Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:25:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luiz Fernando Gomes Pinto.pdf: 671185 bytes, checksum: 31d7ce61b1b9f7423c4d154388ff986a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-03-01 / The service sector plays a key role in the world economy and in Brazil, country in which it has accounted for more than a half of total value added in 2004. Specifically, the micro and small enterprises reached an expansion of almost 25% between 2000 and 2004. However, the lack of know-how of new business owners causes the mortality of more than a half of micro and small enterprises during the first two years; also, this lack of know-how contributes to a lower level of innovation. A company s innovation process consists of some innovative activities, such as the investment in assets (machinery, equipment, plants, and expansions) and the human resources training, both of them are indicators which can be used to measure the innovation level of firm. This work aims to examine if the entrepreneurial small-sized firms of food-service which have innovative activities presents a business performance (net income and value added) higher than the firms that do not have these kind of activities. Besides that, it intends to examine if the firms that have innovative activities pay higher salaries than the firms which do not have innovative activities. In order to do this quantitative study, it was used the Paep 2001 Database, the first survey in Brazil regarding the service innovation; also, it was based on the OECD works about service innovation, more specifically the Oslo Manual, the main international guidelines for collecting and interpreting innovation activities. The conclusion of this study is that the sample of firms which have innovative activities, such as investment in assets and training, do not have higher business performance (net income and value added) than the sample of firms that do not have this kind of activities; it also concludes, that these firms do not pay higher salaries in comparison to the sample of firms which do not have innovative activities. This conclusion reflects, in part, the difficulty found by the majority of researchers in determining indicators that capture the effects of innovation, mainly in the service sector, because of the heterogeneity and complexity of the activities of this sector; besides, the service innovation database in Brazil is still being constructed. The available data refers to the year of 2001 and is restricted to the state of São Paulo. Following this, it is recommended new studies with regard the innovation effects in time and the usage of new indicators in order to measure the relationship between innovative activities and business performance of small-sized firms of the service sector, mainly with respect the organizational and market aspects. / O setor de serviços ocupa uma posição de destaque na economia mundial e no Brasil, país no qual o setor respondeu por mais da metade do valor adicionado em 2004. Especificamente as micro e pequenas empresas (MPEs) obtiveram uma expansão de cerca de 25% entre 2000 e 2004. No entanto, o despreparo dos empresários iniciantes leva mais da metade das MPEs a encerrarem suas atividades nos dois primeiros anos, assim como contribui para um baixo nível de inovação. O processo inovador de uma empresa compreende a realização de atividades inovativas, como o investimento em ativos (máquinas, equipamentos, edificações, terrenos e ampliações) e o treinamento dos funcionários, ambos indicadores que podem ser utilizados para aferir o nível de atividade inovadora da empresa. O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar se as pequenas empresas empreendedoras do segmento de serviços de alimentação que realizam atividades inovativas apresentam um desempenho empresarial (receita líquida e valor adicionado) superior às firmas que não realizam tais atividades. Paralelamente, pretende investigar se as empresas que praticam atividades inovativas pagam salários maiores que as firmas que não possuem tais atividades. Para a realização deste estudo de cunho quantitativo, utilizou-se a Base de Dados Paep 2001, pioneira no Brasil na pesquisa sobre inovação em serviços, assim como se tomou como fundamento os trabalhos da OECD sobre inovação em serviços, mais especificamente o Manual de Oslo, principal fonte internacional para a coleta e uso de dados sobre atividades inovativas. A conclusão a que se chegou no presente estudo é que as empresas da amostra estudada que realizam atividades inovativas, como investimento em ativo e treinamento, não têm um desempenho (receita líquida e valor adicionado) superior ao das empresas que não realizam tais atividades; assim como não pagam salários maiores do que as empresas que não realizam atividades inovativas. A conclusão reflete, em parte, a dificuldade encontrada pelos estudiosos do tema de determinar indicadores que captem os efeitos da inovação no desempenho da empresa, sobretudo no setor de serviços, em razão da heterogeneidade e complexidade das atividades do setor. Ademais, a base de dados sobre inovação em serviços no Brasil ainda está em processo de construção. Os dados disponíveis se referem apenas ao ano de 2001 e estão restritos ao Estado de São Paulo. Nesse sentido, recomendam-se novos estudos que contemplem o efeito da inovação no tempo bem como o uso de novos indicadores para aferir a relação entre atividades inovativas e o desempenho empresarial de pequenas empresas do setor de serviços, principalmente no que se refere a aspectos organizacionais e de mercado.

