Matrix organizations were successfully pioneered in the U.S. aerospace industry in the 1960s, which motivated many multinational corporations (MNCs) to implement matrices as a response to a more complex business environment. A vast number of research studies were conducted primarily seeking a single relationship between the strategy and the structure of the MNCs. The approach was mainly quantitative and consisted of studying large samples of MNCs that operated in different industries and countries. Since the late 1980s researchers have lost interest in matrix organizations of MNCs despite the fact that today most MNCs use a matrix organization. This thesis proposes to breach gaps of the present literature and addresses the questions of ‘how’ and ‘why’ German technology MNCs distribute the decision power between headquarters and local subsidiaries. The present study follows a qualitative approach. 31 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with experienced managers in order to gain deep understanding of the challenges faced and to reveal recommendations and conclusions with regard to the ideal fit between strategy and structure. As conclusion the thesis suggests the following six answers to the research questions. First this thesis shows that contemporary MNCs employ various kinds of matrix organizations simultaneously in different parts of the organization because matrices offer a flexible and effective way of concurrently balancing various competing interests. Management and staff are better prepared to mitigate the ambiguity and stress caused by matrix organizations. Both conditions were viewed as primary weaknesses of matrix organizations since its appearance in the 1960s. Second there is no permanent and universally applicable point of decision power distribution, but rather a constantly changing continuum. Decision power depends on many factors such as maturity of the product, capabilities of the local subsidiary, the national historic heritage of the MNC and the general market environment. There is always a matrix and all matrix dimensions are important because of legal, tax and national regulations or because of customers’ requests. Third this study reveals that the distribution of power is primarily applied to decisions regarding financial investments, human resources and customer strategy. These elements represent the three most important stakeholders of MNCs namely shareholders, employees and customers. The fourth assertion of this thesis suggests that MNCs implement the strategy‐structure fit primarily in the matrix dimensions products, regions and customers. This is because these matrix dimensions can be run and measured with an own Profit & Loss (P&L) statement and therefore treated as quasi-independent companies within the MNCs.

Purpose – The purpose of this thesis is to explore the implications of value co-creation on lean service operations. Given that only customers are able to create value, the integration of customers becomes more and more important. This thesis investigates customer integration through applying and enhancing lean principles. The overall goal of this study is to develop and test a model to integrate customers into service operations in a lean way, considering value co-creation theory. Design/methodology/approach – The overall research strategy of enquiry consists of action research and mixed methods approaches. A systematic literature review is conducted on customer integration methods considering 27 relevant studies. Afterwards, a meta-synthesis of these studies is provided to develop a model for lean customer integration. Seven propositions are formulated to test the model. Therefore, the model is implemented in two independent pole case companies (SMEs) within pure service businesses. Six different mixed methods are applied to investigate effects of model implementation. Beside interviews, process observations and customer workshops, document analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation, regular debriefing sessions are conducted. To clarify arising anomalies, an experiment is conducted with 46 participants in 4 different groups. Finally, a revised model is presented. Findings – The findings show that through synthesizing selected studies, a model is developed that should facilitate customer integration into firm’s service operations in a lean way. Application of the model in the case companies reveals that it enables a company to enhance operational performance, as well as value creation. Findings further show that a significant portion of unavoidable waste can be turned into either functional or emotional value. This emphasizes the relevance of developing and applying service specific lean tools in order to cope with service specific challenges. Research limitations and practical implications – As the findings are based on a systematic literature review and tested within a pure service environment (SMEs), the proposed model should be tested in other circumstances to further improve the results. The findings may be of interest to scholars in the field of lean or service operations, as well as practitioners seeking to enhance their operational performance through lean customer integration. Originality/value – This thesis contributes to knowledge in the field of lean service operations, as it provides the first validated model to integrate customers in operations in a lean way. It also provides a new approach to practitioners seeking not only to ‘streamline’, but also to ‘valueline’ their value creation processes. In particular, the role of customers as value (co-) creators is considered from an operational perspective and provides important insights on how customer value can be enhanced in pure services.

