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Smarter Lernen
(2015)
Change management is a very diverse subject which can be found and applied in every department of a big company. One area, where it often could be found is Business Process Management (BPM). BPM links the company’s goals, and also eases the day-to-day workload of the people, and increases the performance of the company by implementing technologies. These technologies range from something really simple to really big-scaled, e.g. a new operational platform. However, when something like that is undertaken change management methodology has to be applied. Since BPM is implementing a new technology in that field, change management methodology has to be applied, IT change management. The theoretical part of this research paper identifies the possible IT change management model. Examples mentioned include BPR, STS and PROGRESS that could be applied in a big scale project. This is the first set of challenges that has to be resolved. The second set of challenges that was identified is namely what role the IT consultant is going to assume - an Expert role, Pair of Hands role or a Collaborative role. Thirdly, it has be seen in theory what are the pre-requests for an IT change management project or a possible check list that has to be taken into account when undergoing an IT change project. The second part of the paper evaluates how the challenges, identified in the theoretical part, are observed in practice. In particular, if they have been experienced in the past or also after Platform B was being implemented in Organization A. The information provided in this research paper is based on primary research with seven interviews of people from Organization A, one survey amongst a particular group in Organization A, and secondary research incorporates literature review on relevant points and also corporate documents of Organization A.
In der vorliegenden Bachelorarbeit wird der Vertriebsprozess des externen Bahnmotorenvertriebs der MAN Truck & Bus AG im Werk Nürnberg analysiert. Die Optimierung erfolgt im Vergleich mit einem zweiten Prozess, dem Busvertrieb der MAN Truck & Bus AG in München und der in Büchern beschriebenen Theorie. Ziel der Thesis ist das Erkennen von Optimierungspotentialen, die sich im Vergleich zeigen. Die Theorie wurde mittels Fachbücher zum Thema Vertrieb erarbeitet. Diese stellen den theoretischen Hintergrund zur Praxis dar und sollen erste Einblicke in das Thema ermöglichen. Bei der Aufnahme der Prozesse wurde viel praktisch gearbeitet. Die Anweisungen des Unternehmens wurden als allgemeine Grundlage angesehen. Basierend auf den Experteninterviews und den Dokumenten aus dem Alltagsgeschäft, konnte der eigentliche Prozessablauf der beiden Standorte aufgenommen werden. Nach der Erfassung der Theorie und beider Vorgehensweisen stellten sich nach detaillierter Analyse einige Optimierungspotentiale dar. Würden diese umgesetzt werden, könnten sie zu einem effizienteren Prozessablauf führen und somit die Arbeit erleichtern.
Fast Fashion industry is a great example of a market with similar products and similar target groups of customers where marketing plays a key role in the competition for market share. In the era of Web 2.0. and Social Media boom businesses are facing a rise in customers’ forces and its pressure by influencing corporate communications and marketing campaigns. Ordinary people turn to influentials who reach broad consumer audiences and often have an impact on the decision-making-processes. In this way, brands are less protected by PR and advertising tools, as well as more vulnerable. Therefore, understanding the current communication environment and in particular how, when, where and who interferes with corporate image is important from managerial point of view and what strategy to be deployed. For these reasons, the thesis focuses on multichannel marketing in order to provide an understanding of how businesses have been connecting to
people and then it continues with exploration of social media and the blogosphere as ways consumers have been complicating and influencing channels. In the end, it has been concluded that Social Media and the phenomenon of Blogosphere has led to the appearance of new self-made opinion leaders who tend to influence consumer behavior and respectively company’s reputation and brands’ image. On the other hand, it has been observed this can be positive for businesses since it provides relatively useful market information which could be helpful for marketing and communications managers by enabling them to observe their target groups in a more efficient ways. In the pursue of findings, the thesis includes primary research with two interviews with a bloggers and a fashion brand affiliate person, and secondary research covering literature review on relevant topics.