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyse the impact collaboration in strategic networks has on the individual company’s development. The particular focus is especially on whether the collaboration has contributed something to the individual company, which in the long run can help to improve the possibilities for a better outcome. The study is based on three research questions: 1) what happens on the network level respective the company level during collaboration; 2) what is the link between the activities of the strategic network and the individual company, and 3) what is the reason why the individual company is affected.The empirical data in the study consists of four strategic networks, and eleven participating companies. The study began in late spring 2004 and ended in spring 2008. Data was collected on several occasions during the study period. The companies that participated in the strategic networks were small and belonged to the wood product manufacturing sector. All four strategic networks participated in Nutek’s “Träklusterprogram” (Wood cluster program) which ran 2003-2005, but they all continued being active after the program ended. There are previous studies on strategic networks, but by studying both the strategic networks and the participating companies, this thesis adds new dimension, a discussion as to how collaboration could affect the participating companies’ strategies and development.The thesis shows that collaboration in strategic networks, which in reality is a relatively small part of a company’s operations, could have a significant strategic importance for example on the production process, marketing and external relations.Interesting findings from the study include indications that there may be a clear difference in how the individual company is affected, depending on whether the strategic network has market or competence related goals. Moreover, collaboration in strategic networks can improve a business executive’s self-confidence and infuse him or her with inspiration, with the result that he or she will dare to invest and take on more challenges. Among other things, this can have the effect that the company’s strategies are implemented and goals reached.For the strategic network, the results indicate that an enthusiastic, committed leader of the collaboration seems to diminish the importance of a well-structured organization, that is to say that a leader with drive is more important than a formal organization. The thesis also stresses the importance of a socialization process in strategic networks in order for them to be successful, in the sense that the participants should get to know each other and their respective companies. Finally, the company representatives’ commitment to the collaboration and their attitude to it tend to overshadow the importance of other factors. / Den här avhandlingens syfte är att beskriva och analysera vilken påverkan samarbete i strategiska nätverk har på det enskilda företagets utveckling. Speciellt fokus ligger på om samarbetet har tillfört det enskilda företaget något som i förlängningen kan bidra till att förbättra företagets förutsättningar för ett bättre resultat. Tre forskningsfrågor ligger till grund för studien: 1) vad händer på nätverknivå respektive företagsnivå under samarbete; 2) hur ser kopplingen ut mellan verksamheten i det strategiska nätverk och det enskilda företaget samt 3) vad är orsaken till att det enskilda företaget påverkas.I studien ingick empirisk data från fyra strategiska nätverk samt från elva av de deltagande företagen. Studien inleddes försommaren 2004 och avslutades våren 2008. Datamaterial samlades in vid ett flertal tillfällen under studieperioden. Samtliga företag som deltog i de strategiska nätverken tillhörde träförädlingsbranschen och var småföretag. Alla fyra strategiska nätverk var med i Nuteks Träklusterprogram som pågick 2003-2005, men verksamheten i samtliga fortgick efter att programmet avslutades.Det finns sedan tidigare studier på strategiska nätverk, men genom att såväl studera strategiska nätverk som deltagande enskilda företags verksamhet, tillför avhandlingen en diskussion om hur samarbetet kan påverka de deltagande företagens strategier och utveckling. Avhandlingen visar att samarbete i strategiska nätverk, som egentligen är en relativt liten del av ett företags verksamhet, kan få en märkbar strategisk betydelse på exempelvis produktionsprocessen, marknadsföring och relationer med omgivningen. Några intressanta resultat är att det kan vara en markant skillnad på hur det enskilda företaget påverkas beroende på om strategiska nätverk har marknadsrelaterade mål eller kompetensrelaterade mål. Vidare kan samarbete i strategiska nätverk bidra till att företagsledare får mer självförtroende och inspiration som leder till att de vågar satsa och ta större utmaningar. Resultatet kan bland annat bli att företagets strategier genomförs och uppsatta mål kan nås.För strategiska nätverk tyder resultaten på att en drivande och engagerad ledare för samarbetet verkar kunna reducera betydelsen av en välstrukturerad organisation, det vill säga att en drivande ledare är mer betydelsefullt än formell organisation. Avhandlingen understryker dessutom betydelsen av en socialiseringsprocess i strategiska nätverk för att det ska bli framgångsrikt – det innebär att deltagarna lär känna varandra och respektive företag. Slutligen förefaller företagsrepresentanternas engagemang i samarbetet och inställning kunna överskugga betydelsen av andra faktorer.

