Competitiveness and environmental standards : some exploratory results

Contrary to common perceptions, higher environmental standards in industrial countries have not tended to lower their international competitiveness, the author contends. There has been little systematic relationship between higher environmental standards and competitiveness in environmentally sensitive goods (those that incurred the highest pollution abatement and control costs in the U.S. in 1988). Among the author's findings about what determines trade flows in environmentally sensitive goods: (a) environmental spending has been a small share of total spending -- so it is unlikely on its own to have caused shifts in comparative advantage in most industries; (b) differences in environmental spending among industrial countries seem to have been minor; (c) environmental spending has been concentrated in a few basic industries under heavy pressure to structure the international division of labor; (d) energy use and environmental spending are closely linked; and (e) positive adjustment and increased comparative advantage in environmentally sensitive goods were more pronounced in countries where environmental policies encouraged investment rather than current spending. The costs of environmental standards depend not only on physical characteristics but also on the policies chosen. The reductions industrial countries have achieved in the main pollutants differ greatly across countries. In the United States, which has some of the highest private environmental spending (as a share of GDP), investments have been a declining share of spending. The United States also has some of the lowest reductions in abatement, which may mean that it has succeeded less than other countries in internalizing environmental costs. Compliance with higher environmental standards is not a zero-sum game. Higher environmental standards to reduce the social cost of pollution is a new source of permanent structural change. Countries that adjust early and invest in environmental protection technology can maintain and even create comparative advantage in environmentally sensitive industries. Private costs incurred to reduce the social cost of pollution may, apart from the social benefit of lower pollution, also bring private benefits. Adjustment can mean shifting to producing less pollution-intensive goods. Pressures toward this end are likely to increase as environmental awareness becomes more common. Instead of lobbying for protection, industries struggling with environmental spending should lobby for better environmental policies -- that is, policies and standards that encourage efficient abatement. Demands for protection because of differences in environmental spending are likely to be counterproductive and to retard adjustment toward a new way of competing. Ecodumping duties could do little for the environment but much harm to the trading system.Environmental Economics&Policies,Economic Theory&Research,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Access to Markets,Markets and Market Access

