La mondialisation des marchés et de la compétitivité internationale de plus en plus dans les deux dernières décennies ont fourni à l’entrée des entreprises concurrentes sur le marché, parmi lesquels les petites entreprises. Notamment reconnus pour leur importance sociale et économique, les petites entreprises des secteurs de l’activité de l’industrie, du commerce et des services sont, en termes numériques, la grande majorité des entreprises au Brésil. Compte tenu de l’importance de cet objet de la recherche, cette recherche a comme objectif général d'explorer la relation entre l’orientation à l'innovation et les modèles d'internationalisation des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). Pour atteindre cet objectif principal, trois objectifs spécifiques sont établis, qui sont l’étude du processus et du modèle d’internationalisation de petites et moyennes entreprises basées sur les nouvelles technologies et l’étude des capacités dynamiques pour l’innovation inhérente au processus et au modèle d’internationalisation des PMEs. Les capacités dynamiques d’innovation dirigent le développement de l’innovation technologique, à savoir, l’innovation des produits, procédés et services, favorisant également le développement d’innovation non technologique, en d’autres termes, de Marketing et de l’organisation. En outre, les capacités dynamiques renforcent positivement sur la compétitivité des petites entreprises dans les marchés intérieurs et internationaux. Le fondement théorique de cette recherche réside dans les théories de l’Internationalisation, de l’École Comportementale et de l’École Économique, de l’Internationalisation des Entreprises, et les théories de l’Innovation, se référant aux Capacités Dynamiques pour l’Innovation. Afin de mieux comprendre l’objet de la recherche, pour chaque sujet il y a une section concernant les PME. La diversité sectorielle des participants les entreprises a contribué à l’ampleur des résultats sur les capacités dynamiques de l’innovation des PME brésiliennes, ainsi que d’identifier leurs modèles d’internationalisation. D’après une étude qualitative, l’analyse montre que les PME brésiliennes cherchent à se différencier par l’innovation dans leurs marchés internationaux d’exploitation. En ce qui concerne les modèles d’internationalisation des PME brésiliennes, ils diffèrent à certains critères que celles figurant dans la littérature. Par conséquent, l’analyse des capacités dynamiques de l’innovation montre que les petites entreprises brésiliennes ont un fort potentiel pour le développement de l’innovation, même avec l’existence de barrières externes. Sur l’internationalisation, les PME de l’étude ont des modèles internationaux spécifiques, exigeant, par conséquent, critères approches par rapport à la littérature. Des contributions académiques, la recherche présente l’analyse des capacités dynamiques d’innovation liées à la configuration d’internationalisation des PME brésiliennes, présentant les variables émergents aux thèmes de recherche. Enfin, comme les contributions managériales, l’analyse des cas permettent de vérifier comment les entreprises cherchent à se positionner de manière concurrentielle sur les marchés internationaux. / The globalization of markets and the growing international competitiveness in the last two decades have provided the entry of competing firms in the market, among which are small firms. Notably recognized for their social and economic importance, small enterprises of the industry, trade and services sectors of activity are, in numerical terms, the vast majority of businesses in Brazil. Given the importance of this object of research, this research has as general objective to explore the relationship between the innovation orientation and the internationalization patterns of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To achieve this general objective, three specific objectives are drawn, which are the study of the internationalization process and patterns of small-and-medium-sized technology based firms and the study of dynamic capabilities for innovation inherent to the distinct internationalization process and patterns of the SMEs. The dynamic capabilities for innovation drive the technological innovation development, namely, innovation in products, processes and services, also fostering the non-technological innovation development, in other words, the Marketing and the organizational. In addition, the dynamic capabilities impact positively on the competitiveness of small businesses in domestic and international markets. The theoretical basis of this research lies in the Internationalization Theories, from the Behavioral School and the Economic School, for Business Internationalization, and the Innovation Theories, referring to the Dynamic Capabilities for Innovation. In order to better understand the object of research, for each topic there is a section concerning to the SMEs. The sectoral diversity of the participants firms contributed to the magnitude of results on the dynamic capabilities for innovation of Brazilian SMEs, as well as to identify their internationalization patterns. From a qualitative study, the analysis show that Brazilian SMEs seek to differentiate through innovation in their international operating markets. Regarding the internationalization patterns of Brazilian SMEs, they differ in some criteria than shown in the literature. Therefore, the analysis of dynamic capabilities for innovation shows that small Brazilian companies have high potential for the innovation development, even with the existence of external barriers. Concerning the internationalization, the SMEs of the study have specific international patterns, requiring, therefore, criteria approaches in relation to literature. As academic contributions, the research presents the analysis of dynamic capabilities for innovation related to the pattern of internationalization of Brazilian SMEs, presenting emerging variables from the research themes. Finally, as managerial contributions, the analysis of the cases enables verifying how firms seek to position themselves competitively in international markets.

