Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:53:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CamilaCRS_DISSERT.pdf: 1680180 bytes, checksum: e2568d10eab80b3da3f9d71cc6355ec6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-01-13 / The pressure for a new pattern of sustainable development began to require of modern organizations the conciliation between competitiveness and a environmental protection. In this sense, a tool that acts in the implementation of structured strategies is the Environmental Management System (EMS), which focuses on improving environmental performance. This improvement, in turn, can generate to the organizations many benefits , among which, obtaining competitive advantages, susceptible of measurement from different perspectives. One of these is the application of VRIO model, reasoned by the Resource-Based View (RBV), which considers that differences between companies occurs due to differences between its internal resources and capabilities. However, although was been found some studies in the literature that evaluate the competitive potential of certain organizations , such assessments are not performed on specific objects, like the SEM s. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the resources and capabilities (environmental strategies) adopted by the SGA of the Verdegreen Hotel, identifying which of these have the potential to generate competitive advantage. For this, this exploratory-descriptive character study and delineated as field research and case study was used as data collection tools: a literature survey, semi-structured interviews, document research and participant observation. The interpretation of results and consolidation of information were conducted from a qualitative approach, using two techniques of data analysis, namely: content analysis and analysis through VRIO model. The results show that the hotel is quite structured in relation to their EMS, as well as reaching related to improving the management of environmental factors, strengthening the image and gains in competitiveness benefits. On the other hand, the main difficulties for the implementation of the system are related to employees and suppliers. With regard to environmental strategies adopted, of the 25 strategies identified, 10 showed the potential to generate competitive advantage / A press?o por um novo padr?o de desenvolvimento sustent?vel passou a exigir das organiza??es modernas que seja conciliada competitividade com a prote??o ambiental. Neste sentido, uma ferramenta que atua na implanta??o de estrat?gias estruturadas ? o Sistema de Gest?o Ambiental (SGA), que tem como foco a melhoria do desempenho ambiental. Esta melhoria, por sua vez, pode proporcionar ?s organiza??es diversos benef?cios, dentre os quais, a obten??o de vantagens competitivas, pass?veis de mensura??o a partir de diferentes perspectivas. Uma dessas ? a aplica??o do modelo VRIO, fundamentado pela Resource-Based View (RBV), que considera que a heterogeneidade entre as empresas decorre de diferen?as entre os seus recursos internos e capacidades. Contudo, apesar de serem encontrados na literatura alguns estudos que avaliam o potencial competitivo de determinadas organiza??es, essas avalia??es n?o s?o realizadas em objetos espec?ficos, a exemplo dos SGA s. Deste modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os recursos e capacidades (estrat?gias ambientais) do SGA adotado pelo Verdegreen Hotel, identificando quais destes possuem potencial de gerar vantagem competitiva. Para tanto, este estudo de car?ter explorat?rio-descritivo e delineado como pesquisa de campo e estudo de caso, utilizou como ferramentas de coleta de dados: a pesquisa bibliogr?fica, a entrevista semiestruturada, a pesquisa documental e a observa??o participante. A interpreta??o dos resultados e a consolida??o das informa??es foram realizadas a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando duas t?cnicas de an?lise de dados, quais sejam: an?lise de conte?do e an?lise por meio do modelo VRIO. Os resultados encontrados mostram que o hotel est? bastante estruturado em rela??o ao seu SGA, fato este que pode ser justificado pela certifica??o ambiental obtida, assim como alcan?ou benef?cios relacionados ? melhoria da gest?o dos fatores ambientais, ao fortalecimento da imagem e ganhos em competitividade. Por outro lado, as principais dificuldades para a implanta??o do sistema est?o relacionadas aos colaboradores e fornecedores. No que se refere ?s estrat?gias ambientais adotadas, das 25 estrat?gias identificadas, 10 apresentaram potencial de gerar vantagem competitiva

