scholarly journals Internationalization of China’s medical device industry: a case study in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Menoncin de Carvalho Pereira ◽  
Mario Henrique Ogasavara
Keyword(s):  
Medical Device ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Uppsala Model ◽  
Institutional Differences ◽  
Drug Eluting

Purpose The singularity of being the first Chinese manufacturer of drug-eluting stents to arrive in Brazil and the country being selected as the company's first experience outside its home country motivated the interest in the study of this case, vis-à-vis with the characteristic of internationalization medical device companies according to the Uppsala model. Considering this context, the following research question was outlined: “How did Microport internationalize before the distribution of its stents product in Brazil?” The aim of the study is to investigate Microport's internationalization process for the distribution of its drug-eluting stents in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research under the qualitative method was adopted. It chose the single case study as a procedure for data collection, as it is a revealing, exemplary subject that offers opportunities for access to unusual research. The company MicroPort was chosen because in the period when Chinese medical device companies were focused on gaining market share in China, MicroPort began its international expansion, choosing Brazil as the first country to have its own subsidiary. It consists in the case of the internationalization of a high-tech EMNE in an emerging country that has institutional and cultural differences. Findings Taking advantage of new technology in highly internationalized environments favors its insertion; the internationalization of medical technology can expand according to the Uppsala Model, which does not explain internationalization, but rather its evolution. Cultural and behavioral issues reinforce that the development of the market for medical devices depends on local perspectives and values. The formation of an ecosystem in the local market for internationalization is observed. One implication of the study is that MicroPort's experience and the application of the Uppsala model for international expansion can serve as an important learning experience for Brazilian multinational companies. Research limitations/implications Empirical analysis carried out in the context of a single company. Although the results can be used as lessons learned from the application of the Uppsala model for international expansion of EMNE in an emerging market, caution should be exercised when generalizing its findings. Future studies could carry out comparative cases considering other emerging multinational companies, from the same sector or even from different industries, investing in other emerging markets. There is a limitation of the fact that the case studied does not explore the concepts of the later stages of the Uppsala model. Practical implications High-tech EMNEs internationalizing in other markets need to adopt aggressive strategies. The need to adopt different strategies for supply chain operations according to the specificities of the markets in which they operate. Important contributions to the Uppsala model, with regard to the process of passing stages, learning and networking. The findings of this study have similarities to the process described as a sequence of distinct phases of activities. Social implications A local top management team is essential to deal with institutional issues of government agencies when EMNE is internationalized in a culturally distant market. When there are major institutional differences between the country of origin and the host country, the autonomy in the management of the foreign subsidiary positively influences the acceleration of the internationalization process of companies in the high-tech sector. When there are major institutional differences between the country of origin and the country of destination, the use of local social networks positively influences the acceleration of the internationalization process of companies in the high-technology sector. Originality/value Regardless of these limitations, the study provided an exciting case of internationalization of a Chinese company in Brazil operating in a high-tech medical sector. The challenges for the internationalization of EMNEs continue, which makes it opportune for future studies to include more research in this area. The propositions suggested in the study may be the first step.

Towards a taxonomy of intergenerational knowledge transfer practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91
Author(s):  
Kerstin Kuyken ◽  
Mehran Ebrahimi ◽  
Anne-Laure Saives
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Younger Workers ◽  
Intergenerational Knowledge

Purpose This paper aims to develop a better understanding of intergenerational knowledge transfer (IKT) practices by adopting a context-related and comparative perspective. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study design involving 83 interviews and non-participative observation in German and Quebec organizations has been chosen. Findings Two distinctive archetypes of IKT emerge from both national contexts: “we-individualizing” (Germany) and “I-connecting” (Quebec), leading to an eightfold taxonomy of IKT practices. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to young and senior workers and to high-tech sectors. Originality/value Comparative and inductive study of IKT, adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts, retaining younger workers. This inductive and comparative study allows a better adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts and therefore a better retention of younger workers.

