BA (Hons) Business Management Fast Track

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7229

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 23

To critically assess what financial challenges are faced by chain restaurants in the UK as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
(2021)
The primary aim of this research was to undertake a critical investigation in understanding the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on chain restaurants in the hospitality industry. Specific objectives were aimed at learning more about what the potential outcome will be for restaurants as a result of the pandemic, public perceptions of how the hospitality industry has been affected and individual motivations to engage in the hospitality industry. The research is given some context with a thorough literature review covering the intrinsic factors effecting the economy and chain restaurants. It also gives examples of previous financial crisis’ outcomes in order to equate them to the current period of financial instability and predict potential consequences. A quantitative online survey was conducted with participants answering a number of closed questions relating to the research issue. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify the key themes and variances between answers. The results and discussion related to the research objectives and to relevant literature to explain the findings. There were some significant findings that came from the research. Hospitality was widely agreed to be one of the worst affected sectors as a result of the pandemic. While Chain restaurants are suffering financially, it has been acknowledged that by adapting and using advancements in technology such as smart phone apps or having additional features such as drive-thru or takeaway services; chain restaurants stand a much better chance of surviving. The literature and primary research contradicted each other slightly surrounding consumer behaviour in the pandemic. It is clear from the primary research that respondents were willing to engage to in the hospitality industry as soon as restaurants reopen. No definitive conclusion could be formed when determining the overall outcome for chain restaurants as a result of the Covid-19 as findings are still ongoing.
An investigation on millennials’ perceptions on current online recruitment practices
(2020)
Corporations are faced with the challenge of recruiting and retaining younger workers, such as millennials, due to the Baby Boomer generation being retired or reaching retirement. The past decade has seen the rapid development of technology putting human resource management under pressure to become more productive and efficient. Consequently, corporations feel pressured to follow this technology push and understand the generational differences of their workforce. A discussion of the literature has shown that little research has been done on applicants’ preference of different online recruitment channels, the rise of passive applicant attraction and millennials’ work-related values in combination with their attitude towards web based attraction variables. Therefore, this research aims to investigate millennials’ experiences with and perceptions of current online recruitment practices. Qualitative research, investigating millennials’ in-depth opinions, was carried out through six semi-structured interviews. Two interviews were carried out with a sample of HR practitioners, while the other four interviews were with millennial applicants who recently have or are seeking for a job online. The two sample groups were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. The results of this investigation show that millennials prefer commercial websites, due to the variety of opportunities available to them on these platforms. Participants have criticised aspects of online recruitment, such as the attraction of passive applicants. Nonetheless, overall current online recruitment practices, with a focus on applicant attraction, have been positively perceived. The main recommendation of this research for recruiters is to familiarise themselves with millennials’ preferences, values and their behaviour during the recruitment process. This will allow recruiters to efficiently and successfully attract a millennial applicant pool.
“An exploratory study, investigating how an organisational culture can influence employee engagement.”
(2020)
The primary aim of this research is to critically explore how an organisational culture can influence employee engagement. The study will examine how a company and its employees can benefit when the organization’s culture is an integral part of the company’s strategy. The research will also look at how change management and leadership can affect employee performance. Existing literature presents the concept of an empowering organisational culture, which promotes inclusiveness, employee voice, and employee engagement in an organisation. The literature also underlines that leaders play the most important role in developing and maintaining an organization’s culture, because they model the desired behaviours and build the personal relationships that make the culture credible on a daily basis. Finally, literature states that companies that do not have an empowered culture can be successful economically, but if they do embed an empowering culture in their organizations, they can be even more successful. The study was conducted using primary research, and qualitative, semi-structured interviews on the topic of organisational culture. The interviews were conducted with three entry-level employees of a retail store to understand their views of the store’s culture and their individual engagement. The most significant findings of the research showed that leadership is paramount to the success of an organisational culture and it has a large influence on employees’ engagement. Secondly, the findings confirmed that personal connections create an environment of inclusion and trust between leaders and employees, which encourages engagement. Finally, the findings show that when leadership is lacking at the management level, entry-level employees can display leadership behaviours that can change the culture from the bottom up.
An Investigation into Improving Employee Engagement and Retention in the Edinburgh Branch of a Global Furniture Retailer
(2020)
