Emerging multinationals investing in developed countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selena Aureli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Alessandro Dragoni
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Joint Stock Company ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Stock Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Phase

Purpose The aim of this work is to investigate the key factors that lead to a successful deal in the case of acquisitions of Western companies by multinationals from emerging countries (EMNCs). Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a qualitative paradigm and uses a case study method as a tool of analysis. The case concerns Fondalmec, an Italian unlisted medium-sized joint stock company. The company was acquired in 2007 by the Indian multinational Endurance. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and integrated with secondary data retrieved from relevant documents such as annual reports prepared before and after the acquisition. Findings Research findings show that EMNCs have some country-specific characteristics, which should be adequately assessed and realigned to the characteristics of the host country and targets’ resources during both the evaluation phase and the integration process. Research limitations/implications The research limitation is attributed to there being only one case study analysis. Practical implications The study recommends examining the country of origin of the acquirer and suggests EMNCs’ managers to prefer a “light-touch” integration of Western target companies to gain access to their intangible assets and achieve success. Originality/value This work differs from much of the existing literature on mergers and acquisitions because it focuses on EMNCs and analyses the target company together with the buyer and their post-operative development strategy. Furthermore, it is one of the few empirical research studies on non-listed companies, which are often overlooked given the greater difficulty of accessing data.

Framing the role of higher education in sustainable development: a case study analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanna Elmassah ◽  
Marwa Biltagy ◽  
Doaa Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) should play a fundamental role in achieving the international 2030 sustainable development (SD) agenda. Quality education is the fourth of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and one of the targets related to this is to ensure that by 2030 all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote SD. Therefore, the SDGs provide a motive for HEIs to integrate SD concepts into their day-to-day practices. This study aims to introduce a framework for HEIs’ sustainable development assessment. Such a framework guides HEIs and educational leaders to support their countries’ commitments to achieving the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of a case study analysis of the role and successful techniques of HEIs in achieving SD in three countries, namely, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Primary data was collected by semi-structured interviews with three Cairo University officials, while secondary data was collected by reviewing the universities' official websites, reports, publications and related papers. This study introduces a novel framework for HEIs' SD analysis and assessment, which guides HEIs and educational leaders to support SD to fulfill their countries' commitments to achieving the SDGs. This framework is based on the following five categories: strategic direction and institutional working practices, supporting students, supporting university staff competencies, supporting society's stakeholders and networking and sustainable campus. Consideration is given to the potential role of HEIs to support SD in each of these areas. Findings Cairo University could learn from the novel and pioneer practices of the Leuphana University of Lüneburg, and the University of Tokyo to fill in the gaps it has in different roles. It can also put more effort into adopting the suggested higher education programs of Egypt's Vision 2030. Research limitations/implications This paper is limited to a case analysis comparing three countries, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Second, this study has not considered school education, which is equally essential in countries' SD. Practical implications HEIs can use the framework and the findings in this paper to evaluate their current roles in supporting SD, identify the gaps and take actions accordingly to address their weaknesses. Originality/value The paper compares three universities, one in each of the case study countries. It draws conclusions that identify ways in which the paper's framework and findings can guide SD practice in HEIs internationally, especially those in the developing world.

Three stages of entrepreneurial orientation: the founder’s role

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torbjörn Ljungkvist ◽  
Börje Boers ◽  
Joachim Samuelsson
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the development of the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) over time by taking a founder’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on an in-depth single-case study. It combines semi-structured interviews in the company with archival data, such as annual reports, press clips and interviews in business magazines. Findings The results indicate that the EO dimensions change from being personalized and directly solution-oriented to being intangible value-creation-oriented. Originality/value By suggesting ownership-based EO configurations, this study contributes insights into how different ownership forms propel EO. These configurations – that is, personal, administrative based and intangible focused – show the impact of the EO dimensions and provide a systematic and theoretical understanding of EO change over time.

scholarly journals Technology innovation in the Nigerian banking system: prospects and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeku Salihu Ohiani
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Technology Innovation ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nigerian Banking

