Submitted by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2018-08-02T12:38:58Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Cristiano_Klinger.pdf: 1151714 bytes, checksum: c21e1f043e70fe9529db3e88e5bffc26 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2018-08-02T12:47:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Cristiano_Klinger.pdf: 1151714 bytes, checksum: c21e1f043e70fe9529db3e88e5bffc26 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-02T12:47:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Cristiano_Klinger.pdf: 1151714 bytes, checksum: c21e1f043e70fe9529db3e88e5bffc26 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-06-20 / Sem bolsa / O objetivo desta dissertação foi analisar o relacionamento entre a orientação estratégica, a diferenciação competitiva e o desempenho, em empresas vinícolas no Brasil. O tipo de pesquisa utilizada foi a quantitativa, sendo que a estratégia desenvolvida foi a survey. O universo compreendeu todas as vinícolas do Brasil vinculadas a entidades representativas, obtendo uma amostra por pertinência de 123 empresas, sendo de diferentes estados brasileiros, com representatividade do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Paraná, Pernambuco e Bahia. Para a análise dos dados, em um primeiro momento, foi utilizada a análise fatorial confirmatória, buscando verificar o quão bem as variáveis mediam o construto, tendo em vista que o comportamento formou uma base de dados dicotômica, utilizou-se o software Mplus, versão 6, para tratamento dos dados. Na sequência, realizou-se a modelagem de equações estruturais para o teste de hipóteses formuladas. Identificou-se que a orientação estratégica influencia na tomada de decisões direcionadas a diferenciação competitiva e, tendo estes impactos no desempenho da indústria vinícola brasileira. Foi possível identificar que a orientação estratégica analista é antagônica ao processo de diferenciação competitiva nas empresas. Já a orientação estratégica defensora apresenta uma relação indefinida com a diferenciação competitiva. Ainda se verificou que a relação confirmada entre a diferenciação no impacto do desempenho do negócio, como demonstrado pelas práticas das vinícolas na busca por produtos e processos que gerem resultado superior aos atuais. Como sugestão para trabalhos futuros, sugere-se a análise da relação do construto orientação estratégica com a capacidade turística, comparação com outras regiões e países, em particular a Lombardia na Itália, pelo desenvolvimento territorial apresentado. / The objective of this dissertation was to analyze the relationship between strategic orientation, competitive differentiation and performance in wine companies in Brazil. The type of research used was quantitative, and the strategy developed was a survey. The universe comprised all the wineries in Brazil linked to representative entities, obtaining a sample by pertinence of 123 companies, being from different Brazilian states, representing Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Paraná, Pernambuco and Bahia. For the analysis of the data, in the first moment, the confirmatory factorial analysis was used, seeking to verify how well the variables measured the construct, considering that the behavior formed a dichotomous database, the software Mplus, version 6, for data processing. Then, the structural equation modeling was performed to test formulated hypotheses. It was identified that the strategic orientation influences in the decision making directed to the competitive differentiation and, having these impacts in the performance of the Brazilian wine industry. It was possible to identify that the strategic orientation analyst is antagonistic to the process of competitive differentiation in the companies. On the other hand, the defensive strategic orientation has an indefinite relation with the competitive differentiation. It has also been verified that the relationship confirmed between the differentiation in the impact of business performance, as demonstrated by the practices of the wineries in the search for products and processes that generate results higher than the current ones. As a suggestion for future work, it is suggested the analysis of the relation between the construct strategic orientation and the tourist capacity, comparison with other regions and countries, in particular Lombardy in Italy, for the territorial development presented.

Thesis (M. Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of strategic orientation and networking on the sustainable performance of SMEs. A quantitative approach was used, and a self-administered questionnaire was employed during the data collection process. A four-section questionnaire covering demographic information, strategic orientation variables, networking variables and sustainable performance variables was prepared and distributed randomly to a selected sample of 300 SME owners in Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo Province. A total of 140 questionnaires were returned. The software used to analyse information gathered and to ensure accuracy and reliability of the study results was Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between strategic orientation and sustainable performance, and the relationship between networking and sustainable performance. The Cronbach’s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The results of the study revealed that both strategic orientation and networking positively impact on the performance of SMEs. Recommendations to improve the strategic orientation and networking of SMEs are suggested. These recommendations offered meaningful insights into SME owners, government, non-government organisations and other organisations for the improvement of their businesses while providing room for future research studies.