Gemeinschaft unter Fremden: Zur zeitgenössischen Ikonographie der Armut am Beispiel von "Tafeln"
(2015)
Der Autor stellt in dieser Arbeit einen Referenzprozess dar, der die wichtigen Faktoren für die Implementierung der Quality Gate Systematik in ein Unternehmen detailliert betrachtet. Um die Zielführung der Quality Gate Systematik zu gewährleisten, stellt der Autor eine genaue Vorgehensweise für die Erstellung einer Quality Gate Checkliste bereit. Der Referenzprozess orientiert sich an bereits vorhandenen Quality Gate Systematiken. Er nutzt die Erkenntnisse dieser Vorgehensweisen, um eine detaillierte Beschreibung der wichtigsten Bausteine bereitzustellen. Die Erstellung der Quality Gate Checkliste steht dabei unter dem zentralen Punkt der Identifikation der zielführenden Checklisteninhalte. Zur Unterstützung dieses Vorgangs stellt der Autor verschiedene Analyse Methoden bereit, die eine zielführende und aussagekräftige Festlegung des Checklisteninhalts gewährleisten sollen.
The title for this thesis “An Economic Analysis of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)” has been selected due to its topicality and its explosiveness. The stimulus to write this paper originates in the wish to get a deeper insight into the topic, which has been treated majorly under exclusion of the public, and to be able to make a clear statement whether to support or to oppose the partnership. In order to answer this final question, it is also tested whether results from former agreements like NAFTA or Mercosur can serve as a guideline to what can be expected of TTIP. Additionally, the paper aims at making a final statement about the implications of the partnership for the future. To do this, the present paper covers two main subjects. First, it provides an overview of the history of free trade, the different forms of agreements, as well as an insight into the experiences made with NAFTA and Mercosur. This first part is concluded with an estimation of the results and motivations of and for free trade agreements, as well as a transition to the second main subject by naming the impacts of the findings for the planned TTIP treaty. Secondly, after providing a broad overview of TTIP by giving an insight into the definition and the process of formation of the partnership, the benefits and concerns of the deal are revealed. This part is followed by a broad study of ten indicators, which outline the real effects of TTIP on the economy, by distinguishing between three different scenarios. The thesis is concluded by presenting the findings from the former analysis. Although NAFTA and Mercosur do not provide applicable experiences, they still serve as points of orientation and suggest that free trade should be supported. Thus, the planned partnership should also be agreed upon in order to go with the pace of time and to stay competitive. If this is the case, TTIP will be a leading example in the future, motivating more nations to either join the partnership or to form ones by themselves.
This chapter explains from scratch, how to build physical simulations using Physolator. The chapter starts with a simple physical system. We will learn how to build a physical model using physical variables and formulae, how to translate these variables and formulae into Java code, how to load the program code to Physolator, how to start the simulation and how to add a graphics component to the physical system.
Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit in internationalen After-Sales Organisationen am Beispiel der Daimler AG
(2015)
Leading from the thesis that customer satisfaction depends on the level of employee satisfaction, the following work provides an analysis of different criteria which contribute to the satisfaction of employees. Furthermore, the demand for homogeneously designed concepts at Daimler AG provides a basis for the following question:
Is there a common denominator for employee satisfaction in the worldwide After-Sales Organisation of Daimler AG, considering cultural and organisational differences?
Based on selected literature the concept of employee satisfaction in international After-Sales organisations is discussed by linking the term of employee satisfaction to employee motivation and intercultural differences.
The centre of this work is an international employee survey which consists of a comparison of nine employee satisfaction criteria, implying that the interviewee has to decide which criterion contributes more to his employee satisfaction.
The different survey results of each nationality are discussed and compared regarding the differently weighted satisfaction criteria. There is no criterion which is commonly ranked to be most important among all three nationalities. The criterion which is ranked either on the first or on the second place in all three nationalities is the “income” of an employee, the second most important criterion is “working climate”. Linking these results to a model of interdependencies, it is revealed that “working climate” is the criterion which most influences the other criteria and can furthermore be easily influenced. As “working climate” is not only the second most important criterion to influence employee satisfaction, but is also the most influencing and influenced criterion, it can be said that “working climate” requires the most attention on behalf of the employer to increase general employee satisfaction.
The statement of this work is that there is no single criterion which accomplishes overall employee satisfaction but there are a few criteria which contribute more to the employees’ satisfaction than other criteria do.
