O presente estudo tem por objetivo mensurar e avaliar a prontidão para exportar das Indústrias Paulistas utilizando, para isso, o referencial teórico presente na literatura sobre Estratégia e Marketing Internacional e o software CORE (Company Readiness to Export) desenvolvido pela Michigan State University. Como anseios adicionais, espera-se aferir a aplicabilidade deste software à realidade brasileira e levantar hipóteses sobre as políticas públicas passíveis de serem implementadas no sentido de fomentar a exportação de indústrias do Brasil. Este trabalho apoiou-se em pesquisa descritiva, realizada em uma amostra aleatória composta de 393 empresas industriais sediadas no Estado de São Paulo. As principais conclusões apontam para a falta de prontidão da indústria paulista para a atividade exportadora e, simultaneamente, sugerem estratégias e ações alternativas para superar essas dificuldades. O método de análise de dados incluiu a elaboração de modelos de regressão linear e múltipla para detectar a influência das variáveis independentes avaliadas (porte, setor, ação internacional, presença de capital estrangeiro) sobre a variável dependente Prontidão para Exportar. / This study has the objective of measuring and evaluating the readiness to export of Manufacturing Companies from São Paulo (Brazilian State) using the theoretical mainframe present in the literature about International Strategy and Marketing and the software CORE (Company Readiness to Export) developed by Michigan State University. As secondary aims, it is expected to gauge the applicability of this software to the Brazilian context and to raise hypothesis over public policies capable of being implemented in order to foment the Brazilian manufacturers exports. This work is sustained in a descriptive research, conducted on a random sample composed of 393 manufacturing companies based in São Paulo State. The main conclusions point to the lack of readiness to export of manufacturing companies based in São Paulo State and, simultaneously, suggest strategies and alternative actions to overcome these difficulties. The data analysis method included the elaboration of multiple and simple regression models to detect the influence of the independent variables (size, industry, international action, presence of international capitals) over the dependent variable Readiness to Export.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Flinders University, School of Politics and International Studies. / Typescript bound. Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 336-398) Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Southampton, 1987. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 237-251).

O presente trabalho buscou, através de um estudo múltiplo de casos, explanar o processo de internacionalização da micro e pequena empresa brasileira, identificando os principais indutores desse fenômeno e analisando a relação existente entre a atividade exportadora dessas empresas e a formação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis. O acesso a mercados externos é percebido, em geral, como um processo de desenvolvimento gradual e a questão da competitividade é abordada à luz de dois ângulos distintos: o paradigma SCP (structure-conduct-performance) e a teoria baseada em recursos (resource-based view). Esta última abordagem, de modo particular, ampara-se na idéia de que as empresas possuem recursos diferenciados, os quais, agrupados em processos distintos, dão origem ao conceito de atividades de valor, formando as capacidades internas que possibilitam à organização apresentar desempenhos acima da média em seu ramo de atuação.Para avaliar a formação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis, proporcionadas pelas capacidades singulares alcançadas por cada empresa, utilizou-se a metodologia do Balanced Scorecard (BSC), gerando-se um conjunto de indicadores que possibilitassem avaliar a tendência de desempenho da organização em áreas-chave para o seu sucesso atual e futuro. O uso dessa metodologia, efetivado através de quatro diferentes perspectivas de análise, permitiu um entendimento adequado do funcionamento das empresas pesquisadas, principalmente a respeito da combinação e integração de suas atividades de valor e dos fatores críticos para o sucesso no mercado externo. Os resultados apontaram para a confirmação do modelo gradualista de inserção internacional, com ressalva para as situações de exportação passiva e indireta. Os ganhos de reputação foram identificados como importante resultado do ingresso no mercado internacional e o tamanho da empresa não foi avaliado como fator restritivo. A formação de vantagens competitivas e a permanência da firma na atividade exportadora estão fortemente relacionados ao incentivo à constante formação técnico-gerencial, à adequação da estrutura organizacional à participação no cenário internacional, ao comprometimento progressivo de recursos internos para o comércio exterior e aodesenvolvimento de atividades focadas em estudo, seleção e exploração de novos mercados externos. / The present study sought, through a study of multiple cases, explain the process of internationalization of the micro and small Brazilian company, identifying the key inducers of this phenomenon and analyzing the relationship between the exporting activity of these companies and the formation of sustainable competitive advantages. Access to foreign markets is perceived, in general, as a process of gradual development and the issue of competitiveness is discussed in the light of two different angles: the paradigm SCP (structure-conduct-performance) and the theory based on resources (resource-based view). This last approach, in particular, seek refuge in the idea that the companies have different resources, which grouped into separate processes, give rise to the concept of value activities , forming the internal capabilities that enable the organization to present above- the-average performances in their field of expertise. To assess the formation of sustainable competitive