Asiakaskokemukset verkossa tapahtuvasta asuntolainaprosessista

Opinnäytetyön tarkoituksena oli tutkia asiakkaiden kokemuksia verkkotapaamisena käydyistä asuntolainaneuvotteluista. Tavoitteena oli selvittää, ovatko pankin ja asiakkaiden näkemykset asuntolainaprosessista samansuuntaisia. Tutkimuksen avulla haluttiin saada tietoa siitä, mikä sai asiakkaat valitsemaan digitaalisen kanavan asian hoitamiseksi ja millaisia eroja huomattiin verkkotapaamisen ja kasvokkain tapahtuvan tapaamisen välillä. Erityisesti haluttiin kokemuksia siitä, jos pankin suuntaan oli useita eri kontaktipintoja ja useita eri henkilöitä, jotka asiaa hoitivat. Lisäksi kysyttiin ajatuksia asuntolainaprosessin automatisoinnista. Tutkimuksen tulosten avulla yhteistyökumppanina toimiva pankki voi kehittää verkossa tapahtuvaa asuntolainaprosessiaan. Opinnäytetyön tietoperustassa tarkasteltiin pankkipalveluiden digitalisoitumista, verkkotapaamisia sekä asuntolainaprosessia. Viitekehyksenä oli myös asiakaskokemuksen ja digitaalisen asiakaskokemuksen muodostuminen ja merkitys sekä asiakaspolun vaiheet digitaalisessa asiointiprosessissa. Tavoitteen saavuttamiseksi tehty tutkimus toteutettiin teemahaastatteluina viiden verkkotapaamisen käyneen ja asuntolainan nostaneen asiakkaan kanssa tammi-helmikuussa 2018. Tulokset osoittivat, että verkkotapaamista pidetään erittäin helppona ja mukavana tapana hoitaa asuntolainaneuvottelut. Verkkotapaamisen koettiin myös nopeuttaneen prosessin kulkua. Erot verkkotapaamisen ja kasvokkain tapahtuvan tapaamisen välillä koettiin pääosin pieniksi. Neuvottelu koettiin rennommaksi, kun sai olla omassa olohuoneessa eikä tarvinnut mennä virallisen ja jännittävän tuntuiselle pankin konttorille. Neuvojan asiantuntemuksen koettiin tulleen esille myös puhelimessa. Neuvojan kasvojen näkemistä videon välityksellä pidettiin henkilökohtaisuuden tunnun vuoksi tärkeänä. Tulokset osoittivat, että useiden eri henkilöiden mukanaolo prosessissa koettiin hankalaksi, erityisesti sen vuoksi, että samat asiat piti kertoa moneen kertaan eri henkilöille ja väärinkäsityksiä saattoi tulla helpommin. Asuntolainaprosessin automatisoinnin suhteen tuloksissa oli hajontaa. Kokemattomammat asuntolainan hakijat pitivät erittäin tärkeänä sitä, että prosessissa oli koko ajan mukana neuvoja, jolta saattoi kysyä epäselvistä asioista. Kokeneemmat hakijat taas olivat sitä mieltä, että lainaprosessia voisi automatisoida enemmänkin, jos muuten ei ole suuria neuvoteltavia asioita lainaan liittyen. Kehittämisehdotuksena työn pohjalta esille nousi lainaprosessin katkeamattomuuden säilyttäminen asiakkaan suuntaan. Olisi suositeltavaa, että yksi neuvoja hoitaisi asiakkaan asian alusta loppuun. Toinen huomion arvoinen seikka oli yhteydenpito asiakkaaseen lainan noston jälkeen ja asiakkuuden hoito. Asiakkaat arvostivat muutakin yhteydenpitoa kuin vain uusien tuotteiden myymistä.The purpose of the thesis was to find out the customers´ experiences of mortgage negotiations in an online meeting. The aim was to find out whether the bank´s and customers´ opinions on the mortgage process are similar. The research was wished to obtain information about why digital channel was chosen by customers and what kind of differences were observed between an online meeting and a face-to-face meeting. In particular, experiences of having several contacts in the bank and a number of advisors involved were desirable. In addition, opinions were asked on the automation of the mortgage process. With the results of the research, the bank as a cooperation partner can develop its online mortgage process. The knowledge base of the thesis was the digitalization of banking services, online meetings and the mortgage process. Theoretical framework also included the formation and significance of customer experience and the steps of the customer path in the digital transaction process. To achieve the purpose, the research was implemented as focused interview in January-February 2018 with five customers who had participated in an online meeting and negotiated a mortgage. The results showed that an online meeting is considered as a very easy and comfortable way to negotiate a mortgage. The negotiations in an online meeting were also considered to expedite the whole process. The differences between the online meeting and the face-to-face meeting were mostly considered to be minor. The negotiations were experienced as more relaxed when carried out in your own living room and not having to go to a formal and exciting visit in a bank branch. The advisor’s expertise was also experienced on the phone. Seeing the advisor's face via video was considered to be important because of personality. The results showed that the involvement of several advisors in the process proved to be difficult, especially since the same issues had to be repeated several times to different people and misunderstandings could happen easier. Regarding the automation of the mortgage process, there were differences between the results. More inex-perienced applicants found it very important that the process always included an advisor that could be asked about unclear issues. The more experienced applicants thought the mortgage process could be more automated if there were not any important topics to negotiate. Based on the research, as a development proposal, maintaining the uninterrupted loan process with the customers emerged. It would be advisable that one advisor would handle the client's case from start to end. Another point worth noting was contact with the client after receiving the loan and the care of the customership. Customers appreciated communication other than not just sell-ing new products

CO-CREATIVE ENVISIONING PROCESS : Case study: how a new futures research method can facilitate organisations to thrive in change

