O surgimento da Lei do Petróleo, Lei 9.478/97, abriu uma nova frente de investimentos para o capital privado. O setor de exploração e produção de petróleo, antes sob monopólio estatal, passou a ser de interesse de diversas empresas privadas. Com a supervisão da ANP, surgiram as rodadas de licitações para concessão do direito de exploração e produção de petróleo dos campos ofertados. Os campos maduros e marginais foram então uma oportunidade de fomento aos negócios de petróleo devido à necessidade de uma operação mais eficiente, porém exigindo menores investimentos e necessidade técnica específica. Esta dissertação tem por objetivo expor o panorama econômico do setor de exploração e produção de petróleo para pequenas e médias empresas que atuam na região da Bacia Potiguar, Rio Grande do Norte, a partir de pesquisas e levantamentos de dados sobre: os conceitos teóricos de campos marginais e maduros e de pequenas e médias empresas; o histórico brasileiro de produção independente de petróleo; a geografia física e humana da Bacia Potiguar; e as barreiras econômicas encontradas por pequenas e médias empresas que atuam no setor de exploração e produção de petróleo. Depois de apresentadas e justificadas todas as hipóteses, são realizadas simulações de diferentes cenários para análise da viabilidade de um empreendimento de reativação de um campo marginal de petróleo. Utilizando a metodologia de fluxo de caixa descontado, foi possível avaliar o Valor Presente Líquido, Taxa Interna de Retorno e Payback do empreendimento. A partir da análise do fluxo de caixa e da sensibilidade de algumas premissas, avaliou-se o comportamento do Valor Presente Líquido do empreendimento em função das mudanças do preço de venda do barril de petróleo, do volume de produção do campo e de outros parâmetros escolhidos. Por fim, foi feita uma comparação entre trabalhos cujos autores propuseram temas semelhantes, para efeito de comparação e comprovação da sensibilidade e viabilidade dos campos. / The emergence of the Petroleum Law, Law 9.478/97, opened a new investment front for private capital. The upstream sector, previously under state monopoly, became a focus of interest from several private companies. With the supervision of the ANP, came rounds of bidding to grant exploration and production rights to the available oil fields. Mature and marginal fields were then a development opportunity in the oil business due to the need for a leaner operation, while requiring less investment and specific technical necessity. This thesis aims to expose the economic outlook of the onshore upstream sector for small and medium-sized companies operating in the Potiguar Basin region, Rio Grande do Norte, based on research and data surveys about: the theoretical concepts of marginal and mature fields and small and medium companies; the history of Brazilian independent oil production; the physical and human geography of the Potiguar Basin as well as the economic barriers faced by small and medium-sized companies operating in the oil exploration and production sector. After the presentation and justification of all hypotheses, simulations are carried out with different scenarios for analyzing the feasibility of the reactivation of a marginal oil field. Using the discounted cash flow method, it was possible to evaluate the Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return and Payback of the project. From the analysis of cash flow and the sensitivity of some assumptions, we evaluated the behavior of the Net Present Value due to the sale price changes of the oil barrel, the volume of oil production in the field and other chosen parameters. Finally, a comparison between other papers whose authors have proposed similar themes was made, for comparison and verification of the sensitivity and viability of the fields.

