Microfoundations of Strategic Agility in Emerging Markets: Empirical Evidence of Italian MNEs in India

We propose the individual-level microfoundations of subsidiary CEOs in emerging markets as antecedents of the strategic agility of multinational enterprises, and subsidiary embeddedness as a key organizational-level moderator of these relationships. Combining quantitative data on subsidiary CEOs operating in India with qualitative interviews with Italian HQ counterparts, our results suggest that subsidiary CEOs’ tenure in emerging markets, along with their overall experience, affects MNE strategic agility positively. Similarly, CEOs’ cognitive characteristics - problem solving and reasoning, and language and communication skills (individual-level microfoundations) - affected strategic agility positively, while subsidiary embeddedness moderated these relationships in different ways, leaving space for fresh managerial and theoretical considerations.</p

A Roadmap for HEP Software and Computing R&D for the 2020s

Particle physics has an ambitious and broad experimental programme for the coming decades. This programme requires large investments in detector hardware, either to build new facilities and experiments, or to upgrade existing ones. Similarly, it requires commensurate investment in the R&D of software to acquire, manage, process, and analyse the shear amounts of data to be recorded. In planning for the HL-LHC in particular, it is critical that all of the collaborating stakeholders agree on the software goals and priorities, and that the efforts complement each other. In this spirit, this white paper describes the R&D activities required to prepare for this software upgrade.Peer reviewe

Preparation of beta-amino or alpha ,beta-diamino esters derived from serine

The invention relates to the prepn. of esters R1R2NCH2CH(Nu)CO2R3 (R1-R3 are protecting groups and Nu is a nucleophilic group) by reaction of R1R2NCH(CH2-Y)CO2R3 (Y is a leaving group) with a nucleophile. Thus, treatment of (R)-Bn2NCH(CH2O3SMe)CO2Me with NaN3 in MeCN afforded 90% (S)-Bn2NCH2CH(N3)CO2Me. [on SciFinder (R)

Are sovereign wealth funds “white knights”?

Purpose – In the continuing credit squeeze, sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are still active in international lending and are eagerly sought out by large, cash-strapped companies in the West. The purpose of this paper is to examine their nature and strategies before and after the onslaught of the credit crunch and global economic downturn in order to advise corporates on how best to design their strategies and terms in approaching the SWFs for funds. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis is made of SWFs in their dealings with Western corporate borrowers and a case study made of Barclays Bank which, faced with three major options in 2008 to raise a large amount of cash, chose to attract funding from three Gulf SWFs. Findings – SWFs certainly qualify as lenders of last resort (“white knights”), providing ready loans, albeit on premium terms, at a current time of severely restricted credit supply from other sources. Alternative sources of funds – stockholders and government bail-out – also suffer from disadvantages relating to the characteristics of their loans. Practical implications – Corporate borrowers should currently view SWFs as attractive “white knight” sources of loans when other providers are constrained. The analysis in this paper, including the experience of a major borrower, Barclays Bank, suggests that SWFs are demanding tougher terms as a result of their strong bargaining positions and historical losses, and that companies should tailor SWF loan contracts to contain maximum incentives and safeguards to produce successful results. Originality/value – This is the first paper to analyse the new role and strategies of SWFs in the credit crisis context, as well as the required response of cash-strapped companies seeking loans from them.Banks, Economic conditions, Financing, Investments, Loans, Raising capital