Background Today the hotel industry has become very digitalized compared to when there was only a travel catalogue to look in. Nowadays people search for information about hotels and read reviews from past guests online. There are different kinds of accommodations and lately it has become popular with shared services like Airbnb. With the rise of digitalization the hotel market competition has increased tremendously, therefore it is important for the hotels to keep a good reputation. Services like a hotel stay can be experienced differently from person to person and thus it is important for the service personnel to possess emotional intelligence.  Purpose The purpose with this study is to find out how the consumer behavior changes depending on the reviews. The study should give knowledge to hotel management about how it is possible to improve their relationship with guests by service, reviews and the use of digitalization. This study wants to update the research on the topic reviews and how it affects the consumers when booking a hotel with new information since the technology changes constantly and thus some research about the field in the past might not mirror the reality today.  Method This study was conducted using a quantitative method survey study in the form of an internet questionnaire. This questionnaire contained mostly closed ended questions however there were some open questions that allowed the participants to name a factor that was important for them. The survey used convenience sampling to be able to receive a lot of answers quickly. To ensure that the answers were of good quality anonymous answers has been applied and there was a qualification question that can sort out unqualified and spam answers to obtain the best quality. To analyze the results from the survey, descriptive analytics and statistical inference will be used and compared with previous research. The statistical analysis will be done by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and Excel.  Conclusion  The study has come to the conclusion that reviews affect and have an impact on all the different stages in the consumer decision making process. The study also conclude that it is important for the hotel to try to increase the number of reviews since with the rise of reviews the more trustworthy the reviews will be. The study also concluded that it has become important with digitalization in the hotel industry and that 29,5% of the study participants use the mobile app when booking a hotel. Thus, the hotel management must follow and adapt the hotel to the new way of communication.

The main objective of this study was to contribute to direct-to-customer (D2C) companies on the Swedish market by establishing guidelines. Despite the growing use of the model, there is meager research of its success factors. Through the investigation of the apparel and aligned industry, customer insights of components were collected. A deductive approach was used by firstly conducting a literature review and establishing a cross-referencing framework and extracting rough factors to serve as a guide. Empirical data was collected through a quantitative survey in an online questionnaire format. Analysis of the empirical findings developed six new factors; Social Media, Customer Service, Product Knowledge, Integrity, Website Manageability and Unique Value Addition, which were found imperative for the D2C customer experience. Website Manageability demonstrated the highest significance, emphasizing the importance of user-friendliness and navigation. Furthermore, Product Knowledge and Integrity also proved to be paramount to consumers. Customer Service was found to be impactful during various stages of the decision-making process. The report contributes to the subject by presenting customer insights into which elements are most valued during their online shopping experience and their impact during the different stages of the decision-making process.

El presente trabajo de investigación, busca analizar cuáles son las implicancias que se incurren por la adopción de las NIIF, principalmente la NIC 16, y su influencia en el proceso de toma de decisiones en las empresas textiles ubicadas en el distrito de San Juan de Lurigancho. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se ha tomado como referencia principalmente las NIIF y las metodologías respecto al proceso de toma de decisiones. Asimismo, se ha visto conveniente analizar el sector textil, adquiriendo información de las características principales de este sector, debido a las actividades e información de las empresas que lo conforman. En el trabajo de investigación se ha considerado necesario emplear la investigación de tipo mixta la cual está conformada por la investigación de tipo cualitativo y cuantitativa, la primera consta de una entrevista a profundidad y la segunda de encuestas de investigación. Asimismo, la investigación aplica los conceptos desarrollados en un caso práctico donde se detalla a través de un análisis las implicancias de las NIIF y como estas influyen en el proceso de toma de decisiones. Por otro lado, se ha logrado determinar los impactos financieros que genera la adopción de las NIIF a las empresas peruanas del sector textil y como estas influyen en el proceso de toma de decisiones de las entidades. De la misma manera como estos impactos minimizan el riesgo financiero en la toma de decisiones y cómo influye entre los colaboradores, correspondientes al área de contabilidad, finanzas y logística de la entidad. Es por esta razón que el presente trabajo de investigación se ha basado en el sector textil, debido a que las industrias son las que poseen mayor cantidad de inversión en activo fijo, principalmente en maquinarias y equipos diversos para el procesamiento de sus mercancías, donde se ha determinado que la NIC 16 impacta directamente en la cuenta de Activo Fijo de la entidad, por la inversión que se poseen en esa cuenta. / The present research work, seeks to analyze what are the implications that are incurred by the adoption of IFRS, in principal IAS 16 and its influence on the decision making process in the textile companies located in the district of San Juan de Lurigancho. For the development of the research it has mainly taken as reference the IFRS and methodologies regarding to the decision-making process. Also, it has been convenient to analyze the textile sector, acquiring information of the main characteristics of this sector, due to the activities and information of the companies that comprise it. In the research work has been considered necessary to use research mixed type that is composed of the type of qualitative and quantitative research, the first is a depth interview and the second survey research. The research also applies the concepts developed in a practical case where the implications of IFRS are detailed through an analysis and how they influence the decision-making process. On the other hand, it has been possible to determine the impacts generated by the adoption of IFRS to Peruvian companies in the textile sector and how these influence the decision-making process of the entities. In the same way as these impacts minimize the financial risk in decision-making and how it influences among the collaborators, corresponding to the area of accounting, finance and logistics of the entity. It is for this reason that the present research work has been based on the textile sector, due to the fact that industries are the ones with the greatest amount of investment in fixed assets, mainly in machinery and various equipment for the processing of their merchandise, where it has been determined that IAS 16 impacts directly on the entity's Fixed Assets account, due to the investment held in that account. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

