Junior Management Science, Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024

  1. Aline Isabelle Lanzrath, The Daughter Effect: Does Raising Daughters Influence Fathers’ Gender-Related Attitudes in the Workplace?, 1859-1900
  2. Sara Luisa Nussbaum, Women in Leadership Positions and Firm Innovation: Are There Differences Between Countries?, 1901-1916
  3. Julian Friedrich Joswowitz, Spitzeder, Schmider, Marsalek: What Role Does the Human Factor Play in Accounting Scandals?, 1917-1933
  4. Nicolas von Bodman, The Impact of Prospectus Language on IPO Underpricing: A Textual Analysis of European IPOs, 1934-1963
  5. Juan Diego Martinez, Impact of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on the German Industry, 1964-1993
  6. Mareike Polle, Reusable Packaging Systems for Restaurants and Delivery Services: A Study of Consumer Preferences and Adoption Barriers to Promote Public Acceptance in Germany, 1994-2023
  7. Niklas Thomas Starz, Road to a Bioeconomy in the European Union: Mapping Drivers of Precision Fermentation Adoption, 2024-2049
  8. Elisa Schulte genannt Kulkmann, In the Eye of the Beholder: Examining the Role of Dynamic Capabilities, Industry Dynamics, and Internal Knowledge Sharing in Strategists’ Entry Decisions, 2050-2081
  9. Saskia Hahn, Development of a Process Model for Mission-Driven Corporate Rebranding, 2082-2117
  10. Jakob Phillip Klar, A Cost-Effective Future for Electricity Storage – An Examination of LCOS Studies on Stationary Applications, 2118-2139
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The Daughter Effect: Does Raising Daughters Influence Fathers’ Gender-Related Attitudes in the Workplace?

Aline Isabelle Lanzrath, University of Mannheim (Master thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 1859-1900

Studies published under the term ‘daughter effect’ suggest that men’s gender attitudes develop in a more egalitarian direction as a result of fathering a daughter. In a study with 184 working fathers, the expected daughter effect can only be demonstrated for fathers with a close father-child relationship and only at the level of explicit attitudes. The results question a general daughter effect and argue for the need to consider moderating variables. In a second study, 232 participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions (perspective-taking: daughter vs. son vs. control group) to test whether an experimental production of the daughter effect is possible through a mental perspective-taking manipulation. Consistent with the hypotheses, participants who took the perspective of an imagined daughter showed more egalitarian gender attitudes. Theoretical implications regarding the underlying theoretical mechanism and practical implications for developing diversity training in the corporate context are discussed.

Keywords: daughter effect; diversity; gender stereotypes; perspective-taking.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp1859-1900

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Women in Leadership Positions and Firm Innovation: Are There Differences Between Countries?

Sara Luisa Nussbaum, University of Augsburg (Bachelor thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 1901-1916

The presence of women on corporate boards has attracted significant attention in recent years due to ongoing political discourse concerning initiatives such as gender quotas in managerial and boardroom positions. But how does the proportion of women on corporate boards influence firm innovation? This paper examines this question with reference to the direct and indirect effects of female supervisory board representation. The paper draws on a sample of 60 French firms and is framed in upper echelons theory. In analyzing the proportion of women directors, the paper aims to understand better the relationship between firm innovation and board seats occupied by women. The results suggest that firm innovation is not related to female board representation, which contrasts with empirical evidence that has found a positive relationship for 105 German firms. This deviation from established findings highlights the complexity inherent in understanding the impact of gender diversity on firm-level outcomes and underscores the need for context-specific examinations in this domain.

Keywords: corporate boards; female representation; firm innovation; gender diversity; strategic leadership.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp1901-1916

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Spitzeder, Schmider, Marsalek: What Role Does the Human Factor Play in Accounting Scandals?

Julian Friedrich Joswowitz, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (Bachelor thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 1917-1933

The human factor is a significant influence that is difficult to quantify when analyzing accounting fraud cases. Despite several studies on accounting scandals, there has been a lack of systematic comparisons of different cases concerning the impact of personal behavior on their emergence, prevention, and processing. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the extent to which the human factor contributed to the success of the fraud schemes using the cases of Wirecard (2020), Flowtex (1999) and Dachauer Bank (1872). After reviewing the three cases based on literature, the key characters Jan Marsalek, Manfred Schmider, and Adele Spitzeder, are analyzed using the sociological model of the Fraud Diamond. This analysis finally derives approaches for dealing with fraud schemes. The study reveals that the human factor is not only relevant when considering the perpetrators in terms of motivation, justification, and their ability to commit fraud, but also when considering other parties involved. Furthermore, the human factor is the basis for a fraud case becoming a scandal.

