/library/oar/handle/123456789/85235 2025-11-04T17:25:13Z 2025-11-04T17:25:13Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/85662 2021-12-16T14:22:18Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An analysis on how big data is revolutionising decision making Abstract: This dissertation will look into the process of decision making and how the extent of which this is heavily reliant on timely and relevant information for the best possible outcome. In today’s digital world, data analytics has caught the world by storm – a tool that has revolutionised the discipline of marketing and an improved means for decision making. With the noise this has made, data is highly valued by organisations and is in ever-growing demand. This dissertation aims to shed light on the importance of data along with the opportunities this has brought onto multiple industries. An investigation will be made into how data is generated, consumed, collected and processed. The need for validity will also be interpreted as it is crucial for business’ decision making. Finally, this dissertation will look into discussions made about how data could even see itself become a currency and a potential transactional mechanism, as the field of data continues to grow. The author will seek to sit down with data experts, CTOs and business owners to determine how this data phenomenon is being reflected locally. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) Bus.& IT(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/85647 2021-12-16T14:21:24Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Podiatric telemedicine : an evidence-based approach Abstract: Regardless of the use of digital technology in healthcare, telemedicine has not been broadly implemented in Malta before the pandemic. Telemedicine entails the use of information and communication technology to provide healthcare from a distance. This study aimed to understand better the current major stakeholders’ perspectives on podiatric telemedicine. A mixed-methods dominant-less dominant research approach was implemented. Online questionnaires were the dominant research tool, while the less dominant research tools were the focus groups and interviews. Results suggest that to ensure a patient-centred care model, telemedicine should be blended appropriately with the current traditional in-person consultations. Furthermore, it was established that the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is not fit to be used on its own, but should be implemented in parallel with other telemedicine-related models as many factors impact the actual implementation of a telemedicine service, besides ease of use and usefulness. Hence, in view of the findings obtained, the Normalisation Process Theory proved to be more complete as a framework. Stakeholders stated that telemedicine is part of the future and that the resistance to change towards such services needs to be addressed. Podiatrists see the potential in podiatric telemedicine only if there is a strategy in place to implement it. Public participants noted that podiatric telemedicine cannot replace or be the same as standard traditional consultations. Qualitative results reflected the views of podiatrists and the public, including the necessity of further education and training, a telemedicine framework, better accessibility, and its use as a complementary service to the traditional clinic visits. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/85583 2021-12-15T05:51:47Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of fintech companies on the local financial services industry in the Maltese islands Abstract: Technology has always been transforming our lives. Throughout the last couple of years, we have seen the rise of many financial technology firms. Nonetheless, what effects are these firms leaving on traditional brick and mortar financial institutions? How are they responding to these new emerging enterprises? This study investigates how traditional financial institutions are being impacted by these new firms. It also examines how they are confronting and adapting to these businesses. This research was enhanced by interviewing regulatory and monetary authority organisations to get a clear view of how fintech is requiring change, not only by commercial firms but also by the supervisors of our economy. This research involves different organisations from diverse financial services sectors. These consist of commercial banks, stockbrokers, insurers, and regulators. This way we can see how different sectors in the finance industry are being impacted and responding to this change. From this research, we have seen that some organisations especially banks have been negatively affected but other institutions such as insurers and stockbrokers have been less impacted. They are adapting with technology along the years and some also cater for clients who want a personalised experience and/or struggle with the use of technology. Additionally, regulators are very active in the fintech space and are consistently monitoring and overseeing these firms, without under or overregulating the industry. With the use of sandboxing, regulators can easily monitor these firms’ offering while making sure that the services they are providing, are safe and harmless to society. This research concluded that technology like all other industries is changing the way we manage our finances. Additionally, innovation is what makes us grow and advance as humans. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) Bus.& IT(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/85577 2021-12-15T05:51:28Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The role of social media by retail companies during the Covid-19 pandemic Abstract: This research paper sets out to understand the role social media plays in retail companies in today’s world. Marketing strategies have had to adapt to this new way of marketing products and services, and it has now become one of the most cost-effective methods of marketing, not to mention giving a lot of exposure to a company or brand. It also serves as a communication platform. These general findings pave the way to more specific findings which are the way in which social media was used by retailers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The qualitative interviews that were carried out allowed marketing managers of medium sized businesses that were directly affected by the pandemic to voice their opinion on the subject and how they were able to keep communication going with their customer base and keep relationships intact at a time when the store could not be opened. Furthermore, how they were able to continue their operations that are not defined as essential. From the findings, it resulted that social media was very much needed for the reasons mentioned and it also served as a basis to see whether certain companies should launch an e-commerce site. While in Malta social media has definitely not reached its full potential, one can draw up that it had significant advantages for the retail sector. Given the pandemic is still with us and people are still cautious, and the fact that social media is always being developed in new ways, this research fills a small gap in what can be done on an even larger scale. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) Bus.& IT(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z