The possibility of applying psychological negotiation methods at the purchasing department ABW2 of the Robert Bosch GmbH was investigated by undertaking extensive literature review and conducting qualitative expert interviews. Additionally, negotiation models and literature from the criminalistics context were analyzed in order to find opportunities to convert successful methods in this field into the business setting. The psychological methods are based on scientific knowledge about personality, emotions and human perception. Several similarities with forensic psychological methods could be identified, which demonstrated the feasibility of adapting methods, such as rapport-building, de-escalation and communication techniques, to business negotiations. Experiments previously undertaken by other authors have shown the potential benefits and improved negotiation outcomes that can be derived by implementing these techniques in negotiations. However, a limitation factor for translating these results directly to the Robert Bosch GmbH is the setting of these experiments. No real life results exist today to the author’s knowledge. Further limitations, areas for future research, and practical implications are discussed.
Reverse Mentoring
(2015)
The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to give a detailed description of how Reverse Mentoring is applied in practice. Reverse Mentoring is the mentoring of a senior executive person in a company by a younger employee in topics like Web 2.0 and new technologies. Considering current trends like the demographic change, the multi-generational workforce, the digital transformation and the current demands on knowledge management, it becomes obvious that a new form of learning is required for an organization to stay competitive. Nine people that have experienced Reverse Mentoring in their company served as subjects for a study to further investigate about the practical application of Reverse Mentoring. The study was carried out via telephone interviews. The subjects responded to questions regarding the implementation of the program, the formal structure of the programs, the procedure of matching tandem partners, the characteristics of the program’s participants, the challenges they experienced, the positive and negative experiences and the factors they consider vital for a successful implementation. In a next stage the main aspects of the study’s results were compared to findings in literature in order to verify their generalizability and to develop those findings further in theory. The thesis concludes that Reverse Mentoring can be a tool that helps companies to face current trends, and the reader gets a detailed view on how Reverse Mentoring can be applied in a company.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among internet companies increased rapidly during the last decade which was caused by the growing competition and changing consumer preferences. Many startup companies enter the market offering hit products and getting millions of users in a short period of time. Due to such quick success established internet players like Google, Twitter and Facebook tend to acquire these startups instead of developing their own R&D. Internet acquisitions are very risky and imply high premiums, therefore, their impact on the innovation performance is quite unclear in the short- and long-term perspective. There is a variety of factors that can affect the innovation performance of both acquiring and acquired companies after the M&A transaction. This thesis is aimed to analyse the impact of M&A on the innovation performance of internet companies taking into account recent acquisitions among social networking players. A case study about Facebook's acquisition of Instagram occurred in 2012 presents the main application for the thesis. Qualitative data for the research is taken from the articles that contain opinions of the industry experts which are then critically assessed using the main scientific concepts about M&A and innovation performance.
This paper elaborates on key success factors for German negotiators in business negotiations with the Chinese. By reviewing latest research findings, conducting qualitative interviews and developing case studies, this research paper suggests that key success factors in negotiations with the Chinese are in transition. Therefore, this paper highlights the most essential changes in China’s negotiation style and environment, deriving from political, social and economic changes, and the related implications for German negotiators’ key success factors in 2015. Case studies serve as illustration of key success factors. Managerial implications and research limitations are discussed.
Formatization Unleashed
(2015)
Operator training simulation for integrating cultivation and homogenisation in protein production
(2015)
SIM in Light of Big Data
(2015)
Recent work has pointed out the importance of social media for various components of a firm’s marketing communication strategy. However despite the clear movement to use social media as a marketing tool in general, the topic has captured little attention in academic literature, while limited research in general has closely examined online social media channels in the international content. To address this research gap the primary aim of this paper is to assess whether and to what extent international companies do adjust their marketing activities to the UK market. With the main focus on companies Facebook profiles this research paper focuses on the marketing efforts of the top 5 Facebook brands according to their number of followers from August 2014 to September 2015.