advantages, brought about by the singular capabilities achieved by each company, the methodology of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) was used, generating a set of indicators that enable to assess the tendencies of the organization's performance in key areas for its current and future success. Using this methodology, effected through four different perspectives of analysis, enabled an understanding of the proper functioning of the surveyed companies, mainly about the combination and integration of its value activities and the critical factors to the success in external markets. The results pointed to the confirmation of the gradualist model of international insertion, with exception for cases of passive and indirect export. Gains of reputation were identified as important result of the entry in the international market and the size of the company has not been evaluated as a restrictive factor. The formation of competitive advantages and the permanence of the firm in the exporting activity are strongly linked to the constant encouragement of technical and managerial training, the adequacy of the organizational structure to participation in the international arena, the ongoing commitment of internal resources for foreign trade and development of activities focused on study, selection and operation of new foreign markets.

O presente trabalho buscou, através de um estudo múltiplo de casos, explanar o processo de internacionalização da micro e pequena empresa brasileira, identificando os principais indutores desse fenômeno e analisando a relação existente entre a atividade exportadora dessas empresas e a formação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis. O acesso a mercados externos é percebido, em geral, como um processo de desenvolvimento gradual e a questão da competitividade é abordada à luz de dois ângulos distintos: o paradigma SCP (structure-conduct-performance) e a teoria baseada em recursos (resource-based view). Esta última abordagem, de modo particular, ampara-se na idéia de que as empresas possuem recursos diferenciados, os quais, agrupados em processos distintos, dão origem ao conceito de atividades de valor, formando as capacidades internas que possibilitam à organização apresentar desempenhos acima da média em seu ramo de atuação.Para avaliar a formação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis, proporcionadas pelas capacidades singulares alcançadas por cada empresa, utilizou-se a metodologia do Balanced Scorecard (BSC), gerando-se um conjunto de indicadores que possibilitassem avaliar a tendência de desempenho da organização em áreas-chave para o seu sucesso atual e futuro. O uso dessa metodologia, efetivado através de quatro diferentes perspectivas de análise, permitiu um entendimento adequado do funcionamento das empresas pesquisadas, principalmente a respeito da combinação e integração de suas atividades de valor e dos fatores críticos para o sucesso no mercado externo. Os resultados apontaram para a confirmação do modelo gradualista de inserção internacional, com ressalva para as situações de exportação passiva e indireta. Os ganhos de reputação foram identificados como importante resultado do ingresso no mercado internacional e o tamanho da empresa não foi avaliado como fator restritivo. A formação de vantagens competitivas e a permanência da firma na atividade exportadora estão fortemente relacionados ao incentivo à constante formação técnico-gerencial, à adequação da estrutura organizacional à participação no cenário internacional, ao comprometimento progressivo de recursos internos para o comércio exterior e aodesenvolvimento de atividades focadas em estudo, seleção e exploração de novos mercados externos. / The present study sought, through a study of multiple cases, explain the process of internationalization of the micro and small Brazilian company, identifying the key inducers of this phenomenon and analyzing the relationship between the exporting activity of these companies and the formation of sustainable competitive advantages. Access to foreign markets is perceived, in general, as a process of gradual development and the issue of competitiveness is discussed in the light of two different angles: the paradigm SCP (structure-conduct-performance) and the theory based on resources (resource-based view). This last approach, in particular, seek refuge in the idea that the companies have different resources, which grouped into separate processes, give rise to the concept of value activities , forming the internal capabilities that enable the organization to present above- the-average performances in their field of expertise. To assess the formation of sustainable competitive advantages, brought about by the singular capabilities achieved by each company, the methodology of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) was used, generating a set of indicators that enable to assess the tendencies of the organization's performance in key areas for its current and future success. Using this methodology, effected through four different perspectives of analysis, enabled an understanding of the proper functioning of the surveyed companies, mainly about the combination and integration of its value activities and the critical factors to the success in external markets. The results pointed to the confirmation of the gradualist model of international insertion, with exception for cases of passive and indirect export. Gains of reputation were identified as important result of the entry in the international market and the size of the company has not been evaluated as a restrictive factor. The formation of competitive advantages and the permanence of the firm in the exporting activity are strongly linked to the constant encouragement of technical and managerial training, the adequacy of the organizational structure to participation in the international arena, the ongoing commitment of internal resources for foreign trade and development of activities focused on study, selection and operation of new foreign markets.

