Dissertations / Theses: 'Business competitiveness'

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Singhal, Shaleen. "City competitiveness, regeneration and property-led business strategies." Thesis, Ulster University, 2009. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.493897.

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Van, Rensburg Liezl. "Business to business process integration : technical and social implementation considerations." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01232008-155050.

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Neidengard, Linn G. "International business capability influences on corporate, industrial and national competitiveness." Connect to resource, 1991. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view.cgi?acc%5Fnum=osu1261501876.

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Leith, Andrew Roydon. "Competitiveness of Australian small to medium enterprises in Indonesia /." View thesis View thesis, 2000. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030429.163902/index.html.

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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2000.
A thesis submitted as part of the candidature requirement for the award of a Doctorate of Philosophy, November 2000, University of Western Sydney. Bibliography : leaves 204-215.

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Hammond, Lynne J. "An investigation of micro-business management practices and their links to competitiveness in emerging fashion businesses." Thesis, University of Kent, 2006. http://www.research.ucreative.ac.uk/id/eprint/1083.

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Britain produces some of the best designers in the world, and UK fashion education systems provide a continuous flow of exceptional talent into the industry. However, the numbers of British designer brands being created are low in comparison to the high number of graduates being educated. Often fashion start-ups are not able to sustain a presence in the market place after their intial entry, and are not able to realise and recognise their growth potential.

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Rheborg, Henrik J., and Per Johan Ericson. "The Relation Between the Balanced Scorecard and Competitiveness." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, Business Administration, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-271.

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Motelle, Sephooko Ignatius. "Competitiveness of the banking industry in the Southern African development community." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12834.

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The literature is replete with the determinants of economic growth and identifies financial development as one of the important drivers of growth. Financial development is viewed as a process through which financial intermediaries such as banks lubricate the economy by creating a conduit for resources to flow from surplus sectors to deficit sectors. Effective financial development depends on many factors such as financial integration which facilitates international trade and free mobility of capital. However, in order for the positive impact of financial integration to be fully felt on financial development, it must stimulate competition in the domestic banking market without eroding financial stability. Therefore, the central hypothesis of this study is that financial integration can enhance financial development if such integration makes the local banking industry more competitive without increasing its vulnerability to financial instability. The study employs various panel data techniques to test this hypothesis using the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as a case study. The findings reveal that the banking industry in SADC is characterised by monopolistic competition. In addition, financial integration enhances banking competitiveness in the region through removal of barriers to free flow of capital between countries. Furthermore, higher competition is found to be good for financial development as it reduces the magnitude of the financial intermediation spread. Moreover, the study finds that the flipside of financial integration lies in its potential to cause financial instability in the region with negative repercussions for financial intermediation. The findings imply that, even though financial integration is good for financial development through its ability to increase the degree of competition in the banking industry and reduce the spread between lending and deposit rates, member states must put policies in place to effectively prevent the likely erosion of financial stability. No single policy is sufficient on its own to achieve this. Therefore, this study recommends that as members of SADC move towards deeper financial integration, they must ensure that they formulate and implement sound and appropriate common policies in order to ensure that financial stability is not compromised as restrictions to capital-flows are abolished or reduced. Such a policy-mix requires four ingredients, namely; sound financial liberalisation policies, competition policies, macroeconomic policies and regulatory and supervisory policies.

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Genc, Omer Faruk. "INTERNATIONAL ACQUISITIONS AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF U.S. FIRMS." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2013. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/216571.

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Business Administration/International Business Administration
Ph.D.
This dissertation studies international acquisitions mainly in terms of their impact on firm competitiveness and CEO compensation. International acquisitions have been used extensively by multinational companies for internationalization purposes. They are the main drivers of foreign direct investment flow around the world. The large number of international acquisitions and the amount of money used for them make these acquisitions important corporate strategies to examine. This study explores from different perspectives the implications of international acquisitions for firms. In the first chapter, we assess the impact of international acquisitions on the competitiveness of companies. Competitiveness has been studied mostly at the country and industry levels; firm-level competitiveness has been understudied, and the impact the organizational choices of companies have on competitiveness have not been fully explored. This study attempts to fill this gap by examining the impact of international acquisitions on firm competitiveness. Building on the resource-based view, internalization theory, agency theory and managerial hubris we propose that international acquisitions enhance competitiveness. We also develop a competing hypothesis about the negative impact of IAs on competitiveness using agency view, integration issues, and information asymmetry perspective. We test our model with a sample of acquisitions between 1985 and 2007. We find that international acquisitions have a positive effect on firm competitiveness. We also find variations in the impact of international acquisitions across different dimensions of competitiveness and benchmarks. We also investigate factors that affect the success of international acquisitions. Our evidence suggests that the acquirer's resources and capabilities play a crucial role in the success of international acquisitions. In the second chapter, we explore the association between acquisitions and CEO compensation from two different perspectives. Agency theory, which assumes a conflict between shareholders' and executives' interests, predicts a positive impact of acquisitions on CEO compensation. In contrast, subscribers of stewardship theory question the assumption of a conflict of interest and propose that acquisitions have no impact on CEO compensation. We test the prediction of agency view with a sample of U.S. acquisitions for the period 1995 to 2007. Our results provide evidence for the agency view. Unlike prior studies, this study distinguishes between international and domestic acquisitions, and assesses their impact. We find that international acquisitions have less of a positive effect on CEO compensation than domestic acquisitions. Finally, we investigate some deal characteristics and show that the relatedness of the acquirer and the target influences post-acquisition CEO compensation. We provide an in-depth literature review of acquisition research in the third chapter. In addition to discussing the antecedents, outcomes, and success/failure factors of acquisitions in general, we focus on international acquisitions as well. We discuss the differences between international and domestic acquisitions and review the literature of international acquisitions as a mode of entry. More important, we identify theoretical and methodological gaps, unanswered questions, trends, and understudied areas in acquisition research. Building on these, we provide recommendations and directions for future acquisition research. Overall, this study examines the implications of international acquisitions for firms. Our findings indicate that international acquisition is an important phenomenon that influences the competitiveness of firms and governance through effects on CEO compensation. One of the major contributions of this study is to show that international acquisitions have different characteristics than domestic acquisitions. Our study also identifies issues that need to be resolved in acquisition research and propose ways to address those issues. Our study adds fresh insights to the literature on M&As, competitiveness, and CEO compensation.
Temple University--Theses

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Beukes, Stephan. "The competitiveness of South African apple industry in a global context." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/15042.

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Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The object of this study was to do a comparative analysis of the competitiveness of the South African apple industry with the competitive ran kings published by Dr Desmond O'Rourke as a guideline. Firstly, the intention was to determine if South Africa's ranking is valid and representative, and secondly, to look at the scope for improvement. South Africa's best competitive performance is in the area of production. Although South Africa is performing well there is still scope for improvement by increasing productivity of orchards and quality of the crop. Input costs, labour and climate change are other big concerns. The biggest area for improvement however lies with the relationship between the South African apple industry and the South African government. Many of the changes in legislation and policy since 1994 have had a negative impact on the competitiveness of the South African apple industry. Government need to play an active role in supporting the apple industry through infrastructure, market access and financial support for industry initiatives like promotion and research. This can only be achieved if there is a partnership between the industry and government. The Department of Agriculture also need to be capacitated to perform their functions professionally and efficiently. In terms of market and demand the main concern is the dependence of the South African apple industry on the markets of Europe and the United Kingdom. These markets also have a decline in per capita consumption of apples. This, associated with increased consumer pressure in terms of food safety, environmental and ethical issues and the power of retailers, creates a need to get market access in new developing markets like India and China. The promotions of consumption of apples in the local market would also have a positive effect on profitability. In a world market where the production volume of South Africa is insignificant, the industry needs to do everything in its control to increase competitiveness.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n vergelykende studie van die mededingendheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse appelindustrie te doen met die mededingendheidsranglys van Dr. Desmond O'Rourke as 'n riglyn. Eerstens was die oogmerk om te bepaal of hierdie ranglys verteenwoordigend is van die mededingendheid van Suid-Afrika, en tweedens om die ruimte en area vir verbetering te identifiseer. Suid-Afrika se beste area van kompeterende prestasie is produksie. Alhoewel Suid-Afrika goed vaar op hierdie gebied is daar nog steeds ruimte vir verbetering deur produktiwiteit van boorde en die kwaliteit van die oes te verhoog. Insetkoste, arbeid en klimaatsverandering is ook areas van bekommernis. Die grootste area vir verbetering is egter die verhouding tussen die Suid-Afrikaanse industrie en die regering. Baie van die veranderinge in wetgewing en beleid sedert 1994 het 'n negatiewe impak op die mededingendheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse appelindustrie gehad. Die regering moet 'n aktiewe rol speel om die appelindustrie te ondersteun t.o.v. die infrastruktuur, marktoegang, promosie en navorsing. Dit kan slegs bereik word as daar 'n vennootskap tussen die regering en industrie is. Die Departement van Landbou het ook die kapasiteit nodig om hulle taak professioneel en effektief te kan verrig. In terme van markte en vraag is die grootste bekommernis die afhanklikheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse industrie van die markte van Europa en die Verenigde Koninkryk. Hierdie markte toon 'n afname in per capita verbruik van appels. Dit tesame met die verbruikersdruk in terme van voedselveilighied, omgewing en etiese kwessies en die mag van die supermarkte skep die behoefte om marktoegang tot nuwe ontwikkelende markte soos Indie en China uit te brei. Die promosie van verbruik van appels in die plaaslike mark sal ook 'n positiewe effek op winsgewendheid he. In 'n wereldmark waar die produksievolume van Suid-Afrika nie noemenswaardig is nie, is dit van die uiterste belang dat die industrie alles in hul vermoe doen am mededingendheid te verhoog.

