Màster Oficial - Empresa Internacional / International Business

URI permanent per a aquesta col·leccióhttps://hdl.handle.net/2445/151177

Treballs Finals del Màster Oficial en Empresa Internacional / International Business de la Facultat d'Economia i Empresa de la Universitat de Barcelona.

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Examining Algorithmic Bias in AI-Powered Credit Scoring: Implications for Stakeholders and Public Perception in an EU Country
(2023) Antonevics, Juris; Riambau Armet, Guillem
The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial markets is becoming increasingly common, with AI algorithms used in fields as alternative credit scoring to render complex multifactorial decisions. However, concerns have been raised by agencies and researchers regarding the objectivity of AI based algorithms and their potential to perpetuate systematic inequalities among vulnerable populations. Through a simulation exercise using non-financial data, testing 126 application profiles, this research investigates the impact of AI in credit scoring, examining the presence of algorithmic bias and its implications for stakeholders. Additionally, it explores the perceptions of AI systems among the general population in an EU country surveying 144 individuals. Results from the simulation show presence of unequal treatment towards women applicants, making them less likely to get approved for a financial instrument compared to men. Furthermore, this study also reveals scepticism of general population towards automated decision-making systems and highlights their concerns about data privacy when interacting with AI systems.
Impact investment intentions of Generation Z: exploring the factors that drive young private investors to decide for environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds
(2023) Weinbrenner, Hannah Lea; Sagarra Garcia, Martí
This study employs multiple linear regression analyses to investigate the factors influencing Generation Z's (Gen Z) intention to invest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds. By adopting an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as the conceptual framework, a survey of 128 Gen Z individuals reveals that perceived ease of investing, social norms, attitudes, perceived financial performance, risk perception, and consumer effectiveness significantly shape their investment intentions (IINT) in ESG funds. On the other hand, trust and pro-social attitudes, as well as the demographic factors gender, and place of residence did not demonstrate a significant impact. As the first research to explore the motivational drivers of Gen Z in this field, this study fills a gap in the existing literature, providing valuable insights for companies, investment managers, and policymakers to tailor strategies that attract and engage this critical group of investors.
Investigating the relationship between ESG factors and market performance in Spain
(2023) Pelich, Matias; Alaminos Aguilera, David
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) reporting has gained significant prominence across global markets in the last decade. Public interest, scientific studies and regulatory initiatives have all impacted how corporations approach their operations and manage their business models. However, there is a lack of conclusive evidence that would suggest ESGrelated initiatives create positive value for firms. This paper evaluates the potential relationships between factors related to ESG reporting and corporate market performance within the Spanish market using multiple linear regression models. The findings show mixed results, with social variables showing a positive relationship with market performance and governance variables showing a negative relationship. Negative relationships between ESG factors and market performance suggest investors are not convinced by ESG initiatives. Insufficient results within environmental variables resulted in an inability to determine a relationship with market performance. Investment trends will shape the future of ESG, whether driven by shareholder values or pressure from all stakeholders.
Empowering teamwork : a gender perspective
(2023) Hauff, Nina; Elgoibar, Patricia
This paper comprehensively examines the current state of research on gender diversity and teamwork based on a systematic literature review. Taking a broader approach, it follows the premise of several researchers to explore the complex dynamics underlying this relationship. Thereby, the findings are outlined using a pillar model that encompasses decisive dimensions of teamwork, including psychological safety, satisfaction, collaboration, behavior, interaction, performance, leadership, and management. Drawing upon these findings, recommendations are derived for team composition and the creation of favorable conditions for gender-responsive teamwork in organizations. In team formation, it is key for companies to create a blend of gender specific qualities that complement each other to foster optimal team dynamics. Additionally, proactive action is needed to create an environment where both male and female employees can flourish. Thus, this paper contributes to deepening the understanding of the significance of gender diverse teams and offers a practical guide to organizations.
