Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-02T21:42:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JefersonSantos.pdf: 612956 bytes, checksum: 5aa0ece1940b5b9ff664853fc690a230 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-09-25 / The central aim of this study is to identify the influence of the main features of the entrepreneurial orientation of a SME-Small and Medium Enterprise manger of the metal-mechanic sector of São Bernardo do Campo, in the process of internationalization of the company. The research, by means of a case study in four companies in São Bernardo do Campo, a city that concentrates many companies and is responsible for a substantial portion of the total trade of the whole Brazil, identifies the influence of the main characteristics of an entrepreneurial orientation manager of an SME. In structuring and validation of the research, by means of the case study, were interviewed by author the four main managers of these SMEs, under a structured script, that faced with the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and theories of internationalization, able to complete the success in this process is directly linked to the guidance of his manager, who may or may not refer to a companys internationalization process, therefore, the manager needs to master orientation of these dimensions in a systematic way and apply them to your business. / O objetivo central deste estudo é o de identificar a influência das principais características da orientação empreendedora de um gestor de PME-Pequena e Média Empresa do setor metal-mecânico de São Bernardo do Campo, no processo de internacionalização da empresa. A pesquisa, por meio de estudo de caso em quatro empresas do município de São Bernardo do Campo, município que concentra muitas empresas e é responsável por importante parcela da corrente de comércio do Brasil inteiro, identifica a influência das principais características da orientação empreendedora de um gestor destas PME. Na estruturação e validação do instrumento de investigação, por meio do estudo de caso, foram entrevistados pelo autor os quatro principais gestores destas PME, sob um roteiro estruturado, que confrontado com as dimensões das orientações empreendedoras e as teorias de internacionalização, conseguiu concluir que o sucesso neste processo está diretamente ligado à orientação do seu gestor, que pode ou não encaminhar a empresa a um processo de internacionalização, para tanto, este gestor precisa dominar parte destas dimensões de orientação de forma sistêmica e aplicá-las no seu negócio.

The presented thesis deals with provided services of selected accommodation, specifically is it guest house U Studeného potoka. The aim of the thesis is to analyze current offer of selected accommodation and current offer of competitive accommodations in selected area. The important aim of the thesis is to suggest the innovation of product of guest house U Studeného potoka. The thesis will identify satisfaction of customers with currently offered services of selected accommodation and their proposals for development. The survey will be extended by information provided by operator of selected accommodation.

This study shows the theme performance and competitiveness of 16 enterprises that are part of a net of travel and tourism agencies in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Indicators have been developed to evaluate the period before the actual participation on the net and also the period after the participation on the net. The research is classified as qualitative. A deep interview with the net president and a questionnaire with the managers of the 16 companies were applied to collect data. The performance and competitiveness indicators were developed in a meeting with the managers of the companies that make part of this research. Between the 32 performance and competitiveness indicators analyzed in the companies that belong to the net, 25 indicators presented some improvement, 6 stayed as they were before and after the companies get into the net and only one presented a result lower than the one obtained before the companies start to make part of the net. In the 25 indicators that present some improvement there were: executive behavior, relations and partnerships with companies of the same industry, competitive advantage, motivation and satisfaction at work, improvement in the commissions generated by the providers, number of providers of negotiated products and monthly average incomes. About the performance indicators that stayed equal before and after the companies start to be a part of the net, it is possible to highlight the improve of the salaries. The only indicator that showed a decrease after the companies start to make part of the net was the one of the benefits generated by the providers. The results of this research indicates that the participation of the MPMES in a cooperation net improve their competitive performance. / Este estudo aborda o tema de desempenho e competitividade de 16 empresas pertencentes a uma rede de agências de viagens e turismo do estado do Rio Grande do sul. Desenvolveu-se indicadores que avaliaram comparativamente o período pré-participação na rede e período subseqüente à participação na rede relativo a indicadores de desempenho e competitividade das empresas. A pesquisa foi exploratória descritiva de levantamento e de natureza qualitativa, a partir de uma entrevista em profundidade com o presidente da rede e um questionário com os respectivos gestores das 16 empresas. Os indicadores de desempenho e melhoria da competitividade tiveram origem em reunião com os gestores das empresas foco da pesquisa, os quais foram identificados de acordo com a estrutura interna das organizações, a fim de que a sua utilização estivesse alinhada com as estruturas existentes. Entre os 32 indicadores de desempenho e competitividade analisados nas empresas pertencentes à rede, concluiu-se que 25 indicadores apresentaram grau de melhoria, 6 indicadores permaneceram da mesma forma antes e depois das empresas pertencerem à rede e apenas 1 indicador apresentou resultado menor depois que as empresas passaram a fazer parte da rede. Dos 25 indicadores que apresentaram grau de melhoria destacam-se: comportamento empreendedor, relações e parcerias com empresas do mesmo segmento, vantagem competitiva frente à concorrência, grau de motivação e satisfação dos colaboradores, aumento nas comissões geradas pelos fornecedores, número de fornecedores de produtos comercializados e faturamento médio bruto mensal. Para os indicadores de desempenho que permaneceram iguais antes e depois das empresas pertencerem à rede, destaca-se o aumento salarial dos colaboradores, sendo que o único indicador de desempenho que apresentou resultado menor depois que as empresas passaram a fazer parte da rede foi o de benefícios gerados pelos fornecedores. Os resultados deste estudo e pesquisa indicam que a participação das MPMEs em rede de cooperação melhoram o desempenho competitivo das mesmas a partir dos indicadores estudados.