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the extent to which strategic communications is being practiced, and its implications on organizational performance in the Canadian arts sector. This thesis discusses the unique characteristics of not-for-profit charitable performing arts organizations within the context of strategic communications. As a mission-based field, the not-for-profit arts sector operates under the premise that it must find a market for its product, instead of finding a product for its market. Building on communication and arts marketing theories, this thesis posits that strategic communications management can contribute to the success of arts organizations and address the gap between arts products and its market. In particular, this thesis analyzes the following components of strategic communications management, in relation to the practices of the Canadian arts sector: relationship management/marketing, interpersonal relationship values, organization public relationship values, and market orientation. / Thesis / Master of Communications Management (MCM) / The purpose of this thesis is to determine the extent to which strategic communications is being practiced, and its implications for organizational performance in the Canadian arts sector. This thesis discusses the unique characteristics of not-for-profit charitable performing arts organizations within the context of strategic communications. Building on communication and arts marketing theories, this thesis posits that strategic communications management can contribute to the success of arts organizations and address the gap between arts products and patrons.

No description available.

Στην παρούσα διατριβή αναπτύσσεται ένα ολοκληρωμένο μεθοδολογικό πλαίσιο για την ανάλυση της παραγωγικής αποτελεσματικότητας επιχειρήσεων που λειτουργούν σε περιβάλλον πολλαπλής τεχνολογικής ετερογένειας. Με βάση την έννοια των μετα-μεταορίων, ορίζονται μέτρα αποτελεσματικότητας και τεχνολογικών χασμάτων σε κάθε επίπεδο τεχνολογικής ετερογένειας, τα οποία, σε ένα δεύτερο στάδιο, «αποδομούνται» σε παράγοντες σταθερούς ως προς τις εισροές και παράγοντες σταθερούς ως προς τις εκροές. Η προτεινόμενη μεθοδολογία χρησιμοποιείται για την διερεύνηση της παραγωγικής αποτελεσματικότητας των ευρωπαϊκών τραπεζικών επιχειρήσεων, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη πιθανή τεχνολογική ετερογένεια που οφείλεται στα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά (i) των εθνικών τραπεζικών συστημάτων και (ii) των τραπεζικών τύπων ειδίκευσης. Οι επιδράσεις των εν λόγω πηγών τεχνολογικής ετερογένειας στην τραπεζική αποτελεσματικότητα εξετάζονται ξεχωριστά, σε ένα πλαίσιο ανάλυσης τεχνολογικής ετερογένειας ενός επιπέδου, και συνδυαστικά, σε ένα πλαίσιο ανάλυσης ιεραρχημένης τεχνολογικής ετερογένειας δύο επιπέδων. Τα αποτελέσματα της σχετικής εμπειρικής ανάλυσης ερμηνεύονται με βάση την «θεωρία της γνώσης», δίνοντας ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στον ρόλο της διάχυσης της γνώσης, της ικανότητας απορρόφησης και του στρατηγικού προσανατολισμού των ευρωπαϊκών τραπεζικών επιχειρήσεων. / In the context of the present thesis, a methodological framework is developed for analysing the productive efficiency of firms that operate in a multilevel technologically heterogeneous environment. Based on the meta-metafrontier notion, efficiency and technology gaps measures are defined at each level of technology heterogeneity and are decomposed into input- and output-invariant components. The proposed methodology is used for the investigation of productive efficiency of European banking firms, taking into account potential technology heterogeneity due to the particular characteristics of (i) the national banking systems and (ii) the specialization types of banking firms. The effects of the aforementioned heterogeneity sources on bank efficiency are examined separately, in a single-level technology heterogeneity framework, and simultaneously, in a hierarchical technology heterogeneity framework of two levels. The results of the relevant empirical analysis are interpreted using the “knowledge-based theory”, emphasising on the role of knowledge spillovers, the banking firms’ absorptive capacity and strategic orientation.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:50:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseABS.pdf: 2232752 bytes, checksum: a1757428e1651e0e6c2121d798b0d831 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-02-09 / With the growth of customer demand level, at last two decades it appeared quality improvement approach focusing customer satisfaction as the way to the organizations improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their processes. Though this, to get their aim, it was necessary broke some paradigms; to stimulate creativity; to innovate; to intensify the effort to reduce processes variation; and above all to assume customer satisfaction in all operations as a priority. Six Sigma approach has been solidifying as an efficient alternative to organizational growth on the strength