<p> </p><!--[if !mso]> <object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object><mce:style><! st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } --><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p> </p><p>Research is focusing on the process through which companies internationalize, which is often based on their size, operations, internal capabilities and competencies. Present global economic conditions enforced by the strong competitiveness factor stimulate every company to act in a different way. More and more well established companies encounter with an increasing need to reinforce and redefine its strategic direction. To address these issues companies are inevitably forced to act in a more agile entrepreneurial way. Therefore, entrepreneurial orientation postures were selected among other theoretical alternatives to identify the relationships and effects entrepreneurship can bring to the process of internationalization.</p><p> </p><p>The research was based on the data generated from three well established companies in Jonkoping County. These companies are bright representatives of the manufacturing sector in the region. Besides, they are characterized as market leaders in their preferred segments forming a trend in the industry they serve and keeping a strong competitive edge. Following the path of data collection, a process of individual internationalization was mapped retrospectively, with a focus on identifying entrepreneurial orientation leading this process.</p><p> </p><p>The findings indicate interesting aspects that are applicable to all three firms. We have concluded that nascent decision to internationalize was driven by the external factors which to a great extent accountable for major strategic renewal. Consequently, change in the strategy and processes related to its implementation foster entrepreneurial injections and considerably speed up international commitment. Furthermore, we have identified that theoretical background considerably differ from the practical matters performed in these companies.</p>

<p><strong>Title: </strong>The influence of network relationships in the internationalization of SMEs</p><p> </p><p><strong>Authors: </strong>Andersson, Arvid & Helander, Anna</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Tutor:</strong> Karlsson, Tomas</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Date:</strong> June, 2009</p><p> </p><p><strong>Background</strong>: The world has become globalized, resulting in a rapid increase in international trade. Also many SMEs actively internationalize. At the same time, networks are increasingly replacing traditional markets. In the internationalization process of SMEs it has through research been confirmed that firms are influenced by network relationships in their internationalization process.</p><p><strong>Problem</strong>: Choice of foreign market and market entry mode are crucial decisions SMEs make in their internationalization process. It has been found that network relationships affect SMEs in these decisions. However, the research within this area has been focusing heavily on knowledge-intensive SMEs. Scholars call for further research in relation to other industries, as well as a more specific investigation of what kind of different network relationships that affect choice of foreign market and of market entry mode.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how SMEs’ choice of foreign market and market entry mode is influenced by different types of network relationships.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A multiple case study strategy was applied and four SMEs were included in the sample. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, (three personal and one telephone interview), and complemented with secondary data. The respondents were the CEOs of the case firms. The collected data was categorized and each case firm was analyzed, followed by cross-case comparisons.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings in this thesis show that all case firms had been affected by network relationships in the choice of foreign market and/or choice of market entry mode. Generally the findings conformed to a certain degree to previous findings concerning SMEs in knowledge intensive industries. Further, it was found that network relationship influence was more frequent in the choice of foreign market. In this decision, firms which had taken a proactive approach were mainly infuenced by strong and formal relationships. Firms taking a reactive approach were mainly influenced by weak and informal relationships. Concerning entry mode, it was only weak, informal relationships which had influenced the decision.</p><p> </p>

<p>A significant problem in the construction industry is the losses sustained as a result of the theft of tools and equipment from construction sites. The case study company, referred to as PSS, have successfully developed and commercialized a technological solution to prevent such theft within Sweden. The next step in the commercialization of PSS is to seek growth and leverage their investment and innovation.</p><p>Our purpose is to undertake a UK market analysis, in order to investigate if PSS's business model has opportunities in the UK, and recommend how PSS might approach internationalization, using a resource based perspective.</p><p>PSS’s existing business model has been developed to fit the Swedish market conditions, and has been demonstrated to perform. We find market conditions in the UK are similar, albeit in greater proportions. The nature of the problem, the industry structures, and the competitive environment is similar to the domestic conditions, and the competitive position of PSS is replicable, with a high level of strategic fit.</p><p>We recommend PSS pursue its desire to internationalize to the UK based on similarity of the fit with the local market (which has been demonstrated to result in acceptable performance). We would recommend entry through a sales subsidiary to facilitate the establishment of customer relationships. In addition a possible license agreement with a partner may help to facilitate speedy access to UK distribution industry networks.</p>

