It is necessary for multinational corporations (MNCs) to manage their knowledge flows effectively in order to gain or maintain competitive advantage. The knowledge management (KM) process needs to be cost effective, which can be achieved through a standardized “one-size fits all” strategy. Some scholars argue that a standardized KM strategy is not possible in international KM, since countries are different and cultural differences makes it necessary to adapt the KM strategy with regard to different cultures. It becomes a question about standardization versus adaptation of KM. This study aims on describing the factors affecting international KM and thereby whether it is appropriate to standardize or adapt international KM. The empirical findings in this study derive from qualitative interviews with internationally experienced managers at three MNCs with subsidiaries spread over the world. By studying different factors that affect KM, it is shown that the MNCs mainly benefit from standardized KM strategies.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Hamburg. / Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Hamburg. / Description based on print version record.

Thesis (M.S. in Financial Management)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 1990. / Thesis Advisor(s): Gates, William R. Second Reader: Carrick, Paul M. "June 1990." Description based on signature page on October 19, 2009. DTIC Descriptor(s): Army facilities, benefits, California, cost effectiveness, costs, facilities, feasibility studies, operation, procurement, savings, standardization, warehouses DTIC Indicator(s): CFA(Community Family Activities), Standardization, Economic order quantities, Savings from bulk purchases, Centralization of ordering, *Inventory control, Theses, Cost benefit analysis. Author(s) subject terms: Standardization, economic order quantities, savings from bulk purchases, centralization of ordering Includes bibliographical references (p. 53). Also available online.

Thesis (doctoral) - University of Hamburg. / Includes bibliographical references.

New technology has received increased attention in the literature over the past two decades. Information technology's profound economic, social, political, organisational, and psychological effects have been the subject matter of numerous studies. The wide-spread use of computers in manufacturing industry is an important area for research into what may look superficially as a purely technical change but turns out to be, in effect, as much about organisational adaptation as it is about the introduction of a technology system per se. The latter needs to fit the host organisational setting in order to operate and deliver and the former needs to fit the technology being introduced in order to make an effective use of it. Among other important computer technology applications in manufacturing industry (e.g. robotics, CAT and MRP-I), CAD was the subject matter of numerous research efforts during the 1970s and 80s. So was CAM but to a lesser degree. For the 1990s and beyond, however, the focus of research has shifted to concentrate on integrating technologies (e.g. MRP-II and CADCAM) used in manufacturing companies and often symbolised by the generic concept of CIM. Such technologies are more technically advanced in their own right but they also have greater implications for job design and work organisation. This thesis addresses the gap between precept and practice in CADCAM implementation as a technology-induced organisational integration process. The aim of the present research is to develop a better empirically-informed understanding of integration as an organisational change process by researching and comparing ten selected UK-based manufacturing companies' experiences. The emphasis in this study is on the discovery and development, rather than testing, of theory. Therefore, the underlying theory here is grounded in the data gathered through an oriented field research, rather than tested for verification purposes following a logic-deductive literature review. A qualitative, "grounded theory" methodological approach is used to meet the set objective on the basis of a defined link between the study's theoretical and methodological frameworks. The research strategy is designed to include a longitudinal case study approach which traces the companies' historical experiences of introducing CAD and CAM systems since the early 1970s (in the ten companies) and current experiences of interfacing them to create integrated CADCAM (in five of them - termed primary cases), as well as the lack of integration initiatives (in the other five companies - termed secondary cases). Seven tentative research questions are used to orient the field research initially. A conceptual model is then developed as a framework for the generation of theory: 20 substantive theoretical propositions on CAD/CAM and integration and, subsequently, 20 corresponding formal theoretical propositions on organisational change in general, of which 14 are presented in a hypothesis form. The findings have implications for directing the efforts of future organisational change, particularly in the area of CADCAM integration. They should be of interest to different individuals and groups who are involved in organisational change in one way or another. Senior and technical managers in particular may find them to be of importance in managing the organisational aspects of a strategic technological change process.

