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  • 1.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Attitudes and Factual Considerations of Regional Actors Towards Experience Industries and The Tourism Industry: A Swedish Case Study2016In: Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, ISSN 1502-2250, E-ISSN 1502-2269, Vol. 16, no 3, p. 225-242Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This paper examines the attitudes towards experience industries and tourism in the Gnosjö region of Sweden. The investigation is based on a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with politicians and chief executive officers (CEOs) within manufacturing industries. The results show that the politicians have more knowledge of experience industries and a more positive attitude towards these new types of industries than the CEOs. Both groups consider both these industries of significance for the region's future. While the politicians believe in experience industries as a whole, and particularly suggest more active work in favour of tourism and design, the second group just welcomes directly and indirectly a possible cooperation with design companies. A minor share of the CEOs is interested in either running businesses with features of experience industries or having a sense of it in their businesses. Despite differences, these attitudes facilitate cross-fertilisation between the manufacturing industry and experience industries in the future. The study suggests that the region needs to develop more knowledge and competence directed towards the experience industries, in particular tourism and design, and a cooperation between the manufacturing industry, local political parties, and enterprises within tourism, design and culture in this respect.

  • 2.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Attitudes towards competence development among employees in Tourism Industry: A Swedish pilot study2016In: Book of Abstracts: 25th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research, 28-30 September 2016, Turku, Finland / [ed] Juulia Räikkönen, Ira Lahovuo & Antti Honkanen, 2016, p. 14-14Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study aims to investigate empirically what attitudes employees in tourism industry have towards participation in publicly funded competence development programmes. Such investigations are lacking in the research on Tourism industry. By competence development here means participation in personal competence development programmes that might have a positive impact on the staff’s learning and on their work places. This impact will be found out through the employees’ subjective perceptions. In this study the terms “competence development programmes” “training programmes” and “skills development programmes” are used as synonyms. Also in accordance with Statistics Sweden terms of “business” and “work place” are used as synonym. The methodological approach used in this study is email-interviews with 12 employees (four women, eight men) that have participated in these programmes during recent years. This includes CEOs, owners, employees and one instructor that also is a business owner himself. A majority of them have academic education and their average working years in the industry is 17. They represent various sub-industries. Their average age is 46 and they mostly come from small sized firms. They participated in different courses that were offered by public organizations for employees and employers, or by private organizations. The courses were paid either by public means, by the firm or by a combination of both. The courses were mostly organized by public organizations but in some cases also by private organizations or a mix of private and public. They expressed that their participation in general had a positive or very positive impact on their workplace, and among others resulted to better knowledge, to acquire a wider network, new ideas, new experiences and opportunities and gave more inspiration, motivation and self-confidence. Concerning effectiveness of courses offered by the public organization the opinions are different; some had no comments about it, some found them very effective, some believed that these courses are effective in some but not in all cases, and finally some believed that courses organized by private organizations are more effective. The largest problems for competence development in the industry are lack of time and money and lack of tailored courses.

  • 3.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    City, Ethnicity, Diversity and the origin of Fire Festival in Swedish major cities: A research idea2018In: Tourism Implications and Dilemmas: Book of Abstract, 2018Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Urban Ethnic festivals have positive impacts on the image of cities and countries (McClinchey, 2008) and create a sense of belonging among immigrant groups (Chacko, 2013). Every year, a Tuesday in the middle of March and after 17:00, Iranian Fire Festival is held outdoors in the center of Stockholm and Göteborg. It is financed and organized by Riksteatern (The Swedish National Theatre). In Stockholm it is held in the King’s Garden park, 500 meters from the parliament, and it is used to be opened either by some Swedish ministers or by the Prime minister. This is not a big event in international comparison; it can be classified as local event and it is held when it is still very cold in Sweden. The event lasts in 4-5 hours but draws thousands of audiences (mostly from the same city region) to these two simultaneous arrangements. The audiences as well as the artists are mostly of Middle Eastern background (mostly Iranians, Kurds, Afghans) and there has been no report on ethnic Swedes among them over the years. This event, however, gets a huge attention from the Swedish media but also from some international media (Like Voice of America, Persian section) and Iranian diaspora media worldwide. In accordance with Getz et al (2007), many stakeholders are involved in this event; the Swedish governments, the event organization, municipality offices, many ethnic associations in Sweden, media, invited artists from Sweden and other countries, participants, sellers and volunteers.

    The aim of this research is to get insight into this event, incentives behind it and the expected outcome of it from different stakeholders. Especially it is important to find out what interest different Swedish governments have since they support the event financially regardless of ideological belonging while the event’s own preconditions are not the best one.

  • 4.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    City festival arena and its impact on the attendees’ overall satisfaction2021In: 29th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research: Shaping mobile futures: Challenges and possibilities in precarious times, 2021, p. 179-179Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Places as social constructions create meaning, identity, emotions and attachment for individuals (Knox and Marston, 2016; Massey, 1995). This can also be applied for festival arenas as well (e.g. Davis and Martin, 2014; Kim, 2017). Authors (e.g. Lee et ala., 2008) emphasize that the choice of festival arena has a significance for the visitors/attendees’ overall satisfaction with the festival in issue.

    The purpose of this study is to investigate how the Skansen arena in Stockholm, that has a high symbolic value for all Swedes, is assessed by the attendees of Persian Fire Festival in March 2019. An online questionnaire with qualitative and quantitative questions was used during April 2019 and resulted in 280 completed questionnaires by attendees from several ethnic groups. The results indicate high level of satisfaction with the arena that gives the attendees positive emotions, meanings, place attachment, place identity and a sense of place. The high status of the arena that gives pride and dignity; security and safety of the arena; its size; and its natural beauty have been the most contributing factors. Lack of accessibility and sufficient public transport have been the most negative factors. This paper gives a contribution to existing literature on festival arena and its importance for the attendees. Such symbolic arenas create stronger identity for immigrant groups and may become platforms for mutual cultural interaction with the host society.

  • 5.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Disparate Emotions as Expressions of Well-Being: Impact of Festival Participation from the Participants’ Subjective View2022In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, ISSN 1661-7827, E-ISSN 1660-4601, Vol. 20, no 1, article id 329Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this research is that through festival participants’ subjective views get a better understanding of how their participation results in positive feelings and well-being. The paper has a qualitative approach based on a delimited part of a larger survey and the content analysis method has been employed. A total of 280 participants, mainly of immigrant origin, answered one of the open-ended questions in the survey: What emotions does celebrating the Fire Festival evoke in you? Please justify your answer. The most common meaning in the answers has been good feelings followed by feelings of integration and community, the return of spring, and nostalgia. The results show that the festival has significance for these peoples’ good feelings and well-being, even though it lasts five hours. This study contributes to increased knowledge of festivals’ positive impacts on individuals, especially on immigrants living in Western countries.

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  • 6.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Festival participation for integration and inclusion?: A critical reflection2023In: World Leisure Journal, ISSN 0441-9057, E-ISSN 1607-8055, Vol. 65, no 4, p. 464-483Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this research is to get a better understanding of the impact of the Stockholm Fire Festival on the cultural integration of immigrant communities, and particularly its impact on the sociocultural integration of individual participants into Swedish society. The methodological approach is mixed-methods, consisting of participant observation, and a selected part of the data from 280 completed surveys based on answers to open-ended and closed-ended questions. The results indicate that participation in the festival and its celebration have a positive impact at the macro and ethnic community levels in terms of recognition of the festival by the host society, and thereby cultural integration, identity and inclusion of the ethnic community in the entire society. However, the results do not support the idea that participation in this festival has a positive impact on the sociocultural integration of the individual participants into society. Sociocultural integration presupposes intercultural encounters between immigrant individuals, between them and other ethnic groups (including the natives). It is evident that this festival cannot create such a platform for individual participants. This research contributes to the existing body of research on immigrant-oriented festivals in Western societies and strengthens the debates on migration, inclusion, integration, multiculturalism and interculturalism.

  • 7.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Good Idea But Not Here! A Pilot Study of Swedish Tourism Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Halal Tourism2021In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 13, no 5, article id 2646Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The following study is the first Swedish study on Halal tourism in Sweden. The purpose of this exploratory research is to get insight into the perception of Halal tourism in Sweden among representatives of tourism stakeholders. The overall methodology approach in this research is qualitative, consisting of 25 qualitative questionnaires, 21 short letters, four follow-up interviews, and a web observation, and content analysis was employed. The results indicate that there is a low knowledge of Halal tourism in Sweden including Swedish tourism industry. The concept is very challenging, and profits are low. It might result in problem scenarios such as detrimental effects on non-Halal tourism, cultural difficulties and increased risk of xenophobia, anti-Islamism, and tension in the society. There is low interest for Sweden among Muslim tourists as the interest and priority for Halal tourism is rather low from Swedish tourism industry. Despite Halal tourism’s importance internationally, these representatives are rather cautious and doubtful about promotion of Sweden towards this niche. Still, a majority seems to be positive to a lighter version of Muslim-friendly tourism with secular/moderate Muslims as a target group.