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Solomons, Chadli Garth. "Factors determining competitiveness in urban independent pharmacies : a descriptive analysis." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/96193.

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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
In South Africa, the retail pharmacy market has changed dramatically with the introduction of legislation allowing a non-pharmacist to own a pharmacy as well as the regulation of medicine prices, which has affected the profitability of independent community pharmacies. These regulations have caused a shift in the status quo in that major corporate retailers have successfully entered the retail pharmacy market. The independent community pharmacy owner has to manage and finance his/her own pharmacy and does not have access to vast financial resources such as the major corporates forcing some of them to close down. The aim of the research was to investigate in more detail the competitive strategies independent community pharmacies have in place by utilising qualitative empirical research to address the main research question and research objectives. All the respondents acknowledged the importance of personal customer service as a key success factor in their strategic planning process. The research results showed that independent community pharmacies cannot compete with corporate-owned pharmacies on their dispensary as they do not have the financial resources in comparison to corporate retailers. Respondents realized that by leveraging their front-shop offering and offering products to customers based on their needs and wants, they will be in a better position to compete. In order to attract and retain their customers, the respondents recognised the significance of offering value-added services to suit the needs of the community. Respondents highlighted the importance of understanding the market to improve their business as well as moving from a convenience store to a one-stop destination store for customers. Although the respondents agreed that marketing one’s products, services and promotions were important in order to create awareness of their offering, and considered a definite method to attract new customers to the store, some pharmacy owners stated they were not financially in a position to do so. Employee retention is currently not a concern due to low turnover, with respondents feeling that the current work atmosphere and culture are conducive to the retention of staff. Research results showed that proper inventory management is essential in order to ensure that the product offering addresses the needs of the clientele. Respondents seem to be concerned that further legislative changes may adversely affect their profit margins but appear to be hopeful regarding their sustainability into the future. The research highlighted the value of managerial capability and expertise enabling independent community pharmacies to pose a viable threat to the corporate retailer operating within its vicinity. To ensure competitiveness in the retail pharmacy sector, the independent community pharmacy needs to adapt and continue to redefine itself in the face of significant challenges in the health landscape by developing a sustainable strategy based on the following recommendations: - Expanding front-shop retail. - Offering value-added services. - Implement integrated business solutions. - Create brand awareness with an increased marketing presence. - Sponsor employee training interventions and/or attendance at industry seminars. - Implement employee incentive programmes. - Having defined and documented standard operating procedures and processes in place. - Joining buying groups in an attempt to increase buying power.

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Hahn, Juhee. "Creating high-technological competitiveness a case of the semiconductor industry /." Thesis, Online version, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?did=1&uin=uk.bl.ethos.335150.

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Leith, Andrew R., of Western Sydney Hawkesbury University, and Faculty of Management. "Competitiveness of Australian small to medium enterprises in Indonesia." THESIS_FMAN_XXX_Leith_A.xml, 2000. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/512.

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The purpose of this research is to determine whether Indonesian business practices and culture inhibit the competitiveness of Australian small to medium enterprises in Indonesia. Prior to the current economic demise of the Indonesian economy, Australia's trade relations with its closest Asian neighbour were not as significant as trade with countries far removed from Australia's shores. Previous research has identified that cultural problems and inadequate communication contribute towards the lack of competitiveness of international small to medium enterprises.However there has been no rigorous and comprehensive research specially related to Australian entrepreneurs and the problems they encounter in Indonesia.Several key themes emerged from this study which indicated that thorough planning and market research are more important than a comprehensive understanding of business practices and culture. What the research brings to extant literature is a rigorous and methodological analysis of Indonesian business practices from an Australian entrepreneur's perspective. This provides a structured link between the parent disciple of cross cultural communications, the plethora of information on Asian business practices, and the reality of Australian small to medium enterprises attempting to enter the Indonesian market
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Koop, Nico. "The battle between multinaional sic] tax avoidance and corporate competitiveness." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/452.

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In the past decade, there has been a significant decrease in US corporate tax revenues. Multinational companies have been employing several different techniques of tax avoidance to get around paying corporate taxes. Tax avoidance is used by any large multinational corporation for a variety of reasons. The US has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world and is seeing many companies relocate their operations abroad to lower their tax expenses. The different methods of tax avoidance are discussed in this thesis, as well as the different reasons behind their use. To understand how companies implement tax avoidance techniques, it is necessary to understand US corporate taxes. I have researched the few key items of US corporate taxes, which are vital to understanding the implementation of tax avoidance techniques. Through different examples you will see how tax avoidance occurs and how it benefits multinational companies.
B.S.B.A.
Bachelors
Business Administration
Finance

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Williamson, Rohan Garfield. "Exchange rate exposure, competitiveness and firm valuation : evidence from the world automotive industry." Connect to resource, 1997. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view.cgi?acc%5Fnum=osu1261319532.

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Herholdt, Petrus Stephanus. "Assessing the competitiveness of small and medium sized retail business in South Africa." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020279.

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The South African economy and especially its retail environment are continuously experiencing the impact of globalisation. The continuous expansions of large public retail businesses that consist of numerous chain stores are evident in both the local and international arena. South Africa has witnessed large amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI) invested into its retail sector. The above mentioned facts hold a serious challenge for small and medium retail businesses in South Africa (SMEs). In order for SME retail businesses to stay competitive against these global retail businesses, it needs to be able to withstand the competition in the environment it operates. This is not always an easy challenge given the limited access to resources that the majority of SME businesses have access to. This study presents how South African SME retail businesses can remain competent and profitable in spite of serious competition from large retail businesses of both local and international origin. In order to suggest recommendations for South African SME retail businesses to be more competent in relation to large retail businesses, the researcher identified some areas of improvement, which is perceived to be the most important for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. These variables include uniqueness, entrepreneurial leadership, cost effectiveness, technology and quality management. These variables were researched to understand how they affect SME retail businesses and where tested using quantitative analysis to ascertain if managers and owners of SME retail businesses believed that these variables would help them to improve the level of competitiveness in relation to large retail businesses. The results indicated that SME owners and managers felt that uniqueness, entrepreneurial leadership, cost effectiveness, technology and quality management all contributes to the competitiveness of their business. Empirical evidence shows that owners and managers of SME retail business felt that all of the above factors will result in their SME retail business being more competitive as compared to large retail businesses. The former will lead to better chances of success which again are most likely to lead to increased probability.

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Alharbi, Mohammed. "Architectural management : a strategic framework to achieve competitiveness." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2013. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/13477.

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The theoretical aspects of Architectural Management (AM) have been widely researched from a variety of international perspectives through the published research work of the CIB W096 Working Group. There is much less research, however, covering the transfer of these theoretical aspects into professional practice. There is a lack of a holistic approach towards defining AM, explaining what it constitutes, its deliverables to its users, whether there is a need for architectural managers, and if so, what are their qualifications. Similarly, there is a lack of research concerning the opinions of those outside the CIB W096 community with regard to Architectural Management. This research has contributed to the theory and practice of AM by conducting a combination of inductive/deductive, exploratory/explanatory, and qualitative/quantitative approaches in order to understand the exact meaning of AM; capture and detail its components; and to validate all these issues by examining the professional opinions of two groups: researchers and practitioners. The primary focus of this research was answering the question as to how AM can be transferred successfully from theory into practice. In order to answer this question, the research was divided into five consecutive phases. Firstly, reviewing the literature helped establish a solid theoretical background for the research, and it helped in highlighting the major gaps in knowledge associated with AM. Subsequently, and in response to the shortage of information within the AM literature, a preliminary study was found to be a useful source for gathering information about the meaning, components, benefits, strategies and requirements of AM, and the need for architectural managers. Then, both the data extracted from the literature and the data obtained through the preliminary study were analysed and combined, generating a framework for transferring AM from theory to practice using the grounded theory methodology. Then the AM framework testing process was conducted in three stages through a workshop, interviews, and questionnaire survey examining the professional perspectives of architectural researchers (within and outside the CIB W096) and the leaders of UK architectural firms. The final stage involved discussing and synthesising the data obtained through the entire course of this research and generating conclusions. During its testing and after refinement, the newly proposed AM framework proved its practicality and usefulness for transferring Architectural Management from theory to practice. The findings indicated that the decision to adopt AM should be taken at the firm's strategic management level; and there is a need for a facilitator expert in design, management and construction to lead the successful adoption and application of AM. Similarly, the findings revealed that adopting AM in practice has the capability to increase a firm's competitiveness. However, this requires effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the firm's internal and external environments. Similarly, the findings indicated the crucial role of basic and vocational architecture education in spreading the concept of AM and assuring its successful application.

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Meyer, Abel Hermanus. "Common values and competitiveness within a corporate culture and performance model." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52167.