This thesis puts focus on the points where organisations perceive, translate and implement a new organisational idea, and the implementation and translation of one specific efficiency method is studied. We have looked at how a group of small manufacturing companies have implemented an efficiency method (Efficient production/Lean Production) and how they have translated it to fit their own organisation. The authors were interested in finding out both about the challenges and the positive outcomes of implementing an efficiency method in a company. While getting to know more about the subject, the translator’s (the person responsible of implementing the method into the own organisation) role and importance to the implementation became more interesting. In cooperation with a Host Company (HC), a decision was made to study a group of small manufacturing companies who had all participated in one of HC’s programs, Lean School for Small Companies. To be able to make generalisations from the results, a multiple-case study was carried out. To fulfil our purpose and gain a somewhat objective understanding of the processes of implementation we decided that it was necessary to interview two people from each company, one that had attended the Lean School and one who did not, but was directly affected by the efficiency method in daily work. The empirical findings were analysed in the light of the theoretical ideas we found about implementation of efficiency methods and translation of organisational ideas. The results of the study were in many aspects consistant with the theories found on the subject. The processes of an implementation is complex and are affected by the factors commitment of leaders, problems or obstacles, the translators role and ability to manage the translation process and, furthermore, by knowledge input.

<p>This thesis puts focus on the points where organisations perceive, translate and implement a new organisational idea, and the implementation and translation of one specific efficiency method is studied. We have looked at how a group of small manufacturing companies have implemented an efficiency method (Efficient production/Lean Production) and how they have translated it to fit their own organisation.</p><p>The authors were interested in finding out both about the challenges and the positive outcomes of implementing an efficiency method in a company. While getting to know more about the subject, the translator’s (the person responsible of implementing the method into the own organisation) role and importance to the implementation became more interesting. In cooperation with a Host Company (HC), a decision was made to study a group of small manufacturing companies who had all participated in one of HC’s programs, Lean School for Small Companies.</p><p>To be able to make generalisations from the results, a multiple-case study was carried out. To fulfil our purpose and gain a somewhat objective understanding of the processes of implementation we decided that it was necessary to interview two people from each company, one that had attended the Lean School and one who did not, but was directly affected by the efficiency method in daily work. The empirical findings were analysed in the light of the theoretical ideas we found about implementation of efficiency methods and translation of organisational ideas.</p><p>The results of the study were in many aspects consistant with the theories found on the subject. The processes of an implementation is complex and are affected by the factors commitment of leaders, problems or obstacles, the translators role and ability to manage the translation process and, furthermore, by knowledge input.</p>

In general terms, this research project evolved in response to my desire to find out more about the planning issues faced by micro to small-sized enterprises (MSEs). In particular, how they plan for survival and growth.As such, the main objective of the action oriented research project is to assess the viability of developing a framework which will be capable of providing structured, useful and relevant guidance to micro to small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in terms of business survival and growth. In a practical sense, it is important that the framework is also flexible enough to deal with the complexity and fluidity of the real life business environment within which MSEs operate.A review of current growth theory and the current available data and tools aimed at assisting MSE in the area of growth planning is presented in chapter two. This review serves to highlight two important issues which, in turn, guide the research project.