Studierende und Lehrende als Kunden wissenschaftlicher Bibliotheken sind im digitalen Zeitalter aufgrund virtueller Angebote nicht mehr wie früher auf physische Bibliotheken angewiesen. Die Tendenz zu „entmaterialisierten Bibliotheken“, stellt komplexe Anforderungen an das Bibliotheksmanagement, mit dem Ziel, die E-Medien als umfassende Services für ihre Zielgruppen sichtbar darzustellen. Ausgehend von diesem Fokus soll das E-Medien-Portfolio der Bibliotheken der Hochschule Furtwangen konsequent an den Bedarfen ihrer Kernzielgruppen ausgerichtet werden. „E-Medien-Service nach Maß“ bedeutet eine komplexe Herausforderung und ist zugleich eine strategische Aufgabe des Bibliotheksmanagements, im Kontext von Studium und Lehre sowie dem Qualitätsmanagement der Hochschule.
Die Arbeit stellt dazu eine qualitative Studie vor, die im Wintersemester 2014/2015 am Campus Tuttlingen durchgeführt wurde. Sie erläutert Hintergrund und Zielsetzung der Untersuchungsfrage, beschreibt die angewandte Methode und das Untersuchungsdesign.
Ziel der Studie war, Nutzungsaspekte und Bedarfe der Zielgruppen Professoren und Studierende der Fakultät Industrial Technologies festzustellen. Darüber hinaus wurde ermittelt, inwieweit das E-Medien-Angebot der Bibliotheken bekannt ist und welche Möglichkeiten bestehen, es besser sichtbar zu machen. Die Ergebnisse aus der Studie wurden in Empfehlungen zur Optimierung des E-Medien-Portfolios zusammengefasst.
Darauf basierend kann ein strategisches Konzept entwickelt werden, welches durch die Untersuchung der Bedarfe und unter Beachtung der Relevanzsysteme ihrer Zielgruppen erfolgreich vom Bibliotheksmanagement eingeleitet werden kann.
Problem: The thesis is about Marketing options for Sharklet retrofit at Airbus. Sharklets are wingtip devices which cut down on aerodynamic drag by reducing the vortices that are formed at the wingtips of any aircraft during flight.1 Airbus is looking for new Marketing options to increase sales of Sharklets. Market research findings from various fields will be highlighted and the relevance for Sharklet retrofit will be reviewed. The leading question during the thesis will be: How should Airbus continue to market Sharklets?
Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to describe which Sales and Marketing strategy Airbus uses at the moment and to find out where the weak points of the actual strategy are. Furthermore it will be analyzed what the actual brand image and brand communication of Airbus Sharklets is and whether it is in line with the desired brand identity. The thesis evaluates in which way Branding, Neuromarketing and Customer Journey Mapping can contribute to a better Marketing and Sales strategy.
Conclusion: Airbus should continue to market Sharklets by starting with a Customer Journey Map and figuring out what the customer is really looking for and how Airbus can react to the customers’ expectations. Sharklets should be marketed as wingtip devices that are environmentally friendly, fuel-saving and modern by guaranteeing that the Marketing material is consistent. Sharklets should be marketed not only on a rational basis. Emotional Marketing can be used to improve the brand image and the customer’s associations with the product. A mix of rational and emotional Marketing would be the best for Airbus to try how the customer reacts to emotional Marketing first. Last but not least Airbus should use the opportunity to better inform passengers about Sharklets and to provide input for In-flight-magazines to position the company itself and the customer as environmentally friendly and modern.
This Bachelor thesis deals with drawing up a new marketing concept for the Villingen Institute of Public Health and the subsequent implementation of one part of the concept. The institute offers further education in the field of Public Health. The aim of the thesis is to find marketing activities which will increase the publicity of the institute and help to canvass a sufficient number of participants for its different courses. Initially, the term ‚Public Health’, the institute as well as the concept of Blended-Learning and services marketing are presented. Afterwards, there were some analyses conducted. The internal factors like marketing measures taken before, strengths and weaknesses of the institute, just as the external factors like the market environment and the competition, are evaluated. Due to a large number of other providers, it is Difficult to survive against one’s competitors. Therefore, the Villingen Institute of Public Health should try to stand out from them, emphasizing its university status as well as the practical phases and the flexibility of its courses. Having a really low marketing budget (over 500 €), the VIPH should use principally onlinemarketing measures, as they are often lower-cost or even for free and are able to reach a large amount of interested persons. On the basis of the mentioned findings, there was a marketing concept developed. After determining the target groups and the positioning within the market, a marketing-mix was made, consisting of the 7Ps of services marketing (product, price, place, promotion, person, physical evidence, process). By means of direct marketing via e-mail, post or phone, some target groups can be reached directly. Supporting web-marketing measures can help to get better-known and to be perceived by more people. Public relations to local or regional media can increase the publicity for the institute. During this work, it has been decided to produce an image-film and to write an entry in Wikipedia, the internet encyclopedia, which should represent the implementation part. Finally, the planning and the realization as well as the first results of the implementation measures are presented.