Diversos fatores levam ao crescimento do número de cooperações entre empresas. Dentre estes podem ser destacados: o rápido desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias de informação e a tendência das empresas concentrarem-se em suas competências essenciais, procurando tornarem-se ágeis para sobreviverem no competitivo mercado atual. Neste cenário, Empresas Virtuais (EVs) constituem uma apropriada alternativa e vantagem competitiva para Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PMEs). EVs podem ser formadas dentro de Organizações Virtuais (OVs), que são redes de potenciais parceiros (empresas). Entretanto, através de uma utilização sistemática de modernas tecnologias de informação, as EVs se tornam mais viáveis economicamente, devido a uma significativa redução nos custos de transação. Diante desta alternativa, propõe-se um ambiente cooperativo suportado por computador que possibilite e otimize a participação de PMEs em OVs. Como ambiente entende-se aqui as soluções técnicas de suporte computacional (ou infra-estrutura de informação), que devem apoiar a participação de PMEs nos processos de trabalho cooperativo do ambiente distribuído de uma OV. As questões humanas e organizacionais que as PMEs devem atender para participarem em OVs são, também, abordadas por este trabalho, não constituindo, porém, o foco principal da pesquisa. Por fim, apresenta-se um cenário de exemplificação do ambiente proposto. / Many factors bring the increase in the number of co-operations among enterprises. Among them, it can be addressed: the quick development of new information technologies and the enterprises tendency to concentrate on their core competencies, aiming to became agile to survive in the competitive actual market. In this context, Virtual Enterprises (VE) are an appropriate alternative and competitive advantage to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). VEs can be formed inside Virtual Organisations (VOs), which are networks of potential partners (enterprises). However, VEs become more feasible by means of a systematic use of modern information technologies, due to a significant reduction on transaction costs. Considering this alternative a co-operative environment supported by computer is proposed, in order to enable and optimise the participation of SMEs in VOs. Here, environment is understood as technical solutions of computer support (or information infra-structure), which must sustain the participation of SMEs in the co-operative work processes of the distributed environment of a VO. The human and organisational aspects which the SMEs should meet to participate in VOs, are also approached by this project, nevertheless, they are not the main focus of the research. In the end, an exemplification scenario of the proposed environment is presented.

Orientador: Carlos Alberto Mariotoni / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T03:25:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Naturesa_JimSilva_D.pdf: 5201250 bytes, checksum: 844230f71c467ed3cab5b7b4ecc69ddc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Essa tese procura relacionar os conceitos de eficiência energética, política industrial e inovação tecnológica. O objetivo é apresentar os principais pontos para uma nova política industrial, fundamentada na eficiência energética, que tenha como conseqüências a redução do consumo de energia elétrica e, principalmente, a divulgação do conceito de inovação tecnológica. O uso eficiente de energia elétrica diminui a necessidade de expansão do setor elétrico, postergando investimentos necessários ao atendimento do mercado de energia. Para os consumidores, as principais vantagens são a redução do gasto com energia elétrica, a otimização dos sistemas e marketing associado às idéias de preservação ambiental. Nesse sentido, o Programa Nacional de Conservação de Energia Elétrica (PROCEL), através de inúmeras iniciativas, é uma importante ferramenta governamental para a conservação de energia e o aumento da eficiência energética no país. Para que esses programas obtenham sucesso uma nova política industrial é necessária. Projetos de eficiência devem ter como objetivo a modernização do parque industrial - buscando a capacitação produtiva, gerencial e comercial das empresas. Para tanto, tais projetos, que em muitos casos baseiam-se na substituição de equipamentos antigos por novos, pode ser encarada como uma inovação incremental. Logo é proposta uma nova política industrial na qual o foco é a inovação tecnológica via eficiência energética. A idéia principal é utilizar os recursos destinados à inovação tecnológica em projetos de eficiência, pois esses conceitos são sinônimos. Os principais beneficiados serão as Micros, Pequenas e Médias Empresas (MPMEs) que, normalmente, gastam grande parte do seu faturamento com energia elétrica / Abstract: This thesis tries to relate the concepts of energy efficiency, industrial politics and technological innovation. The goal is to present the main points for a new industrial policy, based on energy efficiency, which has the consequences of reducing energy consumption and, especially, the dissemination of the concept of technological innovation. The efficient use of electric energy diminishes the necessity of expansion of the electric sector, postponing necessary investments to the attendance of the energy market. To consumers, the main advantages are the reduction of electric energy consumption, the optimization of the systems and the marketing linked with the ideas of environment preservation. In this direction, the Programa Nacional de Conservação de Energia Elétrica (PROCEL), through innumerable initiatives, is an important governmental tool for the conservation of energy and the increase of the energy efficiency in the country. Therefore these programs get success a new industrial politics is necessary. Projects of efficiency must have as objective the modernization of the industrial plants - increasing the production, management and commercial qualifications of the companies. To reach these targets, such projects, which in many cases are based on the equipment replacement, can be faced as an incremental innovation. Consequently, it is suggested a new industrial politics, which focus the technological innovation by means of efficiency energy. The main idea is to use the resources destined for the innovation technology in efficiency projects, therefore - in our point of view, these two concepts are synonymous. The main beneficiaries will be the Small and Medium Size Companies that, normally, spend great part of its invoicing with electrical energy / Doutorado / Recursos Hidricos, Energeticos e Ambientais / Doutor em Engenharia Civil

