As pequenas e médias empresas desempenham um papel importante para a economia dos países, seja pela geração de empregos ou por sua participação no Produto Interno Bruto. No entanto, esse grupo de empresas enfrenta uma série de dificuldades quanto à obtenção de recursos para alavancar o seu crescimento e financiar seus projetos de longo prazo. Uma das alternativas é o acesso ao mercado de capitais, opção que deve ser incentivada e facilitada pelas instituições interessadas. Apesar da relevância do tema é possível observar a escassez de pesquisas relacionadas ao assunto, portanto, este trabalho pretende apresentar um referencial que possa colaborar com o crescimento e desenvolvimento da pequena e média empresa e com novas pesquisas nesta área. A pesquisa é quantitativa de caráter exploratória, não probabilística. Os meios de obtenção dos dados são: bibliográfico e pesquisa de campo, através de um questionário enviado para um grupo de gestores de pequenas e médias empresas emergentes. Os resultados sugerem que esses gestores possuem conhecimento sobre diferentes fontes de financiamento, sobre mercado de capitais e Governança Corporativa. As empresas pesquisadas são de capital fechado e a maioria não pretende abrir o capital. Dentre as que pretendem abrir o capital ou não desconsideram essa possibilidade, os resultados apontam que elas estão se preparando para futuro acesso ao mercado de ações, mas os seus gestores apontam os custos, principalmente os relacionados ao processo de IPO como principal barreira. Os resultados sugerem vários fatores que podem colaborar com as PMEs, como incentivos fiscais aos investidores e presença de um assessor. Indicam também que esse grupo de empresas em crescimento pretende prosseguir com suas estratégias de crescimento, aplicando os recursos obtidos em tecnologia, inovação e busca de novos mercados. O trabalho possui aplicabilidades práticas por trazer informações que podem sem utilizadas por gestores que desejam buscar novas formas de financiamento para seus projetos e colaborar com o aprimoramento do segmento da bolsa voltado para pequenas empresas com potencial de crescimento. / Small and medium-sized enterprises play an important role in the countries\' economy either by generation of employment or for their share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this group of companies face a range of difficulties related to obtaining financial resources to leverage growth and to finance long-term projects as well. To have access to capital market is one possible alternative, which needs to be encouraged and facilitated by interested agencies. Despite the relevance of this issue we can observe a few studies related to this subject. Therefore, this work aims to present a framework that can collaborate with the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to encourage further researchs in this field. This is an exploratory study with a quantitative approach, non-probabilistic. The means used to obtain the data were bibliographic andfield research by way of a structured questionnaire which was sent out to an emerging enterprises\' group of managers. The findings suggest that the managers have knowledge on different sources of financing, as well as, capital market and Corporate Governance. The researched firms are privately-held companies and most of them don\'t intend to open up their capital. Among those firms which intend to open up their capital or not disregard this possibility, the results point out that these firms have been getting ready for a possible initial public offering in the future, but their managers consider the costs, mainly those related to the IPO process, the main barrier. The results also suggest that many factors can contribute with SMEs, such as tax incentives to investors and assistance from an advisor. The findings indicate that this group of growing firms intend to proceed with their growth strategies, applying resources in technology, innovation, and new markets. The work has practical applicabilities, the results can be used by managers who wish to access new sources of financing and cooperate with the improvement of the stock market segment for small and medium-sized businesses with potential growth.

