The three case studies are discussed using the 'license to operate' framework, so providing an empirical understanding of the relationship between environmental regulation and auto industry technological development, commercial imperatives as well as the wider social benefits in these context specific cases; they also show how regulation has been able to foster corporate environmental performance in the automobile industry.

The results of this research make three distinct contributions. The first contribution refers to the immediate body of knowledge on closed-loop supply chain management. The thesis reviews existing closed-loop supply chain and remanufacturing structures and creates, through the application of the research findings, new and more appropriate structures for the automotive sector. Secondly, the findings contribute to the development of a theory for closed-loop supply chain management. They demonstrate that theories from related fields cannot sufficiently explain why corporations engage in product recovery activities. This thesis therefore develops a rational for closed-loop supply chain management and remanufacturing in the automotive sector. The third contribution is made with regard to methodology. Research in closed-loop supply chain management has been largely dominated by quantitative contributions. This thesis therefore adds to methodology by taking an interdisciplinary perspective and by applying a unique combination of methodological considerations to investigate the specific research problem.

The findings of this thesis include signs that R&D practices are changing, with companies moving away from the fully integrated company model by building up external networks which will provide them access to resources and skills not available in-house. Small improvements in late stage success rates and the increasing number of NASs in preclinical development suggest that the industry's efforts to improve productivity are starting to produce results. It will take time for this to be translated into an improvement in the industry's output, the measure most frequently used to assess the industry's performance. Therefore it is important for the industry to manage the expeditions of its stakeholders and to supply them with clear and objective information on temporary indicators of efficiency and productivity.

The business processes of manufacturing enterprises have to be dynamic, especially when highly customised products are manufactured or different projects run simultaneously. Another trend in contemporary manufacturing is the necessity for co-operation between geographically dispersed teams. This research presents a new method for modelling business processes enabling co-ordination of dynamic workflows. This thesis focuses first on Business Process Modelling (BPM) techniques and outlines the limitations of the existing methodologies. Similarly, an overview of Enterprise Collaborative Portals (ECP) is conducted and a method for collaborative authoring of dynamic workflows is discussed. Next, the thesis introduces the concept of business process models with feedback based on the Product/process (P/p) methodology. An extension to this methodology, validated through a case study, is developed to overcome some of its limitations. The performance of the proposed extension is analysed and compared with that of the Unified Modelling Language (UML) and its advantages are highlighted. The case study used to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach involves the development of a golf training device prototype using Rapid Prototyping technology. The proposed process modelling methodology is validated in PTC Windchill EIMS, which also serves as a platform for the implementation of the enterprise collaborative portal. The thesis also proposes a benchmarking method for business processes based on the work of Spendolini and the extended P/p methodology. Benchmarking factors are identified and the proposed benchmarking methodology is validated with an example. The benefits of the proposed benchmarking methodology are outlined. Finally, a method for modelling business processes enabling co-ordination of dynamic workflows is presented. The same case study is used to illustrate the algorithm for collaborative authoring of the business process model. As a platform for the implementation of the proposed method, an object-oriented architecture is adopted.

In the last two decades, the role of e-business as a fundamental element that links organisations of the supply chain into a unified and coordinated system has been increasingly recognised in the literature. Recent technological advances enable a proliferation of B2B e-business systems in supporting interorganisational e-business integration, but also create more complexities for organisations in determining what form of electronic linkage and relationship configurations should be forged with what kind of business partner(s). At the same time, as customers become more demanding, there is a trend towards providing tailored logistics provisions in order to satisfy different customers' needs. Consequently, careful design of information flows within and between the organizations is required. In view of the aforementioned, there is need for a design of an overall e-business architecture which governs and specifies the different inter-organisation information coordinate and control (ICC) mechanisms for different logistics scenarios, referred to here as a B2B e-business reference architecture (ERA). Historically this research area has not received due attention from researchers or practitioners. Therefore, the primary aim of this thesis is to develop such an ERA and substantiate it through empirical research, focusing its application on an emerging e-business model termed an Electronic Logistics Marketplaces (ELM). The first part of this research is analytical, developing the B2B ERA through the synthesis of literature and the use of secondary case examples. Four architectures are proposed with detailed characterisation: Centralised Market, Traditional Hierarchical Coordination. Modified Hierarchical Coordination, and Heterarchical Network. The second part of the research is empirical, since it validates the conceptual model developed through six case studies. It shows that one size does not fit all, and there should be different architectures for different logistics scenarios. The study also establishes a fundamental understanding of closed ELMs which have not been studied in-depth and systematically. Through analysis of three key elements, namely, technology, collaboration and process, the likely operational models and the relationship between ELMs and tailored logistics are established. Reasons for using closed ELMs are also identified through the exploration of motives, barriers, costs and benefits. A major case study is conducted to investigate the Heterarchical Network type of ELM, later after being termed as 'collaborative ELM'. Reasons for the formation of this type of ELM, and the impact it brings to the supply chain are examined in detail, providing significant insights considering its rarity and novelty in practice. Finally the thesis summarises the research findings and their practical implications are discussed. Study limitations are acknowledged and possible future research directions are suggested.

