Ass.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Brunner-Kirchmair (Institute of Corporate Finance) and Dr. Tanja Wolf (Institute of Management Control and Consulting) have revived the tradition of an informal research seminar - the so-called “Lunch Times Seminar (LTS)”. The idea of this informal seminar is to meet at lunchtime to exchange thoughts concerning current research projects. The basic setting consists of two presentations followed by a discussion among the participants including the support of two discussants.

Almost 30 scientists from the JKU Business School met on April 21 to discuss current research projects. Due to the current incidence figures of Covid-19, a face-to-face event had to be dispensed. However, in times like these, intensive discussions and networking are also virtually possible.

Two interesting presentations formed the focus of this event: Mr. Andreas Göttfert, MSc (Institute of Corporate Finance/Department of Asset Management) presented a part of his dissertation project: "Predictive Power of Sentiment Indicators for Corporate Bond Yields and their Usefulness for Tactical Asset Allocation" and Ass. Prof. Dr. Almina Bešić, (Institute of International Management) reported first results from her research project "Refugees in the workforce in light of the COVID 19 pandemic: Challenges for organizations and individuals across Europe".

In addition to the discussions among the participants, the two discussants Priv.-Doz. MMag. Dr. Sandra Stötzer (Institute for Public and Non-profit Management) and Assoz. Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Stefan Mayr (Institute of Management Control & Consulting) provided valuable comments and suggestions for the audience. The discussion turned very quickly to the crucial topic of how we can better present our research results. "What's the hook?" emerged as the central question that drives us all and that is sometimes forgotten in the details of our research.

Those who could not take part this time and those who enjoyed this meeting can look forward to the next one, which will take place on July 7, 2021 from 12:30-14:00. Maybe this meeting is already possible face-to-face?