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The creation of a positive organizational culture has become of increasing interest during the past decades. Various studies have assessed the impact of organizational culture and employee satisfaction in relation to individual and organizational performance. A cross-comparison of these studies is difficult, as the results strongly depend on the definition of the investigated variables. Additionally, the concept of organizational culture remains a unique concept within the group and is influenced by the respective organizational structures and processes.
Therefore, this bachelor thesis attempts to investigate the concept of organizational culture and its determinants in general, as well as making the case of the critical im-portance of organizational culture, specifically for the company MS Plastic Welders, LLC (MSPW).
In this context, to form a comprehensive analysis and theoretical framework, secondary data was examined. In line with the qualitative findings, the application of a descriptive employee survey at MSPW intended to examine the employees’ perceptions towards their job satisfaction and the overall working environment. The aim of the study was to uncover the main areas for improvement, forming the basis of leading a positive culture change. Following the survey, conclusions about the organizational culture at MSPW were drawn and put into perspective in the form of recommendations for the company. The survey results indicated that the company needs to communicate a clear organizational mission and additionally needs to determine and communicate their organizational values, in order to clearly direct the employees’ mindsets, behavior and actions. After determining the organizational direction, the internal structures and processes need to be aligned to support the desired behavior patterns and in order to enhance the long-term organizational performance perspectives through positive culture change.
With the rise of the internet and the flood of information it provides at no cost, print is no longer the main source of information. The German magazine market has been highly affected by this change. Publishers are faced with declining sales volumes, loss of advertising income and increasing costs. The implementation of Augmented Reality technology could make print magazines less static by providing the opportunity to add extra content and create an interactive reading experience. However, so far the use cases of this technology in print magazines have been rare, which might be due to the deficiency of information publishers have about its likelihood of success. To reduce this information gap and provide some recommendations for publishers, a web survey and expert interviews were conducted to establish the consumer perspective on an implementation of AR technology and to provide a potential future outlook based on the opinions of German AR solution providers. It was concluded that an implementation of AR would lead to a value addition for consumers and would result in an increase in purchase intention. Despite also resulting in an improved perceived image of the magazine, it should only be implemented if it does not lead to an increase in price or the reduction of editorial content, to avoid losing readers, who will not access the additional content. The substantial costs involved in implementing AR as well as existing technological limitations, which affect the ease of use for consumers, will likely prevent many publishers from realising such an implementation. AR glasses will play a significant role in the decision if AR technology will have a future in German print magazines according to the interviewed experts, in case they are accepted by the general public.
Das Thema ETPs/ETFs im Allgemeinen ist, obgleich nicht mehr brandneu, nach wie vor eines der aktuellsten und relevantesten des Investmentbankings. Untermauert wird diese Feststellung durch das ständige Wachstum und die Innovation der Branche sowie durch das Volumen an Vermögen, das heute in ETFs verwaltet wird (Assets under Management).
In dieser Arbeit werden verschiedene Methoden und Aspekte der Indexkonstruktion, sowie die Funktionsweise von ETFs erklärt und diskutiert, um anschließend, basierend auf den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen, einen Produktvorschlag für das Fondsmanagement der Deka Investment GmbH ETFs herauszuarbeiten. Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Indexkonzept, das abzubilden die Aufgab eines neuen Deka ETFs wäre. Die zentralen Punkte, die untersucht werden sind die allgemeine Funktionsweise und Struktur von ETFs, Gewichtungsmethoden und Faktoren sowie deren Rolle bei der Indexkonstruktion.
Mit gewissen Vorgaben durch das Unternehmen und durch eigene Recherche wird eine Strategie formuliert, die eigenständig mit Hilfe der Portfolio Management Software von FactSet getestet und optimiert wird. Hierbei wird unter anderem durch einen Backtest untersucht, wie sich der Index, bei Quartalsweiser Anpassung in den letzten 10 Jahren verhalten hätte.
It has been common for retail firms to simultaneously operate multiple channels.
However, customers are increasingly demanding a seamless shopping experience and
cross-channel strategies have gained in importance for retailers across industries. It has
become evident that successful integration of online and offline channels can increase
customer loyalty and ensure a retailer’s long-term profitability. Although opportunities
presented by cross-channel retailing are diverse, until today only few retail companies
have successfully implemented such a strategy, as they face firm- and customer-related
limits. Thus, the purpose of this bachelor thesis is to provide a general understanding of
the concept of cross-channel retailing and to examine how new technologies can link
retailers’ sales channels on the one hand, but also pose major challenges on the other.
A literature review using academic journals, trade publications and academic books
provides valuable insights on the changes in customer shopping behaviour due to the
prevalence of new technologies and the consequences for retailers. Furthermore,
opportunities and limits of cross-channel retailing are critically examined following a
customer-centric approach. Primary research is conducted to illustrate customers’
experience with Artificial Intelligence in the form of a chatbot implemented by an US
apparel retailer. The thinking aloud method is used to gain insights into participants’
thought processes and to analyse the chatbot’s potential to replicate the experience
offered in a physical store. Findings include that showrooms and emerging technologies
such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics and beacons may present an opportunity
for retailers in the apparel industry, while privacy concerns, technology acceptance,
demographics and firm-related challenges need to be taken into account.
This bachelor thesis explores the opportunities of Talent Scouting at ZF Friedrichshafen AG in terms of a cross-divisional internal talent management measure in line with future requirements and the frame of a CoE function. It deals with the definition of talent within the scope of Talent Scouting, ZF specific demands with regard to matching internal talents with key positions and the general framework that must exist in order for Talent Scouting to be successful.
The thesis is supported with primary and secondary research data. A theoretical framework is set up through a comprehensive literature review and used as a foundation for a qualitative data research approach. The literature review comprises the talent definition within the business scope, the frameworks of TM and a first look at Talent Scouting. Furthermore, relevant internal TM measures at ZF are examined. The research includes expert interviews conducted with ZF internal employees. The gained insights are then discussed and concluded into recommended actions for a Talent Scouting process at ZF.
Major findings include a new understanding of talent and the need for a transparent process to encourage and enforce internal mobility division-wide. Additionally, the requirement for an overall coherent TM strategy is accentuated. This is emphasized with demands for a cultural and organizational mindset change. Additionally, a talent life cycle is established and the concept of a Talent Conference is considered. Further topics discussed include the use of big data, staffing rules in placement processes and possibilities on increasing visibility of talents.
Finally, the thesis provides a brief outlook on the potential of people analytics and system-aided processes for HRM in the future.
Exactly - Once
(2018)
Fast and flexible – today's two most desired traits within the business environment. The quickly rising technological advancement makes it difficult for organizations to keep up with their productivity. Owing to the digitalization, organizations have to rethink their structures and processes to be able to adjust to the constantly changing environment and ultimately continue to stay a successful force. A “one-size-fits-all” solution does not exist, which makes the initiatives time-consuming and difficult.
Since digitalization comes with major challenges that have to be tackled to decrease the gap in potential business productivity, the first objective of this paper is to identify relevant action points for organizations, together with the examination of the best practice of agility and its structural and cultural traits.
Further, this work aims to comprehend the structural and cultural traits of the case of [company name]. This is approached by a mixed method empirical analysis. First, by qualitative in-depth interviews with the first and second level managers based on the preceding theoretical framework of Spiral Dynamics and a concept of organizational culture analysis. Second, by a quantitative online survey with the remaining workforce based on the model of Competing Values Framework, assessing not only the current but also the by the workforce desired structural and cultural traits.
The model of Spiral Dynamics defines differing predominant core value systems of mankind, whereas challenges that cannot be accomplished with current behaviors initiate the evolution to another core value system – just like digitalization does with the case of [company name]. The Competing Values Framework is a scientifically justified concept to analyze organizational culture.
The last objective of this paper is to develop a set of tailored recommendations towards agile work approaches for the case of [company name] based on the preceding analysis and the theoretical framework of a scientifically justified change management process.