Diese Bachelor-Thesis beinhaltet die Erarbeitung und Untersuchung zur technologischen Modernisierung einer 15 Jahre alten Hydraulikpresse mit integriertem Schweißsystem. Die Presse dient der Herstellung und Instandsetzung von supraleitenden Magneten für den Large Hadron Collider am CERN. Die technische Herausforderung bezieht sich wesentlich auf die Erneuerung des Regelungs- und Hydrauliksystems. Die zugrundeliegende Ursache liegt nicht nur in der zukünftigen Generation supraleitender Magneten, sondern auch in der Modernisierung des Schweißprozesses. Nach intensiver Einarbeitung in den Aufbau und Funktion der Presse werden Modernisierungsmöglichkeiten erarbeitet und diskutiert. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse dienen vorwiegend der technischen Ausschreibung zur Angebotseinholung. Die Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass für eine robuste Regelung der Hydraulik und Schweißtechnik ein separierter Ansatz zur Regelung erforderlich ist. Die Einbindung individueller, regelungstechnischer Lösungen vermeidet Schnittstellen und verbessert die Abbildung des Gesamtprozesses im Regelungssystem. Die Studie der derzeit eingesetzten Benutzeroberfläche zur Regelung wird als Basis für eine mögliche Verbesserung vorgestellt. Schwachstellen werden diskutiert und erarbeitete Verbesserungen erläutert. Die Bedienoberfläche der Hydraulikregelung wird infolgedessen neu entworfen und Lösungen zur Anpassung an verschiedene Magnetlängen implementiert. Dem Hydrauliksystem werden demnach die Druckregelung einzelner Hydraulikzylinder sowie eine metrologische Bestimmung der Durchbiegung des Hauptträgers ermöglicht. Die Durchbiegung der Trägerenden kann hierbei regelungstechnisch minimiert werden. Die statische Abschätzung der verbleibenden Durchbiegung in Abhängigkeit der Magnetlängen wird in der Arbeit beschrieben. Der letzte Teil der Arbeit behandelt die Thematik des obsoleten Schweißsystems und stellt die Umrüstung auf WIG-Kaltdrahtschweißen vor. Das WIG Verfahren erlaubt eine hinreichend große Vorspannung der supraleitenden Spulen und minimiert die Schweißfehler. Basierend auf der Studie wird somit die effiziente Erarbeitung der Marktstudie und der darauf folgenden Angebotsausschreibung ermöglicht.
Die vorliegende Thesis zeigt auf, wie sich die deutsche Kurier-, Express- und Paketbranche (KEP) unter dem Einfluss des bis in die heutige Zeit stark wachsenden E-Commerce verändert hat. Die Entwicklung dieser Branche erstreckt sich vom Brief- und Paketmonopol der Deutschen Bundespost bis hin zur Privatisierung der Deutschen Post AG. Parallel dazu veränderte sich auch die Wirtschaft im Laufe der 90er Jahre durch neue Entwicklungen in der IT-Branche. Seit der letzten Jahrhundertwende hat das Vertriebsmedium Internet kontinuierlich an Relevanz gewonnen, revolutionierte den Warenhandel und digitalisierte viele Branchen des heutigen Einzelhandels.