Sustainability demands, new consumer values and fast technological development are forcing companies to change in order to survive. This case study describes the new futures research method, Co-Creative Envisioning Process, that was tested at a small and medium-sized manufacturing company. The process aims to help companies to thrive in change. The key core elements are in building hope for the future, employee engagement, soft skill learning and co-creative futures envisioning. The process has six steps; roots, empathy, hope, flow, flourish and fruits. In the first steps, the management, or a similar smaller group, will participate in the groundwork, followed by a workshop for a wider group of people. In the co-creative envisioning workshop the participants create their ideal future images on the given topic and the practical steps to get there. Besides Pentti Malaska and Karin Holstius views on visionary leadership, I studied the research of Markku Wilenius and Linda Holbeche for this literary review about visionary leadership, agility and employee engagement. The objectives of this research were to create a co-creative envisioning method and to test and observe the method in practice. The research question was how could a Co-Creative Envisioning Process method help organizations in change? The study method was a qualitative study in combination with quantitative methods such as semi-structured interviews. The process helped the case company to create futures orientation and positive future images and increase hope for the future as well as enhance understanding of the importance of the soft skill management in the company. It can help to enhance communication, inspire employee engagement and build motivation, enthusiasm and a better work atmosphere. Also, it can assist to find a futures vision, clarity of the key problems and action steps to reach the vision. The method can help the management in decision-making.Vastuullisuusvaatimukset, kuluttajien uudet arvot ja nopea teknologinen kehitys pakottavat yrityksiä muuttumaan. Tämä tapaustutkimus kuvailee uutta tulevaisuudentutkimuksen menetelmää, Yhteisöllistä Visiointiprosessia, ja sen testaamista sekä vaikutuksia eräässä keskisuuressa tuotantoyrityksessä. Prosessin ydintavoitteena on auttaa yrityksiä menestymään muutoksessa. Keskeisiä elementtejä ovat tulevaisuuden toivon rakentaminen, työntekijöiden motivoiminen muutokseen, ihmistaidot sekä tulevaisuuden visiointi. Prosessissa on kuusi vaihetta; juuret, empatia, toivo, virtaus, kukoistus ja hedelmät. Ensimmäisissä vaiheissa johtoryhmä tai muu ydinryhmä osallistuu työskentelyyn, jonka perusteella järjestetään työpaja laajemmalle osallistujajoukolle. Yhteisöllisessä visiointityöpajassa osallistujat luovat yhdessä positiiviset ihanteelliset tulevaisuuskuvansa annetuista aiheista. He myös luovat yhteisöllisesti askeleet niiden käytännön toteuttamiseksi. Koko prosessin tarkoitus on mahdollistaa yhteisöllinen visiointi positiivisena muutosvoimana. Tärkeimmät lähdeteokset olivat Pentti Malaskan ja Karin Holstiuksen sekä Markku Wileniuksen ja Linda Holbechen tutkimukset visionäärisestä johtajuudesta, ketteryydestä ja työntekijöiden sitoutumisesta. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli luoda yhteisöllinen visiointiprosessi ja testata sekä havainnoida menetelmä käytännössä. Tutkimuskysymys oli, että kuinka Yhteisöllinen Visiointiprosessi menetelmänä voisi auttaa organisaatioita muutoksessa? Tutkimusmenetelmä oli laadullinen tutkimus yhdistettynä kvantitatiivisiin menetelmiin, kuten osittain jäsenneltyihin haastatteluihin. Keskeinen tutkimustulos oli, että prosessi voi auttaa parantamaan yrityksen kommunikaatiota, kasvattaa työntekijöiden sitoutumista sekä lisäämään motivaatiota, innostusta sekä parempaa työilmapiiriä. Lisäksi se voi auttaa löytämään yhteisen vision sekä selkeyttämään avainongelmia, että tarvittavia askeleita ja toimintavaiheita sen saavuttamiseen on helpompi löytää. Lisäksi metodi voi auttaa yritysjohtoa päätöksenteossa

Lingtain myöhäis-neogeenisen 'Red Clayn' alkuperä käyttäen rutillin geokronologiaa, termometriaa ja geokemiaa