Purpose The banking system in Nigeria is gradually moving away from transactions “across the counter” to the fingertips of the customers with the adoption of modern technology. However, every development comes with its “pros and cons” because as technology innovation has improved service delivery and profitability of banks in Nigeria, crimes are also at a high side. To activating the minds of bank operators about the importance of technology adoption and its shortcomings, this paper aims to examine the prospects and challenges of technology innovation in the Nigerian banking system. Design/methodology/approach Secondary data were retrieved from the annual reports of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) from 2013 to 2017 to know the interaction between e-banking platforms and performance of banks in Nigeria. The study administered a questionnaire to the bank customers in Lagos Island, Nigeria to understand their perception towards e-banking. This study is anchored on prospect theory to ascertain the risk orientation of the Nigerian banks regarding how they adopt technology and reasoned action theory to understand the intention of bank customers in using the opportunities of e-banking copiously. Findings The findings of this study reveal the migration from cheques to electronic related transactions. It further indicates a high rate of fraud committed through those channels. The analysis of primary data shows that innovation adoption, service quality, cybercrime have significant relationship with the competitiveness of banks, the intention of bank customers, and perception of customers towards online services. However, the rate of frauds does not have significant relationship with the usage of mobile banking products which further studies can critically examine. Originality/value This study has revealed available huge potentials in the e-banking that are yet to be used in Nigeria. However, consumer orientation needs to be worked on, because, customers still have the fear that cybercrime is mostly committed via e-banking platforms. Unlike in developed countries whereby quite good numbers of customers make use of e-banking platforms, majority of bank customers in Nigeria still prefer using manual methods and the world is already on the verge of moving into 5 G from 4 G.

scholarly journals “Dominance by birthright”? Reconfiguration of firm boundaries to acquire new resources and capabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (9) ◽  
pp. 1888-1907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Hooi Chan ◽  
David Reiner
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Firm Boundaries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biofuel Industry ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine pre-entry resources and capabilities (R&Cs) of de alio and de novo entrants in an emerging industry. Then, the authors investigate how entrants modify their firm boundaries, after entering a new industry, to acquire the R&Cs deemed critical to be competitive and survive in the industry. Design/methodology/approach The analysis uses the global biofuel industry as a case study. The authors use multiple sets of data, including primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders and experts across major biofuel-producing countries as well as quantitative data from industry reports. Findings Firms typically deploy two successive strategies in order to survive and grow. First, they extend vertical boundaries to capitalize on their own pre-entry R&Cs. Then they move quickly to acquire new R&Cs, which are classified as critical in the value chain of the industry. A new taxonomy of pre-entry R&Cs is proposed to distinguish critical and non-critical forms of R&Cs, and to reflect the ease of acquisition of any requisite R&Cs, which are context specific. These strategic moves lead to the bi-directional vertical integration observed in the biofuel industry. Research limitations/implications Managers need to be able to assess the opportunities for entry and subsequent strategies to be competitive by assessing their R&Cs in terms of criticality and ease of acquisition in their entry decision making. Originality/value A new taxonomy of R&Cs of the firm is proposed which has theoretical significance and practical implications for new entrants.

Servitization in contract manufacturing – evidence from Polar business cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esa Viitamo ◽  
Seppo Luoto ◽  
Timo Seppälä
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Contract Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the scholarly debate on the origins and nature of industrial servitization. By resorting to contract manufacturing (CM) as an empirical case, it is posited that any product-service solution that a manufacturing firm is capable of delivering on a competitive basis mirrors its goals in value creation and capture, positioning within its value networks and the pool of assets and competences it holds. Design/methodology/approach To support this argument, a comparative case study of two CM firms that represent polar cases in the industry was conducted. The primary data were collected through participatory methodology, observations and semi-structured interviews of company representatives. The business experiences of an industry practitioner provided a distinct contribution to the content analysis and modelling. Findings It was concluded that servitization becomes endogenous as contract manufacturers aim for higher profitability through the insource of customer activities and hence extend their offering downstream in the supply chain. The findings suggest that the way out of the servitization trap is a shift toward original design and manufacturing business, where high value-adding modules are insourced and integrated into replicable solutions for various types of customers and market segments. Research limitations/implications The generalization of the conclusion is constrained by the limited focus on two cases only. More industry and company data are therefore required to further validate this argument. Particularly valuable will be the data on the intermediate business models between the two polar cases. Originality/value Building on contested business practices, this paper outlines the logic of competitive strategy in CM on the basis of specific characteristics and implications of the various business concepts. In this case, the principal drivers of servitization are the acquisition of supporting capabilities and insourcing of customer activities. The case study method integrates theory with academic observation and managerial experiences.

