Browsing Cand.merc.IB - MSc in International Business by Title
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An e-health industry caseBerzina, Ieva; Bommel, Paul van (Frederiksberg, 2009)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Many wonder what constitutes a business’ success, whether it is a traditional business or an Internet-based venture. The business model literature has in the recent past sought to explain what constitutes a good e-business venture. As a manner of speaking, it provides the reader with the corner stones and cement of which a business is constructed. The authors of this research paper have noted that though business model literature has its merits, little has been written on how to practically apply the literature available. It also lacks the focus on the business model further evolution and innovations. For this reason, the aim of this thesis is to provide the interested reader with a practical example of how to put business model theory to use. As the research field of this topic is rather complex and previous to this thesis does not specifically provide with methodology for business model innovation, a case study strategy is chosen in order to gain in-depth understanding of the topic. Firstly, the main lessons based on the most popular success and failure factors of eight netPhase I cases were assessed. The thesis has a special focus on exploring the intricacies of taking the often complicated structure of a business apart and stipulating success factors within a business model. Secondly, having gained a good understanding of the past and looking for future insights, the e-health industry case, as a particularly interesting area, was chosen to illustrate potential future trends and business model innovations. Lastly, this paper comes up with assumptions on future trends and suggestions for the business model innovations within the three explored e-health sectors. The main findings help to understand what business model concept means and how it can be applied in practice. They also serve as a guidebook to online business for the ones that would like to start one or change existing business model, as well as they help to understand future innovations specifically in the healthcare industry. Despite the fact that the focus is on the pure-play Dot-com companies, the basic principles and lessons also apply to the traditional business settings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/358 Files in this item: 1
Ieva_Berzina_og_Paul_van_Bommel.pdf (1.123Mb) -
A thesis based on GN Netcom’s outsourcing of Jabra productsMusa, Karar; Siezing, Julie (Frederiksberg, 2013)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Over the last decades there has been an increase in outsourcing activities. It started off as outsourcing of standardized parts, but now also include value-adding activities such as new product development and R&D. In today’s electronics industry innovation tasks are carried out by various value chain participants, such as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs). This thesis focuses on outsourcing to ODM suppliers. Based on a single case study of the Danish Company GN Netcom, the thesis investigates the research question of how GN Netcom can optimize its ODM outsourcing. In order to answer the research question, the thesis seeks to create a best practice to ODM outsourcing. In creating the best practice literature within the fields of ODM outsourcing, new product development and R&D outsourcing, as well as integration, have been taken into account. Based on 7 frameworks a thesis model has been created to analyze the empirical data obtained at GN Netcom. This model also serves as a base, together with the case of GN Netcom, for the best practice. It was found that there were several gaps between theory and practice, however, due to the small sample size, it is difficult to determine if the findings are generalizable to other companies outsourcing to ODMs in the electronics industry. However, it is believed that several of the issues are generalizable and a best practice to ODM outsourcing can constitute of the following topics: Outsourcing to ODM can be driven by cost, knowledge or both factors at the same time There are pains and gains related to outsourcing of R&D activities e.g. increasing managerial attention towards supervising external projects and the risk of over outsourcing. Firms outsourcing to ODMs needs to be aware of issues specific to the ODM industry such as high product similarity, ODMs can become dependent on OEMs, quality defects and ODMs competing with OEMs by introducing their own brand. The relation to ODM is rarely managed though arm’s length transactions or full integration. As complexity increases it calls for closer collaboration between the ODM and OEM. Yet, the relation rarely ends up in full integration. Outsourcing of low-complexity products can be placed at a strategic supplier in order to reduce cost. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/4653 Files in this item: 1
karar_musa_og_julie_siezing.pdf (2.106Mb) -
An empirical study of the CSR dimensions which impact a company’s social media online reputationFranzé, Alessandro; Bagarotto, Luca (Frederiksberg, 2012)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In the current digital era, characterized by massive financial crisis and economic downturns throughout the world, firms have changed (or need to change) their ways of making profit and value. Value creation relies now on the intelligent and efficient creation of intangible assets like, for example, culture, skills, innovation and brands. Among these crucial assets, the intangible of reputation has been acquiring incredible relevance, considering the new global scenario formed of digital entities, social media and “productive publics” - a new category of stakeholders who is more and more affecting the corporate world. Based on this perspective, we propose a revaluation of the intangible of reputation, understood under the lenses of the digital and social world, and we relate it to corporate financial performance and corporate social responsibility. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3735 Files in this item: 1
