Title: Motivating factors influencing consumers’ Brand preferences for mobile phones: University of Gavle students Level: Final assignment for Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) Authors: Chinedu Ekemba and Emurla Emin Ali Supervisor: Professor Ehsanul Huda Chowdhury Examiner: Professor Maria Fregidou-Malama Date: 2017- June Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the motivating factors that influence University Gavle students to prefer a particular Mobile phone brand. Method: A qualitative study is carried out based on primary data; the primary data was collected through semi-structured interview with twenty of University of Gavle Students by the use of face to face interview. Result & Conclusion: The study finds out that, the role of word of mouth as extrinsic factors serves as the highest motivating factor, while prestige serves as intrinsic factors of motivation. Thus, word of mouth and quality are the highest motivating factors that influence University of Gavle students to prefer a particular mobile phone brand. This finding of this research will help mobile phone marketers and managers to develop strategy on how to capture Swedish consumers to prefer their companies brand products. Suggestion for future research: Future research could be done by considering different or more widely target groups instead of students of University of Gavle. Different perspectives can be combined in future research thus, further research can be conducted by more broadly with a variety of age groups and in a wider area. Also, further research could include comparison between mobile phone brand types and may consider different type of products. This will give understanding of the different segments in mobile phone market, and to determine if these different segments can cause any variety and change of motivating factors. Additionally, further research could be conducted in the long time period, thus can be explored in detail benefiting from the longitudinal study and could be include observations to understand long-term variables on mobile phone market and effects of motivating factors. Hence, this could bring more effective conceptualization of influencing factors of smartphone buying consumers and helps to achieve a more in-depth research. More so, the same study can be conducted with a combination of different Universities in Sweden. And also, same research can be carried out using quantitative research method for future research. Contribution of the Study: This study contributes with knowledge on which motivating factors influence customers brand preferences, and how these factors affect their purchase decision.

M. Tech. (Department of Fashion, Faculty of Human Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The focus of this dissertation is to examine the relationship between footwear cues, perceived quality and consumer satisfaction amongst Generation Y at River Square mall in Vereeniging. This research considers the effects of these cues as important arrays of quality indicators that consumers utilise in their evaluation process when selecting products. This knowledge is important to managers in the footwear industry. The lack of these considerations may lead to the manufacturing of fashion footwear that may not meet the consumers expectation regarding quality of the product and hence their satisfaction or possibly dissatisfaction. Footwear is alleged to be indispensable for the development of fashion apparel. Thus, the study sought to investigate underlying variables that influence footwear for the purpose of identifying ways in which the fashion industry can improve performance and presentation of footwear. A conceptual model was developed, drawing from cue utilization theory (CU) and utility theory (UT). Generation Y consumers at River Square mall in Vereeniging formed the sample of the study. A survey was conducted and research data was collected from 550 consumers. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) 22. The findings indicate that footwear cues have a strong influence on perceived quality and perceived quality has a strong influence on satisfaction amongst Generation Y consumers. This indicates that Generation Y consumers perceive quality of footwear through extrinsic and intrinsic cues hence their satisfaction. Consequently fashion footwear business should regard effective cues when trading footwear.

The thesis aims to present Leibniz's monadic system as the simplest conceivable structure. To this end, the thesis employs both contemporary literature concerned with formal ontology and its logic, semantics and the nature of reference; and Leibniz's own writings coupled with correspondent commentaries, including articles transcending selected interpretive issues into present-day discussions on actualised versions of one of the essential Leibnizian principles: the identity of indiscernibles. The exposition proceeds in three steps: (i) developing concepts of structure, determination and reference in critical confrontation with contemporary approaches, then (ii) applying those concepts to the interpretation of Leibniz's principle of identity of indiscenibles and illuminating therewith links between ontology and semantics, and eventually (iii) utilizing those findings in clarifying the mirroring relation constitutive of the monadic structure as represented a) in Leibniz's own spatiotemporal illustrations and b) in formal models in secondary literature. Acknowledging that the simplest conceivable structure, which is the monadic structure, can neither be satisfactorily expressed by spatiotemporal illustrations, nor can it be represented in formal system, itself forming the limit of extrinsic...