  • 8.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Participants’ perception of training programmes in the tourism industry: A Swedish pilot study2018In: Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, ISSN 2514-9792, Vol. 1, no 4, p. 309-324Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose

    The purpose of this paper is to deal mainly with the participants’ perception of their attendance in publicly funded training programmes in the tourism industry.

    Design/methodology/approach

    The investigation is based on e-mail interviews with 12 employees in the Swedish tourism industry who have actively participated in such courses as well as some courses offered by private organisations.

    Findings

    The results show that the interviewees have a positive perception of their participation and they believe that their attendance has had an overall positive impact on them or on their businesses. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether their participation has had an extraordinarily positive impact on business outcomes in terms of subsequent increased turnover, greater productivity or sales, or an expanded customer base. Lack of time and money and the prevalence of unsuitable courses prevent business owners and their employees from attending such courses.

    Originality/value

    This research is the first Swedish qualitative investigation on the issue.

  • 9.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Political crises and destination choice: An exploratory study of Swedish-Iranian second-home buyers2018In: Tourism, Culture & Communication, ISSN 1098-304X, E-ISSN 1943-4146, Vol. 18, no 3, p. 205-218Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Political crises, which have a known impact on the choice of tourism destination, can also negatively affect the choice of second-home destination and purchase. The purpose of this study is to investigate why some Swedish-Iranian second-home buyers prefer Spain to Turkey for political reasons. More than 30 short dialogues were conducted with Swedish-Iranian buyers at the exhibition "Buying Properties Abroad" in Kista, September 2015, following the start of a series of political crises in Turkey. A simple question was asked: Why are you choosing Spain rather than Turkey? The most important category of reasons were political factors, followed by cultural reasons. Political anxiety, instability, and insecurity in Turkey, the risk of civil war, a police society, lack of democratic order, the fact that Turkey is not a member of the European Union, the government's negative attitudes towards Kurds, and the emergence of Islamic State were the political reasons most mentioned. One conclusion that can be drawn is that political crises affect second-home tourism/tourists in the same way that they do ordinary tourism/tourists. The research has some important implications for Turkish policymakers, tourism stakeholders at a macrolevel, their competitors, especially in Spain, and potential buyers. Based on this research, some suggestions for future studies are also given. 

  • 10.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Psychosocial wellbeing as the outcome of the City festival celebration2021In: 29th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research: Shaping mobile futures: Challenges and possibilities in precarious times, 2021, p. 178-178Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Multicultural festivals contribute to strengthen multicultural societies through positive psychosocial, social and cultural benefits for individuals, groups and communities/societies (Lee et al., 2012).

    Especially, these includes positive feelings and emotions that are created with attendees in the festival (Kim et al, 2016).

    The purpose of this descriptive research is to get an understanding of the Persian Fire Festival’s visitors in Stockholm and their subjective reasoning around the feelings and emotions that are created through their celebration. 280 visitors/attendees answered to the question “What emotions does it evoke to celebrate the Fire Festival with you?” that was included in an online questionnaire. Excepting a few irrelevant answers, the predominant majority gave clear examples of positive feelings and emotions and some of them mentioned up to six feelings. Happy/happiness has been the most expressed feeling. The other frequent feelings have been: welcome the spring and the new year; pride/proud; community; belonging and togetherness; nostalgy; and home feeling. A very few people also mentioned sad feelings such as homesickness and missing family. The results show an overall positive impact of the festival celebration on the visitors’ psychosocial well-being. They also give rise to the question how such festival arrangements through increased positive feeling can contribute to stronger feelings of identity, belonging and community and thereby results in better socio-cultural integration of these people into the society.

  • 11.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Solo travellers to city destinations: an exploratory study in Sweden2019In: International Journal of Tourism Cities, ISSN 2056-5607, Vol. 5, no 1, p. 35-50Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose

    The purpose of this paper is to gain more insight into the phenomenon of solo travel to city destinations and attain more knowledge on the topic.

    Design/methodology/approach

    The study employed a questionnaire consisting of qualitative and quantitative items. In all, 21 individuals (12 women, 9 men) responded.

    Findings

    The most important reason for solo travel was their own free choice and in some cases, difficulty finding companions. Their activities at the destinations were mostly visiting attractions followed by visiting friends, shopping, walking, eating at restaurants, learning the language, working, etc. They mostly mentioned advantages but also some disadvantages with solo travelling. Their experiences, especially with the people in the host destinations, have been positive and they show overall satisfaction with their visit. A predominant share of the interviewees showed a kind of loyalty to one or more specific city destinations and wished to revisit them again and again.

    Practical implications

    The current study might have some implications for city tourism developers/destination developers, travel agencies, national or regional tourism boards and tour operators in major urban areas and cities. Especially, this study has a practical contribution to the city tourism practitioners and gives them more insight in what values, attitudes, perceptions, expectations and motivations the solo travellers might have before or while they visit their cities. The study also has implications for potential solo travellers seeking more knowledge and information on the issue.

    Originality/value

    The phenomenon of solo travel to city destinations is an unresearched topic in Sweden. This exploratory study is the first in Sweden to focus on solo travellers visiting city destinations.

  • 12.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Swedish Civil Society sector as organizer and producer of City Festivals: Example the Persian Fire festival2021In: 29th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research: Shaping mobile futures: Challenges and possibilities in precarious times, 2021, p. 177-177Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    In 1981 several enthusiastic Iranian students started the Caspian Sport Association in northern Stockholm and organized a common celebration of the Fire Festival for the members and their families.

    Five years later, an even bigger organization called House of Iran was established and took over the celebration arrangement with better resources and support from Sundbyberg Municipality. In 1994 the Iranian National Federation in Sweden (INF) was established and they gradually became the organizer of the celebration in Stockholm. After 2009 the Swedish National Turing Theatre (Riksteatern) became an actor in organization and celebration of the festival in Stockholm’s downtown. While during the first 25 years the festival was strongly delimited to the northern suburbs and was locally known, the arrangement by Riksteatern since 2009 contributed to huge attention to the festival in the city, in the country and later in the whole world.

    Sweden is a country with a strong civil society sector and rich tradition of associations and non-profit organizations (Voluntarius.com). One of the areas the civil society is strong in is the production of urban festivals (Andersson et al., 2009). The aim of this research is to describe the historical evolution of the Fire Festival in Stockholm from a perspective of Swedish Civil Society sector and thereby analyze the success factors over the years. Initially, a qualitative method consisting of primary and secondary sources has been employed.

  • 13.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Swedish solo travellers to city destinations: an exploratory study2018Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    People travel solo to a destination due to different push–pull pre-travel motivators (Yoon and Uysal, 2005). Travel to a city destination brings a series of positive or negative experiences (Walls et al., 2011) and creates a sense of overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the destination and the travel itself. Also, several functional and psychosocial characteristics of a destination such as hosts, locals, services, prices (Echtner and Brent Ritchie, 1991; Philip, 2005), contribute to satisfaction with a trip, but also create destination loyalty among visitors (Chi and Qu, 2008; Zhang et al., 2014) and this loyalty in its turn leads to a return to the same destination. The phenomenon of solo travel to city destinations is an un-researched topic in Sweden. This exploratory study is the first in Sweden to focus on solo travellers visiting city destinations. The study aims to gain more insight into the phenomenon and attain more knowledge on the topic. The study employed a questionnaire consisting of qualitative and quantitative items. In all, 21 individuals (12 women, 9 men) responded. They were mostly well-educated, the majority were younger than 35, more than half were single and more than half reported travelling alone once or twice a year. The majority had a travel budget of SEK 10–20,000 per trip and the rest had a budget below SEK 10,000. They normally took flights and the majority went away for more than one week up to several weeks. The most important reason for solo travel was own free choice and in some cases difficulty finding companions. This result is coherent with earlier studies (e.g. Heimtun and Morgan, 2012; Mehmetoglu, 2004). Their loneliness gave rise to forced but positive socialization (e.g. Chiang and Jogaratnam, 2006; Laesser et al., 2009). Their activities at the destinations were mostly visiting attractions and they mostly mentioned advantages with solo travelling. They showed overall satisfaction with their travels, destination loyalty to one or several city destinations and wished to revisit them again and again. This finding is also partly or fully coherent with many earlier studies (e.g. Walls et al., 2011; Echtner and Brent Ritchie, 1991; Philip, 2005; Baloglu and McCleary, 1999; Beerli and Martin, 2004).

