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The Role of Cultural Factors in the Success of Cross-Border M&A : A Benelux-Nordic Perspective
No full textThis thesis examined how cultural factors influence the success of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) between companies in the Benelux and Nordic regions. Despite geographic proximity and institutional similarity, these regions exhibited meaningful differences in leadership styles, communication patterns, and risk perceptions that can affect M&A outcomes. Drawing on 16 expert interviews and three illustrative case studies, this study applied a qualitative multiple-case approach to examine how culture shapes negotiation strategies, post-acquisition integration, and due diligence practices. The findings revealed that cultural dynamics played an increasingly important role across all deal stages. Dutch professionals were frequently described as direct and efficiency-oriented, while Nordic actors emphasized consensus-building and transparency. Belgian dealmakers exhibited a more hierarchical and risk-averse approach, often favouring formal legal structures. These differences affected not only negotiation and integration processes but also the perceived definition of success. Whereas academic literature often equates success with financial performance, interviewees pointed to long-term collaboration, trust, and employee retention as equally important metrics. The study contributes to international business literature by connecting classical cultural theories with real-world M&A practices and proposing a more multidimensional understanding of M&A success, one that encompasses cultural integration and stakeholder satisfaction alongside financial results. Practical implications include the need for structured cultural due diligence, culturally adaptive leadership strategies, and broader post-deal success measurement frameworks
Rethinking Professional Development in Child Protection : Work-Integrated Learning in Malta’s NGO Sector
No full textEnsuring the safety and well-being of children, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, is a global imperative. Yet in contexts such as Malta, fragmented training standards and limited institutional resources constrain effective practice. This thesis investigated how child protection professionals in Maltese frontline NGOs obtain and refine their competencies and knowledge through situated, rights-oriented Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). Drawing on nine semi-structured interviews and an abductive analytic approach, the study mobilised Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and the Children’s Right Framework (CRF) to examine how professionals acquire, reflect on, and apply knowledge and competencies in real-world environments. WIL is conceptualised as a process of learning in and through everyday work. Thematic analysis revealed five interrelated themes: (1) learning through everyday practice, (2) skill development and training needs, (3) structural and systemic challenges, (4) child-centered and rights-based practice, and (5) transformative learning through work. Participants described reliance on peer learning, improvisation, reflection and emotional coping strategies in the absence of consistent supervision or trauma-informed training. The study contributes empirically grounded insights into the gaps and potential of professional learning in NGO settings and argues for a broader, ethically grounded understanding of WIL in high-stakes social, and by extension political, care. Aligning peer mentorship, reflective supervision, trauma-sensitive care, and rights-based ethics across the micro (individual), meso (organisational), and macro (national/supranational) levels of child protection systems is essential for building resilience and ensuring rights–compliant, high-quality services. The findings offer theoretical and practical contributions to the development of more responsive, context-sensitive training models in under-researched fields such as NGO-led child protection
Framtidens SEO: Anpassning till AI-genererade sökresultat : Hur AI förändrar sökoptimering och innehållsstrategier
No full textThis bachelor’s thesis explores how the field of search engine optimization (SEO) is transforming in response to AI-generated search results. Focusing on the emerging concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the study examines how content must be created and optimized to stay visible and relevant in a search landscape increasingly dominated by technologies such as Google SGE, ChatGPT, and Perplexity AI. The research is based on a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews with five professionals in SEO, UX, and content strategy. The findings indicate a shift from technical optimization to user-centered strategies where trustworthiness, content structure, search intent, and structured information design arekey. The EEAT framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is highlighted as essential for AI-preferred content. The study emphasizes the importanceof iterative development, multimodal strategies, and adapting to how AI interprets and generates information. The conclusion is that AI does not replace SEO, but reshapes it, requiring new approaches centered on user value and content quality
Men´s experiences of sexual health after treatment of prostate cancer : A literature-based study