Besondere Auswirkungen hatte der Aufstieg des Internets auf die KEP-Branche. Infolge der Implementierung von Onlineshops und des Rückgangs des lokalen Einzelhandels, stieg das Paketvolumen im letzten Jahrzehnt aufgrund des damit veränderten Kaufverhaltens und der Digitalisierung des gesamten Warenhandels mit weiterhin wachsender Tendenz deutlich an. Im Laufe dieser Thesis soll daher sowohl die heutige KEP-Branche im Rahmen einer Umwelt- und Wettbewerbsanalyse näher untersucht und analysiert werden als auch der Faktor E-Commerce genauer unter die Lupe genommen werden, um die maßgeblichen Entwicklungen und Innovationen aufzuzeigen. Nach einer kurzen Vorstellung der angewandten Analysewerkzeuge werden die Entwicklungen innerhalb der Branche näher betrachtet. Anschließend erfolgt die Umweltanalyse unter Anwendung von Michael Porters Fünf-Kräfte-Modell und einer PESTLE Analyse sowie die Wettbewerbsanalyse, die sich einer Benchmark Analyse bedient. Eine SWOT Analyse soll die Stärken und Schwächen sowie die Chancen und Risiken der KEP-Branche identifizieren. Abschließend soll eine Prognose Aufschluss über die voraussichtlichen Entwicklungen der Branche, die von vielen externen und internen Faktoren bestimmt wird, sowie des ECommerce geben. Vor allem der große Preisdruck und der Bedarf nach kundenfreundlichen Innovationen sorgt für eine hohe Rivalität innerhalb der Branche. Das E-Commerce agiert dabei als maßgeblicher Wachstumsmotor, der die Branche vor allem durch den enormen Zuwachs im Privatkundenbereich (B2C) weiter antreibt.
Analyse der Berufsgruppe Architekten zur Ermittlung einer zielgruppengerechten Kommunikation für einen Baustoffhersteller
Analysis of the occupational group of architects to determine a communication appropriate to the target audience for a building materials manufacturer
This thesis deals with the specialties of addressing the occupational group of architects in Germany. It examines their role and approach in the process of buying building material with the aim of finding out a suitable way for a building materials manufacturer to communicate with the target audience. For this purpose a secondary analysis of architects is carried out and replenished with a primary data acquisition.
After analyzing the work, role and way of obtaining information of the architect the theory of corporate communication is explained. This chapter shows the requirements and possibilities and examines the features of communication for a business-to-business company. Following the primary data acquisition in the form of expert interviews is carried out. In conclusion the outcome of the secondary and primary research is merged, which allows the derivation of a recommended course of action.
The results show that architects have a powerful role in the buying center and therefore a tremendous influence on the buying process of building materials. However it emerges to be difficult to address the target audience, since they communicate in a passive way. Furthermore the study identifies that architects are artists and builders in one person. This is why it is important to them that their projects do not only look good but are also functional. Another result is that architects often do not feel respected as experts, although they have a wide specialized knowledge. Moreover the research shows that the target audience has to face new challenges with every project, which is why they are always searching for new inspiration and ideas. Finally it emerges that architects feel a special enthusiasm for their occupation and work as well as architecture in general.
From the insights gained it could be derived that the appropriate way to communicate with architects is in two phases. On the first stage the attention of the target audience needs to be won in the right moment, which is why the manufacturer has to show a steady presence. In the second phase the company has to provide all information needed to the architect. In conclusion of this thesis it is highly recommended for building materials manufacturers to address architects in an appropriate way because in the long run it will improve the market position of the company.
Willingness to pay lip service? Applying a neuroscience-based method to WTP for green electricity
(2015)
This bachelor thesis deals with the topic of a better design for the process of Recruiting of a mid-sized company (WERMA). It should answer the question whether these requirements can be met by the introduction of a digital applicant management system. The goal is to prove whether such a system increases the efficiency and / or effectiveness and how this effect occurs. The question will be discussed with the help of specialist literature, a review of the current candidate process and an employee survey at WERMA. The providers of the digital applicant management systems are consulted likewise for more information. The result shows that it is quite possible to increase the efficiency and effectiveness in Recruitment with the introduction of such a system. The previous processes can be accelerated or they disappear. It emerged clearly that the efficiency is more important for WERMA than effectiveness. The main reason is that the core processes of Recruiting will still be the same. The system helps to operate them faster.
