The country of origin of goods and services can have positive or negative effect on customers' intentions to purchase. This book analyzes the impact of this effect on the international development of Italian companies in emerging markets. The chapters refer to a wide range of issues, including made-in effects in relation to ethnocentrism and to corporate social responsibility in small and medium-sized enterprises; the interactions and synergistic effects between product-related made-in images and the images of places as tourism destinations; distribution channel issues; 'made-in topics' in relation to emerging markets; and a review of the relevant literature on country of origin effects. The contributors propose strategies and tools that companies might leverage to develop their international marketing and suggest policies that might strengthen these efforts. This original work will prove to be a valuable resource for students and researchers of international marketing and strategy as well as policy makers. Contributors: B. Balboni, L. Battaglia, G. Bertoli, G. Bortoluzzi, T. Bursi, E. Cedrola, A. De Chiara, P. de Luca, A. De Nisco, B. Francioni, S. Grappi, G. Mainolfi, V. Marino, E. Martinelli, M. Matarazzo, F. Musso, M.R. Napolitano, A. Pagano, T. Pucci, R. Resciniti, C. Simoni, D. Vianelli, M. Vignola, L. Zanni

This book shifts the debate on knowledge transfers within multinational corporations (MNCs) back to its core: How can we increase the effectiveness of cross-border transfers of knowledge? Several perspectives on international knowledge flows, from control issues to cultural barriers, are integrated into a comprehensive framework. Based on a sample of leading MNCs, empirical results show which managerial mechanisms have to be implemented to increase the benefit from knowledge transfers in headquarters and subsidiaries.

'Written in a clear and straightforward style, and well grounded in succinct and pertinent analysis...It will prove a boon to students and practitioners alike as moves proceed towards European integration.' - British Book News;This volume identifies and analyses the extent to which the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are likely to attract inward foreign direct investment (FDI) to the turn of the century. Although these countries have been growing recipients of FDI, Western multinationals remain cautious and are slow to commit large investment sums. The book covers the contextual and thematic aspects of FDI as well as empirical country studies (including the Commonwealth of Independent States, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia) which address the legal environment for FDI, its magnitude and motives and industrial breakdown. The final section discusses the potential for closer economic and political integration in Europe.

As challenges to the era of globalisation emerge, international business grows in importance and complexity as a field of study. This shortform textbook introduces learners to the frameworks within which international business occurs and to the range of actions that companies might undertake in these environments. Owing to an emphasis on cross-border interactions, international business is a politicised field, and this book provides readers with the tools to deepen their understanding not only of the actions that companies might take but also of the economic, societal, cultural and political frameworks affecting how decisions are made. With a refreshing realism in its approach, this book will be perfect brief reading for students required to understand the obstacles that global business practitioners must overcome to succeed.

The book provides an analytic framework for grand strategy and applies the framework to illuminate the grand strategies of the Great Powers of the twenty-first century: India, China, Russia, and the United States. The book also uses Coca-Cola as a case study to illustrate the potential influence of grand strategy on business strategy. The analysis is rigorous, logical, fact-based, historically rooted, and well-sourced with abundant endnotes to encourage further exploration by readers.

In its Fourth Edition, this textbook explores how economic activity is organised from a new institutional economics perspective. Using transactions costs as a continuing theme, the book delivers the necessary skills to understand the evolution of organisational forms and the strengths and weaknesses of different varieties of private and public governance. The importance of entrepreneurship is emphasised throughout. Public policy concerning competition, regulation and the public utilities is used to illustrate the involvement of subjective judgements about transactions costs in all types of organisational choice. Key features of the Fourth Edition: ? Using impartial analysis, Martin Ricketts evaluates business enterprise through Neoclassical, Austrian and Evolutionary economics, allowing students to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each methodological perspective? Using a clear conceptual framework, the author explains principal-agent theory and the transaction cost paradigm in detail? The chapters are designed around a set of classic papers, giving students an understanding of the historical development of the discipline? Updated examples emphasise the applicability to different technological circumstances and the dynamic nature of studying economic organisation? Additional examples are included for teachers to further discussion or create extended seminar work. A key resource for advanced undergraduate courses or an excellent introductory text at graduate level, this Fourth Edition will provide students of economics, business and political economy with a greater awareness of how business enterprises operate and adapt in response to technological change and competition.

