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Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Zeeshan Butt The aim of this thesis is to examine the ICT environment and analyze the evolution of a department that provides services to corporate technology. The study seeks to establish how ICT management has affected business operations. The primary focus is on analyzing the current state of the ICT market and its main evolutionary trends. This includes exploring the relocation and outsourcing of information services and the impact of these choices on the business environment. Additionally, the thesis provides an overview of the competitive landscape of service providers.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Nima Mohamed Ibrahim A cookie is a small text file that is downloaded onto a device (such as a computer or smartphone) when a user accesses a website. This file allows the website to recognize the user’s device and store information about the user’s preferences or past actions. Many studies have focused on protecting consumer privacy in electronic communications but have often overlooked the advantages of cookies for firms that provide products or services. There are numerous rules and Privacy Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) in place to control the use of cookies, alongside the Data Protection Act, which grants consumers specific privacy rights. These regulations cover areas such as: Marketing calls, emails, texts, and faxes; Cookies (and similar technologies); Keeping communication services secure. A prime example of privacy and data protection regulations can be seen in the frameworks adopted by Europe and the UK, which have implemented changes into their own laws. This research aims to explain the importance of cookies for firms—particularly those providing products or services—and consumers alike. By highlighting these benefits, the study hopes to encourage companies to use cookies or similar technologies legitimately, in compliance with privacy policy rules. This is the focal point of the paper, with further details provided to support these ideas. The researcher employed a descriptive analytical approach for this study, classifying it as applied research. Data was collected from primary sources through a specially designed questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS application. Additionally, interviews and the Nvivo application were used to analyze collected data. The target population included firm owners who use cookies and customers. Secondary sources such as books, business journals, previous research papers, and business letters related to the research topic were also utilized. The research concluded that cookies offer several advantages, including enabling web developers to create better web applications and services, and enhancing marketing plans. Cookies are one of many tools that developers use to improve the visitor experience on the web. Most firms in the Middle East support the implementation of cookie laws and privacy legislation, though they have yet to apply such laws. However, many firms are willing to adopt these laws in the future. Currently, most firms have their own corporate rules to respect customer privacy and secure their information, which suggests that implementing European and UK cookie and privacy rules in the Middle East could be straightforward. This presents a good opportunity to use cookies for wide statistical analysis for marketing purposes and exploring social trends, benefiting companies, countries, and visitors from various perspectives. The effective use of cookies depends heavily on existing rules, regulations, and laws, as well as education and awareness programs about legitimate cookie use.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Ayman I. Abu Haija The United Nations (UN) agencies have invested significant efforts, costs, and time in converting their accounting systems from the United Nations System Accounting Standards (UNSAS) to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). This research aims to explore, in an objective, scientific, and analytical manner, whether this conversion has achieved its two primary targets: improving financial reporting and strengthening the internal control system. The substantial costs and time required for such a conversion and implementation are critical concerns for the executive managements of the UN agencies, their governing bodies, and their member states. The research intends to conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of IPSAS implementation on the financial reporting and internal control systems within the UN agencies. An independent evaluation of the implementation process and the results achieved by each concerned agency was provided. To measure the perceived benefits of IPSAS, a Likert scale survey was conducted among a sample of UN employees. The analysis of the survey responses indicated that the IPSAS implementation has indeed improved the financial reporting of the UN agencies. It aligned their financial statements with globally recognized standards, making them understandable to all stakeholders and comparable across different agencies. Furthermore, the implementation of IPSAS has led to a better internal control system for the UN agencies, enhancing all aspects of internal control.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Maria Andrea Hamilton Incivility or uncivil behaviors have become a significant concern for educators worldwide, posing one of the growing disciplinary problems in learning environments. This phenomenon is increasingly seen as a leading cause of violence, with some educators considering it a crisis in educational institutions today. The prevalence of classroom incivility has affected higher education institutions globally for decades. However, there is no known data on the impact of higher education lecturers' classroom management styles on the pervasiveness of uncivil behaviors despite the seriousness of this problem. This qualitative research, employing a phenomenological design, aimed to address this gap through four research questions that guided the study. The researcher examined how the nature of classroom incivility, cultural sensitivity, and classroom management styles influence the pervasiveness of uncivil behaviors in higher education. Semi-structured and open-ended interviews were conducted to investigate how classroom management affects incivility in higher education settings. A purposive sample of 40 higher education lecturers from the Caribbean, the United States, Guyana, and Europe was used to obtain an objective perspective on the phenomenon. The themes developed from the survey and interview results provided potentially useful strategies for lecturers addressing the pervasiveness of incivility in higher education learning environments.