Tecnodeck : facing the decision of choosing a new market : Brazil or Angola?

This work aims to provide a teaching case study in the area of international strategy by deeply explain the basis for an analysis of a possible expansion to new countries by a Portuguese company called Tecnodeck, which sells an innovative type of deck. The objective is to give teachers and students access to a practical example where theoretical frameworks can be applied and contain three parts: Case-Study, Teaching Notes and Literature Review. Founded in 2005, Tecnodeck is the market leader in Portugal in the deck sales, selling a product with specific characteristics that differentiate the company from its competitors. In the beginning of 2012, as the management of the company noticed a negative pattern in the growth of the business, there was made an important decision: operations in international markets should be expanded and the firm should become less dependent on the Portuguese market, which accounted for 75% of the sales at the time. This expansion is the central theme in the case. In the first part of the case, there are chapters explaining the first times in the business, the business model, context in Portugal when the decision is to be taken, international markets where the company already operates, and market perspectives from the sector that absorbs a great share of the company´s sales: the construction sector. In the second chapter, there is a brief explanation on the important factors to having into account when choosing the next destination, and a detailed analysis of the two main possibilities: Brazil and Angola. The second part gives instructions on how to conduct the presentation of the case in class, suggesting possible questions and discussion topics to be proposed in class, as well as possible ways of answering the proposed questions. The literature review uses theoretical articles or statements to explain the frameworks used in the case.Este trabalho pretende disponibilizar um caso na área de estratégia de internacionalização, explicando detalhadamente as bases da análise de uma possível expansão para novos países por parte de uma empresa Portuguesa chamada Tecnodeck, que venda um tipo de deck inovador. O objetivo é que professores e alunos tenham acesso a um exemplo prático onde os enquadramentos teóricos podem ser treinados e aplicados. O trabalho tem três partes: Estudo do caso, nota de ensino e revisão de literatura. Fundada em 2005, a Tecnodeck é líder de mercado na venda de decks em Portugal, comercializando um produto com características específicas que diferenciam a empresa em relação aos seus competidores. No início de 2012, ao reconhecer uma tendência negativa no crescimento do negócio, a direcção da empresa tomou uma decisão importante: as operações nos mercados internacionais deveriam ser aumentadas, ficando a empresa menos dependente do mercado interno, responsável por 75% das vendas na época. Esta decisão de internacionalização é o tema central do trabalho. No início do caso, há capítulos que explicam os primeiros tempos da empresa, o modelo de negócio, o contexto da operação a nível nacional em Portugal na época da decisão, os mercados internacionais onde a empresa já opera e uma perspectiva do mercado de construção civil, dado que se trata de um sector que absorve uma percentagem significativa das vendas da empresa. No segundo capítulo, há uma breve explicação sobre os factores mais importantes a ter em conta na escolha do novo destino, e uma análise detalhada das duas principais possibilidades: Brasil e Angola. Na nota de ensino, são dadas instruções relativamente à apresentação do caso em aula, sendo também sugeridas questões e tópicos de discussão a ser propostos aos alunos, bem como possíveis respostas às mesmas. Por fim, na revisão de literatura são utilizados artigos ou citações teóricas para melhor explicar as ferramentas estratégicas usadas

Numerical solution of linear models in economics: The SP-DG model revisited

In general, complex and large dimensional models are needed to solve real economic problems. Due to these characteristics, there is either no analytical solution for them or they are not attainable. As a result, solutions can be only obtained through numerical methods. Thus, the growing importance of computers in Economics is not surprising. This paper focuses on an implementation of the SP-DG model, using Matlab,developed by the students as part of the Computational Economics course. We also discuss some of our teaching/learning experience within the course, given for the first time in the FEP Doctoral Programme in Economics.SP-DG Model, Output, Inflation, Numerical Simulation, Teaching of Economics

Entry by research-based spin-offs: the determinants of regional variation

Reflecting the increasing number of research based spin-offs (RBSOs) created since the nineties, previous studies focus their analysis on the factors that influence university entrepreneurship. However, empirical studies that investigate the determinants of variation on RBSO creation across regions are scarce. Using a unique self-collected dataset that comprehends the population of RBSOs created in Portugal from 1979 until to 2007 we investigate the intensity of spin-offs creation across regions, by focusing on the characteristics of the universities and the region in which the spin-off is located. Our results suggest that the quality and prestige of the universities located in a municipality, as well as the presence of university-affiliated incubators and/or university research parks have a positive impact on the intensity of RBSO creation. Regarding the regional characteristics, the availability of qualified human capital and the regional demand size seem to exert an important effect on spin-off activity across regions.FC