Uma das perspectivas pioneiras na explicação do fenômeno franchising é a de que esse formato organizacional proporciona crescimento rápido de redes de unidades de negócio. No entanto, poucos trabalhos empíricos discutem os determinantes do crescimento de redes de franquia. Diferenças entre os setores da indústria e entre as características das redes estão relacionadas a fatores de influência distintos, os quais carecem de investigação. Neste trabalho, 376 redes associadas à Associação Brasileira de Franchising (ABF) foram analisadas para verificar alguns dos determinantes do crescimento do número de unidades na rede. Evitando taxonomias arbitrárias, o estudo segrega as redes em grupos de comportamento estratégico. Tal comportamento deriva diretamente da especificidade de ativos desenvolvidos ao longo do ciclo de vida das redes (efeito path dependence). Testou-se em seguida se o crescimento é afetado pela perspectiva de risco moral de franqueados e pela variação nos incentivos estabelecidos pela rede. Os resultados apontam para efeitos benéficos da reputação e experiência de redes maduras em sua relação com franqueados. Além disso, são obtidos alguns novos insights sobre a relação de redes de franquia com o setor de shopping centers e a presença cada vez maior de redes de franquia em mercados emergentes no cenário brasileiro. / A traditional claim about franchising phenomenon is that this arrangement provides faster networks growing. However, few studies investigate the determinants of growth of franchised chains. Distinctions between both industries and franchise chains issues are related to different influencing factors, which needs further research. In this study, 376 networks associated with the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) were analyzed in order to identify some of the determinants of chain size growth (the number of chain\'s outlets). While it avoids arbitrary taxonomies, the study secretes sample chains into strategic behavior groups. Such a behavior derives directly from the assets specificity developed during the life-cycle of franchised chains in the sample (path dependence effect). Tests were applied checking whether growth is affected by the prospect of franchisees moral hazard, as to the variation in the incentives mechanisms established by franchisors. The results suggest beneficial effects of both reputation and experience in mature chains related associated franchisees. Additionally, the study provides some new insights into the franchise and shopping malls industry interaction, and the increasing presence of franchise networks in emerging markets in the Brazilian scene.

Uma das perspectivas pioneiras na explicação do fenômeno franchising é a de que esse formato organizacional proporciona crescimento rápido de redes de unidades de negócio. No entanto, poucos trabalhos empíricos discutem os determinantes do crescimento de redes de franquia. Diferenças entre os setores da indústria e entre as características das redes estão relacionadas a fatores de influência distintos, os quais carecem de investigação. Neste trabalho, 376 redes associadas à Associação Brasileira de Franchising (ABF) foram analisadas para verificar alguns dos determinantes do crescimento do número de unidades na rede. Evitando taxonomias arbitrárias, o estudo segrega as redes em grupos de comportamento estratégico. Tal comportamento deriva diretamente da especificidade de ativos desenvolvidos ao longo do ciclo de vida das redes (efeito path dependence). Testou-se em seguida se o crescimento é afetado pela perspectiva de risco moral de franqueados e pela variação nos incentivos estabelecidos pela rede. Os resultados apontam para efeitos benéficos da reputação e experiência de redes maduras em sua relação com franqueados. Além disso, são obtidos alguns novos insights sobre a relação de redes de franquia com o setor de shopping centers e a presença cada vez maior de redes de franquia em mercados emergentes no cenário brasileiro. / A traditional claim about franchising phenomenon is that this arrangement provides faster networks growing. However, few studies investigate the determinants of growth of franchised chains. Distinctions between both industries and franchise chains issues are related to different influencing factors, which needs further research. In this study, 376 networks associated with the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) were analyzed in order to identify some of the determinants of chain size growth (the number of chain\'s outlets). While it avoids arbitrary taxonomies, the study secretes sample chains into strategic behavior groups. Such a behavior derives directly from the assets specificity developed during the life-cycle of franchised chains in the sample (path dependence effect). Tests were applied checking whether growth is affected by the prospect of franchisees moral hazard, as to the variation in the incentives mechanisms established by franchisors. The results suggest beneficial effects of both reputation and experience in mature chains related associated franchisees. Additionally, the study provides some new insights into the franchise and shopping malls industry interaction, and the increasing presence of franchise networks in emerging markets in the Brazilian scene.