- Firstly, an attempted review of current statistical information regarding MSEs highlighted a serious lack of general planning data for this sector within Europe. (Statistics are only analysed and reported for companies with over 20 employees)- Secondly, extant literature regarding growth theories for MSEs, fails to provide one perfect solution. There is a general consensus that it is neither possible, nor desirable, to try to develop one single and fixed model to predict company growth.Chapter two also provides a review of associated disciplines which are closely related to MSE planning ie entrepreneurship, innovation, and complexity. This extended review shows that flexibility and adaptiveness have a great impact on business decisions regarding company survival and growth and further strengthen the case for a flexible solution. Through consideration of these related topics the following three concepts are brought to the fore and are subsequently integrated into the final response to the research questions: - inherent company leadership,- the influence of the external environment and the opportunities and threats it presents to a MSE, - the internal factors which impact MSE company operations and decisionsAs such, Chapter two highlights the need for a bespoke solution which is both reactive and conditional. In order to focus the project, several delimitations were introduced.- Geographically, the research was based upon the prevailing conditions for German and central European MSEs.- Furthermore, a single case study company was selected as it suited the participative requirements of the project. The company is a micro-sized offset printing house.- As the project advanced, it became clear that decisions regarding company survival and growth for MSEs varied greatly depending upon the stage of operations in which the company found itself. Thus, a more specific focus on mature MSEs was adopted as the project and research progressed. By placing these three restrictions on the research project it was possible to conduct meaningful action-oriented research, aimed at generating future action and change beyond the study, as well as identify and address a very specific set of research problems, namely:Main problem:How can managers of mature micro to small-sized offset printing plants in German/central Europe plan for survival and grow into the future?Sub problems:a. Can a management decision tool be developed to assist this decision and growth process in the mature company?b. How would such a tool be formulated to ensure both effectiveness and acceptance? (what factors should it consider)The key concepts introduced via the extant literature were then integrated into a soft systems review, supported by action-oriented research, in an effort to develop a flexible framework aimed at addressing the research problems.Several phases of research serve to support and build upon, or refine, one another to establish a more relevant and meaningful solution. A preliminary research phase comprising a Delphi study and convergent interviews was supported by group feedback sessions conducted with a small work group from the case study company – Werbedruck Petzold. The work group reviewed aspects of the developing framework at various stages throughout the project; each time participants were able to refine concepts and enhance the response to the main research problem. Chapters three, four and five present this conceptual development and testing/evaluation process. They also highlight the robustness of the data stemming from repetitive cycles and triangulation techniques integrated into the research design. The ultimate contribution to knowledge which evolved from the action-oriented research is presented in the form of a three-step framework which acknowledges - the overriding and inherent wishes of the MSE’s owner/manager - the opportunities and threats posed by the external environment, and- the mix of functions each MSE must develop to meet its own specific goals, given its own environmental situation. It is important to note that the response to the research problem is not a fixed model which can be systematically applied to all MSEs. But is rather a flexible framework which is intended to be actioned by MSEs, given their own situations and goals. The key to the proposed framework is that it must be continually reviewed to reflect the ‘current reality’ of a MSE. It is basically a framework which has been developed via action oriented research techniques and is intended for ongoing case-specific, action, review, and refinement. It represents a shift in growth theory for MSEs as it embraces and promotes contingency, thus better reflecting the reality of MSEs.