Submitted by Raniere Barreto (raniere.barros@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-04-16T18:26:05Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) cariana_alves_paula_queiroz.pdf: 3375279 bytes, checksum: c3e34207da53a34b3c52da720e82a478 (MD5) / Rejected by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br), reason: verificar keywords . UFVJM n?o ? ag?ncia financiadora. on 2018-04-20T15:07:19Z (GMT) / Submitted by Raniere Barreto (raniere.barros@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-05-15T19:11:05Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) cariana_alves_paula_queiroz.pdf: 3375279 bytes, checksum: c3e34207da53a34b3c52da720e82a478 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-05-15T19:52:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) cariana_alves_paula_queiroz.pdf: 3375279 bytes, checksum: c3e34207da53a34b3c52da720e82a478 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-15T19:52:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) cariana_alves_paula_queiroz.pdf: 3375279 bytes, checksum: c3e34207da53a34b3c52da720e82a478 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016 / Desde o s?culo XIX as pedras preciosas encontradas na regi?o do Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) de Te?filo Otoni, MG, Brasil, ganharam o reconhecimento nacional e internacional, consagrando a cidade com o t?tulo de Capital Mundial das Pedras Preciosas. Essa pesquisa tem por objetivo caracterizar os atores envolvidos nas Micro e pequenas empresas que comp?em a cadeia produtiva do APL de gemas e joias de Te?filo Otoni-MG, identificando as possibilidades de coopera??o no arranjo. Para atingir este objetivo, a pesquisa est? estruturada em m?todos distintos quanto ? natureza, objetivos e delineamento. Relata os aglomerados locais, dando enfoque ao APL, bem como as MPEs e a cadeia produtiva de gemas e joias. Para a consecu??o da pesquisa de campo foram utilizados dois instrumentos para coleta de dados, o question?rio e a entrevista, ambos adaptados da Redesist. Totalizando 160 question?rios aplicados e 3 entrevistas com os representantes do APL e das entidades de classe estabelecidas dentro do arranjo. Com base na an?lise dos dados, podemos afirmar que o APL de gemas e joias de Te?filo Otoni-MG, est? na fase embrion?ria. Caracterizada, pela coopera??o de car?ter mais informal, com a competi??o baseada inicialmente no custo, com baixo n?vel de tecnologia, lideran?a, capacidade inovativa, confian?a interna e introdu??o de novos produtos, processos e design. / Disserta??o (Mestrado Profissional) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Tecnologia, Sa?de e Sociedade, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2016. / Since the nineteenth century the precious stones found in the Local Productive Arrangement region (APL) Teofilo Otoni, MG, Brazil, won national and international recognition, consecrating the city with the title of World Capital Gemstones. This research aims to characterize the actors involved in micro and small businesses that make up the APL production chain of gems and jewelry Te?filo Otoni-MG, identifying possibilities for cooperation in the arrangement. To achieve this goal, research is structured in different methods as to the nature, objectives and design. Reports local clusters, giving focus to the APL and the MSBs and the production chain of gems and jewelry. For the achievement of field research Two instruments were used for data collection, the questionnaire and interview, both adapted from RedeSist. Totaling 160 questionnaires and 3 interviews with representatives of APL and class entities established within the arrangement. Based on data analysis, we can say that the cluster of gems and jewelry Te?filo Otoni-MG is in the embryonic stage. Characterized by a more informal nature of cooperation with the competition initially based on cost, low level of technology leadership, innovative capacity, inner confidence and introduction of new products, processes and design.