The conducted research reveals that the organization’s culture mainly shows traits of a traditional organization, with top-down decision-making and task assignments, selective transparency, silo-communication and a lack of interdisciplinary collaboration, which results in the predominant core value system of Success. Additionally, the analysis of the desired traits reveals a congruency with agile organizational traits, or in other words, the predominant value system of Synergy. With respect to the results, the study makes seven recommendations, incorporating the theory of a successful change initiative. Together with specified action examples, the way towards the desired predominant value system is paved.
Globalisation and technological advancements over the last decade have changed the way that business organisations operate. In response to these developments many companies have opted for a global strategy which usually entails a form of standardisation. This thesis will focus on standardisation of human resources software. There are many articles and journals on the field of human resources management, the impact of technology of human resources and standardisation of processes in general but very little literature on standardisation of human resources software despite the huge role that it plays in supporting global HR strategy.
Using mainly qualitative research and primary first-hand experience this thesis will look into the factors affecting standardisation of human resources software. The assumption is that standardisation of HR software is the only option for global strategy and that it will increase efficiency, reduce costs and create other benefits for an organisation.
The research shows that when technical and non-technical factors are not equally considered standardisation of HR software is likely to take longer than intended and according to the measurements put in place it may fail completely or the perceived benefits are not fully realised. Additionally, constant technological innovations could redefine standardisation and the role of HR software in an organisation.
Abstrakt
Die sozialen Medien sind aus der heutigen Zeit kaum noch wegzudenken. Der Einfluss und die Wichtigkeit der Social Media Plattformen wächst sowohl für Privatpersonen, als auch für Unternehmen stetig. Besonders das Social Media Marketing konnte in den letzten Jahren an Bedeutung gewinnen. Auch die Vereine der ersten Fußball-Bundesliga haben das Potential erkannt und investieren zunehmend in das neue Marketing Instrument. Allerdings sollten einige Unterschiede von Vereinen aus der Fußball Branche, im Vergleich zu Unternehmen aus der Wirtschaft beachtet werden. Die vorliegende Arbeit erforscht die Erfolgsfaktoren, Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und Besonderheiten des Social Media Marketings für Fußballvereine. In diesem Zusammenhang wird der VfB Stuttgart als Beispiel aus der Fußball-Bundesliga herangezogen. Hierbei werden Interviews mit verschiedenen Experten aus der Sportbranche, eine Umfrage unter den VfB Stuttgart Fans und Literaturrecherche getätigt. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit werden zu einer Handlungsempfehlung zusammengefasst.
Abstract
Nowadays the importance and impact of Social Media grows both, for private persons and companies. In recent years Social Media Marketing has become an established marketing tool and continues to gain importance. The clubs of the German “Fussball Bundesliga” have recognized the potential and are investing increasingly in their Social Media Marketing campaigns. Thereby, the difference between business companies and sports clubs should receive attention. In the following research key success factors of Social Media Marketing and characteristics of the sports industry are explored. For this purpose, the soccer club VfB Stuttgart has been chosen as an example. Interviews with various experts from the sports industry, a survey with VfB Stuttgart fans and a literature research are made. The bachelor thesis findings are summarized as a recommendation for action for the VfB Stuttgart soccer club.
Die VBM Medizintechnik GmbH hat sich in der Vergangenheit bewusst gegen den Direktvertrieb entschieden, obwohl die meisten Mitbewerber diesen Absatzkanal zur Umsatzgenerierung einsetzen. Divergierende Marktbedingungen, ein sich veränderndes Einkaufsverhalten und neue Distributionswege, die durch das Internet entstanden sind, lassen das Unternehmen an der Modernität und Potenzialausschöpfung der aktuellen Vertriebsstrategie zweifeln. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, ob die Firma den Direktvertrieb implementieren sollte. Anhand verschiedener Methoden, wie bspw. der SWOT-Analyse, werden die Vor- und Nachteile der unterschiedlichen Absatzkanäle sowie der derzeitigen Vertriebsstrategie kritisch bewertet. Außerdem erfolgt eine Analyse des Medizintechnikmarkts in Deutschland. Es geht hervor, dass Verbesserungspotenzial in der Distributionsstrategie besteht und das Absatzsystem der VBM Medizintechnik GmbH an neue Marktbedingungen angepasst werden muss.
Social media has become inseparable from our daily lives thanks to the widely use of internet and mobile technological advancement. Travel and tourism has benefited a lot from social media, especially the travelers. Not only can they find travel-related information on social media platforms, but they can also discuss and exchange necessary and relevant opinions and information.
The purpose of this research study is to examine how social media influences where German millennials determine their holiday destination. This dissertation analyzes to what extend social media influences the individual German millennial’s decision and whether reviews and comments affect their decisions.
The research study comprises of 5 chapters which represent the analytical process from beginning to end. The first chapter is the introduction, then literature reviews, then the methodology for primary research of this research is identified and explained. Results from the online questionnaire are then presented followed by an analysis and interpretation. Finally, the conclusion and limitation of the research have been discussed.
This research study concludes that social media does influence German millennials when they use social media to compare the holiday destinations in comparison to those who do not use social media for this purpose. It is clear that social media is the main source of information when they are looking for holiday destination information and is preferred compared to travel books and travel agencies. The results have shown that TripAdvisor is the most used holiday destination information page among other social media platforms. Furthermore, most of German millennials are passive users of travel-related social media platforms. That means they only consume information but do not necessarily write reviews or comments after their holiday experience.
In der Geschichte des Geldes gab es bereits viele Veränderungen. Anfangs gab es den Tauschhandel, bei dem man Brot gegen Eier getauscht hat. Danach wurde Gold als Zahlungsmittel akzeptiert. Später gab es Papiergeld und anschließend zusätzlich Kredit- und Girokarten. Neuerdings wird immer häufiger diskutiert, ob die neuartigen Kryptowährungen nun der nächste Schritt in der Entwicklung des Geldes sind. Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit gibt einen Überblick über die bekannteste Kryptowährung Bitcoin sowie die ihr zugrundeliegenden Blockchain Technologie. Die jeweiligen Funktionsweisen werden erklärt und es wird auf die einzelnen Vor- und Nachteile eingegangen. Die Arbeit befasst sich zudem mit der Zukunftsfähigkeit von Bitcoin als alternative Währung und die möglichen Einflussfaktoren auf den Bitcoin Preis. Es stellt sich heraus, dass die Volatilität von Bitcoin nur schwer erklärbar ist und somit als alternative Währung zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt noch keinen Bestand hat. Die Blockchain Technologie hingegen bietet viele mögliche Applikationen, abgesehen von der Kryptowährung, wie beispielsweise dezentralisierten Wahlen oder Crowdfunding.
Retention Management ist heutzutage ein wichtiger Bestandteil vieler Unternehmen. Bereits im Ausbildungsverhältnis findet dieses Anwendung, um besonders talentierte Studierende langfristig an das Unternehmen zu binden, die Herausforderungen des „War of talents“ erfolgreich zu meistern und das Unternehmen als attraktiven potenziellen Arbeitgeber hervorzuheben. Aufgrund der hohen Relevanz wird im Rahmen dieser Arbeit ein betriebsindividuelles Retention Management für Studierende der Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG entwickelt. Die Gestaltung basiert auf der Analyse der Angebote für Studierende anderer Unternehmen sowie auf einer empirischen Forschung innerhalb der Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. Sie dient der Evaluierung der Wünsche, Vorstellungen und Bedürfnisse der Studierenden des Unternehmens bezüglich eines Retention Managements und wird in den Maßnahmenportfolios zur erfolgreichen Studentenbindung berücksichtigt.
Renewable energies play an increasingly significant role both in politics in Germany and especially in the energy market. The latter meanwhile is determined by the prices of the different energy sources in the mix of the German market. The goal of the present work is to analyse the influence of renewables on energy prices on the Spot and the Futures market and to find indicators, that help to better predict energy prices and therefore could be decisive for the time of purchase. Due to the limited scale of this thesis and because of the leading role of wind and solar energy, the main focus is on these two energy sources. Therefore, a quantitative data analysis by means of Pearson’s correlation coefficient is performed. The results are analysed to find main influencing factors on energy prices. Using the results, it can be concluded by what kind of event the resulting price changes are caused and how these events can be forecasted.