alessandro_franze_og_luca_bagarotto.pdf (2.453Mb) -
A search for profit maximization in the face of new legitimacy claimsTenden, Mari Ahlsen (Frederiksberg, 2015)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Climate change has been identified as one of the biggest challenges of our time and a threat to economic development. In order to find a sustainable solution to these challenges, swift and large-scale actions are needed within societies, which depend on the participation of the private sector. The objective of this thesis is to contribute to the ongoing discussion of how to further enhance private engagement by addressing how environmental concerns currently influence business strategies. The business case of climate change is assessed through a case study of an international oil and gas company. The findings of this analysis illustrates that environmental concerns have entered the international business context as changes in stakeholders’ interests, and that a company’s strategy largely depends on the expectations and demands of its salient stakeholders. Such externally oriented and reactive approaches have led to strategies of minimum compliance, leaving the responsibility in the hands of international legislators. Alternative perspectives from polycentric and institutional theory may contribute to a more viable climate debate and different approaches to the roles and responsibilities of companies. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/5805 Files in this item: 1
mari_ahlsen_tenden.pdf (1.823Mb) -
A study of understandings and interpretations of business models and a single case study of Liz ClaiborneHvilsom, Line (Frederiksberg, 2012)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: PURPOSE: In theory are business models a popular phenomenon, though lacking and not having a general accepted conception or definition. In practice are business models significant and possibly one of the most widely discussed and yet least understood terminologies in the business world (Teece 2010). This, firstly reflects a theoretical problem that complicates the design and implementation of business models for companies, resulting in a practical problem (Bitsch Olsen, Pedersen 2008). Therefore is there a need to clarify the terminology (Shafer, Smith & Linder 2005). The purpose of following research is to outline the numerous proposed business model conceptions and move towards a renewed and collating understanding and interpretation of the business model, its components and their interrelation. Firstly, to clarify the terminology, and secondly, in an attempt to bring about some new understanding and in-sight on business model components and their interrelations. APPROACH: This thesis originates from answering the problem statement through a con-ducted study of three compiled research questions. This research is taking a philosophic ap-proach in the hermeneutics dominated by a methodology in the systems approach. FINDINGS: Business model definitions have been criticized for not taking the same starting point and neither coming to same conception nor definition. Authors tend to propose meta-business models that fit their own perspective and research. But quite a few of them are simi-lar in “what story they want to tell”, as Magretta (2002) would have said. This is regardless of whether it is from the perspective of e-business, innovation or strategy. The overall concep-tion and definition of a business model, is therefore not that divergent as proposed in litera-ture. Business model components and its interrelations are not well explored or defined in literature, but within the last few years, has a focus on approaching the business model dy-namically been emphasized. This has though not solved the problem of understanding interre-lations between the business model components; so that companies can be better prepared to the environmental changes they constantly meet. The case study of this research emphasizes a need to rethink the business model framework and incorporate the external environment, since a global economy is not increasing the dynamic environment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3850 Files in this item: 1
line_hvilsom.pdf (1.889Mb) -
How can MNCs capture value in the Base of the Pyramid?Håpnes, Emmy Margrete Solvi (Frederiksberg, 2011)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The world’s poor is the largest of all income groups in population, and it is increasingly argued that the private sector and MNCs could make a fortune by serving these markers, as the needs are so many and the competition low. Based on the assumption that there is a fortune at the bottom of the pyramid (Bop), how can MNCs build business models that will generate value in terms of profit in low-income markets? Relying on both propositions from literature and empirical data, central arguments from the Bop-literature were first mapped according to how they approach value creation in lowincome markers, in a business model canvas. There were 2 main propositions: a bottom approach, focusing on the capacity to consume, and the base approach focusing on mutual value and co-creation of markets. Second, 20 cases were reviewed for identifying for-profit businesses in low-income markets. 