In this study, single-grain rutile techniques (rutile U-Pb geochronology, Zr-in rutile thermometry, rutile Nb-Cr systematics and trace element composition) are applied on Red Clay samples from Lingtai, central-southern Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), to reveal more detailed information on provenance of the Red Clay and wind regimes responsible for transporting the particles from source to sink between 7 Ma and 2.6 Ma. The new rutile data are combined with previous zircon U-Pb data from Lingtai and nearby Chaona to strengthen the interpretations with multi-proxy approach. The results suggest that from 7.05 Ma to 6.23 Ma the westerlies and the East Asian Winter Monsoon (EAWM) were relatively equally responsible for the sediment transportation to the CLP. At 5.55 Ma, the Red Clay was mostly derived from the westerly sources. At 3.88 Ma, contribution from northeastern Tibetan Plateau was most dominant suggesting enhanced East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) and surficial drainage from the source regions. At 3.20 Ma, the Red Clay was mainly sourced from proximal areas and fluctuation between EAWM and EASM had begun. This study demonstrates that single-grain rutile techniques have strong potential to aid a more precise distinction between individual primary and secondary sources for aeolian dust in the CLP region, especially when combined with zircon geochronology or other single-grain techniques. However, at present the applicability of rutile in provenance studies is hindered by scarcity of rutile data from the potential primary as well as secondary source regions, and lack of truly homogenous rutile standards for the analysis

Viral and cellular modulation of virus-induced apoptosis in experimental infection models

The aim of this study was to investigate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)- and measles virus (MV)-induced cell death. HSV-1 with deletion in genes encoding infected cell protein (ICP)4 and protein kinase Us3 (d120) induced apoptosis and cathepsin activation in epithelial (HEp-2) and monocytic (U937) cells. Inhibition of cathepsin activity decreased the amount of d120-induced apoptosis indicating that d120-induced apoptosis could be cathepsin-mediated. Also, HSV-1 infection increased caspase activation suggesting that d120-induced apoptosis is probably caspase-mediated. Cystatin treatment decreased the activity of cathepsins and the replication of HSV-1 indicating that cathepsins contribute to HSV-1 infection. Interestingly, d120 induced also necroptosis in monocytic cells. This is the first report on necroptosis in HSV-1- infected cells. MV induced apoptosis in uninfected bystander T lymphocytes, probably via interaction of MV-infected monocytes with uninfected lymphocytes. The expression of death receptor Fas was clearly increased on the surface of lymphocytes. The number of apoptotic cells and the activation of cathepsins and caspases were increased in MVinfected U937 cells suggesting that MV-induced apoptosis could be cathepsin- and caspase-mediated. Cystatin treatment inhibited cathepsin activities but not MV-induced apoptosis. Besides HSV-1-induced apoptosis, innate immune responses were studied in HSV-1-infection. HSV-1 viruses with either ICP4 and Us3, or Us3 deletion only, increased the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and stimulated its downstream pathways leading to increased expression of type I interferon gene and to functional interferons. These findings suggest that besides controlling apoptosis, HSV-1 ICP4 and Us3 genes are involved in the control of TLR3 response in infected cell.Siirretty Doriast

Successful service implementation : developing a framework and investigating best practices for smooth transition and continuity