Institutional influence on cross-border alliance development : Renault-Nissan strategic partnership
(2023) Dimitrova, Olga; Shijaku, Elio
Nowadays, strategic alliances are a valuable option for firms to pursue various benefits, including growth opportunities, risk hedging, etc. International alliances are of particular interest since represent one of the quickest ways to join a foreign market and can help with economies of scale as well as access to external resources. The Institution-based view depicts one of the strategic management lenses for the better examination of the strategic alliance activity. It has been agreed that institutions greatly influence performance rates, which are utilized for alliance assessment. Using the Renault-Nissan alliance, the prominent strategic partnership, as a case-study method object, this Master Thesis aims to analyse the institutional paradigm impact on the alliance development and contribute to deeper knowledge about both the Renault-Nissan partnership and the Institution-based view. Additionally, the framework of causal relations between the institutional influence, managerial decisions in response, and outcomes for the alliance is elaborated.
Exploring emotional validation in cross-cultural management: a case study
(2023) Daniel, Hannah Sophie; Armstrong, Ryan
Recent trends have shown increased prominence within the area of emotional validation as it pertains to workplace interactions. This thesis emphasizes the importance of applying emotional validation in cross-cultural management to improve employees' well-being and associated work performance. To deepen the knowledge of the role of emotional validation and crosscultural management, this thesis conducts a case study where employees from an internationally renowned company are asked to share situations in which they felt emotionally invalidated. The study's main findings reveal experiencing similar perceptions of emotional invalidation and emotions, regardless of the participants' cultural background. Still, variations in reactions and outcomes can be associated with cultural differences and the subjective perceiving of emotional invalidation. The study proposes practical measures for enhancing emotional validation recognition to establish international guidelines, stimulate cross-cultural sensitivity, and integrate supportive personnel. The results show that future research is necessary to explore diverse factors influencing behaviors at work.
A systematic literatura revew of the impact of organizational structure on firm performance
(2022) Siddiqui, Rumsha; Shijaku, Elio
The objective of this paper is to determine the impact of a firm’s organizational structure on its performance, measured through both financial and non-financial dimensions. A systematic literature review was carried out using a total of 35 articles from select management, finance and other relevant journals. Finalized articles included data and findings from a multitude of different geographic locations, industries and firm sizes. For analysis, a range of organizational structures were considered, including organizational structures comprised of hybrid internal systems. Similarly, performance was analyzed including both objective and subjective measures. Findings of this review were categorized into three items; positive effect of organizational structure on firm performance, partial effect of organizational structure on firm performance and no effect of organizational structure on firm performance. Results of finalized articles reviewed were illustrated by means of a table with relevant data. No conclusive relationship between firm structure and performance was established therefore suggestions were made for future research.
Blockchain Adoption Gains. Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Transparency in the Coffee Sector
(2022) Crowley, Robert; Calleja-Blanco, Jonathan
Modern day consumers increasingly value and demand transparency and traceability in their purchased products. However, the verifications of (global) value chains’ responsible processes have traditionally been left to trust. Blockchain holds the potential to disrupt entire industries by offering a range of tools to increase and ensure transparency. However, introduced in 2008, it has struggled to gain widespread adoption. Recurrent barriers have been related to fears with its ability to finance itself, once implemented. Aiming to provide empirical evidence on the increased earnings that this technology could provide to companies, this study analyses the willingness to pay of consumers for the verifiable transparency that blockchain technologies could provide. Using Logit and ordinary least squares (OLS) approaches, we find consumers to be concerned with fair production and transparency issues, but still lack full knowledge or trust of blockchain’s advantages and/or its adequate use by coffee industry practitioners.
Multifactor analysis on gender (in)equality. The case of Germany
(2022) Vogelgesang, Aylin; Elgoibar, Patricia
Gender equality is a goal for the sustainable development of nations and individuals (United Nations, 2022). Long-term sustainable economic and social development in developed nations like Germany is highly dependent on gender equality (WSJ, 2021). Germany is well known for its female leaders in one of the most powerful positions like Angela Merkel as a former Chancellor or Ursula von der Leyen as the President of the European Parliament and Annalena Baerbock as Minister for Foreign Affairs. However, Germany remains to be among the most gender unequal countries in Europe. Major stumbling blocks to the equality of genders are inequalities in job positions, salaries, and promotion in the job environment. This master thesis aims to contribute by understanding which factors influence gender (in)equality in the case of Germany. A multifactor analysis on the psychological, social, economic, and legal factors.