In general terms, this research project evolved in response to my desire to find out more about the planning issues faced by micro to small-sized enterprises (MSEs). In particular, how they plan for survival and growth.As such, the main objective of the action oriented research project is to assess the viability of developing a framework which will be capable of providing structured, useful and relevant guidance to micro to small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in terms of business survival and growth. In a practical sense, it is important that the framework is also flexible enough to deal with the complexity and fluidity of the real life business environment within which MSEs operate.A review of current growth theory and the current available data and tools aimed at assisting MSE in the area of growth planning is presented in chapter two. This review serves to highlight two important issues which, in turn, guide the research project.- Firstly, an attempted review of current statistical information regarding MSEs highlighted a serious lack of general planning data for this sector within Europe. (Statistics are only analysed and reported for companies with over 20 employees)- Secondly, extant literature regarding growth theories for MSEs, fails to provide one perfect solution. There is a general consensus that it is neither possible, nor desirable, to try to develop one single and fixed model to predict company growth.Chapter two also provides a review of associated disciplines which are closely related to MSE planning ie entrepreneurship, innovation, and complexity. This extended review shows that flexibility and adaptiveness have a great impact on business decisions regarding company survival and growth and further strengthen the case for a flexible solution. Through consideration of these related topics the following three concepts are brought to the fore and are subsequently integrated into the final response to the research questions: - inherent company leadership,- the influence of the external environment and the opportunities and threats it presents to a MSE, - the internal factors which impact MSE company operations and decisionsAs such, Chapter two highlights the need for a bespoke solution which is both reactive and conditional. In order to focus the project, several delimitations were introduced.- Geographically, the research was based upon the prevailing conditions for German and central European MSEs.- Furthermore, a single case study company was selected as it suited the participative requirements of the project. The company is a micro-sized offset printing house.- As the project advanced, it became clear that decisions regarding company survival and growth for MSEs varied greatly depending upon the stage of operations in which the company found itself. Thus, a more specific focus on mature MSEs was adopted as the project and research progressed. By placing these three restrictions on the research project it was possible to conduct meaningful action-oriented research, aimed at generating future action and change beyond the study, as well as identify and address a very specific set of research problems, namely:Main problem:How can managers of mature micro to small-sized offset printing plants in German/central Europe plan for survival and grow into the future?Sub problems:a. Can a management decision tool be developed to assist this decision and growth process in the mature company?b. How would such a tool be formulated to ensure both effectiveness and acceptance? (what factors should it consider)The key concepts introduced via the extant literature were then integrated into a soft systems review, supported by action-oriented research, in an effort to develop a flexible framework aimed at addressing the research problems.Several phases of research serve to support and build upon, or refine, one another to establish a more relevant and meaningful solution. A preliminary research phase comprising a Delphi study and convergent interviews was supported by group feedback sessions conducted with a small work group from the case study company – Werbedruck Petzold. The work group reviewed aspects of the developing framework at various stages throughout the project; each time participants were able to refine concepts and enhance the response to the main research problem. Chapters three, four and five present this conceptual development and testing/evaluation process. They also highlight the robustness of the data stemming from repetitive cycles and triangulation techniques integrated into the research design. The ultimate contribution to knowledge which evolved from the action-oriented research is presented in the form of a three-step framework which acknowledges - the overriding and inherent wishes of the MSE’s owner/manager - the opportunities and threats posed by the external environment, and- the mix of functions each MSE must develop to meet its own specific goals, given its own environmental situation. It is important to note that the response to the research problem is not a fixed model which can be systematically applied to all MSEs. But is rather a flexible framework which is intended to be actioned by MSEs, given their own situations and goals. The key to the proposed framework is that it must be continually reviewed to reflect the ‘current reality’ of a MSE. It is basically a framework which has been developed via action oriented research techniques and is intended for ongoing case-specific, action, review, and refinement. It represents a shift in growth theory for MSEs as it embraces and promotes contingency, thus better reflecting the reality of MSEs.

