Browsing by Subject "Qualitative Research"
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Item Restricted Awareness and Purchasing Decisions of Young Consumers in Berlin Towards Sustainability in the Fashion Industry With a Case Study of Patagonia(2023) Yeji Song; Ülker, Barış; Villegas, Erick Behar; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: This study explores the relationship between the awareness of sustainable fashion among young consumers in Berlin and their purchasing behaviors, with a specific focus on the brand Patagonia. The investigation delves into the levels of consumer awareness, the factors influencing purchasing decisions, and the barriers to adopting sustainable behaviors. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews to gather consumers' perspectives and insights on sustainable fashion. The findings reveal an increased awareness and understanding of sustainability issues related to fashion among the young consumer demographic in Berlinches The study identifies the key factors that drive purchasing decisions and the barriers that impede sustainable consumer behavior. The results suggest a shift in perception and behavior among consumers towards more sustainable fashion practices over time. The case of the Patagonia brand is used to examine how the awareness of the brand's sustainability efforts correlates with actual purchasing behavior. Keywords: Sustainable Fashion, Consumer Awareness, Purchasing Behavior, Young Consumers, Berlin, Patagonia, Qualitative Research, Sustainability PracticesItem Restricted How Do Employees Cope? an Examination of the Behavioural Outcomes of Work-related Stress(2023) Begüm Yaldiz; Glarou, Despoina; Hynes, Jennifer; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: This bachelor thesis aimed to explore the coping strategies used by employees to control work-related stress and examine the behavioural results related to these strategies. The study used a qualitative research approach with an open-ended survey questionnaire to collect clear data from a varied group of employees. The survey questionnaire included six open-ended questions to understand participants' feelings about work-related stress, their coping behaviours, their reflections on these behaviours, and their ideas about better managing work stress. For data analyses, thematic analyses were conducted to identify themes and patterns within the data (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The survey analysis resulted in both adaptive (positive) and maladaptive (negative) coping behaviours employed by employees and suggestions for productive coping. Various coping mechanisms were identified by employees in the qualitative survey findings. The discussion centered around two themes: adaptive (positive) and maladaptive (negative) behaviours. Using adaptive coping mechanisms like engaging in physical exercise, seeking social support or practicing relaxation techniques have been shown to promote wellbeing while enhancing productivity. On the other hand, it was observed that maladaptive coping strategies such as social isolation, alcohol use, smoking and aggression led to several negative consequences. Keywords: work-related stress, coping strategies, behavioural outcomes, qualitative research, thematic analysis, adaptive coping, maladaptive coping, employee wellbeing, productivity, stress managementItem Restricted Managerial Decision Making in the Context of Recycled Plastic : Identifying the Drivers of Uncertainties(2023) Ewa Jaskólska; Artinger, Florian; Wood, Daniel; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: To remain viable in today's fast-changing world, organizations must be able to adapt to their environment, a concept that has been emphasized by leading organizational theorists (Duncan, 1972). Despite expressing positive intentions towards adopting circularity in plastic usage, most manufacturing companies still do not use recycled plastic (Khan, 2023). This inconsistency between intention and behavior can be attributed to a range of factors, as highlighted by van der Vegt and others (2022). Even though there is ample evidence showing that incorporating recycled plastic into manufacturing processes can enhance business performance, many companies are still hesitant to take this step (Khan, 2023). One critical factor that plays a significant role in managerial decision-making when it comes to recyclable plastic is uncertainty, which is an individual's perceived inability to predict something accurately (Milliken, 1987). Uncertainties related to regulatory environment, cost, supply chain issues, consumer preferences, and technology can create obstacles for firms looking to adopt sustainable practices. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and manage these uncertainties effectively to facilitate the adoption of recyclable plastics. This study analyses different types of uncertainties and managerial decision making processes that decision makers face. By recognising and managing unceirainties in the context of adoption of recycled plastic, firms can plan and analyze carefully to ensure that they can adopt recyclable plastics effectively and contribute to environmental sustainability. To achieve this, this review utilized a qualitative research method, analyzing existing studies, books, and reports on the topic to investigate different approaches to adapting recyclable plastics and uncertainty management in companies and identified factors like economic considerations, quality and technical barriers, lack of demand, regulatory and policy factors, cultural factors, systemic factors, organizational factors, and uncertainty. Future studies may delve deeper into the individual factors identified. Keywords: organizational adaptability, circularity, recycled plastic, sustainability, uncertainty management, managerial decision-making, regulatory environment, supply chain, consumer preferences, qualitative researchItem Restricted Planethome Investment Ag : An Analysis of the Company's Development(2022) Niklas Solli Reimann; Ülker, Baris; Villegas, Erick Behar; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAUTHOR-SUPPLIED ABSTRACT: Abstract: After a turbulent past, PlanetHome Investment AG is today facing a brighter future. It