O presente estudo tem por objetivo mensurar e avaliar a prontidão para exportar das Indústrias Paulistas utilizando, para isso, o referencial teórico presente na literatura sobre Estratégia e Marketing Internacional e o software CORE (Company Readiness to Export) desenvolvido pela Michigan State University. Como anseios adicionais, espera-se aferir a aplicabilidade deste software à realidade brasileira e levantar hipóteses sobre as políticas públicas passíveis de serem implementadas no sentido de fomentar a exportação de indústrias do Brasil. Este trabalho apoiou-se em pesquisa descritiva, realizada em uma amostra aleatória composta de 393 empresas industriais sediadas no Estado de São Paulo. As principais conclusões apontam para a falta de prontidão da indústria paulista para a atividade exportadora e, simultaneamente, sugerem estratégias e ações alternativas para superar essas dificuldades. O método de análise de dados incluiu a elaboração de modelos de regressão linear e múltipla para detectar a influência das variáveis independentes avaliadas (porte, setor, ação internacional, presença de capital estrangeiro) sobre a variável dependente Prontidão para Exportar. / This study has the objective of measuring and evaluating the readiness to export of Manufacturing Companies from São Paulo (Brazilian State) using the theoretical mainframe present in the literature about International Strategy and Marketing and the software CORE (Company Readiness to Export) developed by Michigan State University. As secondary aims, it is expected to gauge the applicability of this software to the Brazilian context and to raise hypothesis over public policies capable of being implemented in order to foment the Brazilian manufacturers exports. This work is sustained in a descriptive research, conducted on a random sample composed of 393 manufacturing companies based in São Paulo State. The main conclusions point to the lack of readiness to export of manufacturing companies based in São Paulo State and, simultaneously, suggest strategies and alternative actions to overcome these difficulties. The data analysis method included the elaboration of multiple and simple regression models to detect the influence of the independent variables (size, industry, international action, presence of international capitals) over the dependent variable Readiness to Export.

O presente trabalho buscou, através de um estudo múltiplo de casos, explanar o processo de internacionalização da micro e pequena empresa brasileira, identificando os principais indutores desse fenômeno e analisando a relação existente entre a atividade exportadora dessas empresas e a formação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis. O acesso a mercados externos é percebido, em geral, como um processo de desenvolvimento gradual e a questão da competitividade é abordada à luz de dois ângulos distintos: o paradigma SCP (structure-conduct-performance) e a teoria baseada em recursos (resource-based view). Esta última abordagem, de modo particular, ampara-se na idéia de que as empresas possuem recursos diferenciados, os quais, agrupados em processos distintos, dão origem ao conceito de atividades de valor, formando as capacidades internas que possibilitam à organização apresentar desempenhos acima da média em seu ramo de atuação.Para avaliar a formação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis, proporcionadas pelas capacidades singulares alcançadas por cada empresa, utilizou-se a metodologia do Balanced Scorecard (BSC), gerando-se um conjunto de indicadores que possibilitassem avaliar a tendência de desempenho da organização em áreas-chave para o seu sucesso atual e futuro. O uso dessa metodologia, efetivado através de quatro diferentes perspectivas de análise, permitiu um entendimento adequado do funcionamento das empresas pesquisadas, principalmente a respeito da combinação e integração de suas atividades de valor e dos fatores críticos para o sucesso no mercado externo. Os resultados apontaram para a confirmação do modelo gradualista de inserção internacional, com ressalva para as situações de exportação passiva e indireta. Os ganhos de reputação foram identificados como importante resultado do ingresso no mercado internacional e o tamanho da empresa não foi avaliado como fator restritivo. A formação de vantagens competitivas e a permanência da firma na atividade exportadora estão fortemente relacionados ao incentivo à constante formação técnico-gerencial, à adequação da estrutura organizacional à participação no cenário internacional, ao comprometimento progressivo de recursos internos para o comércio exterior e aodesenvolvimento de atividades focadas em estudo, seleção e exploração de novos mercados externos. / The present study sought, through a study of multiple cases, explain the process of internationalization of the micro and small Brazilian company, identifying the key inducers of this phenomenon and analyzing the relationship between the exporting activity of these companies and the formation of sustainable competitive advantages. Access to foreign markets is perceived, in general, as a process of gradual development and the issue of competitiveness is discussed in the light of two different angles: the paradigm SCP (structure-conduct-performance) and the theory based on resources (resource-based view). This last approach, in particular, seek refuge in the idea that the