對於結盟的建立而言，如何選擇夥伴是相當重要的議題。許多的學術研究著重於建立一些選擇夥伴的框架或準則，以求達到資源分享、節省成本的效果。在旅遊產業中，許多文獻舉出了意象建立的重要性，也點出了意象的有效建立有賴於企業體彼此緊密的合作，然而，較少研究探討如果要建立獨特且具有吸引力的意象效果，應該選擇那些夥伴才能到到目標。因此，本研究提出一系統化的方法能幫助使用者分析並找出合適的合作夥伴，以建立獨特且具有吸引力的意象。此一方法利用隱喻計算作為工具，嘗試找出創新的解決方案。本研究提出也提出一個系統架構，並輔以相關的演算法與情境來說明方法上的可用性。從理論上的觀點來看，本研究嘗試透過自動化的方式找出隱喻的意涵，並將之整合到一問題解決的方法上。從實務面來看，本研究提供了中小型企業一個有用的方法能幫助他們找到合適的合作夥伴。透過建立更高品質的夥伴關係，我們期盼在旅遊產業的中小型企業能夠進一步增加其競爭優勢、存活與獲利能力。此外，研究也發現，一個區域的意象多樣性直接影響到中小型企業透過合作來建立市場利基的可能性。 / Partner selection is an important issue in alliance formation. A lot of research works have been done in developing the framework or criteria for selecting partners from the views of resource complement, cost reductions and knowledge sharing. However, research to date suggests relatively little is known about how to select partners for attractive and unique image building, which is essential to the developments of tourism especially for SME owners in the tourism sector. In this paper, we propose a systematic approach for service providers in tourism to identify appropriate partners to form alliances and build their attractive and unique images. This approach employs metaphors as a tool to generate innovative and creative solutions. The system architecture is then provided and elaborated with algorithms and the system scenario. From the theoretical perspective, we attempt to excavate the meaning of metaphors from the web in order to propose a new frame of problem-solving. From the practical perspective, we provide SME owners with a useful approach for managing partner selection and attractive and unique image building. By forming better alliances, SMEs in tourism sector can gain competitive advantages and improve their sustainability and profitability. In addition, the image diversity of a tourism destination is an important factor on market niche creation through alliance formation.

國內大多數之公司皆為中小企業，其相較於大公司資源有限，並無一套有系統的策略形成與管理工具。此工具一直是管理階層重視之議題，然而從過去之文獻發現，策略形成的方法紛呈，最為著名的是Porter(1980)競爭策略，但此類文獻大部分皆為國外學者所著，因而本研究針對國內吳思華(2000)的策略九說，以個案實作之方式，闡明其亦能有效協助公司形成策略。 依據過往文獻發現，策略形成工具協助公司形成策略後，往往就不了了之，並無明確說明如何執行已形成之策略。本研究依據Kaplan and Norton(1992)提出之平衡計分卡概念，以吳安妮(2002)(2003)提出策略執行系統4.7.4為架構與策略診斷性系統分析，協助公司執行已形成之策略及分析公司有無水平或垂直缺口，以免導致公司擁有策略後，卻因執行的後繼無力，而無法展現成效。 最後，以免公司內部單位各自為政，造成資源浪費，因而依據Niven(2002)與吳安妮(2002)提供之觀念，使總公司、SBU與SSU三者之策略能有效連結，形成綜效。 關鍵字：中小企業、策略九說、策略形成與執行系統、策略診斷性分析、綜效。 / Most domestic companies are all small and medium enterprises. The limitations in resources for small and medium enterprises are much greater, causing them to not have a systematic strategy formation and management tools. These management tools have been important management issues, however, the literature only found ways to form strategies, the most famous being the Porter (1980) competitive strategy, but most of these documents were all written by foreign scholars. One famous document written by domestic scholars by Wu Se-hwa (2000) strategy nine, wrote a case by case implementation of management tools can also effectively help companies clarify their strategy. Based on previous literature found about the formation of strategic tools to assist companies to form policy, there is often no clear description of how the strategy has been formed. The study, based on Kaplan and Norton (1992) proposed the concept of the Balanced Scorecard, to Miss Anne (2002) (2003) proposed strategies for the implementation of the system 4.7.4 system architecture and analysis of diagnostic strategies to help companies execute strategy and has formed the analysis of the company to see whether they have horizontal or vertical gaps, so as not to cause the company to have a strategy, with the inability to perform follow-ups, and can not show results. Finally, in order to avoid fragmented units within the company, resulting in waste of resources, which according to Niven (2002) and Anne Wu (2002) provided, thus allowing the head office, SBU and SSU's strategy to effectively link the three to form a synergy. Keywords: SMEs, strategy nine, strategic formulation and implementation, analysis of diagnostic strategies, synergy.