While Africa presents huge markets for foreign software, sales in these markets have been decreasing over the years. This downward movement in sales can be attributed to the challenges software companies are facing in these markets.
Using the case of TeamViewer GmbH in South Africa and Nigeria, this paper seeks to examine these challenges and give possible recommendations on how to improve sale. It also would analyze the opportunities present in these markets for foreign software.
Through an interview with customers and re-sellers in the South African and Nigerian markets, we uncover that, high prices, competition, unawareness of subscription, to name a few, are some of the challenges resulting in poor sales. Also, using the political, economical, social, technological, legal and environmental (PESTLE) model of analysis, an overview of the socio-economic and political situation in these markets were examined. The findings from this paper would serve as a spring board for further research on this topic.
Die vorliegende Masterarbeit analysiert die Problematiken effektiver grafischer Repräsentationen in digitalen Informationssystemen, die mit besonders hoherund dynamischer Datendichte und Datenquellen einhergehen. Anschließend an die Analyse der Problematiken erarbeitet der Autor dieser Forschungsarbeit ein konzeptuelles Modell zur Bewältigung der geschilderten Problematiken, auf Basis von semantisch beschriebenen, wiederverwendbaren grafischen Visualisierungselementen und den ebenfalls semantisch beschriebenen in die Visualisierung zu überführenden Daten. Besonders hervorzuhebende Erkenntnisse dieser Masterarbeit sind die Identifikation von Qualitätskriterien zur Zielführung einer effektiven Visualisierung gemäß der visuellenWahrnehmung des menschlichen kognitiven Systems, die Notwendigkeit zur Erweiterung der Vokabularmenge der schema.org-Ontologie zur Anwendung der identifizieren Qualitätskriterien und das Auffinden geeigneter Visualisierungselemente sowie das Zuordnen der Daten zu entsprechenden Visualisierungselementen über den Aufbau und Vergleich einer Baumstruktur für sowohl die Daten als auch die der Visualisierungselemente. Diese Forschungsarbeit ist von besonderer Relevanz für Entscheider, Projektmanager und Softwareentwickler, die digitale Informationssysteme mit einer hohen Anzahl an heterogenen Datensätzen und Datenquellen entwickeln.
Die Thematik der verschiedenen Vertriebsformate und die zunehmende Digitalisierung im Leben der Kunden wird in Zukunft immer wichtiger. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Bachelorarbeit ist eine Konzeptentwicklung für deutsche Premium-Automobilhersteller, um verschiedene Vertriebsformate bewerten zu können. Hierbei wird eine Möglichkeit aufgezeigt, um die Customer Journey transparent darzulegen und somit nachvollziehbar zu machen. Dies beinhaltet eine Analyse der Kundenpräferenzen im Rahmen des Automobil-Kaufprozesses. Daher wird das durch die Digitalisierung stark veränderte Kundenverhalten untersucht. In diesem Kontext wächst die Bedeutung des Vertriebsmodells. Somit werden die am häufigsten aufkommenden Vertriebsformate von Premiumherstellern betrachtet und die einzelnen Hauptprozesse verglichen. Dies dient dazu, die Prozesse im zu erarbeitenden Konzept zu pauschalisieren und somit eine Bewertung möglich zu machen. Gestützt wird dies durch Befragungen von Experten aus den verschiedenen Bereichen. Das Konzept kann als wertvoller Beitrag sowohl für die Praktiker im Automobilvertrieb als auch für die Forschung im Bereich Marketing dienen.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit gibt eine Übersicht über die Gründe, Chancen, Risiken und den potentiellen Mehrwert des Mehrkanalvertriebs in der 3D Druck- und Scanindustrie. Dabei wurden die aktuellen Vertriebsstrategien einiger Hersteller analysiert. Durch ein Experteninterview wurde ein theoretisches Modell des Mehrkanalvertriebs für Shining3D entwickelt und untersucht. Mit Hilfe einer SWOT-Analyse wurden die aktuellen Schwächen ermittelt und der Mehrwert des Mehrkanalvertriebs, im Vergleich zum aktuellen Vertriebssystem, genau beschrieben. Die Ergebnisse der theoretischen Untersuchung zeigen, dass der Mehrkanalvertrieb die Schwächen in einem Vertrieb minimieren oder eliminieren kann. Durch das Dazugewinnen des direkten Vertriebs kann der Hersteller näher am Markt agieren und sich besser um zukünftige Innovationen und deren Einführung kümmern. Der Mehrkanalvertrieb verbessert durch das Erreichen neuer Kanäle nicht nur die Wirtschaftlichkeit, sondern bietet auch ein Risikoausgleich durch Bildung eines Absatzkanalportfolios. Sollte ein Kanal schwächeln, so kann er durch die anderen aufgefangen werden. Abschließend werden mögliche Konfliktfelder analysiert und Lösungsansätze für deren Beseitigung beschreiben.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit gibt einen Überblick darüber, wie Unternehmen ihre Treibhausgasemissionen managen können. Dazu wird die Deutsche Post AG als Beispiel herangezogen. Im ersten Teil werden relevante theoretische Grundlagen behandelt. Es wird gezeigt, dass der Transport eine der Hauptquellen ist, die am meisten Emissionen produzieren. Um dem entgegenzuwirken, will die Logistikbranche grüne und umweltfreundlichere Lösungen anbieten. Für eine erfolgreiche Darstellung und Messung der Treibhausgase greifen Unternehmen auf das Controlling Instrument, das Carbon Accounting genannt wird, zurück. Mit Hilfe des Carbon Accountings ist es möglich ein regelmäßiges Reporting über den Verbrauch von Energie und Kraftstoffen zu erstellen. Im zweiten Teil, werden die Emissionswerte der Deutschen Post dargestellt. Es wird zudem gezeigt, dass ein konzernweites Effizienzmanagement mit Hilfe des Carbon Accounting angewendet wird und dass das Unternehmen somit in 10 Jahren ihre CO2-Effizienz erfolgreich um 30% verbessern konnte.
Optimization of an omni-channel strategy in fashion retail – the case of Hunkemöller International
(2018)
In fashion retail, omni-channel management has become an important strategy to offer the customer a seamless shopping experience across various channels. Customers want to shop from anywhere and at any time. Therefore, retailers integrate their operations among all channels and manage them simultaneously. The customer´s interaction with the brand along various touchpoints is thereby an important factor, since the number of touchpoints along a customer´s journey is increasing. This work analyzes a fashion retailer that is already executing an omni-channel strategy, to find challenges that the company is facing and thus an approach for optimization. This is done for the example of Hunkemöller International B.V., a Dutch lingerie retailer, which is dedicated to consistently improve its omni-channel strategy.
The following work examines current literature of omni-channel management in fashion retail and sets up a framework of success factors. These are compared to the current state of the company´s omni-channel strategy through qualitative research in form of an expert interview. This research is followed by more inter-views, which give insights to the challenges that stores are facing while execut-ing omni-channel activities. In addition, the work focuses on the purchasing phase of a customer´s journey and builds a framework to investigate customer touchpoints in the respective phase. Quantitative research is carried out through an in-store customer survey that gives insights on challenges from customer´s side and on customer´s attitude towards omni-channel. Thereby a customer touchpoint analysis is conducted. The conclusion presents recommendations for Hunkemöller on how to face the challenges and optimize the current omni-channel strategy. Limitations of the research and points for future research are discussed in the end.
Applications for the Internet of Things are becoming increasingly popular. Due to the large amount of available context data, such applications can be used effectively in many domains. By interlinking these data and analyzing them, it is possible to gather a lot of knowledge about a user. Therefore, these applications pose a threat to privacy. In this paper, we illustrate this threat by looking at a real-world application scenario. Current state of the art focuses on privacy mechanisms either for Smart Things or for big data processing systems. However, our studies show that for a comprehensive privacy protection a holistic view on these applications is required. Therefore, we describe how to combine two promising privacy approaches from both categories, namely AVARE and PATRON. Evaluation results confirm the thereby achieved synergy effects.
