Göteborgs universitets publikationer - e-publicering och e-arkiv
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How do companies need to change to meet the Green Claims Directive? - A study about eco-labels in the chocolate industry
Get PDFSustainability has become an increasingly important issue for businesses, since the consumers
demand a greater transparency of their sustainability practices. In order to avoid companies'
use of greenwashing, the European Union has proposed the Green Claims Directive, which
aims to regulate companies use of environmental claims and eco-labels. This study
investigates how companies in the chocolate industry, Marabou, Fazer and Lindt & Sprüngli,
use eco-labels and if their current practices measure up to the upcoming requirements in the
Green Claims Directive. In the study a qualitative gap analysis is performed to examine the
companies sustainability reports and labelling schemes in relation to the Directive’s
requirements. The result shows a difference between self-created labels, such as Cocoa life
and the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, and third-party certified labels like Rainforest
Alliance and Fairtrade. The third-party certified labels are most likely to comply with the
Directive while the company-created labels are lacking in transparency and full third-party
certification. This suggests that without adjustments the companies risk noncompliance with
the Directive and accusations of greenwashing. Hence, transparent, trustworthy and verifiable
labelling is essential to meet the Green Claims Directive
Disrupting Extraction: Decolonial Critique and the Role of Nature in Sámi Resistance
Get PDFThe Sámi movement has long resisted extractive industries on their traditional lands. Current
anti-extraction struggles in Sápmi, such as the ongoing opposition to the proposed Gállok mine,
continue this legacy. This thesis adopts a decolonial perspective to examine how the Sámi
movement articulates anti-colonial resistance in contemporary extraction conflicts. It focuses
on how colonial relationships with the Swedish state are invoked and challenged, and how
nature is mobilized as a central axis of critique. Decolonial theory is integrated with social
movement theory, the concept of nature interests, and critical discourse analysis to investigate
movement discourse through articles, organizational communications, and governmental
referrals. The findings underscore a strong emphasis on a relational understanding of nature,
which frames land not merely as a resource but as a site of cultural and spiritual meaning. This
articulation serves as a form of epistemic disobedience—challenging dominant extractivist
logics and asserting indigenous knowledge systems. However, tensions within the movement
reveal the complexities of navigating modernity: while some actors critique capitalist growth
models and the green transition, others engage with dominant legal and economic frameworks.
These tensions illustrate how indigenous resistance operates both within and against the
structures of modern coloniality
En forskningsöversikt om hållbar utveckling och återbruk i slöjdundervisningen
Get PDFSkolan har ett betydelsefullt uppdrag att fostra demokratiska samhällsmedborgare. I detta uppdrag ingår det att elever får kunskaper om hur hållbar utveckling kan främjas för nuvarande och kommande generationer (Lgr22, 2022). Syftet med forskningsöversikten är att analysera hur tidigare forskning belyser, diskuterar och problematiserar begreppen hållbar utveckling och återbruk inom slöjdämnet. De frågeställningar som har undersökts handlar om hur hållbar utveckling beskrivs inom slöjdämnet samt på vilket sätt återbruk integreras i slöjdundervisning.
Forskningsöversikten har sammanställts av vetenskapliga artiklar och avhandlingar som systematiskt bearbetats och sammanställts till ett resultat. Resultatet visar att undervisning gällande hållbar utveckling är en komplex fråga som inte är helt lätt att reda ut för undervisande lärare. Hur lärare väljer att arbeta med hållbar utveckling ser olika ut. Ett vanligt tema att arbeta med är återbruk. Undervisning i återbruk kan variera beroende på perspektiv och vilket pedagogiskt syfte undervisningen har. Materialval har visat sig vara en avgörande faktor för att främja hållbarhet inom slöjdundervisning då material kan vara till exempel ekologiska eller närproducerade. Slutligen diskuteras olika aspekter av hållbar utveckling och återbruk i slöjdundervisningen
Evaluating the Adequacy of Skin in the Game in Central Counterparties- Investigating the Theory-Practice Gap
Get PDFMSc in FinanceCentral counterparties (CCPs) are increasingly important in modern financial markets.
They lower the counterparty credit risk for their members, usually a bank
or a brokerage firm, by acting as an intermediary between the buyers and sellers
to secure trade settlement. "Skin in the game" (SITG), the own capital of a CCP
that can be used when one of its members defaults, acts as a safety mechanism by
encouraging the CCP to manage risk diligently. By ensuring the CCP itself carries
some of the financial burden in extreme loss situations, such as financial shortfalls
from member defaults, SITG thus seeks to reduce moral hazard, where the CCP
might be less motivated to manage risk given the absence of potential losses. However,
the sufficient amount of SITG needed remains a subject of ongoing discussion.