No full textBackground: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related death among men. In Sweden, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men. Family history is identified as a significant risk factor, particularly if a close relative such as a father or brother has previously been diagnosed. The area of sexual health can be surrounded by stigma, which can affect the quality of care. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe men´s experiences of sexual health after treatment for prostate cancer. Method: The method was designed as a literature-based study that integrated qualitative research and was inspired by meta-synthesis. Eleven scientific articles were analyzed according to Friberg’s model in five steps. Results: The analysis resulted in three themes and six sub-themes. The themes were; Barriers to discussing sexual health are characterized by passivity, The changes in the body require adaptation, and Love continues under new conditions. Men expressed shame and emotional isolation due to erectile dysfunction and loss of masculine identity. Healthcare encounters were often perceived as inadequate, focusing mainly on physical function rather than emotionalneeds. Intimacy was redefined by many men through emotional closeness rather than sexual performance. Conclusion: Sexual health is a vital aspect of well-being for men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer. Nurses need to adopt a proactive and person-centered approach by addressing sexual health as an integrated part of care. Creating a safe space for dialogue and offering tailored information may reduce suffering and improve quality of life for these patients.Prostatacancer är den vanligaste cancerformen bland män i Sverige och varje år får cirka 10 000 män diagnosen. Många överlever tack vare effektiv behandling, men det finns risk att denna kan påverka den sexuella hälsan negativt. Erektil dysfunktion, minskad lust och en upplevelse av förlorad maskulinitet är vanliga biverkningar efter behandlingen. Författarna till examensarbetet har genomfört en litteraturbaserad studie benämnd integrerande sammanställning av kvalitativ forskning och bygger på analys av elva kvalitativa studier. Studiens syfte är att beskriva mäns erfarenheter av sexuell hälsa efter behandling av prostatacancer. Systematiskt valda studier analyserades enligt en tydlig femstegsmodell för att identifiera gemensamma teman och mönster. I resultatet framkommer tre teman: barriärer vid samtal om sexuell hälsa präglas av passivitet, kroppens förändring förutsätter anpassning och kärleken lever vidare på nya villkor. Barriärer vid samtal om sexuell hälsa präglas av passivitet handlar om hur män har svårt att prata om problem med både vårdpersonal och partner, ofta på grund av skam och känslan av att ha förlorat sin manlighet. Många upplever att de inte får det stöd de behöver från vården. Samtalen i vården är ofta tekniska och fokuserar på hjälpmedel, medan männen även har behov av emotionellt stöd. Temat kroppens förändring förutsätter anpassning, beskriver hur de kroppsliga förändringar som erektionsproblem, urinläckage och minskad sexlust påverkar självbild och självkänsla. Många förknippar manlighet med sexuell förmåga, vilket väcker sorg och frustration. Temat kärleken lever vidare på nya villkor handlar om hur män anpassa sig till relationens förändrade förutsättningar och de utmaningar som följer efter sjukdom och behandling. Intimitet får en ny innebörd där samtal, ömhet och gemenskap blir viktigare än sexuell prestation. Slutsatsen är att sexuell hälsa utgör en viktig del av livet även efter en lyckad behandling av prostatacancer. Sjuksköterskor behöver våga ta upp ämnet, ge individanpassad information och skapa en trygg miljö där män kan prata om sina känslor och behov. När detta sker kan vården bidra till ökad livskvalitet och hjälpa män att återfinna både självkänsla och närhet i livet efter prostatacancer
Contextual factors affecting learning-oriented leadership in healthcare : a case study
No full textPurpose – To explore how contextual factors affect the practice of learning-oriented leadership in fragmented healthcare systems. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study using a participatory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured focus groups and interviews with leaders across hospital levels. Thematic analysis was applied. Findings – Four contextual factors were identified: (1) multiple external drivers (why), (2) diverse actors and perspectives (who), (3) emergent, unpredictable change (how) and (4) organizational resources and support (what). The study refines the learning-oriented leadership framework in fragmented healthcare systems by emphasizing (1) cross-boundary leadership, (2) contradiction management, (3) leading for organizational learning under resource constraints and (4) differentiated leadership roles across levels. Originality/value – By integrating empirical insights with expansive learning theory, the study advances the learning-oriented leadership framework and offers strategies for leadership and policy in complex healthcare systems.CC BY</p
Use of WIL definitions in research : a collaborative learning research process
No full textThe work-integrated learning (WIL) research field is rapidly expanding. Diverse understandings of what WIL is or a lack of definitions in often cited articles can provide a challenge for future researchers of WIL. The twofold aim of this study was to explore the use of definitions of WIL in often-cited WIL scientific articles and to explore the feasibility of a structured co-creative scientific writing method and the perceived value of performing this collaborative research project. This project is innovative concerning the design of the project and through the intention to provide both WIL in PhD education and lead to research outcomes that promote WIL research. The ontological findings showed that there were several groups of definitions. The findings of the collaborative analysis of extracted definitions showed diverse usage of definitions. In extracting WIL definitions from literature cited in WIL publications, four main findings occurred: Intertwining concepts, Intentions of WIL, Implementation of WIL and Diversity in defining WIL. As WIL research is gaining ground, it requires further refinement of WIL definitions. The results emphasise the need to develop a concept of WIL, capturing WIL as a phenomenon rather than various practices related to education or organizational structures. The collaborative research project proved to be a feasible way of including WIL in PhD education. Therefore, the findings are relevant for WIL researchers to develop the understanding of the importance of WIL definitions in various contexts for the future, but also as a methodological way of integrating WIL activities in PhD education.CC BY 4.0</p
Bridging the Gap : Immigrant Parents’ Perceptions of Police in Socially Disadvantaged Areas of Sweden
