Chinese economic growth has astounded the world of late, with China officially becoming the world’s second largest economy in August 2010. China has also been following a more outward-orientated economic stance over the past two decades and has actively been engaged in trade, aid and investment in the world economy. As China emerges as a new global economic powerhouse, analysts strive to understand the impact that the rise of China will have on the rest of the world. The possible economic impact of China on Africa is one of the most debated and often contentious aspects of studies regarding China. Sino-African relations, though certainly not a new phenomenon, have seen a significant impetus since 2000. A popular explanation for China’s recent engagement of Africa seems to be that China is hungry for resources needed to fuel its economic growth. This conception has led to much criticism of China’s increasing involvement in Africa, causing concern that China’s interest in Africa will entrench corruption and deepen the so-called resource curse experienced in many resource abundant African countries. China’s official policy on Africa, as embodied in its White Paper on Africa, which was released in 2006, and also in FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) refutes the notion of a neo-colonialist relationship with Africa. China’s official stance on Sino-African relations, as based on these documents, declares the need for a relationship based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty. Sino-African relations encompass many modes of economic interaction, including investment, trade and aid. This study focuses on Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Africa, and the possible impact thereof on Africa. It is an important issue since Africa is still the poorest continent in the world and needs to manage its resources carefully in order to enhance growth on the continent. FDI has also frequently been identified as a possible catalyst for growth in Africa. This study investigates the potential impact of Chinese FDI in Africa by means of a literature study which focuses on the theoretical relationship between FDI and economic growth in developing countries, and in Africa specifically. A survey of the literature on the relationship between FDI and economic growth published between 1998 and early 2010 shows that studies on this topic are varied and inconclusive. Though there is no proof of a positive, uni-directional relationship between FDI and economic growth, it is generally accepted that FDI can enhance economic growth in a host economy, given certain basic levels of educational attainment and institutional quality. Following the literature study, the state of global FDI is investigated, focusing on the volumes of nominal FDI flows that have been received by developed and developing countries between 1990 and 2008. As expected, developed countries dominated FDI inflows during this period. Africa, as a developing region, lagged behind most other developing regions in terms of FDI inflows during this period, though the continent has seen an exponential increase in nominal FDI receipts since 2000. Looking at developing regions, developing Asia received the largest volume of FDI inflows during the period 1990 to 2008, while Developing Oceania received the smallest inflows. A basic profile of Chinese investment in Africa is also provided, illustrating clearly that Chinese investment in Africa has been rising steadily since 2000 and 2006 in particular. The profile provides background information on the specific African countries, sub regions and economic growth performers that have received Chinese FDI during the period covered. Chinese investment in Africa is widespread, with 45 of the 53 African nations receiving FDI from China between 2003 and 2008. In contrast with more traditional investors, who focus mostly on North Africa, Chinese FDI to Africa during the period under revision was concentrated mostly in Southern Africa. Surprisingly, Chinese FDI was also aimed at the more diversified countries that had achieved sustainable economic growth rates in the preceding decade. The analysis of Chinese FDI also shows that Chinese firms follow an unconventional way of doing business, often undertaking the building of infrastructure in return for access to various natural resources, such as oil and other minerals. Using data obtained from the 2008 Statistical Bulletin of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, a basic cross-section panel model is estimated. The model investigates the determinants of Chinese FDI to Africa and finds that China’s motivations for investing in Africa are more diverse than initially suspected. Though oil is an important factor in attracting Chinese FDI, agricultural land and market size are also found to be significant factors which determine Chinese FDI flows to Africa. This study concludes that Chinese FDI in Africa between 2003 and 2008 does not follow the conventional, preconceived notion of Sino-African relations. Though resources are important considerations for Chinese investors in Africa, resource security is not the only motive for Chinese FDI in Africa. Africa could potentially benefit from increased Chinese FDI, though the challenge lies in strategically managing these investments in order to ensure that Africa reaps the highest possible growth and development spillover benefits. