台灣今天所面對的國際競爭壓力與經營困境不是突然發生的，觀察台灣高科技產業獲利能力的持續下滑現象，企業經營者早就應該想到，台灣代工製造模式要如何繼續發展下去？透過對台灣網路通訊設備產業持續性競爭優勢之探討，分析企業的競爭策略，期望協助台灣廠商及投資大眾在對的時間做對的決定，讓台灣產業掌握提升價值及持續成長的契機，強化獨特的優勢與資源，增進國際競爭力。 學術上有許多篇論文探討網通產業競爭優勢，並建議很多的策略，網通業為了成長與獲利，必然採取類似的競爭策略，但近年來產業獲利結果卻呈現衰退，這是大部分台灣電子代工業的宿命嗎？是否台灣品牌廠商仍有持續的競爭優勢？本研究將依據相關理論，從獲利能力來看企業的績效變化，從競爭優勢來探討企業獨特能耐、資源與經營策略的差距，並從未來產業發展趨勢來看台灣企業應如何改變或加強策略，才能開創或持續其競爭優勢。 以台灣網通產業而言，品牌廠商過去的超額利潤，隨著經營環境的改變，成功要件不復存在，勢必調整商業獲利模式；而取得被重要供應鏈整合的代工業者，保有較低的代工利潤，加上深耕研發及製程技術，在市場需求增溫時，發揮規模經濟的低成本優勢，因此較具持續性競爭優勢。 依本研究發現即便網通業有機會創造出未來黃金十年，隨產品售價與獲利下滑後，台灣網通產業的淨獲利率只在3%至4%之間，建議各企業依據所處的競爭形勢，適度調整經營策略，方可提升或維持其競爭優勢。 / Observing the phenomenon of continuous declining profitability in Taiwan’s high-tech industry, enterprises in Taiwan should have long anticipated that functioning businesses nowadays face higher difficulties in sustaining international competitive advantage. How Taiwan’s Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) involves in development process should be taken into prior consideration. Analyzing the competitive strategy of Taiwan’s network communications equipment industry, not only allows the industry to strengthen its values and enhance the efficiency of interior resources; it can also help investors grasp the right timing in making investing decision. In order to gain profit and growth, most competitors in the industry chose to yield a similar operating strategy when confronting its rival. However, as the issue of deteriorating profitability rise to the surface, it is necessary to reconsider the options. Can major Taiwanese brand companies maintain its competitive advantage? Based on relevant theories, this research will evaluate alterations in business performance though profitability and estimate business competitiveness according to the difference in resources and operating strategies. In addition, this study will give suggestion on how to create or strengthen competitive advantage in perspective of future industrial trends. In the past, brand companies in the CNC industry had excessing profits. However, due to changes in business environment, the elements of past success no longer exist and companies are focus to adjust their profitability formula; the companies that were integrated into key supply chains are able to maintain low OEM margins, achieve economies of scale when market demand rises though their R&D bedrock and manufacturing technology. This study reveals that even the Network industry has the opportunity to create its golden years. Due to declining sale prices and profitability, Taiwan CNC industry's net profit is merely 3% to 4%, therefore companies are recommended to base on its current competitive position, moderately adjust its business strategy, to enhance or maintain their competitive advantage.