No / Human resource information systems (HRIS) usage allows the human resource (HR) professional to become a strategic player. With both increasing functionality and affordability, HRIS are being used extensively in organisations of all sizes. Despite this, surprisingly little is know about the current usage, whether disparities exist between companies of different sizes, or about the impact HRIS has on the general professional standing of the HR professional. We developed and administered a survey and gave structured interviews to assess and compare the specific areas of use and to introduce a taxonomy that provides a framework for academic discussion and comparison. We further determined whether HRIS usage was strategic, a perceived value-add for the organisation, and its impact on professional standing for HR professionals. These findings were compared to those for other professions that also use MIS. Our results showed that, on average, few differences exist between SME and large company usage. Moreover, we found that the professional standing of HR professionals has been enhanced by the specific use of HRIS for strategic partnering but that this is not as pronounced as that experienced by those from other professions.

O foco do trabalho são as estruturas organizacionais de empresas conectadas às Cadeias Globais de Valor (Global Value Chains, GVCs) para acesso aos mercados no estrangeiro. O tema é estudado através do método de múltiplos casos. A amostra é composta por oito empresas de Tecnologia da Informação (TI), de origem brasileira, com atuação internacional, sobre as quais foram obtidas informações junto a fontes primárias. São apresentados conceitos que constam na literatura sobre GVCs, aperfeiçoamento competitivo, governança das cadeias, renda econômica e estratégia empresarial. A literatura indica que as estruturas das GVCs são modeladas por um pequeno grupo de empresas do hemisfério Norte. São verificadas as condições de governança das GVCs às quais os casos estão conectados Entre as questões de pesquisa está a investigação sobre como as empresas brasileiras podem desempenhar este papel de governança. O evento associado à governança, o chamado upgrading (aperfeiçoamento competitivo, no presente estudo), é relacionado à estratégia empresarial. O argumento é que estratégias sofisticadas trazem maior governança das GVCs às empresas, o que, por sua vez possibilita o aperfeiçoamento competitivo, o que melhora as chances de obtenção de renda econômica mais alta. São caracterizados os segmentos de mercado aos quais as organizações estudadas estão conectadas, bem como sua estratégia e comportamento com relação à inovação, principalmente organizacional. Os resultados indicam e comparam as estratégias e práticas quanto a desenvolvimento de produtos, terceirização de atividades, relacionamento com fornecedores, canais de distribuição e compradores no exterior. As estratégias e formas de atuação internacional dos casos estudados são comparadas. Todos os casos são classificados quanto à sofisticação de sua estratégia empresarial, possibilidades e limitações de obtenção de renda superior. / The focus of the research is the organizational structure of firms connected to Global Value Chains (GVCs). The investigation is conducted through the multiple case study method. The sample is composed of Information Technology (IT) firms of Brazilian origin. All of them carry international operations. Primary data were collected in personal interviews. The literature review brings concepts related to GVCs, upgrading, chain governance, economic rents and strategy. It\'s indicated in the literature that GVC structure is designed by northern hemisphere firms. The governance circumstances of the GVCs the studied firms are connected are examined. One of the research questions is how Brazilian companies can govern the GVCs they connect to. Upgrading is related to governance and to firm strategy. The argument is that proactive strategies can bring stronger governance to the companies, which allows upgrading and yields them higher economic rents. Market segments are characterized, as well as studied cases\' strategy and attitude toward organizational innovation. Results show aspects and compare the global strategies of the investigated firms regarding product development, outsourcing, off shoring, relationship with suppliers, distribution channels and buyers. Studied organizations\' strategy and management procedures in terms of international activity are compared. All the cases are classified regarding their corporate strategy proactive ness, possibilities and constraints to obtaining superior rents.

No description available.

