”To be or not to be” successful in a merger between performing arts organizations : a case study of Kilden Performing Arts Centre

Master thesis Business Administration BE501 - University of Agder 2016Thousands of organizations are merging every year, even though the consensus among scholars is that most, or at least a large part of them fail. And after decades of research into mergers there is no clear consensus as to what it would take to have a successful merger, all though many agree on a handful of success factors being important. Even though there is a vast amount of research on mergers in general, I have found almost nothing about mergers in the performing arts industry. My thesis is looking into this industry, and what it takes to merge successfully here compared to other industries. I try to give an answer to the research question: What does it take to have a successful merger between performing arts organizations, and what are the challenges you meet along the way? To do so I start by looking through general research about mergers, and also into theory about the performing arts industry and how it differs from other industries. I then look at the case of the merger into Kilden Performing Arts Centre (Kilden). Through indebt interviews with employees and managers I try to find out what have been the factors for success in the merger into this organization. I move on to see if these factors are likely to be the same for the whole industry, and from this I create a research model for a successful merger between organizations in the performing arts industry. My findings are that some of the factors are the same in both general merger theory and in the performing arts industry. But two of the factors found to be important by scholars in other industries, “Accumulated Experience on M&As” and “Postmerger Integration Team”, were found to be unimportant in this industry. I also added four new factors that were found to be important in this case. These were “Premises”, “Organizational Growth”, “Working With Feelings”, and “Caring About the Product”. At least three of these, the first, third, and fourth, I believe to be especially important for the performing arts industry

Financial Vulnerability, Financial Literacy, and the Use of Digital Payment Technologies

The purpose of this study is to test the notion that the use of digital payment methods, such as paying with a mobile phone, increases the risk of financial vulnerability. Research from the USA indicates such a relationship, and we study whether this finding can be generalized to other countries. Motivated by recent changes in EU legislation related to financial transactions, we also examine willingness to use social media companies for money transfers along with sharing bank account information with third-party financial services. Exploiting data collected from a representative sample of the Norwegian adult population (n = 2202), we identify differences in financial behaviour and characteristics between users and nonusers of different digital payment methods. In contrast to US studies, we find that mobile payment users were less financially vulnerable than nonusers and those women were more likely users of digital payment technologies than men. Younger generations and those with low financial literacy were more financially vulnerable than others, although we did not find this to be related to the use of mobile payment or other digital payment methods. The results show that there is a need for more research from different countries outside of the USA to obtain an understanding of the consequences of increased digitalization of financial services. In addition, as COVID-19 has shifted a vast amount of spending online and these newer payment technologies have become more available, we need to gain a better understanding of how they influence financial behaviour.publishedVersionPaid open acces

Lemming–Food Plant Interactions, Density Effects, and Cyclic Dynamics on the Siberian Tundra

Theory predicts that trophic interactions can produce cyclic dynamics of microtine rodents, but that in addition, social interactions are necessary to create the cyclicity. We tested the induced defence hypothesis as a component driving multi-annual cycles by analyzing data on Siberian lemming (Lemmus sibiricus Kerr) populations and the levels of trypsin inhibitors (TI) and free proteins (SPP) in their food plants. We collected data at 12 sites along the Palaearctic tundra coast in 1994 and correlated these measures with lemming density and cycle phase. A negative correlation between lemming density and TI/SPP in Carex was found at the 12 sites. Cycle phase tended to correlate significantly with TI/SPP, and plants being grazed by lemmings respond with some delay. Mass of pancreas, the organ producing proteolytic enzymes, co-varied negatively with TI/SPP. These findings are in accord with predictions from the induced defence hypothesis. In contrast, reproductive effort did not conform to the predictions but co-varied strongly with density. Data are in accord with theory predicting that, in addition to trophic interactions, some self-regulation is necessary to create cyclic dynamics. Our data show that the plant defence hypothesis alone is not a sufficient explanation for the cyclicity. Several factors interact, including predation, food quality (including induced defence chemicals), and intra-specific competition.En théorie, les interactions trophiques peuvent produire une dynamique cyclique de rongeurs microtinés, mais en plus de cela, il faut des interactions sociales pour donner lieu à la cyclicité. Nous avons mis à l’épreuve l’hypothèse induite de défense en tant que composante intégrale des cycles multi-annuels en analysant les données relatives aux populations de lemming brun (Lemmus sibiricus Kerr) et les taux d’inhibiteurs de la trypsine (TI) et de protéines libres (SPP) se trouvant dans leur nourriture végétale. Nous avons recueilli des données à 12 emplacements le long de la côte paléarctique des toundras en 1994 et avons corrélé ces mesures à la densité des lemmings ainsi qu’à la phase du cycle. Une corrélation négative entre la densité des lemmings et TI/SPP dans Carex a été trouvée à 12 emplacements. La phase du cycle avait tendance à donner une corrélation significative avec TI/SPP, et les végétaux faisant l’objet d’un pâturage par les lemmings réagissaient avec un certain retard. Les masses de pancréas, soit l’organe producteur des enzymes protéolytiques, co-variait négativement avec TI/SPP. Ces constatations cadrent avec les prédictions émanant de l’hypothèse induite de défense. Par contre, les efforts de reproduction ne se conformaient pas aux prédictions mais co-variaient fortement en fonction de la densité. Les données sont en accord avec la théorie prédisant qu’en plus des interactions trophiques, il faut une certaine autorégulation pour créer une dynamique cyclique. Nos données montrent qu’à elle seule, l’hypothèse de défense des végétaux ne constitue pas une explication suffisante à la cyclicité. Plusieurs facteurs entrent en interaction, dont la prédation, la qualité de la nourriture (ce qui comprend les produits chimiques induits de la défense) et la compétition intraspécifique