No description available.

Public Service Motivation (PSM), als ein Konzept des öffentlichen Sektors, beruht auf der Annahme bestimmter Motive, die charakteristisch für öffentlich Bedienstete sind. Mit dem Versuch dieses Konstrukt auf den Nonprofit-Sektor zu übertragen, wird das Ziel verfolgt ein tieferes Verständnis für die Motivation der Beschäftigten zu erlangen und die dazu existierenden, eher geringen Befunde der PSM-Forschung um ein qualitatives Vorgehen zu erweitern. Die vorliegende Arbeit bereitet hierfür zunächst den theoretischen Hintergrund der PSM auf und nimmt Bezug zu der von Perry (1996) weiterentwickelten Theorie der PSM. Im anschließenden empirischen Teil werden in einer Fallstudie verschiedene Anstellungsformen sowie Tätigkeitsbereiche der Nonprofit-Organisation „Deutsches Rotes Kreuz“ untersucht. Anhand der ermittelten Ergebnisse kann dabei die Existenz der PSM nachgewiesen werden. Nicht zuletzt werden durch die Wahl eines qualitativen Forschungsdesigns aufschlussreiche Erkenntnisse bezüglich der untersuchten Einflussfaktoren gewonnen. Es kann festgehalten werden, dass sich Haupt- und Ehrenamtliche in Ihrer PSM nicht gravierend unterscheiden. Hingegen die PSM zwischen Arbeitern der Verwaltungs- und Arbeitern der Street-Level-Ebene hinsichtlich ihrer Ausprägung von einander abweicht. Darüber hinaus liefert die Arbeit erste Erklärungsversuche und geht dabei unter anderem auf die Theorie der extrinsischen und intrinsischen Motivation, sowie auf die Selbstbestimmungstheorie ein. / Public Service Motivation (PSM) as a concept for the public sector is based on certain motives which are typical for public employees. The goal in attempting to transfer this construct to the nonprofit sector is to get a better understanding of motivation of employees and to extend the existing, somewhat scant findings in PSM research using a qualitative approach. This paper begins by presenting the theoretical background of PSM and refers to the developed theory of PSM by Perry (1996). The subsequent empirical section presents a case study which examines different types of appointments as well as areas of operation within the “German Red Cross”, a nonprofit organization. The results indicated here demonstrate the existence of PSM. Lastly, useful insights are delivered in terms of the influencing factors, this due in no small part to the choice of a qualitative study design. It may be noted that no significant difference in PSM is found between full-time employees and volunteer workers. By contrast, the way PSM is expressed by street-level workers differs widely from that of those working at an administrative level. In addition, the paper provides first attempts at an explanation and refers to the theory of the extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, as well as to self-determination theory.

Выпускная квалификационная работа посвящена исследованию мотивационной системы. В теоретической части представлены основные понятия, цели, тип и формы, стадии, критерии и методы мотивации. В практической части описываются общие характеристики исследуемой организации, анализ эффективности мотивации персонала организации. Разработаны предложения по совершенствованию системы мотивации. В заключение даны даны результаты в соответствии с темой. ВКР состоит из введения, 3 глав, заключения. библиографического списка и приложений. Объем ВКР – 140 стр., включая Приложения. Число таблиц – 1. Число рисунков – 17. / Master Thesis is devoted to researching of motivation system. In the theoretical part presents the basic concepts, objectives of motivation, its types and forms, stages, criteria and methods. In the practical part describes the General characteristics of the investigated enterprise and the activities of the personnel management, the analysis of the effectiveness of motivation of the personnel in the organization. Based on these results, we have developed proposals to improve motivation system. In conclusion, the results in accordance with object. The Final qualifying work consists of introduction, three parts, conclusion, bibliographical list, applications. Master Thesis performed on 140 sheets (A4 format, font Times New Roman, font size 14, 1.5 line spacing), excluding attachments. Number of tables – 1 (excluding attachments). The number of figures – 17 (excluding attachments).