Lenovo’s successful acquisition of the IBM PC Division

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 32-35
Author(s):  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Tablet Computers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Economy ◽  
The Us ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Traditional Manufacturing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze Lenovo’s successful acquisition of IBM’s PC division using Ghemawat’s (2001) CAGE framework. It was an acquisition that was so full of symbols that it is difficult to know where to begin. Lenovo’s purchase of IBM in 2005 was first seen as a sign of the rapid growth and expansion of the Chinese economy and its transformation away from the traditional manufacturing base to more high-tech areas. For doomsday merchants in the land of Uncle Sam, it foretold the end of the world domination of the US economy. Despite a considerable number of skeptics at the time, Lenovo was clearly up to the task. Such was the success of the acquisition that by 2015, Lenovo could claim to have grown into the world’s number 1 PC maker, number 3 smartphone manufacturer and number 3 in the production of tablet computers. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a case study. Findings Despite a considerable number of skeptics at the time, Lenovo was clearly up to the task. Such was the success of the acquisition that by 2015, Lenovo could claim to have grown into the world’s number 1 PC maker, number 3 smartphone manufacturer and number 3 in the production of tablet computers. Indeed, by 2014, the firm had enough confidence to add the IBM server business to its portfolio. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The impact of business networks on foreign subsidiaries development

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-443
Author(s):  
Enrico Baraldi ◽  
Francesco Ciabuschi ◽  
Olof Lindahl ◽  
Andrea Perna ◽  
Gian Luca Gregori
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Automatic Control Systems ◽  
Industrial Networks ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore two specific areas pertaining to industrial networks and international business (IB). First, the authors look at how business relationships influence the internationalization in time, from the establishment of the first subsidiary in a foreign market to the following ones, and in space, that is, across different markets. Second, the authors investigate how an increasing external network dependence of subsidiaries in their internationalization may cause a detachment of a subsidiary from the mother company as its knowledge becomes insufficient to guide a subsidiary’s internationalization. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilizes an exploratory, longitudinal, single-case study of Loccioni – a manufacturer of measuring and automatic control systems for industrial customers – to illustrate the specific dynamics of the influences of industrial networks on the internationalization of subsidiaries. Findings The case study helps to elucidate the roles, entailing also free will and own initiative, of small suppliers’ subsidiaries which operate inside several global factories, and how “surfing” on many different global factories, by means of several local subsidiaries, actually supports these suppliers’ own international developments. This notion adds to our understanding of the global factory phenomenon a supplier focus that stresses how the role of suppliers is not merely that of being passive recipients of activities and directions from a focal orchestrating firm, but can also be that of initiative-takers themselves. Originality/value The paper contributes to the IMP tradition by providing a multi-layered and geographically more fine-grained view of the network embedding companies that operate on internationalized markets. This paper thereby sheds light on a less investigated area of research within the IMP tradition: the link between internationalization in different countries and the interconnectedness between the industrial networks spanning these countries. At the same time, this paper contributes to IB theories by showing how a late-internationalizing SME can enter highly international markets by “plugging into” several established “Global Factories” as a way to exploit further opportunities for international expansion.

RE-engineered factory acceptance testing under the new normal

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanduni Peiris ◽  
Nayanthara De Silva
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Acceptance Testing ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Physical Touch ◽  
Two Stages