This qualitative study explored and described the role and contribution of training and skills development for sustainability in SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Durban and East London, South Africa. Individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews took place with 15 SME owners. Five themes and 11 sub-themes emerged in a content thematic analysis. The findings indicate that SMEs acknowledge that training and skills development positively influences their financial performance and sustainability. Whilst SMEs implement learning and skills development interventions, they lack suitably structured human resource development (HRD) policies and strategies; do not properly document training and skills development activities; and experience difficulty in evaluating learning. This study recommends that SMEs formulate and implement well-structured learning and development plans and schedules. It is also advised that SMEs liaise with academics and form Communities of Practice (CoPs), among other initiatives, to implement and monitor training and skills development for their sustainability. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

L'objectif de cette thèse est analyser les formes pour lesquelles la présence d'un contrôle stratégique des risques de mise en oeuvre des processus de relations de collaboration entre la petite entreprise et ses parties prenantes, influence sa performance et son apprentissage, et permet de caractériser la relation d’ordre « supérieure ». Les recherches sont fondées sur des entreprises de petite et moyenne taille, du secteur de la restauration, établies au Brésil, en France et au Maroc. La recherche est une étude de cas multiple, dont lesquelles a l'analyse des informations selon l'approche contextuelle, l'utilisation de la technique d'analyse du discours et la cartographie de risques. Les résultats indiquent que la Relation Supérieure est la capacité dynamique de l’entreprise, qui permet d'ajouter la singularité, les différentiels compétitifs et la pérénité à la stratégie relationnelle, parce que cette stratégie est créée à partir de mécanismes du contrôle stratégique de risques et de l’apprentissage organisationnel, qui renforce les processus de collaboration existants, permettant ainsi l’augmentation de l’engagement entre l’entreprise et ses publics et l’obtention d’un plus grand résultat face à la concurrence. / The objective of this thesis is to analyze the forms in which the presence of a strategic risk control implementation process of collaborative relationships between small business and its stakeholders, influence its performance and learning, and can characterize the "Relation Superior". The research is based on small-and medium-sized sector catering, established in Brazil, France and Morocco. Research is a multiple case study, which has the information's analysis according to the contextual approach, using the technique of discourse analysis and mapping risks. The results indicate that the Relationship Superior how the dynamic capacity of the company, which adds uniqueness, competitive differentials and the durability to relational strategy, because this strategy is created from control mechanisms strategic risks and organizational learning, which strengthens the existing collaboration processes, thereby increasing engagement between the company and its public and obtaining greater profit to compete. / O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as formas pelas quais a presença de um controle estratégico de riscos, observados na implementação de processos colaborativos entre as pequenas empresas e seus stakeholders, influencia o desempenho e a aprendizagem organizacional, caracterizando o "Relacionamento Superior". Esta pesquisa está fundamentada em um estudo de caso múltiplo de empresas de pequeno e médio portes, do setor de restaurantes, estabelecidas no Brasil, na França e no Marrocos. A análise de informações é realizada de acordo com a abordagem contextual e uso das técnicas de análise proposital do discurso e da cartografia de riscos. Os resultados indicam que a Relação Superior é uma capacidade dinâmica da empresa, que agrega singularidade, diferenciais competitivos e durabilidade aos processos colaborativos estabelecidos entre a empresa e seus públicos, pois é criada a partir de mecanismos de controle de riscos estratégicos e da aprendizagem organizacional. Estes fatores diretivos reforçam as interações já existentes, aumentando o compromisso entre as partes e obtendo, como consequência, o aumento da competitividade da organização.