<p></p><p><strong>Title:</strong> Competitive Strategies of Ethnic Food Companies in Sweden</p><p><strong>Authors:</strong> Düriye Canbaz – Aktuğ Yılmaz</p><p><strong>Instructor:</strong> Prafulla Acharya</p><p><strong>Course:</strong> EFO 705-Master Thesis</p><p><strong>Date:</strong> 25/05/2009</p><p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Sweden has a population of 9.1 million habitants and approximately 1.2 million people or 13% of the Swedish population consists of foreign nationalities or individuals born abroad. If the second generation is included in the consideration then the number increases to approximately 1.6 million which in the end corresponds to over 17% of the total population. (Market Brief Focus on Swedish Market, 2007, p.3) Under such circumstances, it is not unusual to see demand for ethnic food. During the last few years, ethnic food products have experienced a very positive market trend and the development is a reflection of both the increasing number of immigrants and native Swedes increasing interest in ethnic foods. (Ibid, p.6) “<em>Several years ago, immigrants constituted the principal consumer group of ethnic foods, but this has changed over the years</em>” that “<em>Swedish consumers are now more and more regarded as the main consumer group of ethnic foods</em>” (Ibid, p.6) Under such circumstances, the competition among the companies rise that companies try to raise their level of competitiveness. Doing so, companies adopt some strategies and develop some competences to outperform the rivals.</p><p><strong>Problem: </strong>How to compete in Swedish ethnic food stuff industry?</p><p>Sub questions;</p><p>-          What competitive strategies should be carried out?</p><p>-          What competences and competitive advantages should be developed?</p><p> </p><p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The aim of this thesis is to identify the competitive strategies of existent ethnic food stuff companies in Sweden in order to set a success model for the new entrants as a guideline. To be able to set a clear model the distinctive competences of the companies on which strategies are constructed will be identified.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this dissertation we used both primary and the secondary data. The primary data that we used consists of interviews that we made with the informants from the ethnic food stuff companies and retailers. The secondary data that is used in the thesis generally consists of resources that are relevant and valid such as reports from Swedish Chambers, European Union and reports from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as some dissertations from Swedish universities.</p><p><strong>Analysis and Conclusions: </strong>In Swedish ethnic food market both market structure and companies’ resources play important role in the shaping of competitive strategies. Case companies Laroc AB and Sevan AB follows the product differentiation strategy. Companies differentiate in quality, price and product variety. Also, they follow special strategies in branding and target different consumers groups. We recommend to new entrants to follow Sevan’s strategy in the short time which is providing well known brands from Middle Eastern region. However, in the long run, we recommend them to follow Laroc’s strategy which is generally based on creating its own brand name. One of the other recommendations we have for the new entrants is working with the independent stores that are not explored by the other ethnic food stuff companies. Another recommendation that we have for new entrants is the processed food and ready meal products. In the market for Middle Eastern processed food and ready meal products, there is a limited range of products. Ethnic food market is changing, as the only thing that does not change is change itself. Ethnic food is losing its ethnicity as it gets appreciated by the consumers and embeds into culture. Thus, both current competitors and new entrants should be aware of the changes and orient themselves accordingly.</p><p> </p>

<p>The main objective of this thesis is to understand why there is imbalance of exchange students of Sweden and Thailand. We have analyzed the interviewed data of Swedish students who had experience of studying at universities in Thailand. Our research has revealed the factors and issues behind the imbalance situation. After analyzing factors we have proposed some recommendations in order to improve the pedagogy to increase the number of Swedish students deciding to study at Universities in Thailand so that the exchange imbalance could be reduced. Furthermore, we have proposed a favor product package for Swedish students that can help them to decide to study in Thailand.</p>

<p> </p><p>The main objective of this thesis is to understand why there is imbalance of exchange students of Sweden and Thailand. We have analyzed the interviewed data of Swedish students who had experience of studying at universities in Thailand. Our research has revealed the factors and issues behind the imbalance situation. After analyzing factors we have proposed some recommendations in order to improve the pedagogy to increase the number of Swedish students deciding to study at Universities in Thailand so that the exchange imbalance could be reduced. Furthermore, we have proposed a favor product package for Swedish students that can help them to decide to study in Thailand.</p><p> </p>

<p><strong>Problem:</strong> How do the born global firms overcome challenges and sustain performance in international markets through their competences, routines, and corporate governance structure?</p><p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The purpose of this thesis is to explore the competences, routines, and corporate governance structure of born global companies, and understand their role in overcoming challenges of early internationalization and sustaining performance in international markets from early days.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> This research is conducted as multi-disciplinary, consisting of literature from International Business and Strategic Management. Relevant data is collected through six in-depth interviews with executives of born global companies from Sweden and Norway. Qualitative analysis has been used at data analysis stage.</p><p><strong>Originality: </strong>This study contributes to literature by examining relatively neglected areas of born global companies; competences, routines, and corporate governance structure. It is also original in distilling a wide literature to explore challenges of born globals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our research reveals that despite their small size and limited resources, born global companies engage in competence building and leveraging activities, establish early international routines, and construct flexible governance structures to overcome challenges and achieve performance in the global arena.</p>

No description available.

