Repository logo

Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2021-10-21"

Filter results by year or month
Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
  • Establishing an efficient management control system for AGPC
    Publication . Nitsche, Christopher Georg; Salvado, João Cotter
    The aim of this dissertation is to establish an efficient management control system for AGPC, a Portuguese startup that provides legal and tax services to foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Since the foundation of the company in 2016, the firm has been missing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance of its business activities. In addition, AGPC has difficulties to set the right price structure for its services and assumes that the willingness to pay (WTP) of its clients is higher than the prices they are currently charging. In this context, the balanced scorecard by Kaplan and Norton was used as an instrument to define relevant KPIs that served as indicators to assess the performance and profitability of AGPC’s individual services and customer segments. For the WTP and price structure analyses, a survey was conducted. Thereby, each service of AGPC was evaluated using the following criteria: General Interest; Benefits; WTP; Price Structure. Finally, results indicate that the Foreign Investor segment, along with services like Real Estate Acquisition and Golden Visa Application, contributed to the largest share of AGPC’s profits over the past three years. Moreover, the findings of the survey suggest that AGPC should maintain its fixed price structure while considering a price increase for the Business in a Box and Real Estate Acquisition service. Consequently, the following strategic recommendations were derived to scale AGPC’s business: Implementation of a performance measurement system and standardized software; Effective allocation of resources; Maximization of customer lifetime value; Development of new markets and partnerships.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Restricted access Show more
  • The positive impact of women education : an assessment of the Girl MOVE Academy case in Mozambique
    Publication . Féres, Natália Cantarino; Santos, Filipe Manuel Simões dos
    Value creation is at the core of a business's strategy. Socially driven and non-profit organizations should evaluate the changes that result from their activities to assess their contribution to societal progress and ensure the success of the interventions. This study assesses the value creation of an educational intervention for young girls in Mozambique and focuses on underlining the constructs used to design and measure its impact. It indicates that early pregnancy and marriage are the main drivers for female low school attainment in developing countries and highlights the importance of investing in education, evidencing the positive returns associated with a higher level of education, that include financial returns on wages that range from 19.3% on average, for women with primary education, to 323,4% for women with tertiary education. By crossing the strategic pillars of the program with the prominent causes for low school attainment, the study elucidates how organizations can use similar assessments to design interventions that are effective in addressing societal issues and creating social value. That is core to define the program's outcomes and articulate the elements of its Theory of Change. Through the Impact Management Framework, the study analyzes the five dimensions of the program impact measurement system. In addition, it combines these insights with the findings on Mozambican education to propose a long-term assessment that ensures the program monitors the progress of the participants throughout secondary education when they still face challenges to fulfill their educational path.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Open access Show more
  • Digital transformation in fashion retailing : personalization practices and their effect on loyalty in online shopping
    Publication . Fellenberg, Jil Sarah; Rajsingh, Peter
    Customer loyalty is essential to the profitability and survival of fashion e-tailers. A multitude of different tactics and practices are applied to build a loyal customer base in the highly competitive market space. One common concept applied in this area is personalization. This dissertation approaches the topic of personalization by studying which practices are applied in the fashion industry, and which are most effective to build a loyal customer base. The study found that the varieties of personalization practices are plentiful. A customer survey revealed that the practices differ significantly when it comes to their effect on loyalty. These results underline the caution that must be taken when researching the effect of personalization on loyalty as a concept, as the effects will differ significantly depending on the practice. Customer interviews were conducted and analyzed to explore possible underlying reasons for these differences in effects. The results showed that a potential driver for effectiveness is the additional value that the practice adds for the customer for example in the form of saving time or effort. This is a possible explanation for why personalization practices such as size selection aids, and a homepage that eases navigation were measured to have the strongest effect on loyalty. The dissertation presents the practical and managerial implications, limitations, and contributions of this study along with areas for future research.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Restricted access Show more
  • The next generation of voting advice applications
    Publication . Lehmann, Frank Simon; Salvado, João Cotter
    The Political Engagement of citizens between 14-30 has been declining in the last decades due to a transition of their needs in comparison to older generations. However, the popularity of Voting Advice Applications (VAA’s) as a tool to prepare for elections. Nevertheless, little is known about the potential of VAA’s outside of the context of elections as a new way for young citizens to become more politically engaged. Therefore, this study aims to 1) gain a better understand of the ways that young citizens inform themselves, 2) create a Value Proposition based on VAA principles, 3) research the acceptance and use of the Value Proposition, 4) test the effect of Gamification and 5) and determine the product-market fit. For this purpose, 20 interviews were conducted based on the Value Proposition Framework and a quantitative study was conducted by means of an online survey. The quantitative research framework is based on the Technology Acceptance model (TAM) which was extended to fit the context of VAA’s. In addition, an experiment was used to test the effect of Gamification. The results indicate that VAA’s have potential in the Dutch, Swiss and German market to be used outside of elections. Further, this research shows that young, disengaged, Social Media users have the most Behavioral Intention (BI). Moreover, Perceived Trustworthiness (PTW) and Perceive Enjoyment (PE) are significant determinants of acceptance and use. Lastly, this research shows that Gamification does not significantly contribute to a positive perception of The Next Generation of Voting Advice Applications.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Open access Show more
  • Equity Valuation of Nike Inc.
