Exposé for Master’s Thesis: Sustainability in Asset Management: The Integration of ESG Criteria in Medium-Sized Companies and Their Impact on Financial Performance and Risk Management
Detailed Description of Research and Methodology
This thesis aims to examine the integration of ESG criteria in medium-sized companies and analyze their effects on financial performance and risk management. A significant portion of the research will focus on literature review to comprehensively cover the theoretical foundations.
Research Steps:
1. Secondary Data Analysis:
• Description: Analysis of the employer’s (Asset Manager’s) existing fund solutions and their performance regarding ESG criteria. The quantitative analysis will involve evaluating financial metrics and ESG ratings of these funds over five years to identify trends and correlations.
• Details: Specific financial metrics such as return, volatility, and Sharpe ratio, along with ESG ratings from recognized agencies (e.g., MSCI, Sustainalytics), will be utilized. Statistical methods such as regression analysis and correlation studies will be employed for evaluation.
2. Literature Review:
• Description: Extensive research and analysis of high-quality scientific sources on the role of ESG criteria in asset management and their impact on financial performance and risk management.
• Details: The literature review will focus on studies addressing the specific challenges and advantages of ESG integration in medium-sized companies. Additional reports from consulting firms and international organizations such as the UN PRI or GRI will be considered to reflect current trends and developments.
3. Expert Interviews:
• Description: Conduct interviews with capital market experts and representatives from medium-sized companies to gain practical insights and supplementary qualitative data.
• Details: Experts will be selected based on clear criteria such as experience in ESG and relevance to medium-sized companies. A minimum of 10 interviews will be conducted using a structured guide and analyzed through content analysis.
Research Question:
To what extent does the integration of ESG criteria in medium-sized companies influence the financial performance and risk management of fund solutions offered by asset managers?
Objective of the Thesis:
The objective of this thesis is to examine the importance of ESG criteria in asset management and analyze their effects on the financial performance and risk management in medium-sized companies. The goal is to determine whether ESG criteria contribute to sustainable and financially successful business management.
Challenges and Limitations of the Methodology:
1. Challenges:
• Data Availability: The availability and quality of ESG data may vary. Some medium-sized companies and fund managers may not report comprehensively on their ESG performance.
• Subjectivity in Expert Interviews: The opinions and experiences of the interviewed experts may be subjective and influence the results of the qualitative analysis.