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Clustering and regression analysis of micro panel data
Sobíšek, Lukáš ; Pecáková, Iva (advisor) ; Komárek, Arnošt (referee) ; Brabec, Marek (referee)
The main purpose of panel studies is to analyze changes in values of studied variables over time. In micro panel research, a large number of elements are periodically observed within the relatively short time period of just a few years. Moreover, the number of repeated measurements is small. This dissertation deals with contemporary approaches to the regression and the clustering analysis of micro panel data. One of the approaches to the micro panel analysis is to use multivariate statistical models originally designed for crosssectional data and modify them in order to take into account the within-subject correlation. The thesis summarizes available tools for the regression analysis of micro panel data. The known and currently used linear mixed effects models for a normally distributed dependent variable are recapitulated. Besides that, new approaches for analysis of a response variable with other than normal distribution are presented. These approaches include the generalized marginal linear model, the generalized linear mixed effects model and the Bayesian modelling approach. In addition to describing the aforementioned models, the paper also includes a brief overview of their implementation in the R software. The difficulty with the regression models adjusted for micro panel data is the ambiguity of their parameters estimation. This thesis proposes a way to improve the estimations through the cluster analysis. For this reason, the thesis also contains a description of methods of the cluster analysis of micro panel data. Because supply of the methods is limited, the main goal of this paper is to devise its own two-step approach for clustering micro panel data. In the first step, the panel data are transformed into a static form using a set of proposed characteristics of dynamics. These characteristics represent different features of time course of the observed variables. In the second step, the elements are clustered by conventional spatial clustering techniques (agglomerative clustering and the C-means partitioning). The clustering is based on a dissimilarity matrix of the values of clustering variables calculated in the first step. Another goal of this paper is to find out whether the suggested procedure leads to an improvement in quality of the regression models for this type of data. By means of a simulation study, the procedure drafted herein is compared to the procedure applied in the kml package of the R software, as well as to the clustering characteristics proposed by Urso (2004). The simulation study demonstrated better results of the proposed combination of clustering variables as compared to the other combinations currently used. A corresponding script written in the R-language represents another benefit of this paper. It is available on the attached CD and it can be used for analyses of readers own micro panel data.
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Use of Interest Rate Models for Interest Rate Risk Management in the Czech Financial Market Environment
Cíchová Králová, Dana ; Arlt, Josef (advisor) ; Cipra, Tomáš (referee) ; Witzany, Jiří (referee)
The main goal of this thesis is to suggest an appropriate approach to interest rate risk modeling in the Czech financial market environment in various situations. Three distinct periods are analyzed. These periods, which are the period before the global financial crisis, period during the financial crisis and in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and calming subsequent debt crisis in the eurozone, are characterized by different evaluation of liquidity and credit risk, different relationship between financial variables and market participants and different degree of market regulations. Within this goal, an application of the BGM model in the Czech financial market environment is crucial. Use of the BGM model for the purpose of predicting a dynamics of a yield curve is not very common. This is firstly due to the fact that primary use of this model is a valuation of interest rate derivatives while ensuring the absence of arbitrage and secondly its application is relatively difficult. Nevertheless, I apply the BGM model to obtain predictions of the probability distributions of interest rates in the Czech and eurozone market environment, because its complexity, direct modeling of a yield curve based on market rates and especially a possibility of parameter estimation based on current swaptions volatilities quotations may lead to a significant improvement of predictions. This improvement was also confirmed in this thesis. Use of swaptions volatilities market quotations is especially useful in the period of unprecedented mone- tary easing and increased number of central banks and other regulators interventions into financial markets that occur after the financial crisis, because it reflects current market expectations which also include future interventions. As a consequence of underdevelopment of the Czech financial market there are no market quotations of Czech koruna denominated swaptions volatilities. I suggest their approximations based on quotations of euro denominated swaptions volatilities and also using volatilities of koruna and euro forward rates. Use of this approach ensures that predictions of the Czech yield curve dynamics contain current market expectations. To my knowledge, any other author has not presented similar application of the BGM model in the Czech financial market environment. In this thesis I further predict a Czech and Euro area money market yield curve dynamics using the CIR and the GP models as representatives of various types of interest rates models to compare these predictions with BGM predictions. I suggest a comprehensive system of three criteria, based on comparison of predicti- ons with reality, to describe a predictive power of selected models and an appropria- teness of their use in the Czech market environment during different situations in the market. This analysis shows that predictions of the Czech money market yield curve dynamics based on the BGM model demonstrate high predictive power and the best 8 quality in comparison with other models. GP model also produces relatively good qua- lity predictions. Conversely, predictions based on the CIR model as a representative of short rate model family completely failed when describing reality. In a situation when the economy allows negative rates and there is simultaneously a significant likelihood of their implementation, I recommend to obtain predictions of Czech money market yield curve dynamics using GP model which allows existence of negative interest rates. This analysis also contains a statistical test for validating the predictive power of each model and information on other tests. Berkowitz test rejects a hypothesis of accurate predictions for each model. However, this fact is common in real data testing even when using relatively good model. This fact is especially caused by difficult fulfilment of test conditions in real world. To my knowledge, such an analysis of the predictive power of selected interest rate models moreover in the Czech financial market environment has not been published yet. The last goal of this thesis is to suggest an appropriate approach to obtaining pre- dictions of Czech government bonds risk premium dynamics. I define this risk premium as a difference between government bond yields and fixed rate of CZK IRS with the same length. I apply the GP model to describe the dynamics of this indicator of the Czech Republic credit risk. In order to obtain a time series of the risk premium which are necessary for estimation of GP model parameters I firstly estimate yield curves of Czech government bonds using Svensson model for each trading day since 2005. Resulting si- mulations of risk premium show that the GP model predicts the real development of risk premiums of all maturities relatively well. Hence, the proposed approach is suitable for modeling of Czech Republic credit risk based on the use of information extracted from financial markets. I have not registered proposed approach to risk premium modeling moreover in the Czech financial market environment in other publications.