<p>Background: During the past years the increasing internationalisation has not only affected companies but also universities. This development is due to the Bologna Declaration which prescribes a harmonisation of the higher education in Europe. The declaration implies a tougher competition, but also a higher degree of co-operation among European universities. </p><p>Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to examine how LiU can make use of thenetwork approach in the process of internationalisation, in order to cope with the changes that the Bologna Declaration implies. </p><p>Realisation: We have carried out a total amount of 17 interviews. To complement these interviews, secondary data about the Bologna Process and LiU have been extracted from the internet and other information material. </p><p>Results: LiU should take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Bologna Process in order to further internationalise. The most favourable way of networking for LiU would be to be a part of relatively small and complementary networks. The promotion and facilitation of the communication between partners, but also within the university, is crucial. Use, and constantly develop, the competitive advantages in order to seek possible network partners and to attract students, teachers and researchers.</p>

<p>Syfte: Denna uppsats syftar till att göra en undersökning bland Länsförsäkringars kunder, vilket är intressant då försäkringsbranschen säljer en produkt som det inte går att ta på och som kunden betalar för trots att han eller hon troligtvis aldrig kommer att använda produkten och faktiskt helst inte ens vill utnyttja densamma.</p><p>Syftet med arbetet är att undersöka följande:</p><p>• Varför stannar Länsförsäkringars befintliga kunder kvar inom företaget?</p><p>• Varför väljer en person att bli kund hos Länsförsäkringar?</p><p>• Tycker kunderna att det är viktigt att ha bank, försäkring och liv inom samma bolag?</p><p>• Tycker kunderna att det är viktigt med en ”egen” personlig kontakt hos sitt bolag?</p><p>• Vad är det för likheter samt olikheter mellan Länsförsäkringars kunder i Gävle, Bollnäs och Söderhamn?</p><p>Metod: För att utföra studien har ett flertal olika tillvägagångssätt utnyttjats:</p><p>1. Litteraturstudie</p><p>2. Enkätundersökning</p><p>3. Statistisk bearbetning av enkätsvaren</p><p>Resultat & slutsats: De viktigaste slutsatserna som jag har kommit fram till är följande:</p><p>• Länsförsäkringars nya kunder värdesätter priset mest medan däremot de befintliga kunderna värdesätter personal och service mest.</p><p>• Länsförsäkringar måste marknadsföra fördelarna med konceptet bank, försäkring och liv inom samma bolag för att det ska kunna fungera som ett konkurrensmedel.</p><p>• För att Länsförsäkringar ska lyckas med att införa en ”egen” personlig kontakt måste fördelarna med detta marknadsföras till kunderna.</p><p>• Några väsentliga skillnader kan inte utläsas mellan orterna Gävle, Bollnäs och Söderhamn.</p><p>Förslag till fortsatt forskning:</p><p>• Att genomföra djupintervjuer eller en enkätundersökning bland de kunder som har lämnat Länsförsäkringar för att se varför de lämnade företaget.</p><p>• Att genomföra ytterligare studier på de 40 procent av de nya kunderna som valde Länsförsäkringar för prisets skull. Verkar de representera en grupp människor som ofta byter bolag för att få lägsta pris?</p><p>Uppsatsens bidrag: Uppsatsen ger dels Länsförsäkringar, men även andra som är intresserade, möjlighet att få en inblick i vilka av Länsförsäkringars konkurrensmedel som uppskattas av deras kunder.</p> / <p>Aim: This thesis aims to study customers of Länsförsäkringar. This study is interesting because insurance companies sale invisible products. Even the customer who pays for a product, is not probably going to use or want to use it.</p><p>The aim of my paper is to investigate the followings:</p><p>• Why do the existing customers of Länsförsäkringar stay with the company?</p><p>• Why does a person chose to become a customer at Länsförsäkringar?</p><p>• Do the customers find it important to have bank, insurance and life with the same company?</p><p>• Do the customers find it important with a personal contact of their own at their company?</p><p>• What similarities and differences are there between the customers of Länsförsäkringar in Gävle, Bollnäs and Söderhamn?</p><p>Method: To conduct this study I have made use of several different procedures:</p><p>1. Study of literature</p><p>2. Questionnaire survey</p><p>3. Statistical work on the questionnaire</p><p>Result & Conclusions: The most important conclusions that I have come to see are the following:</p><p>• The new customers of Länsförsäkringar seem to value price the most while the existing customers value staff and service the most.</p><p>• Länsförsäkringar has to market the benefits with the concept bank, insurance and life within the same company in order to make it work as a competitive advantage.</p><p>• To succeed with implementing a “personal contact” Länsförsäkringar has to market the benefits of it to the customers.</p><p>• No major differences can be found between the localities Gävle, Bollnäs and Söderhamn.</p><p>Suggestions for future research:</p><p>• To carry out more thorough interviews or a questionnaire survey among the customers who have left Länsförsäkringar in order to see why they left the company.</p><p>• To conduct further studies of the 40 percent of the new customers who choose Länsförsäkringar for the sake of the price. Do they seem to represent a group of people who often switch companies in order to get the lowest price?</p><p>Contribution of the thesis: The thesis gives not only Länsförsäkringar, but also others that are interested, an opportunity to get an insight in which of Länsförsäkringar competitive advantages that are appreciated by their costumers.</p>