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Alberto Rodriguez Dominguez Europe is facing turbulent times politically, economically, and socially. Energy resource management and securing a stable energy supply are critical across these domains and affect the entire EU population. Ensuring Europe's energy future is paramount, particularly in light of global demand from emerging economies like China and India, persistent instability in energy-producing regions, and Russia's use of energy as a political tool. These issues have heightened EU concerns, prompting initial responses, yet much work remains. This will likely be a major focus in the next phase of European integration. This document analyzes the development of an external energy policy at the EU level, key external relationships (such as those with Russia, North Africa, and the Middle East), and the diversification of energy sources. The methodology primarily involves PEST and SWOT analyses, examining the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats from technical, social, and economic perspectives. Additionally, it includes a quantitative analysis of energy security in the EU. Key recommendations to ensure a feasible and stable mid-term energy context include: Improving Flexibility for Energy Investors: This aligns with meeting commitments in various international agreements. Integrating National and Regional Energy Systems: Enhancing the interconnectedness of energy systems across Europe. Enhancing EU Competitiveness Worldwide: Achieving this through coordinated actions at the EU level. Developing New Energy Fields: Investing in and promoting new energy sources, such as bio-energy. These measures are crucial for Europe to secure its energy future and maintain stability across political, economic, and social spheres.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Ralf Hilpert Background: Little research is available on the topic of hospital mission statements, especially in the field of psychiatry. This study tries to deal with the matter by exploring the dichotomy of ethical vs. business attitude in mission statements because staff in psychiatric institutions feels strongly about this issue. Methods: The mission statements of 39 psychiatric hospitals, big (level 1) and small (level 2) in German speaking Switzerland were analyzed according to ethical and business contents and compared with their financial performance using statistical methods (T-tests and regression analyses). Financial data was taken from published statistics of the national health authority (Bundesamt für Gesundheit). Results: According to the T-tests, the small, level 2 psychiatric hospitals contained more ethical aspects in their mission statements than the big, level 1 psychiatric hospitals (p=0.02). The smaller level 2 hospitals in average generated almost only half the financial loss than the bigger level 2 hospitals (p=0.12). Business content was comparable in both groups’ mission statements (p=0.90). Regression analysis found a small, but general trend, that, irrespective of the hospital groups, more ethical contents are associated with better financial results, and more business contents with worse financial results. Conclusions: Small psychiatric clinics seem to have their right to existence in German speaking Switzerland by showing higher ethical attitude and better financial results. Small psychiatric hospitals are ethically more consistent according to their mission statements and maybe financially sounder according to their reported data than bigger hospitals. In (re-)writing a mission statement for a psychiatric institution much care should be given to the language, reflecting a high ethical attitude. Other possible influences and explanations for the results are discussed. This result might open the way for more research in this field, and if confirmed, possibly develop psychiatric care away from big institutions towards smaller, ethically and financially sounder entities.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Adnan Raslan This study aimed to identify the critical success factors influencing consumer buying behaviors for electronics and home appliances in the UAE, providing marketers with strategic recommendations. The research focused on the importance of product accessibility, price, features/characteristics, quality/added value, and brand reputation to UAE consumers, examining how these factors vary among consumers with different individual characteristics. The findings indicated that product accessibility, price, features/characteristics, quality/added value, and brand reputation are highly important to UAE consumers when purchasing electronics and home appliances, with mean importance ratings exceeding 50% of the total possible value. To achieve these findings, the study employed a positivist research philosophy and a quantitative research method. It utilized an exploratory research design and a cross-sectional survey strategy, collecting data through online questionnaire surveys from a randomly selected sample of 300 UAE consumers of electronics and home appliances. The data were analyzed using MANOVA, ANOVA, t-tests, and correlation and regression analysis. The importance of brand reputation was significantly associated with product accessibility, price, features/characteristics, and quality/added value (p < .05 for correlations between brand reputation and other consumer buying behavior factors). Notably, the importance of product price and features was significantly higher among consumers with spouses compared to those without spouses. Additionally, the importance of product accessibility, price, and features/characteristics was significantly higher among consumers with high monthly incomes compared to those with low monthly incomes (p < .05). The study concluded that product accessibility, price, features/characteristics, quality, brand reputation, and social influence are key critical success factors in consumer buying behaviors for electronics and home appliances in the UAE. These factors are influenced by the size of the consumer's household, average income, and marital status

