Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-10-17"
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- Brand placement disclosure on Instagram posts : the impact on behaviors towards the featured productPublication . Bicudo, Catarina Silva de Almeida; Romeiro, PauloThis research seeks to determine whether it's more worth it to pay for sponsored endorsements, or to promote organic ones (e.g., send products to potential endorsers and hope they make content out of it), and therefore help marketers in their budget allocation decisions. Accordingly, an experimental study was conducted to investigate if the absence or presence of a sponsorship disclosure on Instagram posts impacts the post's credibility, and subsequently behaviors towards the product featured, such as value perception and purchase intention. Surprisingly, findings show that disclosure does not have a significant direct effect on either post credibility, product value perception or product purchase intention. Despite this, survey results reveal that post credibility significantly affects value perception and purchase intention, and value perception considerably influences purchase intention.
- The management consulting paradigm : a case study comparing two consulting approachesPublication . Livério, José Maria; Rajsingh, Peter V.The management consulting industry has been estimated to be worth around $250 billion per annum and is growing consistently year over year. In the competitive landscape of consulting, various approaches exist whereby firms seek to differentiate themselves from their peers. This thesis aims to understand differences in problem-solving between the engineering approach versus a management orientation within the consulting industry. To capture the differences three forms of data were analysed. We surveyed 150 individuals with participants ranging from India to Mexico, as well as Europe, and the United States. We then interviewed 14 individuals with at least two years and a half of consulting experience and then 5 senior consultants. These sources allowed us to have an overview of differences between engineering and management and its long-term impacts on a consultant’s approach to problemsolving. The major differences found were that individuals with a management background demonstrated a wider perspective when solving business problems, even with only two and a half years of consulting experience. On the other hand, individuals with an engineering background demonstrated more attentiveness to details. The particularities of an educational background, which contours the form of thinking associated with problem-solving, was found to have an impact over a longer-term on consulting practise. The study creates a fertile ground for future research on different topics, for example if differences identified are indeed indicators of top performance.
- Artificial intelligence & digital ecosystems and their role in shaping the future of automotive aftersalesPublication . Raudies, Mona; Lancastre, FilipaThis thesis examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital ecosystems (DEs) in shaping the future of the automotive aftersales domain. This research addresses a gap in the existing literature, which has predominantly focused on broader digital transformation trends, thereby leaving the specific implications for aftersales services underexplored. By employing a qualitative approach based on 11 semi-structured interviews with experts from the automotive and consulting sectors, the study identifies key use cases for AI and DE integration, including personalized customer experiences, AI-driven customer support chatbots, and predictive maintenance. Additionally, it explores the strategic role of aftersales DEs in enhancing the competitiveness of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by improving customer relationships, leveraging external skills and knowledge, and establishing entry barriers. Furthermore, the research identifies significant challenges in the integration process, including the harmonization of technology, data management and regulatory compliance. The study concludes with lessons learned for OEMs, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach, workforce education and the need to balance technological innovation with humancentric strategies. Overall, the findings contribute both to the academic discourse and provide actionable recommendations for industry practitioners aiming to leverage AI and DEs in the rapidly evolving automotive aftersales sector.
- Exploring generation Z's use of AI advice in business decision-makingPublication . Correia, Inês Monteiro Saraiva; Lettl, Christopher; Kommol, ErikThere is an increasing number of companies employing AI in business decision-making. Companies are composed by a diverse workforce with different experiences and backgrounds thus, it becomes imperative to understand if generations rely differently on AI. This thesis aims to understand the differences between Generation Z and Generation X regarding their reliance on AI advice and explore how this relationship is affected by trust. Additionally, it assesses the moderating effect of confidence in own judgement. To collect the data, a quantitative betweensubjects survey was employed, where participants from both generations were presented with two hypothetical decision-making scenarios to evaluate their reliance on AI advice. Findings reveal that Gen Z relies more on AI advice compared to Gen X. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in dispositional trust in AI between the two generations. However, a strong positive correlation was identified between dispositional and situational trust, with situational trust significantly enhancing reliance on AI advice. This indicates that higher levels of situational trust are correlated with greater reliance on AI. Surprisingly, the moderating effect of confidence in own judgment was not confirmed. Exploratory analysis suggests that familiarity with AI might mediate the relationship between generational differences and reliance on AI advice. Additionally, it was found that higher confidence in own judgement negatively impacts reliance on AI advice. These insights underscore the complexity of understanding how trust affects reliance on AI across generational cohorts and highlight the importance of considering this factor in order to foster effective AI integration strategies within companies.
