Publikationer från Södertörns Högskola
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“Men vad ska jag göra? Jag måste säga sanningen” : En kvalitativ intervjustudie om behandlingsassistenters syn på deras arbete vid SiS-institutioner
For a long period of time, both media and authorities have criticized the youth care provided by the Swedish National Board of Institutional Care (Statens institutionsstyrelse, SiS). The criticism has primarily been directed at the lack of security, the low level of education among staff, and the substandard care at SiS facilities. The purpose of this thesis was to examine treatment assistants’ perspectives on their professional roles, as well as their views on the current situation at SiS facilities in relation to the criticism directed at SiS. The study used a qualitative method, where five respondents with previous and current experience working at SiS facilities were interviewed. The study applied thematic content analysis to analyze the collected data, resulting in three main themes: Care or containment, work environment, and competence and approach. The results were analyzed using three theories: Goffman’s theory of Total Institutions, Lipsky’s theory of Street-Level Bureaucrats with a focus on discretion, and Benner’s theory of competence development. The findings highlight that the staff agrees with the criticism directed at SiS facilities. They believe that the facilities face significant issues with the work environment, that the care provided is substandard and more resembles containment, and that the staff lacks proper interaction skills and has low education levels at SiS facilities. The study's final conclusion is that there is a sense of hopelessness among the staff due to the current deficiencies in SiS operations, and that substantial changes are needed.
IT-dependent work systems and digital marketing strategies in a data-driven environment : A qualitative study on socio-technical factors and their impact on digital campaign processes
I en snabbt föränderlig digital värld har IT-beroende arbetssystem blivit centrala för att stödja och optimera digitala marknadsföringskampanjer i en datadriven miljö. Denna studie undersöker hur socio-tekniska faktorer påverkar processen och effektiviteten hos dessa system, med särskilt fokus på strategier som tidsbegränsade erbjudanden (LTO). Genom en kvalitativ ansats analyseras samspelet mellan tekniska och sociala komponenter för att belysa hur automatiserade processer och stora datamängder kan förbättra anpassningsförmåga och beslutsfattande. Arbetssystemteorin (WST) och socio-tekniska systemteorin (STS) används som analytiska ramverk för att förstå hur IT-beroende arbetssystem integrerar mänskliga och tekniska resurser. Samtidigt kompletterar analys av stora datamängder (BDA) genom att belysa hur realtidsdata och prediktiva insikter stödjer strategisk kampanjoptimering. Studien identifierar att framgångsrika kampanjer kräver en dynamisk balans mellan teknik och mänskliga aktörer för att möjliggöra flexibilitet och snabb respons på marknadsförändringar. Resultaten visar att företag som effektivt inför IT-beroende arbetssystem kan dra nytta av automatisering för att minska manuellt arbete och optimera resursanvändning. Dock framhålls utmaningar såsom organisatoriska flaskhalsar och tekniska begränsningar som kan försvåra systemens anpassningsförmåga. Etiska och juridiska överväganden kring dataskydd identifieras också som avgörande för att bibehålla kundförtroende och kampanjers effektivitet. Slutsatsen är att IT-beroende arbetssystem, när de används strategiskt, erbjuder en möjlighet för företag att skapa datadrivna och flexibla marknadsföringsstrategier som möter dagens dynamiska affärskrav. In a rapidly evolving digital world, IT-reliant work systems have become central to supporting and optimizing digital marketing campaigns in a data-driven environment. This study examines how socio-technical factors influence the processes and effectiveness of these systems, with a particular focus on strategies such as Limited Time Offers (LTO). Through a qualitative approach, the interplay between technical and social components is analyzed to highlight how automated processes and big data can enhance adaptability and decision-making. The Work System Theory (WST) and Socio-Technical Systems Theory (STS) are employed as analytical frameworks to understand how IT-reliant work systems integrate human and technical resources. Additionally, Big Data Analytics (BDA) complements these perspectives by elucidating how real-time data and predictive insights support strategic campaign optimization. The study identifies that successful campaigns require a dynamic balance between technology and human actors to enable flexibility and a swift response to market changes. The findings indicate that companies effectively implementing IT-reliant work systems can benefit from automation to reduce manual tasks and optimize resource utilization. However, challenges such as organizational bottlenecks and technical limitations are highlighted as potential obstacles to system adaptability. Ethical and legal considerations regarding data protection are also identified as critical to maintaining customer trust and campaign efficiency. The conclusion is that IT-reliant work systems, when strategically employed, offer an opportunity for companies to create data-driven and flexible marketing strategies that address today’s dynamic business demands
