The 100 most recently published documents
A sensor fusion concept integrating the optical and microfabricated eddy-current sensor for the non-destructive testing of the grinding burn is reported. For evaluation, reference grinding burn with varying degrees are fabricated on 42CrMo4 tool steel cylinder. The complementary sensing nature of the proposed sensors for the non-destructive testing of the grinding burn is successfully achieved, wherein both the superficial and an in-depth quantitative profile information of the grinding zone is recorded. The electrical output (voltage) of the optical sensor, which is sensitive to the optical surface quality, dropped only by 20 % for moderate degree of grinding burn and by ca. 50 % for stronger degree of grinding burn (i.e. by exclusively considering the superficial surface morphology of the grinding burn). Moreover, a direct correlation among the average surface roughness of the grinding burn, the degree of grinding burn and the optical sensor’s output voltage was observed. The superficial and in-depth information of the grinding burn was recorded using a microfabricated eddy-current sensor (planar microcoil with circular spiral geometry with 20 turns) by measuring the impedance change as function of the driving frequency. The depth of penetration of induced eddy-current in the used 42CrMo4 workpiece (with a sensor to workpiece distance of 700 µm) varied from 223 µm to 7 µm on increasing the frequency of the driving current from 1kHz to 10 MHz, respectively. A very interesting nature of the grinding burn was observed with two distinct zones within the grinding zone, namely, the superficial zone (starting from the workpiece surface to 15 µm in grinding zone) and a submerged zone (>15 µm within the grinding zone). The impedance of the microcoils changed by ca. 8 % and 4 % for the superficial and submerged zone for regions with stronger degree of grinding burn at a frequency of 10 MHz and 2.5MHz, respectively. Furthermore, a correlation between the microhardness of the grinding burn and the impedance change is also observed.
Funding is the key to success for a start-up. Since start-ups are often operating in innovative industries, they rarely receive loans from traditional debt lenders such as banks. However, start-ups do have the option of acquiring money for company growth through equity financing. One possibility for this is venture capital. In this scope, Germany is significantly behind the United States of America due to various aspects. This problem shows the relevance of the topic and justifies the critical examination of this subject. This work aims to analyze the German venture capital market, its development over the last 20 years, its advantages on the one hand and its disadvantages on the other hand as well as its future perspectives. Beyond that, the differences between the German and the American venture capital market and its success factors are presented. To answer all research questions, a broad literature review in combi-nation with several conducted expert interviews, which are evaluated on the principle of the qualitative content analysis according to Mayring, is applied. The results of the analysis indicate that there are mainly three fields that are crucial for a successful venture capital market: Political actions, attitudes of the society, and the economic situation. Within these fields, some aspects of Germany are considered worse than in the U.S. In the United States of America politics often intervenes to create better conditions for investments via venture capital. Besides, the risk affinity of society in the U.S. is a major advantage compared to the risk-averse society in Germany. This is complemented by a pronounced start-up mentality in the U.S. and the positive attitude of society towards the failure of a new start-up. In Germany, the opposite can be found in both aspects. Nevertheless, the German venture capital market has developed positively in recent years and has some advantages, such as a wide range of government grants for start-ups and the opportunity for investors to earn high returns on the initial investment. All experts that were interviewed are very confident that venture capital in Germany will continue to develop positively. They identified the reasons for this evolution in an increasing number of start-ups and better skills among the founders, which increases a start-ups' chances of success. For this reason, the experts forecast rising yield expectations, as well as an increasing number of venture capital providers, and venture capital takers. This research also indicates that the volumes of venture capital funds will rise, and the COVID-19-pandemic will accelerate the development of venture capital in Germany. The results of the research clearly show that despite some weaknesses, the German venture capital market has been on a good path for several years, and that there is a high probability that the growth will continue in the future.
The topic of education and web-based training in particular in the technical domain has gained wide acceptance as an effective medium for enterprises to deliver learning and training for their employees and customers. Since learning through the web has several didactic challenges to face, companies must choose the adequate learning method to deliver training to their employees. In the case of Bosch Communications Systems, using web-based training for instruction in the field of professional audio engineering, software remains a subject of investigation and constant innovation. The present study aimed to determine which method of web-based training is better to apply for Expert Level learning on the use and configuration of the sound system software SONICUE. To achieve so, the instructional design of the two methods of study, video tutorial and simulation tutorial, were developed based on cognitive theories. Learning outcomes and levels of user experience of both methods were measured and compared. A sample of 31 participants of Bosch Communications Systems, divided into the two tutorial groups, took part in the present research. Results indicated no significant differences in learning outcome; however, the video tutorial received higher levels of preference among participants and was perceived in a more positive manner than the simulation tutorial in terms of practicality, design, features and navigation. The results of this evaluation reflect the importance of incorporating cognitive research based frameworks to improve the learning quality.
Die vorliegende Arbeit dient der Beurteilung einer virtuellen Substitutionsmesse hinsichtlich deren Erfolgspotenzial und den Stärken und Schwächen gegenüber physischen Messen. Dabei gibt die Literaturrecherche allgemeine Blickpunkte wieder, die Bezug nehmend auf die Reitsportbranche im praktischen Teil vertieft werden. Eine Analyse des Messewesens und der Reitsportbranche geben vorweg einen Einstieg in die Thematik. Aspekte der Flexibilität, der Wirtschaftlichkeit, des Messe-Erlebnisses und der Multisensorik sowie der Kommunikation und Technik werden zur theoretischen Betrachtung herangezogen und bilden die Grundlage für die Einschätzung der virtuellen Messe. Im Rahmen einer zusammenfassenden SWOT-Analyse können Stärken innerhalb der flexiblen Zeitgestaltung und der technischen Funktionen festgestellt werden. Zusätzlich werden Schwächen innerhalb der Kommunikation und der Erzeugung eines multisensorischen Messererlebnisses erkannt.
