This research aims towards gaining a deeper understanding in how a manager’s previous experience influence which foreign entry mode chosen by a Swedish SME, where the manager acts as the decision-maker. Interviews were held with managers from different Swedish firms in order to collect empirical data that thereafter were analysed. In order to get a deeper understanding as to how the experience influenced the choice of entry mode, a qualitative research were implicated. The theory is based upon a conceptual framework where the managers previous experience is divided into educational background, international experience and position tenure. Furthermore, the conceptual framework includes the Uppsala Model, which the thesis is based upon, and entry modes as this is where focus lays. From the conceptual framework, the empirical findings and analysis is structured as a combined chapter. Based on the theory, empirical findings and analysis, a conclusion is presented, with the aim of answering the research question and also to fill the research gap regarding how a manager’s previous experience influence the choice of entry mode for Swedish SMEs. That a manager’s previous experience influenced was understood, however, that international experience influenced the choice to a higher extent is presented. An additional main implication is how the manager could be placed in line with the Uppsala Model, where the choice of entry modes can vary and incrementally shift to another entry mode as a manager gain experiential knowledge.

Submitted by Adriana Alves Rodrigues (aalves@espm.br) on 2018-05-30T16:17:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula Lopes Marinho_SEM CORREÇÃO.pdf: 1214456 bytes, checksum: d293fc6403b539cac1bc495ed4a5cdd7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Alves Rodrigues (aalves@espm.br) on 2018-05-30T16:17:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula Lopes Marinho_SEM CORREÇÃO.pdf: 1214456 bytes, checksum: d293fc6403b539cac1bc495ed4a5cdd7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Alves Rodrigues (aalves@espm.br) on 2018-05-30T17:50:54Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula Lopes Marinho_SEM CORREÇÃO.pdf: 1214456 bytes, checksum: d293fc6403b539cac1bc495ed4a5cdd7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-30T18:05:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula Lopes Marinho_SEM CORREÇÃO.pdf: 1214456 bytes, checksum: d293fc6403b539cac1bc495ed4a5cdd7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-12-12 / This research deals with one of the theoretical approaches to international business to demonstrate how exporters are behaving in the foreign market. The main challenge of this study was to investigate the implementation of its new product development activities in other countries to see if part of the process can assume global configuration from the strategic combination of entry mode. The theories that were relevant to this empirical study highlight the theoretical advances on (1) the internationalization of the company's operations (Hymer, 1960; Vernon, 1966; Williamson 1971, 1975; Buckley & Casson 1976; Johanson & Vahlne 1977; Barter & Hesterly, 2008), which can be used to determine the value chain in the development of technology (Porter, 1990; Roter & Norman, 1990; Wen-Cheng et al., 2011; Casson et al., 2016) and (3) innovation and the evolution of models of innovation systems (Cooper, 1990, 2006, Von Zedtwitz, Birkinshaw, 2007; Keegan, 1997; Wheelwright & Clark, 1992a). The theoretical reference was selected with the purpose of combining the consistent aspects between them and integrating the approaches to the explanation of the phenomenon under analysis. The hypothesis considered is that the stages of conceptualization, development and testing of exporters' products can be carried out globally in a disaggregated way and not only in the local market. The type of the research is exploratory, quantitative approach, using the survey method. The results of this investigation showed that different mechanisms of interaction at different borders are enabling exporters to develop new product development practices in the exterior in a disaggregated way. Therefore, our main contribution is to present new theoretical perspectives that even the company classified as an exporter, that is, a beginner in the international market, can have advanced levels of internationalization in one of the stages of the value chain, in opposition to the literature of internationalization that defends the gradual entry into international markets. The study may contribute to the managers of the organizations to explore new product development activities in a decentralized way abroad. / Esta pesquisa trata uma das abordagens teóricas de negócios internacionais para demonstrar como as exportadoras estão se comportando no mercado externo. O principal desafio deste estudo foi investigar a execução de suas atividades de desenvolvimento de novos produtos em outros países para verificar se parte do processo podem assumir configuração global a partir da combinação estratégicas de modo de entrada. As teorias que se mostraram relevantes para este estudo empírico ressaltam os avanços teóricos sobre (1) internacionalização das operações da empresa (Hymer, 1960; Vernon, 1966; Williamson, 1971, 1975; Buckley & Casson, 1976; Johanson &Vahlne, 1977; 1990; Rugman, 1980; Dunning, 1981; Porter, 1990; Knight & Cavusgil, 2015), (2) cadeia de valor com ênfase em desenvolvimento de tecnologia (Porter 1986, 1990; Rozhan & Norman, 2011; Barney & Hesterly, 2008; 1990; Wen-Cheng et al., 2011; Casson et al., 2016) e (3) inovação e a evolução dos modelos dos sistemas de inovação (Cooper, 1990; 2006; Von Zedtwitz, 2015; Chesbrough, 2007, Hansen & Birkinshaw, 2007; Keegan, 1997; Wheelwright & Clark, 1992ª). O referencial teórico foi selecionado com o propósito de combinar os aspectos consistentes entre si e integrar as abordagens à explicação do fenômeno em análise. A hipótese considerada é de que as etapas de conceitualização, desenvolvimento e testes do produto das exportadoras podem ser realizadas globalmente de forma desagregada e não apenas no mercado local. O tipo da pesquisa é exploratória, abordagem quantitativa, utilizando-se o método survey. Os resultados desta investigação mostraram que diferentes mecanismos de interação em diferentes fronteiras estão possibilitando que as exportadoras realizemno exterior práticas de desenvolvimento de novos produtos de forma desagregada. Logo, nossa principal contribuição é apresentar novas perspectivas teóricas de que mesmo a empresa classificada como exportadora, ou seja, iniciante no mercado internacional, podem ter níveis avançados de internacionalização em uma das etapas da cadeia de valor, contrapondo a literatura de internacionalização que defende a entrada de forma gradual em mercados internacionais. O estudo pode contribuir com os gestores das organizações a explorarem no exterior as atividades de desenvolvimento de novos produtos de forma descentralizada.

