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The secret to winning the "War for Talent" - Understanding High-performance employee retention experience of the small and mediumsized company in Ireland in a scarce talent Market.
No full textStudies in HRM have mentioned that many SMEs are not using their performance management systems productively to retain and develop high-performance talented employees strategically. Moreover, studies in the USA, predicted that the make-orbreak for firms in the next two decades would be the ability to attract, develop, and retain talent. The review of the available literature allowed the development of an original conceptual framework to inform my approach to primary research. This study also demonstrated, The secret to winning the "War for Talent". I proposed an original framework to analyze the hypothesis of retaining high-performance employees strategically as the key to improving the effectiveness of organizations and their employees, hence winning the "War for Talent" in the scarce Irish labor market. The data collected on the face-to-face interview using mixed-methods implied that the high-performance retention practice in SME is usual, once that 75% ( 3 from 4) of companies analyzed in this study had enough talent to drive the business in a short and long -run. The findings also showed circumstantial evidence that high-performance employees working in key functions can inspire subordinates impacting positively the company and teams performance, making the SME achieve goals sustainable and balanced of talents. The findings also suggest that retention of high-performance employees is more efficient when the SME companies had a differentiated approach to treats highperformance employees, offering a package of benefits and high wages. These effects on the special treat and high-performance retention could be argued are casually ambiguous in their link to a sustainable competitive advantage for SMEs. I have therefore concluded additional research is needed to establish this link. For future research, I also suggest that the aim is to show how SMEs monetary benefits when increasing the Human Capital Value Added (HCVA ) retaining high-performance employees in their talent pool
An explorative Analysis of how Autonomous Driving Technology impacts the Business Model of the Automotive Premium Segment: A Case Study of the BMW Group.
No full textThe subject matter of this thesis is strategic innovation management. In particular, it analyses how business model innovation can help an incumbent firm to achieve long-term viability in times of disruptive technologies. The research was focused on one specific case: The BMW Group. With 133,778 employees and an overall revenue of approximately 104 billion euros it is one of the key companies of the German economy. Within the Group, the eponymous BMW brand of cars dominates the annual sales volume at 86%. This case study focuses on one disruptive technology development scenario: the achievement of high-end autonomous driving. The overall objective of this research was to outline the business model innovation implications of autonomous driving for BMW today and in the future. In order to achieve this objective and to structure the research the following lead questions were proposed: (A) Does the BMW Group face the typical Innovator’s Dilemma in regard of autonomous driving technology? (B) How could Business Model Innovation help BMW to solve the Innovator’s Dilemma in the future? (C) Which organisational conditions need to be stablished today to enable this kind of Business Model Innovation and the development of the autonomous driving technology? This explorative case study was based on semi structured interviews with a relevant expert panel of ten experts with heterogeneous backgrounds. Expert input was analysed through both deductive and inductive thematic analysis. This research contributes to existing innovation management literature by proposing new conceptual models in one framework. Firstly, a disruptive innovation needs to be sensed and evaluated. Secondly, the new arising opportunity is seized by analysing the business model innovation implications of it. Lastly, organisational conditions to enhance this exploration of business model innovation have to be established. The research strongly suggests that BMW will face the typical Innovator’s Dilemma since the internal structure of it is not aligned with the significant technology push and market pull triggered by autonomous driving. Only a significant shift of its business model towards a digital enhanced premium mobility service can ensure longterm viability for BMW. A far-reaching programme of business model innovation should be launched today, beginning with organisational exploration. The case study suggests enabling conditions of organisational exploration in three interrelated dimensions
Effects of Influencers on Consumer Behaviours on Social Media: Do Audiences know their needs, or they only follow their opinion leaders?