Palvelumuotoilu noudattaa tyypillisesti projektiperustaista lähestymistapaa. Siirtymä projektivaiheesta operatiiviseen vaiheeseen on kriittinen ja edellyttää usein muutoksia palveluorganisaatiolta. Palvelumuotoilun kirjallisuudessa tämä siirtymä, palveluiden jalkauttaminen, on vähän tutkittu aihealue. Tämä pro gradu -tutkielma edistää ymmärrystä palveluiden jalkauttamisen tutkimuksesta sekä tuottaa lisätutkimusta palvelumuotoilun alalle nostamalla esiin palveluiden jalkauttamiseen liittyviä haasteita ja parhaita toimintatapoja sekä ehdottaa viitekehystä palveluiden jalkauttamiselle. Olemassa olevat palveluiden jalkauttamisen viitekehykset perustuvat teoriaan tai palvelumuoitoilijoiden näkemyksiin aiheesta, jättäen tutkimuksen ulkopuolelle työntekijät, jotka jalkauttavat ja työskentelevät palveluiden parissa. Tutkielma täyttää tämän tutkimusaukon yhdistämällä sekä palvelumuotoilijoiden että palveluliiketoiminnan edustajien näkemykset ja kokemukset sekä luomalla näihin pohjaavan viitekehyksen palveluiden jalkauttamiselle. Tutkielma noudattaa pragmaattista tutkimusfilosofiaa, on toteutettu laadullisen tutkimuksen menetelmin sekä hyödyntää grounded theory -tutkimusstrategian periaatteita. Tutkimusaineisto koottiin teemahaastatteluilla sekä analysoitiin koodaamalla ja teemoittelemalla. Ehdotettu viitekehys auttaa vähentämään palveluiden jalkauttamisesta syntyviä mahdollisia negatiivisia seurauksia, tukee toimijuutta sekä mahdollistaa realisitisten tavoitteiden asettamisen jalkauttamiselle ja muutokselle. Tutkimustulokset tukevat olemassa olevaa palvelumuotoilun teoriaa monilla eri tasoilla, mutta löytää myös uusia tekijöitä, kuten liiketoimintasuunnitelma ja organisaation kyvykkyydet, jotka vaikuttavat palvelun jalkauttamisen onnistumiseen, mutta joita ei ole tunnistettu aiemmassa tutkimuksessaService design typically follows a project-based approach. The transition from the project to the operational phase is pivotal and often entails organisational change. However, within service design literature this transition, called service implementation, is a marginally researched topic. This study advances the understanding of the research on service implementation, contributes to service design research by offering insights into the challenges and best practices related to service implementation, and proposes a framework for service implementation. Existing service implementation frameworks have been built on theory and the views of service designers, excluding the employees implementing and working with the services. The study fills this research gap by combining input from both service designers and service business practitioners to inform the creation of a practice oriented service implementation framework. The research follows a pragmatic research philosophy, has been conducted through qualitative research, and utilises a modified grounded theory research strategy. The data was collected through in-depth theme interviews and analysed using coding and clustering. The proposed framework helps mitigate potential negative outcomes of service implementation, supports agency, and allows the project organisation and service business to set realistic targets for implementation and accompanying change. The research supports existing service design theory on many levels, but discovers new factors, such as business case and organisational capabilities, impacting the success of service implementation that have not been identified by prior research

Regional integration and the Baltics : which way?

Some propose that the Baltics seek deeper trade integration with the East to maintain existing trade flows and because the Baltics have had little market access to the West. The author argues against such integration, proposing instead that the Baltics improve trade relations with the West, where market access is likely to be less and less of a problem. After assessing factor endowments, and using a gravity model, the author predicts that more than 90 percent of Baltic trade will be with non-former Soviet Union countries. Initial exports are likely to be labor- and resource-intensive goods, because it is easier to adjust to Western standards with those goods. But in the long run, the Baltics will have a comparative advantage in skill-intensive manufactures, as their years of schooling are among the highest in the developing world. (Exports of labor- and resource-intensive products, especially from Estonia, have already increased. Estonia is the most advanced of the Baltics in its transition to a market economy.) The author predicts the Baltics will eventually trade mostly with Europe. She says the Baltics are unlikely to benefit from deeper trade integration with the East for the following reasons. The lower adjustment costs and the benefits of maintaining viable industries resulting from sustained trade flows with the East are likely to be outweighed by the cost of lost opportunities in the West. Temporary preferential arrangements entail high administrative costs and arerarely temporary. Preferential trade could mean slower adjustment and powerful lobbies against change. Numerous nontariff barriers with the East, slow and unreliable payments, unstable currencies, and barter arrangements increase transaction costs and impede the creation of more trade. Preferential trading with Russia or the Ukraine entails the risk of increasing external protection for the more liberal Baltics. This risk is magnified by the relatively slow adjustment of Russia and other former Soviet Union republics and the faster reform in the Baltics. The recent free trade agreement among the Baltics allows countries to maintain independent external trade policies, without creating the many administrative problems of a union. Free trade agreements will not only improve market access but may help lock in reforms at home, which may help attract foreign investment. With liberalized trade, competition from liberal Estonia may help reduce protection levels in Latvia and Lithuania. After initial adjustment, trade with the West will promote faster, more sustainable growth. Allocation of resources based on world prices, and transfer of technology, will increse productivity growth. Trade with the West will probably also lower environmental costs. OECD protectionism is unlikely to become an insurmountable obstacle to more Baltic exports to the West. Recent statements about Europe turning its back on the reforming East seem exaggerated, at least for the Baltics. Their position as the former Soviet Union member most discriminated against by Europe is changing, as they rapidly climb the various pyramids of access to European trade.Trade and Regional Integration,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Environmental Economics&Policies,Economic Theory&Research,Trade Policy