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:51:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissDCC.pdf: 1564951 bytes, checksum: 46396a40dddeff65ba4d698792070c2c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-06-22 / Building actions related to health and safety in small and medium enterprises are not easy tasks, since these enterprises need to deal with poor information, lack of available resources and methodologies developed according to big company characteristics. Based on Case Studies techniques, the present study investigated in four SME not only the way health and safety interventions are carried on, but the reasons why they are conducted that way as well. This investigation made us conclude that lack of available resources, poor information access, the firm culture and management model exert clear influence on the way Heath and Safety actions are conducted. Ergonomics, if conducted in the small firm, will be guided by perception and based on informality, either for changes or measures of the changes. We can conclude that some rules and laws, as well as ergonomic tools, should be developed according to the limitations and needs of the small and medium firms, and so be used to help improve health and safety into them. / Construir ações relacionadas à saúde e segurança nas pequenas e Médias empresas não é tarefa fácil, uma vez que estas empresas precisam lidar com o provimento deficitário de informações, poucos recursos disponíveis e metodologias de ação desenvolvidas de acordo com as características das empresas de grande porte. A partir de estudos de caso, o presente estudo investigou, em quatro PME, a maneira como ações de saúde e segurança são conduzidas, bem como as justificativas para sua forma de condução. A investigação comprovou que aspectos tais como poucos recursos financeiros, pouco acesso à informação, a cultura e o modelo gerencial assumido, exercem grande influência sobre a forma como as ações em SST serão conduzidas, sendo que a Ergonomia, quando houver, será característica pela condução perceptiva e informal das mudanças no local de trabalho. Concluiu-se que algumas normas e leis, assim como ferramentas ergonômicas, deveriam ser desenvolvidas e adaptadas às PME, de forma a facilitar sua utilização e assim promover uma melhora das condições de saúde e segurança nas PMEs, de acordo com suas necessidades e limitações.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:52:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5916.pdf: 2486327 bytes, checksum: e4b0116f307471080e7edff59fcf4b38 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-06-13 / The Performance Measurement System (PMS) are one of the essential tools to withstand the demands of information at all levels within an organization, and also is an important means of measuring the effectiveness of their business strategy. However, due to several peculiarities present in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), this tool is not always implemented and used in full. Given the above, this work aims to identify constraints that make it difficult the implementation and use of a PMS in SMEs. For this, a literature search and also a survey research was conducted, covering a unit of analysis of 21 industries in the metal-mechanical sector. This research was conducted in the region of Limeira, an important industrial center, located within the São Paulo state. As a result, it was found that SMEs face many difficulties in implementing PMS and this phenomenon is due to the fact that SMEs have characteristics that differ from large companies. Factors such as lack of resources, excessive informality, lack of a strategic long-term vision and lack of knowledge of this tool have been identified as existing in most of the surveyed companies. These factors added the characteristics of business, become serious constraints to the development and use of this tool. / O Sistema de Medição de Desempenho (SMD) é uma das ferramentas essenciais para suportar as exigências de informação em todos os níveis dentro de uma organização, além de ser um importante meio de medir a eficácia de sua estratégia de negócios. No entanto, devido a várias peculiaridades presentes nas pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs), esta ferramenta nem sempre é implantada e utilizada na sua íntegra. Diante desta problemática, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar as restrições que dificultam a implementação e uso de um SMD nas PMEs. Para isso, foram realizadas dois tipos de pesquisas: a bibliográfica e a do tipo survey, abrangendo uma unidade de análise de 21 indústrias do setor metal-mecânico. Os dados foram coletados na região da cidade de Limeira - importante polo industrial, localizado no interior do estado de São Paulo. Como resultado, verificou-se que as PMEs enfrentam muitas dificuldades na implementação de SMD e este fenômeno ocorre porque estas empresas têm características que as diferem das grandes empresas. Fatores como a falta de recursos, a informalidade excessiva, a falta de uma visão estratégica de longo prazo e falta de conhecimento desta ferramenta, foram identificados como existentes na maioria das empresas pesquisadas. Estes fatores somado as características do negócio, se transformam em sérias restrições ao desenvolvimento e à utilização desta ferramenta.