<p>Bakgrund: Dagens samhälle är i förändring, vilket av forskare har kallats att det gått från det moderna till det postmoderna samhället (Löwendahl & Revang, 1998). För företag har denna förändring bland annat inneburit att de måste internationaliseras, det vill säga starta engagemang på utländska marknader, för att överleva. </p><p>Syfte: Uppsatsen syftar till att ge ett bidrag till nuvarande forskning genom att undersöka huruvida Uppsalaskolans internationaliseringsteori har ett tillfredsställande förklaringsvärde, eller om en uppdatering av denna vore att föredra.</p><p>Avgränsningar: Vi avgränsar vår studie till att omfatta ett företag inom tillverkningsindustrin eftersom Uppsalaskolan bygger på en studie av tillverkningsföretag och är därmed applicerbar på denna typ av företag.</p><p>Genomförande: För att kunna undersöka Uppsalaskolans förklaringsvärde, har vi utfört en kvalitativ studie av ett företags internationella engagemang genom att studera dess etablerings- samt internationaliseringsprocess. </p><p>Resultat: Studiens resultat visar ett visst mönster av engagemang likt en stegvis etableringskedja i enlighet med Uppsalaskolans teori. Det förekommer dock avvikelser i form av att fallföretaget bland annat har snabbat på etableringar genom att inleda engagemangen med högre resursåtagande än vad som hävdas i teorin. Vad beträffar turordningen av val av marknader, har vi inte kunnat se något mönster av en successiv spridning till allt mer psykiskt avlägsna marknader. Beträffande de olika avvikelserna, har vi främst funnit förklaring hos nätverktänkande samt att företaget kan ha samlat på sig en generell kunskap av att vara internationellt aktiv.</p> / <p>Background: Changing conditions in the world market has created not only opportunities but also a stiffer competition in the domestic market. Therefore, international expansion becomes more important for companies to survive. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to evaluate whether the Uppsala internationalization theory is valid or if it needs to be brought up to date. Method: In order to fulfil the purpose, we conducted a qualitative analysis of a company’s internationalization process over time. Findings: The result of our study showed a tendency to develop engagement in foreign markets according to a step-wise establishment chain. However, deviations were seen when eg. using more direct and rapid entry modes than those implied by the Uppsala internationalization model. Our study showed no support for the pattern of entering foreign markets with successively greater psychic distance. The deviations found could though be explained by network theories and the factor of general international experience.</p>

This study provides an examination of the link between psychic distance and consumers’ behavior towards purchasing from foreign online retailers. A self-administered online survey, with an observation unit of 123 respondents is provided for data collection. The findings from the data imply that psychic distance is valid from a level of high uncertainty. The level of uncertainty decreases as customers gain knowledge externally, access of relevant knowledge builds trust for the customer with the foreign online retailer.

