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What drives adolescents’ performance: An explanatory research on motivation, aspiration and goals of high school students.
No full textThis study showed that motivation did arise from specific situations and did depend on the distinct surroundings in the life of the high school graduates. Additionally, it showed that the ability of articulating motivation can be directly correlated with the level of motivation present in an adolescent. Furthermore, the outcome of this research was a diagram that links the type of motivation with performance and how different motivators can influence it. The objectives of this study were to find out whether high school participants are already able to articulate their motivation and what their main motivational drivers are regarding performance. In addition to this, this research also found out what influence the work environment, atmosphere and rewards have on the individuals. At last, a mismatch between the expectations of the future employees and employers is investigated. In order to gather the necessary data for this research, semi-structured, qualitative interviews with partly open-ended questions were used. Motivation is present in each and every individual, the only difference is that some are more able to articulate it and know exactly what motivates them, while others have not identified their motivational drivers yet. Hence, making it a very complex, diverse and especially individual subject that depends on a number of varies parameters. The interviewed individuals’ underlying motivational drivers were independence and freedom which subconsciously influenced their decision making. This was the result from their directive nurture and the organised educational school life
Cultural Branding and Storytelling : In the context of the skiing industry
No full textIn this dissertation the concept explored was the use of cultural branding in conjunction with storytelling in the marketing of destinations, with ski destination acting as the main context for discussion. This dissertation also examines how storytelling is used in the marketing within the ski industry. This paper explored which storytelling practices and brand theories could be best suited to the field of tourism marketing, with a focus on ski destinations. It is identified within this paper how storytelling can be used in the marketing of destinations, and how it can be used to connect brands to a wider audience. The process data of collecting data for this paper was through a series of open-ended interviews with experts with professional backgrounds from branding, national tourism, storytelling, and the ski industry. The results indicate that there are doubts over whether the principals of cultural branding are best suited to the marketing of destinations, although there is a scope for more research to be conducted. This research also found that storytelling is an effective tool for the marketing of destinations and for brands to communicate and emotionally connect with mass markets by triggering subconscious motivations through the use of storytelling. Marketers working within the ski industry are recommended to identify their strongest brand assets in order to understand the motivations on their customers and to encourage their customers to create their own user generated content in order to promote their brand story
Cultural Branding and Storytelling: In the context of the skiing industry.
No full textIn this dissertation the concept explored was the use of cultural branding in conjunction with storytelling in the marketing of destinations, with ski destination acting as the main context for discussion. This dissertation also examines how storytelling is used in the marketing within the ski industry. This paper explored which storytelling practices and brand theories could be best suited to the field of tourism marketing, with a focus on ski destinations. It is identified within this paper how storytelling can be used in the marketing of destinations, and how it can be used to connect brands to a wider audience. The process data of collecting data for this paper was through a series of open-ended interviews with experts with professional backgrounds from branding, national tourism, storytelling, and the ski industry. The results indicate that there are doubts over whether the principals of cultural branding are best suited to the marketing of destinations, although there is a scope for more research to be conducted. This research also found that storytelling is an effective tool for the marketing of destinations and for brands to communicate and emotionally connect with mass markets by triggering subconscious motivations through the use of storytelling. Marketers working within the ski industry are recommended to identify their strongest brand assets in order to understand the motivations on their customers and to encourage their customers to create their own user generated content in order to promote their brand story
The influence of subjective norms on Bretons’ attitudes: The case of AB fresh foods.
No full textThe aim of this study was to identify subjective norms that shape individuals’ decisionmaking processes, and analyse their power of influence, especially concerning organic fresh foods purchases. In order to understand this social influence, fifteen Breton organic food buyers have been interviewed with intent to collect their personal opinions. Data on their buying habits also have been collected and strongly supported the fact that fresh foods are the most popular products. Three main consumer profiles could have been reached from this qualitative survey, which could be defined as regular consumers, irregular consumers and consumers in conflict, according to their shopping habits and the perceived pressure over their purchases that modify their behaviour. Social status was not deemed to play an important role, but the presence of children could be considered as a crucial factor. While external factors related to product characteristics, such as price, taste, origin or label, have an impact on consumers’ perception of organic products, family members and friends could reinforce or, on the contrary, mitigate individuals’ beliefs. Peers from furthest referent groups, colleagues, fellow members in associations or sports clubs for instance, did not have the same power on individuals, because their opinion seemed to be less legitimate. However, within the circle of friends and family, a two-way influence was possible, since some individuals were aware of their own power of influence. Generally, this research showed that these consumers have positive beliefs and attitudes toward organic foods as well as the AB label, but their knowledge level about what it implies was not widespread. Only the cluster of consumers in conflict demonstrated distrust and scepticism, as they had to face divergent views from different sources of information. These new consumption patterns are difficult to analyse, as there are lots of different .opinions and ways to behave, which are inherent to accessibility issues. Thus, the main issues resulting from this research was the lack of information easily at the disposal of individuals, and their lack of deeper research on this subject. Besides, financial and geographical accesses also restrain the popularisation of such products
Implementation of female leadership characteristics within the German football industry – Illusion or possible option?