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute substantially in economies around the world and in South Africa in particular. This study aimed to explore and describe the financial performance measures currently used by manufacturing SMEs in Pretoria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the participant SMEs’ premises in order to gather the information. It was found that most of the respondents use financial ratios, but to a limited extent, when measuring their financial performance. The use of bankruptcy prediction models is totally absent among the participants. It has been recommended that SMEs use more ratios from the literature that have been proven to be the best financial measures, and the six ratios that have worked well for some of the participants in the study. It is also recommended that SME owners enrol their financial staff for training in bankruptcy prediction models, and use financial software packages if they can afford them. / Graduate School for Business Leadership / (M.Tech. (Business Administration))

Titel: Miljömässigt- och socialt ansvarstagande i SME - En studie om motiv vid implementeringen av CSR i svenska SME  Nivå: C-uppsats i ämnet företagsekonomi  Författare: Elin Ahlgren och Frida Ahlstedt Handledare: Tomas Källquist och Pär Villhelmson  Datum: Juni - 2018 Bakgrund och Syfte: Tidigare forskning presenterar flertalet motiv vid implementering av CSR. Motiven ökar medvetenheten kring varför företag genomför implementering av CSR. Kunskapen kring motiven vid implementering av CSR i SME är bristfällig, detta då tidigare studier främst har riktats mot stora företag. Syftet med studien är att öka förståelsen för vilka motiv som ligger till grund för implementering av CSR i SME, med fokus på värdemotivet, ekonomimotivet och intressentmotivet.                   Metod: Studien utgår från hermeneutiken och socialkonstruktivismen med en abduktiv forskningsansats. Studien tillämpar en kvalitativ undersökningsmetod där den empiriska datainsamlingen genomförts med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer. Den teoretiska referensramen baseras på tidigare forskning och det empiriska materialet är grupperat efter teman och kategorier som uppkommit vid intervjuerna. Utifrån den abduktiva forskningsansatsen har den teoretiska referensramen och det empiriska datamaterialet analyserats i samspel med varandra för att besvara studiens syfte.                       Slutsats:Studien tyder på att värdemotivet, ekonomimotivet och intressentmotivet ligger till grund för implementeringen av CSR i SME. Studien visar även att värdemotivet är det motiv som anses ha den mest centrala och betydande rollen vid implementering av CSR i SME.                      Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Vidare forskning bör fokusera på motivens betydelse vid implementering av CSR i specifika branscher. Dessutom kan intressenternas perspektiv gällande frågan studeras genom att titta på om motiven vid implementeringen av CSR uppfattas av intressenterna.   Studiens bidrag: Ur ett teoretiskt perspektiv bidrar denna studie med en förståelse för att värdemotivet, ekonomimotivet och intressentmotivet kan tillämpas vid en studie gällande implementering av CSR i SME. Ur ett praktiskt perspektiv bidrar denna studie med råd gällande hur företag och dess ledare kan öka kunskapen kring CSR och därmed tillämpa CSR-aktiviteter som är anpassade efter företagets förutsättningar. / Title: Environmental and social responsibility in SMEs - A study of underlying motivation when implementing CSR in Swedish SMEs.   Level: Final assignment for Bachelor Degree in Business Administration    Author: Elin Ahlgren and Frida Ahlstedt   Supervisor: Tomas Källquist and Pär Villhelmson   Date: June - 2018                      Aim: Previous research presents the majority of motives when implementing CSR. Motivations raise awareness of why companies implement CSR. Knowledge about the motivation for implementing CSR in SMEs is inadequate, as previous studies have primarily focused on large companies. The aim of the study is to increase understanding of the motives underlying the implementation of CSR in SMEs, focusing on the value-motive, the economy-motive and the stakeholder-motive.                      Method: The study is based on a hermeneutical and social constructivist perspective with an abductive research effort. The study applies a qualitative survey method in which empirical data collection was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The theoretical frame of reference is based on previous research and the empirical material is grouped according to the themes and categories that arose during the interviews. Based on the abductive research effort, the theoretical reference frame and empirical data have been analyzed in interaction with each other to answer the purpose of the study.                  Conclusions: The study suggests that the value-driven, the performance-drivenand the stakeholder-driven motive form the basis for implementing CSR in SMEs. The study also shows that the value-driven motive is the motive considered to be the most central and significant role in implementing CSR in SMEs.   