companies have different resources, which grouped into separate processes, give rise to the concept of value activities , forming the internal capabilities that enable the organization to present above- the-average performances in their field of expertise. To assess the formation of sustainable competitive advantages, brought about by the singular capabilities achieved by each company, the methodology of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) was used, generating a set of indicators that enable to assess the tendencies of the organization's performance in key areas for its current and future success. Using this methodology, effected through four different perspectives of analysis, enabled an understanding of the proper functioning of the surveyed companies, mainly about the combination and integration of its value activities and the critical factors to the success in external markets. The results pointed to the confirmation of the gradualist model of international insertion, with exception for cases of passive and indirect export. Gains of reputation were identified as important result of the entry in the international market and the size of the company has not been evaluated as a restrictive factor. The formation of competitive advantages and the permanence of the firm in the exporting activity are strongly linked to the constant encouragement of technical and managerial training, the adequacy of the organizational structure to participation in the international arena, the ongoing commitment of internal resources for foreign trade and development of activities focused on study, selection and operation of new foreign markets.

La littérature récente en commerce international et macroéconomie a souligné le rôle majeur de grandes firmes dans les résultats agrégés d'une économie. Les grandes firmes influencent, inter alia, les fluctuations économiques, les performances à l'exportation et les inégalités de salaires et de coût de la vie. Il est donc crucial de saisir comment les grandes firmes émergent et se comportent. Cette thèse s'intéresse à trois aspects de cette question. Premièrement, j'étudie comment les firmes ajustent la qualité de leurs produits à une intensification de la compétition "low-cost" sur les marchés étrangers. Pour ce faire, je développe une nouvelle méthode d'estimation de la qualité des produits au niveau firme et je trouve que les firmes augmentent leur qualité en réponse à la compétition "low-cost". Deuxièmement, j'examine la manière dont les firmes ajustent leurs ventes lorsqu'un choc de demande (e.g., une récession) frappe une de leurs destinations. Dans le cadre de l'industrie du Champagne durant la récession de 2000-2001, je montre que les firmes ré-allouent leurs ventes vers les marchés dont les conditions de demandes sont plus favorables. Cela suggère un nouveau mécanisme de diffusion internationale des chocs. Finalement, je regarde la manière dont les firmes ajustent leur taille et leur mix de capital et travail lorsque la régulation du travail contraint plus fortement les grandes firmes. Dans le cas du seuil de 50 employés en France, je trouve que les firmes se contractent et substituent du travail au capital pour limiter le coût de la régulation. Au niveau macro, mes résultats suggèrent que la régulation profite aux travailleurs mais pas aux détenteurs de capital. / Recent literature in international economics and macroeconomics has pointed to the major role played by large firms in shaping aggregate economic outcomes. Large firms influence, inter alia, economic fluctuations, performance on export markets and inequalities between workers and between consumers. It is therefore crucial to understand how large firms emerge and behave. In the present thesis, I look at three independent aspects of this question. First, I study how exporting firms adjust the quality of the products they export in response to an intensification of "low-cost" competition in foreign markets. To this end, I develop a new method to estimate the quality of products at the firm-level and I find evidence that firms upgrade quality in response to "low-cost" competition. Second, I investigate the way exporting firms adjust their sales when a demand shock (e.g. an economic recession, a war) occurs in one of their destinations. In the context of the Champagne wine industry during the 2000-2001 economic recession, I show that firms reallocate their sales toward markets where demand conditions are relatively more favorable. Lastly, I look at the way firms adjust their size and their mix of capital and labor in response to labor regulations which are more binding to large firms. I find that firms shrink and substitute capital for labor to mitigate the labor cost of the regulation. At the aggregate level, preliminary results suggests that workers gain from the regulation while capital owners lose.