scholarly journals Applying GRI Sustainability Reporting in the Water Sector: Evidences from an Italian Company

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia D’Andrea
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Joint Stock Company ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Stock Company ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Internal Validation

Sustainability reporting is considered the most applicable and reliable tool for disclosing financial and non-financial information to stakeholders and a means for strengthening company credibility. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most common standard followed to implement and to develop sustainability reporting. Nevertheless, a few studies have focused on the real adoptability of the standard. The aim of the present study is to illustrate how GRI indicators could be applied and interpreted by managers of a water company to implement sustainability reporting. A single case study is developed to identify which factors could affect the standardized implementation of the G4 guidelines by a water utility company. The research was conducted in an Italian medium-sized enterprise, an entirely publicly owned joint-stock company under the in-house providing rules. Evidence from the case study was gathered through direct observation as well as semi-structured interviews and focus groups with the human resources responsible for the data collection. The research highlights that the process generated an internal validation of the practices carried out by the managers to achieve sustainable development. The case study presented shows that GRI Guidelines adoption is left to interpretation: certain practices and recommendations contained in the G4 implementation manual are, in fact, operationalized within the organization in consideration of the company’s activities and governance. The illustration of the case study may guide practitioners in the GRI implementation process in all sectors, especially in public utilities.

scholarly journals A knowledge-based view of analytics capability in purchasing and supply management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Öhman ◽  
Ala Arvidsson ◽  
Patrik Jonsson ◽  
Riikka Kaipia
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Explanation ◽  
Supply Management ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Analytics Capability

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to elaborate on how analytics capability develops within the PSM function. This study is an in-depth exploration of how analytics capability develops within the purchasing and supply management (PSM) function.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study was conducted of the PSM function of six case firms, in which primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with PSM analytics stakeholders. The data were analyzed based on an analytics capability framework derived from the literature. Cases were chosen based on them having advanced PSM practices and ongoing analytics projects in the PSM area.FindingsThe findings shed light on how the firms develop their analytics capability in the PSM functional area. While we identify several commonalities in this respect, the authors also observe differences in how firms organize for analytics, bringing analytics and PSM decision-makers together. Building on the knowledge-based view of the firm, The authors offer a theoretical explanation of our observations, highlighting the user-driven side of analytics development, which has largely been unrecognized by prior literature. The authors also offer an explanation of the observed dual role that analytics takes in cross-functional initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of our study limits the generalizability of our results. Further, our limited number of cases and interviewees indicate that there is still much to explore in the phenomenon of developing analytics capability.Practical implicationsOur findings can help firms gain a better understanding of how they could develop their analytics capability and what issues they need to consider when seeking leveraging data through analytics for PSM decisions.Originality/valueThis paper is, to the best knowledge of the authors, the first empirical study of analytics capability in PSM.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF THE PREMIUM TREND IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN KOSOVO 2013 - 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-122
Author(s):  
Sokol Berisha
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Faster Development