Suggestions for future research: Further research should focus on the importance of the motives when implementing CSR in specific industries. Also, the stakeholders' perspective on the issue can be studied by looking at whether the motives for implementing CSR are perceived by stakeholders.   Contribution of the thesis: From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes with an understanding that the value-driven, the performance-drivenand the stakeholder-driven motive can be applied in a study on implementation of CSR in SMEs. From a practical perspective, this study contributes with advice about how companies and their leaders can increase knowledge about CSR and apply CSR-activities tailored to the company's conditions.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-16T14:49:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 550606 bytes, checksum: 621a2626322163f95109e519cf856290 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-08-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / A wide-ranging research was made in scientific articles published in national and international literature about information technology (IT), models of successful information technology (SIT), success of projects, success of IT projects and IT implementation aiming the identification of facts considered success indicators to all stakeholders involved in the information technology implementation by the companies. Following the research, features were pointed as most used tools to measure SIT. Based on the studies of Gable et al. (2008), Sabherwal et al. (2006), Karlsen et al. (2005) and Dvir et al. and seeking factors present in the classic socio-technical four dimensions developed by Leavitt (1965) and set up recently in Palvia et al. (2001). Also, it was developed a survey model which was tested from a questionnaire answered by SMEs managers. The model considers the dimensions: people, organization, technology and tasks, as well as a fifth dimension called External Factors that is often current in the literature. This study brings in the identification of points of convergence e divergence between the literature researched and the managers perception of the SIT, concluding the SIT is a awareness of socio-technical nature, and it might be described as being a result of optimization of social and technical components which interact and induce during the IT development, use and maintenance. Another important conclusion is that is impossible to have a unique definition to SIT, considering the proof that it has a multidimensional nature, being its factors identified from a distinctive form, according to the point of view; in other words, each stakeholder involved in the implementation process has a peculiar rule to recognize the SIT from the implementation of the organizations. From the data collection, the survey model was revised and resized using the SME s manager s perception. It is strongly suggested that the research instrument be applied extensively in other contexts in order to fine-tune it for measuring STI in specific SMEs. / Realizou-se pesquisa compreensiva em artigos científicos publicados em literatura nacional e internacional sobre a tecnologia de informação (TI), modelos de sucesso de tecnologia de informação (STI), sucesso de projetos, sucesso de projetos de TI e adoção de TI, com o intuito de identificar fatores considerados indicadores de sucesso para todos os agentes envolvidos na adoção de TI pelas organizações. Após o levantamento, foram identificados os fatores que são utilizados com mais frequência para mensurar STI. Utilizando como base os estudos de Gable et al. (2008), Sabherwal et al. (2006), Karlsen et al. (2005) e Dvir et al. (2003) e buscando contemplar fatores presentes nas quatro dimensões sociotécnicas clássicas de Leavitt (1965) e operacionalizadas mais recentemente em Palvia et al. (2001), desenvolveu-se modelo de pesquisa que foi testado a partir de instrumento na forma de questionário aplicado a gestores de PMEs. O modelo contemplou as dimensões Pessoas, Organização, Tecnologia e Tarefas, bem como uma quinta dimensão, chamada de Fatores Externos, que se apresenta com frequência na literatura. Esse estudo implicou a identificação de pontos de convergência e divergência entre a literatura pesquisada e a percepção dos gestores em relação ao STI, concluindo-se, principalmente, que o STI é um construto de natureza sociotécnica, podendo ser caracterizado como sendo resultado da otimização de componentes sociais e técnicos que interagem e influenciam-se durante seu desenvolvimento, uso e manutenção. Outra importante conclusão foi sobre a impossibilidade de se ter uma definição única para STI, haja vista a verificação de que o mesmo possui natureza multidimensional, sendo seus fatores identificados de forma distinta, conforme o ponto de vista; ou seja, cada envolvido (stakeholder) no processo de implantação da TI possui critérios peculiares para identificar o STI a partir da adoção da TI pelas organizações. A partir da aplicação do instrumento de coleta de dados, o modelo de pesquisa foi revisto e redimensionado, utilizando-se a percepção de gestores de PMEs. Sugere-se seguir aplicando o instrumento de pesquisa, a fim de refiná-lo para mensuração de STI em PMEs.