Engaging and retaining high quality employees is crucial for business success in the current economic climate. This research investigates what could be done to improve employee engagement and retention in an Edinburgh branch of a global retailer, with a key focus on differences in views between employees with varying length of service. Specific objectives were aimed at learning more about what motivates and engages employees in different groups, their reasons for staying with the company and their suggestions for improving engagement and retention across the organisation. The research began with a thorough literature review which focused on Herzberg’s seminal theory, along with more current adaptations on this. It also covered the effect of intrinsic factors, employee engagement literature and employee retention theories. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in three main Length of Service (LOS) groups; the groups were generated using the existing quantitative results from the organisation’s annual survey. The interview questions were a mix of open and closed questions, linked to the research aim and objectives and focussed around the relevant literature. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify the key themes and the variances between the LOS groups. The results and discussion were linked to the research objectives and to relevant literature to help explain the findings. There were some noteworthy findings from the research. Communication was a key recommendation for improving both employee engagement and retention; this focused on higher level management communicating with employees in their unit and communication received from the organisation on a global approach. Relationships with colleagues were considered to be very influential in encouraging engagement and retention. Respondents emphasised the importance of teambuilding activities. No definitive conclusion could be formed around Herzberg’s theory as some findings substantiated the theory while others contradicted it.
An exploratory study, investigating the impacts zero-hour contracts have on the academic population within the higher education sector in Scotland
(2019)
The primary aim of this research is to undertake a critical investigation on the use of zerohour contracts within a Scottish higher education institution by exploring the impact zerohour contracts have on academic employees and students. This study will explore the use of zero-hour contracts from a management perspective and identify the reasons they are used. It will also look to understand the impacts zero-hour contracts have on academic employees and to conclude, will evaluate the outcome zero-hour contracts have on the students learning experience. The traditional casualisation of these contracts forms the focus for the research due to a general shortage of literature surrounding zero-hour contracts in the higher education sector. Furthermore, accessing a sizable population of academic employees who are employed on a zero-hour contract may have proved difficult. The research relies on qualitative, semi-structured interviews as the instrument for data collection in which organisational employees were questioned on the impacts zero-hour contracts have on academic employees and students. All participants in this study were employed in the chosen higher education institution and there was an equal mix of full-time and part-time employees, as a review of the literature on zero-hour contracts revealed that employees were the key resource for this research study (Brinkley 2013). The significant findings of the research revealed that the institution in question has zerohour contracts under a family of part-time work, of which the employees studied had varying levels of awareness. Furthermore, all participants within the study identified negative impacts zero-hour contracts have on all stakeholders, and all participants also recognised why such contracts can in opposition, be beneficial within the higher education sector.
To Investigate the Notions behind Celebrity Endorsements from a Marketing Point of View, and the Conceptual Relationship with Consumer Behaviour
(2019)
The overarching arching aim of the research considers and investigates the notions behind celebrity endorsements from a marketing point of view, and its conceptual relationship with consumer behaviour. In accordance with achieving a defined understanding of the aim in question, subsidiary objectives are in place to attain an overall richer and compelling awareness of such a prominent marketing matter. The objectives set out include the examining of social media acting as the catalyst for celebrity endorsement, to explore the potential in marketing by using the free social networks as a platform for advertisement, and to explore and reach an understanding of the relationship between celebrity endorsements and consumer behaviour. The research conducts a thorough literature review into the main conceptual themes which surround the relationship between celebrity endorsements and consumer behaviour, considering the history and related theory of advertising, and the nature of consumer behaviour and its compelling insight into Maslow’s hierarchy. A content analysis was chosen to highlight and include real life celebrity endorsement practices which are seen every day on the social media platform Instagram. The content analysis provided the researcher the potential to showcase various forms of celebrity endorsements which occur, and the ability to capture real life consumer interactions towards this concept of online advertisements. This type of research also contributed to the findings relating to social media as a catalyst for marketing potentials and promotions. However, whilst utilising a content analysis, the researcher must maintain an unbiased approach concerning the data collection and analyses, ensuring no unfaithful or hindering judgements are made. The data collated involves different forms of celebrity endorsements, and statistics which highlight the influential nature of celebrities who are significantly responsible for consumer awareness to brands. The data also includes an insight into a dominant social media brand known as HiSmile, who utilise the strategy of endorsing celebrities as one of their main functions to attract consumers, which has independently boosted the online brands consumer following. The investigation into celebrity endorsements and its relationship and evident impact on consumer behaviour, highlights the conceptual framework of a brand community which is encouraged through celebrity engagement. Secondly, it uncovers the importance of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs acting as a prominent implementation when targeting consumers through advertisements. And finally, the marketing transformation from old traditional methods, to free online marketing on platforms such as Instagram, has enhanced the overriding potential of advertisements in terms of reach and effectiveness, leading to brands such as HiSmile with an unprecedented amount of success.
An investigation into the complaint handling procedures of Scotrail using twitter as a means of communication
(2019)