台灣產業早期以進出口貿易經營為主，由於台灣內需市場不足加上近年來各國逐漸降低外國廠商進入障礙，使得台灣廠商開始於海外市場成立子公司或工廠；由此可見，國際貿易對於台灣廠商的重要性。根據以往學者之研究，國際化程度高低與廠商經營績效間關聯性不一，不同的樣本及衡量方式皆會影響到其研究結果；因此我們希望藉由本論文來探討國際化對於不同產業的重要性；到底台灣國際化廠商其國際化程度高低是否會影響到自身經營績效，並且將公司變數及產業變數的調節變數到模型中，希望能找出除了國際化程度以外其他潛在會影響到國際化程度與經營績效間關聯的變數。 　　本研究係以於台灣證交所上市並且有進行海外投資的製造業、服務業共267家廠商作為研究樣本，利用迴歸方法探討製造業、服務業廠商其國際化程度高低是否會影響到經營績效；以及當廠商進行國際化經營時，廠商年齡、國際化地區、公司營收成長率、產業營收成長率等不同因素對於國際化程度與經營績效間的關連。研究結果發現，國際化程度與經營績效兩者間關聯不顯著；但是，國際化程度越高與製造業廠商的經營績效較有關聯性；國際化地區距離遠近會顯著影響國際化程度與經營績效關聯，越近的地區會負向影響國際化程度與經營績效關聯，以及公司營收成長率分別會顯著地負向及正向地影響國際化程度與經營績效關聯；其餘的廠商年齡、產業營收成長率則並不會顯著地影響國際化程度與經營績效關聯。 / The relationship between internationalization and performance of MNEs is not clear yet. While some studies have shown a positive relationship, others have found a negative, U-shaped, or S-shaped relationship. Meanwhile, methodologies, such as sample selections and measures can also yield different outcomes. This study examines how internationalization affects performance of Taiwanese firms. It examines how corporate and industrial characteristics moderated the relationship between internationalization and firm performance. Using a sample of 267 public issuing Taiwanese manufacturing and service companies, I first test their relationship between internationalization and performance. Empirical results show that there is no strongly direct relationship between both variables. Results also indicate that distances of overseas operating markets and firm’s annual growth rate can moderate the relationship between internationalization and performance. I also found the relationship between internationalization and firm performance is stronger for manufacturing companies than service companies. Implications are discussed and future suggestions are made.

Abstract Title: National Culture and Influences on Leadership: A Case Study of CBRE in Sweden Level: Final thesis for Bachelor Degree in Arts/Science and Business Administration Authors: Chatzidakis, Emmanouil &amp; Stenström, Dennis Supervisor: Ehsanul Huda Chowdhury, PhD Date: 05.06.2014 Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of national culture on leadership based on Power Distance, Masculinity versus Femininity and Uncertainty Avoidance within CBRE in Sweden. Method: Explorative interviews with five top managers from CBRE in Sweden was performed and a questionnaire was sent to the staff. To achieve an understanding of national culture and influences on leadership, we have based our study on the scientific philosophy of hermeneutics. Findings and conclusions: Managers from CBRE in Sweden share many views on leadership that include the importance of teamwork, cooperation, open communication and negotiation. They motivate employees by making them feel important, integrating them into the group and give them responsibility to handle difficult situations in the way they feel is best. The level of stress at work varies between managers but they all tries to handle it by being creative and enhancing performance by prioritizing their workload. Family, friends and physical exercise are also important factors as to reduce stress. Practical implications: This paper gives an insight of the national culture of Sweden and influences on leadership within the real estate service industry. Originality/value: This paper does not give a complete picture of the situation in all industries in the whole country, since we have only focused on one company, CBRE, which operates within the real estate service industry. It can, however, contribute as a guide mostly for managers and employees from other countries who are interested in Sweden’s national culture and business environment. It may also be useful for companies that are planning to expand to Sweden so they can see how leadership looks like. Suggestions for further study: National culture and influences on leadership within larger companies can be studied, as well as on mergers and acquisitions and implications of national culture on a foreign employee or manager. Key words: Internationalization, National Culture, Leadership, Real Estate Service Industry,