What Are the Barriers for Asylum Seekers and Refugees Who Want to Enroll at a Swiss University?
(2018)
Globalization brought high competition in the market. Therefore, international Marketers started to use a strategy of linking a product to its Country of Origin to get a potential competitive advantage on their product. Previous studies have found that the effect of Country-of-Origin on consumer´s product evaluation, perception and purchase intention. However, it was limited to find the County-Of-Origin effect on different age groups especially in Germany.
The purpose of this research was to analyze the effect of Country of Origin on German consumer´s product evaluation and different age groups. Projective test was adopted for designing the questionnaire and Italy, China and France were selected as the country. In the end, the data was represented by statistical analysis and graphic representation.
This research comes to the conclusion that the Country of Origin either has an impact or has no impact on German consumer´s product evaluation. Their evaluation showed various results based on country and product information such as Country image, Country of Manufacturer image, product category and brand. Therefore, this research was not able to define the general Country of Origin effect on German consumer´s product evaluation. However, this research will give an insight for designing a future research and a more comprehensive understanding of the Country of Origin effect on age groups.
The present study examines stock split announcements with regard to the semi-strong form of the efficient market hypothesis. Daily security price data and a sample of 262 stock split announcements observed on the New York Stock Exchange during the ten-year period from January 2006 to December 2015 are applied on parametric as well as nonparametric tests. The test results provide empirical evidence in favor of the semi-strong form of market efficiency. This implies that the marketplace immediately and efficiently reacts to stock split announcements by adjusting security prices. Therefore, it is not possible to generate significant abnormal returns by trading on the information content implicit in stock split announcements.
Java Platform Module System
(2018)
In 2016, Germany’s population consisted of 22.5% of individuals with a migration background and the share is expected to further grow in the future. Therefore, how to successfully integrate migrants is a recurring topic. This paper examines the labour market integration and identificative integration among one of Germany’s largest minorities, migrants from the former Soviet Union. Due to a lack of data on the second-generation migrants and outdated findings on older migrants, secondary research and primary research in form of an online survey is conducted to disclose the current integration status and how it is affected by the cultural background of both generations. Furthermore, possible differences in the integration process of migrants of different ages are investigated.
The results show that the integration of the target population is characterized by a relatively high employment rate, a positive attitude towards Germany and pursuit of the most rewarding acculturation strategy. However, the lack of interethnic networks and the strong presence in blue-collar jobs leave room for improvement. Through the deployment of migrant networks, the target group benefits from its cultural background but also feels discriminated because of it. Only a few significant differences between the integration of migrants of different ages are discovered, including the command and use of German as well as the role of migrant networks.
Experts who acquired extensive knowledge and skills through practising and studying over many years, are becoming increasingly important for companies. As in today’s world the products are getting ever more complex and technical driven. Therefore, it is important for Quality functions to have the best experts and develop them that they can actively shape the new product requirements.
The aim of this study is to investigate how to develop and design a Dual Career Ladder in the Q&R organisation in making the case for the HealthTech company Philips. The research intend is to explore the present state of the Dual Career Ladder in the HealthTech industry and recommending how to develop and design a Dual Career Ladder for the Q&R organization at Philips to increase the organisational effectiveness through winning, retain and develop Q&R experts.
The research adopted secondary data from academic journals, books, press articles and study reports. As well as primary data, interviews were undertaken with experts of companies that are operating in industries related to the health-technology industry. Through these succeeding interviews best practice examples could be evaluated. Afterwards the findings were translated into a Dual Career Ladder design for the Q&R function in Philips primary data was analysed and compared with secondary data.
A successful development and design of a Dual Career Ladder is based on a a diverse project team, clear requirements of the different levels of the Dual Career Ladder, definition of the new created roles and how the differentiate. Furthermore, it is important to have clear nomination and promotion procedure that are transparent. A well thought concept can help organizations attracting critical talents and keeping them by offering them development perspectives and attractive jobs.
The conclusion drawn describes possible outcomes for employee’s development and the organisations effectiveness to reach their desired business results. Followed by a recommendation on further action and closing with the limitation of this study
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit schafft einen Überblick über das Thema Prozessmanagement und Qualitätssicherung in der Abteilung der Produktion der Firma Camfil APC in Tuttlingen. Durch eine erhöhte Rückmeldung an Reklamationen seitens eines bedeutenden OEM-Kunden, ist die Notwendigkeit zur Verbesserung vorhandener Prozesse gegeben. Vor diesem Kontext soll die Frage beantwortet werden, welche Maßnahmen zur Verbesserungen von bestehenden Prozessen ergriffen werden können, um qualitativ hochwertige Prozessergebnisse zu garantieren und zu sichern. Dabei werden Prozessmanagementmethoden wie das, von dem Unternehmen verwendete, Lean Management und weiterführende Methoden des Qualitätsmanagements bei der Analyse der Fertigungsvorgänge in der Serienfertigung und Standplatzmontage für den OEM-Kunden eingesetzt. Durch die im Rahmen der Observation aufgedeckten Potentiale werden spezifische Verbesserungsansätze für die Fertigungsebene generiert.
The demand for talents especially in technical jobs such as Software developers or IT experts has significantly increased within the last few years. Many companies try to face both, the challenges on the German labor market and the so called “War for Talents” for these professions through becoming more active in Recruitment.
The theoretical part shows some of the issues companies have to deal with and presents possible Active Recruiting approaches which could be implemented. In order to do so, it is necessary to gain job-specific insights directly from this target group. For this matter, data was collected from 41 IT and Software experts by means of an executed employee survey at IDS. This survey should, inter alia, find out which incentives are valued the most for selecting an employer. Furthermore it should give an overview about the activity of each respondent in Social Media and business-related platforms and whether the employees would be willing to help recruiting talents.
The objective of this empirical research is to develop recommendations for actions for IDS in order to make the Recruitment of IT and Software experts more efficient.
On the basis of the above it was identified, that the Recruiting requires the inclusion of the specialist departments. The expansion of relations- and recommendation Management from employees to potential applicants could represent a supportive tool. Furthermore, Active Sourcing applied as a strategic component should find a more intense use since many of the respondents are actively using business platforms.
Keywords:
With today’s trends of higher flexibility in production processes and Industry 4.0, there is a heightened demand for flexible sensor solutions. SICK IVP is catering to this demand by providing highly customizable vision sensor systems. However, in the past, customization was mainly done by experts in the vision market and so, vision sensors were primarily sold in a B2B market. Recent development
towards easier to use micro-software solutions, so called apps, enable the end user to develop his own solutions. This allows SICK to market their vision products more directly to the end user, or in other words
in a B2C market.
These trends necessitate new marketing strategies and User Experience Design. Accordingly, this thesis evaluates the current marketing approach for the SICK vision apps, namely, the SICK AppPool and sick.com by mapping customer experience for a specific given task. In-depth empirical research on
customer experience was conducted. Finally, recommendations on a marketing approach for the SICK vision apps, including training, a pricing model and a UX Design concept are given.
This thesis analyzes reverse logistics exemplified by Kärcher, a manufacturer of cleaning devices, and elaborates a conceptual framework for developing a business model for reverse logistics. A literature review is undertaken for theoretical infor-mation; expert interviews and a quantitative study are carried out. The aim of the lit-erature research is to investigate the importance of reverse logistics and its future viability. Reverse logistics can be divided into two parts, the entry channel and the value-adding part, whereas this thesis focuses on the value adding part. Previous studies mention that reverse logistics is ignored and underestimated by companies; nevertheless it is important for a functioning returns process as return quantities are increasing in the future inter alia because of online retailing. Furthermore, the re-verse logistics process of Kärcher is compared to the industry-wide standards. For understanding the process at Kärcher, exploratory interviews with several SDCs and a census are conducted. To compare the Kärcher reverse logistics process with the industry, a benchmark is performed. The benchmark is carried out with competitors based on short expert interviews and two international companies are analyzed from the literature. The outcome of the benchmark is that until now, there are no industry-wide standards to be found and therefore Kärcher cannot adhere to standards. Last-ly the business model concept Canvas is investigated in theory and applied to the reverse logistics process at Kärcher with the objective to explore, to what extent Canvas can be implemented. In addition, the Canvas is used to define a conceptual framework for further elaboration with the aim to possibly regain value from returns in the future. Finally a recommended course of action for Kärcher concerning reverse logistics is derived.
