This diploma thesis is focused on developement of the small firm. It includes detailed analyses of the firm and proposals which needs to be implemented in order to improve its position on the market. Implementation of the proposals will also leeds to competitivness increase.

This study examines the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) framework as a tool for cooperative practice among Connecticut's municipal practitioners. The creation of a CEDS document is a prerequisite for municipalities wishing to access planning and public works funds of the Economic Development Administration (EDA). It is the primary means by which the EDA uniformly measures regional commitment to economic planning. With ever decreasing real funding levels and ever increasing demand, the EDA relies on its regional CEDS framework to evaluate the planning and implementation capacities of economic development organizations that cross political boundaries. This study examines the regional CEDS process and document from the municipal perspective, the claims that a CEDS developed through an inclusive process, driven by diverse stakeholders, results in lasting implementation strategies that are in greater adherence to regional goals; and that a well constructed CEDS document fosters greater cooperation among municipal officials in regional economies. The findings are based on primary data collection, including interviews and the surveying of two Connecticut CEDS regions and one control region that has not been involved in the creation of a CEDS. I use interviews and survey results from municipal stakeholders to assess the benefits and limitations of the CEDS process to economic development practice in Connecticut. This study finds participation in a regional CEDS is, by itself, insufficient to increase development of regional solutions. However, strong administrative leadership by various regional organizations participation in a CEDS increases inter-municipal communication and engagement in comprehensive economic development planning.

By reexamining the process of China's modernization centered on its population in the past half century, this paper explores the grim situation of China's population, historical factors, the relationship between population, resources and environment. Also, focused on controlling the size and improving the quality of China's population, this paper discusses how China's population policy coordinates with the sustainable development strategy. Based on statistics and preliminary data released by the Chinese government and international organizations, this paper analyzes specific problems and implication found under the framework of Western modernization theory, and concludes that China faces a dilemma on population problem and the sustainable development of society: China cannot improve its socioeconomic status and retain growth in population. Both the lower quality and higher quantity of China's population are the major causes of the vicious cycle of "huge increase in population -- shortage of resources -- environmental degradation".

In the recent decades, individual industries and whole sectors have been transformed due to the digital revolution. A combination of disruptive technologies and innovative business models, leading to new market opportunities and bringing unique values to customers. Companies that are primarily focused on the digitalization are able to scale their businesses faster and gain leading market positions. This thesis explored the impact of digitalization on the rail industry based on a business case by Bombardier Transportation (BT). Deregulation of the rail market and a focus on passengers’ experience was identified by BT as a business opportunity. Bombardier’s strategy was to extend products and services beyond those of a train operator, toward passengers. Bombardier initiated a project with code name “ON: BOARD” that was aimed at increasing journey experience by providing digital entertainment. However, the problem was the lack of knowledge regarding the passengers’ interest towards services provided under the scope of the project ON: BOARD, in particular in the Urban Area. The goal of this thesis was to observe passengers’ interest towards services of the project ON: BOARD traveling with Commuter trains in the area of Stockholm city. In order to meet the research goal and answer research questions, a qualitative method was selected. To be more precise, a survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted within a heterogeneous population. Non-probability quota-based sampling technique was selected. The collected data was analyzed based on descriptive statistical method, in particular, using one-way and cross-tabulation methods. Based on the research result the conclusion was following: passengers in the Urban area, in particular, commuter trains, were highly interested in the connectivity functionalities provided under the scope of project ON: BOARD. Thus, Bombardier was recommended to enter Urban Transport as the part of the market expansion strategy. / Under de senaste decennierna har individuella industrier och hela sektorer transformerats på grund utav den digitala revolutionen. En kombination av omvälvande teknologier och innovativa affärsmodeller har lett till nya marknadsmöjligheter och unika värden för kunder. Företag som är primärt fokuserade på digitalisering har möjligheten att snabbt skala deras affärsverksamhet och erhålla ledande marknadspositioner. Detta examensarbete har undersökt digitaliseringens effekt på järnvägsindustrin baserat på ett affärsfall av företaget Bombardier Transportation (BT). Avreglering av järnvägsmarknaden och fokus på passagerarupplevelse identifierades av BT som affärsmöjligheter. Bombardiers strategi var att utöka sina produkter och tjänster utöver det vanliga utbudet hos en tågoperatör, mot passagerare. Bombardier initierade ett projekt med kodnamn ”ON: BOARD” som syftade till att förbättra passagerarupplevelsen med hjälp av digital underhållning. En problematik uppstod dock på grund utav en bristande vetskap angående passagerarnas intresse om de tillhandahållna ON: BOARD-tjänsterna, speciellt i stadsområden. Målet med detta examensarbetet var att observera passagerarnas intresse av tjänster tillhandahållna via ON: BOARD, begränsat till pendeltåg runtom Stockholmsområdet. För att uppnå detta och att besvara de upprättade forskningsfrågorna valdes ett kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt. Det vill säga, en strukturerad enkätundersökning genomfördes inom en heterogen population. En icke-sannolikhetsbaserad och andelsbaserad samplingsteknik valdes som metod. Den insamlade datan analyserades med hjälp av statistiska metoder, framför allt användes ”one-way” och korstabulerings metoder. Baserat på resultaten och den efterföljande analysen tillhandahölls ledningen av BT rekommendationer. Utöver detta kartlades användarnas onlinebeteende med hjälp av resultaten och förslag till framtida forskning presenterades.