Das praktische Beispiel anhand der Pferdemesse „Online Horse Fair International“ unterstreicht die Stärken und Schwächen und resultiert in konkreten Empfehlungen zur Weiterentwicklung einer virtuellen Publikumsmesse im Rahmen der Pferdebranche. Anhand einer Teilnehmer Zufriedenheitsumfrage kann ein besonderer Fokus der Informationsfunktion der Messe festgestellt werden, während das Einkaufen in den Hintergrund rückt. Folglich kann sich die virtuelle Messe durch Schaffung eines Ortes des Erfahrungs- und Wissensaustausch von der physischen Messe abheben. Allgemein gilt es daher nicht die bestmögliche Annäherung an eine reale Messe zu kreieren, sondern ein aus den Stärken abgeleitetes Alleinstellungsmerkmal hervorzubringen.
This thesis is written based on secondary research to understand the main determinants of purchase intention of Generation Y women towards Fast Fashion products and how important is sustainability among those determinants. There are many different studies dedicated to Generation X and Z, however, when it comes to Generation Y there are not many sources available. I decided to put them together in this study.
This thesis consists of secondary researches, mostly journal articles and case studies from different countries, with detailed specific information.
The gathered information is categorized into 3 small hypotheses, which include theoretical and practical approaches.
More research can be made conducting primary research in different countries using physical stores and online stores.
Recent years have shown a shift in consumer demand in favor of environmentally and consumer-friendly products. These dynamics can be observed in the market through the rapid growth of the natural cosmetics segment. To highlight the ecological products, producers increasingly use ecolabels. The objective is to facilitate vertical product differentiation and to attract the environmentally aware consumer. This research aims at analyzing whether the natural cosmetics user is aware of the implications of the different ecolabels and whether the knowledge depends on demographical factors. The overall result indicates that the consumer possesses a superficial knowledge about ecolabels, which is not correlated to the purchasing behavior or demographic factors. The profusion of ecolabels hinders consumers from taking advantage of the information provided by the ecolabels. In the future, efforts should be made to improve the knowledge of the consumer, which will boost purchasing behavior.
Over many decades, greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity have been increasing and negatively impacting the environment and promoting climate change. One sector that contributes heavily to these emissions is the food industry.
With the aim of reducing these environmental impacts, climate labeling has been introduced as one possible approach to target emissions related to consumer purchasing behavior. This thesis investigates consumer responses to the possible introduction of climate labeling of food products. Moreover, necessary criteria for such an implementation and the potential consequences in terms of increasing sustainability in the food industry are evaluated.
Findings indicate that a label can be effective and change consumer behavior if food labels meet specific label criteria such as an attractive design and little but comprehensible information. Moreover, other factors such as pricing of products can influence the success of food labels.
Regarding the overall food industry, a label could have positive effects but is dependent on changes on both consumer and producer sides following the label introduction. However, it is difficult to exactly evaluate the impact of a label on an entire industry, as green-house gas reductions caused by a label would be hard to measure specifically. Due to the lack of data, it is impossible to predict the actual impact of a climate label on the food industry, but it is possible to assume a positive tendency towards more sustainability.
Diese Bachelorarbeit zeigt Empfehlungen auf, welche bei der Projektplanung und Projektumsetzung eines digitalen Lernkonzeptes mit einem LMS beachtet werden sollten. So können Projektziele erreicht werden, welche zum Erfolg des Konzeptes und damit des Projektes führen. Durch das Konzept soll eLearning in einem mittelständischen Familienunternehmen eingeführt werden. Es ist ersichtlich, dass die Integration der Zielgruppe in das Projekt zum Erfolg führen kann. Auch bedarf es einer Akzeptanz von Veränderungen und Weiterbildung. So kann es zur Nutzung des Konzeptes kommen. Dieses kann dabei bei aktuellen Herausforderungen der vorliegenden Unternehmensform helfen.
Die vorliegende Bachelorthesis untersucht Social Media Marketing in Business-to-Business Unternehmen als Instrument zur Steigerung der Markenbekanntheit im Business-to-Business Segment und erklärt die Einsatzmöglichkeiten der sozialen Medien im Business-to-Business Bereich. Diese Arbeit wurde in Kooperation mit der Angelo Oberflächentechnik GmbH erstellt, ein Kleinunternehmen aus der Beschichtungsindustrie mit Hauptsitz in Tuttlingen. Unternehmen aus dem Business-to-Consumer Sektor nutzen die sozialen Medien schon länger, da diese sehr früh erkannt haben, dass die Social Media Präsenz ein ausgezeichnetes Instrument ist, um mit den Kunden direkte Kontakte aufzubauen. Aufgrund der dauernd wachsenden Nutzerzahlen von Plattformen wie LinkedIn oder XING wird auch im B2B Bereich die Frage gestellt, wie vielversprechend Social Media Marketing in diesem Sektor ist.
Während der Digitalisierung stehen viele Bereiche des Unternehmens vor einer digitalen Transformation. Das Controlling steht auch vor großen Veränderungen, die viele Chancen und Risiken mit sich bringen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung und der damit verbundenen neuen Technologien wie Big Data, Business Analytics und Machine Learning auf das Controlling zu übertragen. Es stellt sich die Frage, welche Auswirkungen die Digitalisierung auf das Controlling haben wird und wie sich die Rolle des Controllers in Zukunft ändern wird. Zur Beantwortung der Forschungsfrage wurden die neuen Technologien definiert und auf das Controlling übertragen. Mit Hilfe wichtiger Studien war es möglich, die Rollen des Controllers in der Zukunft zu definieren und die Chancen und Risiken zu erläutern. Als Ergebnis dieser Arbeit wurde festgestellt, dass das Controlling vor weitreichenden Veränderungen steht und der Einsatz neuer Technologien die Rolle des Controllers verändern wird. Die Ergebnisse sind im Fazit zusammengefasst.
