Analysis and design of an online services directory for the Spanish speaking community in the Czech Republic

The present master’s thesis addresses the creation of a services directory for Spanish Speakers living in the Czech Republic. The theoretical framework presents two methodologies: a business-oriented methodology belonging to the startup world, and a problem-centered methodology, from the design science domain. It describes the procedure for selecting an appropriate Design Science Research Methodology and establishes similarities with the selected business methodology.The practical part pairs both methodologies seamlessly, covering the steps of both methodologies in single -yet complex- steps. From this pairing a new methodology is born. This combined methodology is followed step by step, in order to build not only the services directory; but also, a suitable business model. Hypotheses about the business model were created and validated. This validation required the analysis of documents and direct interaction with the Spanish speaking community. Interaction took place in the form of 12 interviews, a survey, 2 focus groups and meetings with sub-groups of the community. Data from all these interactions was gathered and processed in order to reach a conclusion about the creation of the directory and a business around it.Results indicate that the directory would have a great degree of acceptance in the community, as it provides an efficient solution to the problem of looking for services and sharing contacts. Besides, the creation of a business is not recommended for its scalability is limited. The continuation of the directory in the form of a social project is recommended.