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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The utilisation of human capital and its impact on organisational performance must rank as one of the key managerial concerns III South Africa. The message from international competitive studies is clear: corporations become competitive when people and practices change. The global market has exposed the lack of competitive strength and effectiveness of South African corporations. Against this background, managing complex organisations in the private and public sector remains a daunting, pervasive and urgent task. By focusing on issues of organisational behaviour and global competitiveness, the study aims to contribute to the development of competitive (effective) corporations in South Africa. It is important to keep in mind that the present investigation was an exploratory study attempting to add to the body of knowledge about competitiveness. It aimed to enhance existing studies on global competitiveness and organisational effectiveness and open up possibilities for new management strategies and interventions as well as further research. In particular, it builds on previous work on the impact of organisational behaviour on performance. An extremely important development in the study of corporate culture has been proof that that the normative structure (corporate culture) has a significant impact on the performance of an organisation. Because of this impact, corporate culture has to be regarded as one of the key success factors in any corporation. Corporate culture is however no end in itself, but must be regarded as a hermeneutical key (interpretative) to corporate performance. The success of the corporation takes precedence over all other aspects of the organisation, even over its culture. The framework of corporate culture and competitiveness links patterns of behaviour and management practices with underlying assumptions, beliefs and values. It provides a clear description of the integrative mechanisms and dimensions of corporate culture and the way in which they impact on competitiveness. These behavioural factors are key determinants of organisational performance because of the close link between patterns of behaviour and underlying core values and beliefs. The model also defines the elements (people, change, projects, control) that need to be managed, as well as the traits (adaptability and innovation, mission, involvement, consistency) of the culture which determines the performance of the corporation. In terms of the corporate culture and competitiveness framework, the management activity of developing a set of common or core values is therefore a good starting point for any culture intervention strategy aimed at enhancing competitiveness (performance). A shared system of beliefs, values and symbols widely understood by an organisation's members has a positive impact on their ability to reach consensus and carry out coordinated actions. This impact, as well as the nature of the culture of the corporation has to be understood by everybody in the organisation. It also has to assist them in making sense of corporate life in such a manner that it creates opportunities for everyone to impact on the performance of the corporation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die bestuur van menslike hulpbronne en die impak daarvan op organisatoriese prestasie is een van die kern bestuursvraagstukke in Suid-Afrika. Die internasionale boodskap oor mededingendheid is duidelik. Organisasies se mededingendheid verander wanneer mense en praktyke verander. Oor die algemeen vaar Suid-Afrikaanse organisasies redelik swak in die internasional mark weens 'n gebrek aan kompeterendheid en effektiwiteit. Dit is duidelik dat in hierdie lig, die bestuur van komplekse organisasies 'n uitdagende ontwykende maar dringende uitdaging aan bestuur is. Deur op organisatoriese gedrag en internasionale kompeterendheid te fokus, poog die studie om 'n bydrae te maak tot die ontwikkeling van kompeterende (effektiewe) organisasies in Suid-Afrika. Dit is belangrik om in gedagte te hou dat die studie van ondersoekende aard was en om daardeur verdere insig in kompeterendheid te verkry. Dit poog om by bestaande studies oor internasionale kompeterendheid en organisatoriese doeltreffendheid aan te sluit ten einde nuwe bestuursintervensies en strategië te ontwikkel en terselfdertyd rigting vir verdere navorsing aan te dui. Dit bou in besonder op vorige studies oor die impak van organisatoriese gedrag op doeltreffendheid. 'n Belangrike ontiwkkeling in die studie van korporatiewe kultuur was die bevinding dat die normatiewe struktuur (korporatiewe kultuur) 'n insiggewende impak op die prestasie van organisasies het. As gevolg van hierdie verhouding, moet korporatiewe kultuur as een van die sleutel sukses faktore in enige organisasie beskou word. Korporatiewe kultuur bly egter altyd slegs 'n middel tot die bereiking van doelwitte en nooit as die doel self nie. Dit moet daarom beskou word as 'n hermeneutiese (verklarende) sleutel tot organisatoriese doeltreffendheid. Die prestasie van enige organisasie moet voorkeur geniet bo all ander aspekte van die organisasie, selfs die korporatiewe kultuur. Die raamwerk van korporatiewe kultuur en doeltreffendheid verklaar die interaksie tussen die onderafdelings van kultuur en die organisasie se doeltreffendheid. Die aannames, oortuigings en waardesisteme van 'n organisasie vorm die basis van 'n stel bestuurspraktyke en gedragspatrone. Hierdie gedragspatrone is sleutelfaktore tot organisasie doeltreffendheid as gevolg van die noue verband tussen die gedrag en die onderliggende waardesisteem. Die raamwerk identifiseer die elemente (mense, verandering, projekte en kontrole) as die elemente wat bestuur moet word, sowel as vier meganismes (betrokkenheid, aanpasbaarheid en vernuwing/innovasie, konsekwentheid en doelgerigtheid/rigtingaanwysing) van kultuur wat die doeltreffendheid van die organisasie bepaal. Korporatiewe kultuurintervensie strategië, gemik op prestasieverbetering, behoort in terme van die korporatiewe kultuur en doeltreffendheidsraamwerk by die ontwikkeling van 'n stel gedeelde of kernwaardes te begin. 'n Gedeelde sisteem van oortuiginge, waardes en simbole wat deur alle lede van die organisasie verstaan en aanvaar word, sal 'n sterk en positiewe uitwerking op die vermoë om konsensus en gekoordineerde optrede te bereik, hê. Hierdie uitwerking asook die aard van die kultuur van die organisasie moet deur almal in die organisasie verstaan word. Dit moet hulle ook in staat stel om die organisasie se keuse van prioriteite te verstaan en daardeur geleenthede vir almal te skep om 'n impak op die doeltreffendheid van die organisasie te hê.

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Venter, Gideon Jordaan. "Is competitiveness a prerequisite for FDI? : South Africa & Brazil compared." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52898.

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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The relationship between competitiveness and FDI inflow was investigated in this study. South Africa needs FDI to stimulate the economy with the ultimate goal of reducing unemployment and improving the quality of life of the population. Substantial FDI inflow was expected after the peaceful transition to a multi-party democracy in 1994. The data of the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) was used to measure competitiveness. The UN Human Development Index was used to determine the progress of human development. The annual World Investment Report published by UNCTAD was used to determine a framework of the determinants for FDI. The determinant framework as proposed by UNCTAD was used to evaluate the extent and importance of each determinant for FDI. This included the FDI policy framework, business facilitation measures and economic determinants (Market seeking, Resource seeking and Efficiency seeking). The competitiveness of South Africa was evaluated using the IMD WCY measurement. The IMD ranking of South Africa declined after 1994 and then stabilised. The trend of the UN HDI was detailed and the negative effect of HIV/AIDS on life expectancy could clearly be identified. The examination of the FDI inflow to South Africa during the period 1994 to 2000 showed that it did not reach anticipated levels. No correlation between competitiveness and FDI inflow could be found for South Africa. Brazil was selected as a benchmark for South Africa due to its similar social, political and economical structure. Brazil succeeded in attracting substantial FDI inflows after 1994 when its economy was stabilised. Brazil's ranking in the IMD WCY improved during the period from 1994 to 2000. The UN HDI rating for Brazil has improved throughout the past 25 years. HIV/AIDS has no effect on the forecasted national life expectancy figures due to the low infection rate in Brazil. A strong correlation between competitiveness and FDI inflow was found for Brazil. As the competitiveness ranking improved, the FDI inflow into Brazil increased and Vice versa. South Africa and Brazil were compared according to the relative strength of determinants to attract FDI, the strength of each competitiveness indicator and overall competitiveness ranking. South Africa compared very well with Brazil in terms of the FDI policy framework as well as the FDI business facilitation measures. In terms of efficiency seeking FDI, South Africa exceeded Brazil in the strength of its productivity and physical infrastructure, although Brazil was superior in skill level and scientific knowledge of the population. Resource seeking determinants are not strong in both countries. Brazil has an advantage over South Africa in that its population of 160 million is attractive for market seeking FDI. When the FDI inflow per capita was compared between South Africa and Brazil, the poor performance of South Africa was evident. Brazil also outperformed South Africa in terms of the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook ranking. The IMD uses empirical data as well as data collected through surveys of business people in the ranking process. The survey data capture the perceptions of a country held by potential investors. Often perceptions override empirical data during the investment decision. The reason for South Africa's poor FDI inflow performance during the period 1994 to 2000 is difficult to resolve. The benchmarking with Brazil showed that the strength of the determinants (excluding market seeking) was on par with Brazil. The conclusion was made that the importance of various FDI determinants varies between regions of the world. Investment decisions involving Africa are made differently than in for example South America. UNCTAD data showed that resource seeking (oil & petroleum) FDI determinants with a high reward ratio was the only reaIly strong attraction for investment in Africa. The negative perceptions of Africa including civil unrest, famine and economic instability continue to influence the FDI inflow to South Africa. Although efficiency seeking together with a FDI policy framework and business facilitation measures attract FDI to a country in South America (Brazil), it is not sufficient to attract FDI to a country in southern Africa (South Africa). South Africa must change the international perceptions of the continent by creating a positive investment climate throughout Africa through strong, responsible leadership. The government must expand the knowledge and skill level of the population beyond basic education to enable them to participate in the international information and technology marketplace. Huge investments are required to create a culture of learning and self improvement in the population of South Africa. A high level of skills and knowledge will attract efficiency seeking FDI.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doelwit van hierdie studie is om die verhouding tussen die internationale mededingendheid van 'n land en direkte buitelandse investering in die land te ondersoek. Suid-Afrika benodig direkte buitelandse investering om die ekonomie te stimuleer met die doel om werkloosheid te verminder en die lewenstandaard van die bevolking te verhoog. Na die demokratiese verkiesing van 1994 en die vreedsame oorgang tot 'n veelparty regering was daar groot verwagtinge van substansiële buitelandse investering. Die data van die IMD se World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) is gebruik om mededingendheid te evalueer. Die Verenigde Nasies se Human Development Index (HDI) is gebruik om die vordering van menslike ontwikkeling te bepaal. Die World Investment Report (WIR) van UNCTAD se raamwerk van determinante vir direkte buitelandse investering is gebruik om die omvang en belangrikheid van elke determinant te bepaal. Die UNCTAD raamwerk sluit die buitelandse investeringsbeleid, die besigheidsfasiliteringsmaatstawwe en ekonomiese determinante (markgedrewe, natuurlike brongedrewe en effektiwiteitgedrewe ) in. Die mededingendheid van Suid-Afrika is geëvalueer op grond van die IMD WCY proses. Die Suid-Afrikaanse posisie op die IMD ranglys het na 1994 verswak, maar daarna gestabiliseer. Die negatiewe effek van MIV/VIGS op die lewensverwagting van die bevolking is duidelik sigbaar in die tendens van die Verenigde Nasies se HDI vir Suid-Afrika. Die direkte buitelandse investeringsinvloei (1994 - 2000) na Suid-Afrika het nie aan die verwagtinge voldoen nie. Daar kon geen korrelasie tussen mededingendheid en buitelandse investering vir Suid-Afrika gevind word nie. Brasilië is geselekteer as 'n maatstaf vir Suid-Afrika as gevolg van die sosiale, politieke en ekonomiese oorenkomste tussen die lande. Brasilië het daarin geslaag om grootskaalse buitelandse investering te lok nadat sy ekonomie in 1994 gestabiliseer het. Brasilië se posisie op die IMD ranglys het gedurende die periode 1994 tot 2000 verbeter. Die Verenigde Nasies se HDI syfer vir Brasilië het verbeter gedurende die afgelope 25 jaar. Aangesien die MIV/VIGS besmettingsyfer baie laag is in Brasilië, het dit geen effek op die lewensverwaging van die bevolking nie. 'n Sterk korrelasie is gevind tussen mededingendheid en buitelandse investeringsinvloei na Brasilië. Soos Brasilië se posisie op die IMD se mededingendheidsranglys verbeter het, het buitelandse investering terselftertyd toegeneem en vice versa. Suid-Afrika en Brasilië is vergelyk in terme van die relatiewe sterktes van die determinante om buitelandse investering te trek, die sterkte van elke mededingendheidsindikator en algehele posisie op die IMD se mededingendheidsranglys. Suid-Afrika het baie goed vergelyk met Brasilië in terme van die direkte buitelandse investeringsbeleidsraamwerk asook die besigheidsinvestering en fasiliteringsmaatstawwe. In terme van effektiwiteitsgedrewe direkte buitelandse investering, het Suid-Afrika vir Brasilië geklop op die vlak van werkerproduktiwiteit asook die beskikbare infrastruktuur. Determinante vir natuurlike hulpbrongedrewe direkte buitelandse investering is nie sterk in enige van die twee lande nie. Brasilië het die verdere voordeel dat sy bevolking van 160 miljoen markgedrewe direkte buitelandse investering lok. Die vergelyking van direkte buitelandse investering për kapita tussen Suid-Afrika en Brasilië het getoon dat Suid-Afrika in hierdie opsig swak gevaar het. Brasilië het ook beter gevaar in terme van die IMD se mededingendheids ranglys. Die IMD gebruik empiriese data sowel as data van meningsopnames van sakeleiers. Die meningsopname data weerspieël die persepsie van sakeleiers oor 'n land. Dikwels kan persepsies deurslaggewend wees tydens die keuse van 'n belegging. Die rede vir Suid-Afrika se lae buitelandse beleggingsinvloei tydens 1994 tot 2000 is moeilik om te bepaal. Die vergelyking van Suid-Afrika met Brasilië het getoon dat die meederheid determinate van Suid-Afrika op standaard is. Die gevolgtrekking is gemaak dat die belangrikheid van determinante vir buitelandse investering tussen lande verskil. Beleggingsbesluite vir Afrika word anders gemaak as byvoorbeeld in Suid- Amerika. UNCTAD toon aan dat natuurlike hulpbroninvestering (olie en petroleum) met 'n hoë winsverhouding, die enigste sterk determinant vir belegging in Afrika is. Die negatiewe persepsies oor Afrika (onluste, hongersnood en ekonomiese onstabiliteit) beïnvloed steeds die invloei van buitelandse belegging na Suid-Afrika. Alhoewel doeltreffenheidsgedrewe buitelandse investering saam met 'n investeringsbeleidsraamwerk en besigheidsfasiliteringsmaatstawwe voldoende is om buitelande beleggings te lok na 'n land in Suid-Amerika (Brasilië), is dit nie die geval vir 'n land in Suider-Afrika (Suid-Afrika) nie. Suid-Afrika moet die internasionale beeld van die Afrika kontinent verander deur 'n positiewe beleggingsklimaat dwarsdeur Afrika te skep. Dit kan bewerkstellig word deur sterk, verantwoordelike leierskap in Afrika deur Suid-Afrika. Omdat basiese opleiding onvoldoende is, moet die regering die kennis en vlak van vaardighede van die bevolking uitbrei. Dit sal die bevolking in staat stel om deel te neem aan die internasionale mark vir informasie en tegnologie. Groot beleggings is nodig om 'n kultuur van kundigheid en selfverbetering onder die bevolking van Suid-Afrika te vestig. 'n Hoë vlak van vaardighede en kennis sal doeltreffendheidsgedrewe buitelandse investering na Suid-Afrika lok.

