Internationalisation: Global Issues

There is much to be done to help Australian SMEs raise their game in the international marketplace. Evidence shows a weak international performance by SMEs, but also grounds for optimism. In terms of government policy interventions, we recommend: A targeted approach, aimed at those SMEs that seek to internationalise but have not yet done so, and those that are already exporting and seek to expand their international reach into new markets A higher priority on facilitating SME exports in the six most internationally active industries, including ‘mining’, ‘agriculture’, ‘manufacturing’, ‘wholesale’, ‘information media’, and ‘professional’ Greater emphasis on encouraging small and self-employed firms to participate in foreign markets by providing targeted export incentives, support for network and international collaboration, business matching opportunities, and facilitating access to finance Increased support for growth and innovation to boost the number of exporters and accelerate their international activities More support for SMEs in terms of detailed information provision, such as tailored advice and a mentoring program for firms internationalising in different geographical markets, in-depth discussion forums and network events

Knowledge Integrated Business Process Management for Third Party Logistics Companies

The growing importance of logistics as well as the increasing dynamic complexity of markets, technologies, and customer needs has brought great challenges to logistics. In order to focus on their core competency in such a competitive environment, more and more companies have outsourced a part or the entirety of the logistics process to third party logistics (3PL) service providers. 3PL has played a crucial role in managing logistics processes within supply chain management. Logistics processes require and supply various types of knowledge for planning, developing, operating, controlling and improving business processes. Therefore, in the current knowledge era, knowledge integrated business process management (KIBPM) is of significant importance for 3PL. This work applies KIBPM in 3PL from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The methodology for this study is a combination of literature and primary source research. From the theoretical perspective, it reviews the related literature on knowledge, KM, KIBPM and 3PL. It next analyzes application potentials as well as basic theories of KIBPM in 3PL, and proposes a framework for application. Furthermore, it studies the issues, knowledge sources and content, as well as KM approaches from the strategic and operational perspectives. In particular, it discusses the dynamics, logistics networks, business process networks and tacit knowledge sharing in 3PL. From the practical perspective, a case study of a leading 3PL provider demonstrates the drivers, practices and approaches of KIBPM application. The case study is based on in-depth interviews and extensive access to the secondary data of the firm. It analyzes the core business processes, the process knowledge and key activities of KM in the formulation of business strategy and the operation of business processes in contract logistics. In addition, it applies the proposed framework in this case. Furthermore, it discusses the findings from the literature and case study that relate to the research questions, compares the differences and similarities of KM in 3PL between theory and practice, and puts forward some research and managerial implications. This study has come to the conclusion that it is more effective and efficient to integrate KM in business processes. Knowledge of market, customer requirements, partners, and competitors and collaborative KM in the logistics networks are essential when choosing competitive strategies, process designs and development strategies for business. 3PL needs dynamic capabilities to sustain competitive advantage through KM. In operation, knowledge related business procedures and domains, as well as the results in project management of warehousing, intermodal transport and cooperation between geographic networks, have considerable value for business process execution, evaluation and improvement. 3PL motivates tacit knowledge sharing and effective knowledge acquisition, production, warehousing, distribution and application with a trusting organizational culture, process oriented structure, appropriate technology, and incentive measures. However, while KM is a tool for improving the competency and performance for the organization, learning capability is more important to keeping sustainable competitive advantage in the long term for 3PL. The application of KIBPM in 3PL supports business process management at both the strategic and operational levels. It especially contributes to business development, collaborative projects, intermodal transport, and logistics service improvement

Requirement specifications for standardized Local Area Networks and applications for Naval Aviation squadrons.

This thesis will address unique characteristics and requirements for implementing a Local Area Network (LAN) and standard applications at the Naval Aviation squadron level. The introduction will present the history and basic concept of LAN's at squadrons as well as defining the problem that exists. Examples of Local Area Networks are presented to provide a basic understanding of the technology involved. The organization of Naval Aviation squadrons is discussed to illustrate the high level functional requirements. Areas to be covered in the requirements specifications are then discussed to ensure completeness and the overall success of this concept. Performance, documentation, training, support and security are a few of the issues that are addressed. Complete specifications, a coordinated and well thought out plan and designation of a project manager are critical elements that cannot be ignored if the project is to succeed.http://archive.org/details/requirementspeci00masoLieutenant, United States Navy ReserveApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Strategic plan for algarveresorts internationalization process to Florida, USA.