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:26:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Giancarlos Ricciardi.pdf: 995603 bytes, checksum: 7d2b63ee97db43e1a9e5d4fb76541d66 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-12-14 / This study reviewed the existence of a sustainable competitive advantage, by the Resource-Based View (RBV) perspective, based on knowledge management, precisely knowledge conversion methods defined under Nonaka and Takeuchi s SECI model (2004). Theoretical basis points SECI model as a vector for sustainable competitive advantage by RBV perspective, once companies obtain new knowledge applied on decision making process through the use thereof (CHOO, 2003). Therefore, through field research, this paper purpose aimed to identify the convergence between theoretical statements and managers vision concerning sustainable competitive advantages arising from the SECI model knowledge conversion. Based on statistical analysis of data gathered in 200 questionnaires, it has been concluded that the manager s vision is divergent from the conceptual indicators that qualify SECI model as vector for the sustainable competitive advantage under RBV perspective. Consequently, it has been identified that SECI model can, if so, be qualified as a source of competitive advantage, although not sustainable, thus characterizing a clear contradiction regarding the theories on such matter. The study represents an important finding that must be targeted for a deeper analysis in order to clarify such contradiction, and for better understanding its origins and implications. / O presente estudo analisou a existência de vantagem competitiva sustentável na perspectiva da Resource-Based View (RBV), tomando como base a gestão do conhecimento, mais precisamente os métodos de conversão do conhecimento definidos pelo modelo SECI de Nonaka e Takeuchi (2004). O embasamento teórico apresentado aponta o modelo SECI como vetor para a obtenção de vantagem competitiva sustentável na perspectiva da RBV já que, por meio deste, as empresas obtêm novos conhecimentos que serão aplicados no processo de tomada de decisão (CHOO, 2003). Desta forma, por meio de estudo de campo, este trabalho objetivou identificar a convergência da visão de gestores sobre a vantagem competitiva sustentável originada a partir do modelo SECI e do postulado teórico sobre o tema. Pela análise estatística de dados coletados por 200 questionários, concluiu-se que a visão do gestor é divergente dos indicadores conceituais que qualificam o modelo SECI como vetor de vantagem competitiva sustentável na perspectiva da RBV. Em decorrência da análise realizada, identificou-se que o modelo SECI pode, se tanto, ser qualificado como fonte de vantagem competitiva, porém não sustentável, caracterizando clara contradição em relação às teorias sobre o tema. O estudo representa importante conclusão que deve ser alvo de análises mais aprofundadas que objetivem o esclarecimento da contradição estabelecida e para que se obtenha melhor compreensão a respeito de suas origens e implicações.

Genom tidigare studier kan det konstateras att det råder problematik kring entreprenörskap i modebranschen vilket avsaknaden av rätt resurser, främst brist på affärskunskap, ligger tillgrund för. För att få hjälp med detta söker sig många startup-bolag till inkubatorer vars uppgift är att ge stöd i grundandet och utvecklandet av ett företag genom att bidra med just resurser. Grundat i detta syftar denna studie till att undersöka inkubatorsprocessen från företagens perspektiv, med fokus på vilka resurser företagen upplever saknas hos inkubatorn. Fortsättningsvis undersöks även vad avsaknaden av resurser beror på, samt hur denna avsaknad påverkar företagens konkurrenskraftighet. Studiens teoretiska ramverk utgörs av Barneys (1991) teoretiska modell the Resource BasedView, RBV, och senare forskning som är grundat utifrån modellen. RBV används i studien för att kategorisera de resurser som nämns i empirin, samt för att kunna analysera och förstå hur de avsaknande resurserna