  • 14.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    The impact of political crises on the choice of second-home destination: A study of Swedish-Iranian second home buyers2017In: 26th Nordic Symposium of Tourism and Hospitality Research October 4-6 2017, Falun, Sweden: BOOK OF ABSTRACTS, 2017, p. 81-82Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Political crises which have negative impact on the choice of a tourism destination can also affect the choice of a second-home destination negatively. The purpose of this study is to investigate why a part of Swedish-Iranian second home buyers prefer Spain than Turkey due to the politics. The group has shown interest in second-home purchase in the two countries during recent decade. More than 30 short dialogues were made with Swedish-Iranian buyers at the exhibition of “Buying Properties Abroad” in Kista, September 2015, after the start of a series of political crises in Turkey. A simple question was asked: Why do you choose Spain before Turkey? Most of the respondents gave more than three reasons.82The most important category of reasons were political factors followed by cultural factors. Political anxiety, instability and insecurity in Turkey, risk for civil war, police society, lack of democratic order, the fact that Turkey is not EU member, the government’s negative attitude towards Kurds, and the origin of Islamic state were the most mentioned political reasons. Cheating among some shopkeepers, negative attitudes by authorities towards Iranians, general perception of foreign women/female tourists, lack of a modern culture in Turkey, and better mentality among Spanish people have been among the cultural reasons. Among the economic reasons they mentioned lack of good infrastructure in Turkey, insecurity for invested capital, lower living costs in Spain, it is safer to buy house in Spain as EU country. Other less mentioned reasons were natural preconditions and knowledge on Spanish language.

  • 15.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Benyamine, Isak
    Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Education, Stockholm University.
    Lundberg, Anna
    Department of Thematic Studies, Gender Studies, Linköping University.
    Festival Venue that makes sense: A study of Skansen arena in Stockholm2021In: Cogent Social Sciences, E-ISSN 2331-1886, Vol. 7, no 1, p. 1-15, article id 1886652Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this study is to investigate how the open-air museum ofSkansen in Stockholm as venue for celebration of Persian Fire Festival is assessed by thefestival’s visitors. The study is based on a delimited part of a larger online survey with280 completed questionnaires including both close-ended and open-ended questions,and a qualitative thematic analysis method has been used in this paper. The resultsshow a high level of appreciation of the Skansen venue that gives the visitors positiveemotions, meanings, place attachment, place identity and a sense of place. Contributingfactors have been the high status of the venue that has given the visitors pride anddignity; security and safety of the venue; size of the venue; and the natural beauty of thevenue. The most important disadvantage factor has been the lack of accessibilitycombined with lack of sufficient public transport. The results have implications for theSwedish society, for the policy makers in Stockholm city and for both the host and theorganiser of the festival and gives rise to new debates on immigrants’ socio-culturalintegration into Swedish society. This paper gives a contribution to existing literature onfestival venue and its impact on the visitor’s overall assessment of the festival.

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  • 16.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Lundberg, Anna
    Linköping universitet.
    Between Fire and Ice: Experiences of the Persian Fire Festival in a Nordic Setting2020In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 12, no 24, article id 10374Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This exploratory research seeks to gain insight into the visitors of Persian Fire Festival in Stockholm, their motivation, level of satisfaction and loyalty to the festival. The overall methodology is mixed methods consisting of participant observation and 280 completed online surveys including close-ended and open-ended questions. A Grounded theory analysis has been employed. The most important reason behind the participation has been to strive for the recognition of ethnic cultural identity; to keep the ancient culture alive; to maintain their ancestors’ legacy and transfer it to the next generation. Most of the visitors experienced positive feelings, showed satisfaction and loyalty, believed that the festival fulfilled their expectations and it should be celebrated officially every year. A minority showed dissatisfaction mostly due to the lack of accessibility to the event venue and might are not loyal to the festival. The first conclusion here is that these motivators are totally different than those mentioned by earlier research (e.g., escape, socialization, novelty, rest, prestige, excitement). Even though the desire to preserve the ancient culture and tradition is very strong, a lack of accessibility to the venue would constitute disloyalty and a barrier to re-attend in such a festival.

  • 17.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Lundberg, Anna
    National Theatre.
    How the Iranian Fire Festival in Stockholm is perceived by the visitors?2019In: 28th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research 23rd to 25th October 2019, Roskilde, Denmark: Roskilde University , 2019, p. 45-Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Every year, a Tuesday in the middle of March and after 5:00 pm the Iranian Fire Festival (Eldfesten in Swedish, Chaharshanbe Suri in Persian) is celebrated outdoors in the center of Stockholm and ends before 10:00 pm. This event has its roots in ancient Persia, but now it is celebrated by several nations in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia. The Stockholm festival is arranged and financed by The Swedish National Theatre and several times earlier it has been opened by Swedish ministers. The event visitors are mostly of Middle Eastern background coming from Stockholm area. Since 2016 it can also be watched live through Swedish and foreign TV stations and through Social media. During the earlier years the event was held in Kungsträdgården (The Royal Garden) but this year it was arranged in the amusement park of Skansen.  Ethnic cultural events in major urban areas create good images for cities and countries but also for immigrants and their neighborhoods in the city of issue (McClinchey, 2008; Loukaitou-Sideris and Soureli, 2012), and a sense of belonging among immigrants (Chacko, 2013). Many stakeholders are involved in such events (Getz et al 2007; Getz And Andersson, 2010) but perhaps the most important stakeholder is the visitors of the event. Therefore, it is of high relevance to study the visitors’ visit motivations, their perceived experience in terms of satisfaction level and their level of loyalty i.e. if they intend to visit the event next year (Savinovic et al, 2012). The aim of this research is to get insights on the visitors of the Fire Festival, their motives behind participation and how they perceive their participation afterwards. The main methods chosen in this research is participant observation and 257 completed surveys online until April 11th, 2019.  Preliminary results The respondents are 63% men and 37% women, and they are mostly older than 40 (44% are older than 50). More than half of them have been living in Sweden less than 21 years of which 17% less than 5 years. 83% of the respondents call themselves Swedish-Iranians. More than 80% of the respondents have academic education (of which 7% with PhD education) and most of them are employed either by public or private sector. A considerable number of them are also either self- employed, students or retirees. They have come from different districts of Greater Stockholm while a minor part has come from municipalities outside the county. A pre-dominant majority of them have come there with friends and family members, and most of them have been participating in the festival for third times or more. Also, more than half of them have visited the Skansen park three or more times earlier. The main reasons why they celebrate the festival is to keep the old tradition and culture alive. The celebration creates feelings like happiness, pride, community, belonging, nostalgia, childhood, the Spring. Concerning the question what the place or arena means to you they either like Skansen or prefer other places in Greater Stockholm or do not care about the place but the festival and other issues such as security and safety. To the question “what do you think about celebrating the festival at Skansen” they give positive answers and to the question “are your expectations on the festival fulfilled” the majority are totally or partly agreed. They also believe that this event must be celebrated every year and give many improvement suggestions and additional critical comments such as more food trucks, better and cheaper food, more professional artists and happy songs and music.

  • 18.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Müller, Dieter K
    Umeå universitet.
    Displaced diaspora second-home tourism: an explorative study of Swedish-Iranians and their second-home purchases in Turkey2019In: Tourism, ISSN 1332-7461, E-ISSN 1849-1545, Vol. 67, no 3, p. 239-252, article id 225739Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This explorative study aims to gain more insight into Swedish-Iranians' purchase of second homes in Turkey. The study is based on 22 questionnaires (19 of them from owners and buyers), field observation, and participant observation. Motives behind owners' and buyers' purchases are: other Swedish-Iranian friends/relatives bought there; cultural proximity; absence of visa restriction for Iranian citizens; geographical proximity to Iran and relatives living in Iran; economic factors, including the low prices and costs and investment for retirement; and the climate. The respondents are well-integrated into Swedish society and have access to different types of resources which facilitate the purchase, but they also show the potential to partially become integrated socioculturally into their Turkish communities. A meaningful proportion of them are seriously planning to live permanently in Turkey after retirement, but the majority stay there for longer periods or semi-permanently. Despite some limitations, this study makes an important contribution to the area of diaspora second-home tourism and to the field of diaspora studies.

  • 19.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Müller, Dieter K
    Umeå universitet.
    Second Home purchase in Turkey by Swedish Iranians: An Explorative Study2017In: 26th Nordic Symposium of Tourism and Hospitality Research October 4-6 2017, Falun, Sweden: BOOK OF ABSTRACTS, 2017Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Second home tourism is often discussed in the context of the western world. Other groups and their motivations, in this case people of Iranian background who are a large ethnic group in Sweden, are often neglected, although the group has shown interest in purchase of second home in Turkey.The aim of this study is to get more insight on Swedish Iranians’ purchase of second home in Turkey. 19 e-mail interviews (with Broker companies, owners, and potentially buyers) have been conducted. Also participant observation in Antalya region in June 2015 and at the exhibition of “Buying Properties Abroad” in Kista in September 2015 has been done.The interview results reveal that the Swedish Iranian second home buyers collect information through friends and relatives, various web sites, exhibitions, brokers, and real estate companies before buying apartment. Their motives have been: following other friends/relatives who bought apartments there, cultural proximity including the Turkish language and food, geographic proximity to Iran, relatives living in Iran do not need Turkish visa, economic factors including prices, the climate, and investment for the retirement. They stay in their apartments at least once a year up to 4 times a year and the duration of their stay each time is at least one week. A part of them might choose to live partly or permanently in Turkey after the retirement. Their motives are similar to many other second home owners elsewhere but there are also aspects related to the political context of this mobility.

