La concurrence internationale, notamment dans l'industrie des produits forestiers, est en constante augmentation et elle oblige les entreprises à produire des produits novateurs, à satisfaire la demande de plus en plus personnalisée des clients et à chercher l'accès à de nouveaux marchés. Néanmoins, les entreprises n'ont pas nécessairement la capacité d'atteindre ces réalisations individuellement. Par conséquent, établir une collaboration avec d'autres organisations pourrait les aider à résoudre des problèmes, qui peuvent ne pas être résolus individuellement. Dans cette recherche, la pertinence de la collaboration dans l'industrie des produits forestiers et des modèles d'affaires possibles pour l'établissement d'une cour de triage forestier sont étudiés, dans le but d'aider les investisseurs potentiels, les analystes commerciaux et les gestionnaires à avoir une analyse approfondie et rapide des aspects commerciaux clés de ces activités. La première partie de cette recherche examine les principaux moteurs, avantages, facilitateurs et défis des collaborations dans l'industrie des produits forestiers, afin d'aider les entreprises à identifier les mécanismes de collaboration les mieux adaptés à leur initiative de collaboration particulière. Un cadre conceptuel est élaboré pour identifier les diverses composantes affectant les mécanismes de collaboration pour créer une collaboration réussie dans l'industrie des produits forestiers. La deuxième partie de cette recherche examine les aspects commerciaux critiques de l'établissement d'une cour de triage forestier pour faciliter l'accès à la ressource tout en supportant une collaboration entre les parties prenantes. Pour atteindre cet objectif, le modèle d'affaires proposé par Osterwalder et Pigneur (2010) est appliqué pour développer des modèles spécifiques au cas d'une cour de triage. Deux canevas de modèles d'affaires différents sont donc proposés et peuvent être applicables aux entreprises pour analyser l'aspect commercial de la mise en œuvre d'une cour de triage forestier. Une analyse de planification stratégique (FFOM) est développée pour répertorier les forces, les faiblesses, les opportunités et les menaces associées à ces modèles. / International competition, particularly in the forest products industry, is constantly increasing and it forces companies to produce innovative products, satisfy more customized demand, and develop new markets. Nevertheless, firms do not necessarily have the ability to reach these achievements individually. Therefore, establishing a collaboration with other organizations could help them in solving problems, which may not be solved individually. In this research, the relevance of collaboration in the forest products industry as well as possible business models to establish a log sort yard are investigated with the aim of giving potential investors, business analysts, and managers a detailed overview of the key business aspects of these business units. The first part of this research investigates the main drivers, benefits, facilitators, and challenges of collaborations in the forest products industry, in order to help firms identify the best-fit collaborative mechanisms for their particular collaborative initiative. A conceptual framework is elaborated to identify the various components affecting the collaboration mechanisms needed to create successful collaboration in the forest products industry. The second part of this research investigates the critical business aspects of establishing a log sort yard related to its specific goal and support collaboration. To reach this goal, the Business Model Canvas proposed by Osterwalder and Pigneur (2010) is applied to develop possible business models for log sort yards. Two different business models are proposed which may be useful to firms to analyze the business aspect of implementing a log sort yard. A strategic planning analysis (SWOT analysis) is developed to list the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with these models.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

