L’objet de cette recherche est d’étudier les moyens utilisés par les entreprises de l’Union Economique Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) pour développer leur capital immatériel. Deux questions principales sont évoquées : (i) pourquoi certaines entreprises privilégient-elles certains modes de gestion du capital immatériel plus que d’autres ? (ii) Ces modes de gestion de l’immatériel influencent-ils différemment la performance des entreprises de l’UEMOA ? Une étude empirique de 381 entreprises réparties dans huit (8) pays montre que les pratiques de gestion du capital immatériel diffèrent entre les pays et peuvent s’expliquer par des différences au niveau du climat des affaires et de la corruption dans le pays, des différences sectorielles et des variables spécifiques à chaque entreprise. Plus précisément, nous relevons le rôle complexe de la variable « corruption » qui incite à la fois à certaines actions favorables au capital immatériel et à une réticence des entreprises à lancer des innovations. Nous observons que l’orientation clients constitue une variable clé dans la gestion du capital immatériel. Les entreprises orientées vers leurs clients sont celles qui innovent le plus, adoptent les « bonnes pratiques » de gestion des ressources humaines et qui utilisent le plus la communication publicitaire pour développer leur notoriété. Les activités de gestion de l’immatériel, en retour, influencent indirectement la performance de l’entreprise car elles améliorent la notoriété, l’implication / The purpose of this research is to study how companies operating in the Wertern African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) area proceed to develop their intangible assets. Two main questions were addressed: (i) why do some companies prefer some particular means for developing intangle assets more than others? And (ii) do the means used by companies to develop intangible assets lead to better performance? A cross-country investigation of 381 companies in eight (8) countries shows that cross-country differences in the management of intangible assets can be explained by the business climate and corruption, industry differences, and firm-specific factors. Regarding cross-country differences, we find that corruption plays a complex role in the sense that it both leads to more and less effort towards developing intangible assets. We also find that customer focus is a key variable in the management of intangible assets. Customer-focused companies innovate more, invest more in human resources, and are more enclined towards developing their brand equity through advertising. The actitivities designed to develop intangible assets, in return, indirectly lead to better firm performance as they increase company awareness levels, employee involvement, and the success of innovative activities.

Bakgrund Majoriteten av alla svenska företag är familjeföretag. Forskning inom området har inte bedrivits i någon större utsträckning förrän på senare år. Därtill kommer att forskning inom värdering av familjeföretag är närmast obefintlig. Familjeföretag skiljer sig på många sätt från icke-familjeföretag, t.ex. när det gäller kultur, ägande och ledning. Härav finns det anledning att tro att familjeföretag värderas annorlunda än icke-familjeföretag. Syfte med uppsatsen Syftet med denna uppsats är att beskriva hur värdering av familjeföretag går till från ett uppköpande företags synvinkel. Metod För att utföra denna uppsats har ett kvalitativt, hermeneutiskt tillvägagångssätt använts för att förstå helheten av fenomenet familjeföretags värdering. Vi har genomfört en fallstudie bestående av tre familjeföretags uppköp gjorda av Företag X som noggrant har studerats. Slutsats När ett familjeföretag värderas är det avgörande att ha erfarenhet, branschkännedom, intuition och framför allt kunskap och erfarenhet om familjeföretag. De immateriella tillgångarna i ett familjeföretag, som till exempel rykte, kultur och kunskap bidrar tillsammans med olika värderingsmodeller till ett rättvist värde av familjeföretaget. / Background The vast majority of all Swedish companies are family businesses. Research within the field of family businesses has not until recent years been developed. Moreover, the research regarding valuation of family businesses is close to non-existing. Family businesses differ in many ways from non-family businesses, for example when it comes to culture, ownership and management. Hence, there is a possibility that family businesses are valuated differently from non-family businesses. Purpose of this thesis The purpose with this thesis is to describe how valuation of family businesses is done from the perspective of an acquiring company. Method For this thesis a qualitative, hermeneutic approach was applied in order to understand the whole picture of the valuation of the family business phenomenon. A case study approach was carried out by carefully studying three acquisitions of small private family businesses in the service sector made by Company X. Conclusions The crucial skills to possess are experience, industry knowledge, intuition and most of all family business knowledge and experience when determining a fair value of a family business. The intangible assets of a family business, for instance reputation, culture and knowledge, together with different valuation methods contribute to the estimation of the value of a family business.

