NHH Brage (Norges Handelshøyskole)
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Navigating Digital Transformation: Empowering Accounting Professionals through Strategic Upskilling and Reskilling
Get PDFThe accounting profession is experiencing a transformative shift due to the rapid advancement of digital technologies. This thesis explores how business leaders can effectively upskill and reskill their accounting teams to ensure successful digital transformation of the accounting function. Through a qualitative research approach involving semi-structured interviews with accounting professionals in Norway, the study examines the impacts of digitalization on the accounting role, identifies key opportunities and challenges, and proposes strategies for enhancing the competencies of accounting professionals.
Findings reveal that digital tools have significantly automated routine tasks, allowing accountants to focus more on analytical and consultative roles. However, the transition also necessitates substantial upskilling in digital literacy, data analytics, and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning and aligning professional development initiatives with organizational goals.
The thesis concludes that while digital transformation presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities for value creation within the accounting profession. Business leaders must invest in targeted training programs and support structures to enable their accounting teams to adapt and thrive in a digital era. This research contributes to existing knowledge by providing actionable insights for managing the digital evolution of accounting practices
Restrictive covenants in the Norwegian grocery market: An empirical study
Get PDFThe Norwegian grocery market has long been characterized by high concentration, posing significant barriers to entry, elevated prices, and limited product selections compared to other European countries (Norwegian Competition Authority, 2022). A key contributing factor to this phenomenon is the use of restrictive covenants by grocery chains, aimed at inhibiting the establishment of competing grocery businesses on certain properties, even following changes in ownership (Ministry of Industry and Fisheries, 2022). Motivated by the newly enforced ban on restrictive covenants issued for anti-competitive purpose, this thesis investigates the extent to which restrictive covenants were used by grocery chains and their impact on the structure of the Norwegian grocery market, focusing on market concentration at the local market level and store distances and turnover at the store level. To our knowledge, no other studies have empirically estimated the impact of restrictive covenants on the grocery market in Norway. Our thesis aims to provide empirical evidence relevant to this policy change, i.e., the ban on restrictive covenants. Using a dataset of covenants registered in the Norwegian land registration ("Grunnbok"), we identified 568 restricted locations covered under 215 registered documents that are relevant to one of the four main grocery chains. With these identified restrictive covenants, the study employs the Two-Stage Least Squares estimator to estimate the relationship between the number of restrictive covenants imposed by grocery chains within each local market and the market concentration level. Additionally, it uses the standard Ordinary Least Squares estimator to quantify the relationship between the number of same-chain restrictive covenants and store turnover, as well as between the number of same-chain restrictive covenants and store-to-competitor distances. Our models control for various factors related to market characteristics and store attributes. Our results indicate that a higher number of restrictive covenants is associated with higher market concentration and higher store turnover. However, we cannot draw conclusions about the impact of restrictive covenants on store distances.The Norwegian grocery market has long been characterized by high concentration, posing significant barriers to entry, elevated prices, and limited product selections compared to other European countries (Norwegian Competition Authority, 2022). A key contributing factor to this phenomenon is the use of restrictive covenants by grocery chains, aimed at inhibiting the establishment of competing grocery businesses on certain properties, even following changes in ownership (Ministry of Industry and Fisheries, 2022). Motivated by the newly enforced ban on restrictive covenants issued for anti-competitive purpose, this thesis investigates the extent to which restrictive covenants were used by grocery chains and their impact on the structure of the Norwegian grocery market, focusing on market concentration at the local market level and store distances and turnover at the store level. To our knowledge, no other studies have empirically estimated the impact of restrictive covenants on the grocery market in Norway. Our thesis aims to provide empirical evidence relevant to this policy change, i.e., the ban on restrictive covenants. Using a dataset of covenants registered in the Norwegian land registration ("Grunnbok"), we identified 568 restricted locations covered under 215 registered documents that are relevant to one of the four main grocery chains. With these identified restrictive covenants, the study employs the Two-Stage Least Squares estimator to estimate the relationship between the number of restrictive covenants imposed by grocery chains within each local market and the market concentration level. Additionally, it uses the standard Ordinary Least Squares estimator to quantify the relationship between the number of same-chain restrictive covenants and store turnover, as well as between the number of same-chain restrictive covenants and store-to-competitor distances. Our models control for various factors related to market characteristics and store attributes. Our results indicate that a higher number of restrictive covenants is associated with higher market concentration and higher store turnover. However, we cannot draw conclusions about the impact of restrictive covenants on store distances
Implementering og forbedring av kategoristrategier: En eksplorativ casestudie av utfordringer og suksessfaktorer
Get PDFGjennom denne masteravhandlingen blir det utforsket hvordan kategoristyring praktiseres gjennom kategoristrategier i seks norske virksomheter. Fokuset i oppgaven er å kartlegge hvordan virksomheter implementerer og forbedrer kategoristrategier. Kategoristyring er en innkjøpsstrategi som har vokst og utbredt seg blant virksomheter i både Norge og resten av verden. Likevel er det en omfattende strategi som krever riktig kompetanse for å lykkes. Temaet for oppgaven er derfor svært aktuelt for dagens situasjon. Vi ønsker å tilføre ny innsikt i to viktige områder i kategoristyringsprosessen. Studien skal besvare følgende problemstilling:
«Hvilke sentrale elementer fra kategoristyringsprosessen kan identifiseres som utfordringer og suksessfaktorer for implementering og forbedring av kategoristrategier?»
