Wise use of information leads to knowledge, and with that knowledge comes power (van der Vegt 1998). The importance of information to marketing success is well documented (Kohli and Jaworski 1990), and recent years have seen a burgeoning academic interest in the area of export market information and research (EMI/R) use (Diamantopoulos and Souchon 1999). This dissertation comprises the results of, and reflections on, an investigation into the EMIR activities of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises in the UK. A review of the literature uncovers the unique, informal and personal nature of these activities. The fieldwork takes a grounded approach, with the first stage consisting of depth interviews conducted among a small sample of manufacturers, as well as among SME export market research suppliers and support organisations. The second stage comprises a quantitative study of industrial SMEs. The research discovers that managers' attitudes to EMI/R, and the internationalism of their backgrounds, are both linked to export information gathering and decision making behaviour, which in turn are linked to export performance. In particular, managers' views of the importance of the role of exporting to their companies, and their commitment of human resources to exporting, are directly and positively linked to export performance. The study finds that SMEs gather export information less than they make export decisions, indicating a paucity of relevant information, and identifies a shortfall between the level and type of EMUR support SMEs needed, and that currently offered by the market research industry and government export support programmes. This dissertation therefore ends with an appeal to all parties (the market research industry, government export promotion agencies and academics) to co-operate in the development of an EMIIR support network appropriate to the special requirements of industrial SMEs.

This thesis examines the seller's obligations of both delivery and conformity under a contract of sale. In this context, the related rules under both English law (represented by the Sale of Goods Act 1979) and the Vienna Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods 1980 have been explored and compared with each other. It was initially necessary to indicate the importance of the Vienna Convention as a model for unifying the law of international trade. As well as indicating potential reasons as to why the UK is unconvinced that it should become a member of the Convention, as well as briefly examining the previous efforts that led to the conclusion of the Convention. While delivery is not defined under the Convention, the SGA considers it a voluntary transfer of possession. Moreover, delivery under English law takes place independently from the transferral of ownership. The matter of transferring the ownership in the goods is not however, dealt with under the Convention, and should be solved by reference to private international law. According to English law the delivery goods must meet the description in sale by description, correspond with the sample in sale by sample, and in all cases be of a satisfactory quality. The goods must meet a particular purpose where some conditions are met, as well as having to be in the right quantity. Art 35 of the Vienna Convention is considered a counterpart of the said rules. Should the seller however, attempt to exclude his liability regarding the said implied terms, such an attempt is subject to the UCTA 1977 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations, 1999. In another respect, delivery of the goods may take place actually or constructively, such as delivery by documents, or delivery through a carrier. Furthermore, there are particular rules that control the process of delivery, such as time, place and expenses connected with delivery. Obviously, the intention of the parties plays the essential role in determining these matters. One of the most important issues is the legal effect of the seller's breach of his obligation of conformity or delivery. Here, the buyer is entitled to a wide range of remedies, such as rejection of the goods and avoiding the contract of sale, specific performance, reduction of the price, or damages. The approaches here of both English law and the Convention are distinct in relation to some particular remedies, such as specific performance and reduction of the price.

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (MAppSc Project Man) -- University of South Australia, 1993

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1989. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [200]-207).

Diss. Göteborg : University, 2003.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--George Mason University, 2009. / Vita: p. 205. Thesis director: Zoltan J. Acs. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed June 10, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-204). Also issued in print.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Hamburg.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references.