This research explores the business case for sustainability as experienced by small and medium sized, house building construction companies in the UK and Sweden. The authors investigate what benefits, if any, these businesses have gained from adopting environmental and socially responsible business practices. The authors also set out to understand the barriers and drivers influencing the companies in respect of sustainability. The purpose of the thesis was to help sustainability practitioners in their work with the sector. The research had three separate strands of investigation; interviewing industry experts who had wide experience of the sector; interviews with companies that had some relevant experiences; and a detailed survey was sent to companies asking them to rate their experiences to date and estimate their future expectation on sustainability issues. The findings were collated, analyzed and an overview of the benefits, barriers and drivers for the sector were discussed. A sector specific strategic approach to dealing with the companies was presented for use by the practitioners.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study extends the existing literature on how social networks enhance the performance and sustainability of small enterprises. More specifically, the study isolates and investigates the mechanisms through which social capital helps with the growth and survival of MSMEs. The evidence presented in this study strongly suggests that an indigenous social network widely practiced in Ethiopia, the "iqqub", contributes significantly to the start-up, survival and development of urban MSMEs. / South Africa

Magister Commercii - MCom / The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) is an organisation that gives various types of business support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to foster their growth. It is widely believed that there can be failure in the performance of SMEs that is partly due to limited provision of business support. This study aims to assess the work of SEDA, in particular the ‘business plan’ support it provides to SMEs. This will assist in establishing factors that hinder, or promote, the growth and success of SMEs.The main objectives of this study were firstly, to assess the perceptions of SEDA’s business clients with regards to the business plan intervention. Secondly, to assess the effectiveness of the SEDA’s business plan intervention, and lastly to identify and recommend other interventions that its clients suggest, that can improve the services it provides to business owners.A review of literature highlighted the continued difficulty that SMEs in South Africa face in accessing finance, and the vital role that support institutions like SEDA can play to not only alleviate the problem, but also strengthen the owners business and entrepreneurial skills. A qualitative case study design was used in this study. Two data collection methods, document analysis and in-depth interviews, were employed. A thematic data analysis was conducted to assess the business plan support activities provided by SEDA.The findings of the study show that, firstly, access to finance remains a challenge for most SMEs. Secondly, the lack of business skills is a key limitation to success among SEDA’s clients and thirdly, the study revealed a communication gap between SEDA and its business clients.The study recommends that SEDA should bridge the communication gap in order to improve the impact of the vital services it offers to existing, and potential clients. The Results of the study may apply, generally, to the development of SMEs in South Africa.