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Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius. "A model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the South African telecommunications sector." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012150.

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The fast pace of technological advancements is a driver of change in the world. In telecommunications, advancements as well as sector transformation pose challenges to entrepreneurs to remain competitive. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a theoretical model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector. The purpose of the study was that if the factors that influence entrepreneurial businesses in this sector can be identified and recommendations applied, the competitiveness of these businesses can be improved. The approach was as follows: 1. Identify the factors, in a literature review, in three areas related to this study, namely, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Telecommunications and Benchmarking; 2. Develop a conceptual theoretical model comprising these identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; 3. Develop a measuring instrument to empirically test the relationships described in the conceptual model; 4. Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector in South Africa and thereafter statistically analyse the sourced data; 5. Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objective and 6. Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The three areas of literature study analysed were Entrepreneurial Orientation which focused on the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial process and the positioning of technological entrepreneurs in the sector. The telecommunications section included an overview of telecommunications from a global perspective followed by specific focus on the South African sector. The section on benchmarking covered business performance aspects together with measurement techniques and benchmarking institutions relevant to entrepreneurship and telecommunications businesses. Initially, the literature study delivered four intervening variables (Entrepreneurial Orientation, Opportunity Recognition, Resource Allocation and Strategic Positioning) which influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Within these four intervening variables, twelve underlying independent variables were identified. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived significantly to influence the dependent variable, perceived to be entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent to entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector. A response rate of 37 percent was achieved. Data collected from 301 questionnaires were subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument that was tested whilst the latent variables were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables. Due to the sample size limitation, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole and consequently two sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The SEM results presented the factors influencing entrepreneurial competitiveness whereafter the final model was presented for this study. This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge as follows: 1. New literature contributions are made in the field of entrepreneurial competitiveness in a specific sector; 2. It is the first known research conducted into the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa; 3. A theoretical model was developed that can be used to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the sector and 4. It suggests recommendations on empirically tested factors that significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Additional knowledge has been gained through the identification and description of how the following individual factors significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector: Benchmarking; Entrepreneurial Mindset; Entrepreneurial Management; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Financial Resources; Infrastructural Change; Regulatory Alignment and Technological Entrepreneurship. The present study was conducted in a time frame where sector transformation is prevalent in South Africa. The current circumstances relating to sector transformation and infrastructural changes will not last forever. The theoretical model therefore is limited to the specific sector conditions in a specific time cycle. In conclusion, the model and managerial recommendations that are presented can act as a guideline for entrepreneurs to adopt in order to improve the competitiveness of their businesses.

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Hing, Francis Lau Kam. "Enhanced product competitiveness through the use of state-of-the-art technologies." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.343785.

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Lam, Chan Wa. "Competitiveness of the Hong Kong stock market." Thesis, University of Macau, 2004. http://umaclib3.umac.mo/record=b1636234.

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Phafane, Matsuna P. "The contribution of international competitiveness to the economic development of South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/53093.

