Digital Repository of Theses

The Impact of Participatory Scenario Planning on Medical Tourism for Cancer Treatment in Delhi NCR: The Case of Sharda Health City

Michael Barbas — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This work focuses on participatory decision scenario planning for medical tourism among cancer patients in the Delhi NCR (National Capital Region) of India, with a practical application at Sharda Health City, a new cancer hospital in the district. Although
participatory scenario planning has been widely used with promising results in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, a model that considers the unique economic, technological, legal, and socio-cultural characteristics of the Delhi NCR market does not exist. Instead, a series of participatory scenario studies has been conducted in India to envision future changes in the Indian subcontinent; however, the outputs of these studies are generic scenarios aimed at forming policy for India over the next decade, rather than providing specific options for any firm offering medical tourism opportunities for cancer patients. In this respect, there is a feeling among scholars, managers, and practitioners in India that such works, although brilliant and effective in generating policies to further develop India, are of little use when it comes to problems existing with scenario development and implementation in specific businesses and markets. The current work attempts to clarify this question by developing a participatory decision scenario planning model for the firm mentioned above. However, even if customized, scenarios still seem to provide vague options. We test the robustness of the scenario options produced in the present study using a Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) model in conjunction with scenario planning. With a projected revenue of 1.1 billion USD in 2024, India's medical tourism industry for cancer treatment is rapidly evolving (Shetty, 2024).
Therefore, the author expects that the model will inspire more research in this area, as the results of the study will be compared with other participatory decision scenario studies in India and globally, providing a reference for future researchers.

Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region

Musonda Jonnah Pongaponga — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of direct ministerial appointments on the governance and operational effectiveness of boards within Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). While DFIs play a pivotal role in financing sustainable growth in the region, concerns persist over the extent to which politically driven appointments compromise governance quality, director independence, and institutional performance. The study’s central objective was to evaluate how ministerial interventions affect board effectiveness, ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and composition, as well as to identify the challenges faced by directors operating within politically sensitive contexts.
A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative data from Likert- scale questionnaires with qualitative insights from open-ended responses. The analysis was framed by Agency Theory, Institutional Theory, Stewardship Theory, Resource Dependence Theory, and Stakeholder Theory. A total of 112 responses across seven research questions were examined. The findings show that although DFIs have formal governance structures in place, direct ministerial appointments weaken board independence, accountability, and the ethical stature of governance processes. Quantitative results revealed lower average scores for director independence (3.56/5) and resistance to political interference (3.42/5) compared with higher scores for ethical leadership (4.44/5) and transparency (4.53/5). Qualitative data corroborated these results, highlighting political interference, inadequate director training, limited board evaluations, and inconsistent selection criteria as major governance weaknesses. Respondents advocated the establishment of transparent and merit-based appointment mechanisms, reappointments linked to performance, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.
The study concludes that safeguarding the developmental mandate of DFIs requires insulating governance structures from undue political influence. Transparent appointment mechanisms, meritocratic selection, and governance reforms that strengthen independence and accountability are critical. These findings generate policy-relevant insights for governments, regulators, and development partners within and beyond the SADC region. By providing empirical evidence from an under-explored area of DFI governance in the SADC region, this study contributes to the literature while offering practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to reinforce institutional governance frameworks. It further underscores the urgent need for regulatory reforms to align board appointments with the principles of ethical leadership, independence, accountability, and transparency, thereby enhancing overall board effectiveness.

Feasibility of Different Offshore Foundations for Port Marshalling Operations: A Case Study on Port of Raahe as Sustainable Offshore Hub

