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Publikation A Bayesian network student model to enhance university group assignments(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2020) Pakozdi, Agnes; Witschel, Hans FriedrichIn this master thesis, a Bayesian Network student model, named DigiBnet artefact is built for a future Intelligent Tutoring System in the form of a chatbot that supports Business Information Systems (BIS) students at University of Applied Science Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). First, an exhaustive literature review is conducted to reveal the research gap, followed by a detailed research methodology where the applied research method is explained. The DigiBnet artefact was built to predict the motivational level, the general knowledge level, the topic overview knowledge and the solution implementation capabilities of the students who work on their group assignment. The prediction was based on different observations that was collected from an imitated chatbot conversation with a teacher about a specific domain in the Digitalization of Business Processes (DigiBP) module. From these observations DigiBnet predicted the characteristics of the students regarding the above mentioned four aspects and selected a tutoring advice that would best fit to the student’s need. The results were shared with the students and their feedback was collected in a form of interviews. The main findings revealed that students agreed with DigiBnet’s assessment and they positively accepted its evaluation. It helped them self-reflect to their knowledge and motivational level. DigiBnet’s assessment would motivate the students the most, if they receive prompt feedback during the conversation, in case of a gap in their knowledge....11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Business Model to enable Cooperation between Financial Institutions and Crowdfunding Platforms(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2018) Troxler, Dominik; Pilorget, LionelThis research paper develops an integrated business model, a merger of current business model of crowdlending platforms and a financial industry, by analysing environment, value proposition of the current business models, a strength and weakness analysis, and two basic business models which were derived from research data during the study. Digitalization enables financial institutions to make a shift towards modern crowdfunding services. New companies have established entirely new business models in crowdfunding services, which are today serving mostly niche markets. Financial institutions could cooperate to create together new market share from the market potential in the financial field while sharing knowledge, expertise in money lending, competencies in regulations, and the customer base. In this master thesis, the focus is on how a platform could work together in the crowdlending business. This integrated business model focuses on the crucial part of the model, the value propositions of both businesses and merges those value propositions to an integrated variant and combines the strengths of the current business model to overcome weaknesses of the current business approaches....11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A case-based learning approach for learning and implementing a cloud ERP(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Gomes Machado, Rafael; Schlick, SandraCloud computing has changed the way cloud ERP systems are produced and offered, thereby requiring ERP consultants, who have implemented on-premise solutions, to acquire new expertise. For small companies, upskilling existing ERP consultants is nevertheless challenging. For this reason, this study explores how a case-based learning approach for a cloud ERP can be used to enable efficient learning and early employee involvement in billable customer projects. As a research strategy for this work, design science research was used to create a concept for case-based learning approach that was implemented in an online tool. For this purpose, focus group interviews were conducted to elicit requirements from the business and validate the concept. To evaluate the concept six interviews were held. The study shows that the developed case-based learning approach for a cloud ERP can be used in an enterprise environment to learn the system and engage employees early on. Future research could see the implementation of the approach in a company in order to evaluate its effectiveness.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Chatbot as an Innovation Assistant(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2021) Gantert, Lukas; Gatziu Grivas, StellaDue to the rapidly evolving world and the ever faster changing customer demands and needs, companies need to develop innovations. In order to develop innovations, innovation processes are used, whereby these processes contain some problems andchallenges for companies. In this thesis an innovation process is presented, on the basis of which it is shown where the problems and challenges are. Proposals are developed on how chatbots can solve the identified problems in the innovation process. These suggestions serve as a basis for the development of a chatbot prototype, which is developed with the Rasa framework. The chatbot prototype is evaluated with test users to find out if chatbots can be a support in the innovation process. Based on the evaluation, it is concluded that chatbots have the potential to support and improve the innovation process. However, the chatbot prototype would not be a sufficient support. In this work, suggestions are therefore made on how the chatbot prototype can be further developed so that it becomes a support for the innovation process.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A chatbot for self-organization recommendations(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2022) Del Negro, Livio; Gatziu Grivas, Stella; Grasshoff, GunnarMore and more companies from different industrial sectors are confronted with faster changing markets, environments overall, and changing employee demands. To gain more flexibility and the ability to adapt faster as an organization to fast changing environments, they transform their organizational structure from a traditional hierarchical structure to a more agile structure with fewer hierarchical layers and more autonomy for individual employees and teams in a self-organized work setting. Supporting employees and teams individually in this enormous change is a costly and resource intensive undertaking but key to a successful organizational transformation and keeping work fulfilment and satisfaction of employees at a high level, which is beneficial for companies as well. This research aims to gain knowledge about the development of a Rasa chatbot that can give recommendations about self-organization.