Theoretical models, such as Cont and Ghamami (2025), often propose more SITG
than is generally found in practice.
Focusing on Cont and Ghamami (2025)’s "Cover 2" resilience standard, which requires
CCPs to withstand simultaneous defaults of the two largest clearing members,
we investigate this gap between theory and reality using data from major
international CCPs for the period from 2019 to 2024. To determine whether the
observed SITG levels align with the Cont and Ghamami (2025)’s incentive compatibility
assumptions on tail risk, we conduct sensitivity analysis and examine key
model parameters implied by market data. Our findings indicate that actual SITG
contributions are frequently inconsistent with the underlying framework and often
fall short of what the theory implies. These results suggest that CCPs may not have
enough capital for severe but uncommon events, and raise questions about whether
their incentives align with those of members. We conclude that continuous and
focused efforts by regulators and the industry are necessary for strengthening the
financial system from extreme shocks
Establishment of Long-Term Measurement of Alkali-Containing Particles at The Natrium Air Quality Research Station
Get PDFMeasurement of alkali-containing aerosol particles over extended periods provides valuable
insight into both natural and anthropogenic influences on air quality. This study aimed to establish
continuous measurement of alkali-containing particles using a Surface Ionization Detector (SID)
at the Natrium Air Quality Research Station in Gothenburg. As a low-cost with high-impact tool,
the SID holds strong potential for long-term atmospheric research. The project focused on
optimizing SID operational parameters, characterizing the temporal variability of alkali particles,
and comparing results with complementary datasets, including EDXRF filter analysis and PM2.5
measurements. In total 40 days of valid data were obtained from a 62-day measurement campaign.
SID measurements revealed that alkali particle concentrations were influenced by meteorological
conditions and air mass origins. Results from EDXRF analysis shows that on some occasion,
EDXRF detected high chlorine levels during a short sampling period in February. However, alkali
concentration was low possibly due to incomplete data and different temporal resolution. In
contrast, during April, SID concentrations aligned more closely with EDXRF results. These
elevated levels were also observed during mild temperatures and periods of high relative humidity,
likely associated with sodium from sea salt particles in marine air. Lower concentrations occurred
under colder conditions and easterly winds, suggesting potassium-containing particle from inland
biomass burning influence. Back trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model further supported
these findings, showing that the highest alkali concentrations were linked to Atlantic air masses,
while the most frequent easterly inland flows exhibited the lowest concentrations. This emphasises
the role of sea salt as a major contributor and highlights the importance of air mass transport in
shaping ambient alkali-containing aerosol levels. Overall, this study demonstrates SID’s
effectiveness as a selective, sensitive instrument for detecting trace alkali species and offers
valuable insights for future aerosol monitoring
Hur påverkar hybridarbete sociala relationer och samarbete mellan kollegor?
Get PDFThe aim of this study is to explore how working professionals experience their social
relationships and collaboration with colleagues when working in a hybrid work environment.
Hybrid work defines working both from home and at the office. This way of working became
more common during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to be a part of
many people’s everyday work life.
The study is based on eight interviews with nine people from different jobs and parts
of Sweden. A qualitative method was used, with semi-structured interviews and thematic
analysis. Two key theories were used to understand the results: the Demand-Control-Support
model by Karasek and Theorell (1990), and Sense of Coherence (SOC) by Antonovsky
(1993).
Results indicate both positive and negative sides of hybrid work. Flexibility is seen as
a major benefit, as it helps to balance work and private life. At the same time, it becomes
harder to maintain or build social relationships. Informal and spontaneous conversations,
such as chatting in the hallway or having lunch together are less frequent. Some participants
felt that relationships became more selective, and that new colleagues had a harder time
becoming part of the group. Digital tools are widely used and support task-related
communication, but they do not fully replace face-to-face interaction. Several participants
said that conversations became more formal and focused on work tasks, which made social
bands weaker over time. Some also felt unsure about contacting colleagues, especially for
smaller questions or informal chats.
Collaboration in hybrid settings was described as possible but more complicated.
Being in different locations can lead to misunderstandings or delays, and it can be harder to
stay informed about each other’s work. Several participants emphasized the importance of
clear structure and expectations from the organization to make hybrid work function well.
Physical presence at the office was often linked to more efficient collaboration and stronger
inclusion in the team.