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Theses (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The concept of international competitiveness has become increasingly important due to globalisation and increased integration between nations and has been referred to as a "new type of warfare" in modern economies. With the advent of globalisation, countries have become more integrated not only through trade but also in financial markets. Consequently, the question of attaining sustainable development through international competitiveness has become very significant. As globalisation proceeds, it would appear that a combination of factors are raising the demand for skilled labour and lowering the demand for unskilled and semi-skilled labour. In South Africa, at least over the short term, the predictions are for declining demand for unskilled and semi-skilled labour and rising demand for skilled and professional occupations. South African manufacturing firms are generally characterised by low spending on innovation. Today there is a shift in the pattern of world trade away from commodity production and raw material intensive simple manufactured goods and towards increasingly knowledge-intensive goods and services. As the more traditional bases of securing a competitive advantage decline for South African manufacturing firms, the ability to compete will increasingly turn on their capacities to master information technology. Technological infrastructure is becoming a key asset for the future competitiveness of a nation. Technology also impacts on education. Therefore, the priority of a competitive nation is to develop the people who will operate the new technological infrastructure and strive to be on the leading edge of future developments. This is one of the reasons why South Africa has to improve on its technology in order to be attractive to foreign investment. It is clear ,that South Africa's current education and training system is not adequate to address the future challenges of the country. An integrated, restructured education and training system that is geared to supplying the necessary manpower to ensure high productivity and international competitiveness is needed if South Africa is to become globally competitive. Therefore the importance of education and training to upgrade people to enable them to earn more cannot be overemphasised. Much more emphasis must be put on technical training in South Africa. After some difficult years of isolation, South Africa has increased its rating on international competitiveness by three positions from 42nd in 2001 to 39th in 2002. It is hoped that South Africa's economic growth rate improves as a result of its pursuit of privatisation; reform of the state sector; and liberalisation of trade and tariffs. The social inequalities inherited from the past, high unemployment and a relatively high inflation rate may constrain the government's economic policy. The development priorities of developing countries such as South Africa include achieving sustained income growth for their economies by raising investment rates, strengthening technological capacities and skills and improving the competitiveness of their exports in world markets, distributing the benefits of growth equitably by creating more and better employment opportunities and protecting and conserving the physical environment for future generations. The new and more competitive context of liberalising and globalising the world economy in which economic activity take place imposes considerable pressures on developing countries to upgrade their resources and capabilities if they are to achieve these objectives. This study seeks to investigate the extent to which international competitiveness contributes to the economic development of South Africa, by studying the theory of comparative advantage and its implications to the modern theory of trade. The study explores and identifies key factors of international competitiveness and globalisation and the success of the application of international competitiveness into practice. The study concludes with possible areas of further research.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die konsep van internasionale mededingendheid word toenemend belangrik weens globalisering en groter integrasie tussen nasies en daar word in hedendaagse ekonomieë daarna verwys as 'n "nuwe soort oorlog". Met die koms van globalisering het lande nie net deur handel nie maar ook in finansiële markte meer geïntegreerd geraak. Die kwessie van die bewerkstelliging van volgehoue ontwikkeling deur internasionale mededingendheid het gevolglik baie belangrik geword. Namate globalisering voortgaan wil dit voorkom asof 'n kombinasie van faktore die vraag na geskoolde arbeid verhoog en die vraag na ongeskoolde en halfgeskoolde arbeid laat daal. In Suid-Afrika word 'n kleiner vraag na ongeskoolde en halfgeskoolde arbeid en 'n groter vraag na geskoolde en professionele beroepe oor ten minste die kort termyn voorspel. Suid-Afrikaanse vervaardigingsmaatskappye word oor die algemeen deur lae besteding aan innovasie gekenmerk. Daar is tans 'n verskuiwing in die patroon van wêreldhandel weg van kommoditeitsproduksie en grondstof-intensiewe eenvoudige vervaardigde goedere na toenemend kennis-intensiewe goedere en dienste. Namate die meer tradisionele grondslae waarop Suid-Afrikaanse vervaardigingsmaatskappye 'n mededingende voordeel verkry het, verdwyn, sal die vermoë om mee te ding toenemend afhang van hul vermoë om inligtingstegnologie te bemeester. Tegnologiese infrastruktuur word 'n baie belangrike bate vir die toekomstige mededingendheid van 'n land. Tegnologie het ook 'n impak op onderwys. Die prioriteit van 'n mededingende land is dus die ontwikkeling van die mense wat die nuwe tegnologiese infrastruktuur sal bestuur en wat daarna strewe om aan die spits van toekomstige ontwikkelings te wees. Dit is een van die redes waarom Suid-Afrika sy tegnologie moet verbeter ten einde aantreklik te wees vir buiteland,sebelegging. Dit is duidelik dat Suid-Afrika se huidige onderwys- en opleidingstelsel nie voldoende is om die toekomstige uitdagings vir die land die hoof te bied nie. 'n Geïntegreerde herstruktureerde onderwys- en opleidingstelsel wat daarop gemik is om die nodiqe mannekrag te voorsien om hoë produktiwiteit en internasionale mededingendheid te verseker, word vereis indien Suid-Afrika mededingend wil wees in die internasionale arena. Die belangrikheid van onderwys en opleiding om mense op te gradeer ten einde hulle in staat te stel om meer te verdien, kan nie oorbeklemtoon word nie. Groter klem moet op tegniese opleiding in Suid-Afrika gelê word. Na moeilike jare van isolasie het Suid-Afrika sy gradering ten opsigte van internasionale mededingendheid met drie posisies verbeter vanaf 42ste in 2001 tot 39ste in 2002. Suid-Afrika se ekonomiese groeikoers sal hopelik verbeter as gevolg van sy strewe na privatisering, hervorming van die staatsektor, en liberalisering van handel en tariewe. Die maatskaplike ongelykhede van die verlede, hoë werkloosheid en 'n betreklik hoë inflasiekoers kan moontlik die regering se ekonomiese beleid aan bande lê. Die ontwikkelingsprioriteite van ontwikkelende lande soos Suid-Afrika sluit die volgende in: volgehou inkomstegroei vir hul ekonomieë deur beleggingskoersverhogings, verbetering van tegnologiese kapasiteite en vaardighede, die verbetering van die mededingendheid van hul uitvoere in wêreldmarkte, die billiker verdeling van die voordele van groei deur meer en beter werkgeleenthede te skep, en die beskerming en bewaring van die fisiese omgewing vir toekomstige geslagte. Die nuwe en meer mededingende konteks van die liberalisering en globalisering van die wêreldekonomie waarin ekonomiese aktiwiteit plaasvind, plaas- groot druk op ontwikkelende lande om hul hulpbronne en kapasiteite te opgradeer indien hulle hierdie doelwitte wil bereik. Hierdie studie poog om die mate waarin internasionale mededingendheid tot die ekonomiese ontwikkeling van Suid-Afrika bydra, te ondersoek deur die teorie van mededingende voordeel en die implikasies daarvan vir die moderne handelsteorie te bestudeer. Die studie ondersoek en identifiseer die hooffaktore van internasionale mededingendheid en globalisering en die sukses van die toepassing van internasionale mededingendheid in die praktyk. Die studie word afgesluit met voorstelle vir moontlike verdere navorsing.

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Law, Kwai-sun Jeffrey. "Ways of enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong as a regional logistics hub /." View the Table of Contents & Abstract, 2005. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B35080899.

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Barbosa, Francisco Vidal. "Implications of restructuring and privatisation for competitiveness and performance : two Brazilian steel companies." Thesis, Aston University, 1996. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/10719/.

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The thesis examines the effects of the privatisation process on productivity, competitiveness and performance in two major Brazilian steel companies, which were privatised in between 1991 and 1993. The case study method was adopted in this research due to its strengths as a useful technique allowing in-depth examination of the privatisation process, the context in which it happened and its effects on the companies. The thesis has developed a company analysis framework consisting of three components: management, competitiveness/productivity and performance and examined the evidence on the companies within this framework. The research indicates that there is no straightforward relationship between privatisation, competitiveness and performance. There were many significant differences in the management and technological capabilities, products and performance of the two companies, and these have largely influenced the effects of privatisation on each company. Company Alpha's strengths in technological and management capabilities and high value added products explain strong productivity and financial performance during and after privatisation. Company Beta's performance was weak before the privatisation and remained weak immediately after. Before the privatisation, weaknesses in management, commodity type low value added products and shortage of funds for investment were the major problems. These were compounded by greater government interference. Despite major restructuring, the poor performance has continued after privatisation largely because the company has not been able to improve its productivity sufficiently to be cost competitive in commodity type markets. Both companies state that their strategies have changed significantly. They claim to be more responsive to market conditions and customers and are attempting to develop closer links with major customers. It is not possible to assess the consequences of these changes in the short time that has elapsed since privatisation but Alpha appears to be more effective in developing a coherent strategy because of its strengths. Both companies accelerated their programme of organisational restructuring and reducing the number of their employees during the privatisation process to improve productivity and performance. Alpha has attained standards comparable to major international steel companies. Beta has had to make much bigger organisational changes and cuts in its labour force but its productivity levels still remain low in comparison with Alpha and international competitors.

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Ifeanyi, Eziashi Michael. "Exploration and evaluation of the macro-environmental factors influencing firm competitiveness in the Nigerian manufacturing industry." Thesis, University of Sunderland, 2017. http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/8303/.

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Multinational corporations (MNCs) are facing challenges relating to the fast changing and dynamic 21st Century global business environment. These challenges raise critical concerns relating to the strategic role of successive Nigerian governments in creating a favourable macro-environment that enhances industry competitiveness in attracting and sustaining foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows - considering the fact that since independence in 1960, there has been a significant decline in the Nigerian manufacturing industry output and contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). These developments underpin the motivation and rationale for this thesis, which aims to provide better understanding of the dynamic nature of macro-environmental factors influencing the levels of firm competitiveness in the Nigerian manufacturing industry. To achieve this aim, the thesis adopts a pragmatists paradigm underpinned by a mix of Questionnaire Survey involving 84 MNCs operating in the Nigerian manufacturing industry, and a sample size of 925 respondents comprising of 288 Top managers, 460 Staff, and 177 Clients, and Semi-structured interviews of 5 CEOs. The data from the questionnaires and interviews were subjected to factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and content analysis using SPSS and NVivo respectively. The hypotheses tests (H1, H1a-H1e) reveal that increased perceived threats from macro-environmental factors significantly reduces the levels of firm competitiveness in the Nigerian manufacturing industry. This is supported by the evidence that, on aggregate, respondents’ perceived levels of threats from politico-legal, economic and financial, sociocultural, technological and ecological environmental factors have a statistically significant negative effect on firms’ competitiveness in the Nigerian manufacturing industry. Using Beta values, politico-legal, economic and financial, and sociocultural factors are identified as the key inhibitors; and in contrast, ecological and technological factors are identifies as the key drivers, of the levels of firm competitiveness. More specifically, on aggregate: (1) Politico-legal factors has statistically significant negative effect, (2) Economic and financial factors has a negative effect but statistically not significant, (3) Sociocultural factors has a negative effect but statistically not significant. In contrast, both (4) Technological factors, and (5) Ecological environmental factors were statistically significant with positive effects, on the levels of firm competitiveness. In addition, the results for both ‘Top Managers’ and ‘Staff’ were statistically significant, while, that for ‘Clients’ were statistically not significant. For the content analysis, a process of pre-coding, unitisation and relationship between themes was adopted. The thematic findings reveals that there is an urgent need for Top managers in manufacturing firms to continuously sense and seize market opportunities, in order to sustain firm competitiveness and to attract increased FDI inflows to the manufacturing industry. The implication of these findings from a decision-making point of view, is that in the short- medium term, strategizing managers need to focus more on the factors which have significant negative or positive effects on firm competitiveness - while in the long-term, they need to evaluate the potential future impact of the factors which at the moment do not have a significant effect on firm competitiveness. Considering the fact that the holistic framework developed in this study was not tested, future research would test the framework using a mix of quantitative and qualitative data from a case study of 3-5 Manufacturing firms in Nigeria.