No full textIn this study, it was shown that female leadership traits are of use within a male dominated industry but in combination with male leadership skills only, a socalled androgynous leadership style. These findings were related to the time this thesis was written. The dissertation examined the use of female leadership characteristics within the German football industry, differences between male and female leadership styles in general as well as within the chosen male domain. Furthermore, situations in which female characteristics are of benefit were identified. In order to identify stereotypical way of thinking related to gender in leadership positions within the football industry in Germany an experiment was being conducted, followed by an in-depth face-to-face interview with persons from different departments of one football club. Half of the participants were female to create a fair and equal unit of analysis. The majority of the participants, women as well as men, were of the opinion that the female leadership style, as one, cannot be used within the football industry but in comparison with masculine traits. This special form of leadership style is the so-called androgynous leadership style. Referring to the research findings, the German football industry will not be prepared to have the female leadership style only within the near future but evidence for the acceptance could be identified
Exploring generational perceptions of pro-environmental packaging advantages: A case study of the packaging innovation of ‘compressed’ deodorants in Germany.
No full textOver the past decades, public concerns about the environment have kept increasing. Conscious consumption has therefor become more and more important to consumers. Progressively, sustainable product advantages have become the decisive reason for buying a good. However, the actual influence of sustainable packaging innovation on consumers’ buyer’s decision has hardly been studied so far. Therefore, this study aims to find out, if the pro-environmental advantage of a sustainably packaged personal care product can be the distinctive factor in a consumer’s buying decision. The special case of Unilever’s ‘compressed’ deodorants was used in order to examine consumers’ motivators and barriers when buying a pro-environmental good. An additional key aim of the study was to explore, whether this newly packaged deodorant is seen as a trustworthy measure to promote sustainability or as being a greenwashing ‘portion-shrink’. A single case study design with two embedded units of different age generations were used to conduct 22 qualitative interviews. The respondents belonged either to the Babyboomer generation or the Generation Y, also known as Millennials. The data revealed that the main influencing factors in selecting a sustainable packaged deodorant were not pro-environmental advantages of the product’s packaging, but aspects such as quality, convenience and price. Relating to the sub-question, whether the ‘compressed’ deodorant could be seen as a credible measure to promote sustainability, it was found out that consumers needed additional information in order to be able to evaluate the correctness of the statement claimed ‘same effect – smaller size’. If sufficient information is not provided, the smaller packaging cannot function as a more reliable measure to promote sustainability. It seems that although the packaging innovation of ‘compressed’ deodorants could be seen as a proper measure to support sustainable consumption, consumers seem not yet ready to choose pro-environmental product advantages in favour of convenience or quality aspects
Customs Valuation Appraisement Methodology: a Comparative Analysis of European and United States Governing Legislation
No full textThis research sets out to identify the customs duty appraisement methodology best suited to modem international trade. The research identified the most effective method from the position of reducing operational barriers to trade. The operational review identified that the use of an appraisement methodology could be detrimental to trade overall, acting as a barrier to trade facilitation and fueling internal competition. The research also identified why traditional protectionist measures do more harm than good to the domestic activity of the trade nation employing such measures.
Research methods employed as part of this study included a mix of qualitative and quantitative research through industry research surveys focused on EU and US industry professionals. Legislative analysis and practical observations from industry experience were also considered within the research. The major findings of this research were that the US has clearly founded legislation driving the use of a specific method of appraisement aimed at ensuring equity and fairness amongst its member states. In contrast, the European method creates internal competition through lack of appropriate
legislation, demographics and misalignment across tax law. Therefore, allowing individual member states to implement programmes to promote locations as a point of import, thus creating internal competition amongst member states. The main finding was that alignment of legislation and practise between the two trade blocks would be advantageous to trade facilitation overall.