6 profiting Bop-business, and 4 that yet had not profited from their for-profit strategies were identified. These were analysed in the same canvas and compared to the propositions made in literature. The result from the analysis was that MNCs are currently not extensively represented in Bopbusinesses generating positive returns. Here local Bop-businesses are more represented. The analysis of the Bop-literature’s approach to business models, showed that the bottom and the base approaches are present in both the profiting – and the yet not profiting cases. Meaning that both approaches can result in business models generating profits – and both might fail. There is however an overrepresentation of base-approaches and local Bop-businesses in the profiting cases, which means that business models focusing on local integration and mutual value creation might be more able to generate value in terms of profit, than a bottom approach focusing on creating the capacity to consume through access, availability and affordability. The business model building blocks that showed to create value independent of approach were focusing on a broad customer segment, targeting the “poverties” related to the sate of low-income, and using partnerships extensively for both distributions, acquiring needed resources and development of business and offering. Furthermore, the business models were focused on at point sales, and keeping investment costs down. The time of operation before profiting depended on the initial investments, but is likely to exceed 5 years. However, the business model of a failing for-profit case shows that there is no simple recipe for generating value in the Bop, so there is no universal model that can guarantee profits. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3066 Files in this item: 1
emmy_margrete_solvi_haapnes.pdf (949.8Kb) -
Investigation Over their Effectiveness Before and After the Global Financial Crisisdi Diego, Erika (Frederiksberg, 2015)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper examines on what extent India’s closed economy was affected by the global financial crisis and whether capital controls implemented by Indian policy makers throughout the years protected or deteriorated the country in the aftermath of the financial shock. I first construct a model of India’s GDP determinants, broadly in E. Kowalski East Asia economic growth framework and using a de jure index of restrictions to measure the impact of controls; secondly I build a series of models that correlate India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam’s GDP with de facto capital control measures (trade openness and foreign direct investment openness indicators) during 2008 financial crisis. The second model’s aim is to compare the single countries’ results, accordingly to their degree of openness, with the results obtained in the Indian model. Numerical results reveal a low significance both of de jure and de facto indicators respectively in the first and second models, not allowing to deduce the direction of benefits (or obstruction) that Indian history of state interventions, limits on the flows and last years steps towards financial integration brought in conjunction with the recent global slowdown. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/5839 Files in this item: 1
erika_di_diego.pdf (3.583Mb) -
A study of the difference between carsharing provided by automakers and new market entrantsWilliams, Lisa Holst (Frederiksberg, 2013)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The automotive manufacturing industry is facing severe challenges in the Western markets as commoditization is setting in along with congestion and pollution challenges. Urban dwellers are becoming more inclined to buy smaller cars, if not simply giving up ownership of cars. The recent years have seen an emergence of collaborative consumption where people share, rent and pool products, skills, and services. One of the most prominent trends emerging from col-laborative consumption is carsharing, and many different providers are currently offering car-sharing schemes. The thesis sets out to investigate two important groups of actors in the carsharing market – the automakers and the carsharing organisations (CSOs) – and how each approaches profitability and environmental sustainability in their schemes. Sustainability is a conceptual driver for car-sharing as it aims to reduce the number of cars driven and increase the efficient utilisation of the remaining vehicles. Profitability is an important business imperative, but so far the carshar-ing market has not revealed great profits. The thesis analyses six case companies, three from each group, in order to gain an understanding of the differences that may exist and provide an outlook on the future growth of the carsharing market. The case companies are analysed from a product-service system perspective (PSS). The three types of PSS (product-, use-, and result-oriented) encourage the implementation of services in the business model and a higher focus on the function delivered, rather than the sale of a product, while providing opportunities for decoupling effects and thus sustainable developments. The thesis finds that since CSOs are often in public-private partnerships with municipalities and city governments, they are not reliant on achieving large profits. For instance, much of the infrastructure surrounding the schemes is funded by the municipalities. On the other hand, au-tomakers are at this time not focusing on the profitability of their carsharing schemes either but rather focusing on the growth of the schemes and the expansion of the knowledge of carsharing. The CSOs integrate electrical vehicles in their schemes to a higher degree than the automakers, but the automakers are following suit, implying that both groups have a high degree of the decoupling effect of implementing cleaner technology. Significant differences have not been identified, but it is assumable that the CSOs will continue the course of private-public partner-ships whereas the automakers will retain private offerings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/4654 Files in this item: 1
lisa_holst_williams.pdf (1.049Mb) -
