I would like to express my sincere gratitude to several individuals for supporting me

throughout my project work. First, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my

supervisor, Professor …….Name, for his enthusiasm, patience, insightful guidance,
helpful information, practical advice and unceasing ideas that have helped me
tremendously at all times in my research and writing of this thesis. Her immense
knowledge, profound experience and professional expertise in concern area has enabled
me to complete this research successfully. Without her support and guidance, this
project would not have been possible.

I also wish to express my sincere thanks to the for accepting me into the graduate
program. In addition, I am deeply indebted to the Ministry of Education, Culture and
Science of the Netherlands for granting me the doctoral scholarship. This financial
support has enabled me to complete my PhD studies successfully. Also, I and grateful
the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen for sponsoring me for
participation in the scientific conferences.

I am also grateful to the following university staff: Ahmed Mustafa,Rick Van Dijk, and
Breda Van Breda for their consistent support and assistance.

Finally, last but by no means least; also to everyonein the Research institute for Data
Science it was great sharing premises withall of you during last five years.

Thanks for all your encouragement!