In general terms, this research project evolved in response to my desire to find out more about the planning issues faced by micro to small-sized enterprises (MSEs). In particular, how they plan for survival and growth.As such, the main objective of the action oriented research project is to assess the viability of developing a framework which will be capable of providing structured, useful and relevant guidance to micro to small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in terms of business survival and growth. In a practical sense, it is important that the framework is also flexible enough to deal with the complexity and fluidity of the real life business environment within which MSEs operate.A review of current growth theory and the current available data and tools aimed at assisting MSE in the area of growth planning is presented in chapter two. This review serves to highlight two important issues which, in turn, guide the research project.- Firstly, an attempted review of current statistical information regarding MSEs highlighted a serious lack of general planning data for this sector within Europe. (Statistics are only analysed and reported for companies with over 20 employees)- Secondly, extant literature regarding growth theories for MSEs, fails to provide one perfect solution. There is a general consensus that it is neither possible, nor desirable, to try to develop one single and fixed model to predict company growth.Chapter two also provides a review of associated disciplines which are closely related to MSE planning ie entrepreneurship, innovation, and complexity. This extended review shows that flexibility and adaptiveness have a great impact on business decisions regarding company survival and growth and further strengthen the case for a flexible solution. Through consideration of these related topics the following three concepts are brought to the fore and are subsequently integrated into the final response to the research questions: - inherent company leadership,- the influence of the external environment and the opportunities and threats it presents to a MSE, - the internal factors which impact MSE company operations and decisionsAs such, Chapter two highlights the need for a bespoke solution which is both reactive and conditional. In order to focus the project, several delimitations were introduced.- Geographically, the research was based upon the prevailing conditions for German and central European MSEs.- Furthermore, a single case study company was selected as it suited the participative requirements of the project. The company is a micro-sized offset printing house.- As the project advanced, it became clear that decisions regarding company survival and growth for MSEs varied greatly depending upon the stage of operations in which the company found itself. Thus, a more specific focus on mature MSEs was adopted as the project and research progressed. By placing these three restrictions on the research project it was possible to conduct meaningful action-oriented research, aimed at generating future action and change beyond the study, as well as identify and address a very specific set of research problems, namely:Main problem:How can managers of mature micro to small-sized offset printing plants in German/central Europe plan for survival and grow into the future?Sub problems:a. Can a management decision tool be developed to assist this decision and growth process in the mature company?b. How would such a tool be formulated to ensure both effectiveness and acceptance? (what factors should it consider)The key concepts introduced via the extant literature were then integrated into a soft systems review, supported by action-oriented research, in an effort to develop a flexible framework aimed at addressing the research problems.Several phases of research serve to support and build upon, or refine, one another to establish a more relevant and meaningful solution. A preliminary research phase comprising a Delphi study and convergent interviews was supported by group feedback sessions conducted with a small work group from the case study company – Werbedruck Petzold. The work group reviewed aspects of the developing framework at various stages throughout the project; each time participants were able to refine concepts and enhance the response to the main research problem. Chapters three, four and five present this conceptual development and testing/evaluation process. They also highlight the robustness of the data stemming from repetitive cycles and triangulation techniques integrated into the research design. The ultimate contribution to knowledge which evolved from the action-oriented research is presented in the form of a three-step framework which acknowledges - the overriding and inherent wishes of the MSE’s owner/manager - the opportunities and threats posed by the external environment, and- the mix of functions each MSE must develop to meet its own specific goals, given its own environmental situation. It is important to note that the response to the research problem is not a fixed model which can be systematically applied to all MSEs. But is rather a flexible framework which is intended to be actioned by MSEs, given their own situations and goals. The key to the proposed framework is that it must be continually reviewed to reflect the ‘current reality’ of a MSE. It is basically a framework which has been developed via action oriented research techniques and is intended for ongoing case-specific, action, review, and refinement. It represents a shift in growth theory for MSEs as it embraces and promotes contingency, thus better reflecting the reality of MSEs.

