Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Irvine, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 245-255).

CNPq / Este trabalho tem por objetivo propor um modelo que possa auxiliar as empresas pertencentes a redes horizontais de empresas a identificar e melhorar o nível de maturidade no Sistema de Gestão da Qualidade (SGQ). Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica por meio de uma metodologia diferenciada de pesquisa e seleção de trabalhos científicos, sendo analisados todos aqueles publicados no período de Janeiro de 1994 a Junho de 2013 e disponibilizados no Portal Periódicos CAPES, formando um portfólio bibliográfico especializado para a proposição dos métodos, ferramentas e modelos para proposição de identificação e melhoria do nível de maturidade no SGQ. Este portfólio alicerçou a identificação das variáveis que fundamentaram a ferramenta de assimilação do nível de maturidade, assim como no reconhecimento das ferramentas de gestão da qualidade baseado na proposição das técnicas que auxiliam estas empresas na busca pelo nível máximo em SGQ. Assim com essa base, propôs-se um Modelo que permite a construção de uma base estruturada para avaliar o desempenho evolutivo dos níveis de Gestão da Qualidade em redes horizontais. Por fim, o modelo foi aplicado a um Aglomerado Produtivo do setor metal-mecânico, situado na cidade de Ponta Grossa – PR e como principais resultados, obteve-se um modelo com uma estrutura metodológica de aplicação simples e objetiva, permitindo sua aplicação em qualquer tipologia regional, estadual, nacional e em empresas isoladas, atribuindo ao modelo alto nível de aplicabilidade. Além deste, o modelo possui uma flexibilidade considerável de adaptação, sendo possível a inserção ou remoção de variáveis na ferramenta de análise do nível de maturidade. Ele ainda permite que cada empresa analise criticamente quais ferramentas irão implementar a sua estratégia a partir da viabilidade econômica. / This study aimed to propose a model that may assist businesses owned by horizontal networks of companies to identify and improve the level of maturity in the quality management system (QMS). For this, a literature review was conducted through a different methodology of research and selection of scientific papers, being analyzed all scientific papers published from January 1994 to June 2013 and made available on the Journals Portal CAPES, forming a portfolio specialized bibliographic to the proposition of the methods, tools and models for identification and improvement of the proposition level of maturity in the QMS. This portfolio has the identification of variables that substantiate the identification of tool maturity level, as well as in the identification of quality management tools that was based on the proposition of the techniques that helps these companies in the search for maximum level in QMS. So with that base, proposed a model that allows the construction of a structured basis to evaluate the performance of evolutionary levels of quality management in horizontal networks. Finally, the model was applied to a Productive Cluster of the metal-mechanic sector, situated in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. The main results obtained, a model with a methodological framework for implementing simple and objective, allowing its application in any regional, State, national typology and in isolated companies, assigning to the high level of model applicability. Besides this, the model has considerable flexibility to adapt, being possible the insertion or removal of variables in the analysis tool maturity level. The model allows that each company analyze critically what tools will implement from the economic feasibility and strategy of the company.