Keywords: fraud diamond; fraud schemes; human factor; Wirecard.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp1917-1933

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The Impact of Prospectus Language on IPO Underpricing: A Textual Analysis of European IPOs

Nicolas von Bodman, Technical University of Munich (Master thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 1934-1963

This study explores the impact of IPO prospectus language on the prevalent underpricing in European IPOs, using natural language processing techniques. Specifically, it investigates whether a relationship exists between litigious, negative, positive, and uncertain language, as well as the degree of document similarity and IPO underpricing. For this purpose, qualitative text data is converted into quantifiable metrics using modern analysis techniques. The study presents new methodological approaches to textual analysis. The results establish a clear relationship between underpricing and multiple dimensions of prospectus language and highlights unique features of European markets. These include specific disclosure obligations of various market segments and the different listing types available to issuing firms. The results of the variables related to sentiment analysis all reveal significant relationships. However, no robust evidence emerges for variables related to document similarity. Overall, the introduced methodological approaches offer enhanced explanatory power over traditional methods, effectively contributing to the explanation of the underpricing phenomenon in European markets.

Keywords: IPO; NLP; prospectus language; textual analysis; underpricing.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp1934-1963

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Impact of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on the German Industry

Juan Diego Martinez, Technical University of Munich (Master thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 1964-1993

The European Commission’s proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to address carbon emissions in imports to the EU. This thesis researches the financial implications for exporting countries due to CBAM’s implementation, focusing on how it may alter production costs, demand dynamics, and global trading relationships. Using a quantitative research approach, the study analyzes existing carbon market landscapes and Germany’s trade ties with non-European exporters in key sectors like iron, steel, aluminum, polymers and chemicals. It evaluates CBAM guidelines and assesses potential weaknesses in determining embodied CO2 emissions. Results suggest CBAM may not drastically shift production costs or demand patterns immediately. China, with inherent cost advantages, may maintain competitiveness, while India’s advantages could diminish by 2035. However, uncertainties persist on CBAM’s long-term impact on global trade dynamics. The analysis highlights CBAM’s uneven financial burden across exporters, influenced by energy structures and production technologies. Weaknesses in CBAM’s calculation methods are highlighted, recommending standardized guidelines to ensure accurate emissions reporting. This study prompts policymakers to evaluate CBAM’s effectiveness in meeting climate goals while maintaining global trade equity.

Keywords: CBAM; carbon pricing; corporate ESG; decarbonization; European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp1964-1993

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Reusable Packaging Systems for Restaurants and Delivery Services: A Study of Consumer Preferences and Adoption Barriers to Promote Public Acceptance in Germany

Mareike Polle, Kühne Logistics University – The KLU (Master thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 1994-2023

Germany, the EU’s top plastic waste contributor, sees rising demand for single-use packaging, especially in coffee-to-go, takeaway, and food delivery. To promote a sustainable circular economy, Germany amended its packaging law in 2023, mandating gastronomic businesses to offer reusable packaging alternatives. However, consumer acceptance of reusable packaging systems (RPSs), crucial for success, is relatively unexplored. This study examines drivers and barriers to RPS adoption in Germany, offering recommendations for improvement. It includes a literature review, market research, and a representative online survey of 405 participants. A binary logistic regression model identified key adoption factors. Sustainability-focused intrinsic motivations were found to drive acceptance, while time and effort to return packaging pose significant barriers. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing both sustainability and convenience in the design of RPSs to promote consumer adoption. These insights can guide gastronomic businesses, pool system providers, and policymakers to improve RPS design and implementation, fostering public acceptance and adoption in Germany.

Keywords: circular economy; consumer acceptance; gastronomic industry; reusable packaging system (RPS); sustainability.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp1994-2023

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Road to a Bioeconomy in the European Union: Mapping Drivers of Precision Fermentation Adoption

Niklas Thomas Starz, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Bachelor thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 2024-20249

The escalating crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution necessitates urgent shifts in production and consumption patterns towards enhanced environmental efficiency (EE). Western governments, including the European Union (EU), advocate transitioning to a bioeconomy based on renewable resources and free from fossil fuels. A pivotal technology in this shift is precision fermentation (PF), which employs synthetic biology to transform microbes into ‚cell factories‘ capable of producing diverse goods from renewable feedstocks. Despite its introduction in 1982, PF’s impact on EU production processes has been limited. This paper, drawing on Geel’s (2002) concept of technology transformations as sociotechnical phenomena, explores the drivers and barriers to PF adoption through interviews with eight biomanufacturing ecosystem experts. Findings reveal a dynamic niche propelled by advances in synthetic biology, environmental pressures, and global supply chain disruptions. However, substantial internal barriers at both niche and system levels hinder transformative progress, underlining critical areas for EU policy intervention. This paper provides strategic insights for policymakers, established companies, and entrepreneurs aiming to navigate the transition to a bioeconomy.

