Crowdfunding as an alternative investment opportunity in Germany

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Research topic
  • 1.2 Research objectives and question
  • 1.3 Dissertation Structure
    • 1.3.1 Chapter 2 - Literature Review
    • 1.3.2 Chapter 3 - Methodology
    • 1.3.3 Chapter 4 - Analysis and Findings
    • 1.3.4 Chapter 5 - Conclusions
• 2 Literature Review
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Definition of Crowdfunding
    • 2.2.1 Motivations of and benefits for Backers
    • 2.2.2 Crowdfunding web-sites and their differences
    • 2.2.3 Rewards-based crowdfunding
    • 2.2.4 Equity-based crowdfunding
    • 2.2.5 Lending-based crowdfunding
    • 2.2.6 Donation-based crowdfunding
  • 2.3 German Culture
    • 2.3.1 Crowdfunding in Germany
  • 2.4 Limited Literature
  • 2.5 Hypothesis
• 3 Methodology
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Research Approach
  • 3.3 Research Strategy
    • 3.3.1 Qualitative Research
    • 3.3.2 Quantitative Research
  • 3.4 Questionnaire
  • 3.5 Sampling
  • 3.6 Data Analysis
  • 3.7 Limitations
  • 3.8 Ethical Considerations
  • 3.9 Chapter Summary
• 4 Analysis and Findings
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Questionnaire
    • 4.2.1 Research demographic
  • 4.3 How well-known crowdfunding is in Germany depending on the residents age
  • 4.4 Preferred crowdfunding type based on the benefits
  • 4.5 Specific benefits within crowdfunding projects
  • 4.6 The preferred crowdfunding type in Germany depending on the residents age
• 5 Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation aims to identify the benefits that motivate German residents to invest in crowdfunding campaigns and to evaluate the appeal of different crowdfunding models based on these benefits. The study uses a questionnaire to gather quantitative data from a sample of German participants.

• Motivational factors for participation in crowdfunding
• Comparison of different crowdfunding models (rewards-based, equity-based, lending-based, donation-based)
• Influence of German cultural context on crowdfunding participation
• Analysis of benefits offered by different crowdfunding types
• Impact of age on crowdfunding investment preferences

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

2 Literature Review: This chapter lays the groundwork for the study by defining crowdfunding and exploring its various types: rewards-based, equity-based, lending-based, and donation-based. It examines the motivations and benefits for backers in each type, analyzing how these differ. The chapter also delves into the German cultural context and its potential influence on crowdfunding participation, citing existing literature on the subject and highlighting gaps in research. A key focus is on the benefits offered to backers and how these benefits might influence investment decisions. The chapter concludes with a statement of the study's hypothesis.

3 Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study. It outlines the research approach, strategy (combining qualitative and quantitative methods), and the development and administration of the questionnaire. The chapter also describes the sampling method used, explaining how participants were selected. Data analysis techniques are explained, along with a discussion of limitations of the methodology and ethical considerations. The chapter provides a clear and comprehensive overview of how the research was conducted, aiming for transparency and replicability.

4 Analysis and Findings: This chapter presents the results of the data analysis from the administered questionnaire. It explores the level of awareness of crowdfunding in Germany across different age groups, identifies preferred crowdfunding types based on the benefits offered, and analyzes which specific benefits resonate most strongly with potential investors. The chapter also investigates how age influences preferences for different crowdfunding models. The findings are presented in a structured way, supporting the overall research objectives.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Crowdfunding, investment, motivation, German culture, rewards-based crowdfunding, equity-based crowdfunding, lending-based crowdfunding, donation-based crowdfunding, quantitative research, questionnaire.

Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this dissertation?

This dissertation investigates the motivations behind German residents' investments in crowdfunding campaigns and analyzes the attractiveness of various crowdfunding models based on these motivations. It focuses on understanding the benefits that drive participation and how these differ across different crowdfunding types and age groups.

What are the key research objectives?

The main objectives are to identify the benefits motivating German residents to participate in crowdfunding, to compare the appeal of different crowdfunding models (rewards-based, equity-based, lending-based, donation-based), to examine the influence of German culture on crowdfunding participation, to analyze the benefits offered by each crowdfunding type, and to assess the impact of age on crowdfunding investment preferences.

What methodology was used in this study?

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research. A questionnaire was developed and administered to gather quantitative data from a sample of German participants. The chapter on methodology details the sampling method, data analysis techniques, limitations, and ethical considerations.

What are the different types of crowdfunding explored in the dissertation?

The dissertation explores four main types of crowdfunding: rewards-based, equity-based, lending-based, and donation-based crowdfunding. Each type is examined in terms of the motivations and benefits it offers to backers.

How does the dissertation address the German cultural context?

The dissertation specifically investigates how the German cultural context influences crowdfunding participation. It considers cultural factors that might impact investment decisions and preferences for different crowdfunding models.

What are the key findings of the study?

The findings section presents the results from the questionnaire, exploring the awareness of crowdfunding in Germany across different age groups, preferred crowdfunding types based on benefits, the most appealing specific benefits, and how age influences preferences for different models. The findings are presented to support the research objectives.

What is the structure of the dissertation?

The dissertation is structured into five chapters: Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Literature Review), Chapter 3 (Methodology), Chapter 4 (Analysis and Findings), and Chapter 5 (Conclusion). The table of contents provides a detailed breakdown of the sub-sections within each chapter.

What are the key words associated with this dissertation?

The key words include: Crowdfunding, investment, motivation, German culture, rewards-based crowdfunding, equity-based crowdfunding, lending-based crowdfunding, donation-based crowdfunding, quantitative research, questionnaire.

What is the hypothesis of the study?

The specific hypothesis of the study is presented in Chapter 2 (Literature Review) after reviewing existing literature and identifying gaps in research. The hypothesis is then tested using the data collected and analyzed in subsequent chapters.

Where can I find more detailed information about the methodology?

Chapter 3 of the dissertation provides a detailed explanation of the research methodology, including the research approach, strategy, questionnaire design, sampling method, data analysis techniques, limitations, and ethical considerations. This chapter aims for transparency and replicability of the research.