These results show that hybrid work brings both opportunities and challenges. It
allows flexibility and better balance between work and private life. At the same time, it can
make it harder to build and maintain social relationships with colleagues, especially due to
fewer informal meetings and spontaneous interactions
Tales of Cities: Using Literature to Bridge Cultures. A qualitative study on students’ intercultural competence development through literature
Get PDFThe world has become a diverse small village where members of different cultures interact in different disciplines to develop this village. Multiculturalism has become a new characteristic of modern societies. Therefore, the development of intercultural competence emerges as a necessity for communication enhancement between members of different cultures. This necessity emphasises the role of education in developing this competence in future generations. In language teaching, it is argued that literature is a suitable material to develop intercultural competence due to its ability to broaden students’ worldviews. In this sense, understanding students’ perspectives of this process is a crucial factor to improve educators’ methods and approaches to manage cultural differences in literary texts. This study aimed to investigate students’ attitudes toward using literature to develop their intercultural competence by interviewing six upper secondary school students. The results showed that students’ intercultural competence has been enhanced through encountering new ideas and perspectives in literature. Through internalising these new ideas and perspectives and comparing them to existing ones, students developed a critical view of various cultures, including their own. Moreover, literature increased students’ openness and curiosity to learn about new cultures. Furthermore, the teacher and the activities used in combination with reading played a vital role in helping students realise and overcome cultural differences. The results also indicated the need for further research investigating the influence of literary genres and teaching methods and approaches on students’ intercultural competence development from their perspectives
UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH GOVERNANCE AND PSYCHOLOGY A Study of the 48 Cantones of Totonicapán and Its Social Foundations
Get PDFThis study1 explores how the psychological drivers of trust, social norms and collective identity
support governance mechanisms in the Indigenous communal system of 48 Cantones of
Totonicapán, Guatemala. Drawing on three of Elinor Ostrom’s institutional design principles
(monitoring, collective decision-making and enforcement), the study applies a matrix framework
that links governance mechanisms to internal behavioral drivers, exploring how they interact to
sustain environmental stewardship.
Using a qualitative case study approach, the research is based on semi-structured interviews,
direct observations, and document analysis. The methodology combined deductive coding, guided
by the proposed matrix, with inductive identification of emergent themes. While the findings
confirm that psychological drivers play a central role in governance, they also reveal symbolic and
moral dimensions not captured by the initial framework. Concepts such as k’axk’ol (service with
sacrifice), symbolic legitimacy, and relational forms of authority emerged as key to participation and
compliance.
The study shows that governance and conservation in the 48 Cantones is not only institutional and
psychological, but also cultural and intergenerational. Trust, norms, and identity do not merely
support governance; they constitute its foundation. At the same time, certain environmental
challenges, such as waste management, fall outside the moral-symbolic structure that sustains
forest and water protection.
By integrating theory-driven analysis with culturally situated insights, this thesis contributes to both
insights on environmental psychology and common pool resource governance
Financial Risk Exposure under the EU Deforestation Regulation A Case Study of a Company Operating Internationally
Get PDFThis study investigates how the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) influences financial risk exposure for companies operating internationally. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research explores a Scandinavian company’s preparedness and potential financial consequences across three compliance scenarios: full, incomplete, and non-compliance. Semi-structured interviews, scenario analysis, and risk mapping form the empirical foundation, complemented by financial key performance indicators such as cost of capital and net sales.
The findings show that incomplete compliance is the most probable short-term outcome, entailing increased compliance costs and operational delays without mitigating reputational or financial risks effectively. Non-compliance leads to significant export losses and a marked increase in the company’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), while full compliance, although costly, stabilizes both revenues and financing conditions. Risk mapping reveals that operational risks are the most critical, combining high likelihood with substantial financial impact.
The study concludes that proactive compliance and enhanced traceability infrastructure are essential for sustaining market access and financial resilience under EUDR. The results contribute to emerging literature on ESG finance, regulatory risk, and scenario-based risk assessment in sustainability transitions
BESLUT I EN TID AV FÖRLUST Närståendes upplevelse av beslutsprocessen vid organdonation efter döden
Get PDFBackground: Every year, patients die while waiting for an organ due to the shortage of donors.
When a patient is declared brain dead, the question of possible organ donation arises. In some
cases, the patient is registered in the donor registry, but sometimes their stance on donation is
unknown. The next of kin then become involved in the decision and are asked both what the
patient would have wanted and how they themselves feel about donating their deceased family
member’s organs. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to describe relatives' experiences
of the decision-making process regarding organ donation after death. Method: A literature
review was conducted using systematic searches in the PubMed and CINAHL databases,
resulting in the inclusion of ten qualitative and one mixed-method articles after review and
analysis. Main Findings: The findings resulted in three main categories and six subcategories.
The main categories were: 1. Lack of communication 2. Suffering and 3. Relief. Conclusions:
The experiences of next of kin during the decision-making process regarding organ donation
after death vary. Clear communication and support from healthcare professionals are crucial in
facilitating the decision, while a lack of information can complicate the process. Awareness of
the deceased’s wishes often makes the decision easier. Organ donation can offer comfort in
grief, but there is a clear need for follow-up and continued support