Vodafone is one of the most successful global companies of the last 20 years, growing from holder of one of the first two mobile communications licences in the UK, to being a dominant global brand. Whilst its leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and marketing all are well documented, much less is known about how Vodafone really benefited from such endeavours, and how it managed the transformational organizational journey from national to truly global. In this fascinating insight the author provides a unique experiential view into the hidden globalization of Vodafone, in which was created a social network that was engaged in the acquisition and deployment of a global network of mobile technology that now serves a proportionate mobile customer base of 198.6 million (at 31 December 2006). This new book examines how Vodafone has led the industry to a global stage, sharing data and knowledge, negotiating commercial terms and operational excellence, all for significant global aggregation cost synergy advantage. The reader will learn about how the intra-organizational teams were formed within Vodafone and further cooperated within an informal virtual global interorganizational network organization; an invisible structure that gave Vodafone a unique economic advantage. If your global organization is considering undertaking similar transitions, then this book will prove invaluable.

This book begins with an overview of the residential and commercial real estate market; investment and rental market, housing policies, risks and returns and continues with a study of current real estate investors, and the indirect investments in real estate through listed companies. Finally, there is an analysis of the financial real estate market, for the consumer and the developer, and the new products which have been developed for them.

Despite the fact that the African tourism industry is prone to disturbances such as diseases, extreme weather events, civil unrest, wars, and other shocks, nothing could have prepared this destination for the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the absence of government or international agency budget support, the pandemic challenged the African tourism market to its core. The focus of this book is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the African tourism destination market as well as its prospects for recovery. A chapter written by the editorial team introduces the book. Following the introduction, the book offers chapters evaluating the pandemic's impact on African tourism. Chapters in the second part of the book discuss tourism recovery and how some destinations have survived the pandemic. The book concludes with a chapter providing policy recommendations and practical implementation advice. The book is part of a 3 volume series.

This comprehensive handbook offers a state-of-the-art guide to new frontiers of African entrepreneurship. Written from a Pan-African perspective by a cast of international authors, the book addresses the rapid modernisation and evolution of African entrepreneurship and business practices. It maps new developments in entrepreneurial ecosystems, technology and digital entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship in conflict zones, and gender and diversity issues. It proposes new models for entrepreneurial financing and explores the contrast between entrepreneurship in high-technology urban centers with peripheral rural districts and conflict zones. Bringing together empirical insights and case studies from countries across Africa, the Handbook illuminates regional and contextual differences and shares theoretical and practical insights which inform policy and practice. It is an ideal guide for researchers and students working on international business, entrepreneurship and emerging economies. It will also inform policymakers in developing context-informed entrepreneurial policies and initiatives in Africa.

Keith Grint argues that the successes and failures of D-Day, on both sides, cannot be explained by comparing the competing strategies of each side. Instead he provides an account of the battle through the overarching nature of the relationship between the leaders and their followers.

This volume in the Academy of International Business Latin America Chapter (AIB-LAT) series presents research findings and theoretical developments in international business, with special emphasis on innovation, geography and internationalization in Latin America. Contributions are based on the best papers from the fourth annual AIB-LAT conference.

measure of the rate of innovation --research-and-development (R&D) expenditure per employee compared to new patents received per employee -- does not adequately capture a unique feature of SMEs, namely that owners and managers are often themselves innovators. For example, in Japan 52 per cent of SMEs' innovations reported in 1986 were created by employers, whereas in large firms 72 per cent of innovations were created by research technicians. Nevertheless, patchy evidence from Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States indicates that SMEs at least hold their own in terms of innovation compared to large firms. Perhaps most significantly, a recent study indicates that, while the total number of innovations is positively related to R&D expenditures, skilled labour and the degree to which large firms comprise the industry, in innovative industries innovative activity tends to emanate more from SMEs than large firms. This is probably because in industries where large firms dominate, SMEs need to be innovative to survive. There is much information to suggest that in technologies such as micro-electronics, new materials and biotechnology SMEs tend to be in the vanguard of innovation. Small and medium-sized enterprises as exporters. The contribution of SMEs to a national economy from exporting is generally small; for example, in Japan SMEs accounted for only 13 per cent of merchandise exports in 1990.