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The aim was to establish factors related to learning motivation and learning attitude of learners in historically coloured schools. An eclectic approach was followed because theoretical views on motivation could not furnish a comprehensive theory. The definition emerging from this approach states that motivation is a process started within a person to create a state of need for satisfaction and happiness that can be reached by instigating and sustaining goal-directed activity. The link between learning and motivation, as well as related factors, was ascertained. Determinants of high and low levels of learning motivation were established. Programmes aimed at higher motivation levels were explored. Empirically it was proven that grade 9 learners in historically coloured schools leaned more towards an extrinsic orientation; grade 12's more intrinsic. An intervention programme is suggested. / Die doel was om vas te stel watter faktore hou verband met die leermotivering en leerhouding van leerders in histories bruin sekondere skole spesifiek. 'n Eklektiese benadering is gevolg omdat die teoretiese beskouings oor leerrnotivering nie 'n bevredigende allesomvattende teorie kon verskaf nie. Die werksdefinisie van motivering is 'n gevolg daarvan en lui as volg: motivering is die proses wat in die persoon aan die gang gesit word om 'n staat van behoefte na tevredenheid en geluk te skep wat bereik kan word deur doelgerigte aktiwiteit aan te stig en aan die gang te hou. Die verband tussen leer en motivering is bepaal asook die faktore wat verband hou met leermotivering. Bepalers van hoe en lae leermotiveringsvlakke is vasgestel en ingrypingsprogramme gemik op verhoogde motivering is ondersoek. Empiries is bewys dat die graad 9-leerders meer geneig is tot ekstrinsieke orienterings rakende leermotivering; graad 12-leerders meer intrinsiek. 'n lngrypingsprogram word voorgestel. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (met spesialisering in Voorligting)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The aim was to establish factors related to learning motivation and learning attitude of learners in historically coloured schools. An eclectic approach was followed because theoretical views on motivation could not furnish a comprehensive theory. The definition emerging from this approach states that motivation is a process started within a person to create a state of need for satisfaction and happiness that can be reached by instigating and sustaining goal-directed activity. The link between learning and motivation, as well as related factors, was ascertained. Determinants of high and low levels of learning motivation were established. Programmes aimed at higher motivation levels were explored. Empirically it was proven that grade 9 learners in historically coloured schools leaned more towards an extrinsic orientation; grade 12's more intrinsic. An intervention programme is suggested. / Die doel was om vas te stel watter faktore hou verband met die leermotivering en leerhouding van leerders in histories bruin sekondere skole spesifiek. 'n Eklektiese benadering is gevolg omdat die teoretiese beskouings oor leerrnotivering nie 'n bevredigende allesomvattende teorie kon verskaf nie. Die werksdefinisie van motivering is 'n gevolg daarvan en lui as volg: motivering is die proses wat in die persoon aan die gang gesit word om 'n staat van behoefte na tevredenheid en geluk te skep wat bereik kan word deur doelgerigte aktiwiteit aan te stig en aan die gang te hou. Die verband tussen leer en motivering is bepaal asook die faktore wat verband hou met leermotivering. Bepalers van hoe en lae leermotiveringsvlakke is vasgestel en ingrypingsprogramme gemik op verhoogde motivering is ondersoek. Empiries is bewys dat die graad 9-leerders meer geneig is tot ekstrinsieke orienterings rakende leermotivering; graad 12-leerders meer intrinsiek. 'n lngrypingsprogram word voorgestel. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (met spesialisering in Voorligting)

