Suchergebnisse

Purpose – This study aims to identify to what extent the economic factor effect is more salient in shaping inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) than are institutional factors in G-20 inflow patterns. Design/methodology/approach – Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was applied using the World Bank Governance and Development Indicators, followed by a panel data technique over the period 2005-2015 to estimate the connections between the different dimensions of economics, institutions and IFDI in the G-20. Findings – Results showed that countries with better economic performance contrasting with the governance indicators are more effective at attracting IFDI. However, the correlation between FDI intensity and governance indicators has been found relatively weak, which may suggest a more controversial role of institutions as determinants of IFDI. Research limitations/implications – This quantitative approach uses a country-level set of variables; therefore, the authors suggest the development of more firm-level analysis of the impact of institutions. Also, the limitation of the TOPSIS method itself is based on heuristic assumptions. Practical implications – The main findings point to a relatively low impact of institutions on IFDI. The authors suggest that the global financial crisis has changed the rationale of decision-making by multinational companies. Originality/value – The originality of the present study was to apply a multi criteria decision-making technique on FDI's analysis combined with institutional data

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to contribute to the debate on the impact of globalization on the competitiveness of firms in least developed countries (LDCs). Two main research questions will be addressed. How does globalization affect the competitiveness of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in LDCs? How can SMEs handle opportunities and challenges emerging from globalization?Design/methodology/approachThe methodology for this study is a conceptual attempt to review the existing literature and make some propositions about how SMEs can handle the opportunities and challenges emerging from globalization.FindingsBuilding on a developed operational framework affecting the competitiveness of firms, some of the expected results are that firms' capabilities with regards to innovation, learning, and internationalization, which increase their competitiveness, are enhanced by institutional setups. Second, establishing relationships with governmental and non‐governmental institutions is crucial in terms of accessing resources, innovating, and entering into foreign markets.Originality/valueThe paper represents a contribution to the debate on the impact of globalization on the competitiveness of firms, particularly SMEs, in LDCs. Although globalization has brought considerable benefits to many actors worldwide, its impact on competitiveness of (SMEs) are controversial. We suggest that globalization's effects depend on the capability of firms to learning, to innovate, and also on the institutional setup in LDCs.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to conduct an overview of Brazil‐focused publications that appeared in leading business journals between 1990 and 2008 by highlighting and ranking contributions of individual authors and their affiliating institutions, summarizing types of research, research topics and theoretical perspectives, analyzing citations received by different articles and developing agenda for future research.Design/methodology/approachA total of 11 leading journals are selected on the basis of past research. A usable sample of 33 publications is obtained by conducting electronic database search for articles that focus on Brazil. Analysis of contributions, research designs, research topics, theoretical perspectives, and citations received by each article is conducted and various findings are discussed.FindingsA total of 80 authors affiliated to 67 academic and seven non‐academic institutions from six geographic locations contributed to the research by examining a wide variety of business and related topics using different theoretical perspectives and research methodologies. Authors from US‐based institutions contributed more than others. Majority of top‐cited articles appeared in 2000 or thereafter.Research limitations/implicationsInclusion of articles appearing in journals other than those considered can validate and supplement the current findings. Academicians and business students can benefit from the adopted methodology and findings regarding current and future research avenues relating to Brazil.Practical implicationsPractitioners and policy makers can benefit by learning what aspects of business at different levels of analysis are crucial for establishing or continuing business in Brazil or with Brazilian firms.Originality/valueThis study contributes by bringing together 19 years of research relating to business and management in Brazil and informing a large population comprising of business students, academicians, practitioners and policy makers.

As negociações entre União Europeia e Mercosul com o objetivo de estabelecer uma relação estratégica birregional e um acordo comercial estão estagnadas desde 2004. Mesmo assim, o comércio vem aumentando substancialmente, e a UE consolidou-se como principal origem dos Investimentos Diretos Externos na região. Em consequência da crise financeira e econômica, está ocorrendo um refluxo das instituições multilaterais, particularmente da Organização Mundial do Comércio, impulsionando, mesmo que por motivos distintos, a reabertura das negociações entre ambos os blocos. Neste quadro, a entrada em vigor do Tratado de Lisboa introduziu modificações no design institucional europeu, que alteraram o quadro normativo no qual as negociações ocorrem.

Nach 12 Jahren der Verhandlungen über den Abschluss eines Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der EU und MERCOSUR hat die globale Finanzkrise nun neue Bedingungen an deren strategische Allianz gestellt. Das Ziel dieses ZEI Discussion Paper ist es, die Auswirkungen sich ändernder globaler Handelsschemata und ausländischer Direktinvestitionen auf die Beziehung zwischen der EU und MERCOSUR abzuwägen. Hierfür werden die neuen Faktoren, die die Verhandlungen beeinflussen, aufgezeigt, wobei besonderes Augenmerk auf die neue Rolle Brasiliens als Vertreter des dynamischen Wandels bei der Positionierung von MERCOSUR auf dem internationalen Parkett gelegt wird, so wie auch auf die Verlagerung von Wirtschaftsmacht in Richtung Südostasien und anderer emporstrebender Volkswirtschaften. Die wichtigste Erkenntnis aus diesem Paper zeigt auf, dass in beiden regionalen Integrationssystemen Veränderungen, die zu effizienten Verhandlungsprozessen führen, nicht nur eine Veränderung in den Positionen der Handelsverhandlungen bedeuten, sondern vor allem auch eine Veränderung der politischen Sichtweise von strategischen Beziehungen, unter Berücksichtigung der Zusammenführung von gemeinsamen Interessen und Betrachtungsweisen in einer sich im Wandel befindlichen Welt.