Enrika Uusitalo — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The offshore wind sector has become a cornerstone of Europe’s decarbonization strategy, with the Baltic–Nordic region emerging as both opportunity and bottleneck. Rapid turbine upscaling to 20–25 MW and the growing weight of foundations, monopiles, jackets, and gravity-based foundations (GBFs) reaching up to 7,500 tons, pose new-scale demands on marshalling ports. This research investigates the feasibility of accommodating such components in cold-climate ports, using the Port of Raahe (Finland) as a case study to incorporate technical, logistical, and sustainability pathways.
A mixed-method approach was applied: (i) survey of 17 internationally active developers, capturing port bottlenecks, infrastructure gaps, and sustainability expectations; (ii) engineering modelling of ground bearing capacity (≥40 t/m²), quay depth (12–14 m), yard layouts (~0.4 ha per turbine set), and electrification (MW-scale substations for electric SGC cranes and e-SPMT fleets); (iii) interviews with experts from BMW Group, AIVP2030, and Sarens engineers on hydrogen, digital twins, and cold-climate operations; and (iv) quantitative analyses of foundation sizes, laydown calculations, and operational constraints caused by ice, storms, and seasonal limits.
Findings confirm three decisive bottlenecks: insufficient quay strength, lack of laydown space, and electrification need. Cold-climate conditions further compress installation seasons and demand frost-resistant pavements, de-icing protocols, and winterized substations. Required upgrades represent investments of €100–300 million per port but also create industrial synergies. Circular pathways, such as recycling decommissioned steel into SSAB’s fossil-free steel production - position port of Raahe as logistical nodes but as well as active enabler of sustainable ecosystems to lead example of circularity in the region.
By integrating developer expectations, engineering feasibility, and sustainability frameworks (AIVP 2030 Agenda, circular economy, hydrogen pilots), this study positions Port of Raahe as a replicable model for medium-sized industrial ports. The research provides a structured framework for harmonized standards across Baltic–Nordic ports, ensuring that infrastructure is technically capable, resilient in cold climates, and socially legitimate within surrounding communities. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that ports are not only bottlenecks but strategic assets in enabling Europe’s offshore wind transition.
Keywords: Offshore Wind Foundations; Marshalling Ports; Port of Raahe; Sustainability and Circular Economy; Cold-Climate Infrastructure; Baltic–Nordic Energy Transition

The Benefits and Security Challenges of Cashless Systems for Women Entrepreneurs in Rapidly Developing Economies: A Case Study of Gauteng Province, South Africa

Lynnette Magasa — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background
In rapid developing economies it is difficult to see a full digital adoption especially in business owned by woman. The study explores the benefits and security challenges of cashless system for woman entrepreneurs in rapid developing economies under formal and informal structure. This research examines the implementation and effects of cashless payment systems among women entrepreneurs in Gauteng, South Africa, within the broader context of digital financial inclusion and gender empowerment. This study analyses the increasing focus on mobile money platforms, point-of-sale devices, QR code payments, and banking applications in improving financial access and operational efficiency in emerging economies. Technological advancements have not eradicated gendered and structural barriers, which continue to restrict equitable participation in South Africa’s cashless economy.
Methods
The study utilises a mixed-method research design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture measurable trends and lived experiences. A purposive sample of 201 women-led enterprises spanning eight sectors: technology, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, services, events, consultancy and beauty was analysed. Qualitative data collected from semi-structured interviews were subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software, highlighting complex socio-economic, cultural, and technological factors. Quantitative data were analysed using Chi-square tests, ANOVA, correlation, and logistic regression to assess the relationships between business characteristics and cashless adoption.
Results
The findings indicate that 58% of respondents utilise cashless systems as their primary transaction method, with greater adoption observed in the technology and consultancy sectors relative to agriculture and retail. The primary factors influencing adoption are perceived business value, operational efficiency, and customer convenience. Conversely, obstacles such as high transaction fees, limited digital literacy, and cybersecurity concerns impede uptake, especially among microenterprises and entrepreneurs with lower educational levels. Quantitative analysis revealed a positive correlation between cashless adoption and business performance indicators, including revenue growth, customer retention, and operational efficiency.
Discussion and Conclusion
The study concludes that cashless systems can significantly improve the financial resilience and market access of women entrepreneurs; however, systemic interventions are required to address existing inequalities. Recommendations include gender-responsive policies, tiered digital literacy training, subsidized transaction fees, and enhanced cybersecurity frameworks. This research positions women entrepreneurs as essential contributors to the shift towards a digital economy, enhancing academic discourse and providing practical insights for policymakers, fintech innovators, and development practitioners focused on promoting inclusive and sustainable digital financial ecosystems.

Innovating Sustainable Supply Chains in Information Technology Industry

Viraj Tathavadekar — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study looks at how to make the supply chains of the Information Technology (IT) industry more environmentally friendly, with a focus on how digital transformation and including stakeholders may help. As global supply chains get more complicated and harmful to the environment, IT firms are under more and more pressure to use sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) techniques that find a balance between making money and being responsible for the environment and society. The study looks into how technologies like AI, blockchain, and the IoT may make IT supply networks more open, efficient, and ethical. The study also looks at how circular economy models, corporate social responsibility, and national and international laws affect sustainability efforts. We used a mixed-methods approach, which included both qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis with SPSS and MS Excel. The data was looked at using methods like mean, standard deviation, regression, and correlation. The results show that big IT companies are making good progress, but small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are still having trouble since they don't have the resources and the rules aren't always clear. The study ends with a proposed framework that shows the drivers, impediments, and strategic enablers that the IT sector needs to create sustainable supply chains.
Keywords :
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), Information Technology Industry, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Circular Economy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), SPSS, Stakeholder Engagement.

Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Employees’ Performance in Cameroon Development Corporation

Arouna Pangmimo Mohbambu — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The various leadership styles play an important role in organizational productivity that enhances employee performance. It can influence someone’s behavior or attitudes. The main problem addressed by this research is the absence of strategic interventions on leadership styles in Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) that impact employee performance. The main objective of this research is to determine how the leadership styles in the CDC impact employee performance. The exploratory case study design is used with quantitative approach to find out their relationship. The technique used is stratified sampling techniques with a sample size of 384 employees. Data collection was done using a questionnaire and was tested to determine the reliability and the three sub scales alpha value of the instrument which was found significant with more than 70. Aligning with the interactions of interviews as a primary source of data and complimented with the secondary sources, the researcher employed the content analysis approach to examine the issues of leadership styles and its impacts on employees’ performance in CDC. This helps to come out with transcriptions and examination of the participant’s diverse opinions. The standard beta coefficient, a multiple regression analysis used found that democratic leadership style has a positive and significant impact on employee performance while in contract bureaucratic leadership style has a lesser effect on employee performance and autocratic leadership styles has a negative effect on employees’ performance. The most common leadership style used in CDC is Bureaucratic Leadership style with 175 (45.6%) followed by Democratic Leadership style with 115 (29.9%) and Autocratic leadership style with 94 (24.5%). The conclusion was that two leadership styles positively impact employee performance CDC with the exemption of autocratic leadership style. Future research was suggested to include analyzing more than one organization and also to make comparative studies on various industries who are involved in the primary and tertiary sectors of the economy.
Keywords: Leadership styles, democratic, bureaucratic, autocratic leadership styles and employee performance.

The Impact of Innovative Marketing on Performance of Mobile Money Enterprises in the Telecommunication Industries in Cameroon

Kimbi Boris Tamfuh — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The importance of micro, small and medium sized enterprises to all nations cannot be overemphasized. Micro, small and medium (SME) sized enterprises play a vital role in the growth of the economies of many nations, Cameroon inclusive. These enterprises are a major source of employment in many developing nations. The micro-entrepreneurs in the mobile telecommunications sector face numerous challenges, including inadequate cash flow, a lack of marketing expertise, escalating competition, customer-related issues, and an unfavorable business environment. As such, the objectives of this study were; To assess contribution of digital marketing, one-on-one marketing, influencer marketing campaign, and mobile money app-base marketing practice to revenue generation and market share of micro mobile money enterprises.
Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional mixed study design on the impact of Innovative Marketing on the Performance of Micro Enterprises was conducted across seven regions in Cameroon, questionnaires and interview quid were use to capture data. Beginning with the quantitative design, SPSS version 26 was used for the analysis. Results were presented using percentages, frequency tables and graphs. Statistical analysis such as chi-square test and regression was utilized to analyze the collected data and determine the impact of innovative marketing on enterprise performance.
Results:The results show that digital marketing relates negatively and significantly, at 1% (p<0.01), to the performance of micro enterprises in the mobile money industry. The coefficient for the "One-on-one marketing index" is 0.251 and was found to be statistically significant (p <0.01), suggesting a positive relationship. Specifically, an improvement in the one-on-one marketing is associated with a 0.251 unit increase in the performance of these enterprises, holding all other variables constant. Furthermore, the influencer marketing index demonstrates a strong positive association (coefficient = 0.264, p < 0.01), indicating that businesses utilizing influencer marketing tend to report higher levels of performance. The mobile app marketing index demonstrates a statistically significant positive effect (coefficient = 0.215, p < 0.01), indicating that businesses employing mobile app marketing strategies tend to report higher performance levels compared to those who do not.
Conclusion:The study revealed a mixed picture of innovative marketing's impact. While one-on-one marketing and influencer marketing campaigns showed a significant positive influence on enterprise performance (p<0.01), digital marketing, particularly social media's contribution to overall revenue growth, was less definitively perceived by respondents, with a notable negative correlation found between a digital marketing index and performance outcomes (p<0.01). Mobile money app-based marketing also demonstrated a remarkably positive influence on performance (p<0.01).
Keywords: Digital Marketing, Mobile Money, Social Media, One-on-One Marketing, Influencer Marketing.

Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Shaping the Learning Architecture Within Corporations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Across the Indian Subcontinent

Prasanna Vasudevan — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Indian corporate leaders, SMEs, and learners have long faced challenges in identifying learning needs, traditionally relying on roles, hierarchies, and structures. This approach often results in generic learning initiatives. This study explores how AI is reshaping Learning and Development (L&D), empowering individuals to personalize their learning while staying aligned with organizational goals.
AI-driven learning solutions are emerging as a strong alternative to traditional service providers, who struggle to differentiate offerings. Organizations now seek innovative approaches to engagement, measurement, customization, and ROI. AI platforms address these needs through personalization, adaptability, and efficiency—facilitating tailored skill development at scale.
Historically, access to knowledge was limited to elite networks and institutions. AI democratizes this access, enabling continuous learning and capability building through intelligent, customized tools. These solutions also help organizations reduce time, cost, and effort compared to traditional methods.
The study employed a 270-degree data gathering approach, using Zoho Surveys and indepth interviews with senior corporate executives, learning service providers, and learners.
It included inputs from 123 learners, five L&D service providers, and senior representatives from 10 companies across sectors like BFSI, Manufacturing, IT & ITES, Education, Pharma, Automobile, Entertainment, and more.
Findings reveal growing awareness and willingness to adopt AI in L&D strategies across all groups. Key concerns include data security, job displacement fears, and the complexity of redesigning existing frameworks. Despite this, there is optimism about AI’s ability to simplify learning structures and drive transformation.
AI enables a shift from one-size-fits-all models to dynamic, personalized, and goal-oriented learning experiences. Organizations that adopt AI in L&D stand to enhance learning effectiveness, align training with business outcomes, and create measurable impact.

The Impact of Authentic Leadership on Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction

Rui Manuel Gonçalves Janota — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Authentic Leadership emerged as an appealing leadership model based on the employee's self-awareness, relational transparency, internalized moral perspective, and the balanced processing of information. This research evaluated the impact of Authentic Leadership on Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction, among the sales representatives of pharmaceutical companies operating in Portugal, grounded in the framework of the Institutional Theory. This study employed a quantitative, explanatory, cross-sectional research design by using a four-part structured questionnaire, which combined three established instruments, to collect data from 1.415 respondents. The results of this research suggest that Authentic Leadership has a positive impact on both employee Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction, implying that features of this leadership style create a healthy workplace environment. In addition, this positive impact grows with a rise in institutional alignment as Authentic Leadership aligns with, rather than opposes, compliance demands. This research shows that Authentic Leadership behaviors enhance both ethical culture and business outcomes. It further reveals that institutionalized compliance can strengthen authenticity by clarifying values and expectations, shifting compliance from coercive control to strategic empowerment. This study introduces a new concept of “Tempered Authenticity,” revealing that employees can balance candor with contextual sensitivity in regulated environments. The integration of Institutional Theory proposes an ethical performance equilibrium where compliance and performance reinforce each other.
Keywords: Authentic Leadership, Organizational Trust, Organizational Commitment, Work Engagement, and Tempered Authenticity.

A Framework for Universal Energy Inclusion: Definition, Realisation by Social Innovation, and Stakeholder Implementation Guidelines

Cornelis Hulst — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This thesis addresses the urgent need to reconcile the technical and social dimensions of the global Energy Transition (ET) by introducing a universally applicable definition and benchmarking methodology for Energy Inclusion (EI) and by demonstrating how Social Innovation (SI) can operationalise EI in diverse regional contexts. Three core research questions guide the work. Firstly, how can EI be defined and benchmarked globally across varied socioeconomic settings? Secondly, how can SI principles anchor EI objectives within capital-intensive energy transition development projects (ETDPs)? And thirdly, how can EI targets be planned, implemented and monitored throughout an ETDP lifecycle? Drawing on a three-pillar literature research framework, i.e. Technical Innovation, SI and EI, this study fuses EI theory into a two-factor, nine-level evaluating model and develops a Blueprint non-financial business framework to integrate SI supported by performance indicators. The public–private–community collaboration Blueprint moves beyond Corporate Social Responsibility and embeds EI goals from ET project inception through delivery. Novel contributions are a global EI definition, benchmark tool and SI project implementation guidelines. The framework offers practitioners and policymakers a pathway to inclusive, measurable and social sustainable energy investments.