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar a existência de uma orientação do controle do desempenho utilizados nas pequenas e médias empresas hoteleiras e sua adequação aos fatores-chave de competitividade do setor. Essa pesquisa foi realizada na região central do Estado de São Paulo contemplando os circuitos Paulista da Chapada Guarani e Ecocaipira. A pesquisa fundamenta-se no vácuo existente entre a visão estratégica e visão operacional na gestão empresarial, ou seja, a falta de integração entre as diretrizes estratégicas e a operação das empresas. A medição de desempenho é uma atividade que visa melhorar gradativamente a atuação das empresas, fazendo com que elas se mantenham competitivas. O trabalho de campo foi dividido em três fases: a primeira e segunda fase concentrou-se na abordagem quantitativa. A primeira fase teve o propósito de identificar a quantidade de empresas hoteleiras na região central do Estado de São Paulo, considerando o mapeamento da equipe de pesquisadores do GEOPE da EESC - USP. A segunda fase teve o propósito de caracterizar a preocupação com o controle do desempenho e com as medidas de desempenho da organização. A terceira fase concentrou-se na abordagem qualitativa, na qual foi feito um estudo de caso com o propósito de verificar os indicadores utilizados pelas empresas e verificar se estão orientados para a competitividade. Como principal resultado, observou-se que os mecanismos de controle do desempenho são adequados as características do contexto social de cada organização e, como conseqüência, está relacionado à estratégia da empresa. Ainda, concluiu-se que os indicadores de desempenho das grandes e das pequenas empresas hoteleiras são semelhantes, a diferença está na formalização desses indicadores. / The general aim of this research is to evaluate the existence of an orientation of the organizational control utilized in small and medium sized hotels and its adequacy for the key competitivity factors of the sector. The research was conducted in the central region of São Paulo State comprising the Paulista Circuits of Chapada Guarani and Ecocaipira, based on the vacuum that exists between the strategic and operational visions in the entrepreneural management, i. e., the lack of integration between the strategic guidelines and the operation of the enterprises. The performance measurement is an activity that aims to gradually improve the action of enterprises, so that they keep themselves competitive, which is the basis in the strategic process. The field work was divided into three stages, of which the first and the second focused on the quantitative approach. In the first phase the aim was the identification and quantification of hotels in the central region of São Paulo state, considering the mapping of the research group of GEOPE at São Carlos Engineering School - USP. In the second phase, the concern about the performance control and measurement of the organization was characterized. Finally, the third phase focused on the qualitative approach, in which a case study was conducted in order to verify the indicators utilized by the enterprises and check that they are oriented towards competitiveness. As a main result, it was possible to observe that the performance control mechanisms are adequate for the characteristics of the social context of each organization and, therefore, related to the enterprise strategy. The performance indicators of large and small hotels are similar, differing only in their formalization.

This thesis explores the scope for the transfer and integration of human resources management (HRM) knowledge to provide the basis for the development of more productive and efficient supply chains, in the specific case of the aftermarket distribution channels of multinational companies in the automotive industry in China. Most studies of human resources management, supply chain management, and knowledge transfer have focused on internal transfer within multinational companies and there has been more limited research on the transfer of such knowledge across organisations in the supply chain, particularly in relation to distribution channels. Thus the starting point for the research was to understand the preconditions, mechanisms and effects on the distribution supply chain of the transfer and integration of HRM knowledge. To explore these issues the thesis compares and contrasts a poorly performing supply chain (that is Company J's supply chain) with two more successful supply chains in the automotive aftersales market (that is those of Company M and Company S). The aim was to identify whether the poorly performing supply chain could learn from the other two cases through a detailed exploration of the motivators and mediators that facilitate or hinder processes of HRM transfer and integration, and the outcomes of these processes on the performance of the supply chains and the manufacturers and distributors within the supply chains. A qualitative research approach was utilised. Data was gathered through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with senior-level management, mid-level management, and frontline staff from the manufacturers and wholesale distributors in the three automotive aftermarket distribution channels and analysed using computer-assisted coding software, NVivo. In line with the extant literature, the thesis findings support the proposition that a relational supply chain network based on trust facilitates HRM knowledge transfer and integration, and provides a basis for competitive advantage in the supply chain. At the same time the findings suggest some important extensions to current knowledge and understanding of the processes and impact of HRM knowledge transfer. Firstly the research found that consideration should be given to recategorising the classic division between tacit and explicit knowledge with respect to HRM into fundamental and differential categories, in order to more clearly differentiate the type of strategic HRM knowledge transfer that could provide the basis for competitive advantage. Likewise the study found that it is not the mechanism of transfer- whether through systems or by inter-person channels- that should be the criteria to categorise knowledge, as a blended approach involving both types of transfer mechanisms was associated with better transfer effectiveness. Third the type of HRM to be transferred needs to fit the specific needs of distributors within the supply chain; in practice the best fit for this part of the supply chain can be considered a mix of paternalistic and transaction HRM, rather than the so-called 'best' practice HRM. Finally although there was potential in principle for the underperforming supply chain to learn from the experiences and practices of the higher performing supply chains, the extent to which Company J was likely to be able to emulate the more successful chains was constrained by significant internal barriers to learning (for example the pressure for short-term gains and the time needed to build trust, the lack of internal HRM expertise and the lack of local decision-making authority). However, an even more major constraint on the learning process came from the dynamic changes in the aftermarket distribution system that had the potential even to disrupt the trust-based partnerships in the exemplar supply chains. Thus the scope for applying the lessons from past practice, which has been the major focus of the comparative investigation of the three supply chains, may be limited by both the variations in internal conditions and by the fact that the key challenges for future development may be different from those faced in the automotive aftersales market in the past.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are important part of economy. All of them create healthy corporate environment, new jobs for people, increase dynamic of market and they are stabilizing component of economic system. This thesis deals with the possibilities of international cooperation between Lower Austrian and South Moravian small and medium-sized enterprises and with the task of small and medium-sized enterprises in regions. Cooperation between regions contribute to transfer experiences in term of small and medium-sized enterprises, to creation collective projects and to development of regions.