Datum: 2021-06-02 Nivå: Kandidatuppsats i företagsekonomi, 15 hp Institution: Akademin för Ekonomi, Samhälle och Teknik, Mälardalens högskola Författare: Nieminen Marcel (98/04/12) Saeed Allan (97/07/17) Sarhang Daniel (97/10/05) Titel: Psykiskt avstånd - En kvalitativ studie om det psykiska avståndets påverkan på Generation Y och Generation Z när de handlar online. Handledare: Johan Grinbergs Nyckelord: Psykiskt avstånd, e-handel, konsumentförtroende, osäkerhet och engagemang Frågeställning: Hur påverkar psykiskt avstånd Generation Y och Generation Z när de handlar online? Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur psykiskt avstånd påverkar svenska konsumenter i olika åldersgrupper. Detta för att skapa en djupare förståelse för psykiskt avstånd på individnivå och generationsskillnader i köpbeteende. Metod: Studien utgår från en kvalitativ forskningsmetod med en abduktiv forskningsansats. Det empiriska materialet samlats in genom sex fokusgruppsintervjuer som representerade Generation Y och Generation Z. Respondenterna, som var totalt 22, valdes utifrån ett målstyrt urval. Med hjälp av studiens analysmodell, empiri och teoretiska ramverk har slutsatser kunnat dras för att besvara forskningsfrågan. Slutsats: Svenska konsumenter påverkas av psykiskt avstånd när de handlar online i olika utsträckning; identiskt, liknande eller avvikande, beroende på vilken generation de tillhör. Det psykiska avståndet påverkar både Generation Y och Generation Z på ett identiskt sätt i form av att det minskar deras konsumentförtroende i lika stor grad. Generationerna påverkades på ett liknande sätt av psykiskt avstånd eftersom båda upplever en osäkerhet när de handlar online. Däremot, upplever Generation Z en högre nivå av osäkerhet jämfört med Generation Y. Vidare, påverkar psykiskt avstånd generationernas engagemang på avvikande sätt eftersom det endast har en inverkan på Generation Y:s vilja att handla online. / Date: 2021-06-02 Level: Bachelor thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr  Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University Authors: Nieminen Marcel (98/04/12) Saeed Allan (97/07/17) Sarhang Daniel (97/10/05) Title: Psychic distance - A qualitative study of the impact of psychic distance on Generation Y and Generation Z when shopping online Tutor: Johan Grinbergs Keywords: Psychic distance, e-commerce, consumer confidence, uncertainty, and commitment. Research questions: How does psychic distances affect Generation Y and Generation Z when they are shopping online? Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how psychic distance affects Swedish consumers in different age groups. This is to develop a deeper understanding of psychic distance at the individual level and generational differences in buying behavior. Method: The study is based on a qualitative research method with an abductive research approach. The empirical material has been collected with the help of six focus group interviews that represented Generation Y and Generation Z. The respondents, who were a total of 22, were selected based on a goal-directed sample. With the help of the study´s analysis model, empirical data, and theoretical framework, conclusions have been drawn to answer the research question. Conclusion: Swedish consumers are affected by psychic distance when they shop online to various degrees; identical, similar, or deviant, depending on the generation they belong to. The psychic distance affects both Generation Y and Generation Z in an identical way in terms of reducing their consumer confidence to the same extent. The generations are affected in a similar way by psychic distance because both experience uncertainty when shopping online. However, Generation Z experiences a higher level of uncertainty compared to Generation Y. Furthermore, psychic distance affects the generations' commitment in a deviant way as it only has an impact on Generation Y´s desire to shop online.

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate how Start-Ups from Switzerland pattern their expansion to foreign markets and how prevalent traditional internationalization models are among Start-Ups. In order to conduct the research, the term Start-Up has been defined in comparison to other forms of enterprises. The first part of the literature review has been conducted regarding key concepts within the field of international business such as psychic distance or the choice of the right entry mode. The second part of the literature review has been conducted regarding relevant traditional internationalization theories as well as the international entrepreneurship theory, as counterpart to traditional internationalization theories. The theories have resulted in a conceptual framework that reveals the relations between the different theories. The thesis is built on a qualitative approach on the basis of a multiple case study by means of three interviews with Swiss Start-Ups. Further the thesis has followed a deductive approach to first build a profound knowledge about the internationalization process of Start-Ups. The authors of this thesis consider a good pre understanding of the research area as relevant to observe a pattern from the empirical observations. In the analysis chapter the differences and similarities between the theory and the empirical findings were discussed. The structure of both chapters, empirical findings and analysis, are structured in accordance with the conceptual framework. On the basis of the analysis, the conclusion chapter presents the responses of three research questions. Further the final chapter consists of theoretical and practical implications and recommendations as well as limitations and ends with proposals for a further research.

Internationalisation theories and other aspects of this phenomenon have been investigated by researchers to a large extent with respect to MNCs, MNEs and SMEs. However not very much attention has been devoted to the study of the internationalisation of family firms and factors influencing this process. Specifically, in the current era of the third wave of internationalisation, where firms from emerging country markets are internationalising, there has not been sufficient research to investigate, how, when, and why family firms from an emerging country market such as South Africa internationalise. Family firms in South Africa contribute significantly to the economic developments of their nation. They form 80% of businesses within the country and 60% of the firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Therefore, research into the internationalisation of these family firms will not only be beneficial to the South African family businesses investigated, but it will also add valuable knowledge and insight to the internationalisation phenomenon with respect to the nation’s family firms. This study sets out to fill this gap by examining and explaining the internationalisation of South African family firms, and identifying the possible lessons that could be learnt from the internationalised South African family firms by their not yet internationalised counterparts. This research was conducted through a qualitative case study of six South African family firms, out of which three have internationalised and three are yet to internationalise. Face-to-face interviews conducted with the owners and managers, as well as secondary sources of data formed the base of the empirical data analysed. The interview questions were grouped under the concepts of family impact, decision-making, business networks and culture. These concepts were examined and their impact on internationalisation explained. The researchers conclude that chance played the most important role in the internationalisation of the firms. The chance to internationalise however, was made available to these firms through their business networks.