Lo scopo di questa tesi è affrontare l'internazionalizzazione di un’università in termini di sviluppo e valutazione della competenza interculturale attraverso un intervento pedagogico efficace e sostenibile che prepari gli studenti a vivere in un mondo globalizzato. La mia ricerca ha utilizzato un approccio randomizzato e metodi misti sperimentali con una combinazione di otto distinti studi longitudinali e trasversali che hanno coinvolto un totale di 16.787 studenti iscritti presso università statunitensi, esaminati nel corso dei quattro anni di studio, dal primo anno fino alla laurea, con una particolare attenzione per 3.725 studenti della Bellarmine University di Louisville, in Kentucky. Si è lavorato inoltre con il più grande insieme di dati di studi IDI intrapresi fino ad oggi, con 1.812 partecipanti contro i 1.159 dell'ultimo lavoro sull’impatto degli studi IDI sui corsi all'estero, il Georgetown Consortium Study, facente riferimento al periodo 2003-2005. La mia ricerca su queste serie di dati si è concentrata in particolare sull’efficacia di uno specifico curriculum d'intervento per studenti coinvolti in programmi di studio all’estero. Ho analizzato il livello di sviluppo della competenza interculturale attraverso la somministrazione di test precedenti e successivi al loro periodo all’estero in merito a una varietà di esperienze universitarie, dando particolare attenzione sia in termini quantitativi sia qualitativi all'impatto dei corsi interculturali seguiti all'estero. L'approccio pedagogico è stato progettato dal ricercatore con l’intento di riflettere l’attuale cambiamento di paradigma in atto nell'apprendimento all'estero e si basa su un intervento guidato allo scopo di raggiungere risultati di apprendimento espliciti piuttosto che lasciare l'apprendimento interculturale al caso. I risultati dei miei vari studi forniscono risposte decisamente positive alla domanda centrale di questo progetto: “Se l'internazionalizzazione dell'istruzione superiore è in parte misurata dal livello di competenza interculturale sviluppata dai suoi laureati, può allora un’esperienza universitaria di quattro anni, come quella delle università statunitensi di studi umanistici, sviluppare competenze interculturali attraverso una serie di attività ed esperienze di apprendimento curricolare ed extracurricolare, sia all’interno dell’università che al di fuori di essa? Se sì, in che misura?” 7 Le conclusioni tratte dai risultati dei vari studi quantitativi e qualitativi contenuti in questo elaborato supportano fortemente il mio quadro di intervento pedagogico, denominato Framework for Reflective Intervention in Learning Abroad (FRILA) e basato sulla teoria dell'apprendimento esperienziale, il modello di sviluppo della sensibilità interculturale (la teoria DMIS) (Bennett, 1986) e la pedagogia culturalmente rilevante per l'apprendimento all'estero. Le implicazioni di questa ricerca nell’ambito dell'istruzione internazionale sono tali che, per ottenere una vera trasformazione durante l'apprendimento all'estero, è fondamentale che le università offrano agli studenti la possibilità di accedere a un programma guidato che ponga l’enfasi sul coinvolgimento e la riflessione. / The purpose of this study is to address the internationalization of a university in terms of the development and assessment of intercultural competence via an effective and sustainable intervention pedagogy in support of preparing students for a globalized world. My research utilized a randomized experimental, mixed methods approach with a combination of eight separate longitudinal and cross-sectional studies referencing a total of 16,787 students at U.S. institutions over four years from freshmen year until graduation with particular focus on 3725 students at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, including the largest data set of IDI studies undertaken to date, 1812 participants versus 1159 in the last IDI study abroad impact study, the Georgetown Consortium Study in 2003-2005. My research involving these data sets focused specifically on the effectiveness of a special intervention curriculum for students engaged in learning abroad. I analyzed the level of intercultural competence development through pre and post testing vis-à-vis a variety of high impact college experiences, giving special quantitative and qualitative research attention to the impact of intercultural course work abroad. The pedagogical approach was designed by the researcher to reflect the current paradigm shift in learning abroad, relying on guided intervention to achieve explicit learning outcomes rather than leaving intercultural learning to chance. The findings from my various studies provide compelling positive answers to this research’s central question: “If the impact of internationalization of higher education is in part measured by the level of intercultural competence developed by its graduates, can a U.S. liberal arts college experience over four years develop intercultural competence via curricular and extracurricular learning on and off campus, and if it can to what extent?” 5 Conclusions from the findings from the various quantitative and qualitative studies reflected in this dissertation, strongly support my intervention pedagogy framework, referred to as the Framework for Reflective Intervention in Learning Abroad (FRILA), based on experiential learning theory, the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS theory) (Bennett, 1986), and culturally relevant pedagogy in learning abroad. The implications of this research for the field of international education are such that in order for real transformation to occur during learning abroad, it is imperative that universities give students access to a guided curriculum with emphasis on engagement and reflection.