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Expected development of Business Intelligence applications in the coming years
Aschmann, Jakub ; Pour, Jan (advisor) ; Fortinová, Jana (referee)
This thesis focuses on the development of Business Intelligence applications. The main area is the potential development in the coming years, history of business intelligence and individual components. To acquire the necessary knowledge, I studied educational materials and electronic publications. In Chapter 3 I focus on the definition of BI, in the following chapter I analyse individual components and the last chapter is dedicated to the development in the future. This thesis will provide comprehensive knowledge and trends in business intelligence to readers who are interested in this area and are looking for complex information.
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The course of microsporidiosis caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi in experimental model
VOTOČKOVÁ, Tereza
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites causing disease called microsporidiosis. The infectious strategy is a spore - a highly organized cell which gives a rise to the infection of the host. This bachelor thesis records the progress of microsporidiosis provoked by the infection of the experimental model of the species of microsporidia Encephalitozoon cuniculi, namely of the genotype ECIII. The theoretical part includes the familiarization with microsporidia. In this part, there are first records leading to paying more attention to them and initiating their closer examination. This section describes both the biological characteristics and the systematic categorization of microsporidia and the description of a spore as the infectious stage of life cycle, which enables get into the host body where microsporidia reproduce and cause diseases. The sources of microsporidia are mentioned as well as the ways of transmission and microsporidia species most commonly detected in human whose attention is devoted mainly to Encephalitozoon cuniculi - its history and development, the infectious progress in hosts, the detection, and the treatment. The practical part describes the methodical process of the way of monitoring of microsporidiosis on experimental models in a form of laboratory mice of inbred immunocompetent BALB/c and the mice with severe combined immunodeficiency SCID. The mice were orally infected with spores of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype ECIII, which was isolated from steppe lemming (Lagurus lagurus). The progress of infection was monitored both on the basis of coprological examination of mouse feces and on the basis of the examination of tissue and body fluid samples. The processing of individual samples was carried out with the aid of molecular diagnostics in the parasitological laboratory AV ČR in České Budějovice. The DNA from individual tissues and body fluids was isolated by using a commercially supplied kit, QIAamp DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit ( QIAGEN), the feces were treated with a commercially supplied QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit (QIAGEN). The principle was to destroy the individual spores and to obtain the pure DNA which was suitable for further processing. Subsequently, the two-step polymerase chain reaction was carried out. providing rapid multiplication of DNA. The next step was a gel electrophoresis which arouses the division of the DNA into individual fragments on the basis of different molecular weights due to the effect of unidirectional electrical current. The fragments were visualized by UV transilluminator at a wavelength of 312 nm linked to a computer. The part of the research was the albendazole treatment of BALB/c mice. The drug was orally administered in the range from 28th to 42nd day after the infection. The results on progress of microsporidiosis through various organs and tissues, including the involved treatment, were recorded in well arranged tables. At the end of this bachelor thesis, there is a summary of the research and its comparison with previous studies. The results showed that microsporidia may be a threat not only for people suffering from immune deficiency, but thanks to their successful survival in the organs of immunocompetent hosts and their ability of activation from the undetectable level, they emphasize the danger of latent microsporidiosis as a risk and life-threatening factor for groups of people undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation where the patients can receive inflected graft from a donor.