Profit shifting, investments and implications for Norwegian Government behaviourSkjerpe, Ingeborg (Frederiksberg, 2012)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Intra-firm trade between related parties of an MNE comprise increasingly larger share of world trade. Still, the system of international taxation calculates the tax burden of such companies on the basis of separate accounting. This means that even though the foundation of the MNE is affiliation between parties, transaction s between such must be determine on an arm’s length basis. Several issues arise due to separate accounting of MNEs. Profit shifting through transfer pricing, relocation of investments, administrative cost and compliance costs are the main focus of this thesis. To alleviate parts of these issues and contribute to increased economic efficiency in the EU, the European Commission presented the CCCTB proposal in 2011. This entails a shift from separate accounting to formula apportionment with a three-factor formula of sales, labour and assets and common rules on the calculation of the tax base. By focusing on European and Norwegian MNEs and their decision to shift profits through transfer pricing and relocate investments I try to assess the implications of the CCCTB. I further seek to analyse how the Norwegian government will react to possible changes by these MNEs. I use primary expert interviews combined with secondary literature analysis of research on FA unions with a Water’s edge to assess the development of the CCCTB for the MNEs. Results from the analysis is ambiguous in the way that several factors impact the future consequence of the CCCTB. However, it seems likely that profit shifting from Norway into the CCCTB will continue compared to the current case but at a lower scale. Further, investments in the CCCTB might be seen as more attractive than in Norway due to the possibility of reduced costs as well as possibilities of intra-CCCTB consolidation. Reduced profit shifting into the CCCTB represents an increase in Norwegian welfare whereas the possibility of increased investments in the CCCTB at the expense of Norwegian investments affects Norwegian welfare negatively. It is difficult to assess the potential reaction to this by the Norwegian government but both theoretical contributions and the expert interviews emphasize that a full inclusion of Norway into the CCCTB is not very likely in the near future due to the massive alteration of the tax system as well as the deprivation of taxation as a political tool. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3857 Files in this item: 1
ingeborg_skjerpe.pdf (1.576Mb) -
A case study of Grundfos LifelinkBerggreen Jakobsen, Malou (Frederiksberg, 2011)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The company Grundfos LIFELINK (GL) has discovered that an environment in which its resources are rendered valuable, and it can apply its innovative business model into does not pre-exist. As it turns out that resources are not pre given the thesis seeks to answer how valuable resources are constructed. To do so there is a need to deviate from the realist assumptions of the Resource Based View in which unique resources are pre-existing, just waiting to be exploited. Instead the constructionist view of the Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is applied in order to investigate the process of resource value creation. Taking this approach resources can be seen as an outcome of assembling and stabilising a network of heterogeneous entities via the concept of translation. Moreover, it is argued that the value of a company's resources does not only depend on a firm's ability to manage its internal assets, as explained by the RBV, but also its ability to manage the external context. Hence, the thesis also explores how innovative firms can influence the process of resource value creation. Five of GL's resources of which the value has been questioned by the company's external context are examined. The analysis shows that valuable resources indeed are outcomes of a process in which actors either support or contest the different translations of the resources. The more translations that support a resource, the more valuable it becomes. It turns out that all GL's resources are contested and can not be considered valuable yet. The analysis also reveals that creating a network of associations in which a new technology has value and is rendered useful is quite a challenge, demanding the firms to take active part in the construction of valuable resources through hard work. Companies can manage their external context through co-creation which requires the companies to interact with their stakeholders through dialogue and deep engagement. Hence it is concluded that co-creation can help firms detect and respond to the contesting translations, thus constructing stabilised valuable resources. As GL's five resources are not yet valuable the recommendations for the company are that the company should be prepared that the construction of valuable resources is an explorative learning process in which set-backs occur. Furthermore, through co-creation the company has to engage with the external context in order to reveal the contesting translations, and ultimately construct valuable resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3063 Files in this item: 1
malou_berggreen_jakobsen.pdf (5.485Mb) -
The Case of MyanmarSønderskov, Rasmus (Frederiksberg, 2013)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The thesis is concerned with the process of transition. The focus is on the change of decision making in transport infrastructure development. A holistic analytical model is used to structure the analysis of the decision making process. Niels Mygind’s PIE-Model is extended to include International Relations, and thus become a PIE-I Model. The four dimensions analyzed to understand the transition is Institutions, Politics, Economy and International Relations. The analysis are mostly based the theory and literature on Political Economy, Transition Economy, Transport Economy and Civil-Military Relations. Myanmar is used as a case study. In order to answer the problem statement, of how the decision making process in transport infrastructure development change in transition, three sub-research questions is developed. These divide the analysis into three separate parts in relation to the time period. First decision making prior to transition, next