Purpose - The venture capital (VC) company Antler is striving for a gender balanced start-up program. Nevertheless, with average numbers of 21% - 32% of female founders within their programs in Europe, Antler can still improve their numbers of female entrepreneurs. The purpose of this thesis is to conduct general research on women entrepreneurship and to develop a strategy on how Antler could increase their numbers of female business founders in their programs.
Methods - The thesis reviews literature on female entrepreneurship to conduct general research and internal company data is used to analyse the current position of Antler with regard to their female company founder representation within their programs. Expert interviews are conducted to gain information about biases at Antler and the significance of females within the entrepreneurial industry.
Findings – In order to increase their ratio of female entrepreneurs in their start-up programs, Antler should focus on a long-run approach and stay in contact with the women who did not join Antler initially, as many of them need more time to be convinced. Media coverage can raise awareness, educate and give women role-models of successful female company founders. Quotas and legal guidelines could change the numbers of female entrepreneurs right now, until a change in the mindset and social views towards women is created.
Limitations - As this thesis is based on internal company data, it is only covering the perspective of the venture capital company Antler and the European market. Further research would be needed to widen the conclusions.
Value - This thesis shows the importance of female entrepreneurs and the difficulties they face. It provides Antler with information and a strategy on how to increase their numbers of female entrepreneurs in their start-up programs.
Abstract
With the writing of this paper, I have the intention to move the legal entity further into the public discourse and test the hypothesis whether the legal entity in its current form is still contemporary. The principle of separability combined with the economic principle is offering much potential to exploit the current economic landscape. Although they are partly constrained by several laws. This cause frictions between governments and corporations. In the following, this paper will show you different ways how companies such as Nestlé, Ikea, or E.ON use the legal entity to follow the economic principle. Furthermore, this paper will show how professional football clubs uses the legal entity to attract investors and in which manner the German Football Association (DFB) use their status as a non-profit organization. The government is trying to restrain companies with laws and restrictions such as a new form of a class action or regulations that prevent nuclear energy operators from outsourcing liabilities to subsidiaries, which arguing against the initial hypothesis. An important part deals with the justification for the existence and criticism of the legal person. Here, the focus is located on statements beside legal professionals such as Christian Jaag who thinks that the current version of the legal person does not fit to the international tax law. He mentioned as a reason for its existence that without the legal person there would not be a taxation in the country it is located as customers, suppliers or employee may locate somewhere else. Experts outside of jurisprudence rarely comment on the legal person. Economists are silent about it and take it for granted, as it is to their advantage.
Ziel der vorliegenden Bachelorarbeit ist die Erforschung ökonomischer Effekte des Corona Virus auf den Berufsfußball. Dazu wird folgende Forschungsfrage gestellt:
„Welche wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen hat Covid-19 auf den professionellen Fußball in Europa?“
Um die Forschungsfrage zu beantworten wird eine Literaturrecherche betrieben. Zunächst wird dafür der Profifußball definiert und die Spezifitäten der Branche aufgedeckt. Im Anschluss werden sowohl die finanziellen Daten vor der Krise als auch die aktuellsten Daten herangezogen, um die Auswirkungen analysieren zu können. Abschließend werden mögliche Lösungsalternativen ausfindig gemacht und bewertet.
Die Studie zeigt, dass die Branche durch den Wegfall von wichtigen Spieltageinnahmen sowie einer bereits vor Covid-19 bestehenden finanziellen Belastung wirtschaftliche Probleme aufweist. Insgesamt weisen die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass der Profifußball sich zukünftig nachhaltiger aufstellen muss, um Krisenzeiten besser zu überstehen.
An Empirical Investigation of the Effect of Packaging Design on Consumers' Willingness to Pay
(2021)
This study sheds light on the extent to which high-quality aesthetic packaging can positively influence consumer choice and raise willingness to pay at the point of sale. In two separate parts, we measure purchasing decisions and willingness to pay by contrasting high- and low-quality packaging of a pullover and a vodka bottle.
Findings show that, compared to cheap and standardized designs, visually appealing packages can significantly raise willingness to pay for a product. Besides, packaging design is crucial when consumers buy the product as a gift rather than for self-consumption. This research provides evidence that beautifully designed packages can positively influence consumer choice at the point of purchase. However, packaging can only influence purchase decisions within a specific price range. If prices are too high and above the individual’s accepted price limit, packaging cannot convince consumers to buy the product. Further, our investigation shows that consumers’ age, gender, educational level, and occupational status can be related to their package choices. The late adulthood, men, and individuals with higher education and professional status are likely to spend more on attractively packaged products than other demographic groups.
The number of companies around the globe that are utilizing budgets to cut their costs is rising, especially in times of crisis. However, there seems to be an abundance of budgeting methods. Two of the most well-known methods are Traditional Incremental Budgeting and Zero-Based Budgeting. These two methods will be compared in this research paper on ‘How does Zero-Based Budgeting affect a company’s performance as compared to Traditional Incremental Budgeting?’. In order to give a satisfactory answer to this question annual reports and figures of Mondelez International, Inc. were utilized as the snack and food company has used both budgeting methods in the past.
The research showed that there is a measurable effect on which budgeting method is used by a company. However, the favourable option for one specific company depends on a variety of reasons.
This thesis examines the changes in collaboration in medium-sized management consultancies due to the increasing virtuality during COVID-19. For this purpose, collaboration is divided into three categories: Team rituals, team dynamics, and communication. The study aims to develop recommendations for companies to deal with these changes based on the insights gained. These findings were obtained and evaluated by means of ten qualitative interviews with management consultants. The result of this research is that virtual collaboration entails both opportunities and risks and is strongly influenced by those three categories, whereby particularly communication plays a key role on a virtual basis.