is known that the majority of startups struggle to achieve sufficient growth to survive. As crowdfunding is still a relatively unfamiliar concept for many, skepticism has made it difficult to gain traction in the market, along with internal complications that have stagnated the company's advancement. This paper aims to determine which problems have hindered the company's advancement, how these have been surpassed, and what has contributed to the company's ultimate success throughout its timeline. In this context, success is centered on advancing the company through growth and traction in the market, thereby generating shareholder value. Qualitative research has been conducted in the form of interviews to thoroughly examine the events encompassed in the company's timeline. Furthermore, a content analysis was conducted to contextualize and analyze the underlying themes in the interviews to better tie them to relevant theories. The results indicate that unfamiliarity in the market caused an underlying skepticism that could only be circumvented with adequate management of the company that focuses on daily operations and gaining traction in the market. This is strongly outlined in the analysis of the company's timeline, which indicates the effect of the contrasting leadership between the former and latter managers. Keywords: PlanetHome Investment AG, startups, growth, crowdfunding, skepticism, market traction, internal complications, advancement, shareholder value, qualitative research, interviews, content analysis, management, daily operations, market familiarity, leadershipItem Restricted Reflections on Migrant Entrepreneurship and Digitalization : A Qualitative Research(2022) Valentino Troka; Koç, Hasan; Ülker, Bariş; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAUTHOR-SUPPLIED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Migrant enterprises are no longer being confined to the lower market segments, but they can be found operating in high-value activities which represent advanced economies. These individuals implement their own ideas and skills to the host country, they offer their flexibility and labor to diversify and help out with labor market shortages. According to OECD (2010), migrants are more eager to participate in entrepreneurial activities than locals, and these activities do not portray only traditional ethnic businesses anymore but rather large enterprises that are greatly affecting their respective industries. These transformations from the old to the new can also be seen in the context of enterprise digitalisation and digital migrant entrepreneurs who have used technology to transform the physical attributes of their traditional enterprise into digital ones (Andrejuk, 2022). The aim of this thesis is to further explore the concept of "migrant entrepreneurship", while at the same time exploring the drivers of a successful migrant enterprise, the challenges they face, and the success factors behind a migrant's adaptation into the host country. Drawing on qualitative research, the paper produces answers to the two research questions by elaborating on the different conditions a migrant has to follow when building a business, and also by emphasizing the effect of digitalisation on migrant enterprises. The results show that the access to essential conditions is different for migrants versus local entrepreneurs. Moreover, crowdfunding, digital finance, and digital technologies help alleviate the existing constraints that migrants face. The analysis is based on semi-structured interviews with 13 migrant entrepreneurs residing in Albania, Germany, and the US. Keywords: migrant entrepreneurship, migrant enterprises, high-value activities, advanced economies, flexibility, labor market shortages, traditional ethnic businesses, enterprise digitalisation, digital migrant entrepreneurs, qualitative research, drivers, challenges, success factors, adaptation, host country, conditions, digitalisation, crowdfunding, digital finance, digital technologies, constraints, semi-structured interviews, Albania, Germany, USItem Restricted The Impacts of Social Media Platforms on Brand Loyalty and Brand Awareness of Smes(2023) Lara Özcan; Glarou, Despoina; Ülker, Barış; Faculty of Business Administration; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: In today's increasingly digital era, the emergence of social media platforms has revolutionized how businesses interact with their customers. As a result, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) attending fairs are presented with a unique opportunity to harness the power of social media to enhance brand loyalty and create long-lasting relationships with their customers. This thesis explores the effective utilization of social media platforms as a strategic tool for SMEs attending fairs to increase brand loyalty and customer retention. A qualitative research method is employed in which interviews will be held with SME owners and managers. The semi-structured interview will allow the interviewees to express their experiences, thoughts, and insights on the matter more flexibly. In addition, through the analysis of primary data, the research seeks to identify key strategies and best practices SMEs should use to leverage social media platforms effectively. The findings reveal that social media platforms offer SMEs attending fairs a multitude of avenues to connect with their target audience, establish strong brand identities, and foster a sense of loyalty among customers and other businesses. By engaging customers through compelling content and personalized interactions, SMEs can build trust, strengthen their brand image, and deepen customer loyalty. In addition, these insights enable SMEs to adapt and tailor their marketing campaigns to align with customer preferences and behaviors, enhancing customer loyalty. Ultimately, this thesis serves as a valuable resource for SMEs attending fairs, providing actionable recommendations and insights into leveraging social media platforms effectively to bolster brand loyalty and cultivate lasting customer relationships. Keywords: digital era, social media, small and medium enterprises, SMEs, fairs, brand loyalty, customer retention, qualitative research, marketing strategies, customer engagement