Katse taululle : Opas koululaisen näönseulonnasta Oulun seudun kouluterveydenhoitajille

Koululaisella on useita työkaluja käytössään liittyen koulumenestykseensä. Näistä työkaluista näkökyky on yksi tärkeimmistä. Kouluissa tehtävät näköseulat ovat erittäin hyödyllinen keino kouluikäisten lasten näköongelmien tunnistamisessa. Koulujen näköseulojen avulla ongelmat voidaan tunnistaa ajoissa ja hoitaa riittävän aikaisessa vaiheessa. Toteutimme opinnäytetyönämme projektin, jonka tavoitteena oli tuottaa opas Oulun seudun kouluterveydenhoitajille näönseulontojen tueksi. Oppaan tarkoituksena oli helpottaa ja nopeuttaa näönseulontojen tekemistä sekä avata näönseulonnan käytänteitä ja toimintatapoja. Opas toteutettiin yhteistyössä Oulun kaupungin terveyspalvelujen kanssa. Oppaan ensimmäinen kokonaisuus sisältää teoriaa koululaisen näkemiseen liittyvistä perustermeistä. Toisena kokonaisuutena oppaassa käsitellään näönseulonnan eri vaiheet sekä jatkotutkimuksiin lähettämisen perusteet. Opas esiteltiin kouluterveydenhoitajille Oulun kaupungin järjestämän koulutuspäivän yhteydessä. Oppaan laatua arvioitiin esitestauspalautteen sekä suullisen palautteen avulla. Saamamme palaute oli positiivista koskien rakennetta, ulkoasua ja sisältöä. Suurin osa esitestaajista koki oppaan hyödylliseksi ja uskoi käyttävänsä opasta työssään. Opas on toimitettu Oulun seudun kouluterveydenhoitajien käyttöön sähköpostilla ja heillä on myös mahdollisuus ladata se käyttöönsä Oulun kaupungin sisäisestä verkosta.Academic achievement among school aged children depends on many different factors. One important factor is good eyesight. School-based vision screening can help identify vision problems. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent problems such as poor school success. The aim was to design and produce a guide concerning school-based vision screening for public health nurses in the city of Oulu. The purpose was also to improve the reliability and uniformity in the practices concerning the vision screenings in the city of Oulu. The guide includes specific instructions how to conduct vision screening in primary and secondary schools. It also includes useful terminology and information about refractive errors among school aged children. The guide was launched on an education day. Public health nurses working in schools in the city of Oulu were sent the guide by e-mail. The guide is also available in the intranet of the city of Oulu. Before the guide was launched we collected feedback from five public health nurses regarding the layout and the content of the guide. The feedback was mainly positive and majority of the informants regarded the guide as useful for their future vision screenings. The informants thought that the guide was easy to use and the content was clear and logical. The beneficiaries of the guide are mainly the public health nurses but also school aged children benefit from reliably conducted vision screening