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Course of studies
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.
What Are the Barriers for Asylum Seekers and Refugees Who Want to Enroll at a Swiss University?
(2018)
This research explores the efficiency or effectiveness of video interviewing. It checked the effectiveness of video interviewing in the assessment of skills and the prediction of future performances. The research was comparative, meaning that video interviewing was compared to the other media of interviewing. This was done in terms of their advantages, innovativeness, efficiency and practicality. It describes what video interviewing is all about, what qualities and benefits it possesses and what downsides does have. 6 Recruitment Specialists and HR experts [Industry experts] took part in a survey. Results show that video interviewing has many benefits that emulate the basic characteristics of a face to face interview. However, video interviewing has even more advantages that make it more practical than face to face interviews at some stages of the recruitment process. All these observations led to the conclusion that video interviewing is a very effective interviewing media.
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.
Trends and Advances in the Characterization of Gas Sensing Materials Based on Semiconducting Oxides
(2018)
The thesis introduces a case study research presenting the transfer pricing problem of a selected MNE. Hereby, the researcher derives an appropriate method for the case and concludes with a comparison of theory and practice. The theoretical part of the thesis evaluates existing transfer pricing methods as explained by the OECD, Germany and the USA. The second part is about the choice of the research methodology, case study research and expert interview.
The third part first introduces the case study, analyzes a theoretical framework of the transfer pricing process and evaluates the existing transfer pricing methods, which allows for the derivation of the most appropriate transfer pricing method for the case. The fourth part concludes the research by applying the derived transfer pricing method, the Cost Plus Method, to the particular case study. By combining theoretical and practical approaches, a solution to the problem is determined.
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.
The world is in a trend of urbanization, which leads to population surges in the major cities. The consequences are an increase in pollution and traffic congestion. With the rise of the sharing economy, bike sharing systems are a possible solution to the urban traffic problem, which at the same time is a sustainable “green” way of transportation. This trend is especially visible in China where the combination of bike sharing and the Internet of things has resulted in a new form of bike sharing: the free-floating bike sharing system. This paper seeks to analyse the new model, the underlying market conditions of China and Germany affecting the system and eventually tries to evaluate the chances and limitations of the FFBSS in the German market, considering the differences in the market and the opinions of expats who experienced the system first hand in China. This paper focuses on the two major operators of the free-floating bike sharing system, Mobike and Ofo bike, who have split most of the Chinese market between them, kicking out most of its competitors.
The European Monetary Union is a unique monetary system that exists for nineteen years now. An ongoing discussion about the workings and the role of the European Monetary Union is being conducted by researchers, who come to various conclusions. The current crisis made it clear that the current construction is not ideal, and there is a certain room for improvement.
This thesis introduces an in-depth analysis of the current role and workings of European Monetary Union, as well as a potential consideration of the benefits and risks connected to a potential entry of Hungary into the Eurozone. The literature review discusses the inner working of the unique case of the EMU, which is a monetary union, without budgetary union obligations for its member states. The literature review highlights the general benefits and risks connected to the membership in a monetary union, as well as mentions the unique benefits and risks connected to a membership in EMU.
The second part is dealing with the research methodology; macroeconomic indicators of Lithuania, Slovakia, Germany and Italy are being examined and analyzed, in order to determine the degree of influence EMU is having on the chosen macroeconomic indicators and outliers. A summary of the knowledge from the literature review is being applied for the subsequent analysis.
The third part first introduces the macroeconomic situation of Hungary, analyses the development of such factors and contemplates the compliance with the Maastricht Convergence Criteria, which need to be fulfilled in order to become part of EMU.
The fourth part of the thesis concludes the research by combining the knowledge from the literature review and knowledge gained from the country analysis. A conclusion about the potential risks and benefits of EMU entry by Hungary is being drawn.
The practical applications of the PMBOK Guide for the events industry - an analysis and case study
(2018)
The goal of this thesis is the investigation and analysis of the PMBOK Guide for its feasibility in the development, planning and executing processes of events and the implications of its employment on the overall project success. The analysis includes findings on which guidelines are most applicable, which require modifications, and which are not or only limited useful for event planning. The different processes and their usefulness in the events context are outlined and recommendations for their use are made. For illustration purposes a case study based on a trade show launch was developed and appropriate guidelines were applied, resulting in specific recommendations to the project team. Additionally, key performance indicators and other success measurements were developed in the course of this work. Since events need to pivot and are set in an agile environment, it is challenging to apply a waterfall method such as the PMBOK Guide to the project procedures making it advisable to ultimately employ a hybrid or selective approach. The results of this research can enable project managers in the events industry to more easily apply a waterfall methodology as a whole or in parts to their projects and provides a variety of indicators and measurements for performance evaluation.