Sykepleieres ferdigheter i tolkning av hjerterytmer

Bakgrunn: Alvorlig og kritisk syke pasienter har behov for overvåking utover hva en vanlig sengepost kan tilby. Mye av denne overvåkingen foregår ved bruk av medisinsk teknisk utstyr som kan foreta kontinuerlige målinger. Kontinuerlig hjerterytmeovervåkning utføres på en mengde spesialavdelinger på sykehus og følges opp primært av sykepleiere. Gjennom praksis på intensivavdeling opplevde vi at flere sykepleiere var usikre og fortalte at de ikke har nok kunnskaper om elektrokardiografi (EKG) til å kunne si noe om pasientens hjerterytme. Hensikt: Vi ønsket å undersøke om sykepleiere på ulike avdelinger hvor man anvender kontinuerlig hjerterytmeovervåkning, klarte å gjenkjenne de viktigste og vanligste hjerterytmer en pasient kan ha, samt om de klarte å kjenne igjen patologiske forandringer som ST elevasjon. Metode: Kvantitativ tverrsnittstudie i form av spørreundersøkelse ved bruk av digitalt spørreskjema. Studien inkluderte 77 sykepleiere fra tre avdelinger ved et norsk universitetssykehus. Spørreskjemaet besto av 15 ulike hjerterytmer som deltakerne skulle tolke. Dataene ble analysert i SPSS, med analyse av median poengskår, andel riktig på hver individuelle hjerterytme og sammenheng med demografiske variabler. Resultater: Median poengskår hos deltakerne var 12,5. Omtrent 18 prosent hadde riktig svar på samtlige hjerterytmer. Sykepleierne hadde lavest antall riktige svar på hjerterytmer som sinusbradykardi (60,3 prosent), AV-blokk grad 3 (57,1 prosent) og AV-blokk grad 2 type 2 (47,7 prosent). Enkelte hjerterytmer sykepleierne tolket hadde statistisk signifikant sammenheng opp mot demografiske variabler, hvor Torsades de Pointes viste signifikant sammenheng med flest variabler. Sykepleiere som jobbet ved medisinsk intensiv overvåkningsavdeling (MIO) skåret signifikant høyere på poengskår sammenliknet med sykepleiere ved de to andre avdelingene. Konklusjon: Det var gjennomgående gode ferdigheter hos sykepleierne. Kun 18 prosent svarte riktig på alle hjerterytmer, som kan tyde på et forbedringspotensiale. Det anbefales et større fokus på tolkning av hjerterytmer med jevnlig kompetanseheving. Det anbefales også tydeligere forventninger fra utdannings- og helseinstitusjoner når det kommer til kunnskaper om hjerterytmer for sykepleiere, samt tydeligere beskrivelse av ansvarsfordelingen mellom lege og sykepleier.Background: Patients with critical illnesses needs monitoring beyond what a regular inpatient ward can offer. Much of this monitoring takes place through the use of medical technical equipment. Continuous ECG-monitoring is performed in a number of specialized hospital wards, primarily by nurses. Our experience from an ICU was that several nurses were insecure about this task and lacked critical knowledge required to interpret a patient’s heart rhythm. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate whether nurses who use continuous ECG-monitoring, are able to recognize the most important and common heart rhythms a patient may have, including pathological changes like ST-elevation. Data from this study can be used in quality improvement projects, for example planning and implementation of teaching in ECG-interpretation to nurses and nursing students. Method: Quantitative cross-sectional approach with a digital questionnaire. The study included 77 nurses from three specialised hospital wards at a Norwegian University Hospital. The questionnaire consisted of 15 different ECG-strips, which the participants had to interpret. The data were analysed in SPSS, with analysis of median score and correlation with demographic variables, as well as a correct percentage for each individual heart rhythm and their correlation with the demographic variables. Results: The median score for the participants was 12,5 (4). 18,3 percent answered correctly to all questions, and there was a significant correlation between median score and participants department. The heart rhythms with the lowest proportion of correct answers in percentage, were sinus bradycardia (60,3), third degree AV-block (57,1) and second-degree AV-block type 2 (47,7). Some individual heart rhythms had a significant correlation with demographic variables, with Torsades de Pointes showing significant correlation with both department, training (education) and nurses experience. Conclusion: This study revealed good skills among the participating nurses. We recommend emphasising on interpretation of heart rhythms, with regular knowledge enhancement projects for nurses. Clearer expectations and guidelines provided from educational and health institutions are recommended regarding knowledge of heartrhythms for nurses, as well as more specific guidelines on responsibility between doctors and nurses