  • 20.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Onn, Gustaf
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Overtourism in Swedish island destinations: how the residents perceive it?2024In: Book of abstracts / [ed] Ángel Tello Moya; Trude Furunes; Live K. Kvalsvik, Stavanger: University of Stavanger , 2024, p. 52-53Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Islands, especially small islands, due to their geographic position, are vulnerable for tourism development and are extra sensitive for unsustainable tourism i.e., overtourism (Butler and Dodds, 2022). Sweden has the largest number of islands in the world (Statista, 2024) which makes it relevant for research on overtourism on islands. This study aims to investigate how the risk of overtourism is perceived by people in two major Swedish archipelago regions, Stockholm and Gothenburg. The theoretical point of departure is the Social Carrying Capacity (Brandolini et al., 2004) that put the number of tourists in relationship with the host destination’s tolerance limits and impact perception. The study has a mixed-methods approach based on 477 surveys online with permanent and semi-permanent residents (second-home owners), and six in-depth interviews. The results confirm that although a majority believe that tourism would not create problem for their islands in the future, still a majority believe that number of tourists can become so large during the peak season that it creates a series of problem for them and for the tourists themselves. This skepticism is much higher among residents in Gothenburg islands. The survey respondents and the six interviewees also give suggestions to how make the tourism more sustainable on their islands. A conclusion here is that residents in Gothenburg islands may resist a future tourism development on their islands. 

    References

    Brandolini, S. M. D. A., & Mosetti, R. (2004), Sustainable tourism development and social carrying capacity: a case-study on the North-Western Adriatic Sea. WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 76.  

    Butler, R.W. & Dodds, R. (2022), Island Tourism: Vulnerable or Resistant to Overtourism?

    Highlights of Sustainability 1, 54–64. https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain1020005 

    Statista (2024), The countries with the most islands. Retrived 2024-01-31 from:

    https://www.statista.com/chart/15364/the-estimated-number-of-islands-by-country/

  • 21.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Onn, Gustaf
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Arnautovic, Denis
    Does Over-tourism really exist in Dubrovnik?: A perception study of local tourism employees2019In: 28th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research 23rd to 25th October 2019, Roskilde, Denmark, 2019, p. 48-Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Over-tourism has become a frequently used term in Urban Tourism research, during last years. By it means over-saturation of tourists (e.g. Stanchev, 2017) i.e. when the number of tourists at a certain time and at a certain place exceeds powerfully the number of locals in the place (see e.g. Artal-Tur et al, 2018). Such situation creates a series of problems for the host destinations (Postma and Schmuecker, 2017) because of the limited service facilities available (Butler, 2018). The pressure on the host destination results in conflict and tension among hosts and tourists, and in long term antagonism, and tourism phobia among locals (Alexis, 2017). The overall aim of this research is to get a deeper understanding of Dubrovnik’s tourism employees’ perception of Over-tourism in their town. The chosen method has been field observation during peak season (July 2018) and 18 email- interviews with local tourism employees between 2018-2019.   Results  The employees who answered to 14 questions have positions such as manager, receptionist, owner, and represent different tourism and hospitality sectors like hotels and restaurants, tourist bureaus, etc. They have been working within tourism industry between 3 and 30 years. They show small difference in their views on low- respectively high season of tourism in the town. They define Over- tourism in general, believe it exists in Dubrovnik in some short periods, and describe in detail how and when it happens there. The reason behind Over-tourism in Dubrovnik is summarized by them in big demand that exceeds the supply side i.e. too many tourists by ships, aircrafts, cars and buses arriving at the same time in peak season. They claim that the Over-tourism creates a series of problems such as traffic, damage and pollution, and confirm that the local authorities are aware of the problems. A powerful reduction of number of cruisers, better management, organization and schedule of arrivals, better information to tourists, reduction of taxis from rest of the country, forbid foreigners come by car to the city, etc. are among their own suggestions to solutions for the problems. Some of them talk about attracting quality/luxury/elite tourists instead of mass tourists. Several of them also confirm that the local tourism industry firstly tries to reduce the number of cruisers and partly flights, and then find a better coordination of activities, and other regulations for people coming by cars. The interviewees prefer mostly tourists coming by charter flights, then cruise tourists specially luxury such, and they believe that Dubrovnik and its surrounding region is not at all suitable for car transport and cartourists.

  • 22.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Onn, Gustaf
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Arnautovic, Denis
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Overtourism in Dubrovnik in the eyes of local tourism employees: A qualitative study2020In: Cogent Social Sciences, E-ISSN 2331-1886, Vol. 6, no 2, article id 1775944Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This article implies a qualitative methodological approach and has a focus on the local tourism employees in Dubrovnik and their perception of overtourism. The empirical data are based on 12 days’ field observation in July 2018, and 18 e-mail interviews with local tourism employees. The data analysis method has been thematic analysis. The interviewees show a high level of awareness and concern about the problem. Overcrowding, traffic congestion, various physical damages, displacement of locals in Old Town, low quality of tourist experiences and lower quality of life for locals, increased prices are among problems caused by overtourism in Dubrovnik. Factors related to seasonality, physical geographic conditions, cruise ships are the most problem makers and the interviewees prefer tourists that stay overnight. Their most frequent solution suggestions are reduction of the number of cruise ships followed by stricter rules of the establishment and of quality for accommodations, caterings and shops.

  • 23.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Onn, Gustaf
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Kavey, Ardalan
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Swedish Travellers‘ attitudes towards Overtourism in cities: an exploratory research2023In: 31st Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research: Book of Abstracts, Östersund: Mid Sweden University , 2023, p. 131-134Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction and literature review

    Overtourism as a sustainability sissue for different tourism stakeholers (Milano et al, 2022;Santos-Rojo et al., 2023) inside and outside destinations has been very explored duringrecent decade. Most earlier studies on the topic have either touched upon localstakeholders on the destination and locals‘ tourismphobia has been frequently mentionedby authors (see e.g. Verissimo et al., 2020; Yrigoy et al., 2023). In the literature, oertourismhas been associated with seasonality, i.e. it happens almost entirely in a peak season(mostly during the summer) and not year round (see e.g. Yrigoy et al., 2023; Ghaderi et al.,2022). From initially having had a focus on some specific coastal European urbandestinations such as Barcelona, Venice and Dubrovnik in many studies (see e.g. Verissimoet al., 2020) the recent years‘ research also has included rural remote places worldwide forinvestigations (see e.g. Eckert et al., 2019; Ghaderi et al., 2022; Lundmark et al, 2020) as wellas new urban destinations that earlier have been unknown as places for overtourism (seee.g. Fedyk et al., 2023).Most earlier attitude investigations on overtourism have had a focus on the destinationsand their local residents and stakeholders (see.e.g. Kim and Kang, 2020; Kuscer and Mihalic,2019). Despites few studies during recent years (e.g. Kainthola et al., 2021)tourists‘ perspective and attitudes on the issue has been less visible in the research.Especially, a lack of knowledge on travellers comming from tourist generating nations orregions and their attitudes towards overtourism in city destinations has been obviouslyinvisible. Thus, the purpose of this research is to fill this gap for Sweden and Swedishtravellers to city destionations. This will be our contribution to existing body of researchon the issue. Following research questions will be answered in this paper:–How Swedish travellers define, perceive and reason around the phenomenon ofoertourism in city destinations?132–What kind of solutions to the problem is suggested by them?

    MethodologyThis study is explorative in its nature and is based an online survey. The authors initiallyadopted a predominantly quantitative approach to reach a large number of respondents tocater to representativeness (Bryman 2016). Thus, several questions and comment optionswere also purposely given to the respondents to get deeper insigts of their attitudes andperceptions of the topic. The survey that contained 15 questions was firstly screened forethical issues by the host university. The authors guaranteed total anonymity to therespondents through considering the European GDPR (General Data ProtectionRegulation) that concerns protect of personal issues in research. Then the survey waspublished at tens of Swedish social forums (public and private pages on Linkedin andFacebook). After two months (February- March 2023) and several reminders we got 370completed surveys.

    Preliminary Findings

    A look at the sample shows that 55% of the respondens (202 individuals) are women andthe rest are men. A predominat majority of them (74%) are older than 40 year and they areeither employed (56%), retired (31%), students (9%) or others (4%) and a predominantmajority (83%) of them has postseconday/academic education. Over 70% of them state thatthey travel abroad twice or more each year, and 54% has travelled to abroad more than 16times during last ten years. A majority answers that they have good knowledge onovertourism and almost all of them define the term with their own words. Also theydescribe typical examples of situations of ourtourism that they have been witnessses to.Based on their experiences they mention many urban destinations in the world that theyperceived as places with ourtourism. This includes already known places as well as notexpected places, major metropolitain areas as well as small less known towns and specificareas or districts in urban regions. 75% of the respondents beleive that overtourism is aproblem and they point to many enviromental issues, tentions, crimiality, increased prices,negative tourism experiences, etcetera that are linked to overtourism. 25% of therespondents that would not consider it as a problem reason among other things thatovertourism is a temporary phenomenon during short time of peak season, that this is goodfor the destinations economy and standard of living, it facilitates cultural encounters,etcetera. Those that beleive overtourism is a problem suggest as solution more research,knowledge to the general public, quota system, regulations, restrictions, seasonprolongation, etcetera.133

    Preliminary Conclusions

    The respondents in this research point to a very complex phenomenon with multifacettedproblems as the consequence and that also needs to be solved in a multifacetted way withdifferent actors/stakeholder both in tourist generating regions and in tourist receivingregions i.e. destinations exposed by overtourism. As a part of the respondents mean, onecannot prevent people to travel but people can get important and necessary help beforedeparture but also at the destinations to enjoy the travel without being harmful tothemselves, to other tourists, residents and to the sensitive historical sites and naturalenvironments.