An Analysis of Group Context Effects on Perceptions of Characteristics Relevant to Mate Choice
(2021)
Research on the perception of faces proposes a significant influence of social context on trait judgements. For instance, the “cheerleader effect” suggests an increase in the attractiveness of an individual based on the presence of additional faces. Further extensions to other trait characteristics have resulted inter alia in the awareness of the “banker effect”, which indicates that individuals in a group setting as opposed to in isolation are perceived to earn a higher salary. In light of recent findings in evolutionary psychology respective mate preferences, it is of interest to investigate potential nodes to social context effects. In addition to the replication of the cheerleader and banker effect, our study aimed to examine the effects of group context for characteristics relevant to mate choice. Besides the significance for attractiveness and salary, we were able to observe statistical significance for health and intelligence on both a subject and stimulus basis in a within-subjects design. However, we were not able to find significant differences in the isolated and group ratings for vanity, emotional stability, pleasing disposition, and unreliability. Furthermore, the evolutionary significance and the results of our study prompted us to address commonalities between the effects of social context on cognition and the social brain hypothesis and to reflect on possible underlying mechanisms and consequences.
The market for direct drive technology is said to have great growth potential. In order to increase its presence in this market, two new sensors from SICK Stegmann GmbH are currently in the market launch phase. The aim of this paper is to show the changes and challenges that arise in this market. As a result, new target groups and the resulting change in the distribution channel are proving to be the greatest changes and challenges for the company. Lack of knowledge about the product portfolio of the Motor-Feedback-Systems department on the part of the sales force further intensifies this problem. In this paper, approaches are elaborated on how these challenges can be counteracted and how a successful product launch can be realized. To this end, a training concept will be designed to enable the provision of the necessary product information. Further-more, product purchases of SICK Stegmann GmbH and other locations of the company are analyzed in order to be able to identify a causal relationship. As a result, correlations were identified, which is why cross selling represents another promising approach. Online presence in social media is also becoming increasingly important to companies. Another approach therefore relates to the use of Social Media to attract potential customers. Based on the insights gained in this paper, recommendations are defined, with whose implementation the market potential can be increased.
As COVID-19 forces school to shutdown, distance learning or homeschooling is increasingly becoming the preferred and safest mode of delivering education. The new trend however, raises underlying questions on the implication it will have on the educational gap and attainment between advantaged and disadvantaged students in Germany, stemming from the diverse economic, cultural and social situation among the student population. This study presents results of a comparative analysis between advantaged and disadvantaged students in Germany using the PISA data 2018. The study investigated, how large the educational gap in Germany between advantaged and disadvantaged students is and what influences this gap. More specifically, what effect COVID-19 induced school interruption has in increasing the educational at- tainment between the student population. The findings show that there is an educa- tional gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students in Germany and socio- economic and cultural factors influence student performance which aligns with the findings in the literature review. Furthermore, school closures of 51 days result to a loss of 3.26, 3.37 and, 4.12 PISA point for advantaged students in maths, science and reading respectively and a loss of 8.4, 8.1 and 5.01 PISA points in maths, sci- ence and reading for disadvantaged students. The results show an increase in the educational outcome and inequality between advantaged and disadvantaged students in Germany. The findings, necessitate the need for policy makers to neutralize the learning losses resulting from the COVID-19 induced remote learning.
In 2020 a pandemic caused the universities in Germany to close their doors for their
students. For the Hochschule Furtwangen University, it was the first time that online
classes were introduced on a large-scale. The objective of this thesis paper is to
investigate how international students at HFU Business School cope with having online
classes due to COVID-19 and to derive based on those findings a recommended course
of action.
The researcher conducted 32 semi-structured in-depth interviews with international
students, local students, professors, and university employees to examine the status quo.
A thorough literature review on studying and working from home formed the interview
questions' foundation. The interview covered several aspects of students' life, such as
studying, language development, or social factors.
Based on the findings, a recommended course of action was derived. Those 14
recommendations include practical suggestions covering different facets for the
university to implement to improve international students' ability to cope with the
restrictions caused by the pandemic and the resulting online classes successfully.
This paper studies the progressivity of a proposed indirect consumption tax on greenhouse gas emissions: the Carbon Added Tax. To evaluate its progressivity, a microsimulation was created assigning estimated tax burdens to individuals from the Spanish Household Budget Surveys from 2016 to 2019. These were then aggregated to calculate average effective tax rates across income and expenditure deciles as well as a series of progressivity and inequality indices. The resulting statistics and measures showed a strong regressivity of the Carbon Added Tax when measured against income but only a very mild regressivity when measured against expenditures. This study finds that with its mild regressiveness when measured against expenditures, the Carbon Added Tax has the potential to become a viable long-term solution to carbon taxation if adequately designed.
For a couple of years, the comparison of active and passive investing has been a big topic in the financial world. For this reason, an abundance of literature on this topic exists and multiple studies have been carried out. The COVID-19 crisis came fast and only little is known about the impact on ETFs and active funds. This scientific paper critically examines both investment strategies during the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to identify important factors and indicators for investors and whether ETFs or active funds are crisis-proof. To answer these questions a qualitative analysis was conducted. A sample of five experts regarding ETFs and active funds were interviewed with the same questions. The combination of the literature and the qualitative analysis shows that there is no crisis-proof strategy. Nevertheless, a broad and global diversified portfolio and a balanced asset allocation are important factors to make a fund more resistant against a crisis. In addition, the Sharpe ratio was identified as an important indicator for investors. The purpose of this paper is to add value for private investors and enable them to make rational decisions when choosing a fund based on the given indicators.
This study aims to ascertain whether share-repurchasing companies in Germany observe long-term abnormal returns, a phenomenon that has been extensively discussed in literature over the past decades. Germany is an especially interesting market for this analysis, as share-repurchases were only legalized in 1998 and are subject to sterner regulations compared to markets where repurchasing has had a long tradition. The event sample consists of 169 announcements made between June 2008 and May 2013. Each event is observed for three years following the announcement. To calculate abnormal returns, this study employs the Return Across Time and Securities, Calendar-Time Portfolio, and Buy-and-Hold Abnormal Return approaches, which yield statistically significant abnormal returns after three years of 23.72%, 22.81%, and 57.77%, respectively. The results further indicate most of the price adjustment occurs in the 15 months following the announcement, with only minor corrections thereafter. Overall, the findings of this study suggest the existence of long-term abnormal returns for German repurchasing companies.