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Olshanska, Oleksandra, and Polina Puzyrova. "The strategic innovative development of integrated business models." Thesis, BoScience Publisher, Chicago, USA, 2021. https://er.knutd.edu.ua/handle/123456789/19054.

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T-he structural scheme of the constituent components of the innovation strategy of integrated business models is determined; proposed development and implementation of innovation strategies in integrated business models to ensure their innovative competitiveness; innovation strategies that set the vector of development of the overall corporate strategy and business activity in the innovation sphere are studied.

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Cader, Hanas A. "Rural competitiveness in a changing economy : information technology, E-commerce, entrepreneurship and small business development /." Search for this dissertation online, 2006. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ksu/main.

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Mugabira, Michael Imaka. "Value chain competitiveness analysis: entrepreneurial behavioural practices determining business success in Uganda's commercial sugar and forestry industries." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/27285.

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Global value chain (GVC) participation has been placed on a high level policy agenda by Development Partners as a prescription template for agri-business growth and competitiveness of developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Despite, the GVC participation popularity in application, there is an intense debate questioning why some countries are advancing in the global marketplace, while others are failing to do so. Actors' (entrepreneur's) behavior has been highlighted by the value chain fraternity researchers as an area of interest to investigate this phenomenon. The purpose of this research was to contribute to the understanding of the link between the entrepreneur behavior and better enhanced competitiveness in GVC, and as such offer some key insights into the emerging GVC theory. Case Study Approach was the major research strategy complemented by the Survey. Polar types of Ugandan commercial sugarcane and forestry farmers were selected, namely high and low performing entrepreneurs. Principal unit of analysis was the entire value chain, analyzed at three levels: Micro (Farm Enterprises), Meso (Farmer/Miller) and Macro (National Policies & Regulatory Environment). Principal component analysis was run for purposes of grouping items. Empirical data was analyzed using within case analysis, and cross-case pattern analysis. Theoretically and policy practice this study has brought into insight new research frontiers: (1) The finding of internality behavior demonstrates that entrepreneur's traits, characteristics and actions are basically behaviors that can be learnt, nurtured, and developed into a business culture, competencies and capabilities for enterprise growth, productivity and competitiveness. Therefore, policy program designs should focus on igniting these behaviors which are already embedded in the minds of the entrepreneurs, and then supporting the strengthening of such behavioral changes for entrepreneurs to effectively participate in GVC in developing economies. (2) Institutional quality defined by the set of rules of the game with the associated governance power matters with respect to equitable wealth distribution and ultimately competitiveness. Findings of this study are being used to inform both the drafting of the National Sugar Bill 'Draft Uganda Sugar Act 2015' and improvement of the regulatory environment of Uganda's Forestry Industry Sector.

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Isaksson, David, and Joshua Laskin. "Environmental Strategy and Competitiveness : An examination of the Swedish construction industry." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Handelshögskolan vid Umeå universitet, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-37976.

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The purpose of this thesis is to study how the process of introducing an environmental strategy has led to competitiveness in the Swedish construction industry. Previous research in the area indicated that there was insufficient empirical evidence in the field and this study hopes to increase the empirical understanding for the relation between the concepts.Research conducted was of qualitative nature and the semi-structured interview was used to gather information from Sweden's three largest construction companies. Managers from the environmental department in the three companies were chosen as respondents and their views on the company's environmental strategy was formed and its relation to competitiveness was captured.The results of the study reviled that the companies have not had a clear relation to competitiveness when developing their environmental strategies and consequently have found it hard to differentiate themselves for their competitors. It was also found that the environmental strategy mainly developed through the pressure of external forces and that there was a lack of internal initiative to include elements of competitiveness into the strategy.

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Harris, Jacqueline Schneider. "Clustering as a strategy for developing the global competitiveness of small wine producers in South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9491.

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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-107).
The environment, in which wine business operate, is the global wine arena. This environment is increasingly complex, competitive and fraught with challenges (Rabobank International, 2003). In addition to managing the changes in supply and demand, the competition is mounting and the challenges are increased by a structural and long-term oversupply that has caused falling prices and margins all round the globe (Rabobank International, 2006). The four recognised and accepted drivers of change for the wine industry are shifting demand; increasing retail power; the increasing impact of brands and increasing competition between wine countries and companies.

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Denton, Michael John 1955. "Market power in electric power markets: Indications of competitiveness in spatial prices for wholesale electricity." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/282522.

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The issue of market delineation and power in the wholesale electric energy market is explored using three separate approaches: two of these are analyses of spatial pricing data to explore the functional size of the markets, and the third is a series of experimental tests of the effects of different cost structures and market mechanisms on oligopoly strength in those markets. An equilibrium model of spatial network competition is shown to yield linear relationships between spatial prices. A data set comprising two years of spatial weekly peak and off-peak prices and weather for 6 locations in the Western States Coordinating Council and the Southwest Power Pool is subjected to a pairwise cointegration analysis. The use of dummy variables to account the the flow directions is found to significantly improve model performance. The second analytical technique utilizes the extraction of principal components from a spatial price correlation matrix to identify the extent of natural markets. One year of daily price observations for eleven locations within the WSCC is compiled and eigenvectors are extracted and subjected to oblique rotation, each of which is then interpreted as representing a separate geographic market. The results show that two distinct natural markets, correlated at 84%, account for over 96% of the variation in the spatial prices in the WSSC. Together, the findings support the assertion that the wholesale electricity market in the Western U.S. is large and highly competitive. The experimental analysis utilizes a radial three node network in which suppliers located at the outer nodes sell to buyers located at the central node. The parameterization captures the salient characteristics of the existing bulk power markets, and includes cyclical demand, transmission losses, as well as fixed and avoidable fixed costs for all agents. Treatments varied the number of sellers, the avoidable fixed cost structures, and the trading mechanism. Results indicated that sealed bid markets greatly reduced the ability of sellers to exert market power. Overall the existence of higher avoidable fixed costs tended to ameliorate market power effects.

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Jordaan, Johan. "The development of a multi-dimensional conceptual framework as an aid to assist in entrepreneurship development." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52510.

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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Entrepreneurship development is recognized worldwide as an important contributor to competitiveness. After many years of economic and political isolation from the world, South Africa dearly needs to develop her competitiveness. A concerted effort towards widespread entrepreneurship development, across the entire economy, may assist in developing competitiveness. Such an effort however demands a multi-institutional approach by government, the private sector and nongovernmental organisations. A crucial requirement for success is the proper coordination of efforts, including a common premise or paradigm from which to operate. This study attempts to assist in this regard by providing a common framework from which to operate. A multi-dimensional conceptual framework is developed to assist in determining what issues are to be addressed in any situation-specific entrepreneurship development intervention. The framework is intended to be a generic framework, facilitating application across industries, enterprises and on different levels of enterprise development. The study, based on an extensive literature study, firstly reviews important literature, with the intention to isolate the dimensions that explain entrepreneurship. Three such dimensions are isolated: the individual, the process, and the context. Within each of these entrepreneurial dimensions, a dominant element is identified. The elements identified are creativity, the venture life cycle and managerial competencies respectively for each dimension. These elements are conceptually integrated into a three-dimensional construct to form a generic multi-dimensional framework. By applying the framework to any enterprise, individual or situation, the crucial attributes needed to be developed can be identified and assessed. This can then aid in constructing an appropriate entrepreneurship development intervention relevant to the situation, and so contribute to a focused development approach to entrepreneurship.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Entrepreneurskap ontwikkeling word wereldwyd erken as 'n bydraende faktor tot kompeterendheid. Na verskeie jare van ekonomiese en politiese isolasie, is dit noodsaaklik vir Suid Afrika om kompeterendheid te verhoog. 'n Doelgerigte poging om entrepreneurskap regoor die totale ekonomie te ontwikkel mag 'n bydrae lewer tot kompeterendheid. So 'n poging sal uiteraard 'n multi-institusionele benadering verg, insluitende die regering, die private sektor, sowel as nie-regerings organisasies. 'n Kritiese vereiste vir sukses is egter die behoorlike koordinering van pogings, insluitende die aanvaarding van 'n gemeenskaplike vertrekpunt of paradigma as basis vir entrepreneurskap ontwikkeling. Hierdie studie poog om 'n bydrae te lewer in hierdie verband deur die ontwikkeling van 'n gemeenskaplike raamwerk. 'n Multi-dimensionele konseptuele raamwerk word ontwikkel om by te dra tot die identifisering van aspekte wat aangespreek behoort te word in situasie-spesifieke entrepreneurskap ontwikkeling intervensies. Hierdie raamwerk is bedoel om 'n generiese raamwerk te wees wat die toepassing daarvan sal vergemaklik oor verskeie industrie heen, asook binne verskeie ondernemings en op verskillende vlakke van ondernemingsontwikkeling. Die studie, wat gebaseer is op 'n omvattende literatuurstudie, verskaf eerstens 'n oorsig oor belangrike literatuur, met die doel om daardie dimensies wat entrepreneurskap verklaar, te isoleer. Drie sulke dimensies word identifiseer: die individu, die proses en die konteks. Binne elk van hierdie entrepreneuriese dimensies word 'n dominante element geidentifiseer. Hierdie elemente is onderskeidelik kreatiwiteit, die lewenssiklus van die onderneming en bestuursbevoegdhede. Hierdie elemente word dan konseptueel geintegreer in 'n driedimensionele konstruk om 'n generiese multi-dimensionele raamwerk te kry. Die toepassing van hierdie raamwerk op 'n onderneming, situasie of persoon het tot gevolg dat daardie spesifieke attribute wat nodig is om entrepreneurskap te bevorder identifiseer kan word. Dit kan 'n bydrae lewer in die ontwikkeling van gepaste entrepreneurskap ontwikkeling intervensies wat relevant is tot die spesifieke situasie onder beskouing. Die resultaat behoort 'n meer gefokusde benadering tot entrepreneurskap te wees.