påverkar företagen ur ett konkurrenskraftigt perspektiv. Genom ett kvalitativt förhållningssätt genomfördes studien som en fallstudie på Borås INK, Sveriges främsta inkubator för textil- och modeföretag. Empiri samlades in genomsemistrukturerade intervjuer i kombination med dokumentstudier, där dokument relaterade tillinkubatorverksamheten studerats, för att få en bild av den process Borås INK använder sig av. Intervjuerna har genomförts dels med en informant från Borås INK, dels med informanter frånföretag som genomfört inkubatorsprocessen. Resultatet från empirin påvisar att företagen saknar flera resurser hos inkubatorn. Närmare bestämt identifieras elva avsaknader av resurser, där de främsta avsaknaderna är relaterade tillhumana och organisationella resurser. Vidare identifieras en upplevd variation blandinformanterna som förklaras av en variation av handledare. Det argumenteras därför för att det kan finnas ett samband mellan de olika resursavsaknaderna, då en del av de avsaknade humanaresurserna eventuellt faktiskt finns i inkubatorns organisation, men den organisationellaf örmågan att hantera resurser saknas. Vad som avslutningsvis konstateras i denna studie är att en avsaknad av humana och organisationella resurser hos inkubatorer kan resultera i att företagspotentiella konkurrenskraftighet inte blir fullt nyttjad. Således lämnar studien ett teoretiskt bidrag genom ökad förståelse om inkubatorer samt hur avsaknader av resurser hos inkubatorer skulle kunna påverka inkuberade företagskonkurrenskraftighet. Dessutom ger studien ett praktiskt bidrag till inkubatorsverksamheter genom att identifiera förbättringsmöjligheter. Denna uppsats är skriven på svenska. / Through previous studies, it can be stated that there are problems regarding entrepreneurship in the fashion industry which the lack of the right resources, mainly the lack of business knowledge, is the basis for. To get help with this, many start-ups seek out incubators whose task is to provide support in founding and developing a company by contributing resources. Based on this, this study aims to examine the incubator process from the companies perspective, with a focus on what resources the companies think are lacking within the incubator. Furthermore, it is investigated what the lack of resources is due to, and how the lack of resources affects companies' competitiveness. The study's theoretical framework consists of Barney's (1991) theoretical model Resource-Based View, RBV, and more recent research that is based on this model. RBV is in the study used to categorize the resources mentioned in the empirical data, and to be able to analyze and understand how the lack of resources affects companies from a competitive perspective. Through a qualitative approach, the study was conducted as a single case study at Borås INK, Sweden’s leading incubator for textile and fashion companies. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews in combination with document studies, where documents related to the incubator were studied, in order to get an idea of the process Borås INK uses. The interviews were conducted partly with an informant from Borås INK but also with informants from companies that carried out the incubator process. The results from the empirical data show that companies lack several resources within the incubator. More specifically, could 11 themes be identified, the main shortcomings of which are related to human and organizational resources. Furthermore, a perceived variation among the informants is identified, which is explained by a variation of supervisors. For that reason, various resource shortages may be explained by the incubator’s organizational deficiency in managing these resources, despite the fact that they potentially exist within its organization. What is concluded in this study is that a lack of human and organizational resources within incubators may result in companies' potential competitiveness through other resources not beingfully utilized. Thus, the study makes a theoretical contribution through an increased understanding of incubators and how lack of resources within incubators could affect the competitiveness of incubated companies. In addition, the study makes a practical contribution to incubators byidentifying opportunities for improvement. This paper is written in Swedish.