No full textThis study aims to examine the effect of sponsored advertisements made by influencers with brands on consumer behaviour on social media. In this study, cosmetic products and beauty influencers are discussed. The opinions of consumers when they see these advertisements and their attitudes towards these advertisements are tried to be understood. It is aimed to understand whether the consumers who are social media users are positive or negative approaches to paid partnerships made by brands and influencers, the reasons that lead to shopping and whether they are shopping according to their own needs or recommendations. The prepared survey reached 104 people, and the data were analysed. Surveys were statistically analysed. The results showed that consumers who are social media users do not trust influencer advertisements one hundred percent. They try to make purchases in line with their own needs, but still cannot be completely indifferent to these advertisements. Most of the participants stated that they were looking at influencer comments when they were researching a product they needed. Reasons for respondents' following influencer were found to be high rates of beauty inspiration, product reviews, and product tutorials. It has been observed that, as age groups change, consumers follow influencer advertisements, and their trust and priority to these advertisements have changed. Also, no significant difference was found when compared with age groups, positive or negative approaches to advertised products. The majority of the participants stated that they saw these advertisements and stated that they generally approach the products they see in the advertisements positively. The majority of the participants stated that they saw these advertisements and stated that they generally approach the products they see in the advertisements positively. However, they stated that they were sceptical about how honest the influencers were about the promoted products. When these two groups were compared, a significant difference was found
Creating an Optimal Structure of Working Times and Workplace Environment to Maximize the Performance Level of Software Developers in Turkey.
No full textIn this dissertation, the main aim was creating an optimal physical office environment and working time patterns to maximize the performance levels of the software developers in Turkey. The main elements of the physical office environment were identified and handled as office structure, ergonomics of the computer workstation and dominant color of the office. The working hour patterns were identified and handles as flexibility of the working hours, duration of working hours and working at weekend and nighttime. This research had the Post-positivistic paradigm as philosophical background. To reach a conclusion and overall understanding of the mentioned concepts, a detailed literature research was made and critically analyzed and research survey was conducted with the software developers in Turkey. The survey conducted had both qualitative and quantitative features. As a result of the survey, regarding optimal physical office structure to maximize the performance level of the software developers in Turkey, it was found that an office with open office area, private personal rooms and private team rooms is the performance maximizing office structure. Additionally, a conclusion drawn as a computer workstation with ergonomic chair, desk, tools for keyboard and mouse usage and multiple monitors or a monitor with large screen and high resolution maximizes the performance level of the participants. It was found that dominant color of the office environment has not a significant effect on the participants, however, for the participants who are affected by the dominant color, the office should be white or nude colors to maximize the performance of the software developers in Turkey. With respect to performance maximizing working time patterns of the software developers in Turkey, it is found that flexibility of working hours with weekly duration of 30-40 hours is the most performance maximizing pattern. Additionally, it is concluded that working at weekend to complete the flexible working hours is a performance decreasing factor. However, this research concluded that opportunity of using nighttime to complete flexible working hours is performance maximizing element for the software developers in Turkey
An Analysis of The Use of Wearable Technology as A Means of Controlling Drug Delivery Systems and The Challenges Facing Its Usage in Ireland.
No full textIn this study, the possible/existing use (in Ireland) of wearables (such as the smartwatches, patches, and contact lenses) in controlling drug delivery systems (such as pumps and nanoparticles) was analysed. The challenges affecting the use of this technology in Ireland were determined. The public and potential customers' perception of the novel technology was examined along with how the creation will be potentially received in the market. Ireland was the country of choice because the researcher resides there and because of the heavy presence of many pharmaceutical companies in the country. The secondary research was conducted by looking into the concept of controlled drug delivery and how it works. The history, uses and the market for wearable devices was explored globally and in Ireland. The concept of wearable device-controlled drug delivery systems was then introduced. The different commercially available ones were analysed and the challenges facing the use were examined. The data collection involved quantitative research via questionnaire (219 participants) to establish the challenges facing the development and manufacture of this type of drug delivery system. The knowledge and views of Irish consumers concerning the use of this technology were established. Qualitative data was also collected via interviews (of 3 industry experts) to further explain these technologies and determine the level of progress in the research & development and manufacture of the devices in Ireland. The use of wearable devices in controlling drug delivery systems is still at its early stage in Ireland and some people have little or no knowledge of the use of this type of drug delivery system. Majority of the participants were interested in using the technology (83.5%), 65.6% would rather use this wearable device-controlled drug delivery system because more than half of the participants trust that this type of drug delivery system is more effective. Some of the limitations of the use of this type of drug delivery system from the consumers’ point of view are based on the concerns on the high cost, efficiency, and accuracy of this type of drug delivery system. The size, look, comfort, and ease of use of these devices influence the use of this type of drug delivery system. According to the industry experts, challenges like heavy regulations and the massive amount of time, money, and resources involved in the Research & Development affect the manufacture and use of wearable device-controlled drug delivery systems in Ireland
Investigation into the Impact of Merger and Acquisition Activities on the Shareholders Wealth of Bidding and Acquired Companies in the Irish Service Industry.