The international debate on cannabis legalization gained considerable momentum after US states Colorado and Washington adopted laws on legal recreational cannabis for the first time. Ever since, seven US states and nations such as Uruguay and Canada followed the lead. Germany is no exception from this development and there are various other countries considering to legalize marihuana for recreational purposes as well.
It is of high interest for policy makers in politics, economics and public health and safety to understand to what extent such an amendment influences different areas of society. The academic literature about coherent implications for the German state is scarce. The present thesis is an analysis of the economic consequences of a potential cannabis legalization in Germany and a weighing up of its pros and cons in monetary terms.
Information about properties of cannabis markets such as supply, prices, demand and their dynamics - predominantly from scientific research in nations with adopted legalization or decriminalization laws – were examined and transferred to Germany to compute likely income and expenditure related to or influenced by cannabis. Factors included are demand reactions and thereby impacts on tax income from marihuana, public expenditure for law enforcement and health, the alcohol industry, opiate consumption, as well as road safety
and drug-related crime. A legalization would result in a significant increase of annual cannabis consumption and regular users in Germany. The analysis identified public expenditure and tax income as substantial components with regard to the economic feasibility study. Interrelations to alcohol consumption are also important in determining the appropriateness of such an amendment. Severe adverse outcomes on road safety or other drug consumption are not expected. Drug-related crime and power of organized crime are likely to decrease.
Small and Medium Enterprises are facing challenges when it comes to outsourcing. This piece of work investigates the factors that are needed for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union to attain outsourcing criteria. Some of the challenges in the European Union face include; rising cost, risk uncertainty, large companies’ potency, internationalization and lack of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through understanding and choosing outsourcing criteria, they can select a type of outsourcing in line with their objectives and goals. Therefore, they end up achieving benefits. This could assist them in different sectors across the European Union ease risks. They find solutions to obstacles derived from within the different sectors located in the European Union.
This thesis analyses how the SMEs decide on outsourcing criteria challenges and how they can be changed into benefits. The literature findings help in contrasting sectors around the European Union to determine which outsourcing criteria could aid them in achieving resolutions. The complications and objections are due to the following outcomes which include; no loss or gain observation, no specific benefit construction, unexplored innovation strategies, supplier opportunism, outsourcing drivers and cultural fit.
Die vorliegende Arbeit behandelt das Thema der Talentakquisition der Fachkräfte von Morgen. Es wird die Forschungsfrage bearbeitet ob durch teamspezifisches Active Sourcing die Qualität und Quantität der Bewerber am Beispiel des Teams der Funktionalen Sicherheit der MBtech erhöht werden kann. Hierfür werden verschiedene Methoden des Active Sourcings ausprobiert um die Auswirkung auf den Recruiting Prozess messen zu können und ob teamspezifisches Active Sourcing in unbekannten Bereichen nötig sowie sinnvoll ist. Diese Arbeit baut auf die momentane Situation der MBtech im Bereich der Personalbeschaffung durch Active Sourcing und beinhaltet mögliche Strategien und Handlungsempfehlungen.
Dank sozialer Medien können Influencer eine grosse Reichweite und Bekanntheit aufbauen. Vor allem die jüngeren Zielgruppen fühlen sich von diesen Meinungsführern angezogen und bilden Scharen von Followern in den verschiedensten Themenbereichen. Immer mehr Firmen versprechen sich günstige und effiziente Werbung durch Kooperationen mit den Meinungsmachern. Vor diesem Hintergrund soll die Frage nach der Bedeutung von Influencer Marketing für Unternehmen in Deutschland geklärt werden. Die Forschungsmethode beinhaltet die Erarbeitung des theoretischen Hintergrunds, der anschließend anhand einer empirischen Untersuchung im Zuge einer Online-Befragung von Konsumenten überprüft wird. Die Ergebnisse der Studie bekräftigen den aktuelle Stellenwert der Influencer und das daraus resultierende Potenzial der Disziplin. Trotz Kritik an der Glaubwürdigkeit und Zweifel an der Objektivität von Influencern bei Kooperationen mit Unternehmen, bietet die Disziplin viele Vorteile wie die kostengünstige Reichweite und das Erreichen der gewünschten Zielgruppe ohne viel Streuverluste. Werbetreibende müssen sich jedoch anpassen und ihren Partnern genügend Vertrauen entgegenbringen, sodass die Zusammenarbeit Früchte tragen kann. Die Werbeform birgt Risiken wie potenzielle Shit-Storms bei schlechter Anwendung, aber auch Chancen wie die virale Steigerung der Bekanntheit und der Sichtbarkeit der Marke im Internet. Die Thematik ist heute schon höchst relevant und wird ihren Stellenwert hinsichtlich der zunehmenden Professionalisierung der Branche voraussichtlich weiterentwickeln. Bereits weit mehr als ein Trend hat Influencer Marketing das Potenzial, sich in Zukunft zu einer essentiellen Disziplin zu entwickeln.
Subject of the thesis at hand is the analysis of symmetric block ciphers with a block length of 32 bit. It is meant to give a comprising overview over the topic of 32 bit block ciphers. The topic is divided in the examination of three questions. It contains a list of state of the art block ciphers with a block length of 32 bit. The block ciphers are being described, focussing on the encryption function. An SPN-based cipher with 32 bit block length is being proposed by rescaling the AES cipher.
The 32 bit block length results in certain security issues. These so called risk factors are analysed and mitigating measures are proposed. The result of the thesis is, that 32 bit block ciphers can be implemented in a secure manner. The use of 32 bit ciphers should be limited to specific use-cases and with a profound risk analysis, to determine the protection class of the data to be encrypted.
Gamification has been a hotly debated topic since 2010, when it was coined as an official term. The promising effects of the application of gaming elements in a non-game context include enhancement of motivation and performance. For this reason, interest aroused especially for the application of gamification in a corporate context. However, to date there has been only little academic research on the assessment of particular gaming elements and their motivational implications in specific fields of management. On this status quo grounds the aim of this thesis. In a comprehensive literature review the motivational background of games is assessed. Based on this analysis, the particular gaming elements were matched with the theories of motivation to assess the ways in which game elements that can trigger motivation. To gain further insights into valuable application fields of gamification, the previous findings about the analyzed gaming elements are matched with the critical success factors of knowledge management, change management and performance management. The information acquired of the respective application fields reveal relevant insights to consider for a practical implementation.
After the global financial crisis of 2008, central banks in many advanced economies reacted with an expansionary monetary policy to counteract deflation. Various economies have reached the zero-lower bound ever since, but central banks have still been involved in asset purchase programs to further stimulate the economy and to reach price stability goals. This paper examines the changes in income structures commercial banks face because of the low interest environment. Concluding the theoretical impact of a low-interest environment, it can be said that banking profitability worsens in the interest business mainly because of the zero-lower bound whereas banks benefit in non-interest operations and loan loss provisions as they diversify their business and occur fewer nonperforming loans. Through the risk-taking channel, banks change their perception towards risk and are more willing to commit to riskier business but this increased risk-taking does not threat financial stability. The empirical analysis of 112 banks of the Euro area confirms that relevant bank key performance indicators deteriorate, especially after the global financial crisis in 2008. The conducted regression analysis indicates that the net interest margin is compressed because of the zero-lower bound and persistent low short-term rates and the shape of the yield curve. For key performance indicators of return on average assets and return on average equity the positive link is only given for the short-term interest rates but not the yield curve. For these key performance indicators, a sound economy is more important than the interest rate level. Overall, the banking sector of the Eurozone appears to be not immediately threatened by a low-interest environment as they were able to increase non-interest related income. In the long run, higher market interest rates, however, are needed to establish profitability in the interest business.