<p>The world economy is in a transition period never experienced before, One of the main realising factors, boosting economy growth, is the catch up of many emerging countries. The emerging countries impose new competitive dimensions to the global economy, forcing well established multinational corporations into new competitive situations, brining both opportunities and threats.</p><p>The construction equipment industry has entered a condition of unprecedented growth. The total market demand has increased significantly and the demand development is prospected to continue for many more years. To keep up with the market demand and the sales opportunities, it is important to have machines available in the market. This impose that the logistic strategy is getting more important for companies in order to keep up with the prospected sales opportunities.</p><p>This Masters thesis is initiated by our case company, Volvo Construction Equipment International, currently suffering from an inefficient logistics strategy constraining international growth.</p><p>Based on our analysis and conclusion, Volvo Construction Equipment is recommended to move from transaction selling, spot market like international logistics strategy towards a relationship marketing based logistics strategy establishing in-depth collaborations with key account shipping suppliers. Furthermore, we recommend that Volvo CE should consider a logistics management function in order to facilitate the inter-organizational flow of logistics information.</p>

<p>The international environment today has been undergoing unprecedented change and many companies are seeking new ways to stand out from the competition by sustaining their competitive advantage. Internationalization and firms’ consolidation increase competition in the dynamic marketplace .Companies are no longer staying competitive simply through focusing on product quality and pricing as customers are becoming more high-demanding related to customer service offer. This issue directs the companies’ main focus today to address the customer needs in the ever-changing environment.In order to be the winners in the marketplace, timing and superior customer service are becoming the keys to attain competitive advantage for a company. Time-based competition is an important issue that many companies are facing currently as customers are becoming more time-sensitive and time-oriented in terms of better services, reliability and delivery. To keep up with the changes in demand from customers, it is important to satisfy customers’ objectives and needs in order to provide superior customer service, thus, establish good relationship with them. In the ever-changing and dynamic business environment company needs to adapt and exploit the changes in order to meet the new challenges in the marketplace. It is crucial for the company to respond to changing needs of existing customers and seeking to serve new customers externally. The ways to renew the customers’ services and how they are delivered are critical capabilities for many companies to acquire nowadays. This leads to increasing interaction between marketing and logistics where logistics is considered a platform for supporting new strategic moves on the market.This master thesis originates from a need to research the links between customer service improvement and Just-in-time distribution in order to sustain competitive advantage. We propose to extend the Just-In-Time concept to incorporate a customer perspective, which results in changes the warehousing, ordering and delivering routines. Subsequently, this creates timing ability as well as coordination of information and material flows through timely decisions, which are difficult for competitors to emulate. Based on our analysis and conclusion, companies are recommended to shift from the traditional production-oriented to market-oriented focuses through incorporation of customers' perspective into the value chain. To deploy this, companies should start from the customer end and understand customers' needs and establish mutual beneficial relationships with customers. Long-lasting business relationships ultimately determine the success of the company. Furthermore, we conclude that successful learning to change the routines requires time for the transformation of traditional delivery practice to perform direct deliveries activities. They are based on the common understanding of the tasks and rules as well as common codes of internal coordination processes.</p>