Through analysis of the impact of international automobile manufacturers to enter the China market factors, summarized in its mode of entering the Chinese market to explore the automotive industry in Taiwan to enter the Chinese market is likely to choose. The study found that lower costs and increase the diversity of products to major automobile manufacturers are two main factors, which entered the Chinese market, the time difference will lead to the same entry mode, but joint ventures and wholly-owned is still the main mode.

隨著全球化的浪潮、亞洲國家的經濟發展，時尚與精品產業在亞洲市場的發展已經漸趨成熟，紛紛以設立子公司或合資的方式營運，這也導致以代理國外品牌在台灣銷售的代理商的生存空間受到了壓縮，本研究透過探討在台灣代理時尚與精品品牌的代理商與品牌商國際合作關係時，如何增加績效，一方面降低代理權被取消的風險，加強雙方合作的關係，一方面發展代理商的核心價值，追求成功的商業模式。 在研究方法上採用個案研究法（Case study），透過次集資料的搜集，包括了產業的介紹和回顧了國際進入策略、交易成本理論和代理理論的相關文獻，佐以個案公司訪談，探討如何提升代理商的績效，分析結果後歸納提出命題。 本研究整理了七個命題如下，代理商可以透過以下方法強化績效： 1. 代理商行銷能力越強。 2. 代理商的財務能力及規模越大。 3. 代理商越有優良的代理績效與信用。 4. 代理商與品牌商的非正式“關係”經營的越成功。 5. 代理商發展代理商專屬的通路品牌越成功。 6. 代理商對於品牌VIP顧客關係的經營、維持越成功。 7. 代理商代理品牌數越多，越能強化代理商的績效。 如此一來，在國際代理關係中不再扮演被動角色，而是能主動尋找機會，有效降低經營的風險且強化代理商的核心價值。 / Due to the globalization and the economic development in Asian countries, the market performances of fashion and luxury brands are boosting in recent years. Many brands choose to open their own branches in Asian countries rather than find a local agent. Local agents help oversea manufactures or brands to distribute the products in local markets, but foreign manufactures often viewed agent contracts as a temporary entering strategy. This is becoming a crucial threat for the agents. How agents strength their performance in order to build their own competitive advantage? This study aims to address this issue. I define the fashion and luxury goods industry by introducing the market segmentation and business models within the industry. And then we reviewed the literature based on international entry strategy, transaction cost theory, and agency theory. Based on the literature, we conducted interviews with five Taiwanese agents in fashion and luxury sectors to discover this thesis with seven hypothesizes. By these seven hypothesis agents can improve the performance: 1. The agent should develop the brand building marketing skill. 2. The agent should enhance financial ability and expand capital size. 3. The agent should build up a better credits and reputation. 4. The agent should develop better “Guanxi” in order to strength the performance. 5. The agent should build it’s own distribution channel brand. 6. The agent should foster the relationship with VIP customers. 7. The agent should represent more brands.