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A CI program for supporting operational competitive intelligence management to collect and report operational insight(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2018) Oboussier, Marc; Schlick, SandraThe aim of this research is to design a program that allows companies that provide products and services to military forces to manage operational competitive intelligence (CI) collected and reported by employees undertaking active tasks and responsibilities in core activities of daily operations to conduct the CI program to then be able to provide operational insight to management.In the field of CI, most of CI programs and efforts tend to focus on strategic level and is commonly undertaken by CI experts that do not actively participate in core activities of companies. Multiple CI programs/cycles were developed in the last decades to accommodate and reorganize activities of the intelligence process but the majority focusing on CI experts. Therefore, this research focused on the employees participating in daily operations and the most suitable solution to support them specifically in collection and reporting tasks. While supporting these employees in the company’s CI program, there exists a high potential of valuable operational insight that can be managed. The designed operational CI program can also, with necessary adaptations, be used in other companies across different industries which are primarily actively involved in multi-organizational projects....11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Coaching Model that provides the basis for designing AI-based Coaching Conversations for Evidence-based Practice(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2022) Duhan, Ritu; Martin, Andreas; Pande, CharutaThe aim of this research paper is to be able to design a coaching model that is generic, adaptive and flexible. The coaching practitioners either use general coaching models that are borrowed from other disciplines like psychology, philosophy, etc., or create their own coaching models that are domain specific. If these models are not tested, it leads to a perception that coaching is not supported by an evidence-base of underpinning coaching theories. For coaching to further evolve as a sound profession, there is a need to develop models for coaching that are supported by theoretical contexts and backgrounds relevant to coaching. Also, certain shared standards and codes need to be followed by the coaches. Further to this, as the use of conversational AI agents for coaching is becoming more widespread, the design of these systems needs to be guided by the same coaching theories, models and standards as well. Therefore, this study proposes a generic coaching model that can form the basis for designing AI-based coaching conversations. The coaching model suggests using GROW model for goal-focused coaching, and to provide a structure to the coaching session. The model also suggests integration of elements from solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural, and positive-psychology coaching to design conversational AI features based on theoretical underpinnings and standard coaching competencies.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A concept for swiss SMEs to manage shadow it due to the use of cloud services(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2014) Meder, Sascha; Gatziu Grivas, Stella; Giovanoli, ClaudioThe rapid growth of new technologies like cloud computing or BringYour Own device led to a boost of the phenomenon Shadow IT. As this phenomenon includes IT assets that are unmanaged by the ITdepartment, managers in charge of IT start to worry about the extent of this phenomenon. There exist several publications and explanations on what Shadow IT is and how it could be managed. But there is no concept on how to deal with Shadow IT for Swiss SMEs.Most of the statements focus on large enterprises with an internal IT department and not for SMEs. For these reasons, this master thesis targets the idea of developing a concept for Swiss SMEs to manage Shadow IT due to the use of cloud services.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Conversational AI Health Coach with Empathetic Abilities(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2022) Schwander, Sandro; Martin, Andreas; Pande, CharutaWith the quality and acceptance of conversational agents improving in recent years, chatbots are being deployed within more and more domains. Recent solutions are significantly enhanced in terms of their naturalness and fluidity of conversations. As a result, domains of personal relevance with emotionally charged conversations such as the healthcare domain can be accessed. Young people in Nigeria suffering from an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or mental health problems related to this infection are additionally impacted due to their socioeconomic environment, the stigmatization of the disease, the cost of medication as well as the lack of accessible medical infrastructure, which can lead to avoidance of personal health appointments. Digital conversational agents acting as health coaches are a potential solution to those challenges, especially in the domain of mental health disorders. In addition, by combining health coach capabilities with more empathetic response generations of the conversational agent, the user interaction quality is expected to improve.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Curriculum for Educating IT Audit in Higher Education(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Halili, Daors; Grimberg, Frank; Asprion, PetraReflecting on the rapidly transforming landscape of IT audit, this research found an increasing reliance on IT audit from a business perspective, connected with a shortage of available IT audit staff and a distinct absence of IT audit education in Swiss HEIs. It aimed to emphasise the need to develop an IT audit curriculum to keep pace with the dynamic demands of today's technological landscape.