The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in the way consumers operate. Strict lockdowns all over the world have forced consumers to adopt online shopping and reevaluate their entire perception of e-commerce and the role it plays in their lives. This study aims to see how the consumer decision-making process has changed for mature and growing e-commerce markets due to the forced need to shop online, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequently enforced lockdowns. The focus of the study is on consumers from Germany and Greece, two countries that have had differing ecommerce characteristics and digital adoption backgrounds and that have been affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and enforced lockdowns. The study takes a quantitative approach, with an online survey being conducted with 160 German and 143 Greek consumers as respondents. The study compared their shopping habits both before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. The results show that the respondents from both countries have changed their behavior to shop online more. The Greek respondents have been affected more in their decision-making process by the COVID-19 pandemic than the Germans. They have also changed their behavior to a higher degree, making the gap in e-commerce maturity between the countries smaller. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by showing that the same measures in two countries have a different effect depending on the e-commerce maturity.

This thesis creates a new variable for threat perception built upon psychological concepts and then applies this new variable to the question of why leaders use military force in certain situations. The concept of threat perception has a long history in the field in terms of its effect on leaders choosing to use military force. However, while the concept of threat perception is inherently psychological, previous proxies for the variable have included only situational factors, which is highly problematic. By utilizing the Operational Code, this study creates a new threat-perception variable based on cognitive constructs. Using a sample of US presidents, this new variable is tested in two different ways. The first examines three psychological characteristics (need for power, in-group bias, and distrust) from Leadership Trait Analysis that are thought to influence the level of threat perception in a leader. The second examines threat perception as an explanatory variable for the use of force alongside three other important control variables (economic violence, presidential popularity, and US power). The use of force variable is derived from Meernik's Use of Force dataset with each case in the dataset representing an opportunity to use force. The psychological data are derived from the verbal material of US presidents using at-a-distance methods found in the literature. OLS regression and probit are used to model the research questions. The project finds that levels of threat perception are indeed affected by a leader's level of distrust, in-group bias, and need for power. In addition, the new psychologically-derived threat-perception variable is a very good predictor of a president's use of force: presidents with higher levels of threat perception have a much higher probability of using force when the situation presents an opportunity.

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Med en allt högre fokus på klimatpåverkan i samhället har marknaden för gröna obligationer under det senaste årtiondet blivit en attraktiv plattform för investerare att placera kapital i. Studier i ämnet visar även att finansmarknaden utgör en avgörande roll för att klimatmålen i Parisavtalet ska uppnås och gröna obligationer är ett viktigt verktyg. Marknaden för gröna obligationer är däremot fortfarande otydlig vad gäller definitioner och klassificeringar, vilket ökar komplexiteten i investeringsbeslut. Studien syftar därför till att kartlägga investerares beslutsprocess vid gröna investeringar och belysa vad som är avgörande för investeringsbeslut på en marknad under konstant utveckling.  Arbetet genomförs med en kvalitativ metod i form av litteraturstudie samt semi-strukturerade intervjuer med aktörer som är involverade i investeringsbeslut på den gröna obligationsmarknad. Resultatet visar att den gröna stämplingen på en obligation inte är avgörande för investerare utan att finansiella faktorer såsom avkastning väger tyngre. Såvida skiljer sig beslutsprocessen gällande gröna investeringar jämfört med konventionella främst genom att den har en ökad komplexitet och innehåller kvalitativa faktorer i större utsträckning. Investerare har fortsatt ett stort intresse för hållbar finansiering och är förberedda på de resurser som krävs i investeringsbeslut men utgår snarare från hållbarhetsarbete som helhet än specifikt gröna obligationer. / With an increasing focus on climate impact in society, the market for green bonds has over the past decade become an attractive platform for investors to redirect their funds towards. Studies in the subject also show that the financial market plays a crucial role in achieving the climate goals in the Paris Agreement and that green bonds are an important tool. The market for green bonds, on the other hand, is still unclear in terms of definitions and classifications, which increases the complexity of investment decisions. The study therefore aims to clarify investors' decision-making process for green investments and shed light on what is crucial for investment decisions in a market under constant development. The work is carried out with a qualitative method with a literature study and semi-structured interviews with actors involved in investment decisions on the green bond market. The results show that the green labelling on a bond is not decisive for investors, but that financial factors such as returns weigh more heavily. Therefore, the decision-making process regarding green investments differs from conventional ones, mainly as it has an increased complexity and contains qualitative factors to a greater extent. Investors continue to have a strong interest in sustainable financing and are prepared for the resources required in complex investment decisions but prefer sustainability work in a wider aspect rather than specifically green bonds.