No full textPast researchers have found that the outcome of growth strategy through mergers and acquisition in terms of driving true shareholder wealth are mixed, for both parties (the bidder and the target). The objective of this dissertation was to test the impact of M&A’s on shareholder wealth using an event study methodology. Specifically, this study analyzed the underlying reasons that pushed two case study firms to adopt M&A’s as growth strategy and to see if they’ve achieved successful returns for their shareholders through this type of strategy. The primary data was done through four in-depth interviews with top tier management that have had various implications with both M&A’s case study. This data was combined with the secondary data presented on the subject in order to assess the hypothesis that M&A’s are profitable situations and lead to an increase in shareholder value. This data was evaluated in combination with other three hypothesis, the wealth creation for both the bidder and the acquirer, the size hypothesis and the relatedness hypothesis. The question that was considered best suited for this study was whether or not true that M&A’s improve shareholder wealth in short and long term. Combining the findings from both the primary and secondary data, researcher concluded that mergers and acquisition can improve shareholder wealth, especially when the acquirer and the target firms are in the same line of business. Although, firms that use acquisitions purely for to diversify, mainly into unrelated businesses are those that are unlikely to create values. A final insight from this research study is that M&A’s can create shareholder value for both parties if a defined implementation strategy and a strong integration plan are put in place
Building Effective Global Virtual Teams: An evaluation of the influence of cultural diversity, communication, rust, and leadership on the development of geographically and virtually dispersed teams.
No full textThe overall purpose of this research is to evaluate the influence of cultural diversity, communication, trust, and leadership on the development of geographically and virtually dispersed teams. Initially, it started by identifying and studying the literature about Global Virtual Teams (GVTs). Thus, some gaps among the studies were identified, and visual representation was developed using the conceptual framework. Moreover, the author interviewed eight participants – e-leaders and software engineers from two multinational companies - to collect primary data. Thus, identifying typical pattern across interviews helped to answer the research questions. Lastly, by using Interpretivism philosophy, the author has immersed in the reality of each participant to understand the context of their background to be able to get relevant insights. Thus, applying grounded theory methodology on collected data, helped to identify codes and themes to answer the research questions. This research has uncovered a strong relationship between communication and trust, which can go both ways. Thus, trust can intensify collaboration and team performance, but communication can also influence trust development mainly when people collaborate over the camera and in regular meetings. Additionally, it has shown that Emergent Leaders are able to decrease the sense of team virtually across team members by working closely to the formal leader, thus, decentralising the decision-making process and scaling out the communication management. Furthermore, it has shown that initial trust can be fostered by introducing virtual team members to each other or by visiting other virtual teams in their countries early-on. However, delivering results and gaining credibility would help to consolidate this trust. Lastly, having an interpersonal relationship would make it more resilient and durable. Although working with GVTs can be challenging, there are some key aspects which can be taught to all team members early-on, thereby mitigating common issues. However, all members need to be willing to develop these new soft skills such as virtual sub-teaming leadership, rapport building, trust development, expectation management, and communication management, thus benefiting the team bonding and well-being of these ones directly and indirectly involved
The Impact of Financial Statement on Investment Decision: An Empirical Study of Ecobank Nigeria PLC
No full textThe importance of financial statement on investment to managers of business firms and investors of financial institutions have been undermined due to lack of proper understanding of their relationship. This study aims to assess the impact of financial statement on investment decision making in Ecobank Nigeria Plc. In order to achieve this aim, the study employed both descriptive survey research design which involve the collection of primary data and the ex-post facto research design which involved the use of secondary data in form of annual published financial statement of the bank. The primary data were sourced through the use of online questionnaire and were further analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical method, while the secondary data were subjected to trend test using the Mann Kendall’s test, and regression analysis for model establishment. The study unraveled that all the selected profitability ratios had negative trend, while profit after tax had a very significant positive trend between 2002 and 2018; the regression model established