Communication seems to play a pivotal role in any high school classroom. But it was found those classes or certain individual students shy away from engaging in effective communication during natural science lessons in Swaziland. One of the directives in the Swaziland National Education Policy states that syllabuses for studies in Form 4 and 5 should enable learners to develop essential skills which include communication and language skills. This study then, on realising that there was a gap between what was stated in the Education Policy and what was actually the case in the natural science classrooms, sought for a solution that would encourage effective communication in natural sciences. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to encourage active participation of high school students in natural science lessons. The main research question posed for this purpose was: Can student motivation enhance classroom discourse for the negotiation of science understanding? Five sub-questions emanated from the main research question: (a) How does classroom discourse relate to natural science understanding? (b) What effect does external motivation have on discourse during natural science lessons? (c) What is the effect of feedback during natural science learning? (d) How can feedback be enhanced in the natural science class? (e) Which teaching strategies improve interactions during natural science learning? The study is organised into five chapters. The first chapter summarises the whole study by giving the problem statement, research aim and objectives, definition of terms, as well as chapter divisions. Chapter two provides the background to the study through the discussion of education theories based on classroom discourse and motivation. The third chapter presents detailed information about the research design, methods of data collection and analysis, as well as a proposed method for motivating students. The fourth chapter presents the research results, analysis and discussion. The fifth and the final chapter presents research findings, concluding remarks drawn from the research findings, as well as recommendations for similar future research. The case study style uses a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach. The study concentrated on theories explaining learning and motivation. The sample comprised six purposefully selected students and their two physical science teachers. Data were collected using the standardised open-ended interview and non-participant lesson observation methods, and from documents. The data were collected in two phases, the pre-motivation phase and the motivation phase. The collected data was further categorised into two segments, with each segment being a unit of analysis. One of the segments was composed of oral interchanges, while the other was composed of students’ written work. The data was then transcribed, coded, analysed and discussed using the thematic discourse analysis approach. The principles of triangulation, reliability and validity ensured the credibility of the study remained intact. Research ethics were also observed by the researcher and there was trust, respect and autonomy during data collection. The ethics observed included informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, anonymity and non-malificence. Permission to collect data was sought and obtained from all concerned. The motivation method helped the physics group improve more (55%) than the chemistry group (7%) in tests. In the overall performance the two groups improved more or less the same: the chemistry group improved by 4% while the physics group improved by 5%. There were three main findings for the study and they revolved around the purpose and the research question. The first major finding was that the motivation method used with the students instilled self-discipline in the students, resulting in self-regulated behaviour and better understanding of science concepts. The finding suggested that motivated students are self-disciplined and take ownership of their learning. The second major finding was that during the motivation phase of data collection interactions improved between the students and their science teachers. These interactions were in the form of classroom talk, submission of school work and feedback. It was inferred that motivated students communicate more effectively and with better understanding of the concepts taught. The third major revelation was that the students were motivated by learner-centred teaching strategies and the use of teaching aids in a science laboratory. A main finding for the first sub-question was that the more students interacted with each other, with their natural science teachers, and with their books the more they appreciated and understood science concepts. For the second sub-question the main finding was, the motivation method used with the students improved discourse during natural science lessons. The marks the students were awarded gave them the energy to engage more in science activities and to behave well. The main finding for the third sub-question was that prompt feedback and positive comments motivated students to engage more in science discourse and to understand science concepts better. An important finding from the fourth sub-question was that prompt and positive feedback enhanced feedback, as well as giving students tasks that were not too far above their abilities, enhanced feedback in the natural science class. For the fifth sub-question it was found that student-centred teaching methods as well as teaching aids and learning in science laboratories improved interactions during natural science learning. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

DRTINOVÁ, Simona. Learning the Czech language in retirement age. Prague, 2013. Dissertation. Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Arts, Institute of Czech Language and Theory of Communication. This thesis deals with foreign language learning in retirement age from interdisciplinary perspective. Its characteristics may be limited economic activity, more free time and the potential occurrence of certain barriers caused by age. The case of foreigners in retirement age living in the Czech Republic and learning Czech will serve as an example of foreign language learning. The theoretical part of the thesis firstly defines old age together with the changes typical for the process of aging and old age: the changes are described on a physical, cognitive and social level. The thesis then goes on to address the process of learning with emphasis on foreign language learning. Selected components are mentioned within the pedagogical- psychological part of the learning process, specifically the motivation to learn, different organizational forms of education and teacher's role during the education. The end of the theoretical part addresses the offer of Czech language courses. All the parts of the thesis first address the topic on a general level and then focus on seniors. The empirical part of this thesis attempts to...