El objetivo de esta tesis es evaluar la eficiencia así como la evolución de la productividad en las empresas del sector textil y de la confección en diferentes regiones del mundo. Además, investigamos los factores que contribuyen a explicar las diferencias en cuanto a los niveles de eficiencia mostrados por las empresas bajo análisis. En particular, la tesis se enfoca en el papel de los recursos intangibles y su contribución a eficiencia empresarial. Como marco de referencia esta investigación emplea la Teoría de los Recursos y Capacidades (Resource-based View of the Firm) con su reciente desarrollo del Enfoque de las Capacidades Dinámicas (Dynamic Capabilities Approach), la Teoría de la Agencia (Agency Theory), y la Teoría Institucional (Institutional Theory). Construimos y contrastamos un modelo teórico el cual relaciona los recursos intangibles y otros factores internos y externos con la eficiencia de las empresas. De esta forma, este estudio contribuye al desarrollo de la investigación sobre los activos intangibles mediante la introducción de un método alternativo para la medición del desempeño empresarial. Además nuestra propuesta permite abordar la eficiencia desde una perspectiva integral, donde diferentes enfoques teóricos son considerados a la hora de explicar los factores que afectan la eficiencia. Para ello, usamos una base de datos original que se desarrolló a través de la vinculación de datos a partir de tres fuentes de información: COMPUSTAT, DATASTREAM y OSIRIS. Nuestra base de datos consta de 5477 observaciones (eficiencia estática) y 4982 observaciones (evolución de la productividad en el tiempo) de las empresas de la industria textil y de la confección en diferentes regiones del mundo para el período de 1995-2004. La mayoría de las empresas provienen de los EE.UU., Japón, China, Corea, Taiwán, Alemania y el Reino Unido (regiones de Asia, America del Norte y Europa). La metodología empleada en esta tesis involucra: 1) el cálculo de los indicadores de eficiencia para las empresas de la muestra mediante una función distancia orientada hacia el "input", utilizando el método de Análisis Envolvente de Datos (Data Envelopment Analisis DEA); 2) el cálculo de la evolución de la productividad en el tiempo mediante la aplicación del índice de Malmquist; y 3) el contraste de las hipótesis donde empleamos un modelo de regresión truncada con datos de panel. Además, evaluamos la significancia estadística de los indicadores estáticos y dinámicos de eficiencia obtenidos mediante la aplicación de métodos de "bootstrapping". Por último, nuestras conclusiones se presentan junto con las implicaciones que consideramos pertinentes tanto para managers como para los encargados de formular políticas de desarrollo. La referencia a las limitaciones del estudio, y algunas recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones se presentan al final del documento. La principal implicación de esta tesis indica que las empresas de la industria textil y de la confección necesitan invertir en recursos intangibles. / In this dissertation, we aim at assessing efficiency as well as productivity evolution over time of firms in the textile and apparel sector in different regions in the world, and we look at the factors contributing to efficiency outcomes. In particular, we focus on the role that intangible assets play in efficiency. Theoretically, this research stands upon the Resource-Based View of the Firm with its recent development of the Dynamic Capabilities Approach, the Agency Theory, and the Institutional Theory. We build and test a theoretical model that hypothetically links intangible assets, other internal factors and external factors with firm efficiency. In this way, this study contributes to the development of intangible assets research by introducing the alternative method for performance measurement, and benefits the efficiency literature by trying to integrate different theoretical perspectives considering the factors affecting efficiency. We rely on the original dataset which was developed through the linkage of the information from three databases: COMPUSTAT, DATASTREAM and OSIRIS. It consists of 5477 observations (static efficiency) and 4982 observations (productivity evolution over time) of firms from the textile and apparel industry worldwide for the 1995-2004 time-period. The majority of companies come from the USA, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Germany and the UK (regions of Asia, North America and Europe). Methodology applied in this dissertation involves: 1) the computation of static efficiency indicators of firms in the sample by means of an input distance function using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method; 2) the computation of productivity evolution over time through the application of Malmquist index; 3) the model and the hypotheses testing in the panel data truncated regression. In addition, we assess the statistical significance of static and dynamic efficiency indicators through the application of bootstrapping methods. Finally, our conclusions are presented together with their implications for managers and policy makers, reference to the studyís limitations, and some recommendations for future research. The main implication of this dissertation indicates that textile and apparel firms need to invest in intangible assets.