Background: The rapid digitalization of business operations has transformed the decision-making process, with companies increasingly relying on Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) to navigate complex business environments. However, the utilization of DDDM is not without challenges, as organizations face obstacles such as data integration issues and a lack of technical skills among managers. This study explores the integration of DDDM into organizational strategies, focusing on the experience of managers as they navigate the transition toward data-driven approaches. Problem: While the benefits of DDDM, such as enhanced operational efficiency and competitive advantage are well-documented, there is a notable gap in understanding how managers' practices and the decision-making process are integrated. Research Purpose: The purpose of the research is to examine how DDDM influences managerial practices in the decision-making process and identify the key challenges and opportunities. By examining experiences, the study aims to uncover insights that can guide organizations in refining their decision-making process and fostering data-driven approaches. Research Question: How does DDDM influence managerial practices and the decision-making process within an organization? Method: This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather insights from managers across various industries. It adopts a relativistic ontological stance and epistemological constructionism through a multiple case study to examine managerial practices when utilizing DDDM. Conclusion: The findings show that DDDM can significantly impact organizational efficiency, productivity, and strategic planning. However, successful DDDM requires a balance between data-driven insights and intuitive decision-making. While data can inform decisions, managers must also rely on intuition and experience, especially in complex scenarios with incomplete data.

La province du Jammu et Cachemire, partagée entre l’Union Indienne et le Pakistan en 1947, est l’une des pommes de discorde qui a engendré une relation très conflictuelle entre les deux voisins, et qui a fait l’objet de crises diplomatiques et militaires récurrentes entre les deux pays, entrecoupées de rounds de négociation n’ayant pas abouti au règlement du conflit.Ce conflit au Cachemire va être passé au crible de deux théories des relations internationales, la théorie de la prise de décision modélisée par Graham Allison et la théorie de la perception développée par Robert Jervis. L’analyse de ce conflit va mettre en évidence la rationalité dans le processus de prise de décision au sein des deux pays, mais cette rationalité est néanmoins soumise à des perceptions de chaque côté de la frontière qui renvoient à la culture, aux mentalités, aux religions de chacun des deux pays. Ces perceptions peuvent amener un analyste occidental à croire à une certaine irrationalité de la part des deux pays. Il n’en est rien, car si l’on se place d’un point de vue indien ou pakistanais, leur mentalité, leur réflexion, leur culture respectives les amènent à une cohérence d’ensemble de chacune de leur politique.Cette analyse du conflit du Cachemire sous un angle particulier présente des limites, au premier rang desquelles la recherche bibliographique, qui mériterait d’être enrichie par des références hindies ou ourdoues. Néanmoins, la littérature en langue anglaise d’auteurs originaires du sous-continent indien autorise à utiliser la théorie de la perception avec une certaine précision et permet ainsi d’affiner l’analyse au plus près de la réalité. / My thesis is pertaining to the political and military relations between India and Pakistan, especially towards the Kashmir province. I decided to focus on Kashmir province because relations of the countries are strifen by a lot of fracture lines in fields like economics, water, defence and so on… The core issue of my thesis is to compare the way of behaving of the two countries towards the Kashmir province and to draw conclusions about this complicated relationship. Moreover, I choose to work on the late 20 years in order to narrow the study, because since 1947 and the partition of British India, 3 disputes have opposed both of them. For the late 20 years, a crisis in 1999 and several rounds of negotiations are the main part of my subject. The issue of my work is related to two political theories, namely the decision making process developed by Graham Allison, and the theory of perception and misperception emphasized in Robert Jervis book. From these two theories, we can deduce that the decision making process in both countries are rational. This rationality can be submitted to criticism. Nevertheless, both countries have taken several decisions towards Kashmir province in accordance with their respective politics. What will be the future for this province? It can be guessed that one day progress will be made towards peace in this part of the world. Keywords: Kashmir; India; Pakistan; Decision Making Process; Perception; Misperception.

The goal of my thesis was to characterize using of mobile phones and particular phases of purchasing decision-making process during a mobile phone buying in the czech market and pursuant to this define some marketing recommendations for producers of these devices. I have also verified or defeated hypotheses defined by me. I have used the information gained by secondary research and method of questioning and I have written the results down in the charts or graphs. Then I have summarized chosen findings and suggested recommendations.