Submitted by Ricardo Lemos (rlemos@attglobal.net) on 2014-06-28T22:03:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao LEMOS RICARDO defesa 20140528.pdf: 1043994 bytes, checksum: c79fec21de18e6a8c73e1bf24fc24374 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Luiza Holme (ana.holme@fgv.br) on 2014-06-30T13:04:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao LEMOS RICARDO defesa 20140528.pdf: 1043994 bytes, checksum: c79fec21de18e6a8c73e1bf24fc24374 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-30T13:11:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao LEMOS RICARDO defesa 20140528.pdf: 1043994 bytes, checksum: c79fec21de18e6a8c73e1bf24fc24374 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-05-28 / The internationalization of organizations can be noticed as international transactions grow at a rapid pace. Amongst several alternatives, internationalization frameworks developed and analyzed have been mainly used, in academic studies, to portray the process of internationalization of industries; however, its application in other sectors is still very incipient. Social entrepreneurship,which can be described as the organization or person trying to meet a need or solve a problem of a social nature using business methods, gradually has also sought the internationalization process, nevertheless there are still very few studies that depict the process of internationalization of social enterprises. The aim of this study was to compare the strategies and internationalization process of social enterprises with the traditional theory of internationalization verifying if the traditional framework could be applied to the internationalization process. Social entrepreneurship in Brazil is quite significant, but remains limited to the borders of the country. For this reason, the object of our study was social enterprise internationalizing into Brazil. Here we analyzed, through the exploratory qualitative research approach based on in-depth interviews, two oragnizações who came to Brazil. The results arising from these interviews showed different patterns and processes and as a result, we present the dynamics found for the internationalization of social enterprises. / A internacionalização de organizações pode ser observada como um envolvimento crescente em transações internacionais. Dentre as diversas modalidades e alternativas de internacionalização, os modelos estudados têm sido usados principalmente para retratar o processo de internacionalização de indústrias, sendo sua aplicação em outros setores de atividade ainda muito incipientes. O empreendimento social, isto é, a organização ou pessoa que tenta atender a uma necessidade ou resolver um problema de cunho social utilizando métodos empresariais, aos poucos também tem buscado o processo de internacionalização, mas são poucos os estudos que retratam o processo de internacionalização de empreendimentos sociais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar as estratégias e o processo de internacionalização de empreendimentos sociais, com a teoria tradicional de internacionalização verificando se o modelo tradicional pode ser aplicado para compreender o processo (de internacionalização). O empreendimento social no Brasil é bastante significativo, mas de maneira geral permanece limitado às fronteiras do país. Por este motivo, o objeto de nosso estudo foram empreendimentos sociais que se internacionalizaram em direção ao Brasil. Aqui analisamos, através de pesquisa qualitativa pela abordagem exploratória a partir de entrevistas em profundidade, duas organizações que vieram para o país. Os resultados oriundos dessas entrevistas demonstraram padrões e processos diferentes e, como resultado, apresentamos a dinâmica encontrada na internacionalização de empreendimentos sociais.