was found to be weak in making future prediction of profit after tax based on ROE, ROA and cost to income ratio due to the low coefficient of determination and higher p-value of 0.167 than 0.05; while correlation analysis proved that all of the selected profitability ratios negatively affect the profit after tax of Ecobank, although none significantly. In addition, Chi-Square test lead to the conclusion that the component of the annually published financial statement of the bank do not significantly affect investment decision making (p-value = 0.305); and that the credibility of the financial statement has significant impact on investment of the Ecobank Nigeria Plc (p-value = 0.009). The study concludes that the components of the financial statement is less important than its credibility when making investment decision; while it was recommended that future studies should endeavor to employ machine learning model for establishing the non-linear relationships between investment and profitability ratios
The impacts of Drug Importation Regulation on Local Pharmaceutical manufacturers in Lagos Nigeria
No full textThe thesis aims at evaluating the impacts of drug Importation regulation on local pharmaceutical manufacturers in Lagos Nigeria by carrying out a questionnaire-based surrey and zoom interviews for quantitative and qualitative analysis respectively. In achieving the objectives of the study, the knowledge, awareness, and drawbacks faced by the local pharmaceutical industry were appropriately considered in order to derive at effective recommendations to improve local drug manufacturing in Lagos Nigeria. Both groups (local drug manufacturers/importers) in the pharmaceutical industry were compared to derive at their perspective on the impacts of drug importation regulations on their business. A total of 77 out of the 117 participated actively in the survey, of whom they combine pharmaceutical importation and local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Interesting, 83% of the participants admitted that the importation regulations in Nigeria are outdated and ineffective/inconsistent and have impacted negatively to the growth of the industry. However, an overwhelmingly majority of the local drug manufactures/importers also attributed the frequent taxation from state and non-state regulators as a major draw backs to local drug manufacturing that have yielded to the 25% capacity production of the Nigeria local drug manufacturing. Furthermore, most of the respondent admitted that the lack of basic infrastructures like power, road networks, water etc. from the Nigeria government have drastically discouraged local drug manufacturing and encouraging drug importation chiefly from India. On the contrary, majority of local manufacturers/importers agreed that the foreign CMOs have widen the scope of pharmaceuticals available in Nigeria and encouraged the circulation of fake and substandard drugs and affected the growth of the local manufacturing negatively. In conclusion, the local manufacturers recommended that the growth of the depends majorly onnthe contributions of the government in providing soft loans, shutting down the open drug market in Nigeria, implementation of the drug regulations, setting up a vision for the industry, provision of tax breaks, investment in R&D, reviewing of the importation regulations to encourage local drug manufacturers, and lastly government should patronize made in Nigeria drug products
Selfbuild TV
No full textThis project focuses on the design and creation of video content for Selfbuild TV, a new paywalled YouTube channel that has yet to be launched. Selfbuild TV will be a small part of the paywalled suite of resources available on Selfbuild+. Selfbuild+, due to launch in October 2020, will be.an online depository of information and resources for those building, extending or renovating their house in any of the 32 counties of Ireland. Selfbuild TV will be home to a series of videos about Irish residents undertaking a self-build project. Two Selfbuild TV videos were shot and edited for this Dissertation by Practice. These two pilot episodes serve a dual function. The first is to create a structure for future Selfbuild TV videos, i.e. a format that can be readily duplicated. The final structure of the videos emerged from the editing process and gaining clarity on what the technical limitations would be. The second function was to create content in the form of two pilot episodes, each approximately 10 minutes long, produced using mobile journalism (mojo) techniques. The editing process combined a phone app and a more established editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro. These choices were made because of their low production cost: filming on a phone and requiring only one person as journalist, cameraman and sound recorder. The Selfbuild TV pilot episodes contain a “how-to” component (basic information, tips, advice, insights) but also share the experience of what it is like building in Ireland today, highlighting both the communal nature of house building/renovating and the messiness of life in general, which is projected onto how self-build projects are managed. A key outcome of this project was to highlight the need to devise more formats for Selfbuild TV. Future video making will have to consider how to produce engaging content from user generated material. A format will also have to be devised for face to face interviews, with independent experts in their field