Lean production har under lång tid haft en väsentlig koppling till Toyota Production System (TPS) som förknippas med tillverkningsindustrin. Vid senare skede har lean production utvecklats och format sig till tjänsteföretag i form av “lean service” som bankbranschen har fått fäste om. Inom denna studie har vi studerat hur begreppen RBV, Muda, Lean samt Kaizen kan implementeras i banksektorn för att minska på ineffektiv användning av resurser.    Vi har genomfört semistrukturerade intervjuer med svenska banker som SEB samt Handelsbanken, och vi har kommit fram till att med hjälp av muda (slöseri) och kaizen (ständig förbättring) har bankerna förmågor att utveckla sin verksamhet. Däremot används inte lean som koncept idag, men har gjort det tidigare. Dock arbetar båda bankerna med konceptet Muda och Kaizen utifrån minskat slöseri av resurser inom verksamheten, eftersom att ordet Muda betyder slöseri. Banksektorn är dessutom i ständig utveckling för att förbättra sin verksamhet för omgivningen i helhet. Vilket är en av bankernas stora roller som samhällsbärande, att ständigt förbättra sin verksamhet, och vara förberedda på eventuella katastrofer som kan uppstå, tex som covid-19 som hade en otrolig påverkan på världens ekonomi och landets samhälle i sig.  Som slutsats har vi konstaterat två nyckel teman som varit relevanta i resultatet, dessa är; bankernas begränsningar samt digitalisering. Alltså att bankerna har vissa regler samt lagstiftelser att följa. Samtidigt som de väsentliga processer som utvecklas är i stora drag digitalisering av processer. I syfte att öka effektivitet av processer, genom att minska på antal resurser för bästa möjliga lönsamhet.  Baserat på att det studerade ämnet är relativt nytt, utifrån ett vetenskapligt perspektiv så har studiens metodiska tillvägagångssätt genom semi-strukturerade intervjuer haft en stor roll i studiens insamling av information. Inledningsvis introduceras begreppet lean och muda för att få en djupgående förståelse som läsare om de olika koncepten. / Lean production has for a long time had a significant connection to the Toyota Production System (TPS) which is associated with the manufacturing industry. At a later stage, lean production has developed and formed into service companies in the form of “lean service” which the banking industry has gained a foothold in. In this study, we have studied how the concepts of RBV, Muda, Lean and Kaizen can be implemented in the banking sector to reduce inefficient use of resources.   We have conducted semi-structured interviews with Swedish banks such as SEB and Handelsbanken, and we have concluded that with the help of muda (waste) & kaizen (continuous improvement), the banks have the ability to develop their operations. However, lean is not used as a concept today, but has been in the past. However, both banks work with the concept Muda and Kaizen based on reduced waste of resources within the business, because the word Muda means waste, and the banking sector is constantly evolving to improve its business for the environment as a whole. Which is one of the banks' major roles as a community leader, to constantly improve their operations, and be prepared for any disasters that may arise, such as covid-19 which had an incredible impact on the world economy and the country's society itself. In conclusion, we have identified two key themes that have been relevant in the result, these are; banks' restrictions and digitalisation. That is, the banks have certain rules and laws to follow. At the same time, the essential processes that are being developed are largely digitization of processes. In order to increase the efficiency of processes, by reducing the number of resources for the best possible profitability. Based on the fact that the subject studied is relatively new, from a scientific perspective, the study's methodological approach through semi-structured interviews has played a major role in the study's collection of information. Initially, the concepts of lean and muda are introduced in order to gain an in-depth understanding as a reader of the various concepts.

Cloud services can be seen as modern IT outsourcing and have become a popular technological solution for companies to create and maintain a competitive advantage. The number of cloud service providers (CSPs) is continuously growing in a highly competitive market. The process of choosing a CSP is a complex, costly, and time-consuming task where a resource-based view (RBV) has been previously used to aid the potential customer in the decision. Previous research points towards an up-to-date understanding of the underlying factors in the decision are sought after. This research aims to explore the decision process of choosing a CSP in order to discover influencing factors of the decision to create a decision model for potential customers to ease the decision process. By using an exploratory study and through interviews, the factors which influence the decision of a CSP from a potential customer’s perspective were identified. The findings point towards six main factors influencing the decisions of CSP. The result supports earlier research that the decision of choosing a CSP is a complex process with several influencing factors. Therefore, RBV is not sufficient to analyze all these factors and needs to be supported by other theories to cover all the aspects of the decision. The identified factors were used to create a decision model which will help customers by easing the process of choosing a CSP and decrease the time and resources of the process. The recommendation for further research is to investigate the relevance of these factors at different cycles of a company and also to further investigate each factor to expand and improve the decision model. / Molntjänster kan ses som modern IT-outsourcing och har blivit en populär teknisk lösning för företag att skapa och upprätthålla konkurrensfördelar. Antalet molntjänstleverantörer växer kontinuerligt på en mycket konkurrensutsatt marknad. Processen att välja en molntjänstleverantör är en komplex, kostsam och tidskrävande uppgift där en resource-based view (RBV) tidigare har använts för att hjälpa den potentiella kunden i beslutet. Tidigare forskning pekar mot att man efterfrågar mer aktuell kunskap om de bakomliggande faktorerna i beslutet. Denna forskning syftar till att utforska beslutsprocessen för att välja en molntjänstleverantör för att identifiera påverkande faktorer bakom beslutet att skapa en beslutsmodell för potentiella kunder att använda för att underlätta beslutsprocessen. Genom att göra en undersökande studie och utföra intervjuer, identifierades de faktorer som påverkar beslutet av molntjänstleverantör ur en potentiell kunds perspektiv. Resultaten pekar mot sex huvudfaktorer som påverkar valet av molntjänstleverantör. Resultatet stöder tidigare forskning om att beslutet att välja en molntjänstleverantör är en komplex process med flertal påverkande faktorer. RBV är därför inte tillräckligt för att analysera alla dessa faktorer och behöver stödjas av andra teorier för att täcka alla aspekter av beslutet. De identifierade faktorerna låg till grund för att skapa en beslutsmodell som hjälper kunder genom att underlätta processen att välja en molntjänstleverantör och minska tid och resurser för processen. Rekommendation för vidare forskning är att undersöka relevansen av dessa faktorer vid ett företags olika cykler samt att djupare undersöka varje faktor för att utvidga och förbättra beslutsmodellen.