Objectif de l’étude : Identifier les modifications des critères de décision des médecins généralistes et des médecins spécialistes du cancer concernant la prise en charge des personnes âgées atteintes de cancer (Lorraine, France), après mise en place sur une année de mesures correctives des pratiques de soin. Matériel et Méthode : En 2014, 2925 questionnaires évaluant ces critères de décision ont été envoyés par voie postale à l’ensemble des médecins généralistes et des spécialistes du cancer de la région Lorraine. Pendant l’année suivante, ont été mises en place des mesures d’amélioration consistant principalement en des séances de formation et d’information et en la distribution d’outils spécifiques (création d’un guide des idées reçues cancer et personnes âgées). En 2015, 2987 questionnaires ont été envoyés à la même population pour réévaluation. Cette étude quantitative a été complétée par une étude qualitative en 2016 par entretiens semi-dirigés auprès de 56 patients âgés atteints de cancer et 36 médecins généralistes lorrains portant sur leur ressenti concernant le parcours de soins. Résultats : 535 réponses ont été colligées en 2014, et 480 réponses en 2015. On observe une différence significative concernant l’ensemble des critères de décision entre les deux périodes de l’enquête. Pour la plupart de leurs critères de décision listés en 2014, les médecins les considèrent moins important après la période de formation. Les principales difficultés rapportées sont d’ordre organisationnel. L’étude qualitative confirme ces données, avec en particulier un besoin de formation. Les patients expriment une satisfaction importante de leur parcours de soin. Conclusion : Les médecins généralistes et les spécialistes du cancer se rejoignent sur les difficultés rencontrées, plus qu’ils ne s’opposent sur les modalités de prise en charge. La formation des professionnels est un levier majeur d’amélioration des pratiques, notamment par rapport à la perception de la maladie cancéreuse / Objective : To identify changes in the decision-making criteria of general ractitioners and oncologists concerning the care of elderly cancer patients after one year of corrective measures for care practices in the Lorraine region, France. Methods : In 2014, a postal mail questionnaire was sent to all GPs and oncologists in the Lorraine region. This questionnaire was designed to identify physicians decision-making criteria. It was based on the results of a literature review and on existing guidelines. During one year, corrective measures were implemented to improve practices, especially training sessions for physicians and production of specific tools including a guide to the accepted ideas in geriatric oncology. In 2015, the same questionnaire was resent to the same medical population to compare the answers. We also performed a complementary qualitative study of general practitioners and elderly people in charge of oncogeriatric consultation. Results : In 2014, 535 questionnaires were returned out of 2925 sent and in 2015, 480 were returned out of 2987 sent. Our results show for the first time that there exists a significant difference in the overall decision criteria between the two survey periods. Physicians tend to consider the principal decision criteria to be less important after the training period. GPs and oncologists express the importance of the interval before care begins. The qualitative study confirms this data, with a need for training. Patients express significant satisfaction with their care pathway. Conclusion : Training and information sessions for physicians remain the most important tool for improving care practices. The analysis of our data makes it possible to further integrate the patient into the care path, which remains a public health issue in terms of cost and organization

Na presente dissertação, tenho como objetivo examinar os fatores políticos que explicam a recente trajetória de valorização salário mínimo no Brasil. Trata-se de um esforço em apontar os interesses e estratégias adotadas por atores envolvidos no processo de negociação e fixação do salário mínimo que foram determinantes para os rumos dados à política entre 1995 e 2016. Por meio da análise do processo decisório, demonstro como a dinâmica de pressão dupla constrangimento fiscal e incentivo eleitoral provoca convergência de preferências entre os partidos. Nesse cenário, partidos do governo utilizam dispositivos institucionais para promover reajustes do salário mínimo em níveis que não comprometam as contas públicas e trabalham para vetar a aprovação de (i) projetos de lei da oposição e (ii) emendas parlamentares que promovam reajustes superiores aos determinados pelo Poder Executivo. Ao longo do tempo, a estratégia se mostrou constante tanto em governos de centro, como os dois primeiros mandatos de FHC, quando de centro-esquerda, nos mandatos de Lula e Rousseff. Identifico três momentos distintos da trajetória do salário mínimo. No primeiro (1996 a 2001), após a derrota parlamentar da coalizão em 1995, o governo FHC emitia Medidas Provisórias e a coalizão bloqueava a tramitação de Projetos de Lei da oposição. No segundo (2002 2005), com a obrigatoriedade de tramitação das Medidas Provisórias, o governo trabalhou para alinhar os interesses da coalizão no Legislativo e garantir a aprovação da lei de acordo com as preferências do governo. No terceiro (2006 2016), o acordo entre governo e centrais sindicais estabeleceu critério de reajuste a longo prazo baseado na variação do INPC e PIB, regra institucionalizada no início do governo Rousseff. / In this thesis, I examine the political factors that explain the recent trajectory of minimum wage growth in Brazil. It is an effort to point out the interests and strategies adopted by actors involved in the process of negotiating and fixing the minimum wage that were decisive for the directions given to the policy between 1995 and 2016. Through the analysis of the decision-making process, I demonstrate how a dual political pressure fiscal constraint and electoral incentive leads to convergence of preferences among parties. In this scenario, government parties use institutional arrangements to promote minimum wage readjustments at levels that do not compromise public accounts while working to veto the approval of (i) opposition bills and (ii) parliamentary amendments that promote growth rates above the Executive Branch\'s proposal. Over time, the strategy has been constant both in center-wing governments, with the first two mandates of FHC (PSDB), and in center-left governments, with the mandates of Lula and Rousseff (PT). I identify three distinct moments in the trajectory of the minimum wage policy. In the first (1996 2001), after a coalition proposal suffered a defeat in Congress in 1995, the FHC government issued Decrees and its coalition blocked the passage of parliamentary bills of the opposition. In the second (2002 - 2005), with the requirement of voting and passing Decrees in parliament, governments worked to align the interests of their coalitions in the legislature and ensure passing of the law according to their preferences. In the third (2006- 2016), an agreement between the PT governments and labor unions established a longterm adjustment criterion based on the variation of the inflation and GDP, a rule institutionalized in 2011 (Rousseff\'s government).