    References

    Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford, England: Oxford university press.Eckert, C., Zacher, D., Pechlaner, H., Namberger, P., & Schmude, J. (2019). Strategies andmeasures directed towards overtourism: a perspective of European DMOs. InternationalJournal of Tourism Cities, 5(4), 639–655.Fedyk, W., Sltysik, M., Rolczynski, T., Taheri, B., Borzyszkowski, J., and Okumus, F.(2023), Overtourism in a City Destination from the Perspective of Entrepreneurs:Evidence from Wroclaw, Poland, Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism 14 (2),pp. 442- 457.Ghaderi, Z, Hall, M.C., and Ryan, C. (2022), Overtourism, residents and Iranian ruralvillages: Voices from a developing country, Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Vol.37, 100487.Kainthola, S., Tiwari, P., & Chowdhary, N. R. (2021). Overtourism to zero tourism:Changing tourists’ perception of crowding post COVID-19. Journal of Spatial andOrganizational Dynamics, 9(2), 115-137.Kim, S., and Kang, Y. (2020), Why do residents in an overtourism destination developanti-tourist attitudes? An exploration of residents’ experience through the lens of thecommunity-based tourism, Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research Vol. 25, Issue 8, pp. 858-876.Kuscer, K., and and Mihalic, T. (2019), Residents’ Attitudes towards Overtourism fromthe Perspective of Tourism Impacts and Cooperation—The Case of Ljubljana,Sustainability 11, 1823.Lundmark, L., Müller, D. K., & Bohn, D. (2020). Arctification and the paradox ofovertourism in sparsely populated areas. Dipping in to the north: Living, working andtraveling in sparsely populated areas, 349-371.134Milano, C., Novelli, M., and Cheer, J.M. (2022), Overtourism. In Buhalis, D (Ed),Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing, pp. 413-416. Elgar onlineSantos-Rojo, C., Llopis-Amorós, M., and García-García, J.M. (2023), Overtourism andsustainability: A bibliometric study (2018–2021), Technological Forecasting & Social Change188, 122285.Veríssimo, M., Moraes, M., Breda, Z., Guizi, A., & Costa, C. (2020). Overtourism andtourismphobia: A systematic literature review. Tourism: An International InterdisciplinaryJournal, 68(2), 156-169.Yrigoy, I., Horrach, P., Escudero, L., & Mulet, C. (2023). Co-opting overtourism: tourismstakeholders’ use of the perceptions of overtourism in their power struggles. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1-17.

  • 24.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Onn, Gustaf
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Nordberg, Denice
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    The perception of halal concept of hoteliers in the light of social exchange theory: a Swedish study2024In: Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, ISSN 2514-9792, Vol. 7, no 4, p. 2403-2421Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This paper aims at from the perspective of the social exchange theory (SET) gaining an understanding of how promotion of halal concept in Sweden is perceived by Swedish hoteliers. A mixed-methods approach has been used consisting of 62 completed surveys with closed-ended and open-ended questions, follow-up comments and five in-depth interviews with hoteliers in the mid-Sweden region. Content analysis has been employed. Three categories of meanings are the main findings: general perception, safeguarding Swedish secular values and financially unjustifiable have been discovered. Most of the respondents have been sceptical towards halal and Muslim-friendly hotel concepts due to financial and cultural challenges these two concepts have for the Swedish tourism and hotel industries. Based on the SET, this entails more costs than benefits and is especially at odds with Swedish-rooted secular values. This study provides practical implications and increased knowledge for tourism stakeholders including hotels in Sweden. This is one of the very few studies on halal tourism in Scandinavia and the first Scandinavian study on hoteliers' attitudes towards halal tourism.

  • 25.
    Abbasian, Saeid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Onn, Gustaf
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Strömberg, Per
    University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway.
    Perspectives of Over-tourism in four Pre-Industrial Historical City Centers: A research idea2019In: 28th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research 23rd to 25th October 2019, Roskilde, Denmark: Roskilde University , 2019, p. 46-Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Over-tourism has become a new subject for research, particularly on urban sustainable tourism, during recent years (Novy, 2018). The term refers to when the number of tourists at a certain time in an extreme way exceeds the number of locals in the destination (Goodwin, 2017). This phenomenon creates a series of problems for the host destinations and puts pressure on them and their attractions, on the local service facilities and the genuine urban culture (Postma and Schmuecker, 2017; Trancoso Gonzalez, 2018; Weber et al, 2017; Montanari & Staniscias, 2010). Earlier research has shown how this phenomenon results in tension/conflict between locals and tourists and creates phobia among host people towards tourists(Postma and Schmuecker,2017; Martins, 2018; Milano et al, 2018). Recent research (Koens et al, 2018) shows that tourism stakeholders in many European cities show great awareness on the issue in their cities. Earlier research has mostly focused on locals while a focus on the visitors has beenlacking.  The purpose of the research is to get more empirical insights in over-tourism in four European city centers, Dubrovnik, Visby, Stockholm, and Riga, from both perspectives of locals and visitors/tourists, and thereby get knowledge through the challenges to, and opportunities for, both constituencies that are created in this learning process. This is in consistence with earlier research with same purpose (Costa et al, 2018). The research is justified by the fact that the topic is still new, and there are not too many studies published as of now. The first common characteristic between these four cities is that they all are cruising ports. The two first cities are rather towns than cities, almost of same size and natural preconditions, while the latters are much larger, capital cities in the Baltic Sea region with almost similar preconditions i.e. Over-tourism in the downtown area during peakseason.  The overall methodological approach in this project will be qualitative consisting of triangulation (mixed methods) based on comparative case studies. The data collection methods will consist of: field observations during the peak season in July-August in the four cities, face to face interviews and email interviews

  • 26.
    Abbaszadeh, Sepideh
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Media Technology.
    The Sunshine Necklace: A design inquiry study about digital jewellery and wearable technology for empowerment in sexual harassment situations2018Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 40 credits / 60 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This paper addresses a design exploration focusing on interactive jewellery and wearable computing that could affect sexual harassment in social contexts in everyday life. Drawing on a design inquiry study that lead to the creation of an interactive and digital necklace named Sunshine, which is a personal alarm connected to an emergency center, this paper focuses on how a piece of digital jewellery can contribute to women’s empowerment in relation to sexual harassment. The functionality of Sunshine is based on a device that will be activated when the user presses a button on the necklace and an alert with the location of the user will be sent to an alarm center. The users press the button when in danger or exposed to violence and/or abuse. This study so forth addresses a design exploration of a piece of jewellery that can be seen as a symbol for women’s safety, unity and equality. The combination of digital technology and fashion design demonstrate that people can be brought together and especially be empowering in social contexts where sexual harassment might be a part of women’s everyday life.

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  • 27.
    Abbaszadeh, Sepideh
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Espinoza, Daniela
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Instagram: en plattform för att frigöra kvinnors kroppar genom hashtags.: Ett bidrag i diskussionen angående aktivism på Instagram.2016Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The naked body is an entity that has always been present in both the “real” world and the media. The anatomy of our bodies isn’t something we can avoid; today it reflects the reality that has developed partly from media. According to Instagram’s guidelines users are not allowed to publish naked or semi-naked pictures but that does not stop certain users that are critical to how the body norms and censorship are portrait today. In our study, we take part of research regarding gender in multimedia settings and how they have affected our daily lives. As well as studies, which research the usage of hashtags and how to circumvent censorship. The focus for this study is to research what role Instagram and hashtags have in generating a public discussion as well to draw attention to various issues and causes that are based on norm critique. We have conducted two different observations, held interviews with activists and created an online-survey for users to answer what they think about the Instagram community guidelines. The results show that there is an underlying discrimination acceptance within Instagram and their community guidelines. We can also see that women and users who uses hashtags can spread their causes more effectively, although they are simultaneously at risk for being censored depending on the hashtag they use. According to our respondents from our research there is an agreement regarding the need of updating Instagram’s community guidelines, which could help with eliminate the current discrimination against women and their breasts. At the end of this study we are giving a proposal to how Instagram can work with their censoring in a more critical way. This may contribute to an agenda to make social media platforms safer and less discriminating.