Vi har utført en eksplorativ casestudie, med en kvalitativ metode, og innhentet primærdata gjennom dybdeintervjuer. Vi har dannet oss et teoretisk grunnlag basert på innkjøpsledelse og kategoristyring, for å diskutere opp mot empiri. Studien tar utgangspunkt i det teoretiske rammeverket til Jonathan O´Brien (2019), og legger et fundament for å besvare problemstillingen.
Funn fra studien viser at det er flere elementer fra hele kategoristyringsprosessen som har stor betydning for hvor godt de seks virksomhetene i studien lykkes med implementering og forbedring av kategoristrategier. For å ha et godt grunnlag til å drive kategoristyring har vi vurdert at forankring i ledelse og organisasjon, samt individuell kompetanse i kategoristyring, er suksessfaktorer. Fra fasene før implementering og forbedring, finner vi følgende suksessfaktorer: tverrfaglige team, involvering av interessenter, informasjonsinnhenting, analyser, fokus på behov og gjennomførbarhet. I implementerings- og forbedringsfasen er bruk av egne støtteteam og SRM suksessfaktorer. Store utfordringer i disse fasene er endringsledelse og kommunikasjon, samt måling av effekter. I tillegg er det en rekke elementer som gir uttrykk for å ha betydning, som ikke med sikkerhet kan bli klassifisert som suksessfaktorer eller utfordringer
Smidig i historiske fotspor : Et komparativt studie av to etablerte virksomheter som utforsker samspillet mellom strategi, struktur og smidig som respons på et næringsliv som endres gjennom digital utvikling
Get PDFVår forskningsstudie har undersøkt hvordan to etablerte virksomheter responderer på digitale
og markedsmessige utfordringer gjennom å utforske samspillet mellom strategi, struktur og
smidig belyst fra ledernes persepsjoner. Problemstillingen vi har undersøkt er:
Hvordan navigerer ledere i etablerte virksomheter i samspillet mellom strategi,
struktur og smidig i respons til omgivelser i kontinuerlig endring?
For studien er det anvendt en eksplorativ, komparativ caseanalysemetode. Vi har undersøkt to
etablerte virksomheter, som begge har erfaring med digital utvikling, og som har demonstrert
tilpasningsevne på organisatorisk nivå gjennom å implementere storskala smidig metodikk og
multiteamsystemer. Tidligere forskning har i begrenset omfang adressert interaksjonen
mellom strategi, struktur og smidighet under organisatoriske transformasjonsprosesser i
etablerte, norske virksomheter.
Forskningen vår har endt ut i en triadisk modell for økt konkurranseevne i en rask skiftende
digital verden. Denne modellen belyser hvordan samspillet mellom strategi, struktur og smidig
har påvirket den organisatoriske transformasjonen. Vi har identifisert flere komponenter som
er kritisk for å få dette samspillet til å fungere: 1) Drivere for endring, 2) Strategisk
kompetanseutvikling, 3) Balansert autonomi, 4) Evolusjon i lederrollen, og 5) Felles språk og
verdier. Gjennom vår analyse har vi også avdekket at ledere i disse virksomhetene har
innlemmet et utvalg av operasjonelle implementeringsmekanismer for effektiv fremdrift av de
organisatoriske transformasjonsprosessene. Disse er kompetanseveksling, prioriteringsverktøy,
produktstrategi, ordbok, samhandlingsmodell, kulturdokument, nye roller og nye
læringsarenaer. Dette understreker både et strategisk og et taktisk behov for å se samspillet
mellom strategi, struktur og smidig som respons til omgivelser i kontinuerlig endring.