Keywords: biomanufacturing; EU bioeconomy strategy; multi-level perspective; precision fermentation.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp2024-2049

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In the Eye of the Beholder: Examining the Role of Dynamic Capabilities, Industry Dynamics, and Internal Knowledge Sharing in Strategists‘ Entry Decisions

Elisa Schulte genannt Kulkmann, Technical University of Munich (Master thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 2050-2081

Dynamic capabilities are a major driver of strategic entry into new industries. Building on the dynamic capabilities approach and on strategy literature, I develop a model for strategists’ assessment of entry. I examine two specific dynamic capabilities, namely absorptive capacity and new product development capability and argue that both positively influence strategists’ perceived attractiveness of entering a new industry. Further, I aim to respond to the call to consider the moderating effects of both external and internal conditions, by integrating environmental dynamism and internal knowledge sharing as moderators in my model. I test my hypotheses via a conjoint experiment and data on 1,664 entry assessments embedded within 52 strategists. As expected, I find that both high levels of perceived absorptive capacity and new product development capability increase entry attractiveness. Moreover, those effects are particularly strong when the environmental dynamism in the new industry is expected to be low. Internal knowledge sharing strengthens the relationship between perceived new product development and entry attractiveness. Regarding perceived absorptive capacity, I do not find significant interactions.

Keywords: absorptive capacity; dynamic capabilities; entry assessment; new product development; strategic entry.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp2050-2081

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Development of a Process Model for Mission-Driven Corporate Rebranding

Saskia Hahn, Hamburg University of Music and Drama (Master thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 2082-2117

Big data, AI, geofencing – while the private sector is embracing modern approaches to make its brands even more influential, the third sector is cautiously approaching the idea of branding. Organisations need to engage with their corporate brand to influence their cohesion, credibility and perception of their social mission – in short, to remain competitive. However, there is a lack of appropriate marketing strategies. Previous studies have been based on self-legitimising logics without a scientific basis or provide explanations for individual factors and correlations, but not a holistic corporate rebranding strategy. Nor can it be a solution to impose the models of the private sector on the third sector – the requirements and characteristics of the organisations are too different. For this reason, this literature review first derives a catalog of principles for mission-driven corporate rebranding. The novel findings are compared to previous research and translated into a dedicated process model consisting of five phases and 25 steps. The model is explained using the example of a local African non-profit organisation. The results of this work make it clear that although mission-driven corporate rebranding is highly complex, it can also be mastered by practitioners without major capital investment. The practical process model could even stand up to application in profit-orientated companies and lead to more participation, motivation and communication here as well.

Keywords: corporate rebranding; mission-driven organization; model; nonprofit organization; social entrepreneurship.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp2082-2117

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A Cost-Effective Future for Electricity Storage – An Examination of LCOS Studies on Stationary Applications

Jakob Phillip Klar, Technical University of Munich (Bachelor thesis)
Junior Management Science 9(4), 2024, 2118-2139

As the global energy transition gains momentum and the demand for electrical energy storage rises, decision-makers face the challenge to select the most suitable storage technology. This thesis presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of electrical energy storage technologies for stationary applications, focusing on the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) as a key metric for evaluating economic viability. Through a systematic review of several LCOS studies, the most cost-effective storage technologies were identified for various use cases. While the results show significant heterogeneity across studies, the findings still indicate that lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage are generally the most viable and cost-effective technologies. However, unique considerations are observed for specific applications, such as flywheels for primary response. Future projections reveal that lithium-ion is most likely to dominate all applications except for seasonal storage, where hydrogen energy storage is expected to induce the lowest LCOS. The following pages provide valuable insights for decision-makers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in selecting suitable and economically viable storage solutions. This thesis highlights the significance of storage technologies in supporting the global energy transition and emphasizes the importance of investment and rapid deployment to drive progress and achieve a sustainable energy future.

Keywords: cost-effectiveness; energy storage; energy transition; levelized cost of storage (LCOS); storage technologies.

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.5282/jums/v9i4pp2118-2139

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