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).

Texte remanié de: Th. doct.--Sci. Gestion--Paris 10, 1996. / En appendice, choix de textes et documents. Index.

La mondialisation de l’économie et l’internationalisation des marchés ont entrainé le développement sans précédent des alliances stratégiques. De nombreux travaux de recherches se sont attachés à décrire et tenter d'expliquer ce phénomène notamment en s'intéressant à leurs modes de gouvernance. Dans la plupart des travaux, deux modes de gouvernance sont identifiés et théorisés : la gouvernance contractuelle et la gouvernance relationnelle. Dans le prolongement de ces travaux, l'étude de la relation entre mode de gouvernance et performance occupe une place de choix en sciences de gestion. Partant de ce corpus, cette recherche vise à répondre à la question suivante : "Dans quelle mesure la structure de la gouvernance peut-elle améliorer la performance d'alliance?". En mobilisant la théorie des coûts de transactions (Williamson, 1985) et la théorie de l’échange social (Blau, 1964 ; Homans, 1961), cette recherche développe un modèle intégrateur à travers neuf hypothèses de recherche, permettant de comprendre le lien entre la gouvernance contractuelle, la gouvernance relationnelle et la performance d’alliance stratégique. Avec la collaboration de l'association France Biotech, ce modèle a été testé auprès d’un échantillon représentatif des firmes biotechnologiques françaises. La validation des hypothèses de recherche a été faite en ayant recours à la méthode PLS. Trois principaux résultats importants ont émergé : le choix de la gouvernance contractuelle est fortement recommandé en cas de forte spécificité des actifs investis dans l’alliance, une forte dépendance vis à vis du partenaire défavorise le recours à la gouvernance relationnelle ; et l’effet positif de la gouvernance relationnelle sur la performance d’alliance est plus fort que celui de la gouvernance contractuelle. / Economic globalization and internationalization of markets have led to an unprecedented development of strategic alliances. Many research projects have tried to describe and explain this phenomenon, some via exploration of modes of governance. Contractual and relational governance are the two modes of governance identified and theorized upon in the majority of these works. Extending this research avenue further in the area of Management Sciences, a prominent place is held by the relationship between mode of governance and performance. Based on this corpus, this research aims to answer the following question: “To what extent can the governance structure improve the performance of an alliance?” Mobilizing transaction cost theory (Williamson, 1985) and social exchange theory (Blau, 1964 ; Homans, 1961) this research develops an integrative model through nine research hypotheses in an effort to understand the link between contractual governance, relational governance and performance of strategic alliances. Thanks to collaboration with the French Biotech association, the model has been tested using a representative sample of French Biotech firms. The research hypotheses were validate using the PLS method. Three main important results emerge : contractual governance is a strongly recommended choice if there is a high level of asset specificity invested in the alliance ; in the case of strong dependence on a partner, relational governance is not the ideal choice ; and relational governance has a stronger positive effect on alliance performance than does contractual governance.

Cette recherche porte sur le concept de la capacité d’absorption, et les mécanismes de gestion des ressources humaines (GRH) susceptibles de favoriser l’acquisition des connaissances en provenance d’un partenaire étranger au sein d’une alliance stratégique au Maroc. Nous avons tenté de repérer quelques pratiques de GRH sur lesquelles les responsables peuvent s’appuyer afin de développer une capacité d’assimilation et d’exploitation des connaissances et savoir-faire de leurs partenaires étrangers. Durant la première partie de cette recherche, nous avons réalisé un état de l’art sur les concepts des alliances stratégiques, de la capacité d’absorption et la gestion stratégique des ressources. Cette revue de littérature nous a permis d’établir trois hypothèses concernant la compétence et la motivation des employés ; ces deux axes sont présentés comme vecteurs majeurs en vue de l’acquisition d’une capacité d’absorption. Pour tester ces hypothèses, nous avons choisi une méthodologie qualitative, et des entretiens de face à face avec des dirigeants des sociétés de l’industrie aéronautique au Maroc. Ce secteur connaît actuellement un essor sans précédent et dans lequel nous pouvons observer les enjeux du transfert des connaissances. L’examen empirique des hypothèses a permis d’appuyer le rôle de la compétence des employés. Cette dernière peut être favorisée en premier lieu par la formation et en second lieu par l’évaluation. Le second axe étant la motivation du personnel à acquérir de nouvelles connaissances, elle peut être favorisée en premier lieu par la communication interne et en second lieu par une rémunération basée sur la performance. Ces résultats peuvent faire l’objet de recommandations pratiques aux dirigeants des sociétés industrielles au Maroc, afin de s’approprier les savoir-faire des sociétés étrangères en vue de confirmer la croissance économique queconnaît actuellement plusieurs secteurs économiques dans ce pays. / This research focuses on the concept of absorptive capacity, and the HRM mechanisms that can support knowledge acquisition from a foreign partner in strategic alliances in Morocco. We tried to identify some HRM practices on which managers can rely in order to obtain a capacity of assimilation and exploitation of knowledge and know-how of their foreign partners. During the first part of that research, we realized a state of the art on the concepts of strategic alliances, of the absorptive capacity and strategic HRM. This literature review has identified three assumptions about the competences andmotivation of employees. These two dimensions are presented as major vectors for the acquisition of absorptive capacity. To test these hypotheses, we chose a qualitative methodology and face to face interviews with company executives in the aviation industry in Morocco, this sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and in which we can observe the issues of transfer knowledge. The empirical examination of the assumptions has supported the role of employee competences. The latter can be promoted primarily through training and secondly by the evaluation. The second dimension is the motivation to acquire new knowledge, it can be promoted primarily by internal communication and secondly by a performance-based compensation. These results can be objects of practical recommendations to the leaders of industrial companies in Morocco, to acquire the expertise of foreign companies in order to confirm the economic growth currently being experienced several economic sectors in that country.