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Chinese economic growth has astounded the world of late, with China officially becoming the world’s second largest economy in August 2010. China has also been following a more outward-orientated economic stance over the past two decades and has actively been engaged in trade, aid and investment in the world economy. As China emerges as a new global economic powerhouse, analysts strive to understand the impact that the rise of China will have on the rest of the world. The possible economic impact of China on Africa is one of the most debated and often contentious aspects of studies regarding China. Sino-African relations, though certainly not a new phenomenon, have seen a significant impetus since 2000. A popular explanation for China’s recent engagement of Africa seems to be that China is hungry for resources needed to fuel its economic growth. This conception has led to much criticism of China’s increasing involvement in Africa, causing concern that China’s interest in Africa will entrench corruption and deepen the so-called resource curse experienced in many resource abundant African countries. China’s official policy on Africa, as embodied in its White Paper on Africa, which was released in 2006, and also in FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) refutes the notion of a neo-colonialist relationship with Africa. China’s official stance on Sino-African relations, as based on these documents, declares the need for a relationship based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty. Sino-African relations encompass many modes of economic interaction, including investment, trade and aid. This study focuses on Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Africa, and the possible impact thereof on Africa. It is an important issue since Africa is still the poorest continent in the world and needs to manage its resources carefully in order to enhance growth on the continent. FDI has also frequently been identified as a possible catalyst for growth in Africa. This study investigates the potential impact of Chinese FDI in Africa by means of a literature study which focuses on the theoretical relationship between FDI and economic growth in developing countries, and in Africa specifically. A survey of the literature on the relationship between FDI and economic growth published between 1998 and early 2010 shows that studies on this topic are varied and inconclusive. Though there is no proof of a positive, uni-directional relationship between FDI and economic growth, it is generally accepted that FDI can enhance economic growth in a host economy, given certain basic levels of educational attainment and institutional quality. Following the literature study, the state of global FDI is investigated, focusing on the volumes of nominal FDI flows that have been received by developed and developing countries between 1990 and 2008. As expected, developed countries dominated FDI inflows during this period. Africa, as a developing region, lagged behind most other developing regions in terms of FDI inflows during this period, though the continent has seen an exponential increase in nominal FDI receipts since 2000. Looking at developing regions, developing Asia received the largest volume of FDI inflows during the period 1990 to 2008, while Developing Oceania received the smallest inflows. A basic profile of Chinese investment in Africa is also provided, illustrating clearly that Chinese investment in Africa has been rising steadily since 2000 and 2006 in particular. The profile provides background information on the specific African countries, sub regions and economic growth performers that have received Chinese FDI during the period covered. Chinese investment in Africa is widespread, with 45 of the 53 African nations receiving FDI from China between 2003 and 2008. In contrast with more traditional investors, who focus mostly on North Africa, Chinese FDI to Africa during the period under revision was concentrated mostly in Southern Africa. Surprisingly, Chinese FDI was also aimed at the more diversified countries that had achieved sustainable economic growth rates in the preceding decade. The analysis of Chinese FDI also shows that Chinese firms follow an unconventional way of doing business, often undertaking the building of infrastructure in return for access to various natural resources, such as oil and other minerals. Using data obtained from the 2008 Statistical Bulletin of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, a basic cross-section panel model is estimated. The model investigates the determinants of Chinese FDI to Africa and finds that China’s motivations for investing in Africa are more diverse than initially suspected. Though oil is an important factor in attracting Chinese FDI, agricultural land and market size are also found to be significant factors which determine Chinese FDI flows to Africa. This study concludes that Chinese FDI in Africa between 2003 and 2008 does not follow the conventional, preconceived notion of Sino-African relations. Though resources are important considerations for Chinese investors in Africa, resource security is not the only motive for Chinese FDI in Africa. Africa could potentially benefit from increased Chinese FDI, though the challenge lies in strategically managing these investments in order to ensure that Africa reaps the highest possible growth and development spillover benefits. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Le collage direct consiste en la mise en contact de deux surfaces suffisamment lisses et propres pour créer une adhérence entre-elles, et ce sans apport de matière à l'interface des matériaux. Ce procédé est réalisable à l'échelle industrielle et compatible avec les procédés de la microélectronique. Il trouve son principal intérêt dans la réalisation de substrats innovants. Le plus célèbre d'entre eux est le substrat SOI (pour « Silicon On Insulator »). Depuis quelques années, une nouvelle voie s'est ouverte dans le collage direct en l'élargissant au collage de couches métalliques ce qui permet de répondre à de nouvelles applications en offrant par exemple conduction électrique et dissipation thermique. Ce travail de thèse a pour objectif d'analyser le comportement du collage direct de couches métalliques et de poser les premiers éléments de modélisation. La compréhension de ces fondamentaux est indispensable pour optimiser le procédé et permettre une intégration de cette technologie dans un grand nombre de dispositifs. Dans cette étude, des procédés de collage direct de couches de tungstène et de titane ont été développés à la lumière des pré-requis établis pour le collage direct. La caractérisation physico-chimique des interfaces de collage et de leur évolution en température ont permis de mettre en évidence le rôle clé de l'oxyde métallique. Il est montré que les mécanismes de collage sont gouvernés par des phénomènes de diffusion aux joints de grains et par l'instabilité de la couche d'oxyde piégée à l'interface de collage. Par ailleurs, les propriétés mécaniques et électriques des interfaces ont été étudiées. Enfin, la compréhension du comportement des interfaces en fonction de certains paramètres conduit à quelques recommandations pour réussir l'intégration du collage direct métallique. / Direct wafer bonding refers to a process by which two mirror-polished wafers are put into contact and held together at room temperature without any additional materials. This technology is feasible at an industrial scale and compatible with the microelectronic processes. Wafer bonding finds many interests applied to innovative substrates realization. Therefore the use of direct wafer bonding is growing and extending to various materials. Since few years direct bonding involving metallic layers presents many interests as it can offer, for example, vertical electrical conduction or heat dissipation. The aim of this work is to analyze the bonding behavior and to propose a first model describing the bonding driving forces. A precise understanding of these mechanisms is essential for the optimization and the technological integration of the process in various devices. In this study, tungsten and titanium bonding processes were developed. Physical and chemical bonding interfaces characterizations have highlighted the key role of the metallic oxide. We showed that bonding mechanisms are driven by grain boundary diffusion phenomena and the interface trapped oxide layer instability. Moreover, mechanical and electrical properties were also studied. Finally, the bonding behavior understanding in function of define parameters lead to some recommendations for the bonding process integration achievement.

The internationalisation of Chinese firms has attracted attention worldwide although most of Chinese MNEs are still in their early stage of internationalisation. Chinese firms internationalisation has unique characteristics due to their home country s unique political environment, culture and economic structure. This thesis aims to investigate the implications of both of short-term stock market performance and long-term operating performance of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by Chinese firms. Drawing on signalling theory and the institution-based view, the thesis firstly examines the extent of stock market reactions to the announcement of cross-border merger and acquisition (M&A) deals from a financial perspective, based on an event study of a sample of Chinese firms during the period 2000-2012. The findings indicate that Chinese firms cross-border M&As result in a positive stock market reaction. The shareholders of Chinese firms that acquire a target firm in a host country with a low level of political risk gain higher cumulative abnormal returns than those firms targeting companies in countries with a high level of political risk. However, the shareholders of Chinese state-owned enterprises experience lower abnormal returns compared with those of Chinese privately owned firms when engaging in cross-border M&A deals. The thesis further examines the impact of M&As on Chinese firms post-acquisition operating performance by integrating organisational learning theory with the institution-based view. The findings indicate that firms with serial cross-border M&As achieve better performance than those engaged in first-time cross-border M&As, and those with horizontal M&As perform better than those carrying out vertical M&As. The positive effects of acquisition experience and horizontal acquisitions on the post-acquisition performance of Chinese acquiring firms are reinforced by the institutional quality and language similarity of host countries. Finally, this thesis investigates from a management perspective how Chinese MNEs adopt different management strategies (e.g. expatriates and subsidiary autonomy) to respond to environmental challenges and improve the performance of overseas subsidiaries. Drawing on the resource dependence theory, this thesis examines the indirect effects of expatriates on subsidiary performance via subsidiary autonomy based on a survey sample of Chinese MNEs. The findings show that an increase in expatriates reduces the level of subsidiary autonomy and thus negatively affects subsidiary performance. This study also finds that the institutional quality of host countries reinforces the negative impact of expatriates on subsidiary autonomy, but reduces the importance of the latter on subsidiary performance.