International new ventures (INVs) are firms that from inception seek to gain substantial competitive advantage from the use and deployment of resources and the international sale of outputs. While INVs have received considerable theoretical and empirical attention as they are breaking the traditional paradigms of internationalisation, there is widespread concern about their sources of advantage. The main purpose of this study is to apply the resource based view (RBV) to the INVs context with the intent to provide an explanatory framework for the positional advantage of firms which leads to performance. The conceptual model is developed around the positional advantage construct, its antecedents (resources, capabilities, competitive strategies, entrepreneurial orientation, and ambidextrous innovation strategy) and consequences (performance). Following an extensive literature review and exploratory interviews with managers, measures have been developed and data has been collected from 260 INVs. The conceptual model has been empirically tested in the specific setting of INV firms in Mexico. This research has employed a scientifically sound research design with a rigorous statistical analysis. Structural equation modelling was used to test measurement veracity and hypothesised relationships between the constructs constrained in the measurement model. The study findings support the conceptual model and structural paths therein, and signify the efficacy of the measurement approaches used to capture the focal constructs. The results strongly support the central role of INVs positional advantage in the process of attaining superior performance. The study findings are discussed in the light of extant knowledge and a number of conclusions are drawn. Implications for business practitioners and public policy makers are explored, indicating the relevance of this research to INVs practice. Furthermore, an account of the most important limitations of the study is provided, along with suggestions for future research.

With less than half a century's development, e-business and the Information and Communication Technologies it relies on, have been growing rapidly. With an even shorter history than the technology itself, the study of its impact on the environment and sustainable development in general, is still in its infancy. A review of past literature has revealed that the problem is complex. Both negative and positive impacts have been identified. Traditional systematic approaches have been found to be insufficient for this research topic. To explore the relationship further, a new methodology is proposed in this thesis. In particular the main objective of this PhD study is to demonstrate and develop an Expert Decision Support System at the meso level, to simulate the relationship between e-business and the environment. In pursuit of this aim, results are presented of two surveys that were conducted to collect data and build a knowledge base. Analysis of the data using various techniques was considered, based on data mining technologies and Fuzzy Logic. The development of the Expert Decision Support System is then discussed, adopting a two-way simulation approach. The forward chain of the system is developed based on Decision Support System technology, with the heart of the system built on Neural Networks. Calculation, estimation and prediction of environmental indicator values based e-business indicators are conducted in this part. The backward chain is based on Expert System technology, where conditions and rules are presented to reach certain pre-defined environmental targets. An individual company should then be able to use this system within a certain industry, for example, to simulate its environmental performance by adopting or limiting Information and Communication technologies. A demonstration of how the system can be used and operated on various occasions for different purposes is presented, based on four application scenarios: predictions, simulations, comparisons and solutions. It is claimed that the results from the Expert Decision Support System, which ideally should be integrated into a company's financial system and other information management systems, will provide important information that could be incorporated into a company's strategic plans, action plans and technological reformation. The research presents a pilot study which tries to not only build a quantitative model but also to construct a decision support system to simulate this relationship in the real world. It is claimed that the work both extends research methodologies in this field and endows traditional Neural Network applications with new meanings and challenges.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have attracted worldwide media attention due to their feminisation effects on aquatic organisms. Studies on the environmental effects of these compounds have become increasingly important due to fears of increased infertility and their influence on the dynamics of an ecological niche. The benthic invertebrate <italic>Gammarus pulex</italic> has been selected as a sentinel species for studying the effects of these pollutants on the amphipod endocrine system, and subsequently on reproduction. The aims of this project were to gain a greater understanding of the endocrine system of <italic>Gammarus pulex</italic> at the molecular level and to identify how pollutants may effect gene expression in intersex and normal <italic> Echinogammarus marinus.</italic> Two proteins found in this freshwater shrimp have been identified as possible molecular indices of endocrine disruption, the female specific yolk protein, vitellogenin, and the exoskeletal cuticle protein. Cuticle protein is the first molecular tool to deterrnine moult stage in <italic>G. pulex,</italic> which has previously relied on morphological microscopy. Rapid moult staging of cDNA, and subsequent analysis of gene expression at the different moult stages, are critical steps towards understanding normal and disrupted endocrine regulation and control. Increased vitellogenin levels in female <italic>G. pulex</italic> have confirmed its effectiveness as a sex-specific marker. The experimental processes and results presented have significantly enhanced not only the quantity of molecular knowledge of the freshwater amphipod <italic>G. pulex,</italic> but also offers great insight into the genetic profiles of different genders, developmental and moult cycle stages in <italic>G. pulex.</italic> It also provides important information on endocrine disruption and intersex gene expression profiles in a related species <italic>E. marinus.</italic> A major potential output from this study is the production of a suite of novel and established molecular markers to detect early stages of endocrine disruption in the ubiquitous benthic invertebrate, <italic> G. pulex</italic> and related amphipods.