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Yerkic-Husejnovic, Berina. "Strategies in Outsourcing R&D Processes to Maintain Market Competitiveness." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3734.

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In the 21st century, managing outsourced research and development (R&D) processes is critical to an organization's success. Guided by the logistic outsourcing theory developed by de Boer, Gaytan, and Arroyo, the purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies and processes organizational leaders used to manage outsourced R&D to maintain market competitiveness. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 5 purposefully selected business leaders who were responsible for outsourcing R&D in a single Fortune 500 corporation in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Company records were also gathered as data. Yin's 5-step process for a case study and key words in context analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings included 3 main themes: (a) the outsourcing decision-making process with internal and external constraints, (b) the effectiveness of managing outsourcing services and processes, and (c) the influence of outsourcing on business effectiveness and new products. Findings also indicated no practical system to measure effectiveness of outsourced R&D services on market competitiveness. The lack of measurement effectiveness was due to a lack of processes in place to measure R&D performance and no practical approach to measure impact of R&D on market competitiveness. Findings offered insight into strategies used by business leaders to manage outsourced R&D processes. Findings may also have implications for positive social change such as impacting communities through employment, generating government revenues through taxes, and creating a positive impact on job creation in the industries that promote R&D outsourcing.

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Thurlby, Bob. "Strategic alignment : an approach to the harmonisation of business and information systems strategies." Thesis, Brunel University, 1998. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5551.

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Information Systems are fundamental to both the day to day operations and competitiveness of most organisations. As the rate of change in organisations continues to increase this dependency has become more critical. However methods for determining the Information Systems that an organisation needs have not moved forward to reflect these increases in organisational turbulence and new capabilities offered by Information Technology. Strategic Alignment is proposed as a new method for Information Systems Planning which recognises the dynamic role of Information Systems as an agent of change and to enable organisations to model and determine how Information Systems can be exploited to improve and transform Business Strategies. Important innovations in the method are incorporation of feedback to ensure that analysis of the interaction of the Information Systems and Business objects within the model is bidirectional. Also that the development of an Information Systems Plan is a complex process which has to be modular. This enables it to incorporate existing results and information where applicable and to deliver its results incrementally. The Strategic Alignment Method has been developed from extensive research which used the Electricity Supply Industry as the source of information because it was facing immense change after its privatisation. As a result detailed case study material is presented as well as the Strategic Alignment Methodology. Maintenance of an Information Systems Plan is also addressed. Once an Information Systems Plan is produced, its implementation can take a number of years. During this time the changes in Business Strategy and Information Systems capability will change. Strategic Alignment proposes methods that will ensure the ongoing harmonisation of the Strategies during the implementation of the plan. The practical nature of the research is reflected in the Addendum which describes the work that has been done to incorporate Strategic Alignment into ICL's services methodology and to train ICL Consultants in its use.

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Nicholson, John D. "An inductive investigation into relationships between geographically co-located actors : the contribution of relationship marketing to regional competitiveness." Thesis, University of Hull, 2010. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:2486.

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This thesis is grounded in the discipline of marketing and draws, substantively, on literature from within the regarded sub-discipline of relationship marketing. However, the literature drawn upon is firmly interdisciplinary, drawing heavily on theories from economic geography. The crucial construct drawn from this outwith literature is that of geographic co- location, the phenomenon of geographic proximity between businesses and other organisations. This thesis isolates and defines two modes of regional marketing activity, a defensive and an offensive variant. It is to the defensive variant that this thesis makes contributions by proposing a macro theory of relevant marketing geography, a regional relationship lifecycle that examines the notion of loyalty to a region and a competence-based view of regional relationship marketing activity between co-located actors. The conclusions and models presented here mark the first thesis in the discipline of marketing examining the contribution of the marketing discipline to regional competitiveness. The thesis also deploys a novel methodology within the marketing discipline to understand the research phenomena in time and space, and in terms of agency and structure. The methodology developed for, and deployed in, this thesis is based on Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration.

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Sum, Vichet. "THE IMPACT OF TRAINING AND ITS INTEGRATION IN THE FIRM'S BUSINESS STRATEGIES ON THE FIRM'S COMPETITIVENESS." Available to subscribers only, 2009. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1967978701&sid=6&Fmt=2&clientId=1509&RQT=309&VName=PQD.

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Ok, Seok-Jae. "An empirical study of impact of EDI on shippers' competitiveness and business performance in South Korea." Thesis, Cardiff University, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.284784.

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Sörendal, Fredrik, Anders Berg, and Jörgen Fransson. "Competitiveness in the Music Industry : A study of the Swedish Music Companies." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, Business Administration, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-730.

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Cruz, Albert P. "Knowledge sharing and competitiveness of professional service firms: A case study." ScholarWorks, 2011. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/903.

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The problem addressed in this study is that little action is taken to create the social aspects and social value of knowledge-sharing culture within organizations. There is a need for increased understanding of the behavioral side of knowledge management. The purpose of this study was to focus on knowledge sharing from a behavioral perspective. Knowledge management is defined as the accumulation, protection, and leverage of knowledge. This research study investigated the relationship between knowledge sharing and competitiveness and approached the field of knowledge management from the organizational, cultural, and behavioral perspectives. The research questions examined how knowledge workers described the parameters and conditions of knowledge sharing, as well as the relationship between knowledge sharing and competitiveness of professional service firms. The overall research design employed three focus groups and individual interviews of a selected professional service firm. Similarity and commonalities of data from interviews were color coded and labeled. Field notes, handouts, and a qualitative research computer program were used to triangulate data. Results of the study generated and established five specific categories. The categories of spiritual essence of business, believability and openness, and ethical responsibility present the mind and spiritual connection to enhance the value of knowledge sharing as a factor for competitiveness. In addition, the categories of whole brain learning and connectivity are context for creating a learning organization. The implications for social change include a clearer understanding of knowledge sharing which can increase organizational competitiveness. The effect of the added competitiveness of professional service firms can result in enhancing economic and social value of their key stakeholders.

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Löfgren, Angelika. "International network competitiveness : Technical and foreign market knowledge development in international SME networks." Doctoral thesis, Handelshögskolan i Stockholm, Institutionen för Marknadsföring och strategi, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-29182.

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How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) compete over time within international networks? This thesis takes a stance in that business network relationships are essential for international SMEs as such networks can provide knowledge and learning opportunities. International network competitiveness is, in this thesis, introduced as a concept that captures SMEs long term performance, resulting from the firms being competitive within international business networks. This thesis thereafter proposes that an analytical framework of International network competitiveness, can promote the study of SMEs' long term performance within international networks. The thesis subsequently acknowledges that SMEs frequently need to develop a combination of technical- and foregin market knowledge so as to stay competitive within international networks. In fact, technical knowledge development is central for an increasingly wider selection of firms, not only high tech firms. By investigating the function of co-innovation (innovation together with network partners), for the proposed components of international network competitiveness, the thesis demonstrate that innovation has intriguing and central functions for the international network competitiveness of SMEs.

Diss. Stockholm : Stockholm School of Economics, 2014. Introduction together with 4 articles. At the time of the disputation the articles had the status accepted

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Rodriguez, Martinez Alejandro. "A translation of competitiveness and its global implications : comparison of Brazil and Mexico under the lens of the Global Competitiveness Report." Thesis, Gotland University, Institutionen för humaniora och samhällsvetenskap, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hgo:diva-418.

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The importance of the tasks performed by international organizations is increasing at the global level and the discourse used is the one of progress and development. The aim of this thesis is to introduce a new approach regarding the discussions of development in terms of competitiveness and transnational governance by discussing these subjects within the same framework. The empirical findings are focused on the main organizations contributing with different translations of competitiveness and the tools used to measure it, such as nation rankings. In addition, findings stress how within development theory, the concept of competitiveness has become quite popular in media and among policy makers, presidents, prime ministers, scholars and the like. Some of these actors use the term quite loosely and without a further and deeper understanding of the concept, while others endeavor on contributing with different definitions. The World Economic Forum and its Global Competitiveness Index has become if not the most, one out of the two more mentioned and used indexes measuring competitiveness of nations. The GCI is used in this paper to compare two economies in the Latin-American region: Brazil and Mexico, since for a long time Mexico was depicted as a more competitive economy, but in the latest years Brazil has managed, within the GCI perspective, to be depicted as more competitive. The final result of the comparison and what nations should do to be more competitive within the Latin American region is in line with what academics have already discussed. But the main contribution of this thesis is the analysis of the popularity of rankings developed by international organizations, and at the same time, what traits of transnational governance can one identify in such trend, being these rankings an attractive tool to spread free-market ideologies in order to develop a global order.

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Modimodale, Lloyd. "ICT and SMEs competitiveness in South Afirca : how SMEs could use ICT to become competitive in South Africa." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2008. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-08272008-111005.

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Law, Kwai-sun Jeffrey, and 羅貴申. "Ways of enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong as a regional logistics hub." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2005. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B45014176.

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Njokweni, Thobela. "Increasing competitiveness through the enhancement of logistics processes in the South African automotive industry." Thesis, Port Elizabeth Technikon, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/418.