Videre forskning bør bygge på vår modell for å utforske variasjonen i hvordan ulike
organisasjoner håndterer denne transformasjonen, noe som vil berike det akademiske
perspektivet fremover.Our research study has investigated how two established companies respond to digital and
market challenges by exploring the interplay between strategy, structure, and agility as
illuminated by leaders' perceptions.
The research question we have examined is:
How do leaders in established businesses navigate the interplay between strategy, structure,
and agility in response to continuously changing environments?
The study employed an exploratory, comparative case analysis method. We have investigated
two established businesses, both of which have experience with digital development and have
demonstrated organizational adaptability by implementing large-scale agile methodology
through multi-team systems. Previous research has only to a limited extent addressed the
interaction between strategy, structure, and agility during organizational transformation
processes in established Norwegian businesses.
Our research has culminated in a triadic model for increased competitive advantage in a digital
world, highlighting how the interplay between strategy, structure, and agility has impacted
organizational transformation. We have identified several components critical for making this
interplay work: 1) Drivers for change, 2) Strategic competence development, 3) Balanced
autonomy, 4) Evolution of leadership roles, and 5) Common language and values. Through
our analysis, we have also revealed that leaders in these companies have incorporated a range
of operational implementation mechanisms to effectively advance organizational
transformation processes. These are competence exchange, prioritization tools, product
strategy, glossary, interaction model, culture document, new roles, and new learning arenas.
This emphasizes both a strategic and tactical need to view the interplay between strategy,
structure, and agility in response to continuously changing environments.
Further research should build on our model to explore the variation in how different
organizations manage this transformation, which will enrich the academic perspective.nhhma
Spenninger i prosjektstøttede organisasjoner : En eksplorativ casestudie
Get PDFDenne studien undersøker hvilke faktorer som bidrar til spenninger og utfordringer som
oppstår når ansatte leverer både til prosjekter og i linjen i prosjektstøttede organisasjoner
(PSOer). Bruken av prosjekter som arbeidsform i PSOer gir muligheter for å løse endrings-,
forbedrings- og utviklingsoppgaver, men når ansatte i PSOer jobber parallelt med
driftsoppgaver og prosjektoppgaver, fører dette ofte til spenninger mellom prosjektleveranse
og linjedrift. Det finnes lite forskning på dette spenningsforholdet i PSOer, og vi håper
denne studien vil gi utvidet innsikt til denne tematikken.
Vi har gjennomført en eksplorativ casestudie og forsket på to prosjektstøttede organisasjoner
(caser). I denne studien har vi intervjuet 18 informanter fordelt på tre ulike roller i de to
PSOene: linjeledere, prosjektledere og prosjektmedarbeidere. Studien vår identifiserer tre
hovedfunn som bidrar til spenningene: rammer og metodikk, ressursallokering og
utfordringer knyttet til balanse og rolleforståelse ved arbeid i prosjekter i PSOer. I det videre
utdyper vi disse hovedområdene med teori og empiri for å gi bredere innsikt i denne
komplekse matriseorganiseringen.
Hovedfunnene i studien viser at våre caser mangler tydelige prosesser for initiering og
styring av prosjekter. Prosjekter initiert av toppledelsen får ofte bedre rammer og ressurser,
med klare rapporteringsstrukturer og tidsfrister, enn prosjekter som er initiert fra andre steder
i organisasjonen. Dette påvirker ressursallokeringen og gjennomføringen av prosjekter. Det
finnes ingen standardiserte retningslinjer for tidsbruk og ressursallokering, og prosjektledere
og linjeledere opplever ofte ressursutfordringer. Variasjon i prosjektmetodikk og mange
kommunikasjonskanaler skaper krevende situasjoner og økt ressursbruk. Våre informanter
jobber ofte på fritiden på grunn av doble forpliktelser, for å levere i prosjekt og i linjen, noe
som kan føre til økt arbeidsbelastning og stress. Disse funnene belyser sentrale utfordringer i
spenningene mellom prosjektleveranse og linjedrift i prosjektstøttede organisasjoner.nhhma
Using Emotional Communication For Environmental Fundraising: Understanding the impact of pride and shame on donor behavior
Get PDFEmotional appeals significantly influence donor behavior in environmental fundraising, yet research has predominantly focused on broader categories of positive or negative emotions. This study narrows the focus to two specific and contradictory emotions—pride and shame— to examine their distinct impacts on willingness. Unlike previous research that groups emotional appeals into broad categories, this analysis provides a detailed examination of how each of these emotions affects donor engagement separately.
The findings reveal that pride appeals consistently enhance both the willingness to donate and the persuasiveness of messages, affirming their role in positively driving donor behavior. In contrast, shame appeals, while initially capturing attention, generally lead to less positive outcomes, reducing both willingness to donate and message effectiveness.