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Ir. Jean Claude Karorero In the last 50 years, Burundi has experienced recurrent conflicts between the Tutsi and Hutu ethnic groups. Similar to Rwanda in 1994, Burundi has witnessed the tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of lives since 1993. Despite a peace agreement between the Hutu and Tutsi signed in 2000 (UN, 2000), violence resurfaced in 2015. The ruling political party, CNDD-FDD, controversially nominated the same candidate for a third term, violating Burundi's laws. This led to widespread violence, resulting in thousands of deaths, imprisonments, cases of sexual abuse, torture, and over 325,000 people becoming refugees. Some parties warn that the risk of a new genocide remains high. As an academic researcher and a native of Burundi, I am deeply interested in uncovering the root causes of the current crisis. My aim is to contribute positively to finding a sustainable solution during the ongoing peace process in Arusha, Tanzania. While many researchers focus on the Arusha Agreement of 2000, the Constitution of Burundi, legal frameworks, or the spirit of vengeance, few have examined the influence of political corruption. I believe that political corruption and its implications have a significant impact on the current crisis. Evidence from Italy demonstrates that corruption skews public budget allocation towards general services like security rather than education and health, leading to significant policy implications (Baraldi, 2008). Moreover, corrupt recipients tend to receive more humanitarian assistance and less aid for productive sectors and infrastructure (Lopez, 2015). This paper aims to quantitatively prove that the findings of Baraldi and Lopez are applicable in the Burundian context. Using a quantitative design, I analyzed and compared the budgets of all service ministries (S-Ministries) with those of production/economic/infrastructure ministries (E-Ministries) from 2006 to 2015. Additionally, I tracked the destination of foreign aid to both E-Ministries and S-Ministries. I utilized Google Scholar to review studies, journals, and research on political corruption, foreign aid, ethnic crises, democracy, and favoritism. My findings reveal that Burundi is indeed a corrupt recipient, validating the observations of Baraldi and Lopez. Since 2006, the services and humanitarian sectors have consumed a significant portion of the national budget and foreign aid. According to Neudorfer and Theuerkauf (2014), this corruption distorts the political decision-making process and fosters political favoritism. In Burundi, this bias has resulted in a greater portion of humanitarian assistance and corruption benefits flowing to CNDD-FDD supporters and key decision-makers. This, I believe, is central to Burundi's problems. The national budget, corruption dividends, and the allocation of foreign aid have financed the violation of laws and the Arusha Agreement. Since 2016, peace negotiations have been ongoing in Arusha involving politicians, donors, and mediators. It is imperative that these stakeholders consider the significant findings of this study to inform their efforts in achieving lasting peace in Burundi.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Okesina, Musiliu Local Government Councils (LGCs) are the closest tier of government to the people and play a pivotal role in governance. Their effectiveness is crucial to the wellbeing of the populace. However, LGCs in Nigeria, like many in developing countries, face numerous challenges including inefficiency, indiscipline, corruption, unskilled staff, inadequate resources, managerial ineptitude, and political instability. A significant issue for Nigerian LGCs is their failure to adopt strategic management practices to enhance organizational success and effectiveness. This study aims to explore strategic management practices in the public sector, focusing on LGCs in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the strategy formulation process. It also evaluates the impact of leadership styles and organizational culture on this process. Using a mixed-method approach of surveys and structured interviews, this study assessed the current state of strategy formulation in LGCs, tested hypotheses regarding correlations between leadership styles, organizational culture, and modes of strategy formulation, and identified barriers to effective strategy formulation in LGCs. Findings revealed that Nigerian LGCs employ a mix of different strategy formulation modes, with the symbolic mode being predominant. Spearman Rank’s correlation coefficients indicated a significant association between leadership styles, organizational culture, and the modes of strategy formulation in the public sector. This association is illustrated in the conceptual model derived from the findings. Additionally, organizational culture, structure, human capacity and training, resources, technological infrastructure, and the influence of political stakeholders were found to impact the effective practice of strategy formulation and, by extension, strategic management practices in LGCs. It is recommended that council leaders adopt a collaborative approach to strategy formulation, establish an organizational structure that ensures adequate employee training, embrace technology, and improve resource management. These steps are essential for transforming LGCs from inefficient bureaucratic entities into performance-based organizations driven by an innovative and responsive culture.