Purpose Factory acceptance testing (FAT) in the construction industry has been severely hampered due to restrictions in cross-border travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, virtual FAT (vFAT) became a popular substitute for physical FAT. However, the credibility of vFAT is being questioned because it was adopted without much scrutiny. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating vFATs and re-engineering the FAT process to suit an effective vFAT environment.Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature search on FAT procedures was followed by two stages of expert interviews with eight leading subject experts and a case study. The findings were analysed using code-based content analysis on NVivo software.Findings Strengths of vFATs include “reduction in cost and time consumed”, “flexibility for more participants” and “faster orders”. Most emphasized weaknesses include “lack of reliability” and “lack of technology transfer”. vFAT has mostly increased test reliability by “improving accessibility” and has decreased reliability by “restricting physical touch and feel observation of the equipment”. A four-step vFAT process was developed with a noteworthy additional step called “Pre-FAT Meeting”.Research limitations/implications The scope of this study is limited to the Sri Lankan construction industry. Expansion of the geographical area of focus is recommended for future studies.Originality/value The findings of this study unveil a vFAT process, which is timely and beneficial for construction practitioners to optimize and enhance the effectiveness of vFATs which are currently conducted in a disarranged manner.

Successful approaches for implementing additive manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-148
Author(s):  
Robert Martens ◽  
Susan K. Fan ◽  
Rocky J. Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Qualitative Multiple Case Study

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to explore the successful strategies that managers of light and high-tech small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the Netherlands, use to adopt additive manufacturing (AM) technology into their business models.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, multiple-case study approach was used. The participants for this study consisted of executive-level managers of light and high-tech manufacturing companies in the Netherlands. Company documents were studied, and individual interviews were undertaken with participants to gain an understanding of the strategies they used to adopt AM technology into their business models.FindingsThree significant themes emerged from the data analysis: identify business opportunities for AM technology, experiment with AM technology and embed AM technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study could be of advantage to industry leaders and manufacturing managers who are contemplating to adopt AM in their business models.Originality/valueThis study may contribute to the further proliferation of AM technology. Industry leaders may also gain a clearer understanding of the effects of 3DP on local employment. The results of the study may also work as a catalyst for increased awareness for manufacturing firm leaders who have not yet considered the opportunities and threats AM technology presents to their organizations.

Project risk planning in high-tech new product development

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Ayala-Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
New Product ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Project Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Risk Management Framework ◽  
Project Risks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the implementation and testing of a modified project risk management framework that integrates PMI’s framework with Monte Carlo simulation to improve the effectiveness in high-tech new product development (NPD) projects. Design/methodology/approach The modified framework considers three bodies of knowledge: project management, risk management, and Monte Carlo simulation to produce an enhance project risk management framework. Its application is shown through a case study. Findings Using the integrated framework in a recent case study project and prior NPD projects measures (as benchmarks), it was shown that it could help to enhance risk responses caused by task durations and costs’ uncertainties. The framework proved to be better than segregated generic best practices and was key in providing insight to the issue of early project risk assessment. Research limitations/implications More experimental replications are required for enhancement effectiveness assertions of the framework, through the application of the framework to similar case studies. Furthermore, this could improve its reliability and soundness. Practical implications Future directions for research could include case and empirical studies that include hypothesis’s testing, and the integration of optimization procedure for improved NPD project’s planning and execution. Originality/value This paper outlines a way to close the gap of project risks management planning in NPD’s initiatives. It was motivated by a relatively new tendency in exploring integrated frameworks to deal with complex project risks issues.

Renewable energy market SMEs: antecedents of internationalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-447
Author(s):  
Agnes Asemokha ◽  
Ali Ahi ◽  
Lasse Torkkeli ◽  
Sami Saarenketo
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Market ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Empirical Context ◽  
Environmental Level

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide a foundational understanding of the internationalization of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the context of renewable energy markets. The focus is on exploring and identifying the managerial-, firm- and environmental-level antecedents to their international expansion, which also furthers the understanding of the distinct SME’s internationalization context within the renewable energy market. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a qualitative multiple case study approach in a Finnish SME context and identifies the antecedents’ relative prominence at the managerial, firm and environmental levels. Findings The findings indicate that, although internationalization antecedents of renewable energy SMEs differ owing to market forces such as trends, networks and changing regulatory policies, they share antecedents similar to those of SMEs in other industries. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this study is its single-country home market empirical context. Future studies should expand analysis to different regulatory and regional environments. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, there are few studies that explore the antecedents of SMEs’ internationalization, especially in the renewable energy market context. Hence, this study contributes to the international business and entrepreneurship literature by illustrating the fundamental managerial-, firm- and environmental-level antecedents to the internationalization of SMEs operating in the renewable energy business. In addition, it highlights the peculiarities of renewable energy SMEs’ internationalization, suggesting that extant research on SMEs’ internationalization has not adequately captured the intricacies present in the internationalization of renewable energy enterprises.