Challenges in ERP-dependent work systems: A socio-technical analysis of work processes and collaboration : A qualitative study of everyday work processes from a participatory perspective in different organizations and industries in Sweden
This study examines the socio-technical challenges faced by participants in ERP-dependent work systems in their daily operations. To investigate how ERP systems impact their work, collaboration, and decision-making, six respondents from various industries and professional roles were interviewed. The study employs a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews to gain a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of participants' experiences in this area. By exploring the participants' experiences, several key factors affecting the efficiency of work systems and processes were identified. The study reveals that factors influencing participants' experiences include technological compatibility, data quality, technical support, and flexibility within IT systems. The structure and functions of ERP systems significantly impact how participants carry out their work processes, making this one of the most crucial aspects. The results indicate that while some participants perceive ERP systems as restrictive, others find them supportive and efficient. It became evident that the integration of social factors such as communication, collaboration, and training, alongside technical factors, is essential for overcoming challenges and optimizing workflow efficiency. Additionally, the findings highlight that participants’ influence in decision-making varies depending on their professional roles. Some actively contribute to shaping how ERP systems are used and adapted, whereas others have limited influence over these aspects. Furthermore, several participants expressed a need for more efficient and accessible technical support to manage the technical challenges that arise within these systems. This study provides a deeper understanding of how socio-technical challenges affect participants in ERP-dependent work systems and emphasizes the importance of integrating technical and social factors to address challenges and enhance work processes. The findings can contribute to the improvement of ERP system implementation and usage in the future by preventing and mitigating the challenges experienced by participants in their daily work with ERP systems.Denna studie undersöker sociotekniska utmaningar som deltagare inom ERP-beroende arbetssystem möter i sitt dagliga arbete. För att undersöka hur ERP-system påverkar deras arbete, samarbete och beslutsfattande, intervjuades sex respondenter som arbetade inom olika branscher och yrkesroller i studien. Undersökningen använder en kvalitativ ansats genom semistrukturerade intervjuer för att få en bättre och mer detaljerad förståelse kring deltagarnas upplevelser inom området. Genom att undersöka deltagarnas upplevelser upptäcktes ett antal centrala faktorer som påverkar effektiviteten i arbetssystemen och arbetsprocesserna. Studien visar att faktorer som påverkar deltagarnas upplevelser inkluderar bland annat teknisk kompatibilitet, datakvalitet, tekniskt stöd och flexibilitet i IT-systemen. ERP-systemens struktur och funktioner påverkar hur deltagarna utför sina arbetsprocesser , vilket är en av de viktigaste faktorerna. Resultaten indikerar att vissa deltagare ser systemen som begränsande, medan andra ser dem som hjälpsamma och effektiva. Det framgick att integrationen av sociala faktorer som kommunikation, samarbete och utbildning tillsammans med de tekniska faktorerna är avgörande för att klara av deltagarnas utmaningar och effektivisera arbetet. Dessutom visar resultaten att deltagarnas inflytande i beslutsfattande varierar beroende på deras yrkesroller. Vissa är med och påverkar hur systemen används och anpassas, medan andra inte har lika mycket inflytande inom det. Det framkommer även att flera deltagare är beroende av effektivare och mer tillgängligt tekniskt stöd för att hantera tekniska utmaningar som uppstår i systemen. Studien ger en bättre förståelse för hur sociotekniska utmaningar kan påverka deltagare i ERP-beroende arbetssystem och betonar hur viktigt det är att tekniska faktorer integreras med sociala faktorer för att hantera utmaningar och effektivisera arbetsprocesser. Resultaten kan bidra till att förbättra införande och användning av ERP-system i framtiden genom att förebygga och hantera utmaningar som deltagarna upplever i sitt vardagliga arbete med ERP-system