New product development is essential for a company to grow and sustain itself. Usability testing is a crucial part of the new product development process, and it helps reduce product uncertainty and market failure. There are many methods available and they vary depending on the product development phase. This thesis focuses on methods used in the deployment phase, which is the final stage before mass production. The methods used differ subjecting to different customers.
A number of studies have suggested that marketing and sales should vary when the nature of customer differs. However, only a few studies focus on how the nature of customer influences new product testing. This research compares the involvement of B2B and B2C customers during the product innovation testing phase.
The comparison has been subcategorised into four smaller hypotheses. First, the methodologies used, such as virtual prototype testing, field testing, lab usability testing, and more, are discussed whether companies use them differently according to customers' nature. Second, the process of identifying and recruiting testers is examined. Third, testers' qualification is analysed, whether participants are ordinary users or professionals or companies prefer a mixture of both. Last, the sample size, which is simply the amount of testers who participated in the usability test.
Das an der Hochschule Furtwangen University angebotene Outdoor-Wildwassertraining (WWM-Seminar) verknüpft die Managementlehre mit dem Kajakfahren auf dem Wildwasser. Studierende können dieses mehrtägige Wahlpflichtfach freiwillig belegen, nehmen an Theorieeinheiten teil und erfahren sowie erproben das Gelernte auf dem Wildwasserfluss. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird anhand einer Studie überprüft, welche Auswirkungen das WWM-Seminar auf die Management Skills der Studierenden hat. Dafür wurden Teilnehmende (Testgruppe) sowie Nicht-Teilnehmende (Kontrollgruppe) des Trainings mithilfe eines Fragebogens im Pretest-Posttest-Design befragt. Die Auswertungen der Daten durch analytische Statistik zeigen signifikante Verbesserungen der Einschätzungen der Teilnehmenden bezüglich ihrer Managementfähigkeiten und-fertigkeiten. Lernerfolge durch das WWM-Seminar können angenommen werden.
XXXXXXXX, according to XXXXXXXX is a disruptive technology. This technology offers producers several advantages, such as more efficient and sustainable production, as well as cost savings and process optimization. Many producers are under increasing pressure to adapt their production in the long run tothe fast-growing technological standards andincreasing worldwide environmental consciousness. They are now facing the challenge of maintaining their competitive advantage in the medium to long run. Unfortunately, mostcompanies are not familiar with the new XXXXXXXX and XXXXXXXX might encounter rejection. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what actions need to be taken to convince a potential customer in the B2B relationship of the new technology. For this purpose, the following research question is posed: Which strategy supports the market entry of XXXXXXXX printing applications?-The impact of XXXXXXXX on technology introduction. To answer the research question, results were compiled on the basis of a literature research and an online survey on customer needs in décor baseboards and in vehicle interior design.
The research and the survey show, that decisions are always based on an emotional basis. In addition, information which is communicated several times and on different sensory levels, is better absorbed. The aspects sustainability, cost savings, individualization, waiting times and competent consultation play a central role for customers. Moreover, an economic challenge is crystallizing due to the Covid-19 crisis. As a result, the focus should be on emotionalizing and dramatizing the content when presenting the new XXXXXXXX technology. Here, the customer’s wishes should be included, and a personal connection should be built up as well as strong emotions evoked. This enables the creation of a very good customer experience, which is essential for decision-taking. In addition, the communication should take place on all sensory levels to provide the potential customer a multisensory experience. In order to better implement the proposed actions, it is recommended to meet the customer at a trade fair or in the XXXXXXXX building.The correct use of the proposed actions will help XXXXXXXX to successfully convince the potential customer of XXXXXXXX.
Die voranschreitende Globalisierung führt zu einer staatsübergreifenden Verschmelzung von Märkten, wodurch eine internationale Steuerplanung notwendig wird. Konzerne verlagern ihre Funktionen in das Ausland und gleichzeitig werden steuerrechtliche Anforderungen verschärft. Zusätzliche Vorschriften werden implementiert, um Gewinnverkürzungen oder Gewinnverlagerungen einzuschränken und um die Gefahr einer Doppelbesteuerung zu verringern. Neue Auflagen führen allerdings zu Zielkonflikten, was für Unternehmensgruppen steuerrechtliche Risiken und erhöhten administrativen Aufwand bedeutet. Mittelgroße international tätige Familienunternehmen wie die BLOCK Transformatoren-Elektronik GmbH stoßen dabei vermehrt auf Probleme und Unsicherheiten entstehen bei der Umsetzung von steuerrechtlichen Anforderungen, welche durch Betriebsprüfungen angestoßen werden. Die Motivation dieser Thesis ist demzufolge, sich ändernde unternehmensspezifische Anforderungen an ein Verrechnungspreissystem zur Vergütung von europäischen Konzern-Vertriebsgesellschaften in Einklang mit steuerrechtlichen Vorgaben zu bringen.
Das aktuell angewandte System wird dabei hinterfragt und es wird untersucht, ob eine geeignetere Verrechnungspreismethode für den vorliegenden Sachverhalt identifiziert und angewandt werden kann und dabei dem rechtlichen Rahmen gerecht wird. Auf die Definition des Sachverhaltes folgt eine Vergleichbarkeitsanalyse, welche eine Funktions- und Risikoanalyse der beteiligten Unternehmen, eine Untersuchung und Prüfung der betriebswirtschaftlichen Anwendbarkeit der vom Gesetzgeber zugelassenen Verrechnungspreismethoden und eine steuerrechtliche Überprüfung der potentiellen Methoden beinhaltet.