Submitted by Maria Alejandra Calvache (alecalvache16@hotmail.com) on 2016-02-04T22:23:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 THESIS FINAL VERSION REVISED.pdf: 805774 bytes, checksum: e5b313a6f2ef9f8dd9654ad4e4641fa6 (MD5) / Rejected by Ana Luiza Holme (ana.holme@fgv.br), reason: Maria Alejandra, The number of the pages should count from the first page but only appear in the introduction Ex: Introcution page 10. Best. Ana Luiza 3799-3492 on 2016-02-05T11:34:43Z (GMT) / Submitted by Maria Alejandra Calvache (alecalvache16@hotmail.com) on 2016-02-05T17:18:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 THESIS FINAL VERSION REVISED.pdf: 806138 bytes, checksum: 8149af036255fcd333f46d724d7df774 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Luiza Holme (ana.holme@fgv.br) on 2016-02-05T17:20:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 THESIS FINAL VERSION REVISED.pdf: 806138 bytes, checksum: 8149af036255fcd333f46d724d7df774 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-02-11T10:27:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 THESIS FINAL VERSION REVISED.pdf: 806138 bytes, checksum: 8149af036255fcd333f46d724d7df774 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-01-08 / The 'Born Global' phenomenon refers to companies that regard the global market as their natural context and that start their internationalization process very early after inception. Traditional theories like the Uppsala model no longer can explain this process. Therefore, other theories have been emerging, such as the network perspective. There are some studies related to this field, mainly performed in developed countries with small markets and open economies. However, very few studies have been done in developing economies. Moreover, there are limited researches regarding the choice of entry mode and market selection of born global firms. Consequently, this study pretends to describe the main factors influencing the choice of entry mode and market selection of born global companies from developing economies. The focus of the research is the software industry and a multiple case study was performed to three companies in Ecuador. The methodology included in-depth interviews to founders as well as collection of secondary data. Drawing from empirical evidence, it was found that the main factors influencing entry mode choice are financial constraints, expected revenues, internationalization speed, niche markets and previous business experience of founders. On the other hand, market selection is influenced by similarities in language and culture, niche markets and network relations. / O fenômeno 'Born global' refere-se a empresas que consideram o mercado global como seu contexto natural e que iniciam seu processo de internacionalização muito cedo após sua criação. As teorias tradicionais como o modelo de Uppsala não conseguem explicar este processo. Portanto, outras teorias têm surgido, como a perspectiva de redes. Existem alguns estudos relacionados a esta área, principalmente realizados em países desenvolvidos com pequenos mercados e economias abertas. No entanto, poucos estudos têm sido feitos em economias em desenvolvimento. Além disso, o número de pesquisas quanto à escolha do modo de entrada e seleção de mercados das empresas 'born global' é bastante limitado. Consequentemente, este estudo pretende descrever os principais fatores que influenciam a escolha do modo de entrada e seleção de mercados das empresas, de economias em desenvolvimento, nascidas globais. O foco da pesquisa é a indústria de software e um estudo de casos múltiplo foi realizado com três empresas no Equador. A metodologia incluiu entrevistas com fundadores, bem como a coleta de dados secundários. Com base na evidência empírica, verificou-se que os principais fatores que influenciam a escolha do modo de entrada são as restrições financeiras, as receitas esperadas, a velocidade de internacionalização, mercados nicho e a experiência empresarial anterior dos fundadores. Por outro lado, a seleção de mercado é influenciada por semelhanças de língua e cultura, mercados nicho e relações em rede.

Cette thèse a pour objet d’effectuer une étude approfondie des IDE chinois et d’analyser la stratégie et l’organisation des entreprises chinoises en France. Pour cela, nous étudions les principales motivations d’investissement des entreprises chinoises en France, leurs modes d’entrée sur le marché français ainsi que les différentes façons de contrôler leurs filiales en France. Nous utilisons la méthodologie qualitative pour cette recherche. Au total, nous avons interviewé dix-sept entreprises chinoises ayant réalisé des IDE en France. Nos résultats montrent que la recherche de marchés et d’actifs stratégiques sont les principales motivations des IDE chinois en France. Le gouvernement chinois joue un rôle de promoteur dans le processus d’internationalisation des entreprises chinoises en France. Les entreprises chinoises préfèrent entrer en France par une filiale en propriété exclusive. Les cadres locaux jouent un rôle clé dans la gestion des filiales des entreprises chinoises en France. / This thesis aims to carry out an in-depth study on Chinese FDI, to analyse the strategy and organization of Chinese companies in France. For this, we study the main investment motivations for Chinese companies in France, their entry modes into the French market, and the different ways of controlling their subsidiaries in France. We used a qualitative methodology for this research. In total, we interviewed seventeen Chinese companies that carried out FDI in France. Our empirical findings indicate that market-seeking and strategic assets seeking are the main motivations for Chinese FDI in France. The Chinese government plays a role of promoter in the process of internationalization of Chinese companies in France. Chinese companies prefer to enter into France through wholly owned subsidiaries. Local managers play a key role in the management of the subsidiaries of Chinese firms in France.

