<p>In this thesis we analyze the macroeconomic impact of the tsunami in 2004 on the Sri Lankan economy. The theoretical framework we use, the Australian model of a developing economy, gives direct or indirect predictions for the development of a number of variables after a natural disaster. In our case, we believe that the main reason for developments of the output variables and the exchange rate is the extraordinary large and rapid inflow of foreign aid money. In summary, we find the overall impact of the tsunami on the Sri Lankan economy to be minor.</p>

In this thesis we analyze the macroeconomic impact of the tsunami in 2004 on the Sri Lankan economy. The theoretical framework we use, the Australian model of a developing economy, gives direct or indirect predictions for the development of a number of variables after a natural disaster. In our case, we believe that the main reason for developments of the output variables and the exchange rate is the extraordinary large and rapid inflow of foreign aid money. In summary, we find the overall impact of the tsunami on the Sri Lankan economy to be minor.

Yes / An ability to act upon an entrepreneurial opportunity has been noted to be a major driver of new venture success. However, scholarly knowledge is limited on how and when entrepreneurs’ alertness to entrepreneurial opportunities drives new venture success. The current study addresses this gap in the entrepreneurship literature by arguing that variations in new venture performance are a function of levels of entrepreneurial alertness and networking capabilities. Using primary data gathered from 203 new ventures operating in a sub-Saharan African economy, Ghana, the study finds that increases in the levels of entrepreneurial alertness are related to increases in new venture performance. Additionally, the study finds that, under conditions of increased use of social and business networking capabilities, the potency of entrepreneurial alertness as a driver of new venture success is amplified. Theoretical, managerial and policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Yes / This paper uses insights from the natural resource-based view (NRBV) to examine the conditions under which proactive environmental strategy (PES) drive firm performance. Using data collected from 266 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Ghana, the results suggest that the impact of PES on firm performance is more pronounced in firms that do not purse bottom of the pyramid (BOP) orientation but not significant for firms pursuing the BOP orientation. Besides, the findings show that the influence of PES on firm performance is amplified for firms adopting imitation orientation but not significant for non-imitation oriented firms. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Yes / Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine how export learning capability and export environmental turbulence serve as mechanisms and boundary conditions to link export market-oriented culture to export performance. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach was undertaken to analyse longitudinal data of 249 small- and medium-sized exporting firms in Nigeria, a Sub-Saharan African economy. Findings: Four major findings emerged from the study. First, export market-oriented culture positively influences export performance. Second, possessing an export market-oriented culture results in the development of high export learning capabilities. Third, export learning capability mediates the relationship between export market-oriented culture and export performance. Fourth, increases in export environment turbulence weaken the positive effect of export learning capability on export performance. Research limitations/implications: This study does not investigate moderating effects which might affect the relationship between export market-oriented culture and export learning capability as this was beyond the scope of this study. Originality/value: This study looks at developing economy environment as a unique context to examine the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of export market-oriented culture on export performance.