<p>Bakgrund</p><p>Majoriteten av alla svenska företag är familjeföretag. Forskning inom området har inte bedrivits i någon större utsträckning förrän på senare år. Därtill kommer att forskning inom värdering av familjeföretag är närmast obefintlig. Familjeföretag skiljer sig på många sätt från icke-familjeföretag, t.ex. när det gäller kultur, ägande och ledning. Härav finns det anledning att tro att familjeföretag värderas annorlunda än icke-familjeföretag.</p><p>Syfte med uppsatsen</p><p>Syftet med denna uppsats är att beskriva hur värdering av familjeföretag går till från ett uppköpande företags synvinkel.</p><p>Metod</p><p>För att utföra denna uppsats har ett kvalitativt, hermeneutiskt tillvägagångssätt använts för att förstå helheten av fenomenet familjeföretags värdering. Vi har genomfört en fallstudie bestående av tre familjeföretags uppköp gjorda av Företag X som noggrant har studerats.</p><p>Slutsats</p><p>När ett familjeföretag värderas är det avgörande att ha erfarenhet, branschkännedom, intuition och framför allt kunskap och erfarenhet om familjeföretag. De immateriella tillgångarna i ett familjeföretag, som till exempel rykte, kultur och kunskap bidrar tillsammans med olika värderingsmodeller till ett rättvist värde av familjeföretaget.</p> / <p>Background</p><p>The vast majority of all Swedish companies are family businesses. Research within the field of family businesses has not until recent years been developed. Moreover, the research regarding valuation of family businesses is close to non-existing. Family businesses differ in many ways from non-family businesses, for example when it comes to culture, ownership and management. Hence, there is a possibility that family businesses are valuated differently from non-family businesses.</p><p>Purpose of this thesis</p><p>The purpose with this thesis is to describe how valuation of family businesses is done from the perspective of an acquiring company.</p><p>Method</p><p>For this thesis a qualitative, hermeneutic approach was applied in order to understand the whole picture of the valuation of the family business phenomenon. A case study approach was carried out by carefully studying three acquisitions of small private family businesses in the service sector made by Company X.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The crucial skills to possess are experience, industry knowledge, intuition and most of all family business knowledge and experience when determining a fair value of a family business. The intangible assets of a family business, for instance reputation, culture and knowledge, together with different valuation methods contribute to the estimation of the value of a family business.</p>

A aceleração do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento humano imprime a necessidade das empresas adaptarem-se constantemente aos novos cenários empresariais, buscando informações que possam balizar suas ações na busca da maximização de resultados econômicos. Os ativos intangíveis, em sinergia com os ativos tangíveis, alavancam o potencial de geração de resultados econômicos das empresas. Neste contexto é estratégico para os acionistas e administradores avaliarem a capacidade da empresa de gerar valor econômico no ambiente empresarial em que a empresa está inserida. Para atender a esta necessidade é preciso desenvolver ferramentas de previsão de resultados empresarias que considerem a estrutura empresarial disponível e os prováveis cenários em que a empresa pode atuar. O objetivo principal desta tese é propor uma sistemática de previsão de resultado empresarial baseado na projeção de cenários formados por variáveis contingenciais para dar suporte ao processo de tomada de decisões. A sistemática proposta neste trabalho foi aplicada em uma empresa Cooperativa de crédito denominada Sicredi São Cristóvão PR/SC, através de um estudo de caso com o objetivo de testá-la e avaliá-la. Os resultados prevêem que a Cooperativa de Crédito Sicredi São Cristóvão terá para os anos de 2010, 2011 e 2012 os respectivos resultados: R$ 350.003,37 R$ 1.930.997,29 e R$ (716.371,69), totalizando um resultado previsto de R$ 1.564.628,98. Este valor representa a provável remuneração excedente dos sócios/cooperados para o período previsto, ou seja, acima de uma aplicação de baixo risco como é o caso da poupança brasileira. A variável contingencial que possui maior poder de impacto nos resultados, segundo a percepção dos gestores da empresa, é a legislação e normas operacionais para cooperativas de crédito. Como pontos fortes da sistemática destacam-se (i) o ordenamento lógico da previsão; (ii) a transformação de percepções subjetivas dos gestores em previsões de resultado; (iii) o envolvimento dos gestores da empresa no processo de previsão; (iv) a visão holística da empresa e dos cenários em que atua ou poderá atuar; e (v) as informações geradas, de fácil compreensão, úteis e relevantes no planejamento estratégico da empresa. / The acceleration of scientific and technological development in various areas of human knowledge prints the need of undertakings to adapt constantly to new business scenarios, seeking information that could shape their actions in pursuit of maximizing economic results. Intangible assets, in synergy with hard assets, leverage the potential of generating economic results of companies. In this context it is strategic for shareholders and administrators assess the company's ability to generate economic value in the business environment in which the company is entered. To meet this need is need to develop tools for business results