras genom planering, reflektion, kollegialt stöd och kontinuerlig kompetensutveckling.
Employee engagement for sustainability : Organizational motivation for long-term employee engagement in sustainability issues
No full textSyftet med studien är att undersöka hur organisationer kan främja långsiktigt medarbetarengagemang i hållbarhetsarbete. Studien ger praktiska insikter för att stärka hållbarhetsarbetet. Studien visar att medarbetarnas engagemang i hållbarhetsarbete främst drivs av inre motivation – såsom upplevd mening och känslan av att bidra till något större – snarare än av yttre belöningar. För att främja detta engagemang behöver organisationer skapa en arbetsmiljö där dessa personliga drivkrafter får utrymme, erkänns och stöds. Det kräver ett lyhört ledarskap, realistiska förväntningar och strukturer som möjliggör delaktighet och hållbart engagemang.The purpose of this study is to explore how organizations can encourage long-term employee engagement in sustainability. The study offers practical insights to strengthen sustainability efforts. The study shows that employees' engagement in sustainability efforts is primarily driven by intrinsic motivation—such as a sense of meaning and the feeling of contributing to something greater—rather than by external rewards. To foster this engagement, organizations need to create a work environment where these personal drivers are given space, recognized, and supported. This requires attentive leadership, realistic expectations, and structures that enable participation and sustainable commitment
Storytelling in Employer Branding : A Case Study of Hitachi Energy on Social Media
No full textAbstract Date: 2025-06-03 Level: Master thesis in business administration, 15 cr Institution: Mälardalens University, Academy of Economics, Society and Technology Authors: Matilda Jansson, Matteo Salman (98/08/29) (96/02/29) Title: Storytelling in Employer Branding - A Case Study of Hitachi Energy on Social Media Contact person (Company): Kerstin Tschernigg Supervisor (University): Annoch Hadjikhani Keywords: Employer Branding, Storytelling, Social Media, Employee Engagement, Cultural Adaptation. Research Question: How is employee-driven storytelling adapted on social media across cultural and organizational contexts in Employer Branding? Purpose: The study aims to gain a better understanding of how storytelling is implemented across markets Methodology: A qualitative research utilising semi-structured interviews with a total of 17 respondents. The interviews were thematically analysed based on existing literature. Conclusion: The study revealed that employee-driven storytelling is a powerful tool for Employer Branding, but must be adapted across different cultural and organizational contexts. Local expectations and norms influence how stories are crafted, shared and perceived. At the same time, maintaining a globally coherent narrative that is adapted to cultural and organizational contexts helps increase resonance. By aligning brand values with employee identity, it encourages authentic storytelling which in turn strengthens the brand narrative. Different approaches at the local, regional and global levels reflect differing priorities such as cultural relevance, employee voice and strategic alignment. The findings offer valuable insight into how multinational organizations can strategically leverage storytelling to create authentic, inclusive and engaging Employer Branding across diverse markets
Användarcentrerad AI Design för ett Digital Asset Management System : En kvalitativ studie om hur användarcentrerad design kan skapa transparens, kontroll och nytta vid design av AI
No full text This thesis explores how user-cantered design can be applied in the development of AI-powered features within Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, with a particular focus on administrators responsible for structuring and maintaining large archives of digital content. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into digital work tools, it is essential that these features are designed to be understandable, controllable, and relevant to users. The thesis emphasizes the role of design in creating systems that not only automate tasks but also support and empower the user. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with five administrators from different organizations, aiming to identify needs, expectations, and concerns related to AI functionality in DAM systems. The findings show that users’ trust in AI is closely linked to transparency, explainability, and the ability to influence system behaviour. AI features perceived as “black boxes” are often avoided, even if they function technically well. To address this, the thesis proposes a design strategy where AI acts as a supportive tool making suggestions rather than decisions and offering clear feedback and human oversight. The design process followed the Double Diamond model and included insight gathering, ideation, prototyping, and heuristic evaluation. The theoretical framework is grounded in user-centered design, Human-Centred AI, information design, and usability theory. The result is a conceptual design proposal for an AI-supported interface that aims to simplify and improve interaction with AI in complex system environments. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that AI technology can provide significant value for DAM administrators but only if designed with clarity, trust, and the user’s role at the center
Vårdnadshavares och barns rörelsevanor - finns det samband? : En kvantitativ studie om sambandet mellan vårdnadshavare och barns rörelsevanor
No full textBakgrund: Sju av tio barn uppnår inte rekommendationerna för fysisk aktivitet samtidigt som inaktiviteten ökar med stigande ålder. Det kan på lång sikt leda till sjukdomar som kostar samhället flera miljarder kronor. I tidigare studier redovisas resultat som enbart inkluderar fysisk aktivitet vilket leder till en kunskapslucka gällande all sorters rörelse. Studien fokuserar därför på rörelse som utförs under hela dagen, även om fysisk aktivitet benämns i arbetet. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka rörelsevanor bland vårdnadshavare och deras barn samt att undersöka om det finns några samband mellan omfattningen av deras rörelsevanor. Metod: Genom en tvärsnittsstudie riktat mot vårdnadshavare till barn i åldrarna 7–9 år undersöktes rörelsevanor hos både grupperna. Vidare analyserades om det fanns några eventuella samband mellan vårdnadshavares och barns rörelsevanor. Totalt deltog 139 vårdnadshavare. Resultat: Majoriteten av de vårdnadshavare som deltog i studien uppskattar att både de själva och barnen rör sig i snitt 1 timme per dag under dagar de har sysselsättning eller skola, där sambandsanalysen visar ett svagt samband (r=0,367). Under lediga dagar rör sig vårdnadshavare och barn i snitt 2,5 timme eller mer per dag. Dessutom tyder resultaten på att det finns ett svagt till måttligt samband mellan vårdnadshavares rörelsevanor och deras barns rörelsevanor under ledig tid (r=0,543). Slutsatser: Vårdnadshavare och barn rör sig i snitt mer under lediga dagar och mindre på de dagar de har sin sysselsättning eller skola. Studien visar på ett svagt till måttligt positivt samband mellan vårdnadshavare och barns rörelsevanor, vilket innebär att vårdnadshavare och barn påverkar varandra till viss del gällande rörelsevanor.Background: Seven out of ten children do not meet the recommendations of physical activity and at the same time, inactivity increases with age. In the long term, this can lead to diseases that cost society several billion SEK. Previous studies have reported results that only include physical activity which leads to a knowledge gap regarding all types of movement. Therefore, the study focuses on movement that is performed during the whole day, but physical activity is included in the essay. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the movement habits among guardian’s and their children and whether there is any connection in the extent of their movement habits. Method: A cross-sectional design was conducted for guardians of children in the ages of 7-9. The movement habits of both groups were investigated for a further analyze, to see if there were any connections between guardians and their children’s movement habits. There was a total of 139 guardians. Results: The majority of the guardians that participated in the study estimate that both themselves and their children spend an average of 1 hour per day on days outside of occupation or school, where the correlation coefficient shows a result of a weak connection (r=0,367). On days off, both guardians and their children are in active motion for 2,5 hours or more on average per day. Furthermore, the result shows a weak to moderate connection between guardian and their children’s movement habits during days off (r=0,543). Conclusions: Guardians and children move more on average during their days off and less on the days that they have their occupation or school. The study shows a weak to a moderate positive connection between guardian and children´s movement habits, which means that guardian and children affect each other to some extent regarding movement habits
"VI GÖR SÅ GOTT VI KAN, MEN VI KOMMER ALLTID LIGGA ETT ELLER TVÅ STEG BAK” : Socialtjänstens arbete med ungdomsbrottslighet - organisatoriska förutsättningar, beslut och behandling i relation till barnets bästa och återfall i brott.