Managerial Decision-Making in International Business: Effectual Logics in the Context of the MNC
(2022) Bijl de Vroe, Frank; Achcaoucaou Iallouchen, Fariza; Miravitlles Matamoros, Paloma
While effectual theory is well-known and widely used in the field of entrepreneurship, research on its application within the context of corporate entrepreneurship, and specifically in the Multinational Corporation (MNC), remains undeveloped. The present study attempts to extend current knowledge on how effectual theory applies to the subsidiary initiative literature. Particularly, it analyses how the subsidiary manager engages in managerial decision-making, and to what extent the process of initiative taking involves the use of effectual logics. This is examined by merging theoretical approaches from extant literature and evidence through an inductive case study. Findings suggest that subsidiary managers are indeed likely to use effectuation logics to implement subsidiary initiatives within the MNC, which is supported by an analysis of the five principles of effectuation within the context of a global firm’s foreign subsidiary in Spain.
Paradox Management Through Causal Mapping in a Workshop Setting
(2022) Springart, Corinna; Armstrong, Ryan
This thesis examines how causal mapping can support paradox management as a problema structuring approach in a workshop setting. First, theoretical findings from relevant literatura were used to connect the three main pillars paradox management, workshops and cognitive mapping and to define optimum conditions and risks. Then, a workshop around a complex and paradoxical problem was designed and conducted with international volunteers. Its effectiveness was assessed qualitatively, taking various sources of information into consideration: observed participant behaviour, feedback questionnaires as well as the solution and causal map created during the workshop. Both, the theoretical framework created as well as the case study performed led to the conclusion that causal mapping can be a valuable tool and workshops an appropriate environment to manage paradoxes. Participants were able to gain a common understanding and holistic view of the issue, consider different perspectives, and ultimately agree on a satisfactory solution.
Augmented Reality in Online Retail : Generational Differences Between Millennials and Generation Z Using Virtual Try-On’s
(2022) Schwarz, Michelle; Montanera Mateu, Ramón
The aim of this thesis is to examine the differences across two generational cohorts, millennials, and Generation Z, in terms of their augmented reality (AR) experience using virtual try-on’s (VTO) in online retail. Based on a quantitative study involving an online survey and experiment carried out among 198 participants, the results revealed significant differences in post-usage variables. Millennials experienced higher hedonic value and need for touch while Gen Z experienced higher utilitarian value, ease of use, attitude towards using and purchase intention. There were no statistical differences in spatial presence, psychological ownership, and awareness of privacy practices. However, the study clearly shows differences among the generations and thus contributes to the research on augmented reality and generational marketing. Considering cohort-specific differences will enable practitioners to clúster demographic groups, thus creating specific buyer personas to target more efficiently for optimised marketing strategies, and, as a bonus, to increase the environmental sustainability of online retail.
Risks management in the wine supply chain during the Global Pandemic
(2022) Aierken, Adila; Rius Poch, Xavier
The COVID19 pandemic can be considered the worst global crisis since WorldWarII. No one predicted this sudden catastrophe and how it would last until now. In particular, it has greatly impacted companies engaged in import and export. This resear chaims to identify the wine supply chain risks and learn how the wineries mitigate the risks. Provide a reference for supply chain risk management for wineries and small and medium-sized exporters.
Comparative analysis of two tech giants under the financial perspective: Microsoft versus Alphabet
(2022) Nagy, Benedek András; Sagarra Garcia, Martí
This paper provides a comparison of two key players in the IT industry, Microsoft and Alphabet, from a financial point of view. After analysing the IT industry and introducing the main theoretical concepts of the paper, the study gives a general overview of the two tech giants and compares their business models focusing on how they create and capture value. Furthermore, the case study includes a calculation of financial ratios using secondary data and explains the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on the companies’ financial performance. Finally, their capital structure and their alleged anti-competitive actions are discussed, outlining two court cases of great importance and their consequences on stock prices.
The emotional invalidation from performance management and measurement tools in organizations
(2022) Cook Castaño, Sean; Armstrong, Ryan
Investigate the topic of emotional invalidation when dealing with different managerial tools used in organizationsandto analyze the role invalidation plays in public organizations from the dysfunctional outcomes of using performance measurement and management (PMM) tools (...)