Cette thèse porte sur les stratégies d’internationalisation des firmes chinoises, particulièrement celles qui s’implantent en Europe. À travers une série d’études empiriques nous visons à traiter plusieurs aspects au regard des stratégies employées par ces firmes chinoises. À travers une première étude de cas, nous avons identifié différents parcours internationaux adoptés par les firmes chinoises en référence avec les théories existantes. Par la suite, nous avons conduit à travers une deuxième étude de cas, une analyse comparative de deux cadres théoriques distincts (modèle OLI et LLL). Cela nous a permis de souligner le pouvoir explicatif important de ces deux théories durant des périodes et des contextes différents dans lesquels les firmes chinoises se sont situées. Troisièmement, nous avons visé plus spécifiquement les partenariats entre les multinationales chinoises et les PME françaises. Ce travail a souligné comment ces deux types de firmes, par la combinaison de leurs asymétries réciproques, peuvent surmonter diverses difficultés de leur développement respectif. Au final, selon le concept de distance psychique proposé par le modèle d’Uppsala, nous avons analysé l’impact de la distance psychique dans le cas des multinationales chinoises. Sur la base d’une étude quantitative, cette fois-ci, nous avons proposé qu’en raison de diverses évolutions sociétales (avancement des technologies d’information ; amélioration des moyens de transport, etc.) et de certaines capacités de ces firmes chinoises, les difficultés liées à la distance psychique rencontrée par ces firmes sont inférieures à celles envisagées par le modèle d’Uppsala. / This PhD focuses on the internationalization strategies of Chinese companies, specifically those that are setting up in Europe. Through a series of empirical studies, we aim to treat several aspects with regard to the strategies employed by these Chinese companies. In our first case study, we have identified various international development paths adopted by Chinese firms in reference to existing theories. Subsequently, we conducted, through a second case study, a comparative analysis of two distinct theoretical frameworks (OLI and LLL model). This allowed us to highlight the important explanatory potential of these two theories during different times and contexts in which Chinese firms are embedded. Thirdly, we focused more specifically on partnerships between Chinese multinationals and French SMEs. This work revealed how these two types of firms may overcome various difficulties in combining their reciprocal asymmetries. In the end, according to the concept of psychic distance proposed by the Uppsala model, we addressed the impact of psychic distance in the case of Chinese multinationals. Through a quantitative study, we proposed that due to various societal evolution (advancement of information technologies, improvement of the transport, etc.)and to certain capabilities of Chinese multinationals, the psychic distance related difficulties faced by Chinese multinationals are less than those presumed by the Uppsala model.

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Background: The Swedish fashion market today quickly becomes too small, even for the new companies, and they are quick to take the step abroad and launch their internationalisation process. With a focus on the four Swed-ish fashion companies Filippa K, Acne Jeans, Nudie Jeans and Whyred, we have analysed how these representatives of the industry have interna-tionalised themselves. The companies have chosen different ways to promote their brand and how to control the perceived image of the brand. As there is a lack of earlier in-depth studies into this particular question of the Swedish Fashion industry, we have set out to investigate how this is done. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to look at the internationalisation process of Swedish fashion companies, with a focus on the growth and the penetra-tion of the international markets in order to determine the key success factors for successful international expansion. We will also investigate to what extent branding, country of origin (COO) and psychic distance to geographical markets has an influence on the internationalisation process and its success. Method: We used a qualitative approach and conducted a case study consisting of four Swedish fashion companies. The data have been collected through interviews and secondary sources. The information has been put into dif-ferent models for internationalisation, branding and key success factors. Conclusion: We have interpreted the collected data together with the theories used, thereafter drawn the conclusions that the key Success factors that have taken these firms so far and have been important in the building of the successful brands/companies, are in fact to a large degree COO, rela-tions in the Swedish fashion Industry and the creation of superior prod-ucts. The companies have both similar and specific factors for their suc-cess on the international market.