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) occupy a place of strategic importance in most of the developed and emerging economies. This is primarily because they contribute significantly to employment, GDP, exports and wealth creation in many economies .In addition, they stimulate innovative ideas, entrepreneurial skills and are adaptable to the changing conditions of business environment. An important characteristic of SME growth in recent decades has been its penetration and expansion in the international market to accomplish the objective of growth. This is commonly known as internationalization. The empirical studies on SME internationalization provide several indications about different factors that can be expected to influence the strategy and the degree of internationalization. Accordingly, export behavior of SMEs is determined by the internal factors involving the characteristics of SMEs. Subsequently, SMEs with limited access to financial resources, managerial abilities, and marketing skills find it difficult to enter the foreign market. These barriers would adversely affect their potential for expansion and their survival. Such firms might hardly dare to internationalize. Further, export marketing literature has recognized and highlighted the importance of external determinants that influence the entrepreneurs to initiate the internationalization activity and in formulating the strategies that would enhance their export performance A significant volume of empirical research argues that firms need to focus upon the external situation, on the element of external forces, and on managerial perceptions about these environmental attributes that should be regarded as a significant causal element in determining the internationalization activities. Therefore, SMEs in their early export stages are likely to be determined by both internal and external forces In this respect, a “holistic” approach is required which would facilitate the understanding of the multitude of issues that influence the internationalization decision .Therefore, internationalization of SMEs has to be seen from a strategic angle determined by both internal and external settings. In this view, it is highly important to analyze the factors that affect the SME internationalization decision from a holistic approach by taking into account the influence of antecedents (drivers, barriers, and firm level factors) on internationalization strategy and performance. A consolidated assessment of literature on determinants, strategies, and performance indicates that even though considerable information about these issues are available, research gaps exist in these areas. Therefore, it is to fill this gap that we have proposed a theoretical framework which has been conceptualized around the core aspects of SME internationalization process linking antecedents, strategies, and performance. The specific objectives of this study are: 1. To ascertain the factors that differentiate internationalized SMEs from non-internationalized SMEs. 2. To identify and analyze the different antecedents and its influence on the internationalization speed. 3. To examine the influence of various antecedents on the mode of exports adopted by SMEs. 4. To probe the achievements of SME internationalization in terms of scope, degree of internationalization, and economic performance in terms of sales turnover. 5. To derive policy implications for promoting SME internationalization in India. Furthermore, we decided to confine our study to Karnataka state, since this is one of the better industrially developed states in India. Initially, we approached MSMEDI, VITC and FKCCI in Bangalore to get the lists of SME exporters in the state. Subsequently, we merged all the three databases and prepared the district-wise and industry wise distribution of internationalized (exporting) SMEs in Karnataka. We cleaned the raw data as it comprised duplications. The final database comprised 1271 exporting SMEs for 2012/13. Later, we prepared a district-wise list of SME exporters. Since the Bangalore urban district accounted for 958 SMEs (75%) of the total 1271 SME exporters in Karnataka, we decided to confine our study to Bangalore district. We prepared an industry-wise list of SME exporters (as per National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2008, and found that machinery manufacturing industry accounted for a maximum share (182 out of 920) of the total SME exporters in Bangalore. Therefore, we decided to confine our study to the machinery industry SMEs in Bangalore district. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state and a major industrial city in India. Bangalore has become a most attractive city for the global investment and has been recognized as the IT capital of India. The study is based on an Ex Post Facto Exploratory research using primary data collected from a sample of 102 exporting and 52 non-exporting SMEs in Bangalore. The data was collected during the period November 2013 to December 2014 using a semi-structured questionnaire followed by visiting the firms and having personal interviews with entrepreneurs/senior managers of the firms and data analysis is done using appropriate statistical packages. Initially, we decided to examine and differentiate internationalized SMEs from non-internationalized SMEs in same sector, in terms of their characteristics and economic performance. Further, to bring out the factors that distinguish internationalized SMEs from non-internationalized SMEs, we carried out a binary logistic regression analysis for their general profile, technical profile and size profile by combining all the three groups of profiles together. The dependent binary variables distinguished internationalized SMEs from non-internationalized SMEs. The overall results indicate that (i) non- internationalized firms are younger than internationalized SMEs, (ii) CEOs of internationalized SMEs are older than that of the later, (iii) internationalized SMEs accounted for a higher sales turnover than non-internationalized SMEs. The very fact that internationalized SMEs accounted for a higher sales turnover than non-internationalized SMEs indicated that internationalization would have enabled SMEs to achieve a higher sales turnover relative to non-internationalized SMEs. We analyzed a range of antecedents and its impact on the international strategies and performance of internationalized