Capes / Este trabalho tem por objetivo propor um modelo para análise da gestão do desempenho em redes horizontais de empresas. Para isto, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica sistematizada, construindo um portfólio de artigos baseado no estudo de fatores que afetam o desempenho em redes horizontais de empresas e na proposição de modelos e ferramentas para análise da gestão do desempenho nestes ambientes de colaboração. A partir desse portfólio definiu-se as perspectivas de avaliação e os fatores de desempenho para a construção do modelo. Para estruturação do modelo utilizou- se o método multicritério de apoio à decisão AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) para a valoração e classificação em níveis de importância das perspectivas de avaliação (PSPs). Os valores obtidos por meio da aplicação do método AHP, em conjunto com a estrutura de diagnóstico dos fatores de desempenho, compuseram um Diagrama Gestão do desempenho individual X Gestão do desempenho na rede, o qual possibilita analisar a evolução da gestão do desempenho em níveis da rede e nível individual de cada empresa constituinte dessa. Por fim, o modelo foi aplicado em uma rede horizontal de empresas do setor de Tecnologia da Informação situada na cidade de Ponta Grossa, Paraná. Como principais resultados desta pesquisa, o modelo mostrou-se consistente para gerar diagnósticos da situação de empresas, tanto em nível individual quanto em rede. Também foi possível, usando o modelo desenvolvido, realizar um diagnóstico específico para cada perspectiva de avaliação, o que torna possível a realização de um benchmarking entre as empresas, proporcionando uma avaliação detalhada e pontual de fatores que mais comprometem o desempenho da empresa em nível individual e global. / This study aims to propose a model for performance management analysis in horizontal networks of companies. For this, we carried out a systematic review, building a portfolio of articles based on the study of factors that affect performance in horizontal networks of companies and propose models and tools for analysis of performance management in these collaborative environments. From this portfolio defined the perspectives of evaluation and performance factors for the construction of the model. To structure the model we used the multi-criteria method to support decision AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) for the valuation and classification of levels of importance of perspectives assessment (PSPs). The values obtained by applying the AHP, together with the diagnostic performance factors of the structure, composed a diagram administration of the individual X-performance network performance management, which makes it possible to analyze the evolution of performance management on levels of network and individual level of each constituent company of this. Finally, the model was applied in a horizontal network of companies in the information technology sector in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná. The main results of this research, the model was consistent to generate diagnoses of the situation of companies, both individually and networking. It was also possible, using the developed model, make a specific diagnosis for each evaluation perspective, which makes it possible to perform a benchmarking between companies, providing a detailed and timely assessment of factors that compromise the company's performance at the individual level and global.

This qualitative study of networks of entrepreneurs in the mobile technology industry in three ecosystems - Kathmandu, Nairobi and London - examines perceptions and attitudes of entrepreneurs related to their networking activities. The focus is on understanding the entrepreneurs' motivations for, and benefits and risks of networking, as well as the overall trends of development of the three ecosystems, which are very different from each other in terms of socioeconomic circumstances. The findings provide new insights into the link between the concept of a community of supportive peers and the acquisition of subjective resources, such as self-efficacy and legitimacy, while also supporting conclusions of earlier empirical and theoretical work linking networks with the acquisition of resources necessary for founding and building a new firm. A comparison of results across the three ecosystems uncovers a strong tendency towards institutional convergence of the three ecosystems based on a model inspired by the Silicon Valley experience. The mechanisms through which this is found to occur are mimesis and storytelling, motivated primarily by learning goals and the pursuit of legitimacy for entrepreneurial action in the mobile technology industry, as well as for the individual ventures. The overall finding emerging from the cases is that, despite significant differences, the three ecosystems are reliant on a shared pool of relevant information and knowledge, via the Internet and through personal and organizational connections. They resemble one another not only in terms of resources sought by entrepreneurs through their networks, but also in the ways entrepreneurs signal their purpose and value to their community, and in the way the describe their environment - through references to other entrepreneurship ecosystems. In the absence of an existing theoretical approach to analyzing convergence of diverse entrepreneurship ecosystems, the study proposes a framework based on DiMaggio and Powell's theory of institutional isomorphism, and integrating the works of Wiewel and Hunter, on legitimacy-building by association through networks, and Djelic, on the process of cross-national transfer, or export, of economic models. The type of isomorphism perceived is termed "aspirational," since it is found to occur in the context of pursuing a specific outcome previously achieved by the application of a particular institutional model. The difference between "aspirational isomorphism" and behaviours described by DiMaggio and Powell lies in the interpretation and adaptation of a model that can then be embedded in a nascent institutional environment (in this case, an entrepreneurial ecosystem). Rather than pure mimesis, aspirational isomorphism is a flexible and creative endeavor.