- The role of large language models in mental health : a scoping reviewPublication . Gomes, Tiago; Martins, HenriqueMental health disorders affect nearly one billion individuals worldwide, with a growing prevalence over year, caused in part due to stigma and lack of treatment causing a high burden for healthcare systems. In this context, Large Language Models (LLMs), such as GPT-4, have emerged as transformative tools with the potential to improve mental health care. This master thesis conducts a scoping review of research published from 2023 onwards to explore the current applications of LLMs within the realm of mental health, with the objective of offering a thorough overview of their existing and prospective applications in clinical practices and data analysis. While LLMs hold promise in improving mental healthcare through early diagnosis, treatment planning, and the communication between patients and clinicians, this review has also pointed out the limitations the current models have, such as the high-risk mental health crisis, an inability to understand emotional subtleties which are crucial in the treatment of mental health, and concerns about ethics and data privacy in relation to the inherent biases of the training data. For future research, key areas include enhancing LLMs' skills in recognizing crises, creating tailored models for mental health for higher sensibility, and addressing significant ethical issues like bias and data privacy, which are essential for the gradual integration into the mental health field. LLMs integration in the mental health sector require a careful integration in order ensure patient safety and maintaining trust. It is imperative to have human oversight while using these tools, especially in high-risk clinical environments.
- Um estudo de viabilidade sobre o uso combinado de neurofeedback e fNIRS na ansiedade musical de performance musicalPublication . Santos, Henrique Gomes; Silva, Clédna Patrícia de OliveiraA ansiedade de performance musical é um fenómeno que afeta os músicos em situações nas quais o seu desempenho musical é ou pode ser avaliado, podendo trazer prejuízos para a própria performance. Este estudo de viabilidade procura contribuir para a preparação de futuros protocolos de investigação mais extensos e que utilizem a mesma tecnologia e abordagem, fornecendo dados críticos para o refinamento de metodologias. Com efeito, foi formulado e aplicado um protocolo de Neurofeedback associado a fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) a 13 músicos portugueses, amadores e profissionais, com idades entre 18 e os 29 anos. O protocolo consistia, numa primeira fase, na realização de uma tarefa de linha de base, onde era pedido aos participantes que procurassem relaxar antes da primeira atuação. Ambas as atuações contavam com a presença de um júri virtual. De seguida, deu-se início à sessão de Neurofeedback, que compreendia a realização de três tarefas com diferentes intuitos e dificuldades, acompanhadas por um termómetro emocional, que os participantes tinham de manter dentro dos parâmetros indicados na imagem. Por fim, os músicos foram convidados a realizar uma segunda atuação, também na presença do mesmo júri virtual, mas com uma nuance diferente, as camaras dos júris encontravam-se desligadas. Apesar dos resultados não se mostrarem significativos devido à reduzida amostra, que impede a sua generalização, os mesmos poderão ser tidos em conta para fornecer insights valiosos no desenvolvimento de intervenções eficazes com a mesma técnica. O presente estudo não só abre novas portas para a melhor compreensão do Neurofeedback associado a fNIRS, como contribui para otimizar futuras intervenções que utilizem a mesma abordagem na ansiedade de performance musical.
- Car subscription models : chinese EV producers and the german B2C car marketPublication . Klintwort, Tim; Rajsingh, Peter V.The automotive industry is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by the shifts towards electric mobility, autonomous driving, connectivity and new car usage models, creating opportunities for new entrants to challenge established players in markets that long seemed untouchable. This thesis examines whether car subscription models can serve as an effective market entry strategy for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) producers to gain a foothold in the German business-to-customer (B2C) car market. A mixed methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with industry experts and a quantitative survey with potential customers, was used to assess the viability of this strategy. The findings suggest that while Chinese producers possess dynamic capabilities and technological innovations, they still face significant market entry barriers that arise from negative user perceptions, lack of brand recognition, the need for building distribution channels, potential tariffs and capital requirements. Car subscriptions, which offer a low-commitment entry option for potential customers, are especially attractive for customers who´s negative perceptions manifest in experiencing social and performance risk towards the car and can provide a more capital-efficient entry by reducing the need for extensive dealership networks. However, the study also highlights operational and financial challenges associated with car subscriptions, such as managing vehicle returns, maintaining service networks, and ensuring sustainable revenue streams. It concludes that while subscriptions are a promising strategy for market entry, they should be part of a broader multi-channels sales strategy, which long term success is highly dependent on the companies9 ability to convince the customers of their brand during the subscription period.