abstract: This dissertation examines how direct selling organizations compel women to believe that direct selling is, among other things, centered on the needs of women. Drawing upon feminist interdisciplinary methodologies, this dissertation brings together qualitative, archival, and ethnographic materials to analyze direct selling through a technologies of gender framework. I argue that multi-level marketing direct selling companies (like Avon, Tupperware, Mary Kay, etc.) are able to turn belief into profits because they strategically tap into gender ideologies. I show that discursive technologies of gender coalesce with race and class discourses and are put to work by direct selling companies to construct a specific type of direct seller. This dissertation attempts to unpack the complex technologies of gender that direct selling women engage with while constructing their identities as workers and women. I argue that the companies in this study deliberately tap into women's anxieties and desires to blend their perceived gender roles with their need for income. I find that direct selling companies are exceptional at branding their businesses as uniquely suited for women and that this branding hinges upon the construction of a direct sales imaginary. I argue that the direct sales imaginary taps into powerful discourses of race, class, and gender to market the American dream to women who are seeking out a space that is empowering and inclusive. Because the direct selling industry tends to see an increase in profits and recruitment during economic recessions, it is likely that the current economic situation has channeled even more women toward direct sales as a fallback for uncertain economic futures. While some women may be inclined to view direct sales as an attractive employment alternative it is not a realistic means of supporting families during difficult economic times and this study might help some women make more informed decisions. Furthermore, this study brings to light how gender might be used to organize structural relationships between markets, people, and businesses. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Gender Studies 2013

Este estudo é uma reflexão sobre a prática de trabalho do registro sonoro sincrônico centrado na descrição e na análise dos procedimentos empregados na captação de som direto na realização dos longas-metragens brasileiros Contra todos e Antônia. A prática do registro sonoro sincrônico é conceituada como um método de trabalho compartilhado por uma categoria profissional, com procedimentos norteados por parâmetros técnicos que se conformaram precocemente no período de transição para o cinema sonoro durante a constituição do código de representação do cinema clássico norte-americano. Dependente da tecnologia, o método de trabalho de captação de som direto reestrutura-se com o advento de novas ferramentas, permitindo o surgimento de formas alternativas de realização. As experiências analisadas permitem perceber o amplo espectro de escolhas envolvidas na atuação do profissional do som direto, indicando a existência de uma componente criativa na aplicação e desenvolvimento desta prática de trabalho. Premissas particulares de realização, condicionantes orçamentárias e o advento de nova tecnologia estimulam o surgimento de procedimentos que dinamicamente reanimam o tradicional método de trabalho de captação de som direto. / This study is a reflection on the working methods of synchronous sound recording focusing on the description and analysis of the procedures used in the sound recording of the Brazilian feature films Contra todos and Antônia. The practice of synchronous sound recording is conceived as a working method shared by professional recordists, with procedures guided by technical parameters that surfaced very early in the transition period from silent to sound films, then to the establishment of representational standards of the American classical cinema. Being technology dependent, the working method of sound recording renews itself with the coming of new tools, that enables new ways of working. The experiences in focus reveal the broad spectrum of choices involved in the practice of the sound recordist, unveiling the existence of a creative component in the process. Production issues, budgetary constraints and the advent of new technology stimulate the emergence of procedures that dynamically reform the traditional working method in sound recording.

Dans cette thèse, nous développons une méthode d’estimation de l’effacement de consommation électrique d’un groupe de clients résidentiels. L’effacement, correspondant à une réduction de la puissance électrique sur une certaine durée, est désormais valorisé sur les marchés électriques et contribue à équilibrer le système électrique. Pour le quantifier, il faut estimer qu’elle aurait été la puissance appelée, i.e. la baseline, en l’absence de l’effacement. Ce dernier s’obtient alors par différence de la baseline et de la puissance réalisée. Les méthodes d’estimation de la baseline reposent sur des profils de consommation, des modèles de régression et des méthodes fondées sur un groupe de contrôle. Ces dernières offrent les résultats les plus précis mais déployer un groupe de contrôle aléatoire pour un usage opérationnel n’est pas envisageable.On s’intéresse donc à sélectionner un groupe de contrôle non-expérimental selon deux approches : la première emploie les caractéristiques observables des clients contrôles et la seconde leurs courbes de charge individuelles. Cette dernière idée consiste à sélectionner ces individus tels que la distance entre leur courbe de charge moyenne et celle du groupe recevant les effacements soit minimale. A cette fin, nous proposons un algorithme de sélection et adaptons les méthodes de régression sous contrainte, ridge et Lasso. Ces nouvelles méthodes procurent les meilleurs résultats. Enfin, pour estimer l’effacement en ligne, nous mettons en place un outil innovant qui associe un système de gestion de flux de données à un logiciel statistique / In this thesis, we develop a method in order to estimate the residential electricity demand reduction. The demand reduction or the curtailment, aiming at reducing the energy use during a short period, is currently enhanced on electricity markets and contributes to balance the electric system. To quantify it, one has to estimate the consumption, i.e. the baseline, which would have been used in the absence of the demand reduction. The curtailment is then obtained by subtracting the metered load during the demand reduction event from the baseline. The baseline estimation methods rely on day or weather matching methods, regression models and control group approaches. These one give the more accurate results but deploying a randomized control group is not possible for an operational use.We are then interested in selecting a non-experimental control group according to two approaches: the first uses the observable characteristics of the control customers and the second their individual load curves. This last idea consists in selecting those individuals such that the distance between their average load curve and that of the demand reduction group is minimal. To this end, we develop a forward selection algorithm and apply the constrained regression methods, ridge and Lasso. These methods provide the best results. Finally, we set up an innovative process which links a data flow module with a statistical software and allows to estimate the demand reduction on-line.