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Logistics has become one of the automotive industry's most crucial sub-sectors. Previously, logistics had to step aside to make way for production considerations. Today it is regarded as being every bit as crucial as production in the global village. Advancement of logistics in South Africa is crucial because original equipment manufacturers are producing to developed world standards but are having to cope with low developing world logistics standards. The logistics processes that need to be enhanced in order for the South African automotive industry to be more competitive were investigated. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that has been identified dealt with logistics processes that will enhance the competitive advantage of the South African automotive industry. The second sub-problems looked at key logistics opportunities and threats to the environment in which South African motor manufactures trade. They were investigated by assessing the nature of the South African motor manufacturing industry. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated conclusions that can be arrived at concerning the appropriateness and strategic value of the analysis.

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Lee, Angie Lay Kiok. "The impact of foreign direct investment upon parent companies' competitiveness : an empirical study on Singaporean industrial multinational enterprises." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1993. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21335.

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Academic research on foreign direct investment (FDI) has concentrated primarily on its motives and means of market entry. In contrast, comparatively little work has examined the impact of FDI upon an investing firm, and of this, the focus has in the main concentrated on just one dimension, namely the impact upon its financial performance. This study argues for the need to incorporate non-financial measures such as the impact of FDI upon an investing MNE's performance in key functional areas that include its technology, production, marketing, human resource and procurement management. It also argues for the need to assess the impact of FDI through detailed case studies on individual MNEs. It presents empirical evidence gathered from three Singaporean industrial MNEs: Yeo Hiap Seng Limited, Wearnes Brothers Limited and Times Publishing Limited. The findings confirm that the diversity of environments which they are exposed to, provides them with multiple stimuli and subsequently allows them to develop capabilities and learning opportunities not open to domestic firms. The findings also strongly suggest that all the three case companies see the current losses incurred by their overseas subsidiaries as part of the price they are willing to pay in order to achieve their long-range corporate goals. Indeed, despite suffering from poor financial returns from their FDI, all of them regard their foreign operations as "successful" in marketing and/or technical terms. In other words, this study refutes the body of literature (i.e. explanations of FDI based on economics) which suggests that a firm will undertake FDI particularly only in those countries where it perceives the highest gain in financial returns. Conversely, this study suggests that a firm's choice of foreign market entry mode will depend on its strategic motives for overseas expansion. It also strongly suggests that MNEs are willing to accept trade-offs (e.g. short-term profits) for their long-term corporate goals (e.g. to establish an integrated manufacturing and marketing network in their major markets and/or increase overseas market share). Lastly, this study provides conclusive empirical evidence to demonstrate that the performance of an MNE's particular overseas investment and its impact upon the parent company's competitiveness has significant influence upon its subsequent FDI decisions and characteristics.

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Wyer, Peter. "The effects of varying forms and degrees of government intervention upon the effective competitiveness of UK small businesses." Thesis, Aston University, 1990. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/10868/.

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This doctoral thesis responds to the need for greater understanding of small businesses and their inherent unique problem-types. Integral to the investigation is the theme that for governments to effectively influence small business, a sound understanding of the factors they are seeking to influence is essential. Moreover, the study, in its recognition of the many shortcomings in management research and, in particular that the research methods and approaches adopted often fail to give adequate understanding of issues under study, attempts to develop an innovative and creative research approach. The aim thus being to produce, not only advances in small business management knowledge from the standpoints of government policy makers and `lq recipient small business, but also insights into future potential research method for the continued development of that knowledge. The origins of the methodology lay in the non-acceptance of traditional philosophical positions in epistemology and ontology, with a philosophical standpoint of internal realism underpinning the research. Internal realism presents the basis for the potential co-existence of qualitative and quantitative research strategy and underlines the crucial contributory role of research method in provision of ultimate factual status of the assertions of research findings. The concept of epistemological bootstrapping is thus used to develop a `lq partial research framework to foothold case study research, thereby avoiding limitations of objectivism and brute inductivism. The major insights and issues highlighted by the `lq bootstrap, guide the researcher around the participant case studies. A novel attempt at contextualist (linked multi-level and processual) analysis was attempted in the major in-depth case study, with two further cases playing a support role and contributing to a balanced emphasis of empirical research within the context of time constraints inherent within part-time research.

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Maykels, Paul. "Does further education mean business? : an investigation into the impact leaders of colleges of further education in England believe their organisations contribute towards business competitiveness." Thesis, University of Bolton, 2015. http://ubir.bolton.ac.uk/849/.

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Over £40 billion is invested annually in the United Kingdom by employers on business training and skills development in order to enhance the skills of the workforce and add competitive value to organisations. 216 general further education colleges in England, along with other public and private training providers contribute significantly towards this skills and training development. However, there is relatively little research that has been undertaken into investigating the impact leaders of further education colleges in England believe their organisations contribute towards business competitiveness. Within this thesis, a literature review prepares the way for new research on this topic through exploring theory on themes such as the nature of organisations, human capital, leadership and management and staff development. An analysis of research methodology on topics such as knowledge, ethics and mixed methods leads to a research design suitable for this investigation. Learning takes place throughout the research process. A pilot study provides the opportunity to revise questioning, understand and uncover topics of importance to leaders of further education colleges prior to the main research phase. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of respondents’ feedback along with face to face discussions provides first-hand information to develop a theoretical model for the flow of further education skills delivery leading to business competitiveness. It is proposed that contributions to knowledge and practice are made through the refinement of a theoretical research model which has the ability to be practically utilised across the sector, as well as the potential for adaptation at a further education college level. Additional contributions to knowledge and practice are also proposed. Incremental learning is uncovered through a staged and reflective approach to research which leads to discovery of poor stakeholder communications and a lack of impact measurement issues across the sector. Recommendations for practical improvements include more effective dialogue and stronger partnerships between stakeholders; potential for long-term cross-party planning and direction for the sector; and consideration of a consistent, national impact measure for the provision of further education college training to businesses. Limitations of the research are discussed and recommendations for further work considered, including widening the population feedback, sharing the research with the sector to further clarify or challenge the findings, as well as using elements within this research for others to build upon and further widen the field of knowledge on this and related topics.

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Pina, Katia Oliveira. "Into the black box of Knowledge Intensive Business Services : understanding the knowledge bases, innovation and competitiveness of KIBS." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2016. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/into-the-black-box-of-knowledge-intensive-business-services-understanding-the-knowledge-bases-innovation-and-competitiveness-of-kibs(6e9139fc-5a82-4378-88bd-5712d2aeef5b).html.

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This dissertation focuses on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS). It aims to understand what these businesses are and to examine variety among them. In seeking to understand their diversity, I focus especially on the ‘knowledge bases’ at the core of their activities. The dissertation is based on three complementary studies. The first is a systematic review of the literature on KIBS. This is based primarily on a review of 130 carefully selected, relevant articles, and focuses on three questions: how are KIBS defined? how do KIBS compete? and how do KIBS innovate? The review shows that: (i) the literature is fragmented; most research does not build substantially on previous methods or findings; and (ii) while evidently heterogeneous, most of the literature has overlooked variety among KIBS. I also highlight what still needs to be known about KIBS.The second and third papers then focus on variety among KIBS, by classifying them according to their ‘knowledge bases’. In the first of these papers, I classify KIBS according to their primary knowledge bases, following the SAS Model, which identifies three: ‘analytical knowledge’, ‘synthetic knowledge’ and ‘symbolic knowledge’. Firms in three KIBS sectors: ‘architecture and engineering consultancy’; ‘specialist design’; and ‘computer and IT services’ are classified by their primary knowledge base according to information drawn from company websites. I then relate this classification to firm behaviour with respect to innovation, finding differences by primary knowledge base in the nature of the investments firms make to innovate, and in their propensities to innovate. In the second of the papers which relates ‘knowledge bases’ to KIBS, I develop the ‘knowledge bases’ approach conceptually, methodologically and empirically. Conceptually, I identify a hitherto unrecognised knowledge base: ‘compliance knowledge’. This relates to the knowledge of, and to interpretations of, laws and regulations. This knowledge base does not fit with any of the existing SAS types. Methodologically, I extract fuller information from company websites, and develop more sophisticated approaches to measurement, which allows multiple knowledge bases to be present in any one firm. Empirically, I successfully identify ‘compliance knowledge’, alongside ‘analytical’ and ‘symbolic knowledge’. I show that these are unevenly distributed across KIBS industries, including ‘advertising and design’, ‘architecture’, ‘engineering consultancy’ and ‘market research’, but importantly there is no one-to-one mapping between knowledge bases and industries. I discuss the implications of this, including for understanding the diversification of KIBS. This dissertation therefore contributes conceptually, methodologically and empirically to both understanding variety among KIBS and to the ‘knowledge bases’ literature.

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Minko, D. S. "Additional service and business jurisdiction as one of the key elements of increasing competitiveness of real estate agencies." Thesis, Sumy State University, 2017. http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/64865.

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The relevance of the research is due to intense changes in the real estate market in Ukraine and as result is determined by the fact, that Ukraine is in decline of development of real estate agencies. This situation occurs due to different problems. Firstly, rapid market decline is under the general economic crisis pressure and reducing of purchasing capacity. Another one is an ability to buy, sale or rent the property without any help of a real estate agent. In such conditions real estate agencies should do their best to change situation. One of the ways to solve the problem is using traditional and additional services, business jurisdictions in complex which allow increasing the competitiveness of real estate agencies in precarious conditions of Ukraine.

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Makubalo, Gcobisa. "Improving indirect purchasing competitiveness in manufacturing firms through strategic purchasing." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1653.

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The advent of the global financial recession, its impact on the economy with respect to market turbulence and the increase in customer demands have put organisations under intense pressure to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. By virtue of it not being business as usual in the business arena, organisations are forced to constantly devise strategies that are geared towards growth, transformation and continuous improvement. This cuts across all spheres of organisational structures, which means that every division has a role to play.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Business competitiveness'

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