Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-06-27"
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- Traditional vs. smart packaging : exploring the influence of packaging on purchase intentionPublication . Hauk, Madeleine Isabell; Romeiro, PauloPackaging is an essential tool in the field of marketing and over the years, technological developments have led to modern trends such as smart packaging which make it possible to enhance the benefits of traditional packaging by improving the quality and safety of a product. The study investigates how the use of different types of packaging affects consumers9 purchase intention while simultaneously taking into account other factors, such as perceived product quality and consumers9 technology affinity. In order to explore the relationship between these individual variables, quantitative data was collected by conducting two online surveys. Analyzing the data, a significant effect of both traditional and smart packaging on purchase intention was identified, which turned out to be more positive for smart packaging approaches. Additionally, the results show that consumers perceive food in smart packaging as being of higher quality compared to traditional packaging. After exploring that there is a significant mediating effect of perceived product quality, the interaction effect of technology affinity and packaging was identified as not statistically significant. However, there is a significant effect that smart packaging is more effective in increasing purchase intention among consumers with an average or a high level of technology affinity. These findings contribute to the literature by offering a foundation for future research and leading to managerial implications for approaching future marketing strategies.
- O impacto do modelo de gestão de PPP no processo orçamental : o caso da AscendiPublication . Fernandes, Joana Raquel Alves; Marques, Luís Manuel DionísioA presente investigação visa a compreensão da influência do modelo de gestão de parcerias público-privadas, em regime project finance, nas dinâmicas dos processos de planeamento e controlo orçamental. O trabalho de investigação tem por base o estudo de caso do “Grupo Ascendi”, que se dedica à operação e manutenção de infraestruturas rodoviárias, prestação de serviços de cobrança de portagens e gestão de ativos. A análise teve início na recolha das principais características específicas dos processos de gestão das parcerias público-privadas, colocadas em confronto com as características do orçamento, realçando os argumentos a favor e contra do uso de cada um. Para responder às questões de investigação, optou-se pela metodologia de estudo de caso, recorrendo à observação direta dos processos de planeamento e controlo orçamental da organização, à análise de diversos documentos internos e à realização de seis entrevistas presenciais a responsáveis e colaboradores das principais áreas operacionais. Esta análise permitiu conhecer as renegociações contratuais de algumas concessões, em particular na concessão do Grande Porto, e a influência destas nos processos orçamentais. De seguida, analisou-se o processo de planeamento e controlo orçamental vigente e avaliou-se a perceção interna da utilidade do orçamento anual. Os resultados sugerem que o processo orçamental do grupo é efetivamente influenciado pelo modelo de parceria público-privada em que opera. A complexa teia contratual surge como o principal motor da adoção do orçamento anual.
- Recreational cannabis in Germany : a study of an emerging marketPublication . Berger, Raphael; Rajsingh, PeterCannabis is one of the oldest crops known to mankind, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient China and India. Globally, cannabis legalization is becoming more prevalent, with countries like Uruguay, Canada, and several states in the United States decriminalizing medicinal and recreational use in recent years. Germany is expected to become one of the largest recreational cannabis markets in the world. Despite the potential size and growth of the German cannabis market, there are still many challenges and uncertainties facing firms looking to enter the market. The research question of this thesis is as follows: what factors will determine success for a cannabis firm when the new regulatory framework is implemented? The research is conducted using a mixed-method approach, using a survey with a sample of n = 204 and three expert interviews with market insiders. Amongst others, the research shows that the legalization of cannabis opens opportunities, particularly in the medical field. Quality is paramount for consumers when purchasing cannabis. Branding is predicted to drive the cannabis market, with consumers making choices based on brand perception. Familiarity with brands can influence purchasing decisions, with many perceiving familiar brands as high quality.
- Equity valuation Ferrari N. V.Publication . Medina, Piero Estefano Arce; Martins, TudelaThis dissertation aims to determine the intrinsic value of the luxury Italian car manufacturer Ferrari, a company with an extensive history and reputation in the high-end automotive industry. Once the intrinsic value per share is calculated, it will be compared to the market price at the date to provide an investment recommendation (sell/hold/buy). The first step involved identifying the most used valuation methods and determining which is most suitable for this company. It was concluded that the Discounted Cash Flow and multiples valuation (LTM & NTM) methods are the most appropriate. Subsequently, a market analysis was conducted, followed by a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the company. After performing a financial analysis of the industry and the company, focusing on the last six years (instead of the standard five years to mitigate the impact of COVID-19), the corresponding projections were made in the DCF model, the change in working capital was determined, and the free cash flow to the firm was calculated (as explained in the literature review). The DCF analysis yielded an intrinsic value of 152€, which, when compared to the market price of 394€ as of April 15th, 2024, indicates a difference of 159%. The LTM multiples valuation produced a higher result of 281€, which also shows a difference of 40% when compared to the market price. Both results indicate that the market is currently overvaluing the stock, suggesting a "sell" signal.