The master's thesis deals with analysis of use of direct marketing in Československá obchodní banka, a.s. The aim of this thesis is to introduce use of direct marketing in the bank and the process of realization of direct campaigns. Further the aim of this thesis is to analyze financial investments in direct marketing in Československá obchodní banka, a.s. and reveal successful and failed campaigns. On the example of successful and failed campaigns there is conducted analysis and are defined reasons why given campaigns are successful and unsuccessful. For failed campaign there are proposed solutions and improvements.

Cette thèse étudie le rôle des IDE dans les PVD. Le chapitre 1 examine l’interaction entre les IDE et les APD. Les résultatsagrégés révèlent que l'effet substituable des APD sur les IDE contrebalance son effet complémentaire. Les résultatsdésagrégés montrent que les APD aux intrants complémentaires complètent les IDE dans le capital physique alors que lesAPD dans le capital physique prennent la place de leur homologue IDE. Par contre, les IDE aux intrants complémentaires se comportent comme leur contrepartie APD. Le chapitre 2 étudie les différences en termes de performance entre les firmes étrangères et domestiques. Les firmes étrangères sont plus productives, moins rentables et s’accroissent plus rapidement que les firmes domestiques. D’autre part, elles survivent mieux que les firmes domestiques. En outre, nous indiquons aussi qu’il existe les prix de transfert et le coût irrécupérable parmi les firmes étrangères au Vietnam. Le chapitre 3 considère le comportement des exportateurs au Vietnam. Nous constatons que la répartition des intensités d'exportation au Vietnam affiche une forme de U comme celle des pays fortement engagés aux CVM. En examinant les primes à l'exportation, nous démontrons que les exportateurs de transformation sont moins productifs et paient des salaires plus bas que les exportateurs ordinaires et même que les non-exportateurs. Cette tendance est plus évidente parmi les firmes étrangères et celles localisant dans les zones non tarifaires. En conclusion, même si l'IDE se présente une source importante d'entrée de capitaux pour les PVD, des analyses plus détaillées sont nécessaires pour mieux comprendre leurs effets sur une économie. / This thesis investigates the role of FDI in developing economies. Chapter 1 examines the interaction between FDI andODA. Our aggregated results reveal that the substitutable effect of ODA on FDI overbalances its complementary effect.Disaggregated results show that ODA in complementary inputs complements FDI in physical capital while ODA in physicalcapital substitutes its counterpart FDI. Moreover, FDI in complementary inputs behaves like its counterpart ODA. Chapter2 checks the difference in performance between foreign and domestic firms. We find that foreign firms are more productive,less profitable and grow faster than domestic firms. Moreover, they survive better than Vietnamese ones. Additionally, wealso indicate that there exist the transfer mispricing and the sunk cost among foreign firms in Vietnam. In chapter 3, weinvestigate the firms’ export behavior. We find that the distribution of export intensities in Vietnam displays a U-shapedpattern like the one found for countries strongly engaged in GVCs. By examining the export premia, we indicate thatprocessing exporters are less productive and pay lower wages than non-processing exporters and even than non-exporters.This pattern is more obvious among foreign firms and firms in the non-tariff zone. To conclude, even if FDI represents animportant source of growth for developing countries, more disaggregated analyses are still needed to better understand their effects on an economy.