Background: Existing literature suggests research about sustainability and Small- and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to be limited. SMEs tend to have less resources than large companies and as a result of this sustainability integration may be challenging. Despite these resource restrictions, some SMEs still succeed in integrating sustainability. Some literature suggests that organisational culture could influence the integration of sustainability. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how organisational culture attributes influence the integration of sustainability in Swedish SMEs. Method: To fulfil the purpose of this thesis, a multiple case study consisting of six SMEs in the Jönköping region is performed. Qualitative semi-structured interviews are conducted with the manager and/or head of sustainability. Furthermore, structured interviews are conducted with managers and employees, in an attempt to gain insights into the values and cultural attributes of the organisational culture of the SME.   Main Findings: The results reveal that an organisational culture which emphasises internal relationships, stability and goal-setting and planning seem to facilitate the integration of sustainability. SMEs with the attribute of valuing internal relationships are aided in the integration of sustainability through the existence of tightly knit groups that work together toward the long-term goal of integrating sustainability. The positive influence of stability stems from the fact that the attribute provides structure, economic stability, and a stable employee base. A high focus on goal-setting and planning may enable the integration of sustainability through providing clear missions and objectives which the company strives toward.  Managerial Implications: This study urges three implications for managers of SMEs; 1. It provide managers with some understanding of how their organisational culture may affect sustainability integration. 2. It provide insight into the challenges companies may face as the result of lacking certain cultural attributes. 3.  It provide indications of which attributes that could be beneficial to develop or incorporate into the organisational culture in order to aid the integration of sustainability.

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar a existência de uma orientação do controle do desempenho utilizados nas pequenas e médias empresas hoteleiras e sua adequação aos fatores-chave de competitividade do setor. Essa pesquisa foi realizada na região central do Estado de São Paulo contemplando os circuitos Paulista da Chapada Guarani e Ecocaipira. A pesquisa fundamenta-se no vácuo existente entre a visão estratégica e visão operacional na gestão empresarial, ou seja, a falta de integração entre as diretrizes estratégicas e a operação das empresas. A medição de desempenho é uma atividade que visa melhorar gradativamente a atuação das empresas, fazendo com que elas se mantenham competitivas. O trabalho de campo foi dividido em três fases: a primeira e segunda fase concentrou-se na abordagem quantitativa. A primeira fase teve o propósito de identificar a quantidade de empresas hoteleiras na região central do Estado de São Paulo, considerando o mapeamento da equipe de pesquisadores do GEOPE da EESC - USP. A segunda fase teve o propósito de caracterizar a preocupação com o controle do desempenho e com as medidas de desempenho da organização. A terceira fase concentrou-se na abordagem qualitativa, na qual foi feito um estudo de caso com o propósito de verificar os indicadores utilizados pelas empresas e verificar se estão orientados para a competitividade. Como principal resultado, observou-se que os mecanismos de controle do desempenho são adequados as características do contexto social de cada organização e, como conseqüência, está relacionado à estratégia da empresa. Ainda, concluiu-se que os indicadores de desempenho das grandes e das pequenas empresas hoteleiras são semelhantes, a diferença está na formalização desses indicadores. / The general aim of this research is to evaluate the existence of an orientation of the organizational control utilized in small and medium sized hotels and its adequacy for the key competitivity factors of the sector. The research was conducted in the central region of São Paulo State comprising the Paulista Circuits of Chapada Guarani and Ecocaipira, based on the vacuum that exists between the strategic and operational visions in the entrepreneural management, i. e., the lack of integration between the strategic guidelines and the operation of the enterprises. The performance measurement is an activity that aims to gradually improve the action of enterprises, so that they keep themselves competitive, which is the basis in the strategic process. The field work was divided into three stages, of which the first and the second focused on the quantitative approach. In the first phase the aim was the identification and quantification of hotels in the central region of São Paulo state, considering the mapping of the research group of GEOPE at São Carlos Engineering School - USP. In the second phase, the concern about the performance control and measurement of the organization was characterized. Finally, the third phase focused on the qualitative approach, in which a case study was conducted in order to verify the indicators utilized by the enterprises and check that they are oriented towards competitiveness. As a main result, it was possible to observe that the performance control mechanisms are adequate for the characteristics of the social context of each organization and, therefore, related to the enterprise strategy. The performance indicators of large and small hotels are similar, differing only in their formalization.