Chargés d’œuvrer au bien-être des citoyens ainsi qu’à la prospérité économique et financière du pays, les pouvoirs publics s’immiscent au sein du marché afin de corriger, réguler, orienter les activités économiques et résoudre les problèmes qu’elles engendrent sur le plan social. Fondée et légitimée par l’intérêt général - au sens rousseauiste du concept -, cette action économique des pouvoirs publics s’avère cependant inadaptée aux besoins particuliers et aux attentes concrètes que formule la société civile. Un travail de conciliation entre les intérêts particuliers de la population (personnes morales et physiques) et l’intérêt général s’avère donc nécessaire afin d’améliorer l’adéquation, l’efficacité et l’efficience de l’interventionnisme public. A travers l’étude des politiques publiques en faveur des petites et moyennes entreprises, la présente thèse tend dès lors à démontrer qu’une telle conciliation est possible, en faisant du besoin ou problème de la société civile, le véritable facteur de l’action publique, et de son assouvissement ou sa résolution son unique objectif. Fort d’une action économique pragmatique et circonstancielle, les pouvoirs publics pourront alors remplir pleinement la fonction qui leur est dévolue tout en œuvrant en faveur de l’intérêt général / In charge of the citizen’s well-beign, as well as the economic and financial prosperity of the country, the public authorities interfere in the market to correct, regulate and guide the economic activities and resolve problems that they cause on a social scale.Based and legitimised by general interest – as Rousseau developped it – the economic actions of the public authorities are, however, unsuited to the citizens’ needs and to the civil society’s concretes expectations. Therefore it is necessary to reconcile each individual interests (private individual and corporations) and general interest, to improve the adequacy and the efficiency of the interventionism of the public authorities. Through the study of the public policies for small and medium enterprises, this doctoral dissertation tends to show that such a conciliation is possible, by making the society’s need or problem the real source of the public policy, and its satisfaction and solving its only purpose. With a pragmatical and circumstantial economic action, the authorities would be able to fulfill their fonction while working in favour of the general interest

Small and medium sized enterprises constitute an overwhelming majority of all companies in the economy. They are the resource of the growth of GDP, innovation and significantly contribute to the employment. Representatives of the European Union are aware of the important role which these companies play and they try to create the most convenient and optimal business environment. The small and medium sized enterprises are supported through institutions such as Czechinvest and the ČMZRB which receive funds from structural funds of the European Union and the state budget. In my thesis I made evaluation of the projects of the SME Finance Facility program under which subsidy and credit lines were granted to the ČMZRB and various leasing companies. Finance was provided from various european development banks and were intended to grant the loans and leasings with better conditions than loans and leasings from unsubsidized banks. Based on the results from the survey I came to a conclusion that the program was relevant only to a certain extent because companies had significant alternative opportunities of financing their investment projects.

This final diploma thesis called "Global analysis of the current business-legal environment in the Czech Republic" thoroughly evaluates business-legal environment in the Czech Republic and reveals how it is perceived by small and medium entrepreneurs. This analysis further uncovers and specifies fields where there are deficiencies in the Czech legal system. There is also a short view of the situation in the countries neighboring with the Czech Republic such as Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, France and the whole of EU. The topic of EU legislation was not neglected either. These new legal provisions coming from the EU are more and more becoming part of the Czech legal system and have bigger and bigger influence on the Czech entrepreneurs. Businessmen in the Czech Republic still perceive many difficulties related to the state restrictions and regulatory authorities decisions. The situation is especially gravely perceived in case of tax laws, labor laws and the overall complexity and complicatedness of the Czech legislation as a whole. Based on the research that was a part of the research, high level of conservativeness of the small and medium entrepreneurs was proved. Czech businessmen tend to have difficulties adopting new things including laws even if those could have positive impact in the end. It further seems that the Czech businessmen tend to approach their business environment skeptically but not passively. They feel like participating actively in changes in their business environment even thou it often seems impossible.

This paper analyses potential of Software as a Service (SaaS) model in small and medium enterprises (SME). SaaS model is rapidly expanding trend between software delivery models. The first chapter describes evolution of software delivery models, which peaks in the most recent "Software as a Service" model. It analyses key features of SaaS in qualitative, technological and legal dimensions. The first chapter also mentions assesment methods for IT investments. This chapter introduces basic theoretical framework for next chapters. Next chapter focuses on category of small and medium enterprises. It defines main macroeconomic indicators and organizational specifics of SMEs. This chapter also presents results of research into reasons for and against the use of applications with SaaS model in small and medium enterprises. Last chapter selects the most common software categories used by small and medium enterprises. For each category it analyses and describes current state of the SaaS market. After analysing the market situation, it selects broad range of applications for each category. Using multi-dimensional approach it recommends three products best suited for SMEs. For all categories it maps potential of the three recommended products. These three products are then thoroughly compared with each other using extended set of criteria. The chapter ends with a summary of possibilities offered by these applications to SMEs.