This research study provides insights into “How to manage foreign subsidiaries in a multinational company (MNC) belonging to the German Mittelstand” by applying a contingency perspective. Existing MNC knowledge focuses on large MNCs whereas contributions regarding an application to the German Mittelstand are scant. In particular, a framework for multinational sales management with patterns for foreign subsidiaries is missing for both academia and management. Thus, the findings of this research study contribute to existing MNC knowledge and provide ideas and guidance for managerial practice. A review of the literature identifies MNC typologies (Bartlett & Beamish, 2014; Bartlett & Ghoshal, 1988), subsidiary role models (Bartlett & Beamish, 2014; Bartlett & Ghoshal, 1986), and the corresponding MNC factors. This serves as a starting point from which a conceptual framework is derived accordingly. Thereafter, a plausibility check with industry experts verifies and ensures the suitability of the identified MNC factors to the characteristics of the German Mittelstand. Then, an in-depth case study consisting of documentary, semi-structured interviews, and focus group interviews, applies the conceptual framework to the selected case of the German Mittelstand. The described research design operationalizes and modifies the selected MNC models in such a way that they suit the identified Mittelstand characteristics. This facilitates an application of the framework for multinational sales management consisting of the selected and operationalized MNC models for the MNC typology and the foreign subsidiaries. The main contribution of this research study is the framework for multinational sales management, which fills the gaps identified in existing knowledge. In particular, this research study contributes existing to knowledge by: (1 and 2) operationalizing the models for MNC typology and subsidiary roles for the German Mittelstand, (3) providing the key MNC factors for the German Mittelstand, and (4) elaborating the patterns for multinational sales management to improve the subsidiary competences and to increase the market importance of their local market with respect to their subsidiary role.

The dissertation proposes that the economics of the crisis of capital accumulation and the extraordinary pace of technological and market change have led to new corporate strategies and industry structures in the high tech electronics industry. The research, survey of management in fourteen leading computer and semiconductor multinationals, was designed to integrate and explore the usefulness of theories on industrial structure and labour markets. The product life cycle model cannot solve the problems of diversified and increasingly competitive global markets and their ever more sophisticated demand for customised products. Similarly rigid barriers between differentiated and non-competing labour markets in dual labour market theory cannot account for new associations of labour and technologies or for the new importance of non-wage differences in global labour supplies. The research demonstrated the necessity of linking both demand and supply conditions in explaining contemporary industrial structure. The data persuasively supports the view that the supply conditions in local labour markets not only are critical to the global distribution of capital, but more importantly shape those investments. Scotland provided the industry with an annual labour supply and appropriate skills and a training/education sector responsive to industry needs, offering unique ways for corporations to minimise the cost of reshaping and retaining their workforce. Combining with significant state support of capital investment, the region provided cost - and risk-minimising opportunities for using expensive advanced technologies, expanding and extending their effectiveness in rapidly changing markets. Further, gender was a major factor in the emergence structure of work and the speed of industry adjustment. Rising male unemployment, shrinking employment vacancies for men, and the support of the region's women worker led to the industry's hiring men as the new production workforce, allowing new job design, recruitment criteria, employment expectations and worker commitment, necessary to increase the productivity of new investments.

This study explores through a mixed methods qualitative-oriented case study investigation the training policies, plans, and practices of the public sector Social Security Fund Investments Company (SSFIC), which owns the major hotels in several Libyan cities. The Only internationally owned hotel in the country when the research commenced in 2007, the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (CBAH), provides a private sector comparison. It is the first such review of training activities within a country aiming to become an internationally competitive tourism destination. A case study approach using different data sources is well adapted to situations where previous theoretical studies are few and field experience is still limited (Yin, 2003). During three field trips to Libya a) documents including training policies and plans were collected; b) Three different surveys were distributed to three target groups in the two hotel businesses compared: trainees, training managers, and trainers; c) Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers responsible for training to obtain clarifying comments and operational observations; d) On-site personal observations were noted. The questionnaire design and overall analysis was based on an operational framework that followed the pre-training, during- training and post-training stages of the systematic training cycle. The supporting theoretical framework was derived from the ADDIE model but with greater focus being given to transfer of training. Cultural considerations within Libya and the Arab world, as well as findings from other studies within the sector, were also taken into account when interpreting the data and drawing conclusions. Cultural aspects include: the influence of Islamic values; the poor image of work in hotels, especially for women; and the role of wasta on decision-making. Despite the majority of SSFIC staff attending training courses over the period of the study, major issues are identified, many of which also face the whole Libyan hotel sector. Sector-based issues include: skills shortages; lack of qualified local trainers; low employee salaries and lack of cooperation between public, private and governmental sectors. SSFIC training specific issues include: insufficient training needs analysis; absence of review of course relevance to trainees; inadequate practical training; lack of post-course training incentives;. To overcome these difficulties, the study proposes a number of focused recommendations. In conclusion the study draws upon the evidence collected to suggest the Libyan approach to National Human Resource Development (NHRD). It corroborates most of the findings of a recent parallel study done into the Libyan banking sector and provides additional categories to support the conclusion that Libya is moving towards a centralised-transitional approach.