The primary aim for this research is to investigate the complaint handling procedures of Scotrail through the use of twitter. This study will explore the reasoning behind why complainants turn to twitter as a means to communicate with the organisation about their negative experience. It will also look at the number of responses provided by Scotrail, and measure to what extent their approach to complaint management is keeping up with the changing trend in today’s society. Finally, it will make recommendations on how Scotrail can effectively use social media to gather feedback and manage these complaints. The research objectives were achieved by analysing the twitter feed of Scotrail over a fourteen-day period and measuring the responses provided by the organisation. For this research, a quantitative research method was chosen to allow the researcher the ability to gather a vast amount of data and generalise the findings. The researcher determined that the use of quantitative content analysis was the most appropriate choice due to the selection of the social media network and the number of tweets required. Scotrail was selected as a case study to allow the opportunity to reflect on the current practises of an organisation. 990 tweets were selected using probability sampling, which all mentioned or replied to Scotrail between 28/01/19 and 09/02/19. The main finding of the research was that Scotrail are struggling to keep up with social media complaint handling. With low response rates and a lack of acknowledgment within company guidelines of their prominence on twitter, the organisation have steps to take in order to utilise this space to the best they can. On the other hand the results of the study showed that when responding through Twitter, Scotrail try to remain personal, and are attempting to build positive relationships with complainants.
An Investigation into John Lewis and Partners plc and Whether Being a “Partner” at Different Levels of Management Has an Effect Upon Employee Motivation
(2019)
Purpose The aim of conducting this research is to discover the effects and motivations behind being a co-owner in an employee owned firm, and whether this differs with the seniority of role being performed by the employee. The case study for this research is John Lewis and Partners. Research Process The process began through a reviewing of the relevant literature which obtained the themes around the study including organisational structure and motivation. As well as this, sub-themes such as culture, commitment, satisfaction, empowerment and employee development were also identified as being factors that could impact an employee’s behaviour and motivation within an employee owned firm. An evaluation of these themes was conducted in order to understand the importance of which ones to consider and evaluate through the chosen method. Method The researcher felt that with the different environmental pressures and the current changes undertaken by John Lewis and Partners, a qualitative approach would allow the collation of opinions and genuine feelings that a quantitative approach would miss. It was understood that this would take up more time and would mean interviewing a smaller number of Partners in comparison to what could be collated through a quantitative approach. Through the use of interviews, 5 Non-Management Partners, and 4 Management Partners took part in this study. Findings The research concluded that working in an employee owned firm can provide an employee with motivation. Further to this, it was found that source of motivation can differ dependent on the seniority of role performed by an employee. This was found through non-management partners focus on motivation through money, whereas management partners gained motivation through development opportunities. Limitations Overall, only 9 partners took part in this study, and only one branch out of the 400 branches held by JLP was involved in the process, so the results produced cannot be generalised. As well as this, there wasn’t an investigation into other types of employee owned firms and the effects from these.
Case study analysis of the extent to which the social media marketing strategy influences B2B sales
(2018)
This dissertation aims to critically investigate and develop an understanding of the use of social media marketing strategies by companies selling to businesses. The research has been designed as a case study, focusing on the Twitter platform of a selected business while assessing the content posted on social media and its impact on buyer behaviour. The literature suggests that the use of social media marketing in business to business commerce is still relatively uncommon, determining the need for a greater understanding in order to successfully and effectively implement a social media marketing strategy. Qualitative research has been selected for this case study. Since it is treated as an exploratory study, qualitative data has provided the researcher with the opportunity for an inductive and interpretivist approach. The criteria for inclusion were being employed by the selected organisation and being involved in the social media marketing strategy. Due to the geographical location of the selected respondents, semi-structured e-mail interviews were chosen for data collection. This was deemed appropriate since the topics and circumstances are not considered sensitive. The data was analysed by reviewing and comparing themes developed in the literature against themes matured in the data. This has allowed for interpretation and an enhanced understanding of the phenomenon on the basis of the participants’ views. The research has determined an urgency among B2B organisations to exhaust a SMM strategy that will effectively communicate and sell to experienced industry buyers. As this is an exploratory study, the findings have served as a starting point for future research and definitive conclusions cannot be described.
An investigation of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Polish automotive industry; a corporate perspective of importance and effects on consumer behaviour
(2018)
Purpose: The research aim was to determine the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility to automotive businesses operating in the Polish market. This study also aimed to identify and discuss the reasons for CSR’s emergence and growth in the Polish markets. Further, this thesis progressed to determine and evaluate the effects of CSR on the behaviour of Polish consumers. Relevant research has been carried out previously on the issue of CSR and buying patterns in other sectors only. Methodology: The research was based on a qualitative approach, with an element of quantitative research being used to provide basic statistical descriptions. Semi-structured individual interviews and structured and unstructured questionnaires were employed. Data was gathered via the Internet some respondents were approached in the streets of Warsaw. Findings: The investigation of corporate perspective discovered that the involvement in CSR activities of companies operating in the Polish automotive industry is increasing. Corporate responsibility was found to indirectly affect customer behaviour by enhancing product stimuli. Effects on buying patterns differ between markets due to varied market maturity, nature of the product and consumer welfare. Implications: The socio-economic view on CSR appears to find application in the contemporary markets. Executive activism and human social responsibility are developing and business practices are becoming socially inclusive. Originality/Value: This research can contribute to the corporate understanding of consumer behaviour and support business strategies and marketing activities. The study can also allow customers to evaluate their purchase behaviours and to increase their consumer awareness.

BA (Hons) Business Management Fast Track

Browse

Filters

Settings

Sort By

Results per page

Search Results