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-07T14:49:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1829046 bytes, checksum: 25dd3e6636a74c9356027cdb2be39fb6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Energy sources have been used for both the subsistence of the population and the economy sector since more ancient times. The Bakery sector is currently amongst the greatest industrial segments of Brazil, becoming an important employment generator and income distribution. The research carried out had as a methodological procedure the conduction of semi structured interviews, with a qualitative approach. Based on the list provided by the Industry and Bakery Syndicate of the State of Paraíba, some bakery industrial establishments have been selected in the city of João Pessoa/PB, separated in territorial areas: North, South, East and West. Variations in the energy source patterns have been detected according the analyzed territorial area. The North area presented electricity as the main source of energy adopted. Fire wood and remaining wood from construction sites represent a more expressive source in the South region. Whereas in the East area there has been a well-balanced dispute among the sources. In the West area firewood and residual wood from construction sites were pointed out as favorites for the generation of energy in its establishments. The obtained energy panorama shows that, in more peripheral areas, a rather distinct profile is noticed comparing to other areas. The reasoning of choice of matrix indicates as most important elements: environmental inspection and cost of energy.Companies were evaluated on parameters: managing the impact on the environment, environmental education, waste sorting, participation in committees, managing the company's impact on the neighboring community, relationships with local organizations, destination of production losses for social programs and health of employees following levels of evolutionary stage, 1-4. As to why the choice of energy source, some points that led to decide what source to use in their establishment were revealed. The main points mentioned, overall, were the following: environmental, cost, quality, ease, efficiency and hygiene. Entrepreneurs revealed that lack the action of public policies geared to your activity, where government incentives to occur and innovative technological improvements and changes in the enterprises would be crucial for a paradigm shift and decision making point / Fontes energéticas são utilizadas tanto para subsistência da população como para o setor da economia desde tempos remotos. O Setor de Panificação atualmente está entre os maiores segmentos industrial do país, constituindo-se num importante gerador de emprego e distribuição de renda. A pesquisa realizada teve como procedimento metodológico a aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas, com abordagem de cunho qualitativo. Baseando-se na lista do Sindicato da Indústria e Panificação do Estado da Paraíba, foram selecionados estabelecimentos industriais de panificação na cidade de João Pessoa/PB, separadas por zonas territoriais: Norte, Sul, Leste e Oeste. Foram detectadas variações no padrão de fonte energética de acordo com a zona territorial analisada. A zona norte apresentou a energia elétrica como principal fonte utilizada. A lenha e a madeira de resto de construção representaram de forma expressiva a zona sul. Já na zona leste houve um equilíbrio entre as fontes. A zona oeste apresentou madeira de restos de construção e lenha como favoritas a geração de energia nos estabelecimentos. O panorama energético obtido revela que, as zonas mais periféricas apresentam um perfil diferente das demais zonas. O motivo da escolha da matriz aponta como principais fatores: a fiscalização ambiental e o custo da energia. As empresas foram avaliadas nos parâmetros: gerenciamento do impacto no meio ambiente, educação ambiental, coleta seletiva, participação em comitês, gerenciamento do impacto da empresa na comunidade vizinha, relações com organizações locais, destino das perdas de produção para programas sociais e saúde dos funcionários, seguindo níveis evolutivos de estágio, de 1 a 4. Quanto ao motivo da escolha da fonte energética, foram revelados alguns pontos que levaram a decidir que fonte utilizar em seu estabelecimento. Os principais pontos citados, no geral, foram os seguintes: ambiental, custo, qualidade, facilidade, eficiência e higiene. Os empresários revelaram que falta a ação de políticas públicas voltada para sua atividade, onde o incentivo do governo para que ocorram melhorias e mudanças tecnológicas e inovadoras nas empresas seria o ponto crucial para uma mudança de paradigmas e tomadas de decisões