[pt] A adoção da Arquitetura Orientada a Serviços (SOA) tem possibilitado a formação de redes de negócios nas quais cada parceiro obtém automaticamente as informações de que precisa para atingir o máximo de eficiência. Quando em uma rede de negócios há mais de um parceiro provendo um mesmo serviço, surge o desafio de determinar qual deles é o mais indicado para atender a uma solicitação. Esta dissertação apresenta uma arquitetura de software e a implementação de um protótipo que permite a definição de critérios complexos para a mediação de serviços baseada tanto em dados técnicos (disponibilidade e tempo de resposta) como funcionais (preço, reputação, localização geográfica, etc.). Nosso objetivo é explorar os aspectos práticos desta mediação, as tecnologias utilizadas e a flexibilidade da solução. / [en] The Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) adoption has been enabling the raise of business networks in which each partner gets automatically the information needed to achieve maximum efficiency. When there is more than one partner providing the same service on a business network, comes the challenge of determining which one is best suited to receive a given request. This dissertation presents a software architecture and a prototype implementation that allows the definition of complex criteria to service mediation, based on both technical (availability, response time) and functional data (price, reputation, geographical location, etc.). Our goal is to explore the practical aspects of this mediation, the technologies used and the solution flexibility.

Various types of business and social networks are discussed as crucial to overcome obstacles of internationalization in order to compensate insufficient findings related to the accessibility of resources through different types of networks. This knowledge is important to generate because resources are even considered to have positive impacts on international performance and growth of companies. Overcoming obstacles of internationalization is achieved through the sharing of various resources that are beneficial for internationalization processes. A web-based survey is conducted among companies operating in the health technology industry in order to gain additional insights related to the accessibility of resources through business networks, that are either self-established or founded by a third party, and social networks. Moreover, it is evaluated what type of resources improves the outcome of international performance and growth best. It is found that self-established business networks offer sufficient access to resources whereas third-party founded business networks and social networks provide only limited access. Financial resources are not provided through any of the discussed networks. However, especially smaller companies founded after the year 2000 profit from the accessibility of resources through networks. Moreover, market, reputational, human and physical resources are identified to have the most significant impact on the outcome of a company’s international performance. The size of the research sample does not allow any analysis related to the impact of resources on international growth. / Going Global - Innovative strategies for international growth

Capes / Este trabalho teve por objetivo desenvolver e aplicar uma metodologia de avaliação e planejamento para redes horizontais de empresas com base em seu ciclo de vida. Para isto, foi desenvolvido um processo de Revisão Bibliográfica Sistemática de Literatura, utilizando a metodologia Methodi Ordinatio. Como resultado obteve-se um portfólio de 38 artigos alinhados com o tema, sendo esses os utilizados como base para o desenvolvimento da metodologia. A partir do portfólio bibliográfico identificou-se 62 variáveis que foram alocadas por semelhança em 11 grupos, após isto esses 11 grupos foram dados o nome de características e proposto um modelo híbrido de 4 fases (embrionário, desenvolvimento, maturidade e, declínio e ruptura) baseado em 10 autores. Para a classificação das características com auxílio dos especialistas foi utilizado o Método de Borda e as 62 variáveis foram transformadas em questões que foram aplicadas no Núcleo Setorial de Tecnologia da Informação situada na cidade de Ponta Grossa - PR. Após a aplicação da metodologia, foi constatado com base nas respostas das empresas contidas no Núcleo Setorial, que o mesmo se encontra na fase embrionária. A metodologia mostrou-se de fácil aplicação, permitindo elaborar um cenário com as variáveis a ser melhoradas pela rede e quais empresas são as mais indicadas para compartilhar as informações para que as outras consigam se desenvolver, com o objetivo de atingir a fase de desenvolvimento e futuramente a fase maturidade. / The aim of this study was to develop and apply a management and assessment method for horizontal cooperation networks based on its life cycle. A systematic literature review was conducted in several scientific database in order to identify among the selected papers the most relevant ones using the Methodi Ordinatio. A portfolio of 38 papers addressing the subject was used as a reference to develop our method. Through the systematic review we identified 62 variables that were clustered in 11 groups. With the assistance of experts, those groups were characterized and transformed in a survey using the Borda’s method. The survey was applied in the Information Technology Centre located in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. As a result, a model based in four stages (embryonic, growth, maturity, and decline) was proposed. Based on the survey’s responses we verified that the IT Centre lies on the embryonic stage. Our method proved to be easily applicable, allowing to provide the best scenario and the variables that should be improved in the network. Moreover, it is possible to indicate which companies are more suitable to share the information that will allow other companies to develop, achieving therefore the growth and maturity stages, respectively.

