Master´s Thesis Evaluation by the Opponent
Title of the Master´s Thesis:
Business Model Innovation in the European Banking Industry: A deep analysis on emerging trends and a guideline towards future success for Santander Bank
Author of the Master´s Thesis:
Haizea Fidalgo Juaristi
Goals of the Master´s Thesis:
The goal of the thesis is to propose, based upon analysis of prevalent megatrends in banking industry, innovations of business model for Santander Bank.
Evaluation:
Criteria Description Max.
points
Points
Content 70%
Output Quality The results presented by the author are merely a proposal that lacks further discussion and evaluation of possible economical outcomes. To be specific an innovation of “Value proposition” of Santander bank as a “personalization of the services” or “secure and reliable transactions” should be rather status quo and not innovation proposed to the company. I would welcome if author was more specific in her recommendations. On the other hand presented recommendations – if not followed yet by the Santander Bank – could be a vital addition to their competitive advantage.
20 12
Goals The goal of the thesis is clearly stated within the introduction, but are not
reflected within the Conclusion chapter. 10 7
Methodology: The author uses qualitative approach towards her research and decided to deploy interviews with experts to meet her goals. The research methodology is however not anchored in previous research nor any research handbook, which lowers it’s implicational value. The qnatitative part of the research aimed at customers deeper description and time-frame of data collection.
The Business Model Canvas tool was chosen appropriately to discuss business model innovations of a mature company.
20 15
Theory/
Conceptualization:
Theory is well-researched. The author synthesizes ongoing trends citing up- to-date sources and goes from the most general (e.g. changes in population structure, urbanization - that are, I believe, rather redundant in regards of the thesis’ goal) towards more industry-specific trends (e.g. rise of “neo- banks” like Revolut) that provide valuable information for business model innovations.
20 16
Formal requirements 15%
Structure: Structure is clear, well-presented and reflects usual requirements of a
master’s thesis. 3 3
Terminology: The language is at a high level and the author is able to write cocoherently
about business topics. 4 4
Formalities: Formatting of the thesis is precise, with clear distinction of headings and
chapter. The extent of the thesis is above average. 4 4
Citing: The author uses quality sources and cites them correctly using APA standard.
Pictures and diagrams are cited correctly in similar manner. 4 4
Delivery 15 %
Presentation document:
Is the presentation itself structured in a clear way? Is it appealing and easy to
follow? Does it convey the message efficiently? 5
Presentation skills:
Are you conveying the message efficiently and timely? Do you use
appropriate words, speed, tone of voice, gestures, movement etc. to express
your thoughts in a clear manner? 5
Argumentation: Are you able to readily and briskly react to questions or comments? Are you able to explain unclear parts and connect comments to relevant places in your presentation or parts of particular analyses? How well are you able to defend to your ideas and recommendations?
5