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Tomoko Inoue In the West, arm-length, adversarial transaction-oriented relationships were long exercised in the mainstream business world before a paradigm shift occurred in the early 90s (Dwyer, Schurr, and Oh, 1987). Thanks to the development of various conceptual frameworks, key relationship marketing values have been implemented in business practices across various fields in recent decades. In particular, since the introduction of the Commitment-Trust theory by Morgan and Hunt (1994) the business world in the West has become ever more aware of the importance of relationship marketing (RM) underpinned by such values as trust, commitment and cooperation. Accordingly, the conceptual tools to quantitatively examine these key variables have been developed with greater sophistication. Given that, now it is worthwhile examining the generalizability of the Commitment-Trust theory not only in the West, but also in the East, particularly in Japan where above-mentioned RM values have long been considered as vital. However, over the last two decades, Japanese economy has been slowing down and the country’s apparel consumers are opting for inexpensive fast-fashion merchandise. While the global phenomenon of fast-fashion continues to grow in Japan, it is important to assess how the key RM variables are still valued in the quick-paced fast-fashion industry in Japan. Methodologies In this research, the key constructs of the commitment-trust theory such as five antecedents and five outcomes are quantitatively tested in the Japanese fast-fashion industry. The questionnaire was administered via an online survey site. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed before a path analysis with relationship equation modelling tested the hypothesised model. Result The survey result shows that the Commitment-Trust theory appears to be applicable in the Japanese fast-fashion industry to an extent that 8 out of 12 constructs that constitute the original model proposed by Morgan and Hunt have been supported. Despite that, some modifications have been made to the original model in order to increase the efficacy of the framework within the context in question.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Cynthia Médissa Kaze Ecobank Burundi faces significant competitive pressure from domestic banks, necessitating stringent cost control and improvements in quality and operational efficiency to maintain profitability. To achieve long-term success and organizational resilience, many organizations, including Ecobank Burundi, are adopting change management practices. In this context, Total Quality Management (TQM) serves as a strategic tool to meet customer requirements within the banking sector in Burundi. The primary objective of this study is to understand and explain the paramount importance of quality in banking and how effective leadership and optimal management of the change process can achieve and sustain total quality. The literature review will explore theories and models related to Change Management and TQM, emphasizing that the adoption of TQM ensures banks can manage quality and remain profitable by exceeding customer expectations. The implementation of TQM must be guided by leadership style and organizational culture. As Ecobank Burundi's top management formulates and implements TQM, this study's principles must be considered to enhance profitability and competitiveness. The researcher focused on critical elements to facilitate data collection and analysis, discussing and describing the research design and procedure, population, sample and sampling procedures, research instruments, data collection procedures, limitations, and data analysis techniques used in the study.

Abstract of the Student #Thesis: Marion Hilpoltsteiner Globalization has been a dominant force for many years, impacting individuals, societies, institutions, and states. This interconnectedness has highlighted the advantages of exchanging products, ideas, transactions, knowledge, concepts, and projects. Today, globalization is a reality that industries and companies must accept and navigate. Managers must recognize the global nature of business and strive to understand and collaborate with other market participants, nations, and cultures. Outsourcing is a significant aspect of globalization that is becoming increasingly prevalent. But what exactly does "outsourcing" mean? A company engages in offshoring when it transfers tasks or functions to a foreign country, distinct from where its headquarters are located. This strategy is crucial for maintaining international competitiveness. The primary objective of outsourcing, whether for production or service tasks, is to reduce overall expenses and labor costs. This is feasible because the target countries typically have lower costs than the domestic market. In many cases, the quality of work, whether in production or service, is performed by equally qualified employees at a lower cost. However, the ethical implications of outsourcing have sparked debates. Media reports and documentaries often highlight the challenging living conditions of local workers in low-wage countries, contrasting with the relatively comfortable lives of employees at headquarters or Western subsidiaries. This study focuses on India as an example to explore whether economic advantages justify neglecting ethical principles. It seeks to determine if it is acceptable to pursue cost-saving measures by offshoring company functions to low-wage countries, considering that the same work is being performed by human beings for lower compensation and fewer rewards. This study also aims to assess the working conditions in India for employees handling offshored tasks. It is crucial to determine whether companies are acting responsibly by providing financially attractive products or services while also considering the social and ethical dimensions. The main aim of this research is to explore whether economic advantages are so dominant that ethical standards are overlooked, or if both economic and ethical considerations are equally important for companies. In the initial stage of this research, a theoretical content analysis will define what "outsourcing" means. A qualitative and quantitative analysis will follow to develop preliminary assumptions. These theories will be verified through interviews with individuals working for companies that outsource to India, as well as Indians who will provide their perspectives on ethical standards in their country regarding working conditions. The analysis of these interviews will focus on two aspects: the economic reasons why India is considered a top outsourcing destination, and the ethical considerations involved. Information from moral philosophy will be used to assess whether breaches of ethics are justified by adherence to moral standards. Based on the results, the study will conclude whether outsourcing, driven by financial advantages, is justifiable in terms of human morality and ethical compliance.