Where there were breadcrumbs, therewere no rewards : A study comparing how three design patterns – landmarks, overlooks, and breadcrumbs – guide players to rewards in adventure games
I denna studie undersöks olika designmönster för vägledning till belöningar i ett egenskapatutforskarspel. Syftet är att undersöka hur designmönstrena: utkiksplatser, landmärken ochbrödsmulor vägleder spelare till belöningar, detta för att bistå nivådesigner med en jämförelsepå olika designmönster så att de kan välja rätt mönster för att skapa nivåer som ger deraseftertraktade resultat. I denna kvalitativa studie intervjuas sex deltagare med hjälp avstimulerad återkallselse och EPP-metoden (Empirical Phenomenological Psychology).Resultatet visade att landmärken och utkiksplatser fungerade bra när det gäller utnyttjande avdesignmönster, rumslig medvetenhet och spelupplevelse, medan brödsmulor fungerade dåligtför samtliga områden.This study examines different design patterns for guidance to rewards in an adventure gamemade by us. The aim is to investigate how the design patterns: overlooks, landmarks andbreadcrumbs guide players to rewards, to assist level designers with a comparison of differentdesign patterns so that they can choose the right pattern to create levels that provide theirdesired results. In this qualitative study, six participants are interviewed using the stimulatedrecall and EPP method (Empirical Phenomenological Psychology). The results showed thatlandmarks and overlooks performed well in terms of utilization of design patterns, spatialawareness and enjoyment, while breadcrumbs performed poorly in all areas
An alternative open science framework
Purpose – The article uses the Marxist base/superstructure model to frame the current dominant form of open science (OS), presenting a critical analysis drawing on policy documents, empirical examples, and mainstream and critical research. The argument focuses on how the project understands its relation to openness, society, science and information and communication technologies (ICTs). Theoretical concepts as openness ideology, cognitive and academic capitalism, and agonistic pluralism, are used for the analysis and development of an alternative OS framework. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual analysis and ideology critique of OS is conducted within a general Marxist framework. In a subsequent step an alternative form of OS is developed with the help of Chantal Mouffe’s theoretical concept agonistic pluralism. The article’s argument is structured by 4 propositions and 2 proposals. Findings – The current dominant OS framework naturalises commercial enclosures in relation to applied science/open innovation and displays a socially fragmented character in relation to citizen science (CS). This aligns with the openness ideology that downplays the social effect of enclosures related to data, information and knowledge. OS’s focus on standardised applied science accommodates social sciences and humanities under natural sciences’ umbrella. The critique of which, leads to the argument for a political OS, connected to social movements. This alternative is developed around Mouffe’s concept of agonistic pluralism and could counteract the commodification of academia and reinvigorate it with diverse forms of applied research. Originality/value – The article delivers a critical and systematic analysis founded in the Marxist base/superstructure model that frames and combines conceptual elements rarely combined in Library and Information Science’s STS-oriented literature. It problematises the conditions for scholarly research under capitalism’s current cognitive phase and identifies positive potentialities that hitherto have eluded the attention from the wider international Library and Information Science community. Through this, the article contributes to a discussion about what kind of (open) science society needs
Hur narrativa spel miljöer påverkar spelarens rörelse : Hur spelarens narrativa tolkning av spel miljöer påverkar rörelsebeslut
This study explores how players’ interpretation of narrative environments affects their movement decisions in games. The purpose is to understand how players’ narrative comprehension of environmental visuals influences their movement decisions for game developers to use when creating narrative environments. Participants played in a game prototype consisting of various narrative environment visuals. For data gathering, the stimulated recall method was used to answer how the player’s movement was affected based on the narrative environment. Results show that player narrative comprehension of the environment affects movement decisions based on Previous Experience, Visual Implications, Gameplay Thoughts and Character Identification. This research provides how players’ narrative interpretation and movement can support game designers when creating narrative environments.