SMEs. Basically, the antecedents have been classified into drivers, barriers and firm level factors. For the quantitative measurement of different kinds of drivers and barriers, a Likert type ordinal scale which ranged from 1 to 5, was used. In addition, firm level factors were also taken into account as the antecedents to analyze its influence on the SME internationalization process. Further, an Exploratory Factor Analysis was first undertaken to explain the export drivers into a few underlying dimensions. The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis showed that the 13 identified export drivers could be reduced to three underlying dimensions. On the other hand, firms might get discouraged to internationalize, due to the obstacles faced either in the form of internal or external sources. According to the results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis, internal barriers which consisted of variables were grouped under four dimensions. The external barriers which consisted of 14 variables were grouped under two dimensions. After identifying the different determinants to SMEs internationalization, we analyzed how these identified determinants were able to differentiate between early and late in terms of internationalization speed. Thereafter, discriminant analysis was performed to analyze how well the explanatory variables were able to differentiate the two groups or categories i.e. early entrants compared to late entrants. Among the different firm level factors, CEOs age and exclusive export marketing division had a significant discriminant coefficient. The results revealed that it is the younger CEOs and their commitment towards internationalization facilitate firms to enter the international market at any early age. Further, among the different barriers, competitive constraints significantly differed between early and late internationalization stating that lack of competitiveness was a major factor responsible for the late internationalization of SMEs. Subsequently, we looked at how various determining factors (antecedents) influence the mode of exports adopted by the SMEs. Firstly, based on the survey data the mode of exports are classified as exports through (i) a multinational company, (ii) international trade exhibitions, (iii) exports through the network of friends and export organization and (iv) E-commerce. Secondly, we looked at the factors which influenced these SMEs in choosing the four alternative modes of entry for internationalization, by means of binary logistic regression technique. Further, the results revealed that those SMEs with CEOs who are less qualified, not highly committed and smaller in size relied on local MNC customers to enter the international market. Further, if SMEs are not highly competitive, face market barriers and influenced by the unanticipated conditions preferred to use MNC route. Subsequently, SMEs with more qualified CEOs’, face operating constraints and policy barriers preferred to enter international market through international trade exhibitions. Those SMEs with CEOs’ who are younger and face finance and information barriers and policy constraints facilitate firms to depend on various sources of network. Finally, SMEs with more qualified CEOs’, smaller in size and face policy barriers have entered the international market through E-commerce route. Finally, we analyzed the role of determining factors on the scope, degree of internationalization and on the economic performance of SMEs. Initially, the different determinants that influence the scope and the degree of internationalization are analyzed. Finally, we analyzed the impact of degree of internationalization on the economic performance of SMEs by using three multiple regression models. Among the firm level factors, only CEOs’ international experience positively influenced the scope of internationalization compared to those firms with CEOs who had lesser international experience. Therefore, it is the entrepreneurs’ competency and skills acquired over a period of time which facilitated firms to expand their scope of internationalization. Subsequently, internationalization speed had positively influenced the scope of internationalization indicating that those SMEs that had entered the international market at an early age were able to diversify its international market. Generally, early exporters were more entrepreneurial in the sense they were capable of identifying, exploring and exploiting opportunities abroad by means of their proactive behavior. We analyzed the influence of speed, scope of internationalization and along with the firm level factors on the degree of internationalization. The results revealed that it was the capabilities that were acquired in terms of experience and the commitment that facilitated firms to achieve a higher degree of internationalization compared to firms that were not capable and committed to internationalization. Further, internationalization speed had positively influenced the degree of internationalization indicating that those SMEs that had entered international market at an early age were able to achieve a higher degree of internationalization compared to those firms that had entered at a later age. Finally, we analyzed the influence of scope and degree of internationalization along with the antecedents on the economic performance in terms of total sales turnover. In the present study, the degree of internationalization had positively influenced the economic performance of SMEs indicating that those firms that had achieved a higher degree of internationalization were able to achieve higher sales turnover than the firms with a lesser degree of internationalization. Therefore, by means of widening foreign markets and building room for expansion, exporting to foreign markets was considered an important route for firm progress. The results of this study underline the need for policy trust to improve the international activities of SMEs. Further, from the research perspective, results provide a significant addition to the existing knowledge about the importance of entrepreneurial competency, commitment to internationalization and an appropriate strategy in explaining the internationalization efforts of SMEs in the emerging market of India.