forecast consider corporate structure available and the likely scenarios in which the company can act. The main objective of this thesis is to propose a systematic business result prediction based on projected scenarios formed by variables unforeseen contingencies to support the decision-making process. The systematic proposal in this work was applied at a company called Sicredi credit cooperative São Cristóvão PR/SC, through a case study to test it and evaluate it. The results provide that the Sicredi will have for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 results: R$350.00,37, R$1.930.997,29 and R$(716,371.69), totaling a predicted result of R$1.564.628,98. This value represents the likely pay surplus of shareholders/members for the period specified, i.e. above a low-risk implementation such as Brazilian savings. The variable contingency that has greater power of impact on results, according to the perception of managers of the company, is the operational standards and legislation for credit cooperative. As systematic strengths include (I) the logical ordering of forecast; (ii) the transformation of subjective perceptions of managers in result forecasts; (iii) the involvement of managers of the company in the process of forecasting; (iv) the holistic vision of the company and the scenarios in which it operates or may act; and (v) the information generated, easily understandable, useful and relevant in strategic planning of the company.

A Internacionalização das empresas se impõe como um imperativo em tempos de globalização. O forte processo de concorrência nos mercados domésticos faz com que as empresas busquem novos mercados para competir, motivando a Internacionalização de suas operações. As empresas buscam o processo de Internacionalização visando manter e expandir suas trajetórias de crescimento, e logicamente, visando também melhorar sua performance empresarial. Este estudo analisou a relação entre o Grau de Internacionalização e a Performance de empresas brasileiras. O Grau de Internacionalização foi medido pela variável FSTS (Foreign Sales over Total Sales ou Vendas no Exterior sobre Vendas Totais). A performance foi avaliada sob duas dimensões: Performance Contábil (Retorno sobre o Ativo; Retorno sobre Vendas) e Performance de Mercado (Retorno das ações; Valor de Mercado). A relação entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance foi avaliada sob diversas formas, a partir de regressões simples, multivariadas e polinomiais (usando modelos de Dados em Painel e Heteroscedasticidade-Corrigida). Adicionalmente, foi investigada a relação entre o valor (força) da Base de Ativos Intangíveis (medida pelo indicador Tobin’s Q) e o Grau de Internacionalização das companhias. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem associação positiva entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance para a amostra analisada. Foram explorados modelos lineares e polinomiais. Tanto os modelos lineares quanto polinomiais demonstraram relação positiva entre as variáveis. Os modelos polinomiais Quadráticos apresentaram os melhores ajustes, indicando que a relação entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance (Contábil, medida pelo ROA; de Mercado, medida pelo Valor de Mercado) apresenta o formato de uma curva em “U”, com retornos negativos no início do processo de Internacionalização, até um ponto de inflexão, a partir do qual a relação entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance passa a ser positiva. Os resultados também sugerem relação positiva entre o valor (força) da Base de Ativos Intangíveis e o Grau de Internacionalização das firmas. / The Internationalization of firms is mandatory in an environment marked by globalization. The fierce competition in domestic markets pressures firms to find new markets to compete, motivating the Internationalization process of these firms. Firms seek Internationalization to maintain and to expand their growth trajectories, and, logically, to enhance their Business Performance. This study analyzed the relationship between Degree of Internationalization and Performance of Brazilian Firms. The Degree of Internationalization was measured by the variable FSTS (Foreign Sales over Total Sales). Performance was evaluated using two dimensions: Accounting measures (Return on Assets; Return on Sales) and Market measures (Return on Stocks; Market Value of Equity). Simple, Multivariate and Polynomial Regressions (using Panel Data and Heteroscedasticity-Corrected models) were used to analyze the relationship between variables. Additionally, it was analyzed the relationship between the value (strenght) of the Intangible Assets Base (measured by Tobin’s Q) and the Degree of Internationalization. The results suggest positive association between Degree of Internationalization and Performance for the sample studied. Both linear and polynomial models showed positive relationship between the two variables. The quadratic (second-order) polynomial models were found better adjusted than linear models, indicating that the relationship between Degree of Internationalization and Performance (measured by ROA and Market Value of Equity) is better explained by an “U-shaped” curve: at early stages of Internationalization the returns are negative. Later, at the second stage of the Internationalization process, there is an inflection point, when returns become positive. Results also suggest that there is a positive relationship between the value (strenght) of the Base of Intangible Assets and the Degree of Internationalization of firms.