Problem Statement: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an integral role in the economy of developed and developing countries. SMEs are constantly searching for innovative technologies that will not only reduce their overhead costs but also improve product development, customer relations and profitability. Literature has revealed that some SMEs around the world have incorporated a fairly new technology called Big Data to achieve higher levels of operational efficiency. Therefore, it is interesting to observe the reasons why some organizations in developing countries such as South Africa are not adopting this technology as compared to other developed countries. A large portion of the available literature revealed that there isa general lack of in-depth information and understanding of Big Data amongst SMEs in developing countries such as South Africa. The main objective of this study is to explain the factors that SMEs consider during the Big Data decision process. Purpose of the study: This research study aimed to identify the factors that South African SMEs consider as important in their decision-making process when it comes to the adoption of BigData. The researcher used the conceptual framework proposed by Frambach and Schillewaert to derive an updated and adapted conceptual framework that explained the factors that SMEs consider when adopting Big Data. Research methodology: SMEs located in the Western Province of South Africa were chosen as the case studies. The interpretive research philosophy formed the basis of this research. Additionally, the nature of the phenomenon being investigated deemed it appropriate that the qualitative research method and research design be applied to this thesis. Due to constraints such as limited time and financial resources this was a cross-sectional study. The research strategy in this study was multiple in-depth case studies. The qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for this study. The researcher used two methods to collect data, namely, the primary research method and the secondary research method. The primary research method enabled the researcher to obtain rich data that could assist in answering the primary research questions, whilst the secondary research method included documents which supplemented the primary data collected. Data was analyzed using the NVivo software provided by the University of Cape Town. Key Findings: The findings suggest that the process that influences the decision to adopt Big Data by SMEs follows a three-step approach namely: 1.) Awareness, 2.) Consideration, 3.) Intention. This indicates that for Big Data to be adopted by SMEs there must be organizational readiness to go through the process. This study identified the main intention for SMEs to adopt Big Data is to ensure operational stability. Improved operational efficiency was identified as the supporting sub-theme. This study has raised awareness about the process that SMEs, academic researchers, IT practitioners and government need to place emphasis on to improve the adoption of Big Data by SMEs. Furthermore, this study has raised awareness about the opportunities and challenges that SMEs, academic researchers, IT practitioners and government need to place emphasis on to improve the adoption of Big Data by SMEs. Value of the study: The study adds value in both academia and the business industry as it provides more insight into the factors that SMEs consider in the Big Data adoption decision.

