Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, particularly In the information and communications technology (lCT) sector, are faced with an increasingly volatile environment. The Malaysian business scene has opened up their markets to the world where smaller businesses find themselves competing with newly launched multinational subsidiary and subdivision companies, along with the large local firms. The Malaysian Government has launched several campaigns and support for smaller local businesses to be more competitive and to continuously compete at par with these larger companies. This research project supports the Malaysian Government's objective of instilling a more structured approach towards a more competitive SME by focusing on the management of competitive information related to these companies. In recognising the rising need for competitive support, management and executives are increasingly relying on a concept called Competitive Intelligence (Cl), a systematic and ethical process for gathering, analysing, and managing information that can affect a company's plans, decisions, and operation. In managing competitive information, several companies have emerged especially to develop online tools and software that would enhance the Cl process and the value competitive intelligence brings to organisations. The success of these Cl software tools depends, however, on the sophistication of an organisation's understanding of the Cl process and scope of usage. Different companies derive different values from different approaches to competitive intelligence, and therefore require a flexible tool that is very specific to the company's needs. Therefore, this research investigated the structures and contexts of Malaysian Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs) based on competitive intelligence (Cl) concepts to derive a more customised approach to the use of Cl for SMEs in the ICT sector, as well as in the selection of appropriate Cl software. Mintzberg's approaches to analysing organisational structures and contexts, Bouthillier and Shearer's Intelligence Cycle, Herring's Key Intelligence Topics, and Davis' concept of effectiveness were used in two main stages. The first stage involved identifying the nature and range of SMEs, which exist under Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor, a government benchmarking body for local businesses. This gives an account, on the basis of cluster analysis, of a taxonomy of SME categories consisted of ten clusters. The relationships between the categories were also examined in the first stage of the research. The relationships and clusters found in the first part of the research offered the basis for the second part of the research, which constructs the criteria for evaluating online tools and software for competitive intelligence. The evaluation criteria are then used to evaluate eight Cl-ready software packages in finding suitable tools for the different categories of SMEs. Finally, the research concludes with a study of the prospective users' perceptions of effectiveness in SMEs drawn from the identified clusters. This 'multiple constituency' approach to understanding effectiveness evaluates both Davis' concept of effectiveness (usefulness), as well as the differential evaluations of perceived effectiveness. The research findings provide evidence of a range of SME structures in a variety of contexts. Levels of importance placed on different levels in the Cl process are identified, as well as aspects that need support, automation and/or augmentation. The software evaluation in the second part of the research provided ten recommendations of suitable software package(s) for each SME cluster. However, an initial review by SME managers of perceived effectiveness mostly did not reveal results that were parallel to the findings from the software evaluation study. All in all, the research confirms that SMEs can be analysed by clusters but further research would be necessary to confirm the effectiveness of using the recommended Cl software over a longer period of time.

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate how Start-Ups from Switzerland pattern their expansion to foreign markets and how prevalent traditional internationalization models are among Start-Ups. In order to conduct the research, the term Start-Up has been defined in comparison to other forms of enterprises. The first part of the literature review has been conducted regarding key concepts within the field of international business such as psychic distance or the choice of the right entry mode. The second part of the literature review has been conducted regarding relevant traditional internationalization theories as well as the international entrepreneurship theory, as counterpart to traditional internationalization theories. The theories have resulted in a conceptual framework that reveals the relations between the different theories. The thesis is built on a qualitative approach on the basis of a multiple case study by means of three interviews with Swiss Start-Ups. Further the thesis has followed a deductive approach to first build a profound knowledge about the internationalization process of Start-Ups. The authors of this thesis consider a good pre understanding of the research area as relevant to observe a pattern from the empirical observations. In the analysis chapter the differences and similarities between the theory and the empirical findings were discussed. The structure of both chapters, empirical findings and analysis, are structured in accordance with the conceptual framework. On the basis of the analysis, the conclusion chapter presents the responses of three research questions. Further the final chapter consists of theoretical and practical implications and recommendations as well as limitations and ends with proposals for a further research.

<p>Predmet istraživanja ovog rada je ambijent ekonomije znanja i<br />poslovanje malih i srednjih preduzeća u tom ambijentu. Problem<br />istraživanja je analiza faktora koji utiču na uspešnost malih i<br />srednjih preduzeća. Cilj istraživanja je da se utvrde ključni faktori<br />uspešnosti malih i srednjih preduzeća u Srbiji kako bi se<br />definisale mere za povećanje konkurentnosti ovog sektora i razvio<br />model upravljanja malim i srednjim preduzećima u ekonomiji znanja na<br />bazi ključnih faktora uspešnosti. Vrednost dobijenih rezultata<br />proističe iz cilja istraživanja u okviru ove disertacije, koji u širem<br />smislu podrazumeva pružanje informacija naučnoj i stručnoj javnosti<br />koje mogu doprineti daljem razvoju sektora MSP i boljem upravljanju<br />na bazi ključnih faktora uspešnosti.</p> / <p>The subject of this work is the environment of the knowledge economy and<br />the business of small and medium enterprises in this environment. The<br />problem of this research is to analyze the factors affecting the performance<br />of small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim of the research is to identify<br />the key success factors of small and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia in<br />order to define measures to increase the competitiveness of the sector and<br />developed a model of management of small and medium enterprises in the<br />knowledge economy based on the key factors of success. The value of the<br />results of this study arises from the research objectives within the framework<br />of this thesis, which in a broader sense means providing information to the<br />scientific and professional community that can contribute to the further<br />development of the SME sector and better management of SMEs on the<br />basis of the key success factors</p>