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyse the role of logistics in the strategy of the firm. Leading to this purpose are empirical observations of firms that manage to grow under sustained profitability, by the means of logistics. The clothing retailers H&M and Inditex manage to pursue strategies of growth under sustained profitability. Both H&M and Inditex acknowledge that logistics is used in achieving these strategic goals. The competitive environments are similar for the two retailers. However, the strategy content, i.e. the what of strategy, differs greatly between H&M and its Spanish competitor. H&M focuses on economies of scale in their operations to allow for low logistics costs and a cost-efficient geographical expansion. Inditex focuses on flexibility and speed, being able to quickly respond to changes in demand, which calls for a more agile logistics platform. From this background, two cases are studied as regards the role of logistics in the strategy. The case companies Ahlsell and Bergman & Beving, two wholesalers of industrial goods, display growth under sustained profitability and have an outspoken focus on logistics in their strategies. The cases are described in terms of the content and the context of logistics in the strategy of the firm. The content is the what of strategy whereas the context is the where of strategy. The context is further divided into inner and outer context, where inner context is the firm and outer context is its environment. The theoretical basis of this research is found in logistics and in strategy: Logistics research on the relation between logistics and strategy from a logistics perspective, and strategy theory ranging from the resource-based view of the firm, or the inside-out perspective, to positioning theory, or the outside-in perspective. A pattern-matching methodology is used to establish an appropriate description of the logistics content and context in the strategy of the firm. In the content-dimension, the opposing views of the resource-based view and positioning theory are tested on the cases. In the context-dimension, the cases and their environment are described with a stance taken in the contingency approach to the organisation of logistics. The research shows that the role of logistics in the strategy of the firms in the scope of this study is most appropriately described using a resource-based view of the firm. Further, the two firms under study serve as examples of two different ways to use logistics in the strategy: - Bergman & Beving manages to integrate a decentralised group of product companies in one logistics platform. - Ahlsell achieves synergies in acquisitions by moving logistics and administration of the acquired firms into their centralised logistics platform. The cases also serve as examples of that the logistics solutions need not be optimal in terms of the lowest cost and the highest service level to be used successfully in the strategy of the firm to reach growth under sustained profitability. The firms in the scope of this research act in similar outer contexts but interpret these contexts in different ways depending on their manner to use logistics in the strategy. The research shows that similar outer contexts can be approached successfully with strategies with different logistics content. The logistics organisations in the firms in the scope of this thesis display robustness towards changes in the outer context of the firm, i.e. the logistics organisations can encounter considerable changes in the environment without altering their position in the firm. It is concluded that in order to make the role of logistics in the strategy more comprehensible, a bridge between the abstract strategy theory and the role of logistics needs to be established. A possibility to attain this can be found in the application of a business model framework to the relation between logistics and strategy, which is suggested as an area for further research. / ISRN/Report code: LiU-Tek-Lic 2005:34

