Browsing by Author "Haraldsdottir, Helga"

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Financing of Growth Companies within the Construction Industry: Are Small Players Gaining the Necessary Funds to Expand?
(2015-06-11) Haraldsdottir, Helga; Thorén, Martin; University of Gothenburg/Department of Business Administration; Göteborgs universitet/Företagsekonomiska institutionen
Background: Earlier empirical studies have shown that small companies suffer from a financial gap. There are different opinions about whether it is caused by a lack in demand or supply of external debt capital. Purpose: This thesis examines if accounting information can identify a financial gap, if the debt-to-equity ratio as measure for this is useful and if the financial gap is caused by a lack in demand for external debt financing. Delimitations: Only limited liability companies within the construction industry that historically has shown growth is examined. Method: Annual reports from the companies gathered have been examined, using the debt-to-equity ratio as measure for finding those who experience a financial gap. A survey designed to answer if a financial gap exists because of a lack in demand for external debt capital is sent to a sample of the companies gathered. Statistical tests are performed and the theoretical framework is used to analyse the results. Results and Conclusions: It is possible to identify a financial gap within small companies in the construction industry through their reported accounting information. Debt-to-equity ratio can together with other measures, be considered useful information for creditors’ when looking for investment opportunities. A financial gap primarily exists because of a lack in demand for external debt financing.
Four perspectives on urban construction logistics: Why it matters and how to make it a priority
(2017-06-29) Bomb, André; Haraldsdottir, Helga; University of Gothenburg/Graduate School; Göteborgs universitet/Graduate School
The construction industry has suffered from low productivity for decades, and more recently, researchers have connected this to being a result from poor execution of logistics. Methods to achieve more efficient logistics exists, but construction logistics is often overlooked, and therefore not used. This thesis identifies what can be done to excel in construction logistics, and how and why it should become an integral part of every construction supply chain. To fulfil the purpose of this thesis, four case studies based on in-depth interviews with different actors in the construction supply chain were conducted. The results revealed that the production manager was a major barrier to the implementation of efficient logistics, together with the difficulty in assessing the cost of logistics. Moreover, the results suggest that efficient construction logistics helps to create a more sustainable environment for urban stakeholders, which adds to the importance of promoting it. The results further suggest promotion by external requirements on construction logistics posed by the client.