Economic Valuation of Investments in Tangible Fixed Assets of BASF Asia Pacific: Methodology Review
(2015)
The objective of this thesis is to review and evaluate the valuation methodology for investments into fixed tangible assets methodology applied at BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region to develop recommendations based on current research. The net present value, adjusted net present value and economic value added approaches are analyzed as well as other key performance indicators, real option analysis and methods of integrating volatility into the valuation criteria. A shift from the currently utilized basic net present value model is suggested as the static nature of the model can oversimplify or exclude many factors relevant to accurate investment valuations. Ultimately, the net present value should be split up to highlight areas of value creation, real options should be integrated into standard methodology and project cash flow volatility should be considered in the process. The latter can be integrated by use of Monte Carlo simulations, which can be re-run at relevant decision tree nods to show volatility differences throughout the projects timeline. These values can then, either via twin-security, market correlation or internally determined scales be integrated into the discount rate, thus effectively adjusting for project specific risk.
The primary purpose of this thesis is to gain a deeper understanding of how factors influence sport sponsorship, especially in football. In order to fulfill this purpose the thesis identifies, describes and tries to explain sponsorship in general as a non-classical communication instrument, the selection of sponsorship objects, companies´ objectives of sport sponsorship activities. In addition, the thesis considers companies´ planning process of sport sponsorship and finally, an identification of several factors, which may have an impact on sport sponsorship. Two examples of application of a company in the telecommunication industry and of a company in the automobile industry are pointed out, where the aspects of sponsorship of the German Fußball Bundesliga respectively the German national team, are studied. The paper makes use of studies which shows how respondents remembered sponsorship activities. It is possible to conclude from the thesis that many factors will have an effect on sport sponsorship. The paper demonstrates that image, memorizing, duration and the fit between sponsor and event or sponsor and sponsee are relevant criteria. Finally, the thesis summarizes the results and outlines of the possible future of football sponsorship.
Today’s globalized world is situated in a difficult stage of egoism and inequality. The unfair distribution of income leads to a huge amount of people around the world who are suffering from poverty and the spread of deadly infections while others steadily increase their wealth. The coexistence of wealth and poverty becomes particularly obvious in the transnational business operations of multinational enterprises which import raw materials from resource-rich countries or locate production plants in countries with a low level of education and income. Using the example of South Africa, this paper shows the impact that history can have on a country’s economic, social and political situation and the reasons for the need of a collaboration of companies, government and society to solve the country’s problems. By establishing a subsidiary at a specific location, a company starts to bear responsibility for the local community. People often refer to this correlation as Corporate Social Responsibility. This paper clarifies the concept and extent of Corporate Social Responsibility by explaining some well-established definitions and theories. The practical part of the paper consists of a comparison between the activities of multinational enterprises in industrialized and developing countries. Concerning their social responsibility, companies in industrialized countries tend to focus on the avoidance of environmental pollution, sustainable utilization of resources and prevention of the discrimination of minorities in the labor market. In South Africa the most important and necessary fields of activity are the rapid spread of HIV due to insufficient medical care, steadily increasing social inequality, deficient level of education and the lack of possibilities of professional development. The last section of the paper compares the activities of different industrial sectors regarding Corporate Social Responsibility using the example of selected companies which operate in South Africa.
Event Processing
(2015)
Ein Pyrrhussieg für die Mediation? Was passiert, wenn die betriebliche Mediation angeordnet wird?
(2015)
The aim of this thesis is to identify and investigate the meaning of customers’ expectations in the IT-industry explained by the example of introducing a new product and to develop a strategy how expectations can be managed in the IT-industry.
The first part of the thesis deals with the reasons and the general framework for the research and defines objectives and scope of the thesis.
In the second part, results of the literature and theories about expectations are presented. These show what previous research has found out and give an overview about different types of expectations and corresponding effects. The flowing part constitutes the case study as research instrument and how it can be used to generate results. With the help of a case study of a specific example of the IT-industry the meaning of expectations regarding new products will be highlighted. Additionally, it gives_a basis to develop a strategy to manage expectations in the IT-industry.
Afterwards the results of the literature review and the case study are combined into a usable strategy to manage expectations of new products in the IT-industry. The thesis illustrates the necessary steps of the strategy and gives an assessment of the results.
In conclusion, the thesis argues that expectation management is an essential step of influencing innovation to optimize business and gives instruction to identify, manage and influence customer’s expectations. Besides, this thesis addresses industries which are faced with the challenge of expectation management and offers an initial research about expectation management in the IT-industry. Furthermore, this thesis intends to provide a basic research to show the importance of expectation management and inspire following research.
