How Has A Small UK Music Company Utilised Networks In Order To Maintain Niche Market Leadership in A Market Dominated by Larger Firms?

This study utilises a qualitative study framework in order to assess the importance of networks for the continued niche market leadership of a small music company operating in the UK. Specifically, this study concentrates on the relevance of social and external networks. The study focuses on Eagle Rock Entertainment Ltd (hereafter, ‘Eagle’), a company specialising in audio-visual music programming. In order to assess the impact of networks on the company, interviews were undertaken with five internal employees of Eagle and with two external industry experts. Questions related to ways in which Eagle avoided direct competition with larger firms and to what extent networks are pivotal for their sustained niche market leadership. The findings illustrate the paramount importance of social networks in particular as they facilitate access to market opportunities, international distribution systems and assist in the formation of external networks. Eagle’s resource liabilities stem from their lack of signed artists which are able to be exploited within their audio-visual programming. As such, external networks allow Eagle to access a wider variety of material and therefore, enable them to overcome disadvantages associated with size. Furthermore, without external networks Eagle would not be able to distribute their product on such a global scale. The use of networks, in particular social networks, has spread Eagle’s reputation for excellence in the audio-visual sector. As such, the major music companies have been more prepared to license out material to Eagle rather than enter the sector more aggressively. Consequently, it is suggested that not only do networks provide benefits in terms of increasing Eagle’s internal capabilities but they allow the company to continue to operate in a market separate from their larger rivals

Design and analysis of an open-ended waveguide probe for material characterization

Nondestructive evaluation of stratified (layered) composite structures at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies is of great interest in many applications where simultaneous determination of the complex dielectric properties and thicknesses of multiple layers is desired. Open-ended rectangular waveguide probes are effective tools for this purpose. The technique requires a full-wave electromagnetic model that accurately calculates the complex reflection coefficient as a function of frequency and material properties. Subsequently, this information is used in conjunction with the measured complex reflection coefficient to evaluate the sought for material properties. This thesis presents simulated and measured data to investigate the influence that measurement system noise, which contaminates the measured complex reflection coefficient, has on estimating material properties. It will be shown however, that the foremost contributor to errors in estimating material properties is not due to system noise, but rather, is due to an inconsistency between the electromagnetic model and the measurement setup. More specifically, the electromagnetic model assumes an infinite waveguide flange while measurements are conducted using a finite-size flange. Consequently, the results of the model and those from measurements may not be sufficiently alike for accurate dielectric property and thickness evaluation. The work presented here investigates the effect of using an open-ended waveguide with a standard finite-sized flange on the error in evaluating the complex dielectric properties of a composite structure. Additionally, the design of a novel flange that markedly reduces this undesired effect by producing very similar electric field properties, at the flange aperture, to those created by an infinite flange will be presented and verified in measurement --Abstract, page iii

A European Security Council: added value for EU foreign and security policy?

A European Security Council (ESC) would -so the German government has suggested- make the European Union (EU) better prepared for making decisions about inter­national politics and thus better able to act. It believes that if the EU and its member states do not manage to take and implement coherent decisions more quickly, their ability to (further) enforce European rules and strengthen multilateral formats will be weakened. The EU-27's diplomatic, financial and military resources should there­fore be supplemented by a format for more effective intergovernmental cooperation. However, this idea can only take shape if the German government can demonstrate the added value of such a body, and if it shows more willingness itself to shape for­eign policy within the EU framework. (Autorenreferat

Macron, the Yellow Vests and the national debate: playing for time, not solving the political legitimacy crisis

France's yellow vests (gilets jaunes) are heterogeneous, make contradictory demands, and refuse to give up. Since November 2018 they have been demonstrating for more purchasing power and greater democracy. Having made financial concessions, Presi­dent Emmanuel Macron is now playing for time. He has initiated a "grand national debate", in which all citizens were called on to voice their opinions concerning future political issues. This debate is likely to help him win the European Parliament (EP) elections in May and facilitate splintering the yellow vests. To avert further protests that could paralyse the country, delegitimise his government and ensure that his presidency fails, Macron needs to improve the way he communicates his reform agenda. Merely playing for time will not make France reformable and governable for this president, any more than it did for his predecessors. (author's abstract

EU defence policy needs strategy: time for political examination of the CSDP's reform objectives

The European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) has made great strides since publication of the EU Global Strategy (EUGS) in June 2016. Tectonic shifts in the geopolitical environment and within the Union itself have led the states and the Commission to launch a string of initiatives seeking to expand the EU’s strategic autonomy in security and defence. These efforts can only be sustainable if the projects involved are placed on a long-term footing and a process of reflection about the orientation of the CSDP begins. Year two of EUGS implementation should be used to initiate steps in that direction. (author's abstract

Influence of different silica nanoparticles on drop size distributions in agitated liquid‐liquid systems

The impact of different silica nanoparticles on rheology, interfacial tension and drop size distributions in liquid‐liquid systems is determined experimentally. The particles vary in wettability and specific surface area. In contrast to commonly used high‐energy devices for Pickering emulsion preparation, low energy input by stirring allows to quantify drop breakage and coalescence in steady state and dynamic conditions. The experiments can provide essential information for drop size model development in nanoparticle‐stabilized emulsions.DFG, 56091768, TRR 63: Integrierte chemische Prozesse in flüssigen MehrphasensystemenTU Berlin, Open-Access-Mittel - 201

Joining forces: necessary steps for developing the comprehensive approach

In June 2016 Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), will unveil the new EU Global Strategy. The document succeeds the European Security Strategy of 2003. One important concern associated with this initiative is to develop the EU's "comprehensive approach" into a "joined-up approach". For that to succeed, the EEAS and the Commission will have to formally define who sets the EU's priorities, makes decisions, and enforces these on the ground; regional strategies will need to be immediately backed up by action plans. The EEAS should appoint a representative for the implementation of regional strategies having the requisite authority with respect to all EU actors. Finally, the EEAS and the Commission should develop "strategic budgets" to fund the priority projects of EU external action in regions for which the EU has adopted strategies. (author's abstract

Emmanuel Macron's "new way": Setting the course for re-election in 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron wants to be re-elected in 2022. In view of citi­zens’ disenchantment with the political and social order of their country and the consequences of the Corona pandemic, the president feels compelled to embark on a “new way”. This new approach has three components: a move away from the policy of budget consolidation, a political positioning within the neoliberal-conservative faction of the political spectrum, and greater proximity to the people. If Macron receives interim support from the European Union (EU) to cushion the consequences of Covid-19 for France’s economic and social system, he should be able to strengthen reform forces at home and enable France to broker compromises on vital subjects concerning EU reform. (Autorenreferat