A Internacionalização das empresas se impõe como um imperativo em tempos de globalização. O forte processo de concorrência nos mercados domésticos faz com que as empresas busquem novos mercados para competir, motivando a Internacionalização de suas operações. As empresas buscam o processo de Internacionalização visando manter e expandir suas trajetórias de crescimento, e logicamente, visando também melhorar sua performance empresarial. Este estudo analisou a relação entre o Grau de Internacionalização e a Performance de empresas brasileiras. O Grau de Internacionalização foi medido pela variável FSTS (Foreign Sales over Total Sales ou Vendas no Exterior sobre Vendas Totais). A performance foi avaliada sob duas dimensões: Performance Contábil (Retorno sobre o Ativo; Retorno sobre Vendas) e Performance de Mercado (Retorno das ações; Valor de Mercado). A relação entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance foi avaliada sob diversas formas, a partir de regressões simples, multivariadas e polinomiais (usando modelos de Dados em Painel e Heteroscedasticidade-Corrigida). Adicionalmente, foi investigada a relação entre o valor (força) da Base de Ativos Intangíveis (medida pelo indicador Tobin’s Q) e o Grau de Internacionalização das companhias. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem associação positiva entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance para a amostra analisada. Foram explorados modelos lineares e polinomiais. Tanto os modelos lineares quanto polinomiais demonstraram relação positiva entre as variáveis. Os modelos polinomiais Quadráticos apresentaram os melhores ajustes, indicando que a relação entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance (Contábil, medida pelo ROA; de Mercado, medida pelo Valor de Mercado) apresenta o formato de uma curva em “U”, com retornos negativos no início do processo de Internacionalização, até um ponto de inflexão, a partir do qual a relação entre Grau de Internacionalização e Performance passa a ser positiva. Os resultados também sugerem relação positiva entre o valor (força) da Base de Ativos Intangíveis e o Grau de Internacionalização das firmas. / The Internationalization of firms is mandatory in an environment marked by globalization. The fierce competition in domestic markets pressures firms to find new markets to compete, motivating the Internationalization process of these firms. Firms seek Internationalization to maintain and to expand their growth trajectories, and, logically, to enhance their Business Performance. This study analyzed the relationship between Degree of Internationalization and Performance of Brazilian Firms. The Degree of Internationalization was measured by the variable FSTS (Foreign Sales over Total Sales). Performance was evaluated using two dimensions: Accounting measures (Return on Assets; Return on Sales) and Market measures (Return on Stocks; Market Value of Equity). Simple, Multivariate and Polynomial Regressions (using Panel Data and Heteroscedasticity-Corrected models) were used to analyze the relationship between variables. Additionally, it was analyzed the relationship between the value (strenght) of the Intangible Assets Base (measured by Tobin’s Q) and the Degree of Internationalization. The results suggest positive association between Degree of Internationalization and Performance for the sample studied. Both linear and polynomial models showed positive relationship between the two variables. The quadratic (second-order) polynomial models were found better adjusted than linear models, indicating that the relationship between Degree of Internationalization and Performance (measured by ROA and Market Value of Equity) is better explained by an “U-shaped” curve: at early stages of Internationalization the returns are negative. Later, at the second stage of the Internationalization process, there is an inflection point, when returns become positive. Results also suggest that there is a positive relationship between the value (strenght) of the Base of Intangible Assets and the Degree of Internationalization of firms.