<p>This study will refer specifically to the reasons why SMEs are not willing to use e-payment as their first-choice method: the reasons hampering e-payment adoption.</p>

Strategy involvement of boards in small and medium-sized businesses has not been given adequate focus in contemporary research. The main concern has been on exploring the phenomenon in large corporations, which means that the field remains fairly unexplored. The purpose of this study is two folded. Firstly we want to understand what obstacles boards of small and medium-sized businesses face for strategy involvement. Secondly we want to generate new insights and knowledge about how these obstacles can be tackled. In order to accomplish these goals we assume the following two research questions: Research Question 1: Are there any obstacles in the way for strategy involvement of boards in small and medium-sized businesses? Research Question 2: What solutions are there to overcome these obstacles for strategy involvement of boards in small and medium-sized businesses? The first question aims to explore and map potential obstacles for strategy involvement, whereas the second question addresses potential solutions. By utilizing a qualitative approach and interviews we want to better understand the context. Our goal of using this method was to reveal motives and opinions to get a better understanding of how small and medium-sized businesses deal with strategy issues. The participants held various positions within small and medium-sized businesses in Sweden. CEOs, directors and busy directors participated in semi-structured interviews. This study is based upon two frameworks. Firstly we constructed an obstacle framework consisting of five obstacles derived from existing literature. Secondly we made a solution framework, which includes potential solutions connected to the obstacles, also derived from contemporary research. These two frameworks were then used to see what opinions our participants held about them. The data were analyzed by performing a thematic analysis. The idea of using this technique was to identify themes participants held in common. We found some patterns among the respondents which led us to revise both of the frameworks. The main finding of this study is that the presence of a board role conflict seems to be very limited in the context of small and medium-sized businesses. We furthermore found that there are differences in how to solve obstacles in regards to firm size. Two of the suggested solution in existing literature was found to be irrelevant for small and medium-sized businesses. Namely that it is not necessary to get CEOs to embrace strategy involvement, and stopping CEOs from handing over deceiving information is not solved by changing incentives. We also found patterns of two new solutions which were added in the revised solution framework. The first solution involves having regular strategy sessions and meetings. The second solution suggests that it can be advantageous to replace directors uncommitted to strategizing.

This thesis examines product innovation processes in small established enterprises. The research questions are: (1) what motivates small established enterprises to innovate, (2) how do small established enterprises perform product innovation, and (3) how do small established enterprises manage resource scarcity in their product innovation processes? To answer the research questions, a multiple case study approach was chosen with three small established enterprises as cases and different product innovation processes as embedded units of study. The data collection method used was observation during a period of five months, complemented by interviews and secondary data. Product innovation in small established enterprises seems to be motivated by solving existing customers’ problems and the need for a sustained steady cash flow. A steady cash flow is also found to be a prerequisite during the product innovation processes. Product innovation seems to occur when there is a risk of decreased cash flow and/or when existing customers can be satisfied with new products that increase their loyalty so as to secure future sales, cash flow, and the enterprise’s survival in the long run. Promising innovation ideas alone do not result in product innovation. An innovation idea must also have supportive existing customers for product innovation to occur. Product innovation processes in the studied small established enterprises are found highly context dependent, intertwined in operational processes and made possible by a small organic organization and closeness to existing customers. The product innovation processes are further found to follow a flexible and informal overall scheme optimized for decreasing market and technology uncertainty and risk, dealing with resource scarcity, and facilitating fast and easy commercialization to avoid or moderate dips in cash flow. The design processes within the innovation processes can be linearly structured or cyclical and experimental, depending on the experienced novelty. To manage resource scarcity during the product innovation processes, the studied small enterprises used many different bootstrapping methods in combination. These methods can be divided into three categories according to their overall functions: for using existing resources more efficiently, for increasing resources and to secure a fast payback on resources invested in NPD. The studied small enterprises were due to their resource scarcity further found to favor an innovation strategy, only involving new products done with known technology and targeting existing markets. This way to innovate, which creates new products in a resource-efficient way that are accepted by the enterprises’ existing markets, seems to prevent unsuccessful product innovation, while at the same time excluding technologically radical innovation and innovation targeting new markets. / <p>QC 20140102</p>