The influence of popular culture in the after-school center : A qualitative study on the impact of popular culture on students' social interactions in after-school activities
The purpose of this study is to examine how popular culture affects children's social interactions in Swedish school-age educare. The study begins by describing how the increase in popular cultural expressions in children's daily lives can affect their social interactions and relationships. Previous research suggests that popular culture can be used as an inclusive resource, but can also be a factor in exclusion between children if they do not have knowledge or access to these expressions. The theoretical starting point used in this study is the perspective of situated learning and the concept of communities of practice, which clarify how social participation and learning are seen within meaningful contexts. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with four school-age educare educators and four children at two different schools. The analysis was conducted based on a thematic analysis. The results of the study show that popular culture plays a significant role in children's social interaction with each other. Common interests in popular cultural references and expressions can increase inclusion between children, but on the other hand can risk children being excluded if they do not share the same popular cultural interests. The leisure educators express that popular culture can function as a kind of tool for participation, but also as something that requires active educational planning. It is emphasized in the discussion that integrating popular cultural expressions and references into school-age educare is important for promoting learning and inclusion. This study highlights the need for educators and teachers to increase their understanding of children's popular cultural expressions and references, both in practice and education
Högläsning i Förskolan
The Swedish preschool curriculum (Skolverket 2018) has specified requirements for language development work through reading aloud, while also clarifying the preschool’s teaching mission. The purpose of this study is to explore how preschool teachers view reading aloud as a tool for language development in preschool. The study is based on interviews with six preschool teachers and uses a sociocultural perspective for analysis. The results show that teachers see reading aloud as an important way to help children develop their language, especially by building vocabulary and storytelling skills. The teachers describe reading aloud not just as a daily routine, but as a planned activity where children can talk about stories and learn new words together with adults. The study also shows some challenges, such as lack of time and the need for more structure, but that talking with colleagues helps teachers improve their practice. In summary, the study highlights that reading aloud can support children’s language development when it is used purposefully in daily preschool activities
Fri och styrd lek i fritidshemmet : En kvalitativ studie av fri och styrd leks roll för elevers lärande och konflikthantering
This study examines the significance of both free and structured play within after-school activities and how they contribute to children's learning and conlift management. Utilizing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with educators and observations of children's play, we investigate pedagogical strategies that support children's social development and negotiation skills. The findings reveal that free play allows children to naturally develop interpersonal skills and handle conflicts, while structured play provides educators with the opportunity to guide and mediate these interactions. Ultimately, both forms of play emerge as vital components in fostering an enriching learning environment that supports children's development
Maskulinitetens konsekvenser : En studie om kvinnors upplevelser och strategier i en mansdominerad bransch
Despite Sweden's reputation for gender equality, the automotive industry remains on of the most male-dominated sectors. This study explores how women navigate this enviroment, shaped by masculine norms and structures, and the strategies they employ to manage challanges related to gender norms. Through qualitative intreviews with six women working in various roles within the industry, the study highlights experiences of skepticism from colleagues and customers, exclusionary workplace cultures and the need to work harder than men to gain recognition. Using Raewyn Connell's theory of gender order theory as an analytical framework, the study examines how gendered power relations are maintained and negotiated in the workplace. The findings reveal that while masculine norms remain deeply entrenched, women engage in both participation and resistance to these strucutres . The study identifies the prevalence of complicit femininity, where women adapt to masculine norms for acceptence, as well as signs of resistant and deviant femininities, where women challange established gender expectations. The study contributes to research on gender in male-dominated industries by providing insight into how women's experiences are shaped by workplace culture and how they strategize to navigate and resist gender norms. Trots Sveriges rykte för jämställdhet förblir bilindustrin en av de mest mandsominerade sektorerna. Denna studie undersöker hur kvinnor navigerar i denna miljö, formad av maskulina normer och strukturer, och de strategier de använder för att hantera utmaningar relaterade till könsnormer. Genom kvalitativa intervjuer med sex kvinnor som arbetar i olika roller inom industrin, belyser studien erfarenheten av skepticisim från kollegor och kunder, exkluderande arbetsplatskulturer samt behovet av att arbeta hårdare än män för att få erkännande. Genom att använda Raewyn Connells teori om könsordningen som analytiskt ramverk undersöker studien hur könade maktrelationer upprätthålls och förhandlas på arbetsplatsen. Resultatet visar att medan maskulina normer förblir djupt rotade, deltar kvinnor både i och motstår dessa strukturer. Studien identifierar förekomsten av delaktig femininitet, där kvinnor anpassar sig till maskulina normer för acceptans, samt tecken på motståndskraftig och avvikande femininitet, där kvinnor utmanar etablerade könsförväntningar. Studien bidrar till forskning om kön i mandsominerande branscher genom att ge en inblick i hur kvinnors erfarenheter formas av arbetsplatskultur och vilka strategier de använder för att navigera och motstå könsnormer