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  • 28.
    Abdelgadir, Mohanad
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science. Södertörn University, Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES), Baltic & East European Graduate School (BEEGS).
    Aquatic ecosystem function and environmental change across spatial scales2024Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Microbial communities comprise immense diversity, mediating numerous ecosystem functions such as nitrogen transformation in aquatic ecosystems. Yet, how microbial communities and ecosystem functions respond to changes in environmental conditions at different spatial scales in aquatic habitats is not fully understood. This thesis investigates the effect of changes in environmental conditions at different spatial scales on Baltic Sea microbial diversity and nitrogen transformation, specifically denitrification, with a focus on biodiversity-ecosystem function relationship. Two spatial scale settings were examined. A small spatial scale setting was examined with experimental mesocosms of benthic sediment of different salinity and dissolved oxygen levels and at different spatial arrangements, and an incubation experiment conducted with benthic sediments from two different aquatic habitats enriched with 15N nitrate isotope. Microbial diversity, denitrification gene transcript abundances, and potential denitrification rate were analyzed. At a large spatial scale of the Baltic Sea benthic and coastal seascape, a metadata-based modeling approach was employed to investigate how current environmental conditions and future climatic change scenarios affect the predicted spatial distribution of key taxa of denitrifiers and nitrogen-fixing filamentous cyanobacteria. Results showed that salinity and dissolved oxygen levels significantly influenced denitrification capacity, according to analyses of transcript abundances of nirS and nosZ genes, which was mainly driven by habitat environmental conditions rather than habitat spatial arrangement. Bacterial community composition in experimental mesocosms was significantly affected by salinity. Findings from the small scale mesocosms experiments indicate that salinity can be an important driver of microbial denitrification capacity and affect microbial diversity in studied mesocosms. At large coastal and seascape scales, multi-realm environmental variables from both marine and terrestrial domains had significant impacts on the predicted distribution of the studied microbial taxa. The predicted distribution under different global warming trajectories indicated that rising temperatures in year2050 and 2100 risk reducing the current bio-climatically suitable areas of the studied denitrifiers and filamentous cyanobacteria across the Baltic Sea. The studies with experimental mesocosms and modeling approaches presented in this thesis contribute knowledge and novel predictions on the spatial response of ecosystem function and microbial communities to ongoing and future environmental changes in the Baltic Sea.

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    Aquatic ecosystem function and environmental change across spatial scales
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  • 29.
    Abdelgadir, Mohanad
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science. Södertörn University, Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES), Baltic & East European Graduate School (BEEGS).
    Alharbi, Randa
    University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
    AlRashidi, Monif
    University of Ha'il, Saudi Arabia.
    Alatawi, Abdulaziz S.
    University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
    Sjöling, Sara
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Dinnétz, Patrik
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Distribution of denitrifiers predicted by correlative niche modeling of changing environmental conditions and future climatic scenarios across the Baltic Sea2023In: Ecological Informatics, ISSN 1574-9541, E-ISSN 1878-0512, Vol. 78, article id 102346Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Denitrifying microbial communities provide an important ecosystem function in aquatic systems. Yet, knowledge on predictive and modeling of these complex and changing communities is limited. The emergently challenging question of how the geographical distribution of denitrifiers responds to ongoing and future environmental change is not yet fully understood. In our study we use metadata-based correlative niche modeling to analyze the geographical distribution of selected putative denitrifiers in the genus Sphingomonas, Mycoplana, Shewanella, and Alteromonas at different predicted environmental conditions and future climatic scenarios across the Baltic Sea. Using the predictive power of an ensemble modeling approach and eight different machine-learning algorithms, habitat suitability and the distribution of the selected denitrifiers were evaluated using geophysical and bioclimatic variables, benthic conditions, and four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) trajectories of future global warming scenarios. All algorithms provided successful prediction capabilities both for variable importance, and for habitat suitability with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values between 0.89 and 1.00. Model findings revealed that salinity and nitrate concentrations significantly explained the variation in distribution of the selected denitrifiers. Rising temperatures of 0.8 to 1.8 °C at future RCP60–2050 trajectories are predicted to diminish or eliminate the bioclimatic suitable habitats for denitrifier distributions across the Baltic Sea. Multi-collated terrestrial and marine environmental variables contributed to the successful prediction of denitrifier distributions within the study area. The correlative niche modeling approach with high AUC values presented in the study allowed for accurate projections of the future distributions of the selected denitrifiers. The modeling approach can be used to improve our understanding of how ongoing and predicted future environmental changes may affect habitat suitability for organisms with denitrification capacity across the Baltic Sea.

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  • 30.
    Abdelgadir, Mohanad
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science. Södertörn University, Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES), Baltic & East European Graduate School (BEEGS).
    Broman, Elias
    Stockholm University, Sweden.
    Bonaglia, Stefano
    Gothenburg University, Sweden.
    Nascimento, Francisco, J. A.
    Stockholm University, Sweden.
    Dinnétz, Patrik
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Sjöling, Sara
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Association between sediment denitrification rates, transcript abundances of denitrification genes and bacterial community compositionManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 31.
    Abdelgadir, Mohanad
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science. Södertörn University, Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES), Baltic & East European Graduate School (BEEGS).
    Broman, Elias
    Stockholm University, Sweden.
    Dinnétz, Patrik
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Sjöling, Sara
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Multiple realm models of marine, terrestrial, and future climate change scenarios predict increased filamentous cyanobacteria occurrences in coastal Baltic SeaManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 32.
    Abdelgadir, Mohanad
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science. Södertörn University, Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES), Baltic & East European Graduate School (BEEGS).
    Raymond, Caroline
    Stockholm University, Sweden.
    Sjöling, Sara
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Dinnétz, Patrik
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Benthic denitrification capacity association with changes in habitat configuration in a small-scale systemManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 33.
    Abdi Ali Ahmed, Yousra
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Development Studies.
    A Study on behavioral Health Interventions for Neglected tropical diseases: What is missing in current health interventions?2017Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the spread of NTDs but to also determine what is missing in the health interventions that are conducted in the countries affected by NTD.

    Method and theory: The method used in this paper is the theory testing approach which is the Social Cognitive Theory. Development in the 1970s by A. Badura, it’s based on the concept of interaction between personal, environmental and social factors.

    Results: The results showed that both the previous research and today’s health interventions lack the understanding of the roll social and personal factors play in the spread of NTD. They mainly target the environmental factors and medical. Therefore, the NTDs are still endemic despite the effort during many years.

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  • 34.
    Abdlbari, Abdulbari
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Användning av mobilapplikationer i smartphones hos unga vuxna: En fallstudie bland studenter och arbetstagare2012Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Nu förtiden har det blivit allt vanligare att människor använder sig av smartphones. I denna uppsats har jag kartlagt smartphone-användares användningsvanor och mönster hos unga vuxna som antingen studerar eller arbetar. För att få fram den information jag behöver har jag valt att använda mig av dagböcker där sex stycken respondenter deltog under en fyra dagars period och även intervjuer där tre av de sex respondenterna var deltagande efter genomförandet av dagböckerna. Mina resultat visar fascinerande nog att smartphones används till största del på platser där användarna är relativt stillasittande som till exempel i hemmet. Dessutom har det visat sig att studenter har en stor användning av applikationer och där med smartphones, ofta i samband med deras studier, speciellt applikationer kopplade till molntjänster.

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    Användning av mobilapplikationer i smartphones hos unga vuxna
  • 35.
    Abdlbari, Abdulbari
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Parkeringsapplikationen: Utveckling av en mobilapplikation för iPhone.2013Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This report describes procedures and preparations made for developing a mobile application.Using a questionnaire and usability tests, I have developed a design document for a parkingapplication for the iPhone 4. The purpose of the application is to help drivers find allowedparking spaces thus making roads safer for everyone while the driver avoids parking tickets.

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  • 36.
    Abyan, Najah
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Development Studies.
    Petersen, Caroline
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Development Studies.
    Scrutinizing local views of the role of education in relation to western mainstream views: a case-study from Tanzania2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This case study was conducted to give an in-depth analysis of the local stakeholder’s views on the role of education in Babati, Tanzania. The goal is to investigate differences and similarities between the views in Babati and mainstream western views, exemplified by the theory of Martha Nussbaum and Amartya Sen while being attentive to gender and socioeconomic differences. The purpose of this study is to examine local stakeholders' views, mainly guardians and educators on the role of education and to relate these to western mainstream views. The study results have been achieved with the help of the fieldwork executed in Babati, Tanzania where interviews and observations were made. 

    Previous literature emphasizes that education is considered necessary for enabling problem-solving, and fostering individual and societal advancements. Further, education is declared to be a right for all on the justification that it works to strengthen the respect of human rights, fundamental freedom and the development of human personality. Despite the consensus on the importance of education, the role of education remains complex and differs across contexts and socioeconomic groups, including gender and socioeconomic differences. 

    The quality, access, and attitudes to education in Tanzania have changed during recent years. These changes resonate with, among other things, higher enrollment, increased number of schools, educators with higher qualifications, and food served at school. The results show that education is perceived as central in the widely agreed upon quest to shape children into “good people” and that lead “good lives”. Although there are obstacles that hinder people from achieving these outcomes and reaching their fullest potential. 

