From the preface : The European Commission supports Member States by providing them with recommendations, guidelines, information and good practices. For years, the European Commission has stimulated Member States to develop matching platforms to efficiently support sellers and buyers of SMEs in ownership change. A matching platform is a valuable link in the sale/acquisition chain of SMEs. Over the ten past years, not only the European Commission has been pointing out the essential role played by platforms. In many Member States matching platforms started or matured, either in the public sector, by private organizations or both (semi-public). Matching platforms are mentioned in all the EU business transfer reference documents and more particularly in the Small Business Act and its Review in 2011, the 2006 Communication, the 2013 Expert Group on SME Transfers and the recent Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan. Special attention is devoted to the important challenge of efficient matching platforms in Europe. As observed in the latest (2013) EU Expert Group on Business Transfers: There is no development in the type of matching platforms recommended by the 2006 Expert Group. The “landscape” of matching platforms in Europe has changed over the past 10 years, with, among others, the co-existence of private on-line platforms alongside the public platforms. There is a need for an update in quality standards and for the consultation of matching platforms themselves in order to understand their working and identify good practices.
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Phd Thesis Higher professional education aims to prepare graduates for the complexity of professional practices. The development of conceptual understanding is important to deal adequately with this complexity, especially in an unstructured professional domain such as international business. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the concept conceptual understanding in this professional domain, how it can be measured, what it looks like, how it changes, and in what ways it differs between students. The dissertation comprises five empirical studies for which data collection took place at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands.
This report provides the global community of hospitality professionals with critical insights into emerging trends and developments, with a particular focus on the future of business travel. Business travellers play a pivotal role within the tourism industry, contributing significantly to international travel, GDP, and business revenues.In light of recent disruptions and evolving challenges, this forward-looking study aims not only to reflect on the past but, more importantly, to anticipate future developments and uncertainties in the realm of business travel. By doing so, it offers strategic insights to help hospitality leaders navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.Key findings from the Yearly Outlook include:• Recovery of International Travel: By 2024, international travel arrivals have surpassed 2019 levels by 2%, signalling a full recovery in the sector. In Amsterdam, there was a 13% decrease in business traveller numbers, offset by an increase in the average length of stay from 2.34 to 2.71 days. Notably, more business travellers opted for 3-star accommodations, marking a shift in preferences.• Future of Business Travel: The report outlines a baseline scenario that predicts a sustainable, personalised, and seamless business travel experience by 2035. This future will likely be driven by AI integration, shifts in travel patterns—such as an increase in short-haul trips, longer stays combining business and leisure—and a growing focus on sustainability.• Potential Disruptors: The study also analyses several potential disruptors to these trends. These include socio-political shifts that could reverse sustainability efforts, risks associated with AI-assisted travel, the decline of less attractive business destinations, and the impact of global geopolitical tensions.The Yearly Outlook provides practical recommendations for hospitality professionals and tourism policymakers. These recommendations focus on building resilience, anticipating changes in business travel preferences, leveraging AI and technological advancements, and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
