Diploma thesis deals with the influence of education on the shopping behavior of individuals. Using qualitative research method focus group examines the impact of achieved education on shopping decisions with focus on food consumption and leisure time activities among respondents from generation 30-50. Secondary data are collected from the MML/TGI reaserch, which are included in the program Data Analyzer. Based on outcomes of the research marketing implications and recommendations in each group are proposed.

The aim of this thesis is to analyze three Czech guerilla campaigns (Vodafone -- "Gone with fake reindeer", Postovni spořitelna -- "There is already closed, the bank at your post office is open", www.skoly.cz -- "I had to learn better"), which subsequently will evaluate and compare the individual results. Based on the results I show what consumers attitude to this type of marketing communication. In conclusion I create a guerilla campaign, for opening of a new tanning salon.

This Master’s thesis deals with the issue of customer satisfaction in a retail store. Theoretical part summarizes a literature review needed for practical application which includes an analysis of internal and external environment, followed by own questionnaire survey of customer satisfaction. Last part contains an analysis of survey results and formulation of proposals improving the customer satisfaction including a calculation of financial, time and human resources and risk analysis.

The use of feminist messages in marketing is not a new phenomenon. However, there has been an increase in using this as a strategy in later years. Estrid is a Swedish company that sells a razor subscription service with an entire marketing strategy based on using feminist messages. This contradictory paradox motivated this thesis' subject and aim: to examine how young women interpret feminist messages in parts of Estrid's communication, and to critically discuss the use of a feminist strategy in communication from a company that sells razors to women from the perspective of commodity feminism according to Rosalind Gill. The research questions are thereby: 1) Can Rosalind Gill's aspects of commodity feminism be identified in parts of Estrid's communication? If so, how?; 2) How does young women interpret the feminist messages in parts of Estrid's communication?To answer the purpose statement, a semiotic analysis was conducted with pictures derived from Estrid's website. Two focus groups with women in the ages 20–25 was held to get the perspective from a potential target group. The material was then analyzed through the lens of commodity feminism. Through this analysis we could identify the use of multiple of Rosalind Gill's aspects of commodity feminism through different semiotic connotations in the material, as well as in the commentary from the focus groups. Further, the study demonstrated a feeling of internal ambivalence amongst the focus group participants. On the one hand, everyone showed a positive attitude towards Estrid including diverse models and body hair in their advertisements. On the other hand, they were all skeptical towards the genuinity of the feminist messages included in the same material. What inspired this thesis was therefore present in all stages throughout it: the paradox of selling razors using feminist messages.

The diploma thesis deals with promotion of research clusters by means of brand building. It focuses on a current situation of research clusters, research and development promotion and cluster branding. Primary data were collected by 2 qualitative research methods, focus group and in-depth interviews, which were carried out with representatives (n = 15) of 2 chosen target groups. The results are establishing research Stroke Brno cluster together with its branding strategy, cluster mapping and content analysis report summarizing the qualitative research results.

In recent years, much has been written about leadership development as a tool to ensure organisations an adequate supply of leaders. It is generally accepted that said leadership is a set of skills which can be developed by means of a sequence of planned interventions. To date, however, leadership development theory has failed to recognise the possibility of the differential experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This study examines the possibility of differential experiences in a Retail Group‟s leadership development programme by examining the perceptions of four race and gender groups who participated in the same development programme. Data was collected means of series of sequential intersectional focus groups. Responses were gathered with a semi-structured discussion guide, which were recorded by using digital voice recorder and written notes. All recordings and notes were transcribed and imported into Atlas.ti for analysis. Thematic coding was used to identify themes within group responses, as well as across the different groups. The results indicate support for existing literature. In particular, that of black females possibly being at a “double disadvantage” when included in leadership development programmes, that gender and race shapes how experiences are perceived, and that intersectionality is an appropriate approach when investigating possible differential experiences across groups within a development programme. Group differences, however, were not of such a significant degree that it explained large group differences in success rates on the programme. Nor do the findings justify single identity development programmes. The research did, however, lay the foundation for further inquiry. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

This study examines how preservice teachers reflect upon queer pedagogy in relation to their future profession as English teachers. The purpose is to find out if preservice English language teachers consider queer theory to be important in their future profession, and if they do, find out what aspects they think are important, and what aspect could be challenging. Focus group interviews conducted with preservice teachers from Västra Götaland showed that queering English language teaching deemed important to encourage critical thinking, question norms and promote normalization of queer topics and acceptance of others. Results suggest that queer theory should be implemented in a natural way in order to avoid othering. The major concerns of the participants can be summarized as fear of being uninformed, and offending or differentiating students without meaning to. Moreover, many found it challenging to engage in the process of 'queering materials' as there are no clear guidelines or instructions, the responsibility placed on the individual teacher. In conclusion, preservice teachers would benefit from more queer theory courses related to their subjects, and opportunities to actively 'queer' and evaluate materials during their undergraduate teaching programs. This could provide confidence when working with and implementing queer theory in the classroom.

How can an idea that critiques the global capitalist system persist? How can a concept that opposes growth as indicator of wealth gather more and more supporters inside and outside of academia? How can a radical theory that challenges almost any societal structure convince us that it is something we must pursue? The Degrowth movement is often referred to as utopia, and not without good reason, as it is a relatively new concept that certainly still has its flaws. This thesis aims to start the Degrowth dialogue outside the ivory tower of academia. We use qualitative data gained from five focus groups to determine which components of Degrowth need the most clarification to make a movement evolve into a genuine theory. Our findings, brought forward by engaged discussions during the focus groups, showed potential for improvements of the Degrowth theory in the areas of education, societal norms and values as well as governmental policies and regulations. These insights allowed us to more specifically address the ambiguities of degrowth and counter them with opinions from experts to make Degrowth more accessible.

Many sentinel events in acute care centers can be attributed to miscommunication of patient information at shift change. A growing body of evidence supports the implementation of bedside shift report as the standardized approach to ensure effective communication by staff. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers that impede nurses from fully participating in bedside shift report in order to create an educational initiative to develop the nursing staff's proficiency in performing bedside report. Lewin's change theory served as the framework for the project. Data for the staff development project were collected using a focus group approach with 18 nurse participants. A classic method of analysis, defined and outlined by Krueger and Casey (2009), was used to identify themes and categorize results. A second evaluator of the data supported thematic findings. Nurses revealed barriers consistent with the literature including frequent interruptions, patient confidentiality, sensitive issues, and inconsistent report content. Barriers identified by this study, but not evident in the reviewed literature, included staff unavailability to answer call lights and having to receive report and transfers during report. An education plan was developed based on perceived barriers and evidence in the literature. Implications for positive social change include interventions to refine the current practice of bedside shift report in order to promote effective and efficient communication at change of shift. Findings can inform nursing units in the hospital and other facilities to achieve patient-centered care and improved outcomes. It is critical that nurses understand the positive impact that consistent, timely, and effective shift reports have on providing safe, quality patient care.

Many Utah State University (USU) Extension personnel are nearing retirement age. The purpose of this study was to identify professional development needs of Extension professionals and assess USU Extension by evaluating competencies essential to be a successful Extension professional. USU Extension can conduct more beneficial professional development training by using identified high priority competencies and improve the on boarding process for new Extension professionals. With improvements as suggested, the effectiveness of professional development could be enhanced and produce Extension professionals who work more efficiently and are committed to the success of USU Extension.