This thesis sheds light on the nuanced roles of specific emotional appeals in environmental fundraising. By distinguishing the separate effects of pride and shame, it provides valuable insights for practitioners on how to strategically employ these emotions to maximize fundraising effectiveness. Additionally, it offers a deeper understanding for academics interested in the specific impacts of discrete emotional appeals on pro-social behaviors. This research highlights the importance of selecting appropriate emotional strategies that align with organizational goals and desired campaign outcomes
Characterization of the Norwegian Labour Market for Immigrants- A Model for Analysing the Effect of Ethnic Diversity on Wage Levels
Get PDFThe growing immigrant population in Norway directly influences the labor market impacting all industries. Given that Norway's economy is primarily composed of small and medium-sized enterprises, ethnic diversity can have a substantial effect on the labor market and economy. This thesis investigates the impact of ethnic diversity on Norway's labor market across different industries, with a particular focus on wages as a key indicator in understanding ethnic diversity's role in the development of the immigrant population. A model for evaluating the impact on wage based on ethnographic characteristics is proposed. It was found that country of origin, education and industry are factors that can be used to evaluate the wage level of immigrants in a particular country. A model to evaluate immigrant wages characterized by ethnographic variables was presented as an alternative to evaluate employment and development possibilities in the different industries of Norwa
Too Soon or Just Right? Investor Attention and Market Reactions to Early Announcements in M&As
Get PDFThis thesis examines the relationship between early announcements in mergers and
acquisitions (M&A), investor attention, and market reactions in the short- and long term. While
prior research has explored these elements separately, limited work has combined them to
better understand how early announcements influence market dynamics. Building on the
findings of Muradoglu et al. (2024) in the U.S. market, this study investigates whether similar
patterns are observed in the EU and EFTA context.
The analysis utilizes a dataset of 635 M&A deals between 2005 and 2021, categorizing early
announcements based on their timing relative to definitive agreement dates. Investor attention
is measured using abnormal Google search volume and abnormal trading volume. Short- and
long-term market reactions are measured by cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) and buy-andhold abnormal returns (BHAR), respectively. Three hypotheses are tested: whether early
announced deals attract higher investor attention (H1), whether this attention drives short-term
stock price increases (H2), and whether it leads to lower long-term abnormal returns (H3).
Our findings provide partial support for these hypotheses. We observe higher abnormal search
volume for early announced deals, supporting H1, though abnormal trading volume does not
follow the same pattern. For H2, early announced deals are associated with higher short-term
returns, but we find no evidence that this is driven by high investor attention. H3 is not
supported, as no significant relationship between investor attention and long-term returns is
identified.
This study highlights the complexity of market reactions to M&A announcements and the
importance of considering contextual factors. While the results contribute to the understanding
of investor behavior in Europe, further research could be conducted to validate and refine these
findings.This thesis examines the relationship between early announcements in mergers and
acquisitions (M&A), investor attention, and market reactions in the short- and long term. While
prior research has explored these elements separately, limited work has combined them to
better understand how early announcements influence market dynamics. Building on the
findings of Muradoglu et al. (2024) in the U.S. market, this study investigates whether similar
patterns are observed in the EU and EFTA context.
The analysis utilizes a dataset of 635 M&A deals between 2005 and 2021, categorizing early
announcements based on their timing relative to definitive agreement dates. Investor attention
is measured using abnormal Google search volume and abnormal trading volume. Short- and
long-term market reactions are measured by cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) and buy-andhold abnormal returns (BHAR), respectively. Three hypotheses are tested: whether early
announced deals attract higher investor attention (H1), whether this attention drives short-term
stock price increases (H2), and whether it leads to lower long-term abnormal returns (H3).
Our findings provide partial support for these hypotheses. We observe higher abnormal search
volume for early announced deals, supporting H1, though abnormal trading volume does not
follow the same pattern. For H2, early announced deals are associated with higher short-term
returns, but we find no evidence that this is driven by high investor attention. H3 is not
supported, as no significant relationship between investor attention and long-term returns is
identified.
This study highlights the complexity of market reactions to M&A announcements and the
importance of considering contextual factors. While the results contribute to the understanding
of investor behavior in Europe, further research could be conducted to validate and refine these
findings
Navigating troubled waters? Foreign investors and the resource rent tax on aquaculture
Get PDFThis thesis examines the impact of the resource rent taxation introduced on Norwegian aquaculture in 2022, to analyze the effects on foreign ownership in the sector following its implementation. Designed to capture excess profits derived from shared natural resources, the resource rent tax is a topic of significant interest to investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. This study investigates whether, and to what extent, the resource rent tax has influenced ownership structures in companies within the Norwegian aquaculture sector, focusing on foreign investors. Using a Synthetic Difference-in-Differences approach, ownership trends are analyzed to identify potential changes resulting from the resource rent tax's implementation.