No full textThe purpose of the study is to examine how the social services' work with juvenile delinquency is affected by organizational conditions, treatment planning and placement decisions and how these factors are relate to the best interests of children and their risks of recidivism. The study is based on a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews with six social workers from different municipalities in Sweden. The results show that resources and the use of treatment tools affect social workers ability to make well-founded decisions regarding interventions for adolescents who commit crimes. The study shows that individualized interventions are important, but that social workers discretion is limited by organizational conditions. The need for evidence-based and planned treatment interventions and the importance of trusting relationships between social workers and adolescents, proves to be crucial for preventing recidivism. The results show that there is often a lack of conditions, tools and time to be able to work based on the previously mentioned conditions. Discretion, street-level bureaucracy and ecological systems theory are used in the study and can contribute to a deeper understanding of social workers' work with young people who commit crimes. The study highlights the importance of preventive work and the need for increased organizational resources and conditions
From system to sentence: Organizational conditions and user acceptance in digital transformation : A case study of a Swedish municipal technology and service management
No full text Datum: 2025-06-04 Nivå: Kandidatuppsats i Företagsekonomi, 15 hp Institution: Akademin för Ekonomi, Samhälle och Teknik, Mälardalens Universitet Författare: Imane Oukhich Ruwedo Ali Titel: Från system till mening: organisatoriska villkor och användaracceptans i digital transformationEn fallstudie av en svensk kommunal teknik- och serviceförvaltning Handledare: Michäel Du Luc och Annoch Hadjikhani Nyckelord: Digitalisering; Kommunal förvaltning; Implementering av digitala arbetssätt; Upplevd nytta; Organisatoriska utmaningar; Digital kompetens; Förändringsarbete. Forskningsfråga/or: Hur implementeras digitala arbetssätt inom teknik- och serviceförvaltningar för att öka användarnas upplevda nytta, med hänsyn till identifierade hinder och utmaningar? Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att skapa en fördjupad förståelse för digitaliseringens praktiska tillämpning inom kommunal verksamhet. Fokus ligger på att identifiera utmaningar i implementeringen av digitala arbetssätt som påverkar den upplevda nyttan, samt att utveckla rekommendationer för en mer hållbar och strategisk digital utveckling. Metod: Studien baseras på en kvalitativ forskningsansats och bygger på nio semistrukturerade intervjuer med nyckelpersoner inom teknik- och serviceförvaltningen i en svensk kommun. Respondenterna valdes strategiskt för att spegla olika roller, erfarenheter och perspektiv i organisationen. Det insamlade materialet analyserades tematiskt med stöd av analysverktyget ATLAS.ti, där kodning genomfördes induktivt men strukturerades kring tre övergripande teman kopplade till studiens forskningsfrågor. Slutsats: Studien visar att digitalisering inom kommunal verksamhet är en komplex process där organisatoriska strukturer, digital kompetens och ledarskapspraktik spelar en avgörande roll för implementeringens framgång. Resultaten belyser flera hinder, såsom systemfragmentering, kompetensglapp och brist på samordning, men även drivkrafter i form av effektivisering, innovationsvilja samt ett växande användarstöd. För att uppnå en hållbar digital utveckling krävs inte endast tekniska lösningar, utan även en långsiktig förändringsledning, förankring i verksamheten och ett strategiskt fokus på kompetensutveckling. Date: 2025-06-04 Level: Bachelor's Thesis in Business Administration, 15 credits Institution: School of Economics, Society and Technology, Mälardalen University Author: Imane Oukhich Ruwedo Ali Title: From system to meaning: organizational conditions and user acceptance in digital transformationA case study of a Swedish municipal technology and service administration Supervisors: Michäel Du Luc and Annoch Hadjikhani Keywords: Digitalization; Municipal administration; Implementation of digital working methods; Perceived benefit; Organizational challenges; Digital competence; Change management. Research question(s): How are digital working methods implemented within technology and service administrations to increase users' perceived benefit, taking into account identified obstacles and challenges? Purpose: The purpose of this study is to create a deeper understanding of the practical application of digitalization in municipal operations. The focus is on identifying challenges in the implementation of digital working methods that affect the perceived benefit, and to develop recommendations for a more sustainable and strategic digital development. Method: The study is based on a qualitative research approach and is based on nine semi-structured interviews with key people within the technology and service administration in a Swedish municipality. The respondents were strategically selected to reflect different roles, experiences and perspectives in the organization. The collected material was analyzed thematically with the support of the analysis tool ATLAS.ti, where coding was carried out inductively but structured around three overarching themes linked to the study's research questions. Conclusion: The study shows that digitalization in municipal operations is a complex process where organizational structures, digital competence and leadership practice play a crucial role in the success of the implementation. The results highlight several obstacles, such as system fragmentation, skills gaps and lack of coordination, but also driving forces in the form of efficiency, a willingness to innovate and growing user support. Achieving sustainable digital development requires not only technical solutions, but also long-term change management, anchoring in the business and a strategic focus on skills development