Als Ergebnis der Forschung wurden bei der aktuell angewandten Verrechnungspreismethode wesentliche Risiken und Probleme bei langfristiger Anwendung festgestellt. Des Weiteren wurde eine Methode identifiziert, welche in der Unternehmenspraxis anwendbar ist, den unternehmensspezifischen Anforderungen entspricht und steuerrechtlichen Anforderungen gerecht wird. Durch eine Umstrukturierung könnten die europäischen Vertriebsgesellschaften regelkonform vergütet und eine Planung und Kontrolle der Standorte eingeführt werden.
The demand for sustainable products has risen noticeably throughout the last years. For this reason, credence labels have gained enhanced importance, as customers use them as indicators for product quality. A rich body of literature investigated the effect of labels on product quality perception, but findings on label effects are still rather controversial. While researching the effects of labels on the one hand, previous studies tend to neglect other important influences on quality perception on the other hand. This paper examines the role of retailer formats and the presence of quality labels on consumer willingness to pay (WTP). For this purpose, a total of 400 participants received a monetary incentive to execute a novel survey based on neuroscientific assumptions, in an attempt to identify the impacts of credence labels in supermarkets and discounters on customer WTP. The results indicate that the magnitude of prices can influence reaction times and hence show that reaction times offer researchers an effective parameter to determine customer WTP. The presence of labels on food products was found to positively influence quality perception in a significant manner. A significant difference between the retailer formats, as well as a potential interaction between the two factors related to WTP, could not be detected. In conclusion, general assumptions about the label performance within distinct retailers should not be made. The results, however, indicate that the subject offers a promising topic to conduct further research in.
In 2013 China's President Xi Jinping announced a new project. In his vision, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) creates and opens trade routes between China and western countries, mostly the Middle East, Central Asia, Afrika, and Europe, via maritime and land routes. These trade corridors should establish and improve trade relationships often by high investments in the infrastructure.
The motivation behind the initiative is manifold. On the one hand, China wants to become more independent from the Western industrialized countries by building a new economic system. On the other hand, it wants to consolidate and expand its geopolitical influence.
China's state-owned banks have been the largest investors in the Belt and Road Initiative so far, but China has also been able to attract major EU countries such as Germany, France, the UK, and others to jointly establish the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and invest in BRI projects through it.
Although German companies are hoping to participate in the Belt and Road because they expect significant economic benefits, the German government is refraining from concluding an agreement with China for the time being. The EU is somewhat skeptical about the initiative, but no sanctions or interventions have been taken from its side so far. Yet, the EU is split, and countries such as Greece or Italy have already signed an agreement with China and thus received financial support for their infrastructure.
This bachelor thesis explains the Belt and Road Initiative in detail, tries to highlight the motives behind it and illustrates the impact the Belt and Road Initiative has on Germany and the EU and which implications this has for the German economy.
Der Digitalisierung oder digitalen Transformation von Unternehmen wird zunehmend eine wichtige Bedeutung attestiert. Die Prinzipien des Lean Managements werden in einem ähnlichen Ausmaß oftmals gelobt und von einer wachsenden Anzahl an Entscheidungsträgern eingeführt und umgesetzt. Beide Phänomene haben gemeinsam, dass sie einerseits Zeit- und Effizienzgewinne versprechen und andererseits eine – wie bei größeren Veränderungen innerhalb einer Organisation üblich – Inklusion der Betroffenen benötigen, um vorrangig langfristige Erfolge vorweisen zu können.
Diese Bachelorarbeit setzt an diese Ähnlichkeiten im Bereich des Lean Managements und der Digitalisierung an und untersucht zudem, inwiefern eine Integration der Belegschaft eines Unternehmens vonnöten ist. Hierbei wird der Fokus auf die Abläufe im Vertrieb gesetzt. Nachdem eine Klärung der grundsätzlichen Terminologie vorgenommen und der entsprechende wissenschaftliche Stand aufgezeigt wurde, folgte eine Auswertung qualitativer und quantitativer Daten, die im Rahmen einer Umfrage der betrachteten Firma erhoben wurden. Anschließend wurde untersucht, wie ein Lean Office durch eine strategische Digitalisierung erreicht werden kann und ob dies profitabel sein kann. Abschließend wurden anhand der Erkenntnisse Empfehlungen an andere KMU sowie offene Forschungsfragen abgeleitet.
Nutzbarkeit digitaler Medien für erfolgreiches Teambuilding bei der Hochland Deutschland GmbH
(2021)
Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Thema Teambildung. Es zeigt mögliche Gründe und Ziele von Teambildung auf, erklärt, was Teambildung eigentlich ist, warum Unternehmen darauf bauen, und unterscheidet das Konzept eines Teams von dem einer Gruppe. Es geht um die Frage, ob Teambuilding auch über digitale Medien möglich ist und inwieweit digitale Medien als Chance für Unternehmen genutzt werden können. Darüber hinaus wird eine Methode zur Diagnose eines Teams vorgestellt, die Perspektive des Betriebsrats hervorgehoben und die Möglichkeit zur Messung des Erfolgs der Teambildung erörtert. Darüber hinaus wurden Experteninterviews durchgeführt, die der Arbeit beigefügt sind und einen Einblick in zwei größere deutsche Unternehmen geben.
This thesis proposes the adoption of renewable energies as a means to foster economicdiversification in oil and gas dependent rentier states. Surprisingly, oil and gas endowment does not always imply wealth and prosperity, mirroring the on-going debate whether natural resource dependent countries are blessed or cursed by their resource abundance.
This thesis seeks to bridge this gap by focussing on rentier states and the question whether rentier states are cursed or blessed. Based on the example of Oman, the proposed approach will be closely assessed. Additionally, the Sultanate’s challenges stemming from natural resource dependence and its preparedness for a post-oil era will be investigated.