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    Scrutinizing local views of the role of education in relation to western mainstream views: a case-study from Tanzania
  • 37.
    Acheampong, Henrietta
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Destination Branding: Focusing on Events Contribution on an Urban Level2020Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Today´s tourism sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world and that has greatly influenced destinations. The recent development in the use of events to build, reinforce, and increase destination branding has received huge recognition. This paper examines the engagement of public and private stakeholders in creating or buildingthe brand of Cape Coast as a destination. It is important to have all various stakeholders to understand the vision towards a common goal. This is because to build destination branding thebrand needs to replicate the authenticity of the identity of the destination which in turn willassist in differentiating its goods and services from other competitors. Destination branding is seen as an important strategic tool for tourist destination since it underlines the huge significantcontributor to the economic development and market opportunities. Cape Coast city is known for its attractions which is visited by both international and domestic tourists. The aim of this research is to explore how stakeholders can contribute in creating CapeCoast´s destination brand by using events. To achieve this aim, this research uses a qualitativemethod in the form of telephone interviews, which were conducted with representatives of thetourism sector in Cape Coast, Ghana. The collected data were analysed by using content analysis. The findings proved that there is a lack of continuity from the government, that thereis inadequate brand communication among various stakeholders. Furthermore, this researchbrought to light that there is a need for product diversification and inadequate infrastructure in Cape Coast.The overall research openly gives an insight concerning the importance of destination branding, roles of stakeholders, events contribution to brand identity, diversification of products, communication platforms, and challenges of branding a destination in Cape Coast.

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  • 38.
    Adolfsson, Emma
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Media Technology.
    Weaver, Stephanie
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Media Technology.
    ”Gamla datorer, det är det vi jobbar med”: En interaktionsstudie av vård- och omsorgspersonalens användning av digitala artefakter på ett vård- och omsorgsboende2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    There is a need to create efficiency through digital technology within the elder care, as the elderly population of society is increasing. Existing IT-systems are considered incompatible with healthcare work, despite of Swedish investments in digital development in healthcare. Practices and the use of digital artefacts within an elder care home was therefore studied. Through an ethnographic qualitative method (consisting of field studies, video ethnography and interviews), the empirically driven study identified the healthcare workers existing interactions with- and use of digital technology, as well as the consequences that the use entailed. The study showed that the healthcare workers used the workplace’s existing digital technology as well as personal digital artefacts to solve daily tasks. Furthermore, the results showed that the healthcare workers interactions with personal digital artefacts mediated new work situations, and the healthcare workers desire for new digital work tools.

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  • 39. Aeluri, Madhu
    et al.
    Gaddam, Jagan
    Trinath, Devarakonda V. K. S.
    Chandrasekar, Gayathri
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Kitambi, Satish Srinivas
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies. Karolinska institutet.
    Arya, Prabhat
    An Intramolecular Heck Approach To Obtain 17-Membered Macrocyclic Diversity and the Identification of an Antiangiogenesis Agent from a Zebrafish Assay2013In: European Journal of Organic Chemistry, ISSN 1434-193X, E-ISSN 1099-0690, no 19, p. 3955-3958Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We report a practical and modular approach to obtain two different types of 17-membered ring macrocyclic compounds through an intramolecular Heck reaction. These macrocyclic compounds are functionalized, that is, they contain two contiguous stereogenic hydroxy functional groups and an amino acid moiety in the macrocyclic ring skeleton. The macrocycles were then screened against a zebrafish assay to determine the antiangiogenesis activity of these small molecules. Macrocyclic compound 2.2a was identified as a potent inhibitor at 2.5 M, whereas its acyclic precursor and the other related macrocyclic compounds did not show any effect.

  • 40. Aeluri, Madhu
    et al.
    Pramanik, Chinmoy
    Chetia, Lakshindra
    Mallurwar, Naveen Kumar
    Balasubramanian, Sridhar
    Chandrasekar, Gayathri
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Kitambi, Satish Srinivas
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies. Karolinska Institute.
    Arya, Prabhat
    14-Membered Macrocyclic Ring-Derived Toolbox: The Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Angiogenesis and Early Embryo Development in Zebrafish Assay2013In: Organic Letters, ISSN 1523-7060, E-ISSN 1523-7052, Vol. 15, no 3, p. 436-439Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    A highly practical and modular synthesis to obtain a diverse 14-membered ring-based macrocyclic toolbox is achieved. These compounds were further tested in zebrafish assays related to early embryonic development, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis, respectively. 1.4c was Identified as an antiangiogenesis agent.

  • 41.
    Ahammad, Shamim
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Importance of Training in Hotel industry2013Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The highly competitive environment in which businesses operate today requires a skilful workforce in every organisation in order to remain a successful player in the competitive game of the industry. One of the main problems which occur in the workplace is the lack of training. A large number of employees can appear dissatisfied (Heinemann and Greenberger, 2002) due to being assigned responsibilities without-having the right knowledge and skills in that area. Training is an essential process which should be cautiously designed and implemented within all firms. The overall aim of this dissertation is to assess the importance of training- in work field.For many years now human capital has been regarded as vital for the efficient functioning of an organisation because of its contribution in improving productivity, business performance and economic growth (Schultz, 1961). Therefore it is important to invest in human resources through training (Lucas, 1988) in order to improve the competitive position of the firm, and because of the enhanced quality, innovation, continual increased productivity and in turn improved profitability that can be achieved through this (Taylor and Davies, 2004).Throughout this research the training system in Hilton Hotel will be examined and appropriate recommendations for a more effective training system will be given where appropriate. The overall aim of this study is to assess the importance of training in hospitality industry.

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  • 42.
    Ahammed, Riday
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Osheko, Yannick
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Vad ska vägleda dig i en 3D-labyrint?: En kvalitativ studie av spår, ljud och markeringar som vägledningshjälpmedel2022Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    There are different types of wayfinding aids that help the player navigate through a 3D environment. This qualitative study investigates how breadcrumb trails, sounds, and markers as wayfinding aids can support a player in a 3D maze. First, the researchers created a prototype to examine the three wayfinding aids and placed them into three different mazes. Then, the respondents who participated in the study played through those three mazes with and without wayfinding aids to investigate how they supported the respondents during the game session. Next, data were collected using the stimulated recall method and semi-structured interviews. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using the Empirical phenomenological psychology (EPP) method. The results that occurred from the analysis showed the respondent's individual experiences and the four overall themes that emerged from the data. In summary, the results indicated that breadcrumb trails were the most optimal wayfinding aid. However, both sound and markers shared the same characteristics as wayfinding aids. In addition, the respondents developed spatial memory with the help of unique landmarks and used other wayfinding strategies when the wayfinding aids were unavailable.

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  • 43.
    Ahlbäck, Marcus
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science.
    Förnybara energikällor i media2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    To combat the rising global temperature Sweden have signed the Paris Agreement to limit the release of CO2 and keep the temperature to a minimum increase of 1,5 degrees. A transformation of today’s energy system towards renewable energy is paramount to this endeavour, which in part relies on public acceptance where media plays an important role inshaping public acceptance. This study aims to map acceptance of renewable energy sources and draws on framing theory, which states that the media focuses attention on certain events and gives information meaning, in a sense how something is presented to the audience influences their choices in how to process said information. As this is a qualitative study, 49 articles about bio-, geothermal, solar, water and wind energy from Sweden’s four major newspapers, Aftonbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Expressen and Svenska Dagbladet, have been gathered from the Svenska dagstidningar database and examined through frame analysis. Media framing contributing to public acceptance was bio- and solar energy while water subtracted from it. Wind energy were both contributing and subtracting from acceptance while geothermal lacked articles entirely, prohibiting it from entering public discourse altogether. Meanwhile the biggest deciding factor towards framing acceptance for renewable energy depended largely on the newspaper.

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  • 44.
    Ahlgren Andersson, Ellen
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Enecker, Maria
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Alice and the Mad Hater: Hur sociala medier påverkar och möjliggör användares motstrategier vid bemötande av kränkande innehåll2015Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    With online communication being increasingly integrated with our everyday lives, internet hate has become a growing problem. This is receiving growing attention in the media and research. In recent years, scientists have begun to shift their focus from the hate itself, to responses to these forms of violation. However, research has been mainly solution orientated and for example focused on legal aspects. Thus, we maintain that the field lacks a media technology based analysis, which this paper intends to contribute to. The aim of this study is to investigate what impact design and functionality in social media has on its users, with relation to user’s counter-strategies on the reception of offensive content. Note that this study is restricted to social media, and not focused on digital media at large. Within the framework of this essay, we have conducted three focus-group interviews and nethnographic studies. The empirical data from our focus groups has determined which social media platforms we examined in the nethnographic study, and subsequently in our analysis. The collected data has been analysed in relation to previous research on social media and internet hate. We have also used theories on resistance, suppression techniques, space of possible actions, norms and the relationship between offline/online and front stage/back stage. The analysis has resulted in five themes that describe the following key findings: 1) social media's positive connotations are problematic in relation to offensive content, but the receivers of internet hate are inventive in working around embedded norms, 2) sometimes no response is the best defence, 3) the culture around the like-function has a significant role in the resistance to internet hate on social media, 4) the shrinking distance between the world online and offline, as well as public and private rooms, affects everyday resistance to violations on social media, and 5) production of positive content and interaction with help of built-in functions are perceived as ways to affect the climate and cooperative resistance. We do not purport to provide technical or design-related proposals for development. However, we believe that our results, among other things, can be used for future development and improvement of social media platforms, and as a basis for further research on resistance to violations on social media.