decision making post transition, and finally future decision making. Experience from other transition countries are taken into account in the last mentioned analysis. This is done in order to try to predict the future decision making in infrastructure development in Myanmar. The thesis finds that all dimensions analyzed in the PIE-I Model change during transition. Most significant is the importance of international relations. International Organizations have a major influence on the development of infrastructure, the Asian Development Bank in Southeast Asia and the EU in the former soviet Central Eastern Europe, both mostly through funding of projects. Furthermore the implementation of market economy changes the nature of demand. Domestically demand becomes responsive to market forces and foreign demand becomes determinant on comparative advantages. This changes the trade patterns and the commodity composition of the country, which on the other hand changes the country infrastructure needs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/4779 Files in this item: 1
rasmus_soenderskov.pdf (1.285Mb) -
An analysis of patterns, motives and the applicability of existing FDI theoriesFasshauer, Kirsten (Frederiksberg, 2012)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) in Europe has increased significantly in recent years and has often been met with suspicion in the host country. At the root of this uncertainty lies the fact that Chinese FDI in Europe is still poorly understood and academic literature not yet offers a definite answer as to which theoretical models are best suited to explain the behavior of Chinese investors. This thesis therefore seeks to provide a comprehensive picture on Chinese FDI activities in Europe and to compare results based on company-level data to existing theoretical concepts. The thesis identifies three types of Chinese FDI in Europe, which differ with respect to their characteristics, investment motives and the factors that determine their location decision. The first kind of Chinese FDI, constituting the largest share, consists of small, privately owned Chinese investors that seek to expand their export activities by taking control over downstream activities. Such subsidiaries are typically small in size and are established as wholly owned greenfield projects. Consistent with its purpose, such FDI is located in countries characterized by a large domestic market and a high volume of imports from China. The investors behind the second type of FDI are typically large in size and are active in technologyintensive industries. While successful at home, they lack the technological and innovative capabilities that are necessary to compete internationally. They therefore internationalize with the explicit goal of acquiring strategic assets that can help them overcome their competitive disadvantages. Investment of this kind proceeds stepwise with respect to resource commitment and targets locations or companies in which industry-specific expertise and international sales networks exist. In the short-term, the investors financial resources and low-cost manufacturing capabilities are combined with the knowhow present in the host countries to increase revenues. The ultimate goal of the investor, however, is to slowly absorb knowledge and processes associated with effective innovative capabilities necessary for independent R&D activities. The third investment type identified in the thesis is diverse with respect to the characteristics of both investors and subsidiaries. What the investments share is the motivation to take advantage of easy market entrance, as well as low costs and standards in Eastern European countries. The thesis finds that conventional theories of FDI are well-suited to explain Chinese investment activities in Europe, as long as they are adapted to include the institutional environment and countryspecific advantages. Newly developed theories constitute a very good and more detailed tool for the analysis only of FDI with the objective of acquiring strategic assets. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3855 Files in this item: 1
kirsten_fasshauer.pdf (1.257Mb) -
Towards the disruptivenessof Chinese companies for the global marketplaceHinz, Maximilian Patrick (Frederiksberg, 2011)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper explores and argues for the increasingly complex drivers and capabilities of Chi-nese multinational enterprises (CMNEs) to innovate and achieve sustainable growth. More specifically this paper analyzes the disruptiveness potential of CMNEs and argues for disrup-tive innovation (DI) as a tool for late-coming CMNEs to catch up with and potentially leap-frog incumbents. By doing so, this paper responds to the demand for a better understanding of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and the adaption of approaches and frameworks from developed countries to developing countries (Gugler / Boil, 2008; Hobday, 2005; Li, 2003; Li, 2007). In general, this paper follows an exploitation of extant theories from the West towards a local CMNE context with global implications, and therefore aims to integrate and transform prevailing theories to be more context-specific and –sensitive. First, the transformation of CMNEs towards being a pivotal actor in the global marketplace with increasing technological ambition is analyzed based on socio-economic and firm-level trajec-tories. After developing consistent working definitions of DI and related terms, DI is estab-lished as a strategic tool for CMNEs to improve on competitiveness. A critical review chal-lenges the prevailing academic and practical perception about the composition and potential of CMNE competitiveness with innovation as a core capability, and complements the groundwork for establishing a framework to analyze the disruptiveness potential. The frame-work itself is developed from a strategic intent perspective (SIP) and connects dynamic capa-bilities (DCs) with DI as the vehicle to achieve market disruption, to dynamically capture the parallel improvement in competitiveness of CMNEs. Last, the framework is validated and put into practice with a case study on a CMNE in the wind energy industry. In bridging innova-tion, technology and strategy research, this paper enhances the discussed around CMNE competitiveness beyond the established cost- and institutional-based advantages. The paper illustrates how CMNEs strategically utilize DI to sense and seize opportunities and develop and upgrade capabilities, which together elucidates into the potential for disruptiveness. By that, the paper not only advances disruptive theory towards competitive advantage. The ap-plied dynamic and holistic approach also aims to establish itself as a paradigm for CMNE research beyond the obvious, as well as for a more forward-looking than static view on global competitiveness by practitioners. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/3065 Files in this item: 1
maximilian_patrick_hinz.pdf (1.224Mb) -
Business potential and entry strategies for foreign pharmaceutical companiesHamid, Arsilan (Frederiksberg, 2013)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: thesis looks initially at the pharmaceutical market and then at business potential and entry strategies for the foreign multinationals in the Chinese prescription drug market. The initial research on the industry reveals entering China or for that sake other markets is necessary to further exploit economics of scale and to extend the lifecycle of outdated drugs. The industry consists of big players mainly from the developed countries of USA, UK, Germany and Switzerland and Japan controlling major shares of the market. Main lessons learned about the industry are that it is very heavy on R&D and works with high fixed costs and low variable costs. The main point is the costly and lengthy approval process which is under huge amount of regulatory supervision. The lengthy drug discovery process leads to great owner specific advantages where niche multinationals stands stronger. It leads to high entry barriers and big companies competing on quality. Due to future challenges you need to expand your business to more than just the west. The R&D costs in the west are increasing and the products on the pipeline decreasing hence to further drive the profits you need to take more comprehensively advantage of economics of scale of the few products. This means that niche companies needs pursuing economics of scale more that broad portfolio companies. This is though only relevant for those multinationals who have fully exploited the western markets. The next step has been to assess China´s business potential by looking at market size, buying power, growth, government regulation and average industry margin. Since the country has such a huge difference in its regions and income it has been necessary to assess the business potential of each classes and regions independently. My research shows that not only the rich but also the upper middle can afford original prescription drugs. The lower middle class constitutes a huge market for generics. The business potential of the rich and middle class is great. The rich scores high on buying power whilst the middle on market size. In terms of growth it has huge potential. The regions have huge income differences with those at the east coast being the wealthiest. It also applies for the hospitals. Class 3 hospitals are those mainly visited by the rich and it is there your drug can get on the reimbursement list. The Chinese pharmaceutical industry is expected to rank as the second biggest market within 2020. The flip side is weak IPR protection. Challenges met in mainland could be less qualified physicians and the customers harder to find as the share of rich in the less wealthy regions is very low. Don´t expect competition from locals as the Chinese pharmaceutical industry is ages behind the western. From the resource based view we can see that it is not easy to reach those owner specific advantages. The locals are only specialized in producing generics and the consumer’s don´t trust them. The perceived high quality of western medicine is your biggest asset. The country is undergoing a huge health care reform which characterizes its country well as a constantly changing country. So be sure to keep yourself updated with the latest trends for not to be taken with guards down. Enter with wholly owned operations with sales and marketing as the biggest value chains. Entry time should be within the next 3‐7 years as the current companies are mainly maturing the market and doesn’t earn a lot of money. In the initial state of your entry focus on the east coast and in class 3 hospitals. Invest a bit in less wealthy regions and hospitals as a long term investment. Remember that the middle class constituted the biggest potential customer base. Enter mainly with outdated drugs and a bit of innovative. Do not engage in selling to pharmacies. Focus a lot on marketing activities. Invest in large scale programs in collaboration with stakeholders in educating and raising awareness. This is especially important as the formal institutions are weak so the informal ones play an important role. Run your campaign with a push strategy. The market entry steps are approval, marketing, provincial listing, hospital listing, reimbursement listing and physician visits. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/4704 Files in this item: 1
arsilan_hamid.pdf (3.005Mb) -