Problem: Several extant studies argue that family firm tend to invest less or even tend to avoidR&D investments, yet R&D investments are essential for sustaining competitive advantage of afirm as they facilitate innovation. Nevertheless, under certain circumstances family firms couldalso prefer R&D investments. Departing from these knowledge and drawing upon resource-basedview & dynamic capabilities concepts, this thesis will explore how family firms perceive R&Dinvestments, furthermore, it will investigate factors influencing R&D investments in family firmsthrough an in-depth qualitative approach. Purpose: To explore how family firms perceive R&D investments in the first place by utilizingSwedish family firms as the context which is aimed to provide a new viewpoint on R&Dinvestments in family firms from an in-depth approach. Furthermore, the study extends toinvestigate factors which have influence on whether or not family firms undertake R&Dinvestments Method: The study applies multiple case studies strategy with six cases in total and eightrespondents. To support the study, semi-structured interview is used to collect the data, inaddition to researcher's note. The analysis of empirical findings comprises of two parts, firstly,the empirical findings are presented per case which are followed by the summary of findings fromall cases at the end based on the theoretical lenses. Afterward, a cross-case analysis is conductedto observe emerging patterns which are used to further adapt the preliminary conceptualframework made from frame of references. Conclusions: Family firms according to their views on R&D could be divided into two groups.The first group consists of the firms without a dedicated R&D focus or firms that perceive R&D asembedded activity, while the latter is the firms with dedicated R&D focus. According to the waysthey perceive R&D, they subsequently put different emphasis on R&D investments. The firstgroup is rather reactive toward R&D, while the latter group is more proactive. These differencescould be explained by the internal and external influences (factors) which are found through theuse of resource-based view and dynamic capabilities. The internal factors are specialization,organizational culture and family history, while the external ones are trends and competition.Trends and specialization are found in almost all cases, and they explain the early engagement(without dedicated focus) of R&D in the firms. However, unlike trends, specialization mightpotentially lead to negative propensity toward R&D investments because of the competitiveadvantage gained from being specialized and knowledgeable in certain area. However, whencompetition comes into play, it might shift the circumstance by encouraging the firm to leave its“comfort zone”, thus would encourage R&D endeavors, in particular R&D investments especiallywhen the firm aims to lead in the market. Meanwhile, organizational culture could also be acatalyst for firms to focus on R&D, but it is very dependent on the culture instilled in the firmwhether or not it would encourage R&D. Firms with risk aversion, as suggested by literature andalso found in one of the cases would distance the firm from R&D investments. On the other hand,firms that show continuous learning and failure tolerating within their culture tend to put morefocus on R&D. And the last one, family history, which is found in three cases suggest a positiveinfluence toward R&D investments. The inventive behavior of the founder or former generationsis implanted in the family history, and being preserved by the current generations as corporateidentity or guiding values, of which contribute positively toward R&D investments in the firm.

This thesis explores how the resources of marketing capabilities, business networks, and financial resources, influence the marketing approach of international new ventures. Building on the resource based view, the market entry of firms and how they compete is analyzed by exploring the resources and capabilities of INVs. By using a qualitative research method, this thesis identifies the three resources of marketing capabilities, business networks, and financial resources to be highly influential for INVs’ marketing approach. Also there has been shown to be a synergetic effect between the resources, and that the cross-industrial and cross-business type sampling did not entail any divergences, but rather similar patterns. Four main findings can be identified as a result of our analysis. First, market knowledge prior to internationalization is shown to be key. Second, the creation of trust through transparency in business networks spark business network opportunities and long-term relationships. Third, utilizing technological tools for marketing endeavors becomes highly efficient. Fourth, tackling financial limitations through the implementation of a low-cost strategy is shown to be essential. The findings of this research has great potential of contributing to managerial practice when working with marketing aspirations, as well as being a starting point for future research in the field of INVs and the resource based view theory. The study has limitations in regards to the scope of the research.