- Business cycles : the predictive power of the yield curve for recessions in the G7 countriesPublication . Bianchi, Carolina Martins; Bhimjee, DiptesEconomic recessions and Business Cycles have been studied over the years because of their serious financial impacts, which tends to spread all over the economy, causing unemployment, poverty, bankruptcies, etc. This Dissertation addresses the reliability of the yield curve as recession’s predictor nowadays and aims to test the forecasting power of the yield curve in countries beyond the United States. By employing Panel Data estimations, an empirical analysis of the ability of the yield curve and other macroeconomic variables to predict recessions is conducted, using indicators of economic activity across the G7 countries as a whole and individually, based on monthly data from 1995 to 2023. Empirical evidence shows that the predictive power for recessions is not uniquely a consequence of the yield curve as predictor, but also a result of the impact of the lags of the dependent variable itself as the current value of an economic activity indicator is deeply influenced by its recent past values. Furthermore, the third predictive equation presented for each predicted variable has the greatest predictive power for recessions, suggesting that the composite leading indicator is a better predictor of the economic activity than inflation and money supply together. Findings suggest that an efficient predictive power of the yield curve and lagged variables specially for Industrial production and Retail sales as dependent variables. Finally, robustness checks are conducted as the regression framework was restricted to a given regional area (America and Europe) and to specific countries, suggesting the stability of the estimations performed.
- The impact of live-streaming platforms on television viewing habitsPublication . Trunk, Michael; Rajsingh, PeterThis dissertation explores the dynamic and evolving landscape of live-streaming platforms and their impact on television viewing habits. With the rise of platforms such as Twitch.tv or YouTube Live, there has been a shift in how audiences consume and engage with digital content. This research looks at various aspects of live streaming and includes technological advancements, the role of streamers, and the behavior of audiences on these platforms. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on how live-streaming services impact the television industry, with focus on the flexibility, interactivity, and availability offered by live streaming. This study incorporates survey and expert interview findings to provide an understanding of user preferences and behaviors. The research shows that especially younger audiences are increasingly drawn to the interactive and immersive experiences offered by live-streaming platforms. Key motivations for the usage of these services include social interaction, real-time engagement, and flexible access to diverse content. The research also highlights various challenges and opportunities for traditional media companies. The findings suggest that TV broadcasters innovate their content strategies and improve audience engagement. This dissertation contributes to a broader understanding of the digital transformation of media consumption and offers practical recommendations for media organizations operating in the evolving digital landscape.
- POS displays in a circular economy : an empirical investigation of German Generation Z’s perception of circular-designed confectionery POS Displays and the impact on their purchase intention and willingness-to-pay of confectionery in GermanyPublication . Schuppler, Niklas; Rita, MiguelThe current economy is facing significant challenges emerging from unsustainable economic models, primarily driven by waste generation. A major contributor is the FMCG industry, where single-use point-of-sale displays play a notable role in waste production. Despite their short service life, point-of-sale displays are essential for sales promotion. This dissertation examines the integration of circular economy principles into point-of-sale marketing, focusing on confectionery displays in the German FMCG sector, emphasizing the prevention of waste, the circulation of materials and the regeneration of nature. Generation Z is the target group of this study based on their growing purchasing power and environmental awareness. Using the stimulus-organism-response model, this research investigates the influence of stimuli (point-of-sale display attributes, the confectionery manufacturer’s environmental record and Gen Z’s environmental concern) on Generation Z’s perceived sustainability of a circular-designed point of-sale display, and its impact on their purchase intention as well as willingness-to-pay for confectionery promoted in circular-designed point-of-sale displays. A mixed methods approach was used, starting with qualitative interviews for initial insights, followed by a quantitative survey. Key findings show that point-of-sale display attributes (i.e., circular materials, natural colors, informative content), manufacturer’s environmental record and a higher level of environmental concern positively influence Gen Z’s perceived sustainability of a circular-designed confectionery point-of-sale display. The direct influence of perceived sustainability on purchase intention and willingness-to-pay depends on consumers’ circular economy familiarity. The managerial implications highlight the importance of launching appealing and informative circular-designed point-of-sale displays, while confectionery manufacturers must increase transparency and educate consumers about circular economy.