A study of innovation processes in the Bangalore IT clusterLeleur, Regitse (Frederiksberg, 2009)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Based on a debate about the sustainability of a cluster model of mainly low-value IT services and the potential for high-value IT activities in Bangalore, this thesis explores how the Bangalore IT cluster can diversify into high-value IT activities. To operationalize this study of cluster diversification on the case of Bangalore, the ideas of Etzkowitz (2002a; 2002b; 2003) are applied to 1) formulate the term „research ecosystem‟ to propose a way for the Bangalore IT cluster to diversify into high-value IT activities by making innovation occur in a collaborative environment of firms and knowledge-producing institutions from both the private and public sphere and 2) specify a framework – the triple helix model (THM) (Etzkowitz 2002b) – to structure an analysis of the institutional spheres of government, academia, and industry in Bangalore. Drawing upon relevant aspects from the cluster literature and using Etzkowitz‟s (2002b) THM as a framework, the thesis systematically explores the emergence of a research ecosystem in Bangalore to facilitate a diversification into high-value IT activities. To account for the global dimension of the Bangalore IT cluster, the THM is extended using Morosini (2004). The analysis illustrates areas to address by government, universities, and the IT industry at the regional level to spur the development of a research ecosystem in Bangalore. The analytical findings can thus be seen to constitute proposed actions for the three institutional spheres. These are: Geographical diversification by the Bangalore IT industry into the domestic market to enhance learning through proximity to end-users. Infrastructure improvements to spur the flow of people and information in the cluster. Creation of more specialized research education such as PhDs to create the human capital required for high-value IT activities in Bangalore. Further incorporation of entrepreneurship programs into the curriculum at engineering schools to bring academic knowledge into society. Promotion of state-IT industry linkages and specification of innovation goals in Karnataka‟s export promotion policy by Karnataka state government. Provision of public venture capital to academic start-ups and other start-ups to address the still underdeveloped private market for venture capital. Construction of an adequate framework for academic spin-offs based on an analysis of the current shortcomings by government authorities and Bangalore universities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/785 Files in this item: 1
Regitse_leleur.pdf (1.148Mb) -
Building sustainable competitive advantage in dynamic environmentsHartmund, Nanna (Frederiksberg, 2014)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Executive Summary: The decelerating growth and maturing markets of developed markets, coupled with the rapid de-velopment of emerging markets has prompted many Western businesses to look for new opportu-nities for growth in these distant markets. For Western managers struggling to sustain growth, cut costs, and launch new products and industries, emerging markets can be an ideal answer. The abundant opportunities for growth are however stifled by a number of challenges that businesses must mitigate in order to create competitive advantage over local competitors. In addition, the ac-celerating pace of technological development is revolutionizing the way businesses and consumers communicate and interact, and this is stimulating the discovery of new sources of value for both businesses and consumers. There are an increasing number of studies suggesting that creating sus-tainable competitive advantage in dynamic environments require specific capabilities; that is, dy-namic capabilities. The focus of this thesis is on how Western businesses can take advantage of the opportunities that emerging markets offer – specifically focusing on the Asian – while mitigating the challenges by embracing a co-creation approach. The co-creation paradigm abandons the traditional firm-centric view of the market and instead emphasizes value-creation as a joint effort of the firm and external stakeholders. The objective of the thesis is to investigate and demonstrate how Western multina-tional enterprises can utilize a co-creation approach to facilitate the creation of dynamic capabili-ties. The thesis addresses three typical challenges that Western multinationals often face in Asian emerging markets – cultural distance, poor protection of intellectual property rights, and macro-environmental risk – and how utilizing a co-creation approach can mitigate these challenges. It approaches this by subdividing these three challenges into a number of specific problems. Analyz-ing how co-creation affects these problems has resulted in eight propositions. These propositions suggest that co-creation facilitates the creation dynamic capabilities in two main ways: by improv-ing the creation of knowledge of local conditions as a result of closer interactions with consumers; and by increasing strategic flexibility by focusing on access to, instead of ownership of, resources. Thus, the findings of the thesis suggest that a utilizing a co-creation approach improves conditions for creating sustainable competitive advantage in Asian emerging markets. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/5192 Files in this item: 1
nanna_hartmund.pdf (731.7Kb) -
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An analysis of the motives, processes and output within the Danish Mirror CommitteeTrøllund Jensen, Louise (Frederiksberg, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: ISO 26000 is the designation of the future International Standard giving guidance on Social Responsibility (SR). It is intended for use by organizations of all types, and therefore, different categories of organizations have participated in the development of the ISO standard on SR – ISO 26000. This process has included various stakeholders from different countries, developing and developed, and it has been a challenging consensus building exercise. In this thesis a fragment of the international ISO 26000 development process – the micro cosmos of the Danish Mirror Committee (DMC) – is investigated. Within this national network the consensus building exercise is analyzed in order to evaluate how the motives, processes and output of the DMC has fostered consensus. Consensus building is a difficult task and there are several factors that influence to which degree consensus can be reached. The