[pt] Esta dissertação investigou como são caracterizados os processos de tomada de decisão sobre sustentabilidade em plantas de manufatura, por ocasião de iniciativas de melhoria de processo. Através de um estudo de casos múltiplos junto a uma empresa gráfica e uma automobilística, ela responde as seguintes perguntas de pesquisa: qual é a (i) amplitude, (ii) a profundidade, (iii) a inclusividade e (iv) a efetividade do processo de tomada de decisão? Os objetivos do estudo buscaram esclarecer os aspectos teóricos sobre o tema, comparar os padrões teóricos com as características dos processos de decisão observadas nas empresas e, então, apresentar discussões baseadas na observação empírica. Os métodos de pesquisa adotados foram o estudo de casos múltiplos e a revisão de literatura. A revisão de literatura compreendeu a revisão de escopo e a revisão sistemática de literatura. O estudo de caso buscou a aplicação do protocolo em plantas industriais de duas grandes empresas. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram conduzidas junto a três funcionários de cada planta, permitindo a triangulação. Alguns dos resultados sugerem que processos de decisão próximos da racionalidade do Business Case são mais profundos e igualmente mais focados no processamento de informações, bem como estreitam a inclusividade para os stakeholders de maior impacto ao negócio. Ainda, parece que as perspectivas de sustentabilidade se ampliam quando se avança nas etapas do processo decisório, apresentando variações de amplitude e profundidade durante essa trajetória. A efetividade da decisão demonstra uma relação importante com a maneira de coletar e analisar informações e pode ser afetada por fatores sociais e organizacionais como o apoio da gestão, formação de uma equipe de decisão multidisciplinar e envolvimento dos colaboradores no projeto. / [en] This dissertation investigates how the decision-making processes on sustainability in manufacturing plants are characterized, analyzing process improvement initiatives. Through a multiple-case study with a printing company and an automobile company, it answers the following research questions: how is the (i) breadth, (ii) the depth, (iii) the inclusivity and (iv) the effectiveness of the decision-making process The study aimed at clarifying the theoretical aspects concerning the research theme, comparing the literature suggestions with the characteristics of the decision process observed in companies and presenting discussions based on empirical observation. The research methods are the multiple-case study and the literature review. The literature review included the scoping review and a systematic literature review. The case study sought to apply the protocol in industrial plants of two large companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three employees from each plant, allowing triangulating. Some of the results suggest that the decision-making process close to the Business Case rationale is deep and focused on information processing and narrows the inclusivity to the business-impact stakeholders. Sustainability approaches seem to be broader when progressing in the decision-making steps, varying in breadth and depth during this trajectory. The decision s effectiveness demonstrates a relevant relationship with the data gathering and data analyzing and, also, may be affected by social and organizational factors such as management support, a multidisciplinary decision team and the involvement of employees in the project.

Sveriges befolkning fortsätter att öka och en majoritet av Sveriges kommuner anger att deupplever en bostadsbrist. För att bemöta behovet av fler bostäder finns därför ett behov avfortsatt exploatering av kommunal mark där kommunernas process för tilldelning av mark tillbyggherrar benämns markanvisning. Fram tills 2015 har detta dock varit oreglerat vilket ocksåhar lett till stora variationer i anvisningsprocessen mellan kommunerna och få studier hargenomförts inom området.Syftet med denna studie är att beskriva markanvisningsprocessen i olika kommuner med fokuspå transparensen i utvärderingen av anbud samt vilken logik som styr detta. Målet är attdiskutera olika tillvägagångssätt inklusive dess förutsägbarhet och transparens med avstamp itidigare studier samt teorier för den rationella beslutsprocessen. Det empiriska materialetsamlades primärt in via intervjuer med respondenter från utvalda kommuner i kombinationmed information från offentliga styrdokument.Studiens resultat bekräftar de variationer mellan kommunerna som tidigare identifierats menger en ny inblick i hur utvärderingsprocesserna genomförs i praktiken. I studien föreslås enalternativ kategorisering av anvisningsmetoder samtidigt som resultaten visar på en generellotydlighet och brist på standardiserade utvärderingsprocesser. Avsaknaden av generellariktlinjer försämrar transparensen mot aktörer på marknaden och en trend att övergå till meriterativa beslutsprocesser minskar även förutsägbarheten. För att förbättra dessa aspekterinom markanvisningsprocessen krävs ytterligare forskning som studerar de kommunalaförutsättningarna, ökad kunskapsspridning och erfarenhetsutbyte tillsammans med endiskussion kring lämpliga metoder för att uppnå den största samhällsekonomiska nyttan. / The population in Sweden continues to increase and a majority of the municipalities state thatthey are experiencing a housing shortage. To meet the need for more housing, there isconsequently a need for continued exploitation of municipal land, where the municipalities'process for allocating land to builders is called land allocation. However, until 2015 this hasbeen unregulated, which has also led to large variations in the allocation process between themunicipalities and few studies have been carried out in the field.The purpose of this study is to describe the land allocation process in different municipalitieswith a focus on transparency in the tender evaluation and the logic that governs this. The aimis to discuss different approaches including its predictability and transparency with regard toprevious studies and theories for the rational decision-making process. The empirical materialwas collected primarily through interviews with respondents from selected municipalities incombination with information from public control documents.The results of the study confirm the variations between the municipalities, which werepreviously identified, but give a new insight into how the evaluation processes are implementedin practice. The study proposes an alternative categorization of allocation methods, while theresults show a general lack of clarity and standardized evaluation processes. The lack of generalguidelines reduces transparency towards market actors and a trend towards more iterativedecision-making processes also reduces predictability. In order to improve these aspects withinthe land allocation process, further research is needed which studies the municipal conditions,increased knowledge dissemination and exchange of experience together with a discussionabout suitable methods for achieving the highest socio-economic benefit.