According to the topic of my thesis ``Programmes of support of small and medium enterprise and its application in the chosen company{\crqq} I analyzed the most relevant support for the concrete enterprise with regard to its intentions. I divided my thesis into two parts. The first part is focused on the description and analysis of small and medium enterprises in the Czech Republic concerning the European Union. The second part includes the support overview of this sector in the Czech Republic. Furthermore the chosen enterprise and its planned projects are presented. According to the enterprise intentions I analysed a support which appeared to be the most advantageous for the chosen enterprise. On the basis of the chosen support I elaborated a draft project.

The goal of this thesis was to analyze the conditions of small and medium-sized businesses after the Czech Republic joined the EU. I emphasized finding suitable recommendations for entrepreneurs how to care for future development and prosperity. Another goal was to analyze the state subsidy policy supporting this type of businesses and to find out about entrepreneurs` demands regarding such subsidies. The main goal was to propose recommendations how to improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized firms. The first part of my thesis makes the reader familiar with definitions and the life cycle of small and medium-sized firms, their history, advantages and disadvantages, the present state of the Czech Republic and in the end with partnerships and alliances as a solution of typical problems of small and medium-sized enterprises. Another part concerns subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises in 2004 to 2006 and 2007 to 2013 stating the most important among them in detail. The third part is a questionnaire and two polls trying to find the needs of small and medium-sized firms as for subsidies. Based on an analysis of these needs recommendations were made to improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses.

The aim of thesis is a marketing analysis in relation to the emerging enterprise and creating a business plan. Marketing analysis, in addition to the characteristics of the enterprise, business activity and financial plan, form a significant part of the business plan. It has substantial and great importance in the business plan and especially for business activity. The external environment, market, branch, competitors, suppliers, customers, opportunities and threats were examined in relation to the emerging enterprise. STEP analysis, SWOT analysis, Porter´s model and questionnaire were used. The obtained data served as the basis for the processing of a business plan and evaluating the success of the business activity.

Este trabalho aborda a gestão do desenvolvimento de produtos e a inovação tecnológica, amplamente aceitos como um meio de assegurar sobrevivência aos negócios. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica identificando os diferentes fatores que os influenciam. Descreve-se uma pesquisa, aplicada em 2004, que avaliou as metodologias de desenvolvimento de produtos utilizadas em pequenas e médias empresas industriais (PME\'s), em uma região específica do estado de São Paulo, pertencentes ao setor metal-mecânico da economia brasileira e que adotou como instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário, dividido por assuntos, projetado e aplicado em entrevistas presenciais em uma amostra de 32 empresas. Este trabalho propõe e ordena um conjunto de diretrizes de apoio ao esforço de inovação tecnológica em PME\'s industriais, evidenciadas em uma ferramenta para o diagnóstico do estágio de amadurecimento, que se fundamentada na categorização das empresas pesquisadas, segundo os fatores de inovação tecnológica abordados por diversos autores. O método foi validado pela análise da implantação de diretrizes, em épocas distintas, em três empresas participantes da pesquisa. / This work approaches the product development management and technological innovation, widely seen as way of ensuring business survival. It was held a bibliographic review about the different factors that influence them. The work reports a research, applied in 2004, that evaluated product development methodologies used on industrial small and medium enterprises (SME\'s), in a specific region on the state of Sao Paulo. All of these SME\'s belong to the metal-mechanics sector of the Brazilian economy. The research adopted a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. This questionnaire was divided in subjects, and was developed and applied in personal meetings in a sample of 32 enterprises. This work propounds and orders a support guidelines to the effort of technological innovation in industrial SME\'s, evidenced in a tool for the diagnosis of the mature degree, based on the classification of the studied companies, according to factors of technological innovation from the approach of different authors. The method was validated by the analysis of the guidelines implantation, at distinct periods of time, in three participant companies of the research.