motives of the stakeholders in a network may differ, which makes it more challenging to reach consensus. Moreover, the processes that take place within a network are guided by the network structure, which is defined by the ties between actors and the relative position of these. This structure influences the level of consensus within the network. Furthermore, a certain level of critical success factors are required if consensus among members should be reached. If the processes are managed well, it becomes easier for the actors to reach consensus and find a joint solution. Another indicator for the level of consensus is the realization of expected output of being part of a network. Members may have different expectations, but their evaluation of the level of realized expectations indicate that a certain level of consensus has been reached if realization is possible. These different factors are important indicators when determining the success of the consensus building exercise that takes place among members in a network. This has led to an interest in how consensus is fostered within networks. Therefore, the consensus building exercise of the DMC network is the focal point of this investigation. Furthermore, it constitutes the problem field which is analyzed in this thesis. Thus, the motives, processes and output are analyzed to evaluate how these three components foster consensus in a network. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/381 Files in this item: 1
louise_troellund_jensen.pdf (2.315Mb) -
Case study on the joint ventures between British Petroleum, Statoil and SonatrachKlev, Gabriella Ann Wells; Sennesvik, Christian (Frederiksberg, 2014)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Multinational oil and gas enterprises often try to find opportunities in countries with large proven reserves and promises of future economic growth. However, these countries often find themselves lacking proper formal institutions and accordingly the environmental volatilities are high. As a result, this brings with it many challenges for international investors, including corporate governance issues pertaining to cross-national joint ventures. We have conducted a case study on the joint ventures between British Petroleum, Statoil and Sonatrach, located in southern Algeria. We have attempted to map the nature of these joint ventures and how they play into a broader context by using a corporate governance view. The thesis has been conducted with an inductive approach, using an explanatory strategy. The aim has been to explore the role of local corporate governance in a developing country and how it affects the ventures of international investors. This has led us to the following research question: “How does the institutional environment in Algeria impact the corporate governance in the joint ventures between British Petroleum, Statoil and Sonatrach and how can the foreign investors best protect their assets?” While the three companies have very different domestic cultures, they have certain cultural drivers that make them able to cooperate. However, the success of this teamwork depends on several other things. Our research has uncovered that Sonatrach and Algeria has the biggest influence in both joint ventures, even though British Petroleum and Statoil are acting as important resources from their position as international shareholders. In addition, these two foreign investors are accepting great financial and political risks when choosing to invest in Algeria. These risks emerge as a consequence of Algeria being a rentier state and consequently the country suffers from great institutional voids. These voids are one of the major reasons of why the country has yet to make the leap towards becoming a well functioning democracy. In addition to challenges related to weak institutions, they are also expected to suffer from agency problems pertaining to local workers and their Algerian management. The investment environment in Algeria is hostile towards foreign investors and foreigners are almost without exception only allowed to invest in the hydrocarbon industry. The reasons for accepting these risks and the hostility towards FDI is grounded in a potentially great return on investments as the industry in question is highly lucrative. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/4711 Files in this item: 1
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Case study of Statoil ASA in VenezuelaBirkeland, Tor Martin (Frederiksberg, 2010)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Multinational enterprises seek opportunities in areas with a potential great return on investments and future growth. These areas are in some cases emerging markets that are rapid growing and uses economic liberalization as a primary engine for growth. However there are several challenges when entering an emerging market, one of them is the corporate governance issue. In this context I aim at investigating the presence of Statoil ASA in Venezuela in a corporate governance view, analyzing the different aspects in the joint venture Petrocedeño S.A with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A (PDVSA). The thesis is conducted in an exploratory approach, using theoretical tools such as agency theory, institutional theory and resource based view. By using these tools, combined with an overview of existing publications on corporate governance, it allows me to frame the case at hand in a theoretical perspective Furthermore I use corporate governance framework such as the OECD principles of good corporate governance, national corporate governance codexes for the countries at stake, and reports made by recognized institutions to provide an overview of the differences the companies and countries may have on corporate governance. Finally I draw conclusions regarding my findings and make recommendations regarding Statoil’s further involvement in Venezuela. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10417/1967 Files in this item: 1
tor_martin_birkeland.pdf (698.9Kb)