C/B/1206. Dissertation. What are the core competencies of low-cost airlines? Case of easyJet

The dissertation examines the core competencies of successful low-cost airlines with a focus on easyJet seeking to identify how they manage to sustain their competitive advantage. The work is based on secondary research of annual reports, presentations, etc. The data obtained on the performance of the low-cost airlines is subjected to mathematical and statistical analysis. The review of literature touches on the concept of core competence (CC), CC on low-cost airlines, CC of EasyJet; the features of HRM in the airline sector; the management of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities; the issues of customer service delivery; financial and operations performance of easyJet over 2005-2007, etc. Conclusions are made about the challenges faced by European low-cost airlines, and the efficiency of their costs management.

C/B/1211. Dissertation. Fair Trade: Does It Benefit All Stakeholders?

The dissertation examines whether fair trade branding benefits all stakeholders involved in the fair trade system, including companies, governments, producers and communities. The case study of Starbucks is conducted analysing the views of Starbuck's customers and other customers about fair trade branding and its relative benefits. The methods of research include primary data obtained from 80 interviews with the consumers, content analysis of the findings and secondary data collected from the review of literature. Conclusions are made about the overwhelming benefits of fair trade for brands like Starbucks compared with the relatively minor benefits for producers and their communities.

S/B/417. Dissertation. Facilitating Expatriate's Cross-Cultural Adjustment

The dissertation investigates the challenges faced by expatriate employees in multinational corporations (MNC) examining the solutions that can contribute to their successful adjustment in the foreign environment. The review of literature touches on the theory and practice of International human resource management (IHRM), the strategic role of expatriates in cross cultural knowledge transfer and coordination, the reasons behind expatriates' failures, the effects of cultural distance on their life and work, the strategies used to facilitate expatriates' adjustment including cross-cultural training, etc. The methods of the research are based on primary and secondary data collected through related sources and computer business simulation. Conclusions are made about the value of expatriates' international experience as global managers, and the tools that can be used to facilitate the adjustment of expatriates and their families in cross-cultural business environment.

S/B/412. Dissertation. How effective are countries at producing a successful entrepreneurial environment? Analysis of entrepreneurial conditions in South Africa, UK and USA

The dissertation investigates the factors that effect entrepreneurial behaviour across South Africa, the UK and the USA. Literature is reviewed on the theories of entrepreneurship including psychological approaches to the entrepreneurial mindset, and the features of socio-political and economic networks surrounding entrepreneurial activity in the three countries. The study is based on the secondary research of related sources. Conclusions are made about entrepreneurial support and entrepreneurial structures of the analyzed countries highlighting their potential in producing entrepreneurial environment.

C/B/1137. Proposal. How do oil companies in Nigeria successfully manage expatriate managers in order to transfer knowledge that can lead to competitive advantages?

The paper proposes research into the transfer of knowledge by expatriate managers between oil companies in and outside of Nigeria providing information on the research aim and objectives and reviewing literature on the issues of competitive environment, knowledge and innovation management, the role of expatriate managers in transferring knowledge, etc. A qualitative research approach is suggested using open-ended interviews with the managers of oil companies in Nigeria.

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