The Service Research Center (CTF)

As the festive season approaches, and with it the opportunity for some rest, we are preparing to close the book on CTF’s 38th year and look forward to new and exciting opportunities in research and education.

Reflecting on the past year, I feel pride in several significant achievements and moments of excitement. Most importantly, I am grateful for everyone’s contributions in doing research that is externally funded and oriented. What stands out most is the many discussions we’ve had about the role of research in fostering positive societal development.

Sale after sale, FOMO and bargains to be made – November has us trapped in a shopping spree. Psychology researcher Charlotte Bäccman at Karlstad University explains why we tend to shop more in November and offers her top tips on how to shop smarter and more sustainably, benefiting both your wallet and the planet.

Singles Day, Black Week, Black Friday, Cyber Monday – November is full of sales campaigns that can give the impression of saving money, but in reality, we often end up buying things we do not really need.

Are you interested in leadership, social development and sustainability? Then Karlstad Business School’s new master’s programme, Management: Sustainable Value Creation, might be the perfect choice for you! The programme is tailored to a rapidly changing world that require leaders who can keep up.
– The programme’s connection to the internationally recognised Service Research Center (CTF) makes it unique in Sweden, says Sara Davoudi.

– This programme is about creating real value in a rapidly changing world, says Sara Davoudi, programme director and senior lecturer in Business Administration at Karlstad Business School. It is designed for those who aspire to take on a leadership role and make a difference – not just within a company, but in society as a whole. As a student, you are provided with tools to be able to make a real impact, both for future generations and for the sake of sustainability.

Work-related stress is a serious problem for employee wellbeing and employer efficiency.
– We use cutting-edge deep tech solutions which provide objective and immediate insights, says Poja Shams, senior lecturer in Business Administration at Karlstad Business School and the Service Research Center (CTF).

IVA’s annual 100 List puts the spotlight on current research projects that are considered to have great potential to create value through commercialisation, business and method development or societal impact. The list contains carefully selected research projects from Swedish higher education institutions where the participants have an interest in creating more contacts with the business sector for application and further development of their projects.

Sarath, tell us about your research
– I will focus my research on applying Data Science to drive Sustainable Business practices. This topic aligns with my background in data science and my commitment to creating environmentally and economically sustainable solutions.

In what way do you think your research can contribute?

– I aim to enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring timely delivery of products that meet their needs, minimizing material waste, and reducing costs through optimized resource allocation. This research is crucial for businesses committed to sustainability and for society as it emphasizes responsible production.

We are delighted to welcome Siri Jakobsson Störe. Her research interests primarily lie within clinical psychology, health psychology, and developmental psychology, closely linked to her background as a licensed psychologist.

Siri, tell us about your background!