Capes / Este trabalho teve por objetivo desenvolver e aplicar uma metodologia de avaliação e planejamento para redes horizontais de empresas com base em seu ciclo de vida. Para isto, foi desenvolvido um processo de Revisão Bibliográfica Sistemática de Literatura, utilizando a metodologia Methodi Ordinatio. Como resultado obteve-se um portfólio de 38 artigos alinhados com o tema, sendo esses os utilizados como base para o desenvolvimento da metodologia. A partir do portfólio bibliográfico identificou-se 62 variáveis que foram alocadas por semelhança em 11 grupos, após isto esses 11 grupos foram dados o nome de características e proposto um modelo híbrido de 4 fases (embrionário, desenvolvimento, maturidade e, declínio e ruptura) baseado em 10 autores. Para a classificação das características com auxílio dos especialistas foi utilizado o Método de Borda e as 62 variáveis foram transformadas em questões que foram aplicadas no Núcleo Setorial de Tecnologia da Informação situada na cidade de Ponta Grossa - PR. Após a aplicação da metodologia, foi constatado com base nas respostas das empresas contidas no Núcleo Setorial, que o mesmo se encontra na fase embrionária. A metodologia mostrou-se de fácil aplicação, permitindo elaborar um cenário com as variáveis a ser melhoradas pela rede e quais empresas são as mais indicadas para compartilhar as informações para que as outras consigam se desenvolver, com o objetivo de atingir a fase de desenvolvimento e futuramente a fase maturidade. / The aim of this study was to develop and apply a management and assessment method for horizontal cooperation networks based on its life cycle. A systematic literature review was conducted in several scientific database in order to identify among the selected papers the most relevant ones using the Methodi Ordinatio. A portfolio of 38 papers addressing the subject was used as a reference to develop our method. Through the systematic review we identified 62 variables that were clustered in 11 groups. With the assistance of experts, those groups were characterized and transformed in a survey using the Borda’s method. The survey was applied in the Information Technology Centre located in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. As a result, a model based in four stages (embryonic, growth, maturity, and decline) was proposed. Based on the survey’s responses we verified that the IT Centre lies on the embryonic stage. Our method proved to be easily applicable, allowing to provide the best scenario and the variables that should be improved in the network. Moreover, it is possible to indicate which companies are more suitable to share the information that will allow other companies to develop, achieving therefore the growth and maturity stages, respectively.

Les réseaux d’entreprises sont des formes organisationnelles conduisant à un certain nombre d’avantages pour les entreprises qui en sont membres. Pour ces dernières, cette forme organisationnelle présente l’intérêt de ne pas supprimer leur autonomie ni leur indépendance, tout en bénéficiant des avantages liés aux rapprochements inter-organisationnels. De par cette particularité, les réseaux comprennent ainsi deux niveaux organisationnels distincts mais indissociables : le niveau organisationnel des entreprises membres et le niveau organisationnel du réseau. Avant de bénéficier des avantages auxquels conduit l’organisation en réseau, il est nécessaire qu’il soit construit par les organisations qui en sont à l’origine. Dans le temps, la construction du réseau conduit à un certain renforcement de son degré de néguentropie, se traduisant par une complexification sur le long-terme. Cette complexification s’opère tout en conservant l’autonomie et l’indépendance des organisations qui en sont membres. Peu de recherches se sont intéressées à cette question de la construction des réseaux. Cette thèse propose d’y répondre un utilisant l’approche par les oppositions paradoxales (approche par les paradoxes et approche par les dialectiques), qui permet de prendre en considération l’indissociabilité du double niveau organisationnel des réseaux. Par le biais d’une étude de cas appliquée à un réseau d’entreprises dans le secteur horticole de la région angevine, nous cherchons à identifier comment les objectifs de chacun des deux niveaux organisationnels contribuent à la construction du réseau en question et au renforcement de son degré de néguentropie. / Business networks are organizational forms that lead to a number of benefits for business members. For the latter, this organizational form has the advantage of not eliminating their autonomy or their independence, while benefiting from the advantages linked to inter-organizational reconciliations. In this way, the networks thus comprise two distinct but inseparable organizational levels : the organizational level of the member companies and the organizational level of the network. Before benefiting from the advantages of networking, it is necessary that it be built by the organizations that are at the origin of it. In time, the construction of the network leads to a certain strengthening of its degree of negentropy, resulting in a long-term complexification. This complexity takes place while preserving the autonomy and independence of the member organizations. Little attention has been paid to this question of network construction. This thesis proposes to answer it using a paradoxical approach (paradoxical approach and dialectical approach), which makes it possible to take into account the indissociability of the dual organizational level of networks. Through a case study applied to a network of companies in the horticultural sector of the Angevin region, we seek to identify how the objectives of each of the two organizational levels contribute to the construction of the network in question and to the reinforcement of its degree of negentropy.