O foco do trabalho são as estruturas organizacionais de empresas conectadas às Cadeias Globais de Valor (Global Value Chains, GVCs) para acesso aos mercados no estrangeiro. O tema é estudado através do método de múltiplos casos. A amostra é composta por oito empresas de Tecnologia da Informação (TI), de origem brasileira, com atuação internacional, sobre as quais foram obtidas informações junto a fontes primárias. São apresentados conceitos que constam na literatura sobre GVCs, aperfeiçoamento competitivo, governança das cadeias, renda econômica e estratégia empresarial. A literatura indica que as estruturas das GVCs são modeladas por um pequeno grupo de empresas do hemisfério Norte. São verificadas as condições de governança das GVCs às quais os casos estão conectados Entre as questões de pesquisa está a investigação sobre como as empresas brasileiras podem desempenhar este papel de governança. O evento associado à governança, o chamado upgrading (aperfeiçoamento competitivo, no presente estudo), é relacionado à estratégia empresarial. O argumento é que estratégias sofisticadas trazem maior governança das GVCs às empresas, o que, por sua vez possibilita o aperfeiçoamento competitivo, o que melhora as chances de obtenção de renda econômica mais alta. São caracterizados os segmentos de mercado aos quais as organizações estudadas estão conectadas, bem como sua estratégia e comportamento com relação à inovação, principalmente organizacional. Os resultados indicam e comparam as estratégias e práticas quanto a desenvolvimento de produtos, terceirização de atividades, relacionamento com fornecedores, canais de distribuição e compradores no exterior. As estratégias e formas de atuação internacional dos casos estudados são comparadas. Todos os casos são classificados quanto à sofisticação de sua estratégia empresarial, possibilidades e limitações de obtenção de renda superior. / The focus of the research is the organizational structure of firms connected to Global Value Chains (GVCs). The investigation is conducted through the multiple case study method. The sample is composed of Information Technology (IT) firms of Brazilian origin. All of them carry international operations. Primary data were collected in personal interviews. The literature review brings concepts related to GVCs, upgrading, chain governance, economic rents and strategy. It\'s indicated in the literature that GVC structure is designed by northern hemisphere firms. The governance circumstances of the GVCs the studied firms are connected are examined. One of the research questions is how Brazilian companies can govern the GVCs they connect to. Upgrading is related to governance and to firm strategy. The argument is that proactive strategies can bring stronger governance to the companies, which allows upgrading and yields them higher economic rents. Market segments are characterized, as well as studied cases\' strategy and attitude toward organizational innovation. Results show aspects and compare the global strategies of the investigated firms regarding product development, outsourcing, off shoring, relationship with suppliers, distribution channels and buyers. Studied organizations\' strategy and management procedures in terms of international activity are compared. All the cases are classified regarding their corporate strategy proactive ness, possibilities and constraints to obtaining superior rents.

The aim of this master thesis is an analysis of choosen company and its competitiors, from which will be created proposals for changes in the primary marketing strategy, to increas their competitiveness which will lead to a strenghtening its positron in the market. The theoretical part of this work contains survey and elaboration of the appropriate materials and theory which are needed for successful realization of the chosen objectives. The practical part is dealing with the analysis of current marketing promotion and formulation of proposals for its efectiveness.

La thèse apporte un éclairage sur le rôle des mouvements sociaux dans le développement de secteurs émergents en ligne avec les valeurs d'un mouvement social. Le premier chapitre remet en cause l'idée selon laquelle activistes et entreprises ont des intérêts divergents et le cantonnement des mouvements sociaux à un rôle de confrontation.Les propositions développées visent à expliquer pourquoi les actions des organisations de mouvements sociaux (SMO)sns dimension d'opposition revêtent une importance pour les entreprises et à quelles conditions les SMO influencent les décisions stratégiques des entreprises. Le deuxième chapitre de la thèse examine si le soutien apporté aux organisations de mouvements sociaux proche d'une industrie est lié à une augmentation de l'engagement des entreprises au sein de ce secteur. Cette hypothèse est testée empiriquement et confirmée en utilisant une base de données longitudinale de producteurs européens de panneaux solaires. De plus, il est démontré que le type d'entreprise et le niveau d'engagement passé modèrent le lien entre le soutien apporté aux SMO et l'augmentation de l'engagement de l'entreprise vis-à-vis de l'industrie. Le dernier chapitre examine la mise en vigueur de politiques favorables aux énergies solaires au sein des pays de l'Union Européenne. Les résultats empiriques suggèrent que de telles politiques peuvent en partie s'expliquer par l'interaction entre la densité d'entreprises de novo dans un pays et le soutien aux SMO. Cette thèse contribue à la littérature en management stratégique, à la théorie des mouvements sociaux ainsi qu'à l'analyse de la création d'industries / This thesis sheds light on the role of social movement organizations in the developement of nascent sectors that are aligned with the values of a social movement.The first research chapter questions the assumption that activists and firms have divergent interests, and the emphasis on the confrontational role of social movements.Propositions are developed to explain why non-oppositional social movement organizations' (SMOs) actions matter for fims, and when SMOs willl influence firms' strategic behavior.The second research chapter investigates whether support for social movement organizations sympathetic to an industry is linked to increased commitments of firms to the focal sector.Using a unique longitudinal dataset of European solar cell producers, this hypothesis is tested empirically and confirmed; further, it is demonstrated that the type of firms and their prior commitments moderate the link between SMO support and increased firm commitment to the industry.The last research chapter investigates the enactment of favorable policies for solar energy across EU countries. Empirical findings suggest that such policies can be partly explained by the interaction between de novo firm density in a country and SMO support. This dissertation contributes to strategic management, social movement theory, and studies of industry creation

