Business

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  • (1986) Barrett, Nigel
    Thesis
    This thesis seeks to broaden our understanding of the nature, causes and consequences of firms' internationalisation. A comprehensive review and assessment of previous research is presented, including a discussion of various models of the internationalisation process. A simple analytical framework is presented for studying the dimensions of internationalisation and its possible causes and effects. A number of hypotheses are developed which focus on the relationships between various management and firm factors and both the behavioural and attitudinal dimensions of manufacturing firms' internationalisation. The influence of various contextual factors (i.e. firm size, foreign ownership, and firm age) on some of these relationships is then investigated. Next, the multidimensional nature of internationalisation is explored. A number of underlying dimensions of internationalisation are identified which form the basis for developing homogeneous groups of exporting and non-exporting firms. Lastly, profiles of these groups of firms are developed in terms of various management and firm characteristics. The empirical analysis uses data generated from a nationwide sample of Australian manufacturing firms. The hypotheses advanced are tested using five different measures of internationalisation. In general, the results of the bivariate analysis tend to support the posited hypotheses for all measures except export volume, for which inconsistent results emerge. Further analysis reveals the importance of firm size and foreign ownership as important contextual influences on the relationships between explanatory variables and firms' internationalisation. The exploratory analysis of the multidimensional nature of internationalisation suggests various underlying dimensions of internationalisation. It also results in potentially useful classifications of exporters and non-exporters which have reasonably distinctive profiles. These classifications of firms provide possible bases for targeting and designing export assistance schemes. Finally, the limitations of the research are considered and directions for future research outlined.

  • (1981) Bottger, Preston C.
    Thesis
    Studies of small group performance have long been dominated by the view that interaction processes amongst team members are the critical determinants of task achievement. Yet few studies show that training in group dynamics leads to performance improvements (Kaplan, 1979). The emphasis on group level processes has overshadowed the influence of member task ability on group performance. The research presented here aims to redress this imbalance. Four integrated studies are undertaken employing different research methodologies. Study 1 explores the group performance/size relationship, and the moderating effects of member expertise and social decision schemes. Both simulated and interacting groups are investigated. Performance is found to be a positive linear function of log size. The slope of this graph is steeper for high ability members and more rational decision strategies. Study 2 explores the types of decision strategies used by interacting groups. Team performance is separated into assembly and information processing components. The former is a function of average member ability. The latter is determined by the degree of fit with a rational non-unit weight decision scheme. Study 3 shows for a group to achieve this strategy, member participation rates must be allocated in proportion to task expertise. Study 3 also demonstrates differences between perceived and actual influence: the former is principally determined by participation level, the latter by expertise. Study 4 builds on the findings of the first three - that group performance is a function of member task expertise and strategies for its use. It shows that task training for individuals enhances member ability, group process and decision schemes and performance. All studies employ the same task: the NASA moon exercise. A total of 400 subjects working individually and/or in 70 interacting groups are involved in the studies.






  • (1983) Samson, Daniel Alexander
    Thesis