Konzeption einer Social-Media-Strategie am Beispiel der Firma BMSC für den französischen Markt
(2018)
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit befasst sich mit der Konzeption einer Social-Media-Strategie für den französischen Markt. Die Firma BMSC dient hierzu als Praxisbeispiel. Zunächst werden Grundlagen von Social Media und Social-Media-Strategien thematisiert. Anschließend wird eine Social-Media-Strategie mit Unterstützung einer Social-Media-Strategie-Methode schrittweise erarbeitet. Grundlage für die Entwicklung der Social-Media-Strategie stellt eine Zielgruppen- und Konkurrenzanalyse, eine Ressourcen- und Kompetenzanalyse des Unternehmens sowie eine prägnante Marktanalyse, gestützt durch Experteninterviews, dar. Die Definition der Ziele, die durch einen Social-Media-Auftritt erreicht werden sollen, hilft bei der Entwicklung von Handlungsempfehlungen, der Auswahl der Kanäle und der Entwicklung von passenden Inhalten in den sozialen Netzwerken. Abschließend werden ein Redaktionsplan und Social-Media-Guidelines entwickelt und Kennzahlen definiert, die dem Unternehmen helfen den Social-Media-Erfolg zu messen.
The employee referral program and the relation of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to referrals
(2018)
The aim of this bachelor thesis is to give an overview of current practices in employee referral programs and to establish the link between motivation and propensity to refer on the basis of motivational theories in order to identify which methods a company can use to obtain the highest possible quality referrals from its employees. On the basis of relevant scientific literature, the employee referral program is described, related rewards explained and relevant motivational theories outlined. The factors of intrinsic, prosocial and extrinsic motivation, as well as the overjustification effect are evaluated, to understand their impact on an employee’s propensity to refer and to draw conclusions for practical implications.
Selbstnominierung bedeutet, dass sich Mitarbeiter eigenständig für vakante Stellen oder ein Talentprogramm innerhalb des eigenen Unternehmens vorschlagen. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Fragestellung, ob es lukrativ ist, diesen innovativen Ansatz der internen Talentidentifikation als Alternative zur klassischen Nominierung durch den Vorgesetzten zu nutzen. Hierzu werden zunächst die Schwachstellen des klassischen Ansatzes der Nominierung herausgearbeitet. Als mögliche innovative Alternative wird im Folgenden die Selbstnominierung erläutert und analysiert. Unterstützt wird die Theorie durch Praxisbeispiele von Unternehmen, welche Selbstnominierung ausprobiert haben. Abschließend wird zudem auf mögliche Lösungsansätze hingewiesen, um eine gelungene Integration der neuen Alternative zu gewährleisten.
The influence of quality labels on perceived product value - Marketing to the conscious consumer
(2018)
Quality labels are an important cue for customers in their search for indications of product quality. They provide consumers with valuable information about production standards. Whether the value-added by labels directly translates into price premiums is still an open question, as researchers could not reach consensus so far. Moreover, the use of multiple labels on one product is another topic discussed controversially in the research literature. Current research has further identified multiple factors affecting consumers’ willingness to pay for labelled food products. For this paper, a survey among 400 shoppers from the Villingen-Schwenningen area has been conducted, in an attempt to identify the significance of various influencing factors on willingness to pay for labelled products. Four distinct food products have been tested in this survey, each in four different labelling situations. Two labels were used on the products, one indicating social standards and another certifying ecological production standards. The study identified the following factors as influential on participants’ expressed willingness to pay: product type, information and label type. The influence of missing reference prices could not be proven to be significant. The marginal effect of a second label was found to decrease for only two of the products. As the effects of each of the factors varied between the products, no general conclusion about the effects of either of them could be drawn. Therefore, the paper concludes on the note, that a general assumption about label value should not be made.
In dieser Arbeit soll eine Motorsteuerung für einen 3-Phasen-Asynchronmotor mit Kurzschlussläufer realisiert werden. Dabei soll der Motor in einem Gleichstromnetzwerk mit einer Spannung von 325V betrieben werden. Drehzahl und Drehrichtung des Motors sollen variabel sein. Der Motor wird dabei bei konstantem Lastdrehmoment betrieben. Des Weiteren soll die Steuerung eine Drehzahl des Motors von bis zu 25000 1/min ermöglichen.
Die Arbeit behandelt dabei einführend die Funktionsweise des Asynchronmotors und leitet ein mathematisches Modell ab, das anschließend für die Erstellung des Steueralgorithmus verwendet wird. Bei der Realisierung der Schaltung wird u.a. die Problematik mit parasitären Induktivitäten und der Umgang mit motorinduzierten Spannungsspitzen behandelt. Realisiert wird die Motorsteuerung als Umrichterschaltung. Dabei finden ausschließlich N-Kanal-MOSFETs Verwendung. Für die Ansteuerung der MOSFETs kommen Gate-Treiber-ICs mit Bootstrap-Kondensatoren zum Einsatz. Angesteuert wird der Motor über einen STM32-Board. Der implementierte Steueralgorithmus realisiert dabei eine Grundfrequenztaktung. Über diesen Aufbau der Motorsteuerung können die Anforderungen erfüllt werden.
The relation between Frugal Innovation and Sustainability is a widely discussed topic in current academic literature. To assess the correlation between these two concepts, a sample of the most frequently mentioned Frugal Innovations was selected. The criteria to evaluate the sustainability potential for each of these cases was built upon the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a global reference indicator. Frugal Innovations among the banking, transport, energy, ICT, water, appliances and healthcare sectors were evaluated. The results suggested a positive contribution and impact of Frugal Innovations towards economic, social and environmental development.
Coworking spaces are known for providing the opportunity to network with the members of a coworking space and with the outside world. In order for this networking to happen, there must be a third person facilitating the relationship creation, which in this case is a Community Manager. As a result of this, this study aims to apply the concept of being a superconnector to the Community Managers in coworking spaces.
In order to prove this theory, the author of this paper carried out a qualitative research with eleven in-depth interviews. Seven of them were addressed to coworking members, while the other four to the Community Managers of four different coworking spaces. The coworking members were chosen through referral or through snowball sampling in order to acquire diverse results. Amongst these coworking members there were freelancers, start-up builders and employees from bigger companies. This variety provided the researcher with valuable information to understand how the different types of coworkers may benefit differently from the role of a Community Manager whilst networking. This research might also be helpful for other researchers since it provides information about the different sizes and populations of the coworking spaces.
The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the presence of a Community Manager in coworking spaces. This impacts mostly coworking spaces that focus on freelancers and start-up entrepreneurs that place a high value on networking.
This paper seeks to understand how the financing market for the technology sector has grown from the early 2000s until recently. It seeks to understand how the private equity firms and the venture capital firms view the technology market and what attracts the new entrants into this market. This paper will outline the market situation before the financial crisis and after the financial crisis. It will also seek to define what or how the financing firms view the current market and give a definition of the current market situation for any private equity firm or venture capital firm. This paper will also identify the risk associated and the latest trends of financing done by the Private Equity and Venture Capital Firms
Eigenverantwortliches Lernen gewinnt in Unternehmen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Immer mehr Firmen, so auch Schwäbisch Media, erkennen den Vorteil einer Lernplattform, welche es Mitarbeitern ermöglicht, schnell und problemnah eigenverantwortlich Wissen anzueignen. Die Einführung einer Lernplattform stellt Unternehmen jedoch vor große Herausforderungen, da sie nicht nur ein neues Lerninstrument mit sich bringt, sondern verstärkt eigenverantwortliches Lernen von den Mitarbeitern fordert. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es herauszufinden, welche Voraussetzungen in einem Unternehmen gegeben sein müssen, damit eigenverantwortliches Lernen mit einer Lernplattform ermöglicht und gefördert wird. Untersucht werden die Treiber und Barrieren von eigenverantwortlichem Lernen, um Firmen und speziell Schwäbisch Media Handlungsempfehlungen für die erfolgreiche Implementierung aufzuzeigen.