The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the Brazilian literature on the innovative behavior of small and medium enterprises. The focus is the sectoral analysis to identify if the Brazilian manufacturing SMEs conform to sectoral patterns and if these patterns influence the innovative activities of the firms. This empirical work is composed of three different stages. The first stage refers to the investigation by size and sector using descriptive analysis of the innovative activities of the Brazilian SMEs by labor employed (for PINTEC-2008 and PINTEC-2011) and by sectoral patterns (for PINTEC-2008), according to Pavitt´s taxonomy. The second stage made use of a nonparametric methodology applied to the PINTEC-2008´s microdata to distinguish sectoral patterns for SMEs identifying if they influence the innovative behavior of small and medium firms and at last if Pavitt´s taxonomy is applicable. The third stage drew upon the logistic regression method applied to the PINTEC´s microdata for the period of 2006 to 2008 and 2009 to 2011, to verify if the sectoral technological patterns are significant determinants of the SMEs´ innovative process. That was analyzed for different types of innovative activities, such as: innovative firms, product innovators, process innovators, product and process innovators, highly innovative firms, organizational innovators and marketing innovators. Moreover, identifying if these influences differ from those affecting big firms. The results obtained reveal that sectoral dynamics are relevant to the innovative behavior of SMEs, similarly to what happens to large companies. / Essa Tese visa contribuir para a literatura brasileira sobre o comportamento inovativo das pequenas e médias empresas. O enfoque é a análise setorial, com o intuito de identificar se as pequenas e médias empresas manufatureiras brasileiras conformam padrões setoriais, e se esses padrões influenciam a atividade inovativa destas empresas. Trata-se de um estudo empírico dividido em três etapas. Na primeira etapa procedeu-se à uma análise por porte e setor, que exibiu uma descrição da atividade inovativa por pessoal ocupado (para PINTEC-2008 e PINTEC-2011) e por padrão setorial (PINTEC- 2008), conforme a taxonomia de Pavitt. Na segunda etapa, aplicou-se uma análise não paramétrica sobre os microdados da PINTEC-2008, com o objetivo de delinear os padrões setoriais existentes para as pequenas e médias empresas e verificar se exercem influência sobre o comportamento inovativo das pequenas e médias empresas e, por fim, se a taxonomia de Pavitt (1984) é aplicável. Na terceira etapa, aplicou-se a metodologia de regressão logística aos microdados da PINTEC, para os triênios 2006- 2008 e 2009-2011, buscando identificar se as trajetórias tecnológicas setoriais são fatores significativos para a atividade inovativa das pequenas e médias empresas. Foram analisados diferentes tipos de inovação: inovação em produto e/ou processo, inovação em produto, inovação em processo, inovação em ambos, produto e processo, altamente inovadoras, inovadoras organizacionais e em marketing. Além disso, avaliou-se se estas influências diferem das que impactam a inovatividade das grandes empresas. Os resultados obtidos apontam que a dinâmica setorial é relevante para o comportamento inovativo das empresas de pequeno e médio porte, à semelhança do que ocorre com as grandes empresas. / Doutor em Economia

The main objective of the thesis was to analyze selected forms of support for small and medium enterprises and their exploitation in the Sokolov region, further evaluate cooperation of small and medium enterprises with representatives of microregion and suggest possibilities for further development of SMEs. Characteristic of region Sokolov (general and economic) was conducted from secondary sources. Primary data were obtained from a questionnaire survey of SMEs in the region of Sokolov and from controlled interviews with representatives of the communities. There was conducted also a SWOT analysis of the Sokolov region, focusing on SMEs. Also were proposed forms of business support that are suitable for SMEs in the region and then were defined the recommendations and possibilities for further development of SMEs in region Sokolov. For example: improving information and cooperation of SMEs with local authority, with the Regional Chamber of Commerce Poohří, the use of SMEs development by means of Lake Medard, building a technology park and business incubator, etc.