As pequenas e médias empresas desempenham um papel importante para a economia dos países, seja pela geração de empregos ou por sua participação no Produto Interno Bruto. No entanto, esse grupo de empresas enfrenta uma série de dificuldades quanto à obtenção de recursos para alavancar o seu crescimento e financiar seus projetos de longo prazo. Uma das alternativas é o acesso ao mercado de capitais, opção que deve ser incentivada e facilitada pelas instituições interessadas. Apesar da relevância do tema é possível observar a escassez de pesquisas relacionadas ao assunto, portanto, este trabalho pretende apresentar um referencial que possa colaborar com o crescimento e desenvolvimento da pequena e média empresa e com novas pesquisas nesta área. A pesquisa é quantitativa de caráter exploratória, não probabilística. Os meios de obtenção dos dados são: bibliográfico e pesquisa de campo, através de um questionário enviado para um grupo de gestores de pequenas e médias empresas emergentes. Os resultados sugerem que esses gestores possuem conhecimento sobre diferentes fontes de financiamento, sobre mercado de capitais e Governança Corporativa. As empresas pesquisadas são de capital fechado e a maioria não pretende abrir o capital. Dentre as que pretendem abrir o capital ou não desconsideram essa possibilidade, os resultados apontam que elas estão se preparando para futuro acesso ao mercado de ações, mas os seus gestores apontam os custos, principalmente os relacionados ao processo de IPO como principal barreira. Os resultados sugerem vários fatores que podem colaborar com as PMEs, como incentivos fiscais aos investidores e presença de um assessor. Indicam também que esse grupo de empresas em crescimento pretende prosseguir com suas estratégias de crescimento, aplicando os recursos obtidos em tecnologia, inovação e busca de novos mercados. O trabalho possui aplicabilidades práticas por trazer informações que podem sem utilizadas por gestores que desejam buscar novas formas de financiamento para seus projetos e colaborar com o aprimoramento do segmento da bolsa voltado para pequenas empresas com potencial de crescimento. / Small and medium-sized enterprises play an important role in the countries\' economy either by generation of employment or for their share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this group of companies face a range of difficulties related to obtaining financial resources to leverage growth and to finance long-term projects as well. To have access to capital market is one possible alternative, which needs to be encouraged and facilitated by interested agencies. Despite the relevance of this issue we can observe a few studies related to this subject. Therefore, this work aims to present a framework that can collaborate with the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to encourage further researchs in this field. This is an exploratory study with a quantitative approach, non-probabilistic. The means used to obtain the data were bibliographic andfield research by way of a structured questionnaire which was sent out to an emerging enterprises\' group of managers. The findings suggest that the managers have knowledge on different sources of financing, as well as, capital market and Corporate Governance. The researched firms are privately-held companies and most of them don\'t intend to open up their capital. Among those firms which intend to open up their capital or not disregard this possibility, the results point out that these firms have been getting ready for a possible initial public offering in the future, but their managers consider the costs, mainly those related to the IPO process, the main barrier. The results also suggest that many factors can contribute with SMEs, such as tax incentives to investors and assistance from an advisor. The findings indicate that this group of growing firms intend to proceed with their growth strategies, applying resources in technology, innovation, and new markets. The work has practical applicabilities, the results can be used by managers who wish to access new sources of financing and cooperate with the improvement of the stock market segment for small and medium-sized businesses with potential growth.