JEL Classification System: M16 - International Business Administration L83 - TourismTourism is a volatile industry where a slight change in politics, economics or a natural catastrophe can change the game rules overnight. Geographic diversity is a key factor to create a solid company structure in tourism industry. Operating in different locations, dealing with diverse markets, decrease business dependency in geography. With lower risk, companies are free to focus on optimizing their local and daily services management. The following dissertation intends to be a business plan focused on Algarveresorts’ internationalization process. This plan consists in a business expansion for Algarveresorts to the United States of America, specifically to the Florida State. This process of internationalization aims to reduce the business risk related to the fact that the company operates solo in one geographic location, which makes Algarveresort completely dependent on a single market in all it’s operations. The firm aims to expand it’s business as well as building a solid and versatile company structure. With the internationalization process, the firm intends to grow in the tourism sector internationally. Throughout the development and results measurement on this strategic plan it is easy to say that Florida is teeming with opportunities for the whole process of expansion and internationalization of Algarveresorts. As well as the final projected model fulfill all the company expectations and aims, being completely in the reach of Algarveresorts resources. Although the huge and strong competition in that market it is safe to say that Florida can surely become the next market to be explored by the Company.O turismo é uma industria volátil na qual uma pequena mudança politica, económica ou de causa natural pode alterar todas as regras do jogo, do dia para a noite. Diversidade geográfica é a chave para criar uma estrutura empresarial solida na área do turismo. Operar em diferentes localizações lidando com diferentes e dispersos mercados reduz toda a dependência dos mesmos. Reduzindo o risco, as empresas podem então focar-se na sua gestão local e otimização dos seus serviços. A presente dissertação baseia-se num plano de negócios focado no processo de internacionalização da Algarveresorts. Este plano consiste numa expansão do modelo de negócios da mesma para os Estados Unidos da América, mais propriamente para o estado da Florida. Este processo de internacionalização tem como principal objetivo a redução do risco de negocio associado ao facto da empresa operar em apenas um único mercado e estar dependente do mesmo em todas as suas operações. A Algarveresorts ambiciona expandir todo os seus negócios e ao mesmo tempo tornar toda a sua estrutura empresarial mais solida e versátil. Com o processo de internacionalização a firma visa vingar no sector turismo internacionalmente. No desenvolvimento e na observação dos resultados provenientes deste projeto estratégico facilmente se conclui que a Florida apresenta enumeras e excelentes oportunidades para toda a expansão e internacionalização da Algarveresorts. Também o modelo final projetado corresponde na totalidade a todas as expectativas e prospeções da empresa, estando completamente dentro do alcance da mesma. Embora a enorme e forte competição que se faz sentir no mercado do turismo na Florida seguramente podemos afirmar que este será o próximo mercado a ser explorado por parte da Algarveresorts

Data Mining

The availability of big data due to computerization and automation has generated an urgent need for new techniques to analyze and convert big data into useful information and knowledge. Data mining is a promising and leading-edge technology for mining large volumes of data, looking for hidden information, and aiding knowledge discovery. It can be used for characterization, classification, discrimination, anomaly detection, association, clustering, trend or evolution prediction, and much more in fields such as science, medicine, economics, engineering, computers, and even business analytics. This book presents basic concepts, ideas, and research in data mining

Assuming Data Integrity and Empirical Evidence to The Contrary

Background: Not all respondents to surveys apply their minds or understand the posed questions, and as such provide answers which lack coherence, and this threatens the integrity of the research. Casual inspection and limited research of the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), included in the dataset of the World Values Survey (WVS), suggested that random responses may be common. Objective: To specify the percentage of cases in the BRI-10 which include incoherent or contradictory responses and to test the extent to which the removal of these cases will improve the quality of the dataset. Method: The WVS data on the BFI-10, measuring the Big Five Personality (B5P), in South Africa (N=3 531), was used. Incoherent or contradictory responses were removed. Then the cases from the cleaned-up dataset were analysed for their theoretical validity. Results: Only 1 612 (45.7%) cases were identified as not including incoherent or contradictory responses. The cleaned-up data did not mirror the B5P- structure, as was envisaged. The test for common method bias was negative. Conclusion: In most cases the responses were incoherent. Cleaning up the data did not improve the psychometric properties of the BFI-10. This raises concerns about the quality of the WVS data, the BFI-10, and the universality of B5P-theory. Given these results, it would be unwise to use the BFI-10 in South Africa. Researchers are alerted to do a proper assessment of the psychometric properties of instruments before they use it, particularly in a cross-cultural setting

Leading Towards Voice and Innovation: The Role of Psychological Contract

Background: Empirical evidence generally suggests that psychological contract breach (PCB) leads to negative outcomes. However, some literature argues that, occasionally, PCB leads to positive outcomes. Aim: To empirically determine when these positive outcomes occur, focusing on the role of psychological contract (PC) and leadership style (LS), and outcomes such as employ voice (EV) and innovative work behaviour (IWB). Method: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using reputable questionnaires on PC, PCB, EV, IWB, and leadership styles. Correlation analyses were used to test direct links within the model, while regression analyses were used to test for the moderation effects. Results: Data with acceptable psychometric properties were collected from 11 organisations (N=620). The results revealed that PCB does not lead to substantial changes in IWB. PCB correlated positively with prohibitive EV, but did not influence promotive EV, which was a significant driver of IWB. Leadership styles were weak predictors of EV and IWB, and LS only partially moderated the PCB-EV relationship. Conclusion: PCB did not lead to positive outcomes. Neither did LS influencing the relationships between PCB and EV or IWB. Further, LS only partially influenced the relationships between variables, and not in a manner which positively influence IWB