Moreover, this thesis will analyze whether a paradigm shift in Oman’s energy sector can mitigate prevailing challenges and support the country’s economic diversification.
These three research questions will be answered through surveying and analyzing literature and data pertinent to the research topic. Findings indicate that rentier states tend to be more vulnerable to the resource curse and the impending fossil fuel depletion as it could cause public outcry and political and economic turmoil. Oman as a rentier state faces a grim post-oil era, fueled by many challenges, including dwindling oil and financial reserves, productivity losses driven by labor market distortions and rapid population growth.
Finally, findings suggest that the combination of economic and energy diversification can have strong positive effects on the Omani economy, such as freeing oil and gas reserves for export revenues, job creation, and private sector strengthening. However, Oman’s renewable energy industry is still in its infancy and faces various challenges, ranging from absent policies and adequate financing to heavily subsidized fossil fuels. As of now, the proposed approach is overly ambitious as the installed renewable energy capacity is too low to create significant employment opportunities or to free oil and gas for export purposes. However, heightened volatilities and economic shocks in recent years were eyeopening for the Omani government and have resulted in stronger efforts to enforce economic development plans. Similarly, the political transition after the death of Sultan Qaboos injected new impetus into Oman’s economy, which will facilitate the diversification of economic bases.
Leistungsgestaltung
(2008)
Experience Management has established itself in the business environment, first in the context of the customer and user experience and recently also in the context of the employee experience. This bachelor thesis explores how to improve the experience of a particular employee, the expatriate, by experience management. For this purpose, the implementation of existing experience management concepts is examined by using secondary data. The insights gained hereby are then transferred to the expatriate experience. A corresponding procedure is developed and exemplarily applied to Beiersdorf. This includes conducting primary research in the form of qualitative interviews and results in a set of recommendations for action on how the company can improve their expatriate experience. The results suggest that experience management is a promising approach to improve the experience, not only of expatriates but also of international assignees in general, which should be subjected to further research.
Pricing is an essential element when it comes to marketing and selling goods and different price promotions are widely used tools to attract and retain consumers. However, the expected positive impacts of such price promotions on consumer perceptions have been increasingly questioned in recent years. In particular, with regard to quality perceptions and internal reference prices, a number of past research findings suggest that monetary price promotions might be more likely to result in unfavourable consumer perceptions than non-monetary promotions (Diamond & Campbell, 1989; Darke & Chung, 2005). Instead of only focusing on the short-term effects of different promotion methods, the aim of this study is to examine the long-term effects of the use as well as the choice of price promotions on consumers’ value perceptions. Using an internet-based survey, subjects’ long-term willingness to pay for three non-durable consumer goods (a pack of pasta, a toothpaste and a basic t-shirt) was investigated under the following three conditions: the post-promotional phase of a "buy one, get one free" offer, the post-promotional phase of an economically equivalent 50% discount and a situation in which no price promotion was applied at all. For the consumer non-durable pasta, the results suggested that consumers’ value perceptions would be significantly influenced by whether or not a price promotion was previously applied and if so, which one. Furthermore, for the noodles, the findings seemed to corroborate the hypothesis that consumers' willingness to pay is highest in the absence of any previous promotion. Surprisingly, no significant difference was found between the post-promotion phase of the discount offer and the post-promotion phase of the BOGOF offer for any of the three products. All in all, this research provides some meaningful insights on the potential long-term impacts of price promotions on consumers’ value perceptions and willingness to pay. Moreover, our findings could be of particular relevance for managerial decisions regarding the marketing of non-durables in the grocery sector.
The onset of COVID– 19 has accelerated digital trends facilitating the rise of social media and the financial technology industry. Especially in the private equity sector, investors are increasing their online presence and marketers need to define a tactical social media plan to improve its integrated marketing communications and facilitate lead generation.
The objective of this thesis is to develop a social media marketing proposal and action plan for the fintech company: Moonfare GmbH. The aim is to identify the most suitable content marketing, social networks and techniques to power sales growth, brand awareness and community engagement through its current social media channels.
In order to develop a deeper understanding, the literature review presents different digital marketing frameworks applied to social media marketing. Moreover, a careful study of the fintech private equity industry is developed through a Porter’s 5 forces model alongside an explanation of the case of Moonfare through a blue ocean canvas.
For the research, secondary data and internal desk research were performed including, statistical insights directly gathered from the company. The study was further designed with an internal and external situation analysis, concluding with a SWOT model and the establishment of objectives through a SMART goals framework. The final action plan is presented in an OGSM model.
Many companies are facing a talent shortage and are not able to fill vacancies with qualified candidates. With the supply and demand of skilled labour being out of equilibrium, companies have realised the necessity to recruit external talent more strategically. One way to transition the mindset to a “talent-focused” approach is to consider students entering the labour market as a source of talent.
The present research aims to define the organisational prerequisites companies require to successfully engage with universities as part of their talent acquisition strategy. While the literature review gives insights into the theories and common practices, the empirical work is dedicated to capturing how companies internally orchestrate their university recruitment. Based on interviews, hypotheses on the ownership of university recruitment, management of talent pools, selection of partner universities, the way talents are attracted, and the motivation of company ambassadors were tested.
The analysis of the interviews yielded that companies can succeed in university recruitment when they can clearly articulate the type of vacancies that should be filled with graduates. Using TRM software to manage Talent Pools can help companies to channel their recruiting activities. However, only one interviewed company used software for talent management. Furthermore, the research has shown that companies tend to rely on partner universities in close proximity to their office first, before aligning the selection of the target universities to the overall business strategy. Also, companies are most successful in attracting candidates when they involve the business line in university events such as career fairs or lectures. That goes along with the finding that the employees are generally intrinsically motivated to support HR in such activities, and no further incentives are needed.
The management of the company Brasch Feinkost is striving for a digital process, which is particularly necessary and examined in incoming goods.
