Leveraging Internal Competency and Managing Environmental Uncertainty: Propensity to Collaborate in International Markets

Purpose – The choice of an international market entry mode involves two critical considerations, leveraging internal competencies and managing environmental uncertainties in host countries. The purpose of the paper is to explicate how these two considerations affect the propensity to collaborate in international markets. Design/methodology/approach – The paper builds on existing theories and develops hypotheses showing relations between competencies and uncertainty and collaboration in international markets. Findings – Conceptual relations show that the goals of leveraging competencies and managing environmental uncertainty in host countries have varying effects on the level of international collaboration. Originality/value – The effects are shown through the integration of different theories and empirical findings. Furthermore, the significance of collaboration in international market entry decisions is established. Directions for future research are also provided

Subalgebras of Matrix Algebras Generated by Companion Matrices

Let $f,g\in Z[X]$ be monic polynomials of degree $n$ and let $C,D\in M_n(Z)$ be the corresponding companion matrices. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for the subalgebra $Z$ to be a sublattice of finite index in the full integral lattice $M_n(Z)$, in which case we compute the exact value of this index in terms of the resultant of $f$ and $g$. If $R$ is a commutative ring with identity we determine when $R=M_n(R)$, in which case a presentation for $M_n(R)$ in terms of $C$ and $D$ is given

A Closed Formula for the Product in Simple Integral Extensions

Let $\xi$ be an algebraic number and let $\alpha,\beta\in \mathbb Q[\xi]$. An explicit formula for the coordinates of the product $\alpha\beta$ is given in terms of the coordinates of $\alpha$ and $\beta$ and the companion matrix of the minimal polynomial of $\xi$. The formula as well as its proof extend to fairly general simple integral extensions

The set of kk-units modulo nn

Let $R$ be a ring with identity, $\mathcal{U}(R)$ the group of units of $R$ and $k$ a positive integer. We say that $a\in \mathcal{U}(R)$ is $k$-unit if $a^k=1$. Particularly, if the ring $R$ is $\mathbb{Z}_n$, for a positive integer $n$, we will say that $a$ is a $k$-unit modulo $n$. We denote with $\mathcal{U}_k(n)$ the set of $k$-units modulo $n$. By $\text{du}_k(n)$ we represent the number of $k$-units modulo $n$ and with $\text{rdu}_k(n)=\frac{\phi(n)}{\text{du}_k(n)}$ the ratio of $k$-units modulo $n$, where $\phi$ is the Euler phi function. Recently, S. K. Chebolu proved that the solutions of the equation $\text{rdu}_2(n)=1$ are the divisors of $24$. The main result of this work, is that for a given $k$, we find the positive integers $n$ such that $\text{rdu}_k(n)=1$. Finally, we give some connections of this equation with Carmichael's numbers and two of its generalizations: Kn\"odel numbers and generalized Carmichael numbers

Can Brazilian Firms Survive the Chinese Challenge: Effects of Globalization on Markets, Strategies, and Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply the structure-conduct-performance theory and the strategic fit concept to examine the effects of globalization on markets, strategies, and performance of business-to-consumer firms in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a qualitative approach to answer the research questions. Top decision makers such as president, chief executive officer, chairman of the board, vice president, and director of the companies were interviewed. The elite approach to in-depth interviewing was followed to obtain reliable information from the decision makers. Findings – Findings indicate that globalization and especially the entry of Chinese firms significantly changed market contexts in Brazil. Brazilian executives responded to changes in market contexts by shifting from production to customer orientation, building brand equity, developing new products, and differentiating offerings. Overall, marketing performance of Brazilian firms was positive, but profitability suffered. Originality/value – The study contributes to the literature by showing that globalization has changed market contexts in Brazil by developing a new form of competition in which firms from emerging economies are now competing against each other. Findings from this study can provide useful theoretical and strategic insights into the behavior and performance of firms in other emerging markets

Competitive Threats, Strategic Responses and Performance of Brazilian B2B Firms

Purpose – The economic realignment in Latin America has created two clusters, one stagnant in the north and the other growth-bound in the south. This study aims to focus on Brazil, the key player in the growth-bound southern cluster, and address three fundamental questions: how Brazilian executives in four B2B sectors (telecommunications, business equipment, steel, and transportation) viewed the internal competitive developments, how they strategically responded to these developments, and what were the marketing and financial outcomes of these strategies. Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained by interviewing top decision makers such as president, chief executive officer, and director of the companies. Findings – Findings show that the intensity of competitive pressures due to globalization varied by sector and so did strategic responses of firms. Marketing and financial performance outcomes also varied by sectors. Originality/value – The study adds to the growing literature on competitive market developments, strategic responses and performance outcomes of firms in Brazil, an important emerging economy and the key player in the southern Latin America cluster

What drove down natural gas production in Argentina?

We address the causes behind the drop in natural gas production in Argentina since 2004, starting from a basic supply model that depends on economic incentives, and adding control variables related to different potential explanations such as firm specific (or area specific) behavior and the absence of contractual renegotiation of concessions extensions. Results from a panel of the change in natural gas production in all areas between 2004 and 2009 show that once a basic supply-past production (or reserve) relationship is modeled, other often mentioned effects become non-significant. Chiefly among them are firm specific effects and the role of renegotiations of concessions extensions. We find preliminary evidence that post 2007 renegotiations –which are associated with better price prospects- may have had an impact in correcting production decline in one leader firm. Other significant effects come from a negative impact of a change in the seasonality of production that in turn can be related to demand rationing and to price controls. Overall, the evidence suggests that the observed downcycle conforms to the prediction of a simple model of depressed economic incentives acting upon mature conventional natural gas fields and hindering investment in reserve additions or new technologies.Natural gas, peak production,supply behaviour