From a traditional academic library to a modern learning environment : Dalarna University Library - expectations and results

This report describes the ideas and vision behind Dalarna University's award-winning library in Falun. A description of the planning and construction processes and an evaluation of the final outcome are presented together with experiences and observations drawn from the project.

Using Spatiotemporal Methods to Fill Gaps In Energy Usage Interval Data

Researchers analyzing spatiotemporal or panel data, which varies both in location and over time, often find that their data has holes or gaps. This thesis explores alternative methods for filling those gaps and also suggests a set of techniques for evaluating those gap-filling methods to determine which works best.

Competitive equilibrium hyperinflation under rational expectations

This paper shows that a competitive equilibrium model, where a representative agent maximizes welfare, expectations are rational and markets are in equilibrium can account for several hyperinflation stylized facts. The theory is built by combining two hypotheses, namely, a fiscal crisis that requires printing money to finance an increasing public deficit and a predicted change in an unsustainable fiscal regime.

A gestão da logística em empresas de rochas ornamentais: um estudo de caso comparativo

This dissertation attempts to reach four goals: 1) to characterize the logistics development stage in two firms from the stone industry, an export firm and a non-export firm; 2) to identify the logistics functions performed by the firms themselves and the activities that are outsourced and also the reasons; 3) to describe the supply chain of the stone industry; 4) to apply a model called Leading Edge Logistics (BOWERSOX et al. 1992) to evaluate the current gaps between these firms in terms of organizational structure, information technology and performance system. This study has demonstrated that the export firm presented more adherence to the model compared to the non-export one, showing better entrepreneurial and operational performance. Furthermore, it has also confirmed the expectations generated by the conceptual model, as follow: the export firm, due to the more complex operational environment, represented by its involvement in a more competitive and demanding sector, i.e. the foreign trade market, has developed a greater level of sophistication of the logistical organization than the non-export one, achieving a better level of flexibility and therefore becoming more competitive.