The change from analog to digital processes cannot be implemented without further planning in advance, which is why a concept must be developed that includes different steps. The introduction of warehouse management software in particular requires basic steps that are part of a clear concept. The representation of the actual processes in the incoming goods department at Brasch Feinkost are not only necessary for a specification sheet, but should also show comparisons between analog and digital processes by creating the target processes. With the identified weaknesses and approaches for improvement, the necessity of the digital way of working is shown by means of different analyzes and external benchmarking. The market research is ultimately intended to find a suitable provider of digitally supporting software based on the specified optional and mandatory requirements.
Vom Prozessmodell zum digital erlebbaren Prototypen – Pay-per-Use-Konzept für eine Verpackungsanlage
(2020)
The currently ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting recession in the economy offers opportunities for start-ups and times of hardship are a driver for entrepreneurship. Although the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers is high, and financing becomes increasingly difficult, many start-ups managed to report a strong fiscal year through innovative processes, especially in the finance and insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education sector. To combat the crisis, governments across the EU implemented state aid schemes to support businesses, which however, SMEs often do not receive. The coronavirus pandemic potentially sparks a rethinking process and with an increasing share of start-ups in the economies across the EU, the recognition and funding opportunities will improve, with InvestEU being a step into the right direction.
Die Hochschulen in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz sahen sich durch die Covid-19-Pandemie im Frühjahr 2020 gezwungen, auf traditionelle Präsenzlehre temporär zu verzichten und innerhalb kürzester Zeit auf Online-Lehre umzustellen. Erstmalig in der Hochschulgeschichte mussten sich alle Institutionen, alle Lehrenden und auch alle Studierenden gleichzeitig mit den damit einhergehenden digitalen Lehrformen und -technologien auseinandersetzen. Dieses Buch dokumentiert zum einen, wie die Hochschulen und die Lehrenden auf die Herausforderungen des Corona-Sommersemesters reagierten. Zum anderen wird diskutiert, wie diese Entwicklungen dauerhaft die Lehre an Hochschulen verändern könnten.Es sind dabei bewusst vielfältige und unterschiedliche Blickwinkel in den einzelnen Beiträgen vertreten. Die Perspektive der Hochschulverwaltungen, von zentralen Support-Einrichtungen sowie die Sichtweise von Lehrenden und Studierenden.
Die grundlegende Zielsetzung des Buches besteht darin, die umfassenden Erfahrungen, die in der Corona-Krise gemacht wurden, als Chance aufzuarbeiten, um daraus verbesserte Ansätze für die zukünftige Hochschullehre zu entwickeln.
Identifying the Core Competencies of European Low-Cost Airlines – An Exemplary Analysis of Ryanair
(2021)
This paper analyses the European industry for short- and medium-haul flights and determines the core competencies of the largest operating low-cost carrier, Ryanair. It further raises the question of whether the successful low-cost business model can be applied to long-haul sectors. The industry analysis utilises Porter’s five forces model and evaluates the factors of change along the PESTLE dimensions. Additionally, a thorough analysis of Ryanair is conducted, including a SWOT analysis and an identification of the airline’s core competencies. Finally, the viability of low-cost long-haul operations is discussed by assessing key low- cost carrier success factors' transferability. The results indicate that the European airline industry is fiercely competitive and largely unattractive to operate in. Ryanair’s core competencies, which are identified within the areas of operations, procurement and management, enable the airline to, nonetheless, operate profitably. This paper also finds that low-cost long-haul routes can be successful when learnings from previous mistakes are made. As the impact of the global pandemic will continue to disrupt long-haul flight operations, it is likely to take until the recovery of travel demand and the delivery of narrow-body long-range aircraft until a successful low-cost long-haul airline erupts. Given the less severe impact on short- to medium-haul flights in Europe, the large and financially strong low-cost carriers may benefit and find themselves in a stronger position relative to full-service airlines upon recovery of travel demand.
Multidimensionales Service Prototyping : Service Innovationen kreieren, kommunizieren und bewerten
(2020)
Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit der Umsetzung der Richtlinie 96/71/EG über die Entsendung von Arbeitnehmern, kurz EU-Entsenderichtlinie, in den meist bereisten Ländern der CHT Germany GmbH innerhalb der Europäischen Union, des Europäischen Wirtschaftsraums und der Schweiz. Anhand dessen werden Handlungsempfehlungen zur strategischen Ausrichtung der CHT Germany aufgezeigt. Dabei wird die Frage, was die Auswirkungen der EU-Entsenderichtlinie für die CHT Germany GmbH sind, beantwortet. Zusätzlich ist die Beantragung der A1-Bescheinigung bei regelkonformer Abwicklung von Dienstreisen essenziell. Die A1-Bescheinigung bestätigt die Fortgeltung der deutschen Rechtsvorschriften während eines Auslandsaufenthalts des Arbeitnehmers. Bei Nichteinhaltung der rechtlichen Anforderungen drohen monetäre und nicht-monetäre Strafen. Aufgrund dessen ist es für ein Unternehmen wichtig, zu entscheiden, inwieweit Dienstreisen regelkonform abgewickelt werden.
Roboter mit "Gefühl"
(2018)
Frauenpower für MINT-Fächer
(2018)
For industrial equipment companies, it is a challenge to fight commoditization of products and product-attached services, and to manage the digital transformation.
This report identifies the most relevant business challenges faced by our members. TSIA then translates the challenges into the core capabilities that services organizations of industrial equipment manufacturers will need to embrace to succeed in 2020 and beyond
Onsite deployments of field personnel are highly restricted for equipment and device manufacturers as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Oftentimes, remote support is the only way to help customers and, increasingly, customer support is provided by a virtual organization.
We now find ourselves in an environment where customers are more accepting of remote connections of their equipment and the use of cloud services to replace onsite deployments for break-fix and maintenance services. These significant shifts in the customer relationship will stay in place well beyond the crisis and are accelerating the digital transformation of vendors and customers.