Environmental conditions can lead to mercury accumulations in fish that are highly variability among spatially close lakes in Ontario, Canada. Mercury methylation caused by sulfate reduction can influence total mercury concentrations in fish (THgfish). Kahshe and Mountain lakes were chosen to assess temporal trends of THgfish and using paleolimnological tools described the lake environment in terms of total mercury (THgsed), total sulfur (TSsed), chromium-reducible sulfur (CRSsed), and chrysophyte-inferred lake-water pH (CI-pH). THgfish were standardized by length (LS-THgfish) to identify trends and make comparisons with archived fish from the Royal Ontario Museum. In Kahshe Lake, LS-THgfish for 30-cm smallmouth bass and 40-cm walleye displayed peak concentrations in the early 1980s (0.74 +/- 0.17 µg/g d.w; n=41 and 1.40 +/- 0.42 µg/g d.w; n=16, respectively) with clear declines starting in 1999 (0.33 µg/g d.w +/- 0.13, n=12). At Mountain Lake, LS-THgfish in smallmouth bass (0.31 – 0.45 µg/g) and walleye (0.30 – 0.49 µg/g) were low and stable through the period of observation. Peak concentrations at Kahshe Lake were over 300% higher than the 1926 archival sample (0.22 µg/g d.w, 22.1 cm total length), while the 1948 Mountain Lake sample (0.28 µg/g, 24.4 cm total length) is consistent with modern concentrations. As expected from LS-THgfish , THgsed was higher in Kahshe Lake, although enrichment was seen at both sites. Temporal trends for TSsed and CRSsed diverged with enrichment in Kahshe Lake and depletion in Mountain Lake. CI-pH showed minimal temporal changes. Although trends of CRSsed indicate sulfate is processed differently among the lakes, geochronology highlighted a consistent spatio-temporal relationship between THgfish and CRSsed. This strongly supports a relationship between sulfate reduction rates and Hg methylation, independent of THgsed and pH. Therefore, if THgfish is used as an indicator of aquatic health CRSsed may be a useful tool for rapid assessment. / Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-11 15:48:02.718

<p>This thesis deals with TV advertising strategies, namely adaptation and standardization, and with the impact of cultural homogenization on these strategies. Indeed, globalization generates the convergence of world cultures and especially of young Europeans’ cultures. This relative convergence in people’s habits, behaviour and values could allow advertisers to use more standardized advertisements without losing too much impact on the consumer. The use of standardized advertisements is interesting to create a uniform brand image, appeal to cross-border segments and, of course, make economies of scale. This thesis surveys young Europeans, represented by Swedes and Belgians, to examine their degree of cultural homogenization, i.e., if they are culturally similar enough for standardization to be effective on this group. Moreover, it compares the impact of both adapted and standardized commercials on this young European audience. This study comes to two main findings. First, the young Swedish and Belgian cultures have similarities, which standardized commercials can exploit, but also differences. This shows that we can speak about cultures’ convergence but not about a complete homogenization. Second, standardization seems to be effective - as effective as adaptation - in its appeal to young Swedes and Belgians. This shows that, given its advantages, standardization is certainly the most adequate method for targeting a young European audience. The findings for Sweden and Belgium should be valid for the whole EU. The thesis also discusses the generalization of the findings to the rest of the world and other age ranges as well as the future of commercials.</p>

This thesis deals with TV advertising strategies, namely adaptation and standardization, and with the impact of cultural homogenization on these strategies. Indeed, globalization generates the convergence of world cultures and especially of young Europeans’ cultures. This relative convergence in people’s habits, behaviour and values could allow advertisers to use more standardized advertisements without losing too much impact on the consumer. The use of standardized advertisements is interesting to create a uniform brand image, appeal to cross-border segments and, of course, make economies of scale. This thesis surveys young Europeans, represented by Swedes and Belgians, to examine their degree of cultural homogenization, i.e., if they are culturally similar enough for standardization to be effective on this group. Moreover, it compares the impact of both adapted and standardized commercials on this young European audience. This study comes to two main findings. First, the young Swedish and Belgian cultures have similarities, which standardized commercials can exploit, but also differences. This shows that we can speak about cultures’ convergence but not about a complete homogenization. Second, standardization seems to be effective - as effective as adaptation - in its appeal to young Swedes and Belgians. This shows that, given its advantages, standardization is certainly the most adequate method for targeting a young European audience. The findings for Sweden and Belgium should be valid for the whole EU. The thesis also discusses the generalization of the findings to the rest of the world and other age ranges as well as the future of commercials.