    Publication . Seyfi, Tolga; Assunção, António Luís Traça Borges de
    This dissertation aims to estimate a fair share price for Nike Inc. as of 31st May 2021. Based on the valuation and share price, a final investment recommendation is provided. For the valuation of Nike Inc., two methods have been used: Discounted Cash Flow and Relative Valuation. In addition, the valuation is supported by a comprehensive macroeconomic, industry, company, and business strategy analysis. A sensitivity analysis was completed on the estimated share value, and a comparison with the equity report of UBS has been made. The target price obtained from the valuation is $162 per share, providing an 18.9% upside potential and indicating a buy recommendation.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Restricted access Show more
  • Mergers & Acquisitions : the proposed acquisition of Sonos by Apple
    Publication . Viegas, André Fortunato Gonçalves do Estanque; Assunção, António Luís Traça Borges de
    Almost all devices around us today can be defined by two words: “Smart” and “Connected”. Smart speakers are one of the fastest growing categories with these two features. Smart speakers’ market is expected to grow at an impressive double-digit pace in the coming years. Despite of Apple being considered one of the most innovative companies in the world, it is failing to establish a good position in this market. In this dissertation, it is proposed the acquisition of Sonos Inc. by Apple in order to improve its performance in this very attractive market. Sonos Inc. intrinsic value is equal to $5698 million. The deal will be an all-cash deal, following a friendly approach with a purchase premium of 30% on Sonos Inc. current market value as of 31st of August 2021. The proposal generates a total purchase price of $6450 million, capturing net synergies of $1127 million.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Open access Show more
  • “Instagram made me do it!” : understanding purchase intentions of beauty and cosmetic services after the lockdown
    Publication . Ahmed, Salma Ben; Braga, João Pedro Niza Jacinto
    Cosmetic/beauty services offer a hedonic experience, that individuals indulge in, and use as a coping mechanism for stress release. During the lockdown, their closure led to psychological distress and higher body dissatisfaction rates since they lost their usual coping mechanisms in times of increased pandemic-related stress. After the lockdown, the world witnessed an increase of purchase intentions of beauty/cosmetic services similar to a “Revenge consumption” phenomenon, serving as an overcompensating mechanism to cope with the perceived pandemic severity repercussions. This paper explores purchase intentions of beauty/cosmetic services after the lockdown. To do so, three predictors were selected: perceived loss of control, dysmorphic concern, social media exposure (appearance-based platforms). Findings revealed that the post-pandemic situational context triggers higher purchase intentions for individuals (with a HDC), when their perceived loss of control is low. Individuals with BDD were found to be the primary consumers of appearance-based online platforms and showed the highest interest in non-invasive cosmetic treatments after the lockdown. Social media was proved to have a positive impact on purchase intentions of beauty/cosmetic services after lockdown, for individuals with a HDC, who preferred non-invasive cosmetic treatments rather than conventional services after the lockdown, as opposed to those with LDC.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Restricted access Show more
  • The streaming giant’s next step : the proposed acquisition of Lions Gate by Netflix
    Publication . Tomé, João Gonçalo Filipe; Assunção, António Luís Traça Borges de
    Since the beginning of the century to the present day, the way consumers experience entertainment has shifted dramatically. From renting movies on-demand, to going to the movie theatres, the Entertainment industry keeps on dynamically changing over time. Home entertainment services is the latest frontier of that change, in which streaming platforms have gained immense popularity worldwide, such that one of them is instantly associated when such topic is brought up: Netflix. This dissertation studies a possible acquisition within this industry, with Lions Gate as the target and Netflix as the acquirer. Lions Gate, a content production and distribution company, is present both in the traditional channels and the streaming space and so represents a great opportunity for Netflix to acquire valuable content for its library including the rights to well-known franchises. Netflix and Lions Gate have a calculated Enterprise Value of $260.311,57 millions and $5994,21 millions, respectively. The transaction would be expected by the end of 2021, with Netflix following a friendly approach and paying $4043,20 millions (a premium of 30% over market value) in a 100% cash-financed deal, generating $2.107,96 millions in Synergy value.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Open access Show more
  • Creating a digital marketing strategy for Xpand Pro
    Publication . Rolo, Paulo Renato Ruivo; Salvado, João Cotter
    Xpand Pro is a Portuguese startup that, among other Coaching and Training services, offers International Certifications in the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. In order to fully take advantage of the favorable trend in the personal development industry, the company requires a reliable digital marketing strategy to reach and attract new customers. For this, it needs to, first, learn about its customers and, second, understand which digital marketing tools are feasible. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide this information to the company, along with recommendations for the implementation of its digital marketing strategy. The customer was analyzed through a survey and follow-up interviews, while digital marketing tool’s feasibility was assessed through a survey on digital marketing professionals. The customer persona of its Certifications’ business is a well-educated woman, coming from a business or sales background, looking to improve their personal and professional life. Customer satisfaction ranks high, and the majority of the customers have intentions to continue their journey with the company, as well as suggesting the Certifications to a friend or colleague. Concerning the digital marketing tools analysis, Website, Search Engine Optimization, Analytical Tools, Social Media and Content Marketing are suggested to be key for the company’s digital marketing strategy. These tools yield a great cost-benefit, essential in a startup context. This dissertation’s recommendations focus on the effective implementation of these tools.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Restricted access Show more
  • A Paradox perspective : how social-business hybrids manage the tension between commercial growth and environmental impact
    Publication . De Wolf, Michiel Steven; Ramus, Tommaso
    In this thesis I study how social-business hybrid organizations manage the tension between commercial growth and environmental impact. I do so by inductively investigating six different organization in the food and beverage industry in Europe and relating the findings to existing academic literature on sustainability, organizational hybridity and sustainability. I found that organizations can perform three different strategies to navigate aforementioned tensions—‘justification’, ‘live with it’ and ‘avoidance’—also discovering that their adoption can be explained by the dominant motivation behind commercial growth and by how the tensions is perceived by the manager. Based on these findings I developed a theoretical model which illustrates which strategies social-business hybrid organizations adopt to manage impact vs. growth tensions, in this way contributing to a better understanding of the peculiar challenges faced by organizations aiming at growing in a sustainable way.
    2021-10-21Master thesis Open access Show more