Matured markets and rising global competition lead to new challenges for the
manufacturing industry. Lean Production provides an approach to meet those challenges,
even more, to gain competitive advantage by improving the efficiency of processes. As
implementation of Lean Production is associated with high investments in form of time
and money, there is a high demand to measure these improvements. But standardized
Balanced Scorecards (BSCs) and classical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not
designed to show those occurring changes.
This thesis reviews current literature researches and elaborates possible indicators to make
Lean efforts measurable. This approach is further analyzed based on the example of the
implementation of Shop Floor Management in a medium-sized, international automotive
supplier. The thesis results in a proposal of a concrete set of indicators.
Social media is important to the private lives of people. Marketers can use this to sell their products and create a competitive advantage. This study’s research questions were formulated in order to examine this topic more closely. The aim of this thesis is to provide a theoretical background on social media and the influence of purchase decisions, as well as empirical evidence. Secondary data from various journals and articles was used to provide a theoretical framework based on the latest information. Empirical studies by researchers in different industries have examined the topic with a statistical approach. Their findings are used to provide a practical perspective. The results show that social media has a positive influence on consumers’ purchase behaviour. The conclusion discusses recommendations for future research, limitations and a critical view on existing empirical research and theory on this topic.
CSR-Marken- Erfolgsfaktoren für die Markenführung und Einfluss auf das Kaufverhalten von Konsumenten
(2018)
CSR-Marken sind Marken, die ihre Positionierung durch CSR-Aktivitäten erweitern oder ihre gesamte Unternehmensführung nach CSR ausrichten. Allerdings ist die Frage, wie CSR in ein Unternehmen integriert werden muss, um als CSR-Marke erfolgreich zu sein. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, darzustellen, was die Erfolgsfaktoren für die CSR-Markenführung sind, und wie das Kaufverhalten von Konsumenten hierdurch beeinflusst werden kann. Eine Literaturrecherche und Experteninterviews konnten Aufschluss darüber geben, was die Erfolgsfaktoren für die CSR-Markenführung sind. Es zeigte sich, dass es für den Erfolg einer CSR-Marke entscheidend ist, dass zuerst eine Strategie entwickelt wird, ein Dialog mit den Stakeholdern stattfindet, die Unterstützung des gesamten Unternehmens vorhanden ist, inklusive dem Management, sich CSR entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette wiederfindet, CSR langfristig stattfindet, und sich eine CSR-Marke weiterentwickelt. Durch die großzahlige Befragung dieser Arbeit wurde überprüft, wie CSR-Marken das Kaufverhalten von Konsumenten beeinflussen und was den Konsumenten hierfür wichtig ist. Es wurde untersucht, welchen Einfluss die Glaubwürdigkeit, die Produktqualität, die altruistische Motivation zur Ausübung von CSR-Aktivitäten, der Zusammenhang zwischen Unternehmenstätigkeit und CSR-Aktivität und die Authentizität einer CSR-Marke auf die Kaufabsicht, die Loyalität und die Zahlungsbereitschaft von Konsumenten hat. Festgestellt wurde, dass vor allem die Glaubwürdigkeit einer CSR-Marke Einfluss darauf hat, ob CSR- Marken das Kaufverhalten von Konsumenten positiv beeinflussen können.
Digitalization is one of the global megatrends of the 21st century. With the increase of mobile technology, constant connectivity, and data analytics, organizations are forced to become more digital to keep up with the increasingly digital world.
This research addresses the changing role of leadership due to digitalization. It examines factors which need to be considered when driving digital transformation in organizations as well as leadership competencies necessary in the digital age. Finally, the research addresses the resistance to digital transformation in organizations.
To investigate how leadership is affected by digitalization, qualitative research is carried out. The research is based on published secondary data.
The findings of this research suggest the growing importance of leadership in the digital age. Leadership needs to approach digitalization actively, thus driving digital transformation in organizations to stay competitive in the increasingly digital world. Further, the research suggests six leadership competencies which are essential in times of digital transformation and identifies two leadership roles which have arisen in recent years due to digitalization. Finally, the research proposes ways to overcome resistance to digital transformation.
This bachelor thesis is a comparative study between German and French consumers. Why do Germans spend less on food than French consumers? This question, which is the main one of this paper, leads to a subdivision in three other questions: How do the culture and some financial aspects of Germany and France impact their food buying decisions? German consumer vs. French consumer: how important are the characteristics of each consumer behaviour Profile? Are the other parameters being taken into account while buying food the reasons why French consumers spend more on food than Germans?
In order to answer the first two questions not only an analysis of both culture is required but also an examination of the consumption behaviours of each population. By means of qualitative and quantitative research methods the third question will be treated.
According to this comparative study, the results show that buying decision related to food is strongly influenced by some cultural aspects of each population. An answer of the main question of this study can also be derived after analysing the German consumer Profile.
Die Besetzung von Schlüsselpositionen in der IT-Branche, erfordert durch den akuten Fachkräftemangel eine aktive Herangehensweise in der Personalbeschaffung. Für das Herausfiltern aktuell vakanter Schlüsselpositionen der IBsolution GmbH, wurde diesbezüglich eine Schlüsselfunktions-Engpass-Matrix erstellt. Die daraufhin definierte Zielgruppe, wurde mithilfe von Experteninterviews anschließend analysiert. Aufbauend darauf, ergaben sich bezüglich den Faktoren Vorbereiten, Finden und Gewinnen konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen. Die Steigerung der Recruiter IT-Affinität, die Integration der Fachbereiche, das Nutzen ausgewählter Online Plattformen und die zielgruppenspezifische Förderung der Arbeitgebermarke stellen dabei die wesentlichen Aspekte dar.
Augmented Sensors
(2018)
Surge pricing is a dynamic pricing strategy which has been developed by the American ride-sharing platform Uber. Based on demand and supply, the surge pricing algorithm calculates a trip fare for both, riders and drivers. In times when demand outstrips supply in a certain geographic area, the algorithm applies a so-called “surge factor” which is multiplied by the basic trip fare. This way, the provider can calibrate demand and supply until they reach the market equilibrium again. This paper examines whether dynamic surge pricing can also be applied to the offline food retail market. Consequently, it starts by giving some theoretical background on dynamic and surge pricing, and with the aid of a PESTEL analysis, highlights all the factors presenting opportunities and limitations for the implementation of surge pricing in supermarkets. In addition to that, by conducting a SWOT analysis of dynamic surge pricing, this thesis investigates what the prerequisites are to a successful implementation strategy. In the end, it outlines possible consequences for consumers if surge pricing is used in grocery stores. It will be found that, from a theoretic point of view, a dynamic surge pricing strategy is feasible in the offline food retail market. However, it does not present the optimal pricing method for neither of the market participants.
Erismann und die deutsche Tapetenindustrie sind mit sinkenden Absätzen konfrontiert. Laut einer aktuellen Studie haben die Deutschen ein negatives Bild von Tapeten und sind unzureichend über die Vorteile von Vliestapeten informiert.
Diese Arbeit entwirft einen strategischen Ansatz, um deutsche Endverbraucher über die Vorteile von Vliestapeten zu informieren. Die Möglichkeiten des Reichweitenausbaus Erismanns im Web und Sozialen Netzwerken werden erforscht, ein Ansatz zur Aufklärung der Endverbraucher wird erarbeitet und Vermarktungsempfehlungen ausgesprochen.
Basis der Arbeit ist eine Marktanalyse mit Modellen wie Porter’s 5 Forces und PEEST. Der Konsument, seine Kaufmotive, sein Customer Journey und Kaufverhalten werden untersucht. Eine Segmentierungsstrategie mit dem Ziel, Buyer Personas zu erstellen, wird entworfen. Das erleichtert die folgende Differenzierung und Positionierung. SEO Maßnahmen werden ausgewertet. Die Content-Marketing Strategie verfolgt das Ziel der Erstellung von Themenbereichen und Anwendung von Storytelling auf der Webseite und in Sozialen Netzwerken wie Facebook und Instagram.