This paper aims at providing a deeper understanding about how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, looking at the case of Dominica, to strengthen their position on the international market. Different views and aspects of CSR have been found and analysed in order to show what previous scholars have contributed to the field. The literature that has been reviewed examines the different aspects of the phenomena of CSR in general but also in a more specific area, the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region in combination with SMEs and their potential to internationalise. This has resulted in the development of a conceptual framework that shows how all these parts are connected with each other. During this research, an abductive approach has been used, as there is a lack of existing research about the specific case of Dominica in the context of CSR and internationalization. By using semi-structured interviews with local companies to collect a qualitative research, a greater understanding of how CSR is used in such a context can be gained. The collected data was then analysed through the program NVivo, which provided us with an overview of the findings and connected relevant conclusions from the respondents. This showed that the underlying reasons for acting in responsible ways are not to accomplish any CSR goals, but rather because the companies wanted to or their situation forced them, due to for example due to high import taxes and relationships with other firms. After the presentation of the findings, these are linked together with the theory in the analysis chapter, where the similarities and differences found are discussed. The final chapter includes answers to our research questions but also limitations, implications and suggestions for future research. The major finding that has derived from this thesis is that the main CSR activity conducted by Dominican SMEs are environmental. Moreover, there is a significant research gap concerning the phenomenon of CSR in the Latin America and Caribbean region combined with an even bigger knowledge gap regarding CSR among local companies in Dominica. In this thesis, we have researched a phenomenon that is new in regards to the island of Dominica and we therefore argue that this thesis can be of great value to SMEs in Dominica and other developing countries when planning to internationalize their company. Lastly, we claim that this research can aid policy makers and governments to impose regulations, which can help the companies to not only develop, but to contribute to society at the same time.

[pt] Alguns países emergentes têm se destacado com empresas de forte atuação no mercado externo, competindo em setores antes dominados por multinacionais de países de economias desenvolvidas. O presente estudo descreve e analisa as características da internacionalização da Eletrobras, um caso particular de uma empresa estatal que concorre em um setor regulado. Com base em entrevistas com executivos da empresa e em dados secundários, o estudo descreve as motivações para internacionalização, os critérios para seleção de países e os modos de entrada no exterior empregados pela Eletrobras. Uma análise deste caso específico, à luz das principais teorias de internacionalização e de tipologias de multinacionais de países emergentes, contribui para um melhor entendimento do fenômeno de internacionalização de empresas de países emergentes. / [en] Some emerging countries have stood out with strong companies presence in foreign markets, competing head-to-head in sectors traditionally dominated before by multinationals from developed economies. The present study describes and analyzes the characteristics of the internationalization of Eletrobras, a particular case of a state owned company that competes in a regulated sector. Based on interviews with company executives and secondary data, the study outlines the motivations for internationalization, the criteria for selecting countries and entry modes used by Eletrobras. The analysis of this specific case, through the lenses of the major theories of internationalization and typologies of multinationals from emerging countries, contributes to a better understanding of the phenomenon of internationalization of companies from emerging countries.