The findings show that the resource rent tax has not significantly influenced foreign ownership in the Norwegian aquaculture sector, contrary to the original hypothesis. This result may reflect delayed effects, an overestimation of the expected increase in political risk, or other mitigating factors. To better understand these results, further analyses were performed with additional adjustments to strengthen the robustness. These efforts aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the findings.
This thesis explores the challenges of evaluating the impact of taxation policies on investment behavior. By incorporating concepts such as political risk, home bias, and cost of capital, while addressing the specific features of the Norwegian aquaculture sector, it aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The study underscores the importance of careful policy design and transparent communication to maintain investor confidence and support sustainable resource management in the sector.This thesis examines the impact of the resource rent taxation introduced on Norwegian aquaculture in 2022, to analyze the effects on foreign ownership in the sector following its implementation. Designed to capture excess profits derived from shared natural resources, the resource rent tax is a topic of significant interest to investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. This study investigates whether, and to what extent, the resource rent tax has influenced ownership structures in companies within the Norwegian aquaculture sector, focusing on foreign investors. Using a Synthetic Difference-in-Differences approach, ownership trends are analyzed to identify potential changes resulting from the resource rent tax's implementation.
The findings show that the resource rent tax has not significantly influenced foreign ownership in the Norwegian aquaculture sector, contrary to the original hypothesis. This result may reflect delayed effects, an overestimation of the expected increase in political risk, or other mitigating factors. To better understand these results, further analyses were performed with additional adjustments to strengthen the robustness. These efforts aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the findings.
This thesis explores the challenges of evaluating the impact of taxation policies on investment behavior. By incorporating concepts such as political risk, home bias, and cost of capital, while addressing the specific features of the Norwegian aquaculture sector, it aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The study underscores the importance of careful policy design and transparent communication to maintain investor confidence and support sustainable resource management in the sector
Optimizing CRM through Knowledge Management
Get PDFThis thesis investigates how Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) can enhance the effectiveness of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, offering a deeper understanding of their integration to improve customer relationship outcomes. By focusing on three research objectives, the study explores the types of customer knowledge utilized in CRM systems, the integration of CKM into CRM systems, and the practices that optimize CRM performance. Through qualitative case studies, including interviews with managers and CRM specialists from Norwegian companies, the research uncovers insights into CKM practices, challenges, and opportunities.
The findings reveal that effective CRM systems rely on managing customer knowledge in three forms: knowledge about customers, knowledge from customers, and knowledge for customers. Successful integration of CKM into CRM systems depends on robust strategies, change management, and fostering a sharing culture. The research highlights that data quality and continuous testing are crucial for optimizing CRM performance. It also identifies limitations, such as privacy regulations and technological resource disparities, which organizations must navigate to implement CKM effectively.
The study culminates in developing a conceptual framework, which serves as a practical guide for organizations seeking to leverage CKM to enhance their CRM systems. This framework provides actionable insights into aligning CKM strategies with organizational goals, fostering customer engagement, and driving business growth. While primarily focused on Norwegian companies, the framework offers inspiration for broader applications across industries and regions, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in CKM.This thesis investigates how Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) can enhance the effectiveness of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, offering a deeper understanding of their integration to improve customer relationship outcomes. By focusing on three research objectives, the study explores the types of customer knowledge utilized in CRM systems, the integration of CKM into CRM systems, and the practices that optimize CRM performance. Through qualitative case studies, including interviews with managers and CRM specialists from Norwegian companies, the research uncovers insights into CKM practices, challenges, and opportunities.
The findings reveal that effective CRM systems rely on managing customer knowledge in three forms: knowledge about customers, knowledge from customers, and knowledge for customers. Successful integration of CKM into CRM systems depends on robust strategies, change management, and fostering a sharing culture. The research highlights that data quality and continuous testing are crucial for optimizing CRM performance. It also identifies limitations, such as privacy regulations and technological resource disparities, which organizations must navigate to implement CKM effectively.
The study culminates in developing a conceptual framework, which serves as a practical guide for organizations seeking to leverage CKM to enhance their CRM systems. This framework provides actionable insights into aligning CKM strategies with organizational goals, fostering customer engagement, and driving business growth. While primarily focused on Norwegian companies, the framework offers inspiration for broader applications across industries and regions, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in CKM