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Decision Support System for University Incubators to Maximize Impact on Entrepreneurial Success(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Moesch, Patrick; Meyer, Dario; Laurenzi, EmanueleThis thesis aims to fill this gap by developing a decision support system for universities of applied sciences incubators. It utilizes identified critical success factors to augment its operational effectiveness and bolster its role in fostering economic growth.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A design thinking approach to support innovation adoption in traditional hotel chains(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Vuarnier, Kourosh; Laurenzi, EmanueleThe main objective was to create a customised design thinking toolkit for traditional hotel managers to apply it successfully and drive innovation in their hotel chain. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify the factors preventing innovation in the traditional hotel industry, and how can a customised version of design thinking be conceptualised and visualise to maximise its adoption with traditional hotel managers. Traditional hotel chains may lack the resources and expertise to innovate, posing a threat to their market survival.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Design Thinking approach to support Small-sized Enterprises in adopting Artificial Intelligence(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Kuryla, Lizaveta; Laurenzi, EmanueleThe study delves into the theoretical understanding of AI, emphasising its significance in business contexts and the specific barriers small businesses encounter.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A domain-specific visual approach to semantically describe shared datasets in business ecosystems(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Miccoli, Alexandre; Laurenzi, EmanueleThis thesis explores using a domain-specific visual approach to facilitate creating and maintaining ontologies for data shared in digital business ecosystems. The research addresses the challenge of semantically describing data and improving the understanding and collaboration among stakeholders involved in data-sharing activities. The study includes a comprehensive literature review on data-sharing, ontologies, and related technologies. It highlights the importance of data-sharing in the industry and the benefits of ontologies in facilitating semantic integration. However, it also acknowledges the expertise required for ontology engineering and the limitations of existing standards and tools. A Design Science methodology is employed to prototype a domain-specific visual approach for ontology engineering and data-sharing. The prototype enables users to create, import, edit, and link ontologies tailored to their domain in a graphical environment. It also provides visual exploration capabilities for an enhanced understanding of the dataset.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A feasibility Study and Prototype to Store and Retrieve Enterprise Data with Semantic Meaning(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2010) Dubach, Marcel; Hinkelmann, KnutThe vast amount of information contained within the World Wide Web is beyond any individual’s imagination. The main focus of currently provided data on the Web is designed for human purposes and is not suitable for automatic machine interpretation. In order to tailor it for automatic computer consumption different approaches have been elaborated as describe in the paper of Wright (2008). Hence there is a development towards a machine interpretable Web which does not only function as a repository for text and images but rather provides services and linked data with semantics where the Semantic Web approach is one of these promising developments. The Semantic Web and its Impact:The name Semantic Web is about creating a globally connected data net where any information is storable and retrievable not only for human consumption but also as a way for machines to process the information in an automatic manner. Marking up of Web content add meaning to the underlying information with the ability to automatically interpret it at a later stage, significantly increasing the current scope of internet opportunities. Such an approach will have a hugely positive impact on search engine results. Instead of referencing documents where the answer of the requested search might be embodied in the text, the answer will be displayed directly....11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Framework for a Sustainable Digital Transformation of Vocational Schools in Argovia(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2021) Gaiffi, Marco Angelo; Pilorget, LionelThe thesis researches the digital transformation of the vocational schools in Argovia. At a first stage the current state of the vocational schools is evaluated with a questionnaire. Drivers, goals, challenges, and CSFs for the digital transformation are well researched in literature, with a gap where the specific aspects for the vocational schools in Argovia are missing. The same questionnaire gathers data to identify those aspects for the researched field. Alongside, with the same methods, the impact of the COVID crisis on the digital maturity is researched. The gathered insights lead to the identification of six dimensions that need to be addressed for a successful digital transformation. The gained knowledge about the digital transformation at the vocational schools in Argovia allow to specify which of the dimensions are on a mature level and which need to be further developed. To enable the schools to develop a roadmap for a successful digital transformation, the act strategy framework of the FHNW School of Business (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, 2021) is introduced. The previously defined dimensions are mapped to the framework. The framework provides so called strategy templates that enable the schools to develop a roadmap for a successful and sustainable digital transformation. The results are evaluated in expert interviews. A first application of the framework has been successfully performed.