scholarly journals Multiple stakeholders and B2B branding in emerging markets

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Tarnovskaya ◽  
Galina Biedenbach
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Brand Value ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Managers ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
Brand Strategies ◽  
B2b Branding

Purpose The main purpose of this study is to investigate perceptions about and contributing activities to business-to-business (B2B) brand value by corporate managers and local stakeholders in the context of emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach The case study examines brand strategies of a multinational company in the high-tech industry. By using NVIVO, this research analyses the brand narratives by corporate managers of Axis Communications in Sweden and local stakeholders in Russia, Brazil and India. The study evaluates perceptions about brand value and contributing activities emphasized by corporate managers, local managers, local partners and local end-customers. Findings The findings demonstrate that corporate managers underutilize contributing activities by local managers and other local stakeholders, despite these activities being central to enhancing brand value. This research provides insights into how corporate and local managers can develop successful brand strategies in emerging markets. Consequently, a general typology of contributing activities to B2B brand value by local stakeholders is proposed. Originality/value The company-centred approach to B2B branding stresses the importance of unique components of brand value and their consistent communication to multiple stakeholders. Prior studies provide limited evidence on how various stakeholders perceive brand value and enhance it through their contributing activities. Following the stakeholder-encompassing approach, this study advances branding research by examining perceptions about and contributing activities to B2B brand value by corporate managers and local stakeholders in a cross-cultural setting. Future studies are recommended to apply a stakeholder-encompassing approach in developed and transition economies and considering other relevant groups of stakeholders.

scholarly journals No strings attached? Challenges and successes in creating a flexible, wire-free active learning classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian (Jill) D. Ellern ◽  
Heidi E. Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Classroom ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper serves as a case study, detailing an academic library’s three-year process of redesigning, implementing, and using a library electronic classroom. The purpose of this paper is to share the challenges and successes of a library’s attempt to create a high-tech space that both accommodates active learning and is entirely flexible and free of wires. The paper provides technical details for implementing features such as wireless screen sharing and offers practical advice for librarians who are creating new teaching and learning spaces at their institutions. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive case study, which details the lessons learned in implementing an active learning space that incorporates technology such as wireless display to multiple screens. Findings There are still major challenges in having a truly wire-free classroom including authentication policies, wireless display technology, instructor’s station mobility, and student laptop control. Successes include flexible furniture, battery-power management solutions, and using multiple wireless devices in a single room. Practical implications Practical implications of this paper include recommendations for planning this type of upgrade in a library electronic classroom. Originality/value The unique feature of this case was the effort to combine the mobile features of a flexible learning space with some of the robust technology of a hardwired active learning classroom. This paper features technical details beyond what can be found in the library literature. For example, very little has been written about the issues involved in wirelessly displaying a computer screen to multiple devices in a classroom.

Identifying international market opportunities: the case of Italian companies in Egypt

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Caiazza
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Difference ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Market ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Southern Mediterranean ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences and relations between Italy and Egypt and to identify main risks and opportunities for Italian firms that aim to operate in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a qualitative analysis realized through some semi-structured questionnaire and a case study. Findings – High cultural difference, legal uncertainty and administrative instability are main problems in internationalization process of Italian firms in Egypt. Despite these problems, Italian firms still invest in Egypt because of economic opportunities and possible interactions. Originality/value – While interest towards Southern Mediterranean countries is increasing, there is little written on this topic. This article aims to fill the gap in literature on internationalization in emerging markets.

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