A aceleração do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento humano imprime a necessidade das empresas adaptarem-se constantemente aos novos cenários empresariais, buscando informações que possam balizar suas ações na busca da maximização de resultados econômicos. Os ativos intangíveis, em sinergia com os ativos tangíveis, alavancam o potencial de geração de resultados econômicos das empresas. Neste contexto é estratégico para os acionistas e administradores avaliarem a capacidade da empresa de gerar valor econômico no ambiente empresarial em que a empresa está inserida. Para atender a esta necessidade é preciso desenvolver ferramentas de previsão de resultados empresarias que considerem a estrutura empresarial disponível e os prováveis cenários em que a empresa pode atuar. O objetivo principal desta tese é propor uma sistemática de previsão de resultado empresarial baseado na projeção de cenários formados por variáveis contingenciais para dar suporte ao processo de tomada de decisões. A sistemática proposta neste trabalho foi aplicada em uma empresa Cooperativa de crédito denominada Sicredi São Cristóvão PR/SC, através de um estudo de caso com o objetivo de testá-la e avaliá-la. Os resultados prevêem que a Cooperativa de Crédito Sicredi São Cristóvão terá para os anos de 2010, 2011 e 2012 os respectivos resultados: R$ 350.003,37 R$ 1.930.997,29 e R$ (716.371,69), totalizando um resultado previsto de R$ 1.564.628,98. Este valor representa a provável remuneração excedente dos sócios/cooperados para o período previsto, ou seja, acima de uma aplicação de baixo risco como é o caso da poupança brasileira. A variável contingencial que possui maior poder de impacto nos resultados, segundo a percepção dos gestores da empresa, é a legislação e normas operacionais para cooperativas de crédito. Como pontos fortes da sistemática destacam-se (i) o ordenamento lógico da previsão; (ii) a transformação de percepções subjetivas dos gestores em previsões de resultado; (iii) o envolvimento dos gestores da empresa no processo de previsão; (iv) a visão holística da empresa e dos cenários em que atua ou poderá atuar; e (v) as informações geradas, de fácil compreensão, úteis e relevantes no planejamento estratégico da empresa. / The acceleration of scientific and technological development in various areas of human knowledge prints the need of undertakings to adapt constantly to new business scenarios, seeking information that could shape their actions in pursuit of maximizing economic results. Intangible assets, in synergy with hard assets, leverage the potential of generating economic results of companies. In this context it is strategic for shareholders and administrators assess the company's ability to generate economic value in the business environment in which the company is entered. To meet this need is need to develop tools for business results forecast consider corporate structure available and the likely scenarios in which the company can act. The main objective of this thesis is to propose a systematic business result prediction based on projected scenarios formed by variables unforeseen contingencies to support the decision-making process. The systematic proposal in this work was applied at a company called Sicredi credit cooperative São Cristóvão PR/SC, through a case study to test it and evaluate it. The results provide that the Sicredi will have for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 results: R$350.00,37, R$1.930.997,29 and R$(716,371.69), totaling a predicted result of R$1.564.628,98. This value represents the likely pay surplus of shareholders/members for the period specified, i.e. above a low-risk implementation such as Brazilian savings. The variable contingency that has greater power of impact on results, according to the perception of managers of the company, is the operational standards and legislation for credit cooperative. As systematic strengths include (I) the logical ordering of forecast; (ii) the transformation of subjective perceptions of managers in result forecasts; (iii) the involvement of managers of the company in the process of forecasting; (iv) the holistic vision of the company and the scenarios in which it operates or may act; and (v) the information generated, easily understandable, useful and relevant in strategic planning of the company.