This thesis is a qualitative frame analysis approach investigating gender equality management in UNDP/UNFPA country offices in Jordan and Egypt. Moreover, this thesis conducted Nvivo (8) as an assisting approach in the analysis. Unlike other gender equality studies, this thesis is taking gender equality further than gender mainstreaming and equal opportunities and diversity. The systematic approach of the thesis is based on analyzing three sets of data, gender equality country analysis of Jordan and Egypt, UNDP/UNFPA perspectives of managing gender equality through selected policy reports, and finally the perspectives of the participants working within these offices towards managing gender equality. The field work consisted of nineteen semi-structured interviews in the selected country offices. The study limitations are centered on the researcher identity as an outsider of the UN and on the very limited literature on gender equality management especially within the UN. Alongside producing academic literature, this thesis suggested a systematic understanding to managing gender equality in UNDP/UNFPA selected country offices.

The literature suggests that there are several stakeholders who influence postgraduate study for social and personal benefits. These stakeholders comprise governments, employers, HEIs, families and individuals. The findings from this research study suggest that fathers from Indian middle class families play a significant motivational role in the lives of their offspring by encouraging them to develop their cultural capital through postgraduate business programmes. Parents expect that higher level academic study will improve their offspring’s symbolic and social capitals and result in good social and career outcomes (Bourdieu, 1986). Many of these Indian middle class parents who have access to and are willing to use their economic capital, also influence and support their children to gain ‘exposure’ in new environments for example in the USA and the UK . The aim of this parental competitive strategy is to ensure ‘positional advantage’ (Brown, 2003, p3) in the labour market and in some cases to gain experience foreign study that they did not have the opportunity to do. As more Indian nationals undertake postgraduate business programmes there is evidence to suggest that credentialism is resulting in what Brown, Lauder & Ashton (2011) argue is a ‘global auction’, bringing more rewards only for the very best or the educated elite. This perception was found from the respondents in this study. Brown, Lauder & Ashton (2011) further argue that this is perpetuating social divisions in different societies as the labour market becomes more competitive due to economic trends and corporate restructuring. The findings from this study suggest that most Indian respondents who have postgraduate business qualifications achieve some of their expectations, but not at the management level, nor in other areas that they had expected e.g. they achieve a lower than expected salary. To ensure graduates career expectations are realistic, the findings suggest that UK and Indian higher education institutions, should report in an ethical and honest way, the destinations and career outcomes of all their Indian business postgraduates. The findings also suggest that UK and Indian institutions should improve their alumni services and forge closer links with Indian employers to support graduates’ career opportunities. Evidence was also found which suggests that there is a perception of greater symbolic capital from UK credentials, which may add value to an individual’s employment opportunities and to their marriage capital and where it occurs, their dowry/gift capital.

Graduate employability is a current and high profile concept, which has received much attention over recent decades. This attention however, has mostly centred on employer perspectives and their views regarding skill demands or shortfalls. Where the graduate viewpoint has been sought, this has largely involved the mass collection of career destination and employment outcome information (Woodley & Brennan, 2000; Tomlinson, 2007; Holmes, 2013). This career destination approach however, has been criticised for its simplicity, with arguments that it is not an accurate measure of employability (Harvey, 2001; Tymon, 2011). As a consequence, the graduate perspective of their employability enhancement is an under-researched and largely neglected area, resulting in a lack of understanding of this particular viewpoint (Nabi & Bagley, 1999; Harvey, 1999; Nabi, 2003; Shah et al. 2004; Sleep & Reed, 2006; Rothwell et al. 2009). To address this situation, the overall aim of this research is to investigate employability from the graduate perspective, and to research this within the context of the current economic climate. The critical realist philosophy was adopted for this research, which supports the implementation of a multiple case study methodology, utilising mixed data collection methods. Employing this approach, three key employability stakeholder perspectives were collected and analysed: graduates, curriculum developers and employers. A fourth stakeholder view, the policy makers, was obtained from secondary sources comprising of recent policy documents. Addressing the four stakeholder perspectives assists in the acquisition of a holistic understanding of the graduate employability concept. This facilitates the connection of the graduate perspective to those of the other stakeholders, which is currently lacking in the employability literature (Andrews & Higson, 2008). A range of interesting employability perspectives were produced, which most notably highlighted the importance of the type of institution attended, employer focuses upon behaviours over skills, and the significance of the prevailing economic climate. These fresh insights were incorporated into a revised model of graduate employability. The original contribution to knowledge is threefold. Firstly, a deeper understanding of the graduate perspective has been obtained. Secondly, clarity over employer requirements has been produced, and thirdly, the economic climate and labour market conditions have increased awareness of the effect these have upon stakeholder perceptions of graduate employability.