Sykepleieres ferdigheter i tolkning av hjerterytmer

Bakgrunn: Alvorlig og kritisk syke pasienter har behov for overvåking utover hva en vanlig sengepost kan tilby. Mye av denne overvåkingen foregår ved bruk av medisinsk teknisk utstyr som kan foreta kontinuerlige målinger. Kontinuerlig hjerterytmeovervåkning utføres på en mengde spesialavdelinger på sykehus og følges opp primært av sykepleiere. Gjennom praksis på intensivavdeling opplevde vi at flere sykepleiere var usikre og fortalte at de ikke har nok kunnskaper om elektrokardiografi (EKG) til å kunne si noe om pasientens hjerterytme. Hensikt: Vi ønsket å undersøke om sykepleiere på ulike avdelinger hvor man anvender kontinuerlig hjerterytmeovervåkning, klarte å gjenkjenne de viktigste og vanligste hjerterytmer en pasient kan ha, samt om de klarte å kjenne igjen patologiske forandringer som ST elevasjon. Metode: Kvantitativ tverrsnittstudie i form av spørreundersøkelse ved bruk av digitalt spørreskjema. Studien inkluderte 77 sykepleiere fra tre avdelinger ved et norsk universitetssykehus. Spørreskjemaet besto av 15 ulike hjerterytmer som deltakerne skulle tolke. Dataene ble analysert i SPSS, med analyse av median poengskår, andel riktig på hver individuelle hjerterytme og sammenheng med demografiske variabler. Resultater: Median poengskår hos deltakerne var 12,5. Omtrent 18 prosent hadde riktig svar på samtlige hjerterytmer. Sykepleierne hadde lavest antall riktige svar på hjerterytmer som sinusbradykardi (60,3 prosent), AV-blokk grad 3 (57,1 prosent) og AV-blokk grad 2 type 2 (47,7 prosent). Enkelte hjerterytmer sykepleierne tolket hadde statistisk signifikant sammenheng opp mot demografiske variabler, hvor Torsades de Pointes viste signifikant sammenheng med flest variabler. Sykepleiere som jobbet ved medisinsk intensiv overvåkningsavdeling (MIO) skåret signifikant høyere på poengskår sammenliknet med sykepleiere ved de to andre avdelingene. Konklusjon: Det var gjennomgående gode ferdigheter hos sykepleierne. Kun 18 prosent svarte riktig på alle hjerterytmer, som kan tyde på et forbedringspotensiale. Det anbefales et større fokus på tolkning av hjerterytmer med jevnlig kompetanseheving. Det anbefales også tydeligere forventninger fra utdannings- og helseinstitusjoner når det kommer til kunnskaper om hjerterytmer for sykepleiere, samt tydeligere beskrivelse av ansvarsfordelingen mellom lege og sykepleier.Background: Patients with critical illnesses needs monitoring beyond what a regular inpatient ward can offer. Much of this monitoring takes place through the use of medical technical equipment. Continuous ECG-monitoring is performed in a number of specialized hospital wards, primarily by nurses. Our experience from an ICU was that several nurses were insecure about this task and lacked critical knowledge required to interpret a patient’s heart rhythm. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate whether nurses who use continuous ECG-monitoring, are able to recognize the most important and common heart rhythms a patient may have, including pathological changes like ST-elevation. Data from this study can be used in quality improvement projects, for example planning and implementation of teaching in ECG-interpretation to nurses and nursing students. Method: Quantitative cross-sectional approach with a digital questionnaire. The study included 77 nurses from three specialised hospital wards at a Norwegian University Hospital. The questionnaire consisted of 15 different ECG-strips, which the participants had to interpret. The data were analysed in SPSS, with analysis of median score and correlation with demographic variables, as well as a correct percentage for each individual heart rhythm and their correlation with the demographic variables. Results: The median score for the participants was 12,5 (4). 18,3 percent answered correctly to all questions, and there was a significant correlation between median score and participants department. The heart rhythms with the lowest proportion of correct answers in percentage, were sinus bradycardia (60,3), third degree AV-block (57,1) and second-degree AV-block type 2 (47,7). Some individual heart rhythms had a significant correlation with demographic variables, with Torsades de Pointes showing significant correlation with both department, training (education) and nurses experience. Conclusion: This study revealed good skills among the participating nurses. We recommend emphasising on interpretation of heart rhythms, with regular knowledge enhancement projects for nurses. Clearer expectations and guidelines provided from educational and health institutions are recommended regarding knowledge of heartrhythms for nurses, as well as more specific guidelines on responsibility between doctors and nurses