La thèse démontre que l'environnement protectionniste en Inde a contribué à bâtir une industrie pharmaceutique solide. L'arrivée simultanée de l'Accord ADPIC et de la libéralisation économique a créé des « push factors » à la fois compétitifs et favorables, obligeant les firmes pharmaceutiques indiennes (FPI) à chercher de nouvelles voies de croissance à l’étranger. Les politiques des pays africains en faveur des génériques, l’action des organisations internationales et la nouvelle gouvernance des marchés financés par les bailleurs de fonds ont aussi induits des « pull factors » permettant aux FPI de s'engager davantage sur ces marchés. Cette thèse montre à travers le cas du Mali que le marché en Afrique de l’Ouest francophone est divisé en quatre segments – le marché public financé par l'État et par des donateurs et le marché privé formel et informel – avec des réglementations différentes. Les FPI n'utilisent que l'exportation dans ces pays, mais leurs organisations varient selon le segment dans lequel elles souhaitent opérer. Enfin, ce travail utilise l’étude du Synriam, un nouvel antipaludéen pour montrer que Ranbaxy a utilisé le partenariat avec Medicines for Malaria Venture pour développer ses capacités, accéder à de nouveaux marchés et gagner en légitimité. Cette étude met en évidence que les organisations internationales peuvent créer des barrières institutionnelles et influencer les stratégies d'entrée des firmes. En conclusion, cette thèse illustre la richesse et la complexité du marché pharmaceutique africain et démontre également que les stratégies d'entrée sur le marché et d'exploitation des FPI sont influencées par l'environnement institutionnel sous-jacent. / This dissertation first shows that the early protectionist environment in India helped build a robust indigenous pharmaceutical industry. The simultaneous arrival of TRIPS and economic liberalization created both competitive and supportive push factors forcing Indian firms to look for new avenues of growth beyond national boundaries. Generic supporting policies of African countries, the action of international organizations and the new governance of donor-funded markets also acted as pull factors for Indian firms to engage in these markets.Next, taking the case of Mali, the thesis shows that the pharmaceutical market in Francophone West African countries is divided into four specific segments – government and donor-funded public and formal and informal private markets – with different regulatory characteristics. Indian firms are using only export to operate in these countries, but the organization of export varies according to the segment in which a firm intends to operate. Lastly, it takes the case of Synriam, a new antimalarial to show that Ranbaxy used the partnership with Medicines for Malaria Venture for developing capabilities, accessing new markets and gaining legitimacy. The case also reflects that international organizations may create institutional barriers and influence the market entry strategy of firms. To conclude, this thesis illustrates the richness and complexities of the African pharmaceutical market and shows that market entry and operation strategies of Indian firms are influenced by the underlying institutional environment.

The topic of this thesis is to increase the competitive position of the firm Plastika a.s. with the help of creation a new marketing strategy for the next period of time. The analysis of the present marketing strategy is the base for it. The first part of this work is based on the theory. The second part introduces the company Plastika a.s.. There is carried out the analysis of the current situation which focuses on its present marketing strategy. The third suggestion part formulates the suggestion of the new marketing strategy for the next period of time which will lead to the improvement of the competitive position of the firm Plastika on the market.