No full textIntroduction: Citizens’ perceptions of the police are shaped by their daily experiences, societal context, and interactions with law enforcement. In socially disadvantaged areas, these perceptions are influenced by factors such as crime rates, trust in authorities, and the 52 quality of police engagement. The Swedish police have a designated responsibility to work in these areas, focusing on crime prevention, community engagement, and improving safety. However, how residents perceive police efforts remains an open question, particularly as many families in these communities have limited knowledge of Swedish systems and often experience a sense of discrimination. To enhance police-community relations and the effectiveness of policing strategies, a deeper understanding of citizens' perspectives is needed. Methods: This study is part of a larger project examining (1) the needs and perceptions of immigrant parents in socially disadvantaged areas of a mid-sized city in western Sweden and (2) the effectiveness of Parenting in Pre-school (PiP)—a collaborative early crime prevention program involving police, social services, and preschools. The program aims to strengthen parenting practices and build trust in authorities.In terms of the current study goals, we conducted individual interviews with 23 immigrant parents (15 women), majority coming from Somalia, exploring their views on police work and trust in law enforcement. Results: Preliminary findings reveal three overarching themes that capture both positive and negative perceptions of the police, as well as a strong demand for better communication. Negative perceptions include skepticism toward police presence in the neighborhood and doubts about police authority. Positive perceptions highlight the reassuring effect of police presence and instances of respectful treatment. Overall, parents express a need for clearer information from the police to better understand their role and ongoing events in their communities. Conclusions: These insights can inform strategies to foster trust and improve police-community interactions
Exploring a multiple-helix approach to local development
No full textThis article elaborates on a conceptual foundation of an analytical ‘multiple-helix’ approach for local sustainable development. It firstly explores relevant theoretical foundations, filtering out findings and identifying knowledge gaps that can contribute to frame the concept. Through empirical enquiries, the conceptual discussion is contrasted with illustrations from the EU Interreg North Sea project called SIRR (Sustainability, Innovation and Resilience in Rural Areas). This article evaluates how an analytical multiple-helix approach can redefine stakeholder roles, power relations, and collaborative processes in local development.This study argues that the multiple-helix approach, with its inherent adaptability and fluidity, effectively engages a diverse range of stakeholders. Unlike traditional helix models that often rely on predefined categories or fixed sets of actors, a multiple-helix approach provides a dynamic, locally adaptable framework for stakeholder collaboration and innovation. This interconnectedness enables an enhanced exchange of ideas and resources across sectors, fostering innovation and holistic solutions.However, the article highlights that further research is required to refine strategies for analysing micro-level interactions and to better understand the governance dynamics, democratic representation, and power distribution within multiple-helix collaborations. By bridging conceptual and empirical perspectives, this study contributes to the development of a more nuanced and practical analytical framework for fostering sustainable, resilient local development. CC-BY 4.0</p
Understanding violence among children in SAEC, a social pedagogical perspective on staff reflections
No full textIntroduction Social pedagogy is about social justice. The aim is to encourage a strong sense of community and to educate children and adults to ensure positive relations between individuals and society. School-age educare (SAEC) should work with inclusion and to even life circumstances among children. However, changes in society such as economic and social acceleration challenges the possibilities to practice social justice in SAEC. In Sweden, many SAECs are facing poor structural conditions, increasing needs within the group of children and absence of staff resources to support and guide the children, and a great time pressure. These challenging conditions can be understood in consequences for children as an accelerated everyday life which increases the risk of violence to occur among children. Theoretical framework This study uses the theoretical concepts acceleration and resonance (Rosa, 2023), slow pedagogy (Clark, 2023) framed within social pedagogy. These theoretical concepts are used to explore how the changes among children, parents and within society, which were described by the staff, can be understood. Research questions or hypotheses The focus of this study is to explore how staff, working in SAECs, reflects on, and understand the underlying reasons to violence among children in SAECs. Methodology This study is based on 17 qualitative interviews with SAEC staff (female 13; male 4). The interviews have been recorded and transcribed. Semi-structured questions were constructed to explore the staffs’ reflections on violence among children. All informants have been informed about the study and given their consent to participate. In the study, inspiration has been taken from thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2019) and three themes have been constructed. Results The three themes constructed are: Tough words that make you astonished, changes in children’s use of words; Changes in children’s needs of support and guidance, SAEC goes parenting; Changes in society and changes in SAEC institutions. Discussion SAEC institutions has moved from being bounded in place and time into a more fluid practice, moving into areas that previous in times were restricted to handling in families or by children themselves during their leisure. This can be understood as stemming from social acceleration changing childhood and everyday life in SAEC. These movements demand time and space for the staff to handle and work with relationships with both children and their caregivers. Social pedagogical work, is a way of handling these movements within SAEC institutions which has led to changes in the roles of SAEC staff. As a part of that social pedagogical work slow pedagogies must be involved. Building trustful relationships with children and their caregivers takes time and perseverance .CC BY NC</p