No description available.

This research aims to investigate the diverse uses of thermal springs and to develop strategies to identify those most appropriate for Sagole with due regard given to the economic, social and environmental aspects. The aim specifically determines the optimum use of the Sagole thermal spring. The following potential uses for Sagole were identified, discussed and analysed in terms of the environmental, social and economic aspects: tourism, aquaculture and geothermal education. The potential cost and benefit of each were also analysed. According to the research finding, the establishment of a Geothermal Education Centre appears to be the most sustainable project with the highest Feasibility Index. It is followed by Health Tourism and then Aquaculture. / Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Management)

傳統 PC市場在歷經高速成長後，已逐漸歷經高原期而邁入衰退期。面對這個連上下游都競爭十分激烈的環境，所有PC品牌商都面臨生存保衛戰，只是基於各自不同的競爭力而往不同的方向調整。個案公司透過觀察上游作業平台所建構之生態系統找出一個有別於傳統價值鏈垂直上下游整合的零和方法。經由盤點自身的核心能力，配合外部策略機會，找出了有別於其他PC品牌商的策略定位。透過建立平台，架構有利於自己的生態系統，再透過併購，策略投資，策略聯盟，合組合資公司的方法將擁有關鍵核心能力的廠商整合進這個生態系統，強化生態系統的競爭力。在以此吸引更多具有關鍵核心能力的廠商加入，壯大生態系統，產生正向循環。透過打群架的方法與其他生態系統合作或對抗。如此將可協助企業快速獲得轉型所需要培養的人才與能力，爭取時間度過轉型期，邁向新的事業高峰。

Destination management is nowadays one of the main trends in tourism. Final thesis is divided into two parts - theoretical and practical. Theoretical part is focused on destination management and strategic management of tourism in destination. Practical part contains analysis and evaluation of Tourism Development Strategy in Zilina selfgoverning region. It is dedicated to analysis of current situation in tourism of Zilina region and to its Tourism Development Strategy. Last chapter includes the evaluation of tourism and development potential in region of Zilina and the Tourism Develompent Strategy of Zilina selfgoverning region in period of 2007-2013 as well.

Understanding how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) support their growth strategies through the development of management capacity (MC) is of fundamental importance, particularly given the central role SMEs play in the economies of their respective countries, and the fact that there is a lack of research and useful theories in this specific field. The objective of this study is to develop a framework for MC development (MCD) in growth-oriented SMEs. This study builds on grounded theory by conducting 14 interviews with key informants: 12 founders/CEOs and 2 top managers of German SMEs (and former SMEs). Data analysis was performed by using the qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti. The major findings of the study are that, contrary to previous SME HR research, most companies in this study had formal processes for HR practices in place, and there was clear evidence of certain forms of strategic plans, the pursuit of strategic objectives and the taking of strategic decisions manifested itself. In addition, most participants considered their organisation to have an alignment between growth strategy and MCD strategy. However, implementing it into business practice was perceived as extremely challenging. This study thus contributes to the field of SHRM literature by showing how MC is instantiated in SMEs. Furthermore, there is, arguably, a valuable practical application of the research study as it provides growth-oriented SMEs with a clear and logical framework from which to develop MC pro-actively as a major facet of their growth strategy.

Thesis (M. A. (Social Work)) --University of Limpopo, 2017 / Refer to the document