In 2020, following over 35 years of abandonment, the local authority of Jordan made a major decision to transform three post-industrial sites simultaneously within Ruseifa city into urban public parks, namely the Pepsi Pond site, the Phosphate Ore Hills site, and the Phosphate Old Mines and Administration Building site. These transformative processes, known as "Parkification," not only represent a significant shift in how post-industrial sites are treated but also reflect an unprecedented approach for these sites in Jordan. Therefore, this dissertation has traced and analyzed the parkification processes integral to this transformation as benchmarks for developing post-industrial sites. To unravel the parkification processes, key drivers behind parkification, and perception of stakeholders and decision-makers towards post-industrial sites in Ruseifa, three research questions were examined: 1) How do decision-makers and other development influences Ruseifa view and treat post-industrial sites in Ruseifa city? 2) What are the parkification processes transforming post-industrial sites into parks in Ruseifa? and 3) What are the compelling issues of post-industrial sites, and how do the parkification processes address them? The research employed a two-phase, multi-method qualitative approach, utilizing several data collection methods. It involved gathering secondary data, conducting site visits and case studies, and conducting semi-structured interviews with key players engaged in the parkification projects at the case study sites. Thematic and content analyses were employed, followed by comparative analysis to conceptualize and analyze the transformation processes. The findings highlighted the unique characteristics of each process, identifying three distinct parkification approaches transforming post-industrial sites in Ruseifa. Key driving factors were uncovered by examining the landscape pattern, mechanism of transformation, dynamic interactions among key players, and varying perceptions involved in the parkification processes. The findings also analyzed the parkification approaches within the decision-making processes, contextualizing them as a tool, strategy, or intention. The study's results contribute to a broader understanding of decision-making processes for developing post-industrial sites in Jordan and their transformation into public parks. It provides a framework to evaluate transformation processes on disturbed sites that can be utilized in improving post-industrial planning and preservation. Moreover, this study adds a valuable contribution to Ruseifa, documenting the transformation process of these parkification projects and shedding light on post-industrial sites and their development in Jordan. / Doctor of Philosophy / In 2020, after more than 35 years of neglect, local authorities in Jordan made a significant decision to repurpose three long-abandoned industrial sites in Ruseifa city into public parks. This process of transformation, known as "parkification," marks a monumental shift in how these neglected spaces are perceived and utilized. This dissertation explores and analyzes the transformative journey of these post-industrial sites, serving as a benchmark for future developments. Through a series of investigations, the study addresses three key questions: How are decision-makers and influencers in Ruseifa approaching and treating these abandoned sites? What specific processes are involved in transforming these sites into public parks? And finally, how do these processes address the challenges associated with post-industrial sites? Using a comprehensive qualitative approach, the research combines secondary data analysis, on-site observations, case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders. By examining the patterns, mechanisms, and interactions driving the transformation processes, the study identifies three distinct approaches to transforming post-industrial sites into urban parks in Ruseifa. The findings reveal insights into the driving factors behind these transformations and the diverse perspectives shaping decision-making. Additionally, the study contextualizes parkification as a tool, a strategy, or an intention, highlighting its role in revitalizing neglected spaces. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of decision-making processes related to post-industrial development in Jordan and developing countries, offering a valuable framework for future planning and preservation efforts. Furthermore, it documents the journey of these parkification projects, shedding light on the evolution of post-industrial landscapes in Jordan and their potential for sustainable development.

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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