Primary Current Distribution Model for Electrochemical Etching of Silicon Through a Circular Opening
(2015)
The aim of this thesis is twofold: 1. to find out how intercultural collaboration between the German and French employees at MBtech and AKKA Technologies, a corporation which recently acquired MBtech, works and 2. to identify conditions under which such collaboration can function smoothly. In order to answer these questions, an extensive literature review as well as an empirical study in the form of interviews have been carried out. The consulted literature comprises English, German and French works. The empirical study is a qualitative method searching to understand the topic in more detail. Interviews were conducted with German and French employees of MBtech and AKKA Technologies living in France and Germany. Globalization and in particular the intense business interconnection between France and Germany, the two economically strongest forces in Europe at present, make intercultural research in this field a topic of interest and importance. The need for permanently constructive collaboration is fuelled by the fact that numerous intercultural collaborations between MBtech and AKKA Technologies are taking place over a long period of time.
The research question how intercultural collaboration works at MBtech and AKKA Technologies could only be answered to some extent due to the little representativeness of the qualitative method of interviewing. However, the insights obtained indicate that it works reasonably well. While many statements allow the conclusion that differing views on the German and the French side lead to difficulties, many other statements show that in spite of these differences, intercultural collaboration is on a good and growing level. Based on the findings gained for answering the research question under which conditions intercultural collaboration can function smoothly, a number of concrete recommendations were issued. Being related mainly to enhanced communication and mutual understanding, these recommendations aim at equipping MBtech and Akka Technologies well to face the future.
Sampling of finite elements for sparse recovery in large scale 3D electrical impedance tomography
(2015)
Nowadays, big sport events such as Olympic Games are not only an exciting carnival for sports enthusiasts, but also a good opportunity for the host country/city to accelerate its economic development. After more than 40 years of development, Computable General Equilibrium has been proved to be a very powerful tool to analyze the impact of big sports events on host country/city. In this paper, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will be used as the target case to study the impact on the economy. A Supply model and a demand model will be established according to CGE theory to describe the case. This paper is not focused on the detail but the whole picture of Beijing’s economy by analyzing the industrial structure changes under the influences of hosting the Olympic. Beijing’s industrial structure development will also be analyzed in this paper.
Trotz gesetzlicher Frauenquoten in unterschiedlichen Ländern sind Frauen in den Boards der verschiedenen Unternehmen unterrepräsentiert. Aus diesem Grund wird in dieser Arbeit ermittelt, wie sich die Frauenquote auf Frauen, Boards und Unternehmen auswirkt. Dabei wird untersucht wie die Quote die Beförderung von Frauen, den Frauenanteil im Board, das Humankapital, die Board-Charakteristiken, die Zusammenarbeit im Board, die Unternehmensform, den Firmenwert, die Unternehmensperformance, die Strategie und das Ansehen der Firma sowie den Führungsstil beeinflusst. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch analysiert, welche Rolle Sanktionen dabei spielen. Zur Ermittlung der Ergebnisse wurden verschiedene wissenschaftliche Abhandlungen und Studien aus den Datenbanken Business Source Premier (via EBSCO Host) und Science Direct, sowie Google Scholar verwendet. Es wurde ermittelt, dass die Änderung der Unternehmensform durch Sanktionen begünstigt wird, genauso der Frauenanteil im Board, was das Erreichen der kritischen Masse wahrscheinlich macht. Dadurch beeinflussen weibliche Board-Mitglieder Humankapital, Zusammenarbeit im Board, Führungsstil und Reputation des Unternehmens positiv. Jedoch üben Frauen nur in wirtschaftlich guten Zeiten Einfluss auf die Unternehmensstrategie aus, denn in Krisenzeiten reagiert das Board mit altbewährten Verhaltensweisen und weibliche Board-Mitglieder verlieren dadurch ihren Einfluss. Die Quotenregelung erhöht die Aufstiegschancen der Frauen. Jedoch verändern neue weibliche Board-Mitglieder die Board-Charakteristiken, was sich negativ auf den Firmenwert auswirkt. Es konnten keine eindeutigen Ergebnisse in Bezug auf die Unternehmensperformance ermittelt werden.