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Framework for Conversational AI Bot-to-Human Handoff(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2020) Henke, Richard; Martin, Andreas; Pande, CharutaThis thesis makes a contribution to the contact center industry and concerns the deployments of bots with bot-to-human handoff capabilities. Kovac (2009) states that “Trimming customer service costs while boosting customer satisfaction — and hence loyalty — is challenging in the best of times.” Cost cutting in the contact center through automation and ‘intelligent’ services is not new but advances in conversational AI technology have created new opportunities for contact centers to better attempt the balancing act of managing and cutting costs whilst improving the customer experience. For a number of reasons, primarily grounded in the immaturity of the technology bots and human agents will, for the time being, work in harmony to attempt to deliver good customer experiences, while cutting costs. There is an existing gap in the knowledge around how handoffs should be conducted between bots and human agents....11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A framework for Selecting Business Intelligence and Customer Relationship Management Functionalities for Webshop Fashion Startups(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2022) Baghaei, Sara; Witschel, Hans FriedrichThis master thesis investigates the benefits of implementing business intelligence (BI) and customer relationship management (CRM) tools in fashion startup companies. Basically, startup companies don't have a huge number of solid properties and funds. Therefore, the efficient delivery of services of the product is one of the essential key business priorities for them. Traditionally, in the retail industry, promoting and selling products and services, including market analysis and sales operations, are the main strategies of systematic customer relationship management and the core touchpoints to the client (H. Li, 2005). This study aims to create a framework by integrating the functionality of the BI and CRM tools in the area of the start-up retail industry. By identifying the needs of startup companies in sales and marketing, the presented framework helps webshop startups in the fashion industry access and efficiently utilize BI and CRM technologies, thereby playing a vital role in ensuring further success. In brief, analytical CRM and BI tools are used to help analyze customer data and create more customer relationships to improve sales (A. Khan et al., 2012a). In start-up firms, it is critical that any tools, infrastructure, services, or technology are compatible with the company's current values. The new framework, coupled with the rapidly developing character of startup companies, helps managers to analyze data at the lowest investment (Trindade Venturini et al., 2015). The discussion part of master thesis presents the main needs of the selected startups elicited during the interviews. In addition, the functionalities achieved by combining BI and CRM tools are explained.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Green ICT Initiative for University of Basel(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2023) Parakkal, Ann Maria; Schlick, SandraThe objective of this study is to examine and suggest a holistic Green ICT program that encourages environmentally friendly behaviours in universities, with emphasis on short-term ICT products. The adoption of ICT in academic institutions has resulted in environmental challenges such as energy consumption and electronic waste generation. The research commences with a detailed review of literature, exploring prior research on Green ICT, sustainability, and Circular economy methods in educational surroundings. The paper emphasizes the significance of implementing environmentally friendly practices and outlines essential approaches and technologies for embracing green ICT initiatives and achieving sustainability. In this paper, we investigate how the University of Basel can make their institution sustainable by adhering to the Green Information and Communication Technology. This research is design science research where different phases were and as this study falls under the umbrella of the social sciences, the methods used later in the Master thesis will include collecting data and it comes from the realm of qualitative research.11 - Studentische ArbeitPublikation A Guideline for developing a Cyber Security Awareness and Training Program with Special Emphasis on Managerial Information Security Awareness(Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, 2019) Simona, Androvicsová; Schneider, BettinaCybercrime is a pressing issue, forecasts say that the cost of cybercrime is estimated to reach USD 6 trillion by 2012. Considering that the majority of cyber security incidents are caused by human actions, it is crucial to realize that security is less of a technical issue than a ‘people problem’. While organizations invest significant financial resources on technology tools to fight cybercrime, their investment into human factors and the security culture is insignificant. Companies which focus their attention only on the technology element of cybersecurity overlooking the importance of addressing the human factor are exposing themselves to potential threats. Employee training and awareness programs are an important part of cyber security as they are focusing on the human element, but it is an aspect that is often neglected by companies. The level of security awareness trainings is still not adequate in organizations. The cyber security awareness and training programs currently in existence focus on the general user of information systems, not giving due attention to managerial users even though research shows that managerial employees have low level of cyber security awareness. This is alarming given the fact that managerial information security awareness positively correlates with the level of cyber security awareness in organizations and the success of awareness programs....11 - Studentische Arbeit