As the increase in competition in the market has risen, so has the number of new business arrangements. Among these, horizontal business networks stand out. Horizontal business networks are groups of businesses in the same business field that share costs, exchange information and increase their buying power, thus making themselves more competitive than larger and more prepared competitors in the domestic and international markets. Currently in Rio Grande do Sul there are more than 100 horizontal business networks, created with governmental support or started by self-employed business owners. Networks can be found in various industries, such as construction material, bakeries, hotels, video rental stores, agro-industries, pharmacies, supermarkets, and furniture businesses. The object is always the same, to increase competitiveness of the participants. This study of multiple cases, involving four business networks from the areas of industry and commerce, with the participation of 89 businesses, identifies and analyzes the factors that stimulate and restrict the formation and development of horizontal business networks in Rio Grande do Sul. It verifies that the culture of collaboration of the participating businesses of the networks, together with the organizational aspects of the collective undertaking, constitute the principle factors that influence obtaining competitive results in the networks researched. Results show that when a mutual effort is made among the factors described, a positive cycle occurs that brings growth to those who participate. The use of appropriate mechanisms for the growth of the culture of collaboration and the honesty of the organization of the network are aspects that can contribute significantly so that the network achieves competitive results. Considering that the present work involved only four business networks out of hundreds, it is suggested that new research be conducted involving a larger number of networks to increase the understanding of the subject and confirm the result obtained in this study. / O aumento da competição pelo mercado tem levado ao surgimento de novos arranjos organizacionais. Entre esses, destacam-se as redes horizontais de empresas, nas quais organizações de um mesmo segmento de negócio dividem custos, trocam experiências, qualificam-se e aumentam seu poder de barganha, tornando-se mais competitivas diante dos competidores maiores e mais bem preparados, tanto no mercado interno quanto externo. No Rio Grande do Sul existem atualmente mais de 100 redes horizontais de empresas, criadas com o apoio governamental ou a partir de iniciativas autônomas dos empresários. Podem ser encontradas redes em segmentos tão variados quanto lojas de materiais de construção, padarias, hotéis, videolocadoras, agroindústrias, farmácias, supermercados ou fábricas de móveis, sempre com o objetivo de aumentar a competitividade dos seus participantes. A partir de um estudo de casos múltiplos, envolvendo quatro redes de empresas dos segmentos indústria e comércio, com a participação de 89 empresários, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e analisar os fatores que estimulam ou restringem a formação e desenvolvimento de redes horizontais de empresas no Rio Grande do Sul. Verificou-se que a cultura de colaboração dos empresários participantes das redes, juntamente com os aspectos organizacionais do empreendimento coletivo, constituem-se nos principais fatores influentes para a obtenção de resultados competitivos nas redes pesquisadas. Ressalta-se ainda que ocorre um reforço mútuo entre os fatores descritos, em um ciclo positivo no qual um leva ao incremento do outro. A utilização de mecanismos adequados para o aumento da cultura de colaboração e para a correta organização da rede são aspectos que podem contribuir significativamente para que a rede atinja bons resultados competitivos. Considerando-se que o presente trabalho envolveu apenas quatro redes de empresas de um universo de mais de uma centena, sugere-se que sejam realizadas novas pesquisas envolvendo um número maior de redes, com o objetivo de aumentar a compreensão sobre o assunto e confirmar os resultados obtidos.