Social community is a basic need of human life. Exchange, networking and cooperation are the driving forces for innovation and are at the same time essential for the accomplishment of everyday life. Since the foundation of Facebook in 2004, (digital) networking has been redefined and constantly reinvented. Research and science endeavor to describe the phenomena, to analyze them scientifically and to make the benefits of digital networking accessible to all. In that context this article presents first results of the evaluation of a quarter related networking platform. Objectives of the evaluation are the derivation of criteria for the implementation of neighborhood apps as well as the gain in knowledge about content satisfaction and the user-friendliness of the neighborhood app used in the project. First results show that there is a cross-generational interest in digital networking and that tools for neighborhood work and district communication make the use of a neighborhood platform attractive. Nevertheless, there is a certain inhibition to the usage due to the fear to do something wrong, additional work and the low added value in the initial phase due to low numbers of users.
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.
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.
For a long time, car sharing has been known as a niche market, not able to attract a significant number of people. The cause of this has not only been car sharing services being inflexible with their offers, but also the high societal value of owning a car. Today, car sharing is more flexible with its offers and enjoys a rising popularity within the Federal Republic of Germany. A steadily increasing number of citizens is registered with local car sharing providers. This trend represents one of the many sub-categories resulting from the sharing economy, which stands for community consumption. Instead of owning an object, the customer pursues the objective of temporary use. Using an online survey as well as expert interviews, this thesis investigates if car sharing has an impact on car ownership. In addition, this research aims to find out if and how the endowment effect, which describes the phenomenon of people valuing something higher that they own than something they do not own, impacts the connection between car sharing and car ownership. Results suggest that a low degree of psychological ownership potentially could lead to a higher tendency to select a car sharing vehicle over a private vehicle. Relevant factors, as suggested by research results, are price and convenience. This implies that the endowment effect and the related factors should be taken into consideration when trying to establish car sharing services and reach customer groups, which have not been reachable so far.
The changes between Taiwan and China since 1979 have closer both countries in many aspects. This study seeks for evidence proving the impact of cross-strait political events on Taiwan Stock Market. Major events from 1995 to 2017 are identified and examined with event study using market model and both parametric and non-parametric test. By defining 19 events into two groups- Good news and Bad news, the results present significant abnormal returns on event day [0] or after. This suggests that there is significant impact of cross-strait political events on Taiwan Stock Market. Moreover, due to the limited amount of events, this study can only weakly support that Taiwan Stock Market is semi-strong form.
The present work illustrates the challenges non-profit organizations are facing, especially in regard to marketing measures. Rapid technical advancements and the continuous development of digital assets opens new creative possibilities, which organizations must recognize in order to operate successfully.
Future philanthropists’ charitable contributions are shaped by generational characteristics. The new generation forces organizations to implement new strategies and to revise its approach in order to address given needs and to satisfy all participants. Social platforms, permanent internet access and specifically mobile phones influence promotional activities which emphasizes the great importance of a digital marketing concept. Furthermore, charity organizations need to adapt new ways of engaging with their donor base in order to build a sustainable and lasting relationship.
This paper aims to reveal generational impacts on charitable contributions. It focuses mainly on marketing measures and the upcoming challenges and specifically aims to examine existing evidence for the effectiveness of Video Marketing. Hence, the key question to be answered is if video illustrates the new sales tool to approach future philanthropists. Therefore, an interview with the expert Dennis van Dijk, the COO of MSSG B.V., is being conducted to support the possible result.
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.
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
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.
As banks have to close branches in the current low-interest environment and as customers show an increasing preference for online channels, existing channels of branch-centric banks no longer can guarantee to suffice the needs of the omni-channel consumer. Online consultation through video chat, called video banking, is a possible solution for these issues. In order to keep marketing activities effective and cost-efficient, it is of interest for the banking sector to define a socio-demographic target group for video banking.
Thus, the objective of this thesis is to find socio-demographic characteristics which influence the willingness to use video banking. The characteristics deemed as plausible predictors are then tested for their suitability as such through bivariate and multivariate analysis of an empirical study conducted among U.S. bank customers with internet access. The goal of the multivariate analysis is to find the regression model that best predicts the willingness to use video banking. Depending on the outcome, recommendations will be made about the definition of a target group for video banking.
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.