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Strategy of Corporate Social Responsibility in Hilton Worlwide company and its application in local conditions
Švábová, Kateřina ; Mokrejšová, Veronika (advisor) ; Filipová, Alena (referee)
This bachelor thesis focuses on strategy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in company Hilton Worldwide. The bachelor thesis is divided into two parts. The theoretical part deals with concept of corporate social responsibility, with the philosophy of CSR, its history and the present. This part also defines key words related to corporate social responsibility like CSR, stakeholders, corporate philanthropy, sustainable development, business ethics and corporate citizenship. It also focuses on the important role of communication in general and also in CSR. The practical part introduces the concept and strategy of CSR in the company Hilton Worldwide. This part also presents hotels Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town and their activities within the CSR. SWOT analysis as strategy tool was used to evaluate the concept and communication of CSR in both hotels. The final results of analyses showed problems in internal and external communication. Based on results of SWOT analysis are suggested solutions and recommendations that should improve understanding and perception of CSR concept in both hotels, improve internal communication for employees, and use all modern communication tools and channels for communicating information about CSR activities. These measures will lead to increased loyalty and strengthening the company's competitiveness.
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Motivation and evaluation of empolyees
Sinkulová, Anna ; Legnerová, Kateřina (advisor) ; Šmíd, David (referee)
My bachelor thesis is focused on motivation and assessment of employees in the company. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the influence of team building and benefits on employees' motivation. Literature based theoretical part of my thesis describes and investigates the real meaning and purpose of motivation and basic motivational concepts. Furthermore, I outlined the basics behind employee benefits, team building and also stated the current given trends in these areas. The practical part is focused on benefit and workplace research and their impact on the general motivation to work and the relations between the employees of the Czechoslovak Commercial Bank (ČSOB). In order to collect the best results, I used the method of questionnaires. Respondents were asked to answer questions considering their satisfaction with the system of employee benefits and the importance of teamwork. Based on the survey results I propose certain changes that should lead to motivation improvement and better job performance.
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Improving logistics operations in the warehouse of Stroj Servis Plus
Feklistov, Maxim ; Vinš, Marek (advisor) ; Mervart, Michal (referee)
This bachelor thesis is focusing on the logistic operations in the warehouse of a particular organization. The objective of the thesis is to analyze logistics operations in the warehouse of Stroj Servis Plus and propose certain measures, based on selected methods, which might lead to improvement in the efficiency of the current logistics operations. This bachelor thesis is divided into two parts. In first part, theoretical part, is describing the basic theoretical concepts and principles, connected with the main field of the interest. The second part, practical part, begins with the introduction of the company Stroj Servis Plus and analyzing of the logistics operations in the warehouse. Based on the facts, discovered in the intercompany documents, own practice in the firm and theoretical knowledge propose solutions that would eliminate any disadvantages and improve logistics operations in warehouse of the selected company.
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Marketing strategy adaptation of Chipotle in Czech markets
Hofmannová, Veronika ; Král, Petr (advisor) ; Janecký, Vlastimil (referee)
This Diploma thesis deals with chain of fast food restaurants named Chipotle, which is predominantly known in the United States of America, and its potential entry into the Czech market. The thesis analyzes the marketing strategy of the company and applies its adaptation for the Czech market. The competitive advantage of the company is using local organic raw ingredients of high quality; therefore, the thesis examines the Czech people´s interest in Mexican cuisine as well as issues of sustainable development. The aim of the thesis is to analyze the marketing strategy of the chain of restaurants with Mexican fast food and subsequently to apply the adaptation of the marketing mix to the conditions at the Czech market.
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Analysis of the marketing activities in nonprofit organization INEX-SDA
Müllerová, Michaela ; Procházková, Markéta (advisor) ; Polcar, Jakub (referee)
The aim of this thesis is to analyze marketing activities of nonprofit organization INEX-SDA and make recommendations relating to the marketing mix which would increase awareness of this foundation and also increase voluntary help from the public. The thesis is divided into two parts. First part deals with theoretical definition of marketing and its specifics related to the nonprofit sector. The theoretical part is followed by a practical part in which organization INEX-SDA and the individual elements of the marketing mix are specified. In this part there was also done marketing research. With the analysis of marketing activities information is obtained which together with the theoretical knowledge leads to recommendations relating to the marketing activities of this non-profit organization. The thesis ends with an overall summary.
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Optimalization of material flow in automotive industry
Kolář, Tomáš ; Jirsák, Petr (advisor) ; Vinš, Marek (referee)
This master thesis is focussed on optimalization of material flow in an automotive company. First part introduce theoretical background. Automotive industry and its actual trends on global markets. Follows short introduction of the company where project of this thesis was executed. Main theoretical part describes concept of lean management, its tools in practical examples, but it is also focussed on philosophical approach to the work and mindset of the company. Follows the aplication part based on theoretical background. The whole project of this master thesis is focussed on specific area called PC store. At first this area is showed in context of overall material flow. Shortly there are introduced processes and areas where full material packaging flows. Follows deeper analysis and optimalization of PC store itself. There are three approaches of stock and lead time reduction applied. Last part shows the comparison of initial and future state including performed changes.
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