This study investigated the clothing preferences of large-size women who shopped in selected large-size specialty stores in North Dallas. Questions were asked regarding the respondents' age, employment, income, dress size and degree of fashion-consciousness. Also investigated were preferences regarding apparel and shopping sources. A questionnaire was used to obtain the desired information. Based on the data obtained, it was found that large-size women have certain preferences concerning the clothing they purchase and the sources they shop.

The main objective of thesis is to empirically assess the level of social capital in relation to the development of the city. First, the thesis discusses the theoretical framing of the concept of social capital; it also deals with the topic of regional development and its conditionality, including the issue of the development of small and medium-sized towns. The second part is devoted to a quantitative analysis of social capital and regional development in all Czech small and medium-sized towns. The last part presents detailed qualitative research on social capital, specifically the results of case studies observed at the level of comparable towns Týn nad Vltavou and Třeboň. In these case studies, key equalities and differences of social capital in connection with the formation of the city were identified. We also confirm the importance of social capital as one of many factors that determines the territorial development. Key words: social capital - regional development - small and medium-sized towns - Týn nad Vltavou - Třeboň

Only one third of the French SMEs are going abroad. However, this option can be an opportunity for the enterprises to extend their growth. The Chinese market is often designated to be the best place to invest. Nevertheless, it is far from France geographically and culturally. Russia and Central/Eastern Europe represent for French SMEs huge and frequently unknown markets, closed to France with all the benefice of their accession to the European Union. These regions have economic and demographic potentials because of their singular history. The study of these countries will show the possible market development in which the French companies and specially SMEs have competences and know-how highly valuable in these markets. Furthermore, the European and French incentives for SMEs and the support of different organizations are additional assets to facilitate the internationalization.

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze role of Small - Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey's Integration to EU. SMEs have a strategic importance in providing sustainable development, employment and value added in the economies. So that, European Union and Turkish Goverment have carried out several policies in order to support SMEs. These policies facilitate the process of creating, maintaining and improving business skills and opportunities of SMEs. They play significant role in Turkey's accession to EU. One of the purposes of the research is to explore indicators and effects of Turkish SMEs in EU integration. Also, it explores the effects of strategic alliances of Turkish and European SMEs all over the world. In this research, chapter 1 aims to describe SME definitions for EU, Turkey and other countries. In addition, the factors that determine these definitions in Turkey and EU have been discussed. Chapter 2 examines current policies of SMEs in Turkey and their strengths, weakness, problems accordingly. In chapter 3, current European SME policies have been described and their impacts to Turkish SMEs have been mentioned. Funds and incentives for SMEs from EU and their contribution to Turkish SMEs have been also explained in this chapter. In the last chapter, importance of SMEs in Turkish and European economies has been mentioned. Influence of Turkish SMEs has been indicated on the EU integration and in response to this influence; effect of European SMEs in Turkish Economy has been pointed out. After all, it has been exposed to worldwide effects after strategic alliances of European and Turkish SMEs.

This diploma thesis deals with the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) and its possible applications in the Czech Republic. Theoretical part of thesis focuses particularly on the main differences between IFRS for SMEs and current Czech accounting regulation. Practical part aims to emphasize possible application of IFRS for SMEs on case studies. The goal of this part is also to outline the impact of these problems on real data provided by a specific Czech company. These problems are results of a field research and personal findings and opinions of the author.

The aim of the thesis was to examine the basic technical and technological requirements of photovoltaic technology in terms of economic characteristics, analyze the current situation in the use of renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaics in the Czech Republic with comparing to the world's situation. The thesis also provides an overview of laws and legal norms applicable in the Czech Republic and the European Union with regard to photovoltaics. The crucial part is dedicated to investment evaluation of the renewable energy (photovoltaic) projects. The author supports presented ideas with a comprehensive investment analysis of a specific rooftop photovoltaic project realized by medium sized company. In addition to evaluation process the investment recommendation is provided and the most significant risk factors of the project are identified. The conclusion of this thesis includes a single-factor sensitivity analysis of a net present value of the project.

The main target of the Master's thesis is to evaluate international marketing activities of the AIMS International, s.r.o which belongs to the category of Small and Medium-sized Entities Within the Theory, definitions of marketing applications in the field of conference and incentive travel are described. Practical part is dealing with situation analysis of chosen company. Marketing budget and plan are included.