of quality levels elevation. But, how can we define Six Sigma? Making a theoretical and conceptual research several definitions founded in literature were rescued and examined with purpose to compose a broader definition which translates better Six Sigma meaning. About structure of Six Sigma Quality Program (PQSS), this thesis became as a link between theory and practice when it aided others theories to Six Sigma context and when it used empirical subsidies to identify and evaluate the essential components to structure the PQSS. The empirical subsidies were obtained from qualitative research (case studies) involving four Brazilian subsidiaries of American multinational companies. After to analyze the empirical evidences, it was possible to formalize a set of arguments to purpose a Reference Model to structure the PQSS. This model is sustained by the followings components: strategic orientation; statistical thinking; performance measurement; Six Sigma methodology; and people graduation and qualification. To evaluate the Reference Model it was developed a quantitative research based in Green belts, Black belts and Master Black belts information. Statistical results showed that each one of these components has a meaningful relevance to compose the minimal structure to the PQSS. As principal conclusions this thesis highlights: (1) the PQSS as an integrator program of strategic and operational objectives; (2) strategic orientation and alignment are fundamental to define Six Sigma projects; (3) the use of performance measures increases the potential of Six Sigma projects; (4) its not clear for many specialists that statistical thinking is a background to PQSS; (5) Six Sigma projects are catalysts of a system which uses these projects to reflect it strategic orientation and customer focus importance to get measurable results; and (6) the Reference Model can be valid and can be utilized to structure or re-structure the PQSS implementation. / Com o aumento do nível de exigências dos clientes, as iniciativas de melhoria da qualidade que surgiram nas últimas duas décadas focaram fortemente a satisfação do cliente como o caminho para as organizações aumentarem a eficiência e a eficácia de seus processos produtivos. Todavia, para trilharem este caminho, foi necessário quebrar paradigmas; estimular a criatividade; inovar; intensificar o esforço em reduzir a variação dos processos; e, sobretudo, priorizar a satisfação dos clientes em todas as operações. O Seis Sigma é uma abordagem que vêm se consolidando como uma forma eficiente de crescimento organizacional, decorrente da elevação dos níveis de qualidade. Mas, afinal, como Seis Sigma é definido? Por meio de uma pesquisa teórico-conceitual, diversas definições encontradas na literatura foram resgatadas e analisadas visando compor uma definição mais ampla, e que traduza melhor a abrangência do Seis Sigma. No tocante ao Programa de Qualidade Seis Sigma (PQSS), esta tese trouxe um enlace de teoria e prática ao incorporar outras teorias ao contexto do Seis Sigma, e ao agregar subsídios empíricos para identificar e avaliar componentes que são essenciais para estruturar o PQSS. Estes subsídios decorreram de uma pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa realizada com quatro subsidiárias brasileiras de empresas multinacionais americanas (estudo de casos). Após análise das evidências empíricas foi possível formalizar um conjunto de argumentos que levaram a proposição de um Modelo de Referência para estruturar o PQSS, o qual é sustentado basicamente pelos seguintes componentes essenciais: orientação estratégica; pensamento estatístico; medição de desempenho; metodologia Seis Sigma; e capacitação/especialização das pessoas. Uma avaliação preliminar do Modelo de Referência é apresentada logo após o modelo ter sido proposto e detalhado. Esta avaliação foi realizada com base em uma pesquisa empírica com abordagem quantitativa que envolveu Green belts, Black belts e Master black belts. Realizada a análise estatística, os resultados obtidos revela ram, entre outros pontos, que cada um dos componentes considerados no Modelo de Referência possui uma relevância significativa para estruturar o PQSS. Como conclusões a tese destaca que: (1) o PQSS é um programa integrador dos objetivos estratégicos e operacionais que facilita o direcionamento e a implementação dos projetos Seis Sigma; (2) a orientação estratégica e o alinhamento são priorizados na definição dos projetos Seis Sigma; (3) o uso de indicadores de desempenho aumenta o potencial dos projetos Seis Sigma; (4) ainda não há uma compreensão de que o pensamento estatístico consiste num pano de fundo para o PQSS; (5) os projetos Seis Sigma são catalisadores de um sistema que reflete, por meio destes, a visão estratégica e a importância do foco no cliente para se conseguir resultados mensuráveis que impactam em uma ou mais dimensões do sistema de medição do desempenho organizacional; e (6) há evidências de que o Modelo de Referência pode ser válido, o que permite que ele seja utilizado para estruturar ou re-estruturar o PQSS.