This paper presents a method of investment analysis to be applied in the Metaltec business game, aiming to facilitate the learning of the main methods of investment analysis. Business games contribute to this study because they bring the player closer to the reality, enhancing learning in management fields such as finance, production and sales. The work was divided into two studies. The first study examines whether companies in Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil perform investment analysis when purchasing equipment. The research was carried out with micro and small businesses in Santa Maria through a semi-structured questionnaire. From this analysis we could conclude that companies do not make investment analysis, but calculate whether the investment is viable or not only based on the increased demand. The second study presents the methodology of investment analysis for the business games. The research was performed in the Graduation Program in the Production Engineering with the groups of the second term of 2008 and second term of 2009. The application of 2008 showed more similar results because their players were from areas related to production engineering while the implementation of 2009 brought a number of discrepancies during the game because the players had different academic backgrounds. However, even with the difficulties players had, business games contributed to their learning management. Moreover, the study of methods of investment analysis in the game business contributed to the learning of Engineering Economy, facilitating its understanding since students worked within a company and not with decontextualized problems. / O presente trabalho apresenta uma metodologia de análise de investimentos a ser aplicada no jogo de empresa Metaltec, com o objetivo de facilitar o aprendizado dos principais métodos de análise de investimento. Os jogos de empresa contribuem para esse estudo, pois aproximam o jogador da realidade, aperfeiçoando o aprendizado nas áreas gerenciais, como finanças, produção e vendas. O trabalho foi dividido em dois artigos, o primeiro analisa se as empresas de Santa Maria RS realizam análise de investimento quando adquirem um equipamento. A pesquisa foi realizada com micro e pequenas empresas na cidade de Santa Maria, através de um questionário semi-estruturado. A partir dessa análise chegou-se a conclusão que as empresas não realizam análise de investimento, calculando se o investimento é viável apenas pelo aumento da demanda. E o segundo artigo apresenta a metodologia de análise de investimentos para os jogos de empresa. A pesquisa foi realizada no Curso de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção com as turmas do segundo semestre de 2008 e do segundo semestre de 2009. A aplicação de 2008 apresentou resultados mais similares, pois seus jogadores eram de áreas afins a engenharia de produção, enquanto que a aplicação de 2009 trouxe várias discrepâncias no decorrer do jogo, devido aos jogadores possuírem diversas formações acadêmicas. Mas mesmo com as dificuldades que os jogadores passaram, o jogo de empresas contribuiu para o aprendizado gerencial deles. E o estudo dos métodos de análise de investimento no jogo de empresa contribuiu para o aprendizado da Engenharia Econômica, facilitando o entendimento, pois se trabalhou no contexto uma empresa e não com problemas descontextualizados.

Purpose: Small enterprises (10-49 employees and annual sales of less than 100 million SEK) in the construction industry do not often have the opportunity to develop as easily as large enterprises, often due to lack of knowledge and resources. The startup cost for BIM usage are high and involve the purchase of software licenses, hardware and education. One reason why enterprises do not use BIM is because the construction industry has always been conservative. The aim of the work is to establish simple guidelines for small enterprises, so that they get an effective transition process and can start projecting using BIM. Method: The methods used in the report are literature studies and interviews, therefore this is a qualitative study. The interviews are semi-structured, with a number of questions being determined before the interviews and follow-up questions are set during the interviews. The main theme of the interviews relates to the knowledge level within BIM, which preparations are required for the transition process, problems that may arise, the software used and the education of staff. The scientific literature consists of studies on Building Information Management, BIM in small enterprises, project management and steps to BIM. The literature is examined in a critical, methodical and systematic manner with a scientific purpose. The method was used to obtain trustworthy research around the area. Findings: BIM in the project management is often used in small enterprises for visualization of a construction project. More advanced use is not utilized to the extent that it is possible. None of the interviewees considered that the implementation of BIM was difficult. The most importantstep in the transition process are to make up a decision that BIM is to be used in the company. After the decision is taken, some of the most important steps are to evaluate resources, choose software, acquire hardware and train staff. Implications: BIM