- Transforming automotive emissions : the impact of ammonia engines and nano-electro fuel technologies on environmental sustainabilityPublication . Camerana, Lorenzo Vittorio Michele Maria; Rajsingh, Peter V.The automotive industry is at a standpoint, faced with the critical challenge of reducing its environmental footprint. This dissertation examines the transformative potential of ammonia engines and nano-electro fuels as potential solutions to achieving a carbon-free future. Ammonia engines provide a revolutionary path, cutting CO₂ emissions with minimal change to current infrastructure. In parallel, NEFs are an innovative approach to tackle battery technology, leveraging on renewable electricity and offering improvements in power delivery, battery life, and overall efficiency. The research integrates qualitative insights from industry experts with quantitative data from a survey of automotive professionals to assess the adoption potential, benefits, and barriers of both of these technologies. The findings suggest that while ammonia engine and NEFs have great potential for improving environmental sustainability, their widespread adoption is currently impeded by high costs, technical challenges, and the industry’s focus on electric vehicles. Regulatory pressure and the industry’s ability to adapt to new technologies is essential for overcoming these barriers. This study highlights the crucial need for investments and collaborative efforts to integrate these technologies into the automotive world, driving the industry towards a greener future.
- Equity valuation : A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/SPublication . Vieira, Vítor Hugo Freitas; Martins, José Carlos TudelaIn this dissertation, the object of study was to determine A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S’s fair value, as of 31st December 2024, through intrinsic and comparative valuation methods, to determine an investment recommendation, ranging from buy to sell, in comparison to the market price. To this end, different valuation methods were studied and presented and the DCF model was considered the most adequate for the valuation of Maersk. Nevertheless, comparative valuation methods were generated as model adjuster for the price estimation. From this, it was possible to determine a share price of 12.069 DKK. APMM has two different shares traded with different voting rights, however, their price difference is very low. Therefore, comparing the estimated price with the MAERSKb.CO share value of 9.622 DKK, as of 1st March 2024, it was able to determine an existence of potential upside. Hence, it was issued an Outperform recommendation. Finally, the assumptions and estimates supporting this thesis were tested and compared in two different periods with various investment reports. The first period was on 3rd November 2023, with comparisons of reports from SEB and ABG, where it allowed to understand that the intrinsic valuation for that period was determining an underperformance of the share, while the comparative method was determining Hold position, as with the investment reports. As for the second period of 1st March of 2024, comparing with information available from MarketScreener, it was determined that the model price was near the average of the recommendations available.
- AI in negotiations : the perspective of procurement managersPublication . Schurer, Jordin Aaron; Lancastre, FilipaThis study explores the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in negotiations through qualitative interviews with 22 procurement managers and negotiation experts. Using the Technology Acceptance Model, the research investigates AI adoption, perception, and influencing factors in negotiation processes. Findings reveal early-stage AI adoption with growing interest. AI is perceived as beneficial for efficiency, data analysis, and communication, particularly in more straightforward standardized negotiations. Key adoption factors include negotiation frequency and complexity, data quality, security concerns, and the perceived value of human skills. Despite its advantages, professionals express concerns about AI's limitations in creativity, interpreting subtle signals, and potential impact on supplier relationships. There is a preference for using AI as a support tool rather than for full automation. The study recommends gradual AI implementation through low-risk pilot projects. It highlights the need for professionals to communicate the use of AI transparently to suppliers and evaluate AI tools thoroughly prior adoption. Further research is needed on integrating AI with human skills, evaluating AI effectiveness across negotiation phases, and exploring ethical implications, especially regarding supplier relationships.