The high economic growth of formerly closed markets such as China, Russia, Poland, and the Baltic states has created vast business and growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although this international business expansion of SMEs occurs in highly dissimilar business contexts and fierce international competition, it remains overlooked by research. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis is to contribute to an enhanced understanding of internationalization processes of SMEs by studying the overarching research question: What are the main features of internationalization processes of SMEs in an emerging market context? Three sub-problems are researched with regard to SMEs entering and taking off from emerging markets, as well as differences and similarities between these processes, in order to identify what features characterize them. Empirically, two surveys of 116 and 203 Swedish SMEs, respectively, with experiences of entry into emerging markets were conducted through standardized questionnaires via mail and on-site visits. In addition, case studies were conducted through interviews and observations of five internationalizing Chinese SMEs and four Chinese wholesale and retail market platforms. Five essays are compiled within the thesis and major findings and conclusions provide theoretical and empirical contributions to research on the internationalization processes of SMEs. With regard to the overlooked internationally experienced manufacturing SMEs from mature markets such as Sweden, theoretical advancements are made identifying the main concepts of their entry into emerging markets: entry node (the establishment point into the foreign business network); market-specific experiential knowledge; and perceived institutional distance. With regard to the internationally novel Chinese SMEs, these were seen to diverge from traditional internationalization paths. Indications were found of a parallel expansion abroad and at home, even using foreign markets as a springboard for further growth at home. The take-off node concerns the departure from an emerging home market, where a paradox of knowledge was found: the use of indirect export via a domestic intermediary facilitates the take off, but hinders further international expansion since no international experience or relationships are built up. Moreover, institutional distance was reduced due to collective internationalization through co-locating abroad. Generally, degree of maturity of the home market; as well as degree of internationalization and type of firm; are the main features behind differences between internationalization processes of SMEs in an emerging market context.

<p>This study will refer specifically to the reasons why SMEs are not willing to use e-payment as their first-choice method: the reasons hampering e-payment adoption.</p>

本研究旨在透過探索式的討論，輔以對個案A公司在市場導向經營策略變革之分析，探討當前我國電子產業經營之現況與發展前景。本文研究目的主要有三：（一）從台灣電子產業發展現況的回顧中，歸納出國內外市場環境之機會與挑戰；（二）彙整企業轉型關鍵因素之理論及其實際操作方式；（三）利用個案研究探討企業轉型在市場導向經營活動之實際應用與啟示。研究發現，企業面臨經營上之盲點而欲尋求突破時，無論是策略規劃之重新定位、分析企業內外在市場環境變化等資訊，進而重新評估經營策略與方向等，均有賴經營者果決而明智之策略選擇。因此，「經營者的策略敏銳及其參與程度」為企業轉型成功的關鍵因素，而轉型策略選擇之好壞，更將明顯提升或傷害企業的產業競爭力。不過，要建立起有利於永續競爭優位之市場導向經營策略，仍需企業在管理、組織以及產品等企業內外要素的配合才能順利完成。 / This research aims to analyze the business strategy for PC industries by exploring discuss and A corporation’s market-driven business activities. This research includes following three purposes: First of all, to sum up domestic and international chances and challenges by reviewing development of PC industries in Taiwan; secondly, to clarify theories and practices of key factors of business transformation; thirdly, to explore application and implication of business transformation in case study of market-driven business activities. Research result shows that, when a corporation faces difficulties wanted to overcome, it does need business manager to make a definite and wise decision to reset plan, analyze market information, and re-evaluate business strategy. In other words, “degree of strategic sensitivity and participation for a manager” undoubtedly is the key factor of business transformation affecting its capability of competition. Anyway, this goal of making sustainable predominance strategy couldn’t be made unless combining with domestic and outside factors of management, organization, and production.