- Innovation in plant-based confectionery alternatives in the German FMCG sector : an empirical investigation about determinants of Generation Z’s purchase intention of vegan chocolate confectionery in Germany using the theory of planned behaviorPublication . Brandauer, Dominique Andrea; Rita, MiguelChocolate is consumed worldwide and with the trend towards plant-based alternatives, chocolate products have also been altered to cater the needs of vegans. Gen Z, known for their growing significant purchasing power, is already reshaping the consumer landscape. To thrive in this evolving market, chocolate manufacturers must understand Gen Z’s behavior. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior, this dissertation examines the determinants of Generation Z’s purchase intention of vegan chocolate within the German market. The original Theory of Planned Behavior, investigating the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on purchase intention, is extended with health awareness, environmental concern, animal welfare, social influence, product knowledge, self-image congruence, and environmental self-identity. Qualitative research was employed as an initial exploratory step followed by a quantitative study. The findings reveal that the German Generation Z’s purchase intentions for vegan chocolate are primarily influenced by attitudes towards vegan chocolate, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The model extension underscores the significant influence of product knowledge and self-image congruence on purchase intention. Additionally, environmental concerns, animal welfare, social influence, and product knowledge shape the attitudes towards purchasing vegan chocolate. Despite this study9s limitations such as a non-generalizable sample and the absence of a realistic shopping experience, it provides actionable insights for marketing, brand, and product managers, underscoring the need to align the products with the values of Gen Z, develop appealing flavors, ensure transparent and ethical labeling, and leverage modern marketing strategies.
- From 2D images to augmented reality : assessing the effects on consumer purchase intentions and perceived quality in beauty productsPublication . Issufo, Yussra; Romeiro, PauloThe beauty industry is transforming due to advancements in digital technology, with augmented reality emerging as a key tool for enhancing consumer experiences. AR try-on features, which enable consumers to virtually apply beauty products, offer a new level of interactivity and personalization in online shopping. This innovation addresses the e-commerce challenge of not being able to physically try products before purchase. This thesis investigates the impact of AR try-on features on consumer purchase intentions in the beauty industry, focusing on lipstick and mascara. The study compares AR try-on features with traditional 2D product presentations on models to understand their influence on purchase intentions and perceived quality. Using a posttest-only between-group experimental design, female participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: AR try-on without incentive, AR try-on with incentive, and standard 2D images on models. The primary objective was to determine whether AR try-on features enhance purchase intentions more effectively than traditional methods. The findings indicate that AR try-on features do not significantly increase purchase intentions compared to 2D images. While AR enhances interactivity and engagement, these advantages do not translate into higher purchase intentions, possibly due to unmet consumer expectations regarding the realism and accuracy of AR representations. Additionally, the perceived quality offered by AR try-on features does not significantly contribute to increased purchase intentions. The study highlights the critical role of perceived quality and realism in shaping consumer behavior, suggesting that advancements in AR technology should focus on improving its features to meet consumer expectations.
- Towards a greener tomorrow : analyzing transition drivers in Norway's petroleum industryPublication . Heimsæter, Jørgen; Rajsingh, PeterThis dissertation investigates the contribution of key drivers that are cited in the literature, to the green transition of the Norwegian petroleum industry. A qualitative methodology was used to combine information from twelve expert interviews with insights from a comprehensive literature review. We examine how regulations and policies, such as global climate agreements and carbon taxes, have a significant impact on pushing the industry towards sustainability. Although cost and scale constraints are acknowledged as obstacles, technological advancements, particularly in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and renewable energy technologies, are seen as essential. Per now, the technology is not seen as a big driver itself, but technological advancements are very important to accelerate the green transition. Companies are being forced to adopt greener practices by market forces and to some degree investor demands, yet these efforts are frequently hampered by the infrastructures already in place and some skepticism from investors. NGOs have little direct impact on the corporate strategies of the petroleum companies. According to the study's conclusion, while these factors are important in accelerating the green transition, their effects differ, with regulations having the greatest overall impact. To improve comprehension and generalizability of the findings addressing the long-term industry responses to these factors, the thesis recommends more study using a mixed-methods approach.
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