Submitted by Gustavo Duarte Pimenta (gustavo.pimenta@aes.com) on 2012-09-14T14:11:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Gustavo Pimenta - Dissertação MPFE - vFinal4.pdf: 155130 bytes, checksum: 13a9f1c944e938153edb425c6c2539ee (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Suzinei Teles Garcia Garcia (suzinei.garcia@fgv.br) on 2012-09-14T14:24:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Gustavo Pimenta - Dissertação MPFE - vFinal4.pdf: 155130 bytes, checksum: 13a9f1c944e938153edb425c6c2539ee (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-09-14T15:11:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gustavo Pimenta - Dissertação MPFE - vFinal4.pdf: 155130 bytes, checksum: 13a9f1c944e938153edb425c6c2539ee (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-15 / The drivers for entry and expansion modes of multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been studied by several authors over the last decades but empirical results have been historically mixed. More recently, Hennart (2009) argued that the reason for the inconsistent results to date resided in the fact that prior theories assumed that local markets could be freely accessed based on a unilateral decision by the MNEs, and then proposes an alternative framework in which the entry and expansion modes of MNEs in foreign countries are a solution based on the relative efficiency of both markets. In this study, the proposed framework is tested against the prior theories based on investments made by U.S.-based MNEs in Brazil from 2005 to 2010. The results suggest that the local market characteristics, more specifically the concentration ratio at the firm and asset levels, are indeed important to influence the entry and expansion mode of U.S.-based MNEs in Brazil, reinforcing the argument against MNEs-centric theories. However, differently from Hennart’s proposition, we were not able to confirm the hypotheses that the MNEs skills are relevant to influence the final solution. We have also tested whether the difference in growth rate between the two countries could be a driver for MNEs to favor acquisition over greenfield given the opportunity cost of postponing the investments. The test result, based on our sample, was not able to confirm this hypothesis.

Cette thèse se propose d’étudier le rôle de l’hétérogénéité des entreprises multinationales dans leurs stratégies d’investissements directs à l’étranger (IDE). Si de précédents travaux soulignent l’importance de la productivité individuelle des entreprises dans le fait de devenir une multinationale, peu évoquent l’hétérogénéité restante entre ces entreprises pour expliquer les différences de choix de mode d’entrée ou de motif d’implantation à l’étranger. A travers des approches théoriques et empiriques innovantes, basées sur l’utilisation de données confidentielles d’entreprises françaises, nous montrons que l’hétérogénéité des entreprises détermine chacun des trois aspects stratégiques détaillés dans cette thèse : Le taux de contrôle à l’étranger, le motif d’implantation et la structure du réseau de filiales. Plus précisément, la productivité et l'expérience de la firme favorisent un contrôle accru des filiales étrangères, leur importance relative dépendant du pays hôte. Ces caractéristiques sont également associées à une intégration plus profonde dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales, ainsi qu’à la constitution d'un réseau d’implantations plus original. Ces résultats permettent une meilleure compréhension des choix des multinationales, au-delà de l’apparente complexité des flux d’IDE. / This thesis examines the role of firms´ heterogeneity in the Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) strategies. We already know firms’ heterogeneity to sharply distinguish between domestic firms, exporters and multinationals (MNEs). Yet, to what extent it impacts their foreign direct investments (FDIs) strategies among MNEs is rarely evoked, while several entry mode choices and FDI motives coexist. Mixing both theoretical and empirical innovating approaches using French firm-level data, the four chapters of this PhD dissertation reveal that the firm heterogeneity influences all of the three dimensions of strategies we review: foreign ownership mode, FDI motive and structure of the overall network of affiliates. Specifically, firm-level productivity and international experience foster deeper integration with a changing relative importance according to the host country. They are also associated with production motives and vertical integration into the global value chains. The more productive firms also display original affiliates’ network structure. These findings allow a better understanding of multinationals’ choices underneath the ``complex’’ global picture of FDI flows

The internationalization strategies of multinational corporations (MNCs) in emerging frontier markets in Africa (EFMA) have become a subject of growing interest due to the region's dynamic economic landscape and untapped potential. This study aims to identify the factors affecting MNCs' market selection and mode of entry into EFMA. Drawing from an extensive literature review, a conceptual framework was developed to guide the analysis. Empirical insights were gathered through case studies and institutional reports of diverse MNCs operating in EFMA. The results show a nuanced interaction between variables that affect MNCs' choices. Market potential emerges as the main factor influencing market choice, driven by a growing customer base and demand for products and services. The choice of market and the means of entrance are both influenced by the availability of resources, particularly raw materials and natural resources. A favorable regulatory environment that ensures transparency, consistency, and adherence to international standards is then shown to play a pivotal role. Results showcased that political stability, cultural adequacy, and social responsibility are crucial in mitigating risks and fostering sustainable relationships within EFMA. Findings also revealed that operational efficiency is significantly impacted by the quality of the infrastructure, which includes telecommunications, energy supply, and transportation. MNCs adopt diverse entry modes, such as joint ventures, acquisitions, and greenfield investments, tailored to specific market contexts. The research underscores the importance of a nuanced approach to navigating EFMA's challenges and opportunities that feed their motives. As a synthesis of academic literature and real-world insights, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors that MNCs consider when entering and operating in EFMA markets. The resulting findings provide useful information to practitioners, legislators, and scholars who are trying to understand the complexity of doing business internationally in emerging frontier markets in Africa.