[pt] A competição cada vez mais acirrada entre empresas fornecedoras do segmento de autopeças impõe desafios àquelas que pretendem se manter e crescer neste mercado. Uma das alternativas que se coloca como opção de geração de diferencial competitivo é o estabelecimento de alianças estratégicas entre empresas inseridas neste mercado. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo contribuir aos estudos sobre a gestão das empresas inseridas em alianças, focando na questão de suas implicações estratégicas sobre seu desempenho. Tem como foco a empresa Forjas Brasileiras, uma empresa nacional que em 1999 decidiu estabelecer duas alianças estratégicas com empresas estrangeiras. A partir da utilização da metodologia de estudo de caso de Yin (1994) com triangulação de métodos, os dados da pesquisa foram coletados por meio de investigação documental/telematizada e por levantamentos de percepções com auxílio de questionário predominantemente estruturado e de entrevistas, sendo posteriormente tratados com métodos quantitativos e qualitativos. A interpretação e análise dos dados basearam-se no referencial teórico, fundamentado em revisão de literatura pertinente à área de estudo, com auxílio do modelo genéricointergativo de Macedo-Soares em suas versões tradicional e relacional. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciaram a importância de conduzir análises estratégicas pela ótica relacional, no caso de empresas que tenham estabelecido alianças, porquanto essa ótica pode trazer novos insights para a tomada de decisão estratégica empresarial que não se conseguiria por meio de análises tradicionais. / [en] The tighter competition among the companies inside the autoparts industry brings challenges to the ones that intend to remain and grow in this market. One alternative that appears as an option to generate a competitive advantage is the stablishment of strategic alliances among companies inside this market. The current research has the goal to contribute to the studies in startegic management of firms inserted in alliances, focusing in the question of its strategic implications over its performance. Has as focus the company Forjas Brasileiras, a brazilian company that in 1999 decided to stablish two strategic alliances with foreign companies. With the use of case study methodology of Yin (1994) and the triangulatioin of methods strategy, data was collected by way of documental/telematicinvestigations as well as survey and in-depth interviews. Data interpretaion ans analysis was carried out in the light of the theoretical references that were stablished on the basis of the results of the literature review, with the support of Macedo-Soares´ systemic and integrative model in its traditional and relational models. The results of the research showed the importance to use relational model in the case of companies that have stablished alliances, so these view might bring new insights to the strategic decision in the firm, wich could not be achieved by means of traditional analysis.

Si les alliances stratégiques ont fait l’objet de plusieurs recherches en management stratégique, l’appréciation de ce phénomène en situation de stress demeure très peu explorée. Cette thèse étudiera le concept des alliances stratégiques stressées, qu’elle développe en élargissant la perspective stratégique du stress des organisations. Selon la littérature traitant les relations interentreprises, l'alliance stratégique est considérée comme une forme de coopération instable, présentant un risque et impliquant une relation inéquitable. Elle subit l’action et la présence de plusieurs forces internes et externes, qui menacent sa survie, au risque de déséquilibres ou de dysfonctionnements, contributeurs des difficultés. De ce fait, les partenaires doivent appréhender des mesures d’adaptations, des ajustements et des négociations. La revue de la littérature de l’échec et de l’instabilité des alliances établie en se basant sur le modèle SMOCS (Smida, 1995) nous a permis de suggérer les trois principaux facteurs de stress à savoir : les objectifs, les ressources et l’environnement. Une méthode de recherche qualitative fondée sur des entretiens semi-directifs est adoptée. La visée de la recherche est exploratoire. Ancrée dans le paradigme interprétativiste, elle repose sur un mode de raisonnement abductif. La démarche adoptée s’appuie sur l’analyse de 40 entretiens semi-directifs réalisés auprès d’alliances managers, de directeurs d’alliances et de consultants. Les résultats de notre recherche montrent que les partenaires oscillent entre convergence et divergence d’objectifs, entre volonté de partage et domination du management, entre diffusion et rétention de connaissances et ressources, et pour finir, entre loyauté et opportunisme. L’alliance stratégique exige la recherche constante d’un équilibre délicat et menacé notamment par l’exaspération des tensions. S’inscrivant dans cette logique, l’alliance stratégique est donc, une organisation stressée et figure parmi les événements les plus stressants pour les entreprises, du fait, qu’elle soit capable d’activer simultanément plusieurs facteurs de stress. Nous notons que le stress est positif, si les adaptations, ajustements et négociations sont réussies cependant, qu’il sera négatif dans le cas d’échec de ces derniers. Il s’agit d’un apport aux recherches sur la dynamique des relations d’alliances suite à un processus de négociations. Nous apportons ainsi une description claire de la situation d’adaptation de l’alliance s’agissant d’une situation de stress. Ce travail présente comme intérêt un apport conceptuel, celui d’une alliance stressée ainsi que de ses différents facteurs de stress. L’intérêt managérial réside dans le diagnostic de la situation de stress des alliances. / While strategic alliances have been the subject of several studies in strategic management, this phenomenon under stress remains little explored. This thesis will study the concept of stressed strategic alliances, which it develops by enlarging the strategic perspective of stress in organizations. It emerges from the review of the literature that the strategic alliance is an unstable inter-company form, a risky and inequitable strategy. It undergoes the action and the presence of several internal and external forces that menace its survival, under risk of imbalances or dysfunctions that contribute to difficulties. Therefore, the partners must understand adaptive measures, adjustments and negotiations. The review of the literature of the failure and instability of alliances established based on the model SMOCS (Smida, 1995) allowed us to suggest the three principle factors of stress, i.e., objectives, resources and environment. A qualitative research method based on semi-directed interviews was adopted. The research goal is exploratory. Anchored in an interpretive paradigm, the target follows abductive reasoning. The adopted approach is based on analysis of 40 semi-directed interviews held with alliance managers, directors and consultants. The results of our research show that partners vacillate between convergence and divergence of objectives, between the will to share and to dominate management, between diffusion and retention of knowledge and resources, and finally, between loyalty and opportunism. The strategic alliance demands constant search of a delicate equilibrium threatened notably by aggravation of tensions. In this logic, the strategic alliance is thus a stressed organization and figures among the most stressful events for companies; it is capable of simultaneously activating several stress factors. We find that stress is positive if the adaptations, adjustments and negotiations are successful, but that it is negative in the case of their failure. This study contributes to the research on the dynamics of alliance relationships following a process of negotiations. We thus contribute a clear description of the situation of adaptation of the alliance under a situation of stress. This work presents a conceptual contribution, that of the stressed alliance as well as its different factors of stress. Managerial interest resides in the diagnostic of the situation of stress in alliances.