In spite of the need for organisations to develop competencies among its employees as a source for gaining competitive advantage, and in spite of previous research efforts to find out what contributes to it and the effects of it, the process of Competence Development (CD) implementation is still a ‘black box’, whose internal linkages are unknown. Furthermore it is noticed in previous research that there is a lack of empirically-based research in organisations, and the purpose of this dissertation is therefore to explore the process of CD implementation, as perceived by employees within the debt-collection industry of Sweden.   A case-study on a Swedish Debt-Collection Company was conducted, and data collected through interviews with employees and managers, in order to find out how the process of CD implementation is structured. In order to investigate the internal linkages in the process an extensive literature review was performed in the field of CD, and used for developing a conceptual model, showing how the various stages interact and depend upon each other in gaining competence among its employees. The model was then tested empirically and the findings suggest that the CD implementation was structured mostly in line with the model, although adjustments had to be made.   The findings suggest that in the process of CD implementation conceptualisation of CD plans and selection of participants is conducted in one integrated step and not two distinct steps, as suggested in previous literature. Performance Management and Reflection- and Evaluation are not conducted in two steps but more or less simultaneously. Furthermore, this study suggests that it is the organisation’s responsibility to provide a foundation, opportunities and resources that enable CD, while the employees themselves set the standard for how much they will take advantage of it. Therefore this study argues that if employees can have input and influence on each stage of the process, better outcomes will be provided since it will be aligned with their objectives, personal and professional.   Up to this point, the process of CD implementation has been a ‘black box’, a mechanism that generates a certain level of output but whose internal workings are unknown. It is important to open up that box and to understand how CD operates to produce superior performance for an organisation. The findings in this study help to bridge that gap better, and are useful for managers conducting and implementing Human Resource practices that aim to develop competencies among the company’s workforce in order to gain better performance.

The aim of this research is to examine the extent to which the offshoring and outsourcing practices in Multinational Corporations, when the headquarters are registered and located in either the UK or Germany; are embedded in the institutional contexts of their respective home countries. There are six research questions relating to differences in approach and choice of location, ownership and coordination, employment practice, cultural proximity, trade union influence and finally the extent of re-shoring. These are primarily assessed through the 'varieties of capitalism' perspective. A comparative case study approach has been adopted with a focus on two sectors; airlines and engineering; in each case a major UK and German organisation are compared. Fourteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews took place in both the home countries and overseas locations in Europe, India and Asia. The sample size is small, however, each was with a senior executive and the transcripts revealed 'rich data' for compiling the case studies and answering the research questions. The contribution to original thinking is a conceptual framework posited by proposing a taxonomy to analyse the relationship between coordinated and liberal market economies and the components of the offshoring and / or outsourcing process. Reference is made to theory drawn from the resource based view, global production networks, dynamic capabilities, embeddedness as well as varieties of capitalism to focus on competences, spatial dimensions and power. It is this collective approach that is considered to be novel. Qualitative analysis is deployed to re-construct the actual framework for each industry sector. Constructs (Reichertz, 2004) combining abduction, deduction and induction are used to develop propositions that lead to conclusions. The similarities between the two UK companies and the two German companies confirms the usefulness of the taxonomy and allows for its extension to other firms and sectors. Key findings and conclusions from the two case studies are that German organizations are less inclined to outsource (in both sectors) preferring to reduce costs and retain control through captive offshoring. The UK businesses were less risk adverse and more flexible and agile in their sourcing policies. There was evidence that the UK companies regarded outsourcing and offshoring as options for closer co-operation that may lead to strategic alliances and mergers or acquisition. The relationships with trade unions/works council was also found to be very different, with a reluctance by management in Germany to progress radical initiatives. Other differences in terms of autonomy and division of labour were found. From an institutional perspective the German CME's cases were less able to deploy outsourcing and offshoring strategies with the degrees of freedom that the UK LMEs typically enjoyed. CMEs are constrained by their policies, interconnectedness and style of working. A number of ambiguities are highlighted. The thesis argues that the outsourcing and offshoring practices are embedded to a high degree in the institutional practices of the home countries. Finally, the empirical novelty lies in the 'rich data' generated by valuable insights from the senior executive interviewees to which the researcher was privileged to have access.