近年來服務產業迅速的擴張與發展，對於經濟的影響力也不斷提升，其中中小型的企業(SMEs)扮演了相當重要的角色。先前許多研究顯示回應能力對於中小企業績效成長的重要性，然而卻少有文獻提及如何定義中小企業的回應能力與如何發展中小企業的回應能力。本研究從文獻回顧中分別定義出了三個層面的回應能力：市場感應能力、顧客連結能力與敏捷度。此外，我們認為中小企業可以透過資訊科技為基礎之協同合作促進本身的回應能力，提供更佳的服務給顧客，進而提升企業績效。因此，我們提出研究架構來驗證資訊科技為基礎之協同合作、企業回應能力以及企業績效三者之間的關係，並且選擇宜蘭縣枕頭山休閒農業區為我們的實驗對象。從研究結果中我們發現中小企業透過 資訊科技為基礎之協同合作來提升回應能力並且也使績效有正向的成長。也幫助中小企業更了解如何運用科技化協同合作提升企業績效。 / The service economy has been expanding recently, with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) playing an important role. Previous research has shown that responsiveness is one of the most important strategic capabilities that SMEs should consider for enhancing their performance; however, how to define responsiveness and how to develop it in the SME context are seldom discussed. A review of the literature leads us to propose three dimensions of responsiveness in the SME context: market sensing, customer linking, and promptness. Moreover, we propose that IT-enabled collaboration should facilitate this capability. We develop a research framework to examine the relations between IT-enabled collaboration, responsiveness, and organizational performance. To verify our research framework, a case study that was deployed in the Mt. Pillow Leisure Agricultural Area in Yilan County. We observe that SMEs can achieve higher level of performance after they have enhanced responsiveness through cooperation via the IT-enabled platforms. The results of this study can also help SMEs improve their performance by realizing the importance of responsiveness and how to enhance responsiveness through IT-enabled collaboration.

This doctoral thesis is focused on human resource development in strategy of small and medium-sized enterprises. Human resource development is conceptualized very widely in the thesis, because the thesis is concerning with issues still less frequently investigated in relation to human resource development, especially the compliance with the principle of equal treatment and the prohibition of discrimination in employment relations. Traditional division into theoretical and practical part is respected in the thesis. Theoretical part contains literature review, broadly describing fundamental disciplinary knowledge, which was elaborated on the basis of long-term studying the scientific writings of many domestic and foreign authors. Theoretical part of the thesis was initial for composing the practical part of the thesis; it was used as a base for the research objectives defining (Chapter 3), served as a guideline on scientific methodology studying and subsequent appropriate methodology and methods selection (Chapter 4), which continues with three practical research topics: staff motivation, employee turnover and job satisfaction in SMEs, and discrimination at the workplace and in staffing regard to SMEs. These areas are meant to be potential barriers of human resource development, unless managed carefully with erudition. Potential occurrence of discrimination in labour law issues brings a risk of sanctions and pecuniary penalty for employers. Research questions, which were formulated according to above mentioned basis by author of this doctoral thesis in the practical part within set research topics, were tested on empirical data by way of both quantitative and qualitative research in two research samples. First of them was gained within team research project GA JU 039/2013/S (investigator doc. Ing. Darja Holátová, Ph.D.) and comprised of 295 SMEs, which were investigated through questionnaire survey; subsequently motivation, employee turnover and job satisfaction on collected data were investigated by author of doctoral thesis. The second sample was investigated by author of this thesis at her own research activity and consisted of 1600 advertisements demanding applicants for 2981 working places at 846 entities, which were announced by regional bureau of Employment Service of the Czech republic for district České Budějovice via the Integrated Portal of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech republic (2016) on the webpage portal.mpsv.cz; the prevalence of discriminatory reasons through content analysis was explored and the findings were consequently compared with the survey of the Public Defender of Rights realized in 2011. Finally, the inquiry for the participation of SMEs in announcing job advertisements where discriminatory nature could not be excluded from in studied period was carried out through selecting gender as discriminatory reason. A discovery of the range of employee benefits provided in SMEs, employee turnover rate calculated by author, additionally including voluntary departures of employees, as well as obtained findings about managers' or enterprise owners' attitudes and subjective rating of job satisfaction in studied SMEs were analysed by author of the thesis. The findings have also revealed an insufficient strategic attitude of some approached managers or enterprise owners towards making plans and setting the goals in the area of job satisfaction. Additionally, it was found that SMEs participated in announcing job advertisements where discriminatory nature could not be excluded in studied period along to the criterion of Czech Public Defender of the Rights in the issue of direct discrimination by reason of a gender. On the basis of acquired findings the conclusions and recommendations were formulated. The thesis brings theoretical, practical and pedagogical contribution. In conclusion, the objectives set in the thesis, were, in the author's opinion, accomplished.