Fueled by ubiquitous access to mobile phones, and a massive population of nearly 3 billion unbanked people around the globe, mobile commerce is evolving as a disruptive technology. Simultaneously, mobile payments are surfacing as a killer application within the mobile commerce context (Hu et al. 2008). Undeniably, the proliferation of wireless mobile technology provides much-needed access to vital information, and financial services for disenfranchised, unbanked populations. In addition, technological innovations offer first-time opportunities for suppliers of goods and services in a market context to gain competitive advantages while enhancing their economic viability. According to Portio Research, the volume of mobile payments rose significantly from $68.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2009, with predictions of $633.4 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2014 (mobithinking.com 2012). Despite exponential growth in the number of mobile subscribers globally, and widespread adoption of mobile commerce, acceptance rates for mobile payment applications have lagged (Dahlberg et al. 2007, Ondrus et al 2009, Ondrus and Lyytinen 2011). Yet examinations of factors inhibiting the widespread acceptance of mobile payments are relatively sparse. Using Social Network theory, this research examines factors affecting engagement in mobile payments. The researcher posits that four primary elements influence mobile payment engagement: 1) the relationships between and amongst inter-organizational alliance members; 2) the prevailing regulatory environment; 3) the state of existing banking and technology infrastructures, and 4) an assessment of economic opportunity. The research outcomes from this exploratory examination led to the development of a comprehensive model for mobile payment engagement, and strongly suggest that ties between and amongst firms in inter-organizational alliances help ensure the success of mobile payment engagement. Support was found for the following suppositions: 1) similarities and relations (continuous ties) help establish a framework and understanding amongst alliance members as to each party’s goals and objectives; and 2) interactions and flows (discrete ties) between and amongst inter-organizational alliance members strengthen the overall ties between alliance members while solidifying a viable working relationship amongst the alliance members. This study employs a qualitative approach to obtain real world insight into the dynamism of the mobile payment arena. A model is then proposed to practically examine mobile payment engagement opportunities. From a theoretical perspective, the research contributes to the extant scholarly knowledgebase pertaining to engagement in mobile payments.