There is no end to the brands that lend themselves to anthropomorphic comparison. As an area under researched, the ultimate aim of this thesis is to improve our understanding of the phenomenon of brand anthropomorphism via focusing on one of the most prominent tactics currently being used by industry – the use of marketing mascots. This research begins by theoretically positioning the topic in a rich body of literature. Drawing on branding literature, the multidimensional nature of brands is explored as a starting point for understanding brand mascots. The fundamental theories referred to are integrated to form the Brand Puzzle. Next, the phenomenon of anthropomorphism is examined by referring to literatures from the disciplines of anthropology, animal behaviour, English literature and religion. To complete the extensive literature review, this thesis draws on marketing, advertising, psychology and consumer behaviour literature to reveal any existing classifications for brand anthropomorphism prior to introducing a new typology. Additionally, an investigation into the use of mascots is carried out paying particular attention to their conceptual development and their ‘humanity’. By designing an interpretive case study methodology that relies on a variety of research techniques, including netnography, interviews and photo-essays, as well as a provocative style of presentation, this thesis sets out firstly to explore the development of three marketing mascots on the social media site of Facebook: Aleksandr Orlov mascot for price comparison website CompareTheMarket.com; The M&M’s Spokescandies mascots for Mars’ M&M’s chocolate; and Mr Peanut mascot for Planters peanuts. A literary approach was adopted when tackling this mysterious process of creating marketing mascots. Secondly, this thesis sets out to analyse consumer engagement with the brands via their engagement with the selected marketing mascots. Six forms of consumer engagement were identified which were perceived to have an effect on the narrative of marketing mascots. The discussion section of this thesis creatively links the empirical evidence presented in the findings chapters and the insights from the literature with novels, storytelling and genre reading. The prominence of these have led to the development of a Literary Wheel model that has scope for use by industry and offers a direction for future research. In conclusion, this research contributes to knowledge in the field of brand anthropomorphism. It provides a formula for the creation of captivating marketing mascots that fulfil the needs of our increasingly communication hungry culture, encouraging elevated consumer engagement and the development of stronger consumer-brand relationships.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a transformative period in its economic history, as its market has been opened up for foreign investment. The last 5 years have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of foreign investment into Saudi Arabia particularly through International Joint Ventures. The managers in these IJVs come from various cultures that can be categorised as collectivist or individualist societies. This study to investigate the relationship between national culture and employee commitment within Western-Saudi IJV environments in contrast to the commitment forms found within domestic (monoculture) organisations. In this study, Western and Saudi managers were compared as to their levels of organisational commitment and professional commitment, while a second survey focused on individualism/collectivism among respondents. This study found that Western managers working in Saudi IJVs had significantly higher levels of professional commitment than did their Saudi counterparts. Similarly, Saudi managers working in Saudi IJVs had significantly higher levels of organisational commitment than did their Western counterparts. This study also found that Saudi managers working in Saudi IJVs experienced higher levels of professional commitment than did their Saudi counterparts working in purely Saudi firms, and that Western managers who had previously worked in collectivist cultures had higher levels of organisational commitment than did Western managers who had not previously worked in collectivist cultures. In addition, significant differences were found between respondent groups with regard to individualism/collectivism. The results support a correlation between individualism and professional commitment, as well as between collectivism and organisational commitment. The results found that an employee’s cultural orientation can be modified through exposure to employees from other cultures. The knowledge contributed from the study findings will enrich the existing scholarly theories of employee commitment and individualism/collectivism values within IJVs setting in Saudi Arabia. Also, this knowledge will contribute to facilitate foreign investors and HRM practitioners in developing strategies to maximise the benefits from different forms of employee commitment.