Es zeigt sich, dass eine Reichweitenerhöhung mit SEO (Suchmaschinenoptimierung) Maßnahmen, Blogging, organischem Linkbuilding besonders über Influencer und der Erstellung zielgruppenrelevanter Inhalte durch Content-Marketing erreicht werden kann. Content-Marketing ist geeignet, um Konsumenten zu erreichen und über Produktvorteile aufzuklären.
Die Aufklärung über die Vorteile von Vliestapeten geht zwingend mit der Verbesserung des Images von Tapeten einher. Aufgrund der steigenden Bedeutung von SEO und Social Media Marketing muss Erismann Erfahrungen in diesen Bereichen sammeln und seine Online Präsenz ausbauen.
Diese Bachelorarbeit hat das Ziel, die Existenz von Geschlechtsunterschieden im Kon-sumentenverhalten aufzuzeigen. Hierfür wurden Ergebnisse aus verschiedenen Wissens-gebieten interdisziplinär zusammengefasst. Gemeinsam mit der Geschlechterforschung werden Aussagen darüber gegeben, ob sich Frauen und Männer von Natur aus unterschei-den oder ob vorgegebene Geschlechterrollen der Grund dafür sind. Durch eine empirische Studie wurden die theoretischen Feststellungen explanativ überprüft und explorative er-weitert. Untersucht wurde dabei das Kaufverhalten einer Stichprobe aus weiblichen und männlichen Probanden. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen zum großen Teil die theoretischen Feststellungen. Gender Marketing im Konsumgüterbereich ist sinnvoll und befriedigt an-geborene sowie anerzogene Unterschiede. Gleichzeitig führt dies zur Manifestierung von Geschlechterrollen. Ebenfalls konnten Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden, welche über die theoretischen Annahmen hinausgehen. Folglich können Handlungsempfehlungen fürs Marketing abgegeben werden und Anstöße für weitere Untersuchungen gegeben werden.
Understanding consumer behavior is a crucial task for businesses as it is fundamental to analyze and implement successful marketing strategies. The following Bachelor thesis investigates the consumer behavior of Millennials, a consumer group that, due to its size and unique consumer patterns, has become ever more interesting for businesses in recent years. Firstly, this work gives an overview of the necessary steps to analyze consumer characteristics to understand the main concept of consumer behavior as analyzing consumer characteristics forms the basis of developing and finally implementing appropriate marketing strategies. Secondly, as modern technologies play an important role in consumer behavior, this Bachelor thesis analyzes the influence of advanced technological marketing tools on consumer behavior in greater depth. Thirdly, this paper takes a closer look at the millennial generation, thereby focusing on its distinct consumer behavior and its importance for businesses and societies – across time as customers as well as employees. To understand the significance of the millennial customer segment, it is not only important to contrast the consumer behavior of Millennials to those of other generations but to also get familiar with the Millennials’ main characteristics that define their consumption patterns such as their focus on status and sustainable consumption. Finally, this Bachelor thesis outlines potential opportunities and challenges for marketers today and in the years to come and provides suited recommendations on how to effectively target the millennial customer segment to best meet the expectations of Millennials.
Global mobility in academia
(2018)
The influence of working mobility on perceived job satisfaction of academics stays incredibly unknown. This research paper has centred on the effect of traits of mobility at the perceived professional achievements of academics. External factors at the level of receiving high education institution, as well as internal factors at family and socio-cultural level were studied. Records had been gathered with the help of a web questionnaire from 10 academics from different countries at different stages of their career. Using data analyses, results have confirmed that successful socio-cultural integration is crucial for a positive perceived career success of academics.
Fort he past decades Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Cameroon and the world over has been growing. Despite the restructuring of the Cameroon Banking sector after the Bank crisis that erupted in the late 1980`s, MFIs in Cameroon continue to grow and offering financial products and services to the unbanked population not served by commercial banks. The main objective of this research is to critically examine and analyse the factors responsible for the growth of MFIs in Cameroon in comparable to commercial banks and a recommendation on what need to be done to improve on the financial sector of Cameroon. The research method is an explorative approach base on empirical literature review. The research will examine social and financial performance factors that have been responsible for the emerging growth of MFIs in other developing countries in Africa Asia, Latin America and apply them to MFIs in Cameroon in order to find out if these same factors can also be responsible for the emerging growth of MFIs in Cameroon. At the end of this research study it was revealed that social performance factors which includes total number of clients served that measured the breadth of outreach,the poverty level of the clients which measured the depth of outreach, the total number of branches and products and services which measured the scope of outreach has been responsible for the emerging growth of microfinance institutions in Cameroon.
Key words: performance factors, Microfinance institutions,Commercial banks, Cameroon
As the service industry continues to grow in all aspects it is becoming clearer that as consumers have more options companies have to find different ways to distinguish themselves from their competition. One of the ways to do this is pricing, although some firms are still using old forms of pricing most are now gravitating towards newer more unconventional methods.
The purpose of this research was to analyze different pricing strategies and how they affect consumer purchasing behavior. The study looked at new forms of pricing such as Pay what you want, more conventional pricing in the service industry which was Dynamic pricing and a controversial form of pricing which was partitioned pricing.
This thesis contains 6 chapters. The first chapter will be an introduction and literature review, Chapter 2, 3 and 4 will represent the different pricing mechanisms respectively Chapter 5 will compare and summarize the pricing strategies and Chapter 6 will provide the conclusion and limitations
This Thesis comes to the conclusion that different pricing strategies invoke different behavioral characteristics in consumers. Pricing strategies can either affect consumer behavior negatively or positively. Pay what you want pricing influences consumer behavior the most in a positive way whilst Partitioned pricing will cause increase consumers’ willingness to purchase a service. Traditional methods such as dynamic pricing affect consumer behavior to a lesser degree. In comparison with the other forms of pricing does not affect consumer behavior positively.
Relevanz und Anforderungen des E-Commerce im Internationalen Key Account Management der SICK AG
(2018)
Die Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Thema E-Commerce im Internationalen Key Account Management. Dabei wurde untersucht, welche Relevanz dem E-Commerce im B2B Geschäft zugeschrieben wird, welche Herausforderungen sich aus dem E-Commerce für die Lieferanten ergeben und wie der E-Commerce mit dem klassischen Key Account Management vereinbar ist. Das Thema wurde am Beispiel der SICK AG untersucht. Als Untersuchungsverfahren wurde intern eine Onlinebefragung der Tochtergesellschaften und Experteninterviews mit Spezialisten aus verschiedenen Bereichen durchgeführt.
Resultierend aus den Untersuchungen nimmt die Bedeutung des E-Commerce weltweit deutlich zu. Die elektronische Vernetzung mit dem Lieferanten ist zu einem wichtigen Kriterium für die Lieferantenauswahl geworden. Gleichzeitig konnte aufgezeigt werden, dass die rein elektronische Abwicklung aller Geschäftsprozesse Nachteile birgt, die für den Key Account nur schwer erkennbar sind.
Abschließend sind Handlungsempfehlungen spezifisch für die SICK AG abgeleitet worden.
The study explores the factors relevant to enticing consumers to purchase goods online at German drugstores and the measures the drugstores can take to address these factors. Based on the Online Shopping Acceptance Model and sector characteristics, enticing factors are derived and corresponding measures relevant to B2C e-commerce are identified. Qualitative research to support the validity is done in the form of in-depth and expert interviews, and of a case study on a company successful in e-commerce, Zalando SE. Results show that currently few factors are enticing and measures to target these are limited, and that only certain aspects of Zalando’s success can be transferred to drugstores. Given the current situation drugstores are advised not to aim at shifting large parts of their business to online channel. Nevertheless, the study provides drugstores a number of measures to improve their online offering in the context of their multi-channel strategy.