How Could Clothing Rental Enhance The Transformation Towards a Circular Fashion Economy?
(2021) Hennaut, Indra Kristel; Bernardo Vilamitjana, Mercè
The aim of this study is to analyse the implementation of circular economy in the fashion industry. Specifically, how clothing rental could help transforming it into a more circular fashion economy. It uses interviews as a qualitative method to collect data from a rental company from two points of view: founder and consumer. Finding out how this circular model could be achieved with the help of rental services and what impact it would have on the environment are the main aims of this project. The main findings of the interviews were that the provision and use of clothing rental results in a positive impact on purchase behaviour and the environment. All stakeholders, consumers in particular, can contribute by pressuring companies to produce and provide durable and recyclable clothing. Although more time is needed to shift to a circular fashion economy, clothing rental could be a step in the right direction.
Sustainability in the last mile online food delivery: an important contribution using the case study of “Glovo”
(2021) Filippini, Federica; Oliva Galván, Guillermo
The online food delivery industry is one of the most promising industries worldwide, characterized by an increasing annual growth rate. In this context, last mile online food delivery platforms have particularly emerged and gained importance. Since last mile represents the most air polluting stage of the entire supply chain, it is worth to put particular attention on this last step. The aim of this Master thesis is to analyse the broader impacts of online food delivery considering economic, social and environmental issues, the so called “Triple Bottom Line”. Considering this as a new research field, new insights are gained through a qualitative case study research design based on “Glovo”, a company which has its main business, namely the last mile online food delivery, in the analysed sector. The results give interesting insights about the main challenges such companies have to deal with and potential sustainable business practices.
The Challenge of a Sustainable E-Commerce Supply Chain
(2021) Blum, Alexander; Oliva Galván, Guillermo
The rapid rise of e-commerce in recent years challenges companies to cope with unprecedented parcel volumes and also to comply with their sustainability goals. In the literature exists a variety of recommendations for sustainable measures along the supply chain. The aim of this thesis was to demonstrate the extent to which sustainable warehousing measures are used in practice and whether these are sufficient for environmental protection. A qualitative research approach was chosen, including a case study of a leading logistics company. The results showed that the emissions of the increasing global transport activities cannot yet be compensated by the sustainability efforts of today. Low business incentives and high complexity of sustainability practices are obstacles. Ultimately, a sustainable trend reversal can only succeed if technological progress is not only used to expand e-commerce business models but also to design innovative, cost-effective, and simple-to-implement solutions in the future.
The Effect of Culture on Female Leadership: Towards Equality Everywhere?
(2020) Schünemann, Alicia; Elgoibar, Patricia
In the last decades, female leadership and female representation in top management positions received increasing attention and got more visible. There is a trend towards gender diversity in upper management, voluntarily or forced by regulations, as the society moves towards gender equality, also at leadership positions. Thus, traditional barriers tend to decrease slightly. Nevertheless, this trend is only developing slowly and has been noticed primarily by enterprises in the developed western world. Due to this discrepancy between different countries, culture can be understood as a key influencing factor in supporting women as leaders. This thesis aims to contribute to a deeper knowledge about female leadership and women’s opportunities in management. The relationship between women in leadership and culture will be highlighted. Additionally, key influencing factors of culture impacting women’s opportunities in ascending the career ladder will be researched within a content analysis.
Corporate Waste Management: What practices do leading MNCs’ implement?
(2020) Roche, Matilde; Bernardo Vilamitjana, Mercè
Waste production and management is a topic of great social and political interest given its link to environmental deterioration and current trend towards sustainable lifestyles. In this context, corporate behaviour, especially of multinational companies (MNCs), is looked at. The objective of this study is to assess MNCs’ waste management (WM) policies, identify which type of waste companies prioritise and, based on this, ‘best practices’. Based on the qualitative analysis of practices implemented by four MNCs ranked as sustainability leaders, findings show companies focus on emissions and solid waste. Techniques applied involve transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, replacing plastic and implementing recycling schemes; focusing on the main type of waste generated. On the other hand, efforts towards better water use and wastewater generation are not widespread. The study contributes to existing research about corporate sustainability, specifically on WM, and provides examples for companies introducing or improving their WM policies.

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