A aceleração do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento humano imprime a necessidade das empresas adaptarem-se constantemente aos novos cenários empresariais, buscando informações que possam balizar suas ações na busca da maximização de resultados econômicos. Os ativos intangíveis, em sinergia com os ativos tangíveis, alavancam o potencial de geração de resultados econômicos das empresas. Neste contexto é estratégico para os acionistas e administradores avaliarem a capacidade da empresa de gerar valor econômico no ambiente empresarial em que a empresa está inserida. Para atender a esta necessidade é preciso desenvolver ferramentas de previsão de resultados empresarias que considerem a estrutura empresarial disponível e os prováveis cenários em que a empresa pode atuar. O objetivo principal desta tese é propor uma sistemática de previsão de resultado empresarial baseado na projeção de cenários formados por variáveis contingenciais para dar suporte ao processo de tomada de decisões. A sistemática proposta neste trabalho foi aplicada em uma empresa Cooperativa de crédito denominada Sicredi São Cristóvão PR/SC, através de um estudo de caso com o objetivo de testá-la e avaliá-la. Os resultados prevêem que a Cooperativa de Crédito Sicredi São Cristóvão terá para os anos de 2010, 2011 e 2012 os respectivos resultados: R$ 350.003,37 R$ 1.930.997,29 e R$ (716.371,69), totalizando um resultado previsto de R$ 1.564.628,98. Este valor representa a provável remuneração excedente dos sócios/cooperados para o período previsto, ou seja, acima de uma aplicação de baixo risco como é o caso da poupança brasileira. A variável contingencial que possui maior poder de impacto nos resultados, segundo a percepção dos gestores da empresa, é a legislação e normas operacionais para cooperativas de crédito. Como pontos fortes da sistemática destacam-se (i) o ordenamento lógico da previsão; (ii) a transformação de percepções subjetivas dos gestores em previsões de resultado; (iii) o envolvimento dos gestores da empresa no processo de previsão; (iv) a visão holística da empresa e dos cenários em que atua ou poderá atuar; e (v) as informações geradas, de fácil compreensão, úteis e relevantes no planejamento estratégico da empresa. / The acceleration of scientific and technological development in various areas of human knowledge prints the need of undertakings to adapt constantly to new business scenarios, seeking information that could shape their actions in pursuit of maximizing economic results. Intangible assets, in synergy with hard assets, leverage the potential of generating economic results of companies. In this context it is strategic for shareholders and administrators assess the company's ability to generate economic value in the business environment in which the company is entered. To meet this need is need to develop tools for business results forecast consider corporate structure available and the likely scenarios in which the company can act. The main objective of this thesis is to propose a systematic business result prediction based on projected scenarios formed by variables unforeseen contingencies to support the decision-making process. The systematic proposal in this work was applied at a company called Sicredi credit cooperative São Cristóvão PR/SC, through a case study to test it and evaluate it. The results provide that the Sicredi will have for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 results: R$350.00,37, R$1.930.997,29 and R$(716,371.69), totaling a predicted result of R$1.564.628,98. This value represents the likely pay surplus of shareholders/members for the period specified, i.e. above a low-risk implementation such as Brazilian savings. The variable contingency that has greater power of impact on results, according to the perception of managers of the company, is the operational standards and legislation for credit cooperative. As systematic strengths include (I) the logical ordering of forecast; (ii) the transformation of subjective perceptions of managers in result forecasts; (iii) the involvement of managers of the company in the process of forecasting; (iv) the holistic vision of the company and the scenarios in which it operates or may act; and (v) the information generated, easily understandable, useful and relevant in strategic planning of the company.

There is extensive literature in several areas of academic study (marketing, international business, law, business finance, etc.) regarding brand names and trademarks. Different fields of study have analyzed the nature, applications and effects of brands and trademarks on firms and societies through their own unique perspective. But although brands and trademarks play a crucial and vital role in economic matters related to firms and societies, there does not exist a strong literature from the economic field approaching important issues related to them. Of special interest to us are the effects brands have on the strategies firms create and follow in order to address competition and get an advantage in specific markets, the role trademark creation plays in the economic development of a country and the spillover effects such development has on the aggregate world economy, and the protection patterns and strategies firms use in order to maximize the value of trademarks as economic assets and the economic benefit derived from the use of this form of intellectual property (and other brand related activities). With this dissertation we seek to contribute to the existing literature and to the better understanding of brands and trademarks from an economic point of view. In order to address the questions above, we formulated an economic model, used econometric tools and also performed an in-depth analysis of empirical data related to brands and trademarks. From our research we found that brands and trademarks play a major role in different aspects of the economic spectrum; they could give the firm an upper hand in a market, they could be a vehicle for economic advancement of societies when trademark protection is fostered and lastly that firms follow an idiosyncratic pattern of IP protection in order to generate and defend the value of these assets and in order to maximize the economic benefit of activities that are related to brands and trademarks. From our overall research we conclude that brands and trademarks are a powerful duality of tremendous potential for firms and countries that need to be protected and fostered and that additional research from the economic field is needed.