A combination of economic knowledge and accounting expertise provides a better understanding of problems of change within certain Pacific Basin nations. The role of accounting services firms in producing international linkage needed as a foundation for economic growth is described. An understanding of the impact of these firms on business operations among the nations of the Pacific Basin is provided. The focus is on the growth prospects for the accounting services firms in various area nations.

This highly practical book explains how executive teams in global companies can work together to successfully drive change, enable fast growth or restructure the business. It demonstrates a clear correlation between team development and business results and even deals with special issues for teams in the not-for-profit sector and emerging markets.

This book explores cutting-edge models and practices that support cultural alliances over boundaries. It examines trends in Asia's modification of its economic and fiscal environment, strategies undertaken by multinational companies and governments in Asia in coping with divergent cultures, organizational restructuring to support alliance formation and maintenance and post-crisis strategies. The book illustrates the range of governance structures that are seen to be better (or worse) at supporting alliances and it offers an approach to ameliorating difficulties.

Given the global nature of business today and the increasing diversity within the workforce of so many industries and organisations, a cross-cultural component in management education and training has become essential. This is the case for every type of business education, whether it be for aspiring graduates at the start of their careers or senior managers wishing to increase their effectiveness or employability in the international market. The 4th edition of Understanding Cross-Cultural Management has been adapted in line with the feedback from our many readers, and boasts new case study material based on recent research, as well as a stronger focus on Asian cultures, thereby providing more non-Western examples. Understanding Cross-Cultural Management offers a selective but broad view of classic and contemporary thinking on cultural management and encourages you to apply theories and ideas to practice - and to relate them to your own experience - through various examples and cases from the business world as well as through a range of practical activities, including: * Cross-cultural concepts, which explain key ideas from leading theorists, thinkers and practitioners. * Case studies (many of them based on articles from the Financial Times), dilemmas and points for reflection, which enable you to judge internally and interact externally. * Spotlights in every chapter, which briefly illustrate the concepts being described. * Mini-cases with questions and points for discussion, which encourage consistent application of theory to practice. * Activities at the end of each chapter, as well as at the end of each of the book's three parts, which provide a broader and more integrated perspective on the material in each section. These encourage you to develop both your cross-cultural management skills and a critical view of research done in this area. This book has been written for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as practising managers and professionals, who are studying cross-cultural and international management as part of either specialist international business programmes or general business-related qualifications. This book is also a valuable resource for self-study, enabling readers to extend and to deepen their cross-cultural awareness.

This is the first Open Access book introducing more than 20 of Japan's leading innovative entrepreneurs from the 17th century to the present. The author outlines the innovative business models created by entrepreneurs including SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, Fast Retailing (Uniqlo)'s Yanai Tadashi, Honda's Soichiro Honda, Sony's Akio Morita, Panasonic's Konosuke Matsushita, and Toyota's Kiichiro Toyoda, as well as their predecessors including Takatoshi Mitsui of Mitsui Zaibatsu, Shibusawa Eiichi of Daiichi Bank. While introducing the innovators, the author also raises three broader questions: 1. Why did Japan industrialize earlier than any other country outside Europe and the United States? 2. Why was Japan able to realize unsurpassed economic growth between the 1910s and the 1980s? 3. Why has Japan's economy stagnated for more than 30 years since the 1990s? Drawing upon analytical concepts including Schumpeter's breakthrough innovation, Kirzner's incremental innovation, and Christensen's disruptive innovation, the author contends that Japan's successes were based on unique and systematic breakthrough innovation and an accumulation of incremental innovation, while it later fell victim to a combination of breakthrough innovation from advanced countries and disruptive innovation by developing nations.

For the past two decades, the Advances in International Marketing series has made unique contributions to the field of international marketing through original and high-quality essays that address various international marketing topics. Both theoretical and empirical contributions are included. While some contributors focus on managerial issues in international marketing, others take a public policy or a comparative perspective. Similarly, while some authors may confine their analyses to well-established concepts or methodologies in international marketing, others have the opportunity to incorporate new and innovative perspectives.The contributions featured in Advances in International Marketing tend to be longer than the typical journal article and may incorporate ideas, analyses or techniques considered too radical by other refereed journals. Individual volumes in the series have often featured papers selected from the annual meetings of the CIMaR (Consortium for International Marketing Research). All manuscripts submitted for publication undergo a double-blind peer review process.