Objective: The papers objective is to create a deeper understanding for whether or not cultural and psychic distance affects corporate establishments in the EU. Method: The results have been gathered through intense data collection through interviews with ScaniaAB and Business Sweden. There has also been extensive research of 36 different companies and their first establishments in different countries. We have then analyzed the results through cultural and psychic distance and through Uppsala University's internationalization process model. Conclusion: The conclusions of this paper are: Corporate establishment often occurs in neighboring countries because of the similarity to the domestic markets which contribute with a greater security. Since the introduction of the EU single market, corporate establishments have become easier within the single market. The cultural and psychic distance does exist within the EU, however the internal market decreases these distances and the impact on corporate establishments. The market commitment is essential to the corporates survival within the new market. Cultural and psychic distance affects small firms more often since their lack of network and experience. Cultural and psychic distances are two different but related phenomena.

Strukturella reformer har förvandlat Latinamerikas ekonomier från att vara stängda och statsdominerade till att bli mer marknadsorienterade och öppna för resten utav världen. Grundat på den politiska utvecklingen och den ekonomiska tillväxten blir marknaden mer stabil och utgör stora möjligheter för företag som vill satsa utomlands. Men med inträdet på en främmande marknad kommer kulturella utmaningar som kan ställa till problem om man inte ger dem tillräcklig uppmärksamhet. Studiens syfte är att undersöka och beskriva de kulturella skillnaderna som kommer till uttryck när svenska företag är verksamma på den latinamerikanska marknaden och hur de hanterar dessa. De teorier som ligger till grund för analysen handlar om kulturdimensioner, psykisk distans, internationaliseringsprocessen och kulturell träning. Studien är genomförd med en kvalitativ ansats. Det utfördes 11 semistrukturerade intervjuer med representanter från företag som är verksamma på den mexikanska marknaden, och det är individens erfarenheter på denna som ligger till grund för studiens analys och slutsatser. Studien finner att de största kulturella skillnaderna som svenska företag upplever på den mexikanska marknaden är att det finns en större maktdistans och en striktare hierarki. Den mexikanska affärskulturen är relationsbaserad, något som kan vara en hög barriär för svenska företag vid ett inträde på marknaden. Tidsuppfattningen är en kulturell skillnad som kan göra att svenska representanter kan känna en frustration, då man i Mexiko har en långsiktig orientering och inte använder tid som mått som man i Sverige gör. Den mexikanska affärskulturen har en maskulin orientering vilket innebär att arbete och pengar prioriteras framför familj och fritid. Svenska företag hanterar de kulturella skillnaderna bland annat med att etablera ett lokalt bolag eller att anlita en agent för att ta hand om verksamheten åt dem. / Due to structural reforms, the economies of Latin America have changed: From being restricted to their own countries, meaning that other countries have not had much possibility to do business with them and addition to this being dominated by the state, the economies of Latin America are now more open and market-oriented. Based on the political development and economic growth the market is now becoming more stable. The Latin American market represents great possibilities for companies that want to expand their business abroad, but together with the entry on an unknown, foreign market come cultural challenges that may cause problems if they are not given enough attention.This study's purpose is to examine and to describe the cultural differences that appear when Swedish companies operate on the Latin American market, and how they handle them. The theories that form the basis for the analysis are theories about cultural dimensions, psychic distance, the process of internationalization and cultural training.The study is conducted by eleven semi-structured interviews with representatives from companies that are active on the Mexican market, and it is their individual experiences of the market that form the basis for the study’s analysis and conclusions.The conclusion of the study is that the biggest cultural differences that appear when Swedish companies operate on the Mexican market are the higher level of power distance and the more rigid hierarchy on the Mexican market. The business in Mexico is relationship based, something which can create a barrier for the Swedish companies when they enter the market. The Mexican perception of time can lead to frustration as the Mexican business culture has a long-term- orientation, and time is usually not being used as a measurement in the same way as in Sweden. The Mexican business culture also has a masculine orientation which involves that work and money are given a priority above spare time and family. The companies handle the cultural differences, for instance, by establishing a local subsidiary or by turning to an agent who can take charge of their business on the market.