The 20 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.