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    AliceandtheMadHater_Ahlgren-Andersson_Enecker
  • 45.
    Ahlgren Andersson, Ellen
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Enecker, Maria
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Design Thinking och Fyrstegaren: En jämförande studie om två människocentrerade designprocesser2016Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Design Thinking is a prototype-driven, solution-based and human-centered innovation approach and design process that has been receiving a growing amount of attention in both the industry and research during the last decade. In this paper we intend to evaluate Design Thinking in relation to the in-house design process of the digital transformation agency Mogul AB. Their process, called the Four Step Model, was developed by the design team as a result of years of experience and evaluation of best-practice. The aim of our study is to compare Design Thinking’s initial phases Empathize and Define to the corresponding strategy phase in the Four Step Model. Using this comparison we aim to evaluate in what way Design Thinking could be integrated in the Mogul’s Four Step Model in order to obtain a more human-centered process and result. This study is based on a) research on Design Thinking and human-centered design processes b) interviews with representatives from Mogul's design team, and c) documentation from our own work process, producing a recruitment site for Mogul, where we used Design thinking as our working method. Our study shows that Mogul's design process would benefit from integrating a number of tools and mindsets from Design Thinking. Our key findings suggest that the Four Step Model should be more iterative and include the end user in an extended degree during the whole design process, and especially during the initial stages of the process. The Four Step Model would also benefit from more tangible tools for obtaining a deeper understanding of the end user’s needs. By embracing these mindsets from Design Thinking, the Four Step Model could become more useful, efficient and human-centered.

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  • 46.
    Ahlstrand Einar, Vanja
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    Åkerblom, Kajsa
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies.
    “Vem som helst, kan skriva vad som helst”: En kvalitativ studie om recensioners påverkan på konsumenten och informationssökningsprocessen inom hotellbokningar online2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: The authors have found a common interest to investigate how the use and impact of reviews online can be applied within the subject of tourism. The purpose of the study is to investigate how consumers use reviews in their information search process. The purpose is also to investigate how and if consumers are influenced by online reviews regarding hotel stays.

    Method: The study is based on a qualitative method in the form of ten semi structured interviews as primary collection. The study has a support from secondary data consisting of a literature review in the chapter of previous research.

    Theory: The theoretical background is based on three theories. The theories are The PrePurchase-Information process, The Major Influences On Individual Travel Behaviour and the theory From Word-Of-Mouth to Electronic Word-Of-Mouth.

    Empiricism: The empiricism consists of a presentation of ten semi structured interviews with anonymous respondents regarding their own experiences and beliefs about the topic of the study. The chapter also includes an overview of the previous research about the topic to support and enhance the primary empirical interview material.

    Findings: The digital society has led to an increased online presence, critical thinking and interest on how consumers travel and what hotels they choose. Impact is constantly present in their contact with reviews and surroundings. The individuals own interpretation and perception of reality is based primarily on how they use and are influenced by reviews. In combination with critical thinking there is an insight that anyone, can write anything.

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    Kandidatuppsats-AhlstrandEinar-Åkerblom
  • 47.
    Ahlström, Annika
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Moreira, Marianna
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Fernandes, Sabrina
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Rederiers hantering av nya miljökrav: En studie om Birka Cruises, Tallink Silja och Viking Lines arbete med ekonomisk och miljömässig hållbar utveckling2014Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this study is to examine how Viking Line, Tallink Silja and Birka Cruises work with economic and environmental sustainability, and also to see how they work with new environmental legislations. In 2015 a new environmental legislation will be introduced, by the name Sulphur directive. The Sulphur directive entails a reduction in Sulphur dioxide emissions from ships where the emissions cannot exceed 0,1 percent. There are three alternatives to achieve the new environmental legislation, the use of Marine Gas Oil, LNG or scrubbers. All three alternatives will lead to increasing costs for the shipping industry. The three companies exerts its shipping traffic in the Baltic Sea, a sea that is highly sensitive to external impacts. In the study qualitative methods were used, three personal interviews and five telephone interviews. Five theories were used to understand how the companies work, their estimations and their decisions: Strategic Tourism Planning Process, the Triple Bottom Line, the COSO model, The Decision-making Process and Responsible Cruise Tourism. The results of the study show that all three companies are facing an uncertain economic sustainable future and the deciding factors will be technological development, fuel prices and competitiveness.

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    Rederiers hantering av nya miljökrav
  • 48.
    Ahlström, Ingrid
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Nellvik, Teodor
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Hur attraktivt kan det bli?: En fallstudie om eventen Melodifestivalen och Årets Kock.2016Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    One of the most essential parts of the tourism industry's are events. It is an industry that is constantly evolving and growing. This means that the event is susceptible to trends and continually need to work to develop and create attraction to its visitors. It is of great importance to create attraction strategies to maintain the attractiveness of events and define what category of events to be planned. There are many different types of events, and in this study a public and non-public event will be studied. The study's aim is to contribute to the understanding of the attraction strategies used to attract visitors for Melodifestivalen and Årets Kock. By gaining greater understanding of the event's strategies accordingly to contribute to determine the similarities and differences between a public and non-public events attraction strategies. The study has a qualitative approach with a combination of inductive and deductive research approach, used in which the authors sought a deeper understanding and compared the data collected from previous research and theories. Data has been collected through semi-structured interviews and text analysis to also examine whether described strategies can be identified on social media and the Internet. The study concludes that it is important for event managers to define the category of the event, purpose and audience. Key strategies are to create an event dramaturgy that appeals to the target audience and create excitement and interest, and that there is an interaction between the event and the audience.

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  • 49.
    Ahlström, Sofia
    et al.
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Hansson, Sofie
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Teknik och design som motstrategi till sexuella trakasserier online: En kvalitativ studie av erfarenheter och lösningar på sexuella trakasserier online utifrån ett användarperspektiv2017Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Digital platforms such as social media are big part of people's everyday life and social network. Recent studies shows that the ability to act anonymously on social media has increased harassment behaviors online. For marginalized groups, digital platforms are important for the act of freedom of speech and harassments online can limit these groups in the digital environment. Within the framework of this study we found, that there is a lack of studies that specifically research sexual harassments online and what different factors that may have an impact on the problem. Therefore, the aim for this study was to research what values, attitudes and emotions users of social media services experiences online. We wanted to research, from a user perspective, what existing counter-strategies options are provided on social media against sexual harassments online, and if there are other technical design solutions for social media interfaces. Within the framework of this essay we have conducted a focus group interview and a participatory design workshop. The empirical data that was collected has been analysed with different theories such as power, resistance, empowerment in design, master suppression techniques in social media, feminist HCI and social norms and participatory design. The study also use previous research on harassment on social media to further understand the empirical data for the analysis. In this study there are findings from the focus group that has been placed in three different themes. 1) The importance of social relationships for counter-strategies against sexual harassment online. 2) Social norms and normalization of sexual harassment online. 3) The importance of technical aspects for dealing with sexual harassment online. Our study shows that the counter-strategies options on social media services today are not sufficient enough for these different aspects. The participatory design workshop in this study resulted in eight possible technical design solutions. These solutions can be implications for design on social media interfaces and can work as counter-strategy tools against sexual harassments online. This study only research one focus group, therefore the study can be used as a basis for further research. By including users with participatory design methods, values made from users of social media in relation to sexual harassments online can unfold and hopefully decrease the problem.

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  • 50.
    Ahmed, Iqra Shahzadi
    Södertörn University, School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies.
    Preventing the spread of Tuberculosis via refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants entering Sweden: A study of health communication, prevention strategies, policies and recommendations2013Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Sweden has for many decades witnessed a decrease of the spread of tuberculosis (TB), but between the years of 2003-2012 a new pattern has emerged with refugees carrying TB entering the country and contributing to a situation where the infection has slowly begun to spread again. The communication between the refugees and the health professionals has been inefficient, which inevitably results in fewer refugees undergoing health examinations. This in turn can lead to an increase of infections and diseases.

    The purpose of this study is to examine the current health communication between Swedish health professionals and immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and to give an overview of what type of health care currently exist for refugees with a high risk of TB. This is done to understand what is missing in the communication process, what has been done in order to improve the situation, and how it can be further improved in order to prevent TB. In order to fulfill the purpose of this study, a qualitative method has been used combining text analysis of interviews and secondary sources.

    This study has shown based on the interviews and secondary sources that the Swedish prevention work regarding TB is developing positively in general, but the communication between newly arrived refugees, health professionals and authorities in Sweden is lacking due to the fact that most of what is written and said in this communication process is in Swedish. This makes it difficult for the refugees to understand what is communicated and is stated as one of the main reasons why many refugees do not undergo health examinations, combined with the lack of awareness. Therefore a better functioning health communication between refugees, authorities and health professionals is required to support refugees seeking health care, as well as co-operating with health professionals to prevent the spread of not only TB but other infections and diseases in Sweden.

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