Background: Blockchain is a technological innovation, and its benefits such as decentralized transactions without a trusted third party, improvements in traceability and efficiency can potentially facilitate complex challenges faced by supply chains (Hughes et al., 2019; Saberi et al., 2019). However, solutions are rather in a demonstration stage, which raises the question of what barriers prevent organizations from adopting blockchain (Kouhizadeh et al., 2021). Especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) have been neglected in blockchain adoption studies (Wong et al., 2020). However, research recognizes that they should be considered separately because of their specific needs (Chouki et al., 2020). Moreover, the pre-decision stage of the adoption is of interest, as blockchain applications for the supply chain are still in a pilot phase (Y. Wang, Singgih, et al., 2019). Research Question: What barriers do SMEs face during the pre-decision stage of blockchain adoption for supply chain? Theoretical Framework: A framework developed by Kouhizadeh et al. (2021) containing barriers that impede blockchain adoption for supply chains is contextualized in the pre-decision phase and focused on SMEs. Methodology and Data Collection: This thesis follows a qualitative, deductive approach. An exploratory single case study was conducted to collect data through semi-structured interviews. This sheds light on the blockchain adoption from the perspective of a Swedish SME in the pre-decision stage that intends to use blockchain for sustainable water management in an agricultural supply chain. Complementary to this, blockchain experts are interviewed to enrich companies' responses that cannot fully illuminate the barriers due to their limited knowledge. Findings: Supply chain barriers emerged as the most important, especially 'SC2- Problems in collaboration, communication, and coordination in the supply chain', and 'SC1- Lack of customers' awareness and tendency about sustainability and blockchain technology'. Furthermore, four characteristics were identified that significantly influence the perception of the barriers in the setting studied: The proactive commitment to adopting blockchain, the affinity and attitude toward information technology (IT), trust, and financial support. Conclusions: Several managerial and theoretical implications result from the study, as well as suggestions for further research. These include that SMEs and consultants should consider the characteristics that influence perceptions of barriers in order to prioritize the barriers, and also in research they should be more emphasized to enhance transferability of blockchain adoption research. Limitations include that the case study was conducted on a single SME in Sweden, therefore a validation of the results in other SMEs would be beneficial. In addition, a longitudinal study could shed light on how the barriers change during the adoption process, and further research could reveal the strategies that SMEs use to overcome the barriers.

Background: Existing literature implies research about Sustainability reporting and SMEs to be limited. SMEs are more vulnerable to economic pressure which may result in enhanced challenges in integrating sustainability practice. Because of SMEs’ vulnerability to financial pressures, and the law’s burden, the Swedish government, has excluded them from the law of sustainability reporting. Despite being excluded from the law, some SMEs are communicating on sustainability anyway, and the literature suggests that indirect forces could influence the strategies of sustainability performance.   Purpose: This thesis aims to explore the underlying rationale of why SMEs in Sweden communicate on their sustainability performance, through a lens of stakeholder engagement.   Method: The study is built upon enterprise occurrence, where four SMEs based in the Jönköping region has been interviewed with open- and semi-structured questions. The study follows an interpretivism approach with an exploratory nature of discovering the topic of SME and sustainability communication.   Conclusion: This study has shown that the answer to why SMEs communicate on their sustainability performance is rather complex as it is hidden behind enterprise’s unique institutional structures with internal and external influences that shape decisions and attitudes. Throughout this study, it has been recognised that SMEs’ sustainability communication is performed beyond legal borders due to various reasons, and in particular the following; pressure from surrounding institutional structures; stakeholder relationships; and visions based on personal values and strong organisational core beliefs.

Background: CSR has become an integral part of most businesses during the years, however, it has not necessarily happened by choice for every company. Stakeholders have become aware of the negative impact ofcorporations’ operations and actions on the planet and on society, consequently, they started to pressure companies to be more responsible when conducting business. However, facing financial shortages might interfere with the accomplishment of these practices and corresponding activities. Furthermore, as differently sized and differently located companies might practice CSR in a different way, size and geographical location might also have an influence on these CSR practices and activities. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of size and geography on CSR practices and activities adopted by SMEs and large corporations in Sweden and in Hungary when facing shortage in their financial resources. Method: In order to achieve the purpose, a qualitative research method has been used. Multiple case studies were conducted with two Hungarian SMEs, a Hungarian large enterprise, a Swedish SME and a Swedish large firm. The empirical data was collected with the help of semi-structured interviews as well as data from corporate websites, annual reports, sustainability reports and social media. Conclusion: The results of this thesis show that the approach each company takes to practicing CSR seems to influence all of their activities. The size of the company appears to influence fewer practices, while geography comes across as having the least influence among these factors.