[pt] O movimento de internacionalização de empresas brasileiras iniciou-se pelo setor industrial; a internacionalização das empresas de varejo é um fenômeno mais recente no país. Assim, pesquisas sobre o processo de internacionalização de empresas varejistas brasileiras não são muito numerosas no Brasil, sobretudo sobre empresas de comércio eletrônico. Nesse contexto, o estudo objetivou investigar, através do método de estudo de caso da empresa B2W – Companhia Global do Varejo, o processo de interncaionalização de uma empresa brasileira de comércio eletrônico – suas motivações, como ela expandiu seus negócios no exterior, obstáculos enfrentados e fatores facilitadores do processo. Atuar internacionalmente foi uma forma de ampliação de mercado e diversificação para redução de riscos e hoje faz parte da estratégia de crescimento da empresa. O estudo utilizou dados secundários provenientes de teses, dissertações, artigos e Internet, além de dados primários coletados em entrevistas em profundidade com os principais executivos da empresa. A análise dos dados mostrou que as estruturas teóricas registradas nesta tese foram identificadas no processo de internacionalização da empresa estudada. / [en] The movement of internalization of brazilian enterprises is primarily characterized by the displacement of industrial companies; the internalization of retail business is a more recent phenomenon. Thus, studies on the internalization process of brazilian retail companies are not numerous yet in the country. In this context, the study aimed to investigate, using the method of case study of B2W – Companhia Global do varejo, the internalization process of a brazilian eCommerce company - their motives, how it expanded their business abroad and what were their main obstacles that have been faced and the facilitating factors of the process. Acting abroad was a way for widening markets and diversifying risks for the enterprise, and nowadays, it is the focus of its growing strategy. This study has utilized secondary data retrieved from theses, dissertation, articles and internet, besides primary data collected through in-depth interviews with main company executives. Data analysis showed that theoretical framework employed in this work was present in the internalization process of the company studied.

L'une des principales préoccupations des chercheurs et des praticiens dans le domaine de la stratégie durant la dernière décennie a été de comprendre comment les entreprises développent et maintiennent leur avantage concurrentiel. Bien qu'il existe de nombreux travaux théorisant le renouvellement des ressources et compétences des entreprises à la fois dans le champs de la stratégie et des organisations, les études empiriques sont rares et la plupart du temps aboutissent à des conclusions ambiguës. Notre objectif est de mieux comprendre le rôle de l'internationalisation des entreprises dans leur capacité à renouvellement leurs ressources et compétences. A cette fin, nous théorisons à la fois le renouvellement et l'internationalisation en tant que processus pour capturer, développer, partager et optimiser les connaissances propices à l'internationalisation et au maintien d’une performance supérieure (Cavusgil & Knight, 2015: 10). Le processus de renouvellement des ressources et compétences se fonde sur les pratiques de détection et de saisie des opportunités stratégiques et de renouvellement de l'entreprise (Teece, 2007). Le processus d'internationalisation, d'autre part, est étudié à travers trois dimensions: la dynamique d’expansion géographique, celle d’expansion « en profondeur » (que l’on appellera le chemin d’internationalisation), et la vitesse (ou rythme) d’internationalisation / One of the main preoccupations of scholars and practitioners in the strategy field in the last decade has been to understand how firms achieve and maintain competitive advantage. Although academic support exists for theorizing renewal capability in both strategy and organizational research, empirical studies are scarce and mostly non-homogeneous, making advancing a common understanding difficult. This thesis is dedicated to filling this gap. We are keen to advance our understanding of the role of internationalization in the renewal capability of the firm. With this aim, we theorize both renewal and internationalization as processes and managerial orchestrations (strategies) “to capture, develop, share and optimize knowledge conducive to internationalization and superior performance” (Cavusgil & Knight, 2015: 10). The renewal process draws on practices of sensing and seizing strategic opportunities and renewing the business (Teece, 2007). The internationalization process, on the other hand, is studied across three dimensions: through dynamics in breadth and in depth (the path), and by the speed (the pace) of foreign expansion