Background: The Kenyan financial sector has recently been growing at high rate due to the inclusion of individuals who previously were unable access banking services. This has led to a competitive situation where banks and micro finance institutions are searching for ways to manage in this competitive sector. In addition, mobile phone companies are now considered as a competitive threat. Aim: This study will look into how strategic alliances between banks and mobile phone companies can be used to overcome these challenges with a specific focus on the recent alliance between Equity Bank (Kenya), and Safaricom Ltd. The study will also focus on the management of strategic alliances within different industries. Method: The analysis of this study is based on qualitative research including the use of interviews with members of both organizations and secondary data which includes written documentation and analysis of previously recorded discussions about the alliance with different members of both organizations. Results: The authors found strategic alliances can be used as a tool which enables firms to overcome threats from their competitors while gaining additional benefits. In terms of alliance management, the use of separate teams was found to be an effective management tool in cross industry alliances.

Fueled by ubiquitous access to mobile phones, and a massive population of nearly 3 billion unbanked people around the globe, mobile commerce is evolving as a disruptive technology. Simultaneously, mobile payments are surfacing as a killer application within the mobile commerce context (Hu et al. 2008). Undeniably, the proliferation of wireless mobile technology provides much-needed access to vital information, and financial services for disenfranchised, unbanked populations. In addition, technological innovations offer first-time opportunities for suppliers of goods and services in a market context to gain competitive advantages while enhancing their economic viability. According to Portio Research, the volume of mobile payments rose significantly from $68.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2009, with predictions of $633.4 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2014 (mobithinking.com 2012). Despite exponential growth in the number of mobile subscribers globally, and widespread adoption of mobile commerce, acceptance rates for mobile payment applications have lagged (Dahlberg et al. 2007, Ondrus et al 2009, Ondrus and Lyytinen 2011). Yet examinations of factors inhibiting the widespread acceptance of mobile payments are relatively sparse. Using Social Network theory, this research examines factors affecting engagement in mobile payments. The researcher posits that four primary elements influence mobile payment engagement: 1) the relationships between and amongst inter-organizational alliance members; 2) the prevailing regulatory environment; 3) the state of existing banking and technology infrastructures, and 4) an assessment of economic opportunity. The research outcomes from this exploratory examination led to the development of a comprehensive model for mobile payment engagement, and strongly suggest that ties between and amongst firms in inter-organizational alliances help ensure the success of mobile payment engagement. Support was found for the following suppositions: 1) similarities and relations (continuous ties) help establish a framework and understanding amongst alliance members as to each party’s goals and objectives; and 2) interactions and flows (discrete ties) between and amongst inter-organizational alliance members strengthen the overall ties between alliance members while solidifying a viable working relationship amongst the alliance members. This study employs a qualitative approach to obtain real world insight into the dynamism of the mobile payment arena. A model is then proposed to practically examine mobile payment engagement opportunities. From a theoretical perspective, the research contributes to the extant scholarly knowledgebase pertaining to engagement in mobile payments.

ABSTRACT Title: Manager’s perspectives within Tourism Alliances: the cases of Hälsingland and Finnforest Level: Final assignment for Master Degree in Business Administration Authors: Michele Salvati and Anna Skouri Supervisor: Maria Fregidou-Malama Date: 2013 - May Aim: This study investigates the most important advantages and disadvantages of being a member of tourism alliances. Furthermore, this project illuminates the importance of the experience within the alliance. Specifically, we investigate if the experience affects manager’s perception to be a member of an alliance.  Method: It has been adopted quantitative and qualitative method. Data were collected from two alliances located in Sweden: Hälsingland Tourism and Finnforest; through questionnaires to the tourism organizations that belong to each alliance. Furthermore, we did face to face interviews to the Managers of the alliances and to the advisors of Coompanion who worked for the creations of the alliances. Finally, data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel. Results& Conclusions: Sharing knowledge is the most important advantage to be a member of a tourism alliance. On the other hand the cooperation with weak and unequal partner is the most important disadvantage to be a member of a tourism alliance. Additionally, it was found out that the experience affects the manager’s perceptions. Suggestions for future research: As far as the financial support from the municipalities plays a key role in the creation and survival of tourism alliances, future studies could be conducted in that field. Contribution of the thesis: It is essential for tourism managers to understand and value the importance of the alliance before joining or creating a network. Furthermore, it was emerged that tourism alliances give benefits for the creation of tourism destination. Key words: Tourism sector, strategic alliances, tourism alliances, tourism sector, experience, tourism managers.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 96-97).

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 68).