/library/oar/handle/123456789/63779 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:15:22 GMT 2025-11-04T08:15:22Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/64626 Title: Evidence based sources as precursors of knowledge driven decisions through emerging technologies Abstract: Knowledge is an essential building block in every decision process both at individual and / or at social unit level. This reality makes the role of knowledge and its management crucial to understand how to arrive to an effective decision. Through this study, the researcher wanted to investigate how knowledge drives the decision-making process. Three Research Questions (RQs) were utilised to investigate this scope from three aspects: 1) how knowledge based on evidence-based sources converges to provide effective decisions; 2) how emerging technologies could serve as a knowledge enabler; 3) what impedes the knowledge flow within the decision-making process. In order to reach the research scope, a conceptual model was drawn which involved three established theoretical models; Barends, Rousseau and Briner (2014) Evidence-Based management’s 6As; Evans et al. (2014) KM Model; and Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) SECI knowledge creation model. The conceptual model served as a blueprint for the primary research results within the theoretical implications discussion. The context of the primary research was that of a Scrum team setup within a single IT company. The research was carried out using deep interviews. Following the interviews, Thematic Analysis was used to find the themes. This study indicated that the Scrum team, due to the nature of the framework, invested less time in the evidence acquisition, and more effort into interpersonal collaboration. This, together with the fact that it is a lightweight documentation framework, any impediment that affects interpersonal collaboration, affects the knowledge flow and hence the effectiveness of the decision process. Description: M.A.MANGT. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/64626 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/63905 Title: Emerging technology in airports : using baggage tracking at Malta International Airport to increase operational effectiveness Abstract: In the aviation industry, the number of passengers and therefore baggage continues to increase, and airports are constantly searching for ways to handle this increase and improve their operations. Emerging technologies such as baggage tracking technology are becoming an interesting investment and solution for airports. However not all airports realise that what seems as a complicated and costly investment, is evidently one of the best ways to improve operational efficiency when it comes to baggage services. The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptions of different entities within Malta International Airport, who have a role in the provision of baggage service, regarding the effectiveness of using baggage tracking technology. Moreover, this study will be evaluating the operational effectiveness that baggage tracking technology contributes to Malta International Airport and it’s subcontracted entities, and also determining the benefits and limitations that came with introducing baggage tracking within Malta International Airport Through the literature obtained, sufficient knowledge on the effectiveness of baggage tracking technology at Malta International Airport was presented. This study is a qualitative study which used data collected from participants through questionnaires and online communication. The participants belonged to entities within Malta International Airport - the airport operator and two ground handling services providers - which have a role in the provision of baggage services. The responses were analysed with the use of the MAXQDA software. The results of this research showed that these entities perceived that emerging technology such as baggage tracking technology can indeed assist with improving operational effectiveness which in return enhances the baggage services workflow and the passenger overall experience. Resources needed and possible limitations were considered and discussed. Description: B.SC.(HONS)BUS.&I.T. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/63905 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/63904 Title: The impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on smart homes Abstract: The Internet of Things, as an emerging technology is expected to have a wide impact on the large industries in the next few years. At present, one of the industries which have been mostly affected by this technology is the smart home industry. This study investigates what kind of impact is created when the Internet of Things is present in smart homes. Interviews and questionnaires were used as research tools and a small experiment was even conducted as a prove of concept to show in practice what are the effects of IoT when configured in automated homes. Seven interviews were conducted in total and the questionnaire was sent out over Facebook groups. The findings from all three resources all implicated that the Internet of Things creates a large and positive effect on smart homes as they provide convenience to users, youngsters find it fun and simple to use, saves time, reduces costs and lastly it helps to save energy. A large effect means that IoT plays a big role for the provision of these advantages, but as found through the experiment, these appliances do not fully depend on the IoT network as they can also operate manually. Nevertheless, by operating the appliance manually, the user will not experience all the luxuries the IoT would give, but just the basic functions. However, in the case that there is no Internet connection in the home, having a manual system as a backup would be quite useful as the appliances would still function in the traditional way . In the scenario that there is no lighting, security devices such as alarms would still keep on taking footages, even though the user will not be able to control them. For this reason, none of the residents will be put in danger if an intruder comes. On the other hand, the benefits explained above can only be acquired if the appliances which are internet – enabled are fully secure, otherwise there is a huge risk that they will become compromised, making them extremely vulnerable. It is the responsibility of the individual to make themselves aware of such dangers so as to protect their devices and minimise these risks by conducting research on the product. If it is found that the product is exposed to few attacks therefore the user purchases it, then the next step would be to secure it by a password and updating it regularly. Excluding the problems of security and privacy, the fact that this technology gives a wide range of advantages suggests that it would be worth to purchase a smart home. Also, not a lot of technology is needed to set it up. Lastly, current research shows that as smart homes per se, they provide a lot of benefits and in the future they will provide more features, especially for the elderly and disabled people. What is extremely interesting is that they will work not on controls given by the residents, however, they will work by monitoring their activities and their interaction with other devices and function based on their behaviors. The researcher’s assumption is that if the network notices that the resident does his or her laundry every Monday morning at 8, then at that day and time, the washing machine will prepare the cycle automatically without any controls from the user. Presently, some appliances in the home already work using this concept where it studies what is happening around the home, for instance a fire has started, so it switches on the smoke detector automatically. Even though these homes are still at their infancy, one can already tell that in the future they will become a mainstream technology. Who is making use of a smart home today finds it as a luxury because with one click on the smartphone or through speech, anything can be done automatically, but it is very likely that in the future, this luxury will become a necessity. Description: B.SC.(HONS)BUS.&I.T. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/63904 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/63903 Title: The impact of social media advertising on the growth of tech SMEs in Malta Abstract: During the past few years, Social Media have become an essential part of individuals’ life including businesses and industries all over the world. Due to its constant development and evolution, Social Media have revolutionized how large corporates in different industries especially the Tech Industry, to advertise their products and services. This made many Tech companies, particularly, Tech small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start using Social Media to benefit from its advertising tools and have the opportunity to reach their targeted audience globally. The main aim of this research is to develop an idea and gain a better understanding of the impact of Social Media advertising on Tech SMEs in Malta as well as finding whether this impact is positive or negative. Another aim of this research is to find which is the most widely and effective Social Media platform implemented and exploited by Tech SMEs. The research also aims to understand whether Social Media is an important contributing factor to increase online presence and awareness amongst Tech SMEs. A qualitative approach was adopted to collect primary data. Eight Tech SMEs established in Malta, who currently utilize Social Media were interviewed. The data collected through In-depth interviews were then analysed and discussed further to gain insights about the topic under study. The findings of the research state that the impact of Social Media on Tech SMEs was mostly positive. Other findings indicate that Tech SMEs use Social Media mainly for brand awareness, recruitment, advertising, communication and information dissemination. The research reveals that the most used and most effective Social Media platform by Tech SMEs is Facebook. To conclude, this research proves that Social Media plays a major role in Tech SMEs in Malta. Description: B.SC.(HONS)BUS.&I.T. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/63903 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z