With the business environment changing ever faster, driven by rapid developments in the fields of knowledge and technology, business firms are forced to change their way of doing business and adapt to the environmental changes at a faster rate. As a result, the interest in business models has increased sharply. However, the growth in number and variety of business models has also led to confusion and to a number of questions. The first area of questions to be answered is concerned with business models in general. Although the number of business models has increased during the past few years, and despite the fact that the term has been used extensively, there is still only limited research available on business models in general, as well as their development and application. Moreover, the term "business model" means different things to different people, and remains without an agreed definition. A similar situation exists regarding the constituent parts of business models. The second area of questions to be answered is related to the recent inflation of business models. Examples include: Are business models still relevant? What is the impact of fast moving business environments on business models? Is their application still valid? Are business models useful? There is little research on business models and their relationship with the environment, and on business models in fast moving environments. Business models play an important role for businesses, and their inappropriate application can have adverse repercussions. The central aim of this work is to undertake a comprehensive investigation of business models in fast moving environments through three distinct stages: (1) critical engagement and examination of the relevant existing literature, (2) development of a business meta-model, i.e. a model of business models, including its subsequent verification and validation, and (3) investigation of case studies on general and specific business models, including illustrations of their development and application, and an analysis of the impact of fast moving environments on business models. The first stage is a critical engagement with and the thorough investigation of the relevant literature, e.g. research on models in general, on businesses in general, on the business environment, and on business models. The second stage is the development of a business metamodel, i.e. a model of business models. The development of this meta-model is primarily based on the literature review, personal experience of the researcher and some initial hypotheses. Following its initial development, the business meta-model was verified and validated using case studies (the third stage of the research). Whenever necessary, the initial model was modified as to take into account new findings. The characteristics and the utility of the framework are illustrated by a comparison of the generic business model framework with selected management models, as well as by applying the framework in the case studies. The third stage of this research is the thorough investigation and analysis of case studies on general and specific business models. Seven case studies in total, divided into two distinct sets, were conducted. The first set, containing three case studies, focuses on general business models in the form of business model waves, while the second set, containing four case studies, focuses on the corporate development and application of specific business models. Both sets are complementary and necessary in investigating the meaning, legitimacy and impact of business models in fast moving environments. Based on the three stages of this work, a number of conclusions have been drawn regarding business models in general, and business models in fast moving environments. First, there are no other means available than business models to make sense of businesses in fast moving environments. Second, business models are valuable tools and their application is pervasive. Examples for the application of business models include description, analysis, explanation, planning and prediction, resource allocation, organising and controlling, decision-making support, and optimisation purposes. Third, the case studies show that business models must be developed in a systematic and structured manner, e.g. by utilising the meta-model, developed in this research. Fourth, the case studies demonstrate that a multi-perspective approach should be utilised for the development of business models. Using multiple perspectives can enhance the quality of assumptions, and thus lead to a prolonged period of validity for the business model. Fifth, with increasing change, a dynamic approach towards business models becomes imperative. Business models must be continuously verified in terms of their fit with the environment, and adapted accordingly whenever necessary. Sixth, business models and their use must become increasingly flexible in fast moving environments. Since a lower level of detail generally means greater flexibility, the level of detail of business models tends to decrease in fast moving business environments. Last but not least, with a faster pace of environmental change, the life-span of business models is reducing; and this, in turn, is reducing the possible temporal focus of the models. Given the problems and dangers of business models, which are also highlighted by the case studies, the key consideration is that business models must be developed and applied with great caution. The users of business models need to understand the limitations and crucial assumptions underlying the model, and verify the validity of any model before its application.

This thesis presents a new integrated approach to process planning aad job-shop scheduling. The relationship between planning and scheduling is reassessed and the line between the two tasks is made significantly more blurred than in the usual treatment. Scheduling is traditionally seen as the task of finding an optimal way of interleaving a number of fixed plans which are to be executed concurrently and which must share resources. The implicit assumption is that once planning has finished scheduling takes over. In fact there are often many possible choices for the sub-operations in the plans. Very often the real optimisation problem is to simultaaeously optimise all the individual plans alzd the overall schedule. This thesis describes how manufa.cturing planning has been recast to allow solutions to the simultaneous plan and schedule optimisation problem, a problem traditionally considered too hard to tackle at all. A model based on simulated coevolution is developed and it is shown how complex interactions are handled in an emergent way. Results from various implementations are reported. Underlying this new approach is a feature based process planning system that is used to generate the space of all possible legal process plans for a given component. This space is then searched, in parallel with spaces for all other components, using an advanced form of genetic algorithm. The thesis describes the development of the ideas behind this technique and presents in detail the constituent parts of the whole system.