Manufacturing performance measures the extent to which the manufacturing plant has built capabilities like low cost, high quality, delivery, and flexibility. The importance of identifying drivers of these capabilities has been underscored by many scholars although limited evidence exists so far regarding this issue. The available evidence is also primarily based on data obtained from manufacturing firms operating in developed and emerging economies and not from firms in developing economies. This study, therefore, bridges this gap by exploring key internal and external drivers of manufacturing performance taking evidence from the manufacturing sector of a developing economy - Ethiopia. A quant-emphasis mixed method approach was used along with cross-sectional survey design to gather data and answer the research questions in the study. The unit of analysis is the manufacturing plant, and hence primary data was collected using multidimensional questionnaires at plant level from 197 medium and large scale firms from Addis Ababa and its periphery. Secondary data was obtained from census reports, the country’s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), and report on the performance of the Ethiopian economy, which were analyzed qualitatively and the implications to manufacturing performance drawn in the study. A series of scale checks and analyses were made to test unidimensionality, reliability, and validity of measures and then structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze hypothesized relationships. The main finding is that environmental dynamism significantly influences competitive priorities and firm’s strategic orientation, which in turn significantly influence manufacturing decisions. Structural and infrastructural manufacturing decisions eventually significantly influence manufacturing performance when firms place increased emphasis on quality or delivery. The competitive priorities also significantly influence external learning capability of the manufacturing plant, although the influence of strategic orientation on this variable was not significant even at the 0.1 level except in the delivery priority model. Both the competitive priorities and strategic orientation, however, play little role in guiding leadership practices of manufacturing managers. The study further indicates that government support directly influences manufacturing performance, though it does not significantly influence external learning capability. Based on the findings, it is suggested that manufacturing firms should give due attention to what is going on in their external environment and accordingly align their competitive priorities, strategic orientation, and investments in structural and infrastructural resources to enhance plant performance. They should exhaustively utilize the supports provided by government as well. / Business Management / DBL

Manufacturing performance measures the extent to which the manufacturing plant has built capabilities like low cost, high quality, delivery, and flexibility. The importance of identifying drivers of these capabilities has been underscored by many scholars although limited evidence exists so far regarding this issue. The available evidence is also primarily based on data obtained from manufacturing firms operating in developed and emerging economies and not from firms in developing economies. This study, therefore, bridges this gap by exploring key internal and external drivers of manufacturing performance taking evidence from the manufacturing sector of a developing economy - Ethiopia. A quant-emphasis mixed method approach was used along with cross-sectional survey design to gather data and answer the research questions in the study. The unit of analysis is the manufacturing plant, and hence primary data was collected using multidimensional questionnaires at plant level from 197 medium and large scale firms from Addis Ababa and its periphery. Secondary data was obtained from census reports, the country’s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), and report on the performance of the Ethiopian economy, which were analyzed qualitatively and the implications to manufacturing performance drawn in the study. A series of scale checks and analyses were made to test unidimensionality, reliability, and validity of measures and then structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze hypothesized relationships. The main finding is that environmental dynamism significantly influences competitive priorities and firm’s strategic orientation, which in turn significantly influence manufacturing decisions. Structural and infrastructural manufacturing decisions eventually significantly influence manufacturing performance when firms place increased emphasis on quality or delivery. The competitive priorities also significantly influence external learning capability of the manufacturing plant, although the influence of strategic orientation on this variable was not significant even at the 0.1 level except in the delivery priority model. Both the competitive priorities and strategic orientation, however, play little role in guiding leadership practices of manufacturing managers. The study further indicates that government support directly influences manufacturing performance, though it does not significantly influence external learning capability. Based on the findings, it is suggested that manufacturing firms should give due attention to what is going on in their external environment and accordingly align their competitive priorities, strategic orientation, and investments in structural and infrastructural resources to enhance plant performance. They should exhaustively utilize the supports provided by government as well. / Business Management / D.B.L.