is an expensive investment, but in a long-term perspective it is profitable. The biggest obstacle with BIM is the lack of knowledge and low motivation for change. A clear plan must be made for the implementation of BIM and the enterprises management must realize the benefits of BIM before a decision on implementation can take place. BIM design improves communication opportunities between project managers and other stakeholders. Clashes between building components are often discovered during the design process, saving both time and money in the production. It is important that great commitment is being placed in the education of BIM and to review what resources the enterprise already has. Limitations: The report's empirical data is primarily collected and adapted to small enterprises. Only Swedish enterprises with employees who have experience of BIM use in the project management have been interviewed. The results of the research are only for Swedish enterprises who are going to make the transition process to a BIM-based project management. / Syfte: Små företag (10-49 anställda och en årlig omsättning som är mindre än 100 miljoner kr) i byggbranschen har sällan möjlighet till att utvecklas lika lätt som stora företag, vilket ofta beror på bristande kunskaper och resurser. Uppstartkostnaderna för BIM-användning är höga och innebär inköp av mjukvarulicenser, hårdvaror och utbildningar. En av anledningarna till att fler företag inte använder BIM är för att byggbranschen alltid har varit konservativ. Målet med arbetet är att etablera enkla riktlinjer åt små företag, så att de får en effektiv övergångsprocess och kan börja projektera med hjälp av BIM. Metod: De metoder som används i rapporten är litteraturstudier och intervjuer, alltså är rapporten en kvalitativ studie. Intervjuerna är semistrukturerade där ett antal frågor är bestämda innan intervjutillfällena och följdfrågor ställs under intervjuernas gång. Intervjuernas huvudområden och teman berör kunskapsnivå inom området BIM, vilka förberedelser som krävs för övergångsprocessen, problem som kan uppstå, vilka mjukvaror som används och utbildning utav personal. Vetenskaplig litteraturen består av studier om Building Information Management, BIM i små företag, projektledning och steg för BIM-implementering. Litteraturen granskas utifrån ett kritiskt, metodiskt och systematiskt sätt med ett vetenskapligt syfte. Metoden användes för att få fram trovärdig forskning kring området. Resultat: BIM i projektledningen används ofta i små företag för visualisering av ett byggprojekt. Mer avancerad användning utnyttjas inte i den utsträckning som det ges möjlighet till. Ingen av de intervjuade ansåg att implementeringen av BIM var svår. Det viktigaste steget i övergångsprocessen är att ta beslut om att BIM ska användas i företaget. Efter beslutet är taget är några av de viktigaste stegen att utvärdera resurser, välja mjukvaror, införskaffa hårdvaror och utbilda personal. Konsekvenser: BIM är en dyr investering, men i ett långsiktigt perspektiv är det lönsamt. Det största ansedda hindret med BIM är okunskap och låg motivation till förändring. En tydlig plan måste tas fram för implementeringen av BIM och företagets ledning måste inse fördelarna med BIM innan ett beslut om implementering kan ske. BIM-projektering förbättrar kommunikationsmöjligheterna mellan projektledaren och övriga intressenter. Många kollisioner mellan byggdelar upptäcks redan under projekteringen och sparar både tid och pengar i produktionen. Det är viktigt att stort engagemang läggs på utbildningen av BIM och att se över vilka resurser som företaget har. Begränsningar: Rapportens empiri är främst insamlad och anpassad åt små företag. Enbart svenska företag med anställda som har erfarenheter av BIM-användning i projekteringen har intervjuats. Resultatet gäller endast för svenska företag som planerar en övergångsprocess till en BIM-baserad projektledning.

The aim of the dissertation was to specify and define the strategic management in small enterprises in the field of services. Based on the information gathered, determine the level of strategic management in small service enterprises and propose a general model of strategic management for them. The questionnaire survey method, accompanied by semi-structured interviews with representatives of the company management, statistical methods and contextual analysis were used to meet the target. In order to determine the level of strategic management, a composite indicator of the strategic management implementation level was created based on selected strategic management characteristics (LSM) identified on the basis of literature studies. Based on the points earned, enterprises were divided into three groups, namely: strategically managed, partially strategic, and strategically not managed enterprises. Further, the LSM indicator was determined in relation to the legal form of business, the business focus (scope) and the size of the enterprise (number of employees). Research results show that the level of strategic management in the enterprise depends on the size of the enterprise (the number of employees) and on the contrary doesn't depend on business activity and the legal form of business. Added value to the created model is proposed "checklist", which serves entrepreneurs as a simple guide in implementing strategic management.