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Doctor of Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background In recent times, the internationalization of nursing education and the collaboration with international academic partners has become a priority of academic institutions’ strategic plans and visions. This coupled with the fact that the world has entered a critical period in terms of addressing health and preparing nurses to address health needs has made this study timeous. In view of these historical challenges, nursing education institutions, nursing colleges and universities with nursing faculties in South Africa have, in recent years, engaged in international partnerships. These collaborative partnerships have influenced the delivery and facilitation of transnational nursing education (TNE) or cross-border nursing programmes, both nationally and internationally. Challenges raised with regards to TNE delivery systems are often related to issues revolving around academic design and implementation. Further issues such as the differences between the host institution’s general goals, the academic programs, student characteristics and social and cultural dimensions as compared to the awarding institution, add to these challenges. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives and practices and experiences of nursing education institutions, academic leaders and graduates, who were involved in TNE. Based on the findings of this study, the ultimate aim was to develop guidelines for the implementation of TNE in NEIs. Methodology A qualitative multiple case-study approach was employed to explore institutional perspectives and practices related to TNE. The population comprised nursing education institutions, academic leaders and nursing graduates that were involved in TNE programs. In order to draw comparison between South African TNE practices and perspectives with international best operating practices relating to TNE, other global academic leaders and institutions involved in this type of education were invited to participate in the study. Institutional records were analysed for descriptions and patterns related to conceptual issues, structures and processes that are known to impact either negatively or positively on TNE. Results The study findings revealed that access to ‘importing’ and ‘exporting’ of nursing programs are still faced with many challenges by all stakeholders. It was also revealed that the lack of guidance during TNE ventures allude to cross-border nursing education being a ‘for profit’ arrangement. From the findings the researcher was able to propose and develop guidelines for the implementation of TNE for nursing education institutions, academic leaders and students. It is hoped that these guidelines will be considered as a tool to improve TNE delivery in terms of quality assurance, accreditation, registration, and qualification recognition. / D

Doctor Legum - LLD / African countries are faced with the daunting task of providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for their natural resources. This is at both the international and domestic level. The statement is particularly true for emerging African oil producing countries. Related to the above, it can be argued that production quotas, subsidies, and corruption continue to hinder the full liberalisation of the oil sector globally, and in Africa. Also, these three areas are the genesis of some of the prominent issues in the discussions of trade in energy goods. Although Africa is substantially endowed with natural resources like crude oil, it remains at the bottom of the development pecking order; accordingly, it has to get centrally involved in the debate on the regulation of international trade in oil to encourage development and to benefit from the resource. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are the most relevant organisations in the collective regulation of production quotas, oil consumption subsidies and the control of corruption in the oil sector. Both organisations, directly for the former, and indirectly for the latter, deal with trade between nations. OPEC‘s mandate is established in the OPEC Statute, while the mandate of the WTO is found in various multilateral and plurilateral agreements. However, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (1994) (GATT), the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM), and the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) are the most relevant. The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is only discussed where relevant. This is because the treaty is based on the WTO framework. Also, several provisions in the WTO agreements are not fully discussed in the ECT. OPEC which deals with regulation of oil production and to some extent oil prices in member countries has an effect on trade of the commodity. The role of the WTO however, is more direct as it regulates international trade of various vi goods and services. Thus this thesis investigates how the above legal frameworks regulate production quotas, subsidies, and corruption in the oil sector. The results of the foregoing investigation are then applied to African countries, such as, Nigeria, Angola (members of both the WTO and OPEC) and Ghana, an emerging African oil producing country, to assess the impact of these international rules on the countries‘ legal regimes. Ghana has recently developed its crude oil sector. The success of the nascent oil sector of this country may depend on the conception or improvement of a comprehensive legal framework, to regulate international trade in oil. It is apparent that without an effective legal framework to regulate international trade in oil, the discovery of oil in Ghana, may not make any long term positive impact on the current economic conditions. Ghana is a member of the WTO; however, it is yet to join OPEC, despite growing debate on its membership in the organisation.