The only up-to-date introduction to international sport business Explores the organisational and policy environment for international sport and international business, as well as the day-to-day realities of successful sport business Strong focus on new, transformative technologies and data analytics Every chapter contains real world case studies and data Every chapter includes interviews with leading sport business practitioners, examples of best practice, and discussions of key pieces of research Includes additional on-line learning resources

The days of cheap raw materials and energy sources are gone. Suppliers will demand price increases due to the rising costs of energy and materials. This book describes how your purchasing department is able to gain (more) profit for your company and includes new ideas for successful purchasing and supplier development in Asia. The author discusses how to reduce costs in productive (BOM) and non-productive materials (NPMs) and how to calculate product and tool costs. As well, the book shows ways to negotiate your results with your suppliers in Asia and build an effective system of supplier relationship management.

This book explores some of the most common mistakes made by multinational companies doing business in China, in both cultural and managerial contexts. These shared mistakes could be as far-reaching as managing talent, local vs. global decision making, or could be as mundane as managing title, pay and performance. Many mistakes are rooted in a lack of understanding of the Chinese market in two areas: the unique talent and culture environment, and the immense opportunity potential. Very often, MNCs' global or local leaders lack the ability to make discretional decisions with one-size-fits-all approaches under the cloak of global consistency, or treating a China operation as one-of-the outfits (and a small one in the world revenue pool), even though they understand the market potential in theory. MNCs have enjoyed great success in China while many others have yet to realize their opportunities. China business continues to grow, and opportunities continue to develop. This book will guide business leaders on how to avoid the most common management pitfalls in China business, and will help the capitalize on the huge opportunity that remains in this region.

This study provides a timely and useful benchmark for analysis of the effects of the recently negotiated North American Free Trade Agreement on investment flows. It also presents a unified history of foreign investment in Canada, Mexico, and the United States over the twentieth century, stressing interactions among these countries and their changing policies towards inward and outward investment. Twomey analyzes economic theories of foreign investment from the perspectives of neoclassical economics and political science and places them in the context of the ongoing debate over neo-protectionist policies and the role of the United States in the global economy.

Written by an internationally renowned team of experts and underpinned by cutting-edge research, International Human Resource Management tackles a broad range of controversial and often marginalised issues associated with globalisation and its impact on multinational companies and employees. Updated throughout with brand-new case studies, reflective questions and recommended reading, the second edition includes coverage of: * International assignments and worker mobility * The development of new technology and its impact on work * International HRM and the platform economy * The nature of organisational change * The role of sustainability and social responsibility within the firm This innovative and thought-provoking textbook is suitable for students of International Human Resource Management and Employment Relations. Lecturers can visit study.sagepub.com/martinezluciomackenzie to access PowerPoint slides and additional case study material. Miguel Martinez Lucio is a Professor at the University of Manchester (Alliance Manchester Business School), UK. Robert MacKenzie is Professor of Working Life Science at Karlstad Business School, Karlstad University, Sweden.

This book selects Chinese excellent enterprise management cases, integrating into the education system of business schools, sharing "China's new story" to readers, and boosting the process of national economic construction and enterprise transformation. Chinese enterprises face unprecedented opportunities and challenges under the circumstance of fast-changing technology, economy, and political environment. In the face of various uncertainties, they have risen to prominence and constantly summed up enterprise management concepts and practical experience suitable for their own development to reshape their competitive advantages and enhance their market value. Based on the investigation, this book covers the major theoretical aspects of management principles such as planning, organizing, leading, controlling, and innovation. The 17 selected cases from manufacturing, retailing, technology/big data service, agriculture, and other industries cover strategic management, entrepreneurial management, human-oriented management, information management, and organizational innovation management. We hope that readers can get some valuable practical experience and enlightenment from the practices in these fields. The book also includes two case study guides, which guide readers to form a case study's thinking. It also encourages readers to broaden their learning ideas on management.