Kosovo continues to be one of the countries with the most undeveloped economy in the region and with negative measuring indicators of the economic development, high unemployment, a deep negative commercial balance, and non-favorable macro economical politics to guarantee a faster development trend, although it has marked a positive economical increase in recent years but too insufficient to weaken poverty and decrease the unemployment rate. The insurance sector participates with only 3% in the Kosovo financial sector, except for its very symbolic participation, this industry is characterized by a very low degree of development and the main motive is to analyze the very slow trend of industry development, to identify the causes and factors that have influenced this segment to be so underdeveloped and of a very symbolic weight in the Kosovo economy.The purpose of this paper is to explain the trend of insurance premiums on insurance industry in Kosovo, effect of foreign investments in this sector, also the positive implications in the competition in this market. The purpose of a study can be classified into two major categories; descriptive and explanatory.For our case study, I have collected primary data by conducting closed interviews. I have interviewed 10 senior risk underwriter managers from all companies present in the insurance industry in Kosovo. Methodology and data collection for our research paper it is based on case study method, analyzing trend of premiums through case study, we have collected also secondary data or archival records from Central Bank Kosovo from specific documents: official yearly annual reports, annual financial stability reports. This is based on the reasoning that this data archive consists of official information collected, processed and published by the central bank of Kosovo as the oversight body of the financial system in Kosovo. Other source of secondary data used it is annual reports published on websites of the Insurance Companies.In this paper I focused specifically on inquiring about the level of development of the insurance industry in Kosovo. I have also specifically explored and presented strategic orientation and detailed activities through which the premium structure in Kosovo could be changed in favor of voluntary insurance. Also another very important goal is the susceptibility of the relevant decision maker factors and the whole readers that the results of this analysis relevant findings to influence in order to sensitize the decision maker and readers for the situation and for the need of focus that this segment should be developed because it is one of the most important segments in the economies of developed countries or for an undeveloped country and economy that aims a strategic objective for a faster development.

Doing business in the non-ferrous metals industry: how to survive in a mature market in crisis

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Igor Vladimirovitch Lipsits ◽  
Elena Alexandrovna Vigdorchik
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Capacity Utilization ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Joint Stock Company ◽  
Stock Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ferrous Metals ◽  
Non Ferrous Metals ◽  
Metals Processing

Subject area Crisis management, Strategic management. Study level/applicability This case study can be used for teaching MBA and pre-experience Masters students as part of a strategic management course. Case overview This case study tells the story of Kirov non-ferrous metals processing plant located in Kirov (USSR, presently the Russian Federation). Founded in 1956, this company had long been one of the USSR's leading manufacturers in the industry of non-ferrous metals processing. The situation changed dramatically in the first half of 1990s. During those years, instead of state-planned economy, Russia saw the formation of market economy. It was the first time when the company (as a result of privatization, it became a joint-stock company with a small number of pure portfolio investment owners) was faced with the need to look for marketing outlets for its products on its own. At the same time, after having been privatized, the company could not receive government investments anymore. Due to all these conditions, in 1995, capacity utilization in this company fell to 16 per cent, and it appeared to be on the verge of bankruptcy. Expected learning outcomes The main learning objectives of the case study are: to develop students' skills to analyze complex managerial situations; to help students in understanding the logic of company's strategic choice, depending on the stage of the market life cycle (especially, in case of mature markets); and to provide the training for the students' ability to justify management decisions using the example of companies in B2B markets. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

scholarly journals Salesperson adoption and usage of mobile sales configuration tools

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nodir Sanakulov ◽  
Sami Kalliomaa ◽  
Heikki Karjaluoto
Keyword(s):  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contextual Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Innovativeness ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Media Channels ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Further Development

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine salespersons’ adoption and usage of mobile sales configuration tools (MSCT) and to identify areas for further development in this realm. Another objective is to offer a conceptualization of MSCT adoption.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, a qualitative case study approach was selected as the research method to better understand acceptance of a mobile configuration tool used by business-to-business (B2B) salespersons. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which included a series of open-ended questions to gain more detailed and contextual data.FindingsThe results obtained from the interviews indicated several important determinants of adoption of sales configuration tools, and three different personal innovativeness types were identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study has certain limitations that should be considered in future studies. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized in other contexts because of small number of participants (nine salespersons) included. Second, social desirability might have affected the results in a way that caused the salespersons to have been tempted to talk positively about MSCT.Practical implicationsBased on the findings several suggestions for managers and software developers are made such as further technical development of MSCT, development of common sales routine for all salespersons, mentoring new salespersons and establishing social media channels for salesperson to interact with each, share experience/knowledge.Originality/valueCurrent paper can serve as pathway toward understanding of MSCT adoption and usage as it opens new avenues as a source of hypotheses for a quantitative analysis of certain phenomena such as the correlation between MSCT usage and sales performance.

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