Table of content

List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………..7
Acknowledgements …………………………………………………………………….8
Abstract.………………………………………………………………………………..9
Chapter 1 – Introduction……………………………………………………………..10
1.1 The research problem……………………………………………………………….10
1.1.1 Kyoto Protocol…………………………………………………………….10
1.1.2 Investments……………………………………………………………….11
1.1.3 What is Green Investment……………………………….………………..11
1.1.4 What is ethical investment………………………………………….…….12
1.2 Interests in the topic……………………………………………………………..….12
1.2.1 Research questions and objectives………………………………………..12
1.2.2 Research hypothesis……………………………………………………….13
1.3 Contribution of the research…………………………………………………….…..14
1.4 Approach to the research…………………………………………………………….14
1.5 Organisation of the research…………………………………………………………14
1.6 Limitations of the research……………………………………………………….…15
Chapter 2 – Literature review…………………………………………………….…..16
2.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………17
2.2 Green Investments…………………………………………………………………..18
2.3 Ethical and SRI Investments…………………………………………………….….22
2.4 Government Policy…………………………………………………………….……27
2.4.1 Irish Policies for Green Investments……………………………………28
2.4.2 International Policies……………………………………………………30
2.5 Impact of the Financial Crisis on the Green Investments…………………………32
2.6 Profits from Green Investments…………………………………………………..34
2.7 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………38
Chapter 3 – Research Methodology…………………………………………………39
3.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………….39
3.2 Research Philosophy………………………………………………………………42
3.2.1 Positivism………………………………………………………………..43
3.2.2 Realism………………………………………………………………..…43
3.2.3 Pragmatism………………………………………………………………43
3.2.4 Interpretivism……………………………………………………………44
3.3 Research Approach………………………………………………………………..44
3.3.1 Deductive research approach…………………………………………………45
3.3.2 Inductive research approach…………………………………………………45
3.3.3 Abductive approach………………………………………………………….46
3.4 Research Design……………………………………………………………………47
3.4.1 Mono method……………………………………………………………47
3.4.2 Multi –method……………………………………………………………47
3.5 Research Strategy………………………………………………………………….48
3.5.1 Grounded Theory…………………………………………………………49
3.6 Research Techniques and Procedures……………………………………………..50
3.6.1 Secondary data……………………………………………………………50
3.6.2 Primary data……………………………………………………………..51
3.7 Time Horizons……………………………………………………………………..51
3.8 Population and Sample……………………………………………………………52
3.8.1 Probability sampling……………………………………………………..53
3.8.2 Non-probability sampling……………………………………………….53
3.9 Ethical Issues………………………………………………………………………54
3.10 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….54
Chapter 4 – Data Finding and Analysis……………………………………………..55
4.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………….55
4.2 Findings……………………………………………………………………………55
4.2.1 Objective 1 Findings and Analysis………………………………………56
4.2.2 Objective 2 Findings and Analysis………………………………………58
4.2.3 Objective 3 Findings and Analysis………………………………………59
4.2.4 Objective 4 Findings and Analysis………………………………………61
4.2.5 Objective 5 Findings and Analysis………………………………………65
Chapter 5 – Conclusion………………………………………………………………68
Chapter 6 – Self Reflection on Own Learning and Performance………………….72
6.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………..72
6.2 Learning Styles based on Kolb‟s Model……………………………………………72
6.3 Learning Styles based on Honey and Mumford……………………………………75
6.4 Personal Development Objectives…………………………………………………76
6.4.1 Time management……………………………………………………………76
6.4.2 Communication skills…………………………………………………………77
6.5 Personal and Professional Goals…………………………………………………….77
6.6 Influences for selection of the research topic………………………………………78
6.7 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….78
Bibliography and References…………………………………………………………80
Appendix 1 Definition of Thematic Investment…………………………………….88
Appendix 2 Interviews…………………………………………………………..88- 111