Intraclonal variation in defence substances and palatability: a study on Carex and lemmings

Clonal sedges consist of integrated ramets at different development stages. Many of these sedges are important food for herbivores, yet differences in herbivore preferences and defence allocation between ramet development stages have not previously been evaluated. In this study we investigated intraclonal ramet variation in level of plant defence and nutrient compounds and intraclonal ramet preferences by lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) in field samples of a rhizomatous sedge (Carex stans). Plant defence was measured as the level of proteinase inhibitor activity (PIA) and the ratio of PIA to soluble plant proteins (SPP), whereas plant nutrients were measured as the level of soluble plant sugars (SPS) and SPP. Flowering ramets generally had a higher content of defence compared to vegetative ramets, which is consistent with the optimal defence theory predicting that defence compounds are allocated to the ramet stage of the highest fitness value. Compared to vegetative ramets, the flowering ramets had a lower content of SPP and a higher content of SPS. The lemmings showed preference differences between the ramet development stages, and to a large extent the ramet content of defence compounds and nutrient compounds covaried with these preferences in the predicted way. This study shows that defence allocation between ramet development stages of the clonal sedge Carex conforms to predictions of the optimal defence theory

Identify environmentally critical elements (ECE)

Master's thesis in Offshore technology : industrial asset managementThis study is based on information from internal GDF SUEZ E&P Norge AS (GDF SUEZ) documents. This includes system books, P&ID’s and external journals regarding Environmentally Critical Elements (ECE). The scope of the thesis is to research parts of the Gjøa offshore installation and identify if there are any environmentally critical elements that have been overlooked during the identification of safety critical elements. To reduce the risk of acute discharge to sea the equipment/tags that are identified will be listed into a checklist. The checklist system will be as similar as possible to the already existing safety critical elements (HSE). The checklist will contain the classified criticality of production, HSE (safety) and the environment to compare them with each other. There are four system that have been analyzed to find ECEs. System 44, Produced Water: In this system there were identified six Environmentally Critical Elements. When comparing the criticality for production, HSE (safety) it was clear that the environment was not represented and there was given a new criticality for the identified ECEs in relation to the environment. System 56, Open Drain: in this system there were identified four Environmentally Critical Elements. In this system when comparing the criticality between production, safety and environment two of the four ECEs had the same criticality for safety and environment. System 38, MEG Regeneration: in this system there were identified ten Environmentally Critical Elements. In this system the classified criticality for HSE (safety) had excluded the environment and just based the criticality on safety. All the then ECEs got a new criticality based on the environment. System 65, Hydraulic: in this system there were identified eight Environment Critical Elements. When comparing the criticality for production, HSE (safety) and environment it was clear that the environment was left out of the classification of the criticality

SFY: A free-drifting wave buoy for measuring surf waves

Breaking waves have been studied for over a century. Still, there is an insufficient understanding of wave breaking due to limited in situ data. The high variability and the energetic environment in the surf zone makes it very challenging to collect data of surfing waves such as plunging and spilling breakers. The many variables needed to create good surf conditions are interwoven and several are examined in this thesis such as wave breaking, wave height, wave period, wind and currents. The goal of this project is to test a very small free-drifting wave buoy (SFY) in the surf zone and near-shore areas. The data will be used to examine if the SFY can provide useful infor- mation describing the actual surfing conditions. The SFY has a sample rate of 52 Hz which allows it to capture breaking waves. In this project, 15 days of surf wave experiments were performed at 11 different surf spots in Norway. Throughout the field experiments the waves were varying in size from 0.2 m to 1.5 m and wind conditions from light offshore winds to strong cross-shore. The SFYs captured four individual wave breaking event at popular surfing locations such as Point Perfect, Unstad Left, Elvenes and Fuglingen. The data from a moored SFY outside the surf zone showed that the SFY can separate between "swell waves" and "wind waves" which are crucial surf variables. The SFY has also the potential of measuring the wave types of surfing waves. During this study, the best surfing conditions were found at Unstad Left. The SFYs primarily moved with the surface current which contributed to the deployment challenges encountered at the different surf spots.Masteroppgave i meteorologi og oseanografiGEOF399MAMN-GEO