This is a significant consideration, given that the centre of this research focused on trade facilitation measures of the two largest trade nations in the world, as they look to embark upon a trade facilitation agreement. There is no evidence available in the public domain to show that this misalignment between processes and practices has been considered, or how it will ultimately lead to disparity in trade practices. The limitations of this research were that, because of its unique nature, very little information was available on the financial impact of alignment. For this reason, further study is needed
in this area of duty appraisement alignment, together with any financial impact that this may have on either trade block
Understanding Organisational Development and Change Management Plan in the public sector. A case study within a Brazilian semi-state organisation.
No full textIn turbulent times, organisations should adapt, reconstruct, evolve, or even revolutionise their business processes or models. Consequently, the ways by which organisations manage their planned changes aid achieving those objectives. Actually, 60 to 70 percent of organisational changes fail for many reasons. Nonetheless, the implementation stage is recognised as the highest failed-state. Semi-state organisations have meaningful role for country's economic and social development. And in turbulent times as well, they need to perform changes. This study evaluates how semi-state organisations perform changes, which are the main barriers for change management and how they seek their future. This study assesses a Brazilian semi-state organisation in order to come up with the answers. Firm's organisational climate survey is assessed to figure out whether this firm has an ingrained culture for change matching with interviews with line managers and employees. At the end a suggested CM model is built up fostering the studies about change management within semi-state organisations. Gabriel de A. Mascarenhas Key Words: Change initiatives, Change Management, ADKAR model, Positive model, readiness, organisational capabilities, change efforts, context, cultur
Understanding Organisational Development and Change Management Plan in the public sector. A case study within a Brazilian semi-state organisation.
No full textIn turbulent times, organisations should adapt, reconstruct, evolve, or even revolutionise their business processes or models. Consequently, the ways by which organisations manage their planned changes aid achieving those objectives. Actually, 60 to 70 percent of organisational changes fail for many reasons. Nonetheless, the implementation stage is recognised as the highest failed-state. Semi-state organisations have a meaningful role for a country's economic and social development. And in turbulent times as well, they need to perform changes. This study evaluates how semi-state organisations perform changes, which are the main barriers for change management and how they seek their future. This study assesses a Brazilian semi-state organisation in order to come up with the answers. Firm's organisational climate survey is assessed to figure out whether this firm has an ingrained culture for change matching with interviews with line managers and employees. At the end a suggested CM model is built up fostering the studies about change management within semi-state organisations.
Gabriel de A. Mascarenhas
Key Words: Change initiatives, Change Management, ADKAR model, Positive model, readiness, organisational capabilities, change efforts, context, cultur
Evaluating the Diversification Strategy of a Semi-State Company in a Declining Market: A Case Study of An Post
No full textThis case study evaluated the diversification strategy of a semi-state company, An Post, operating in a declining market. The objective of this research was to evaluate the process by which diversification may take place. A qualitative methodology, using a phenomological and interpretivist approach was taken. Three in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers within An Post. This data was complemented with a review of a range of contextual documentary sources. The results of these interviews were then analysed through thematic reduction to ascertain the key issues within the organisation relating to the diversification process. The postal market is regulated, and An Post, as a former monopoly, is subject to a number of controls on its dominant market position. This dominance, and regulation, comes largely from the provision of the loss-making Universal Service Obligation (USO) by the company. In order to continue funding the USO, An Post is engaging in a number of different diversifications, through innovation, partnerships and acquisitions. The company is attempting to lower costs, drive efficiencies and increase revenues in the core mails business. However, mail is still a declining market and these measures can only bring limited benefits. The company does not have an explicit diversification strategy. Management, however, are aware of the need for them to discover new revenue streams which can be used by the organisation to fund the USO. Subsidiaries of An Post are generally run autonomously. Air Business, one of the company’s largest subsidiaries, is largely run by local management, with An Post maintaining oversight through the Board. This is mainly due to the perceived culture within An Post as not being conducive to growth and entrepreneurship. The success of these subsidiaries, and the revenue they generate, has allowed the company to achieve its aim of cross-subsidisation. The commercialisation of the Group as a whole, and growing importance of subsidiaries as a proportion of turnover, has changed the nature of An Post over the last decade; the company is less dependent on mails revenue for overall growth. The utilisation of autonomous subsidiaries has created the means for the organisation to achieve more dynamic growth without affecting the core business. Through this growth, whether it comes from related or unrelated diversification, expansion or innovation, the company can maintain the USO without requiring a government subvention. The lack of a formal strategy does not preclude an organisation from being successful in achieving its goals. In the case of An Post, the lack of a strategy to diversify has not been an impediment to successful diversification. However, where diversification has been undertaken, more emphasis should be placed on evaluation of the factors which led to success. The case of Air Business suggests gaining market share should be the priority in any diversification