Strategic Management of Resources for International Business Operations in Small Consulting Firms - People, Processes and Tools in Managing International operations

Research on strategic management of resources for small consulting firms which are international or planning to operate internationally is scarce or not existing at all. It is however important to start generating the theories that will support managers in their decision making and planning. This thesis investigates how do small management consulting firms manage their internal and external resources while operating in international markets. Throughout the study, aspects related to internal and external resources management as well as management strategies in these firms have been examined in relations to firm’s internationalisation activities. A qualitative analysis was carried out whereby four small consulting firms in Export Management Consulting, Integration Services Consulting-, Software Development Consulting- and Business Solutions Consulting companies were interviewed. In order to generate the holistic understanding of the study, the thesis writer selected Value Enhanced Collaborative Working (VECW) model as an analysis framework. The model focuses on people, processes and tools as key elements that small consulting firms consider when thinking about managing their international operations. The findings of the thesis reveal that, internal and external resources in the interviewed consulting firms are viewed similarly, but managed differently depending on the nature and size of the firm. Firm’s management strategies concentrate on the adequate utilisation of the employees' motivation and experiences, effective stakeholders' management, various administrative evaluation processes and tools, the ability to realise useful networks, constant improvement through employee trainings, employees and customers’ feedbacks as well as enhanced freedom in order to support employees’ creativity. Further research to examine functional administrative tools and tools that small consulting firms could use to assess their resource capabilities when planning to become international would benefit the smaller businesses in terms of resources management and certainty in planning.siirretty Doriast

Internationalization : A Resource for Successful Regional Development : Laurea University of Applied Sciences International Students’ role in the Triple Helix of University, Industry, and Government

This study was prepared as a part of the bachelor thesis at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. The main aim of the thesis was to examine qualities necessary for international students and graduates to be able to participate in the Finnish labour market. The emphasis was kept on the integration of international students in accomplishing different projects with Finnish companies in the region and also for the possibilities for international graduates who have decided to stay in Finland to be integrated in the Finnish labour market. Triple Helix of University, Industry and Government was the main consideration of this thesis. A total of seven people being directors, senior advisors and pioneers of some international project or companies, from the university-, company- and the government sectors, were interviewed. The qualitative analysis was accomplished. Internationalization as a gateway to regional success, international students as the potentials for Finland, and university as a company, were the three categories selected to give a clear understanding of respondents’ perspectives on the research problem. From different perspectives that arouse from respondents, it was realised that, demands for improving qualities needed for the successful internationalization were considered to be the responsibility of the universities. Companies portrayed the need for high quality skills and experiences from university graduates. The government’s position was to support the development concerning internationalization as well as developing the internationalization strategies. The implications of this thesis emphasizes the need for universities to work hard to reveal the potential knowledge that can assist the region: international students to be included in the university level functions, companies to define their role in the internationalization activities in the region, as well as the need for the inter-ministerial collaboration in revealing all the needed qualities from all different sectors in developing effective strategies that can enhance a profitable internationalization

Strategic Management of Resources for International Business Operations in Small Consulting Firms - People, Processes and Tools in Managing International operations

Research on strategic management of resources for small consulting firms which are international or planning to operate internationally is scarce or not existing at all. It is however important to start generating the theories that will support managers in their decision making and planning. This thesis investigates how do small management consulting firms manage their internal and external resources while operating in international markets. Throughout the study, aspects related to internal and external resources management as well as management strategies in these firms have been examined in relations to firm’s internationalisation activities. A qualitative analysis was carried out whereby four small consulting firms in Export Management Consulting, Integration Services Consulting-, Software Development Consulting- and Business Solutions Consulting companies were interviewed. In order to generate the holistic understanding of the study, the thesis writer selected Value Enhanced Collaborative Working (VECW) model as an analysis framework. The model focuses on people, processes and tools as key elements that small consulting firms consider when thinking about managing their international operations. The findings of the thesis reveal that, internal and external resources in the interviewed consulting firms are viewed similarly, but managed differently depending on the nature and size of the firm. Firm’s management strategies concentrate on the adequate utilisation of the employees' motivation and experiences, effective stakeholders' management, various administrative evaluation processes and tools, the ability to realise useful networks, constant improvement through employee trainings, employees and customers’ feedbacks as well as enhanced freedom in order to support employees’ creativity. Further research to examine functional administrative tools and tools that small consulting firms could use to assess their resource capabilities when planning to become international would benefit the smaller businesses in terms of resources management and certainty in planning.siirretty Doriast