Atualmente vivemos em uma sociedade com a maior quantidade de dados já disponíveis em toda a história, e ao mesmo tempo que ocorre o crescimento desta vasta quantidade de informações dispersas, os ambientes empresariais tornaram-se cada vez mais complexos e competitivos. Nos quais gestores necessitam detectar e, se possível, prever tendências para estruturar planos de ação através de análises simples e/ou, por vezes, extremamente complexas dos dados. Dessa forma, o potencial impacto nas organizações referentes à utilização dessas informações em sua gestão tem chamado a atenção tanto de executivos com de pesquisadores. Esta pesquisa buscou identificar os fatores de sucesso de sistemas de Business Analytics (BA) e avaliar empiricamente suas relações de causalidade, sendo utilizada a metodologia de pesquisa científica de Levantamento tipo Survey e a técnica estatística de Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Além de contribuir com a expansão do conhecimento relacionado a área de Business Analytics, esta dissertação apresentou uma discussão e proposta de delimitação do conceito de BA frente demais termos relacionados a literatura de sistemas de suporte a decisão (i.e. BI, Big Data e Inteligência Competitiva) e a estruturação de uma ferramenta de mensuração de sucesso de SI de BA baseado no modelo apresentado por Delone e McLean. Após a delimitação do conceito de BA, foi discutido os fatores críticos de sucesso (FCS) presentes na literatura e suas particularidades frente a sistemas transacionais (e.g. Enterprise Resource Planning). Os quais foram estruturados em 3 dimensões e 4 construtos: Tecnologia (Qualidade dos dados), Cultura organizacional (Gestão Baseada em Fatos e Engajamento dos executivos) e Pessoas (Qualidade da Equipe). Nesta análise, a Cultura Organizacional apresentou a maior relevância no sucesso de SI (i.e. Uso da Informação e Impacto Individual) dentre as 3 dimensões. Como alta impacto tanto do engajamento dos executivos, como da Cultura organizacional de gestão baseada em fatos. / We have never lived in a society with such amount of data available where, at the same time of this dispersed information growth, managers and decision makers are facing the most challenging and competitive business environment they have ever seen. Being necessary to detect and, if it is possible, predict trends based on simple and/or complex data analysis in order to structure action plans. In this context, the potential impact of data based management on organizations has increased and have been drawing attention of scholars and executives. This research focused on identify critical success factors of Business Analytics (BA) systems and analyze their causal relationship. It was conducted by survey methodology and the statistical technique selected was structural equation modeling (Partial Least Square). Besides the contribution to the body of knowledge of Business Analytics field, this dissertation presents a theoretical discussion about BA definition, its relationship with order support decision systems terms often present on literature (i.e. Business Intelligence, Big Data and Competitive Intelligence), and a search tool for information system success based on DeLone and McLean model. The proposition of critical success factors of Business Analytics systems were based on a comprehensive literature review and were classified into 3 groups and 4 constructs: Technology (Data Quality), Organizational culture (Fact-based management and Executive engagement) and People (Team knowledge and skill). Organizational Culture showed more relevance on Business Analytics system success (i.e. Information Use and Individual Impact) them Technology and People, with high impact of both constructs (Fact-based management and Executive engagement).