| 1. |
- Akhtar, Reema, 1986-
(författare)
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What if your world is outside the oyster? : How highly educated and skilled first-generation immigrant entrepreneurs develop opportunities in knowledge-intensive sectors
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In the previous decades, immigration has increased significantly from non-EU countries to Western countries including Sweden. Due to different backgrounds, immigrant´s economic integration is even more important for their financial support and the economic growth of the host country. Consequently, the rising unemployment rate poses a threat requiring multiple efforts to integrate immigrants into the labor market. One way immigrants tackle unemployment is by opting for entrepreneurship. However, most prior studies within the field of immigrant entrepreneurship focus mainly on disadvantaged immigrants who face high entry barriers and limit themselves to labor-intensive and low-productive traditional sectors that are not fast-growing nor boost economic growth. This disadvantaged view on immigrants is challenged, and subjected to reassessment, especially in the urban context, due to which I shift the focus to highly educated and skilled first-generation immigrant entrepreneurs from non-EU backgrounds. To understand what facilitates this group of immigrants, I use a consolidated view of opportunity creation and discovery namely opportunity development which is at the core of the entrepreneurship process. Furthermore, opportunities are considered to originate from a business idea making it indisputable that recognition and evaluation of a business idea are vital in their development. Hence I use IPA to analyze data from 30 interviews, cross-checked with secondary data collected through online sources, and contribute with a model, that provides empirical evidence and theoretical perspective within immigrant entrepreneurship literature on how weak and strong social ties, prior work experience, and education of highly educated and skilled first-generation immigrant entrepreneurs influence them to recognize and evaluate business ideas during opportunity development in knowledge-intensive sectors. Results show there was not a specific stage of opportunity development when either of the two social ties was more or less relevant, as knowledge flowed through both that helped bridge social distances. To persevere and overcome their foreign status, immigrants sought out weak social ties to get more acquainted with their host country. While they avoided involving some strong ties directly in business matters, however, they were equally important in providing emotional support and motivation. This resulted in increased self-efficacy in their capabilities and confidence in the feasibility, credibility, and legitimacy of their business ideas that helped overcome fears to make informed assessments, educated investments, and suitable adjustments. Furthermore, some weak ties turned into strong ties with time, such as ex-colleagues and clients who became lifelong friends, business partners, and advisors. Social ties also had a stronger impact when paired with the immigrant´s high human capital from pre-existing sources of specialized knowledge i.e., prior work experience and education as well as new knowledge gained through a systematic search with the help of social ties. Therefore, social ties are a source of new knowledge, while prior work and education are a source of social ties. A marginal number of immigrants felt frustrated with weak ties and as an alternative they relied on social networking websites, to connect with a wider global pool of potential business partners, clients, and skilled people.
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| 2. |
- Bai, Wensong
(författare)
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The Best of Both Worlds : The Effects of Knowledge and Network Relationships on Performance of Returnee Entrepreneurial Firms
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In an increasingly globalized business world, international human mobility and its association with entrepreneurship presents attractive opportunities for business research. One increasingly important phenomenon in the field is returnee entrepreneurship, which is the reverse flow of migrants who acquired skills in developed countries back to their emerging-market home countries. In this way, knowledge from developed countries transfers back to, and fills technological and entrepreneurial gaps in, emerging countries. This thesis aims to explain returnee entrepreneurship by examining what factors differentiate innovation, internationalization and business performance of returnee entrepreneurial firms.The empirical investigation uses a mixed method approach comprising a qualitative single case study and four quantitative studies of a recent sample of 200 Chinese returnee entrepreneurial firms, and focusses on factors such as knowledge and network relationships, which are two advantages that returnee entrepreneurial firms are thought to have. By distinguishing among types of knowledge from various sources, and network relationships from both international and domestic origins, the findings show that international opportunity knowledge and domestic business relationships influence the innovation performance of returnee entrepreneurial firms. The structural characteristics of the international network of a returnee entrepreneurial firm are related to that firm’s international networking capability, which in turn influence its opportunity-driven internationalization. Additionally, the international experiential knowledge of returnee entrepreneurs nurtures their firms’ international market knowledge, and these experiences also indirectly affect firm internationalization by being transmitted through that market knowledge. Finally, international networking capability and innovation performance positively influence the business performance of returnee entrepreneurial firms, whereas the international business knowledge has a negative impact on business performance.The thesis challenges the enthusiastic view of returnee entrepreneurial firms by refining the heterogeneity of both the returnee entrepreneurs themselves, and the performance variances of their ventures. Empirically, this thesis suggests a combination of knowledge and resources from both ‘worlds’ that can best benefit the performance of a returnee entrepreneurial firm. This thesis also contributes to theory by providing new insights into the combined effect of (1) an individual entrepreneur’s international experience, and (2) a new venture’s knowledge base and capabilities; furthermore it also describes what that combined effect will be on the new venture’s performance.
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| 3. |
- Dellestrand, Henrik, 1978-
(författare)
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Orchestrating Innovation in the Multinational Enterprise : Headquarters Involvement in Innovation Transfer Projects
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In the past several decades research has emphasized innovation development and transfer as key issues when investigating the multinational enterprise (MNE). This thesis focuses on the question of what factors make headquarters involve itself in innovation transfer projects taking place between a sending and a receiving subsidiary within the MNE. This relates to headquarters active participation and role in the organization of resources (structure) and flows (processes) within the MNE. Using a database covering 169 innovation transfer projects the empirical analysis reveals that distances influence headquarters involvement, albeit in different directions. Systematic differences based on subsidiary and innovation characteristics and headquarters involvement is found. Not only subsidiary characteristics are of importance for headquarters involvement, but also the embeddedness of the subsidiary hosting the innovation transfer project. More specifically, physical and cultural distance between the sending and receiving subsidiaries influence headquarters involvement in the transfer negatively, whereas linguistic and economic distance between the subsidiaries conducting the transfer have a positive influence on headquarters involvement in innovation transfer. Looking more closely at the innovations subject to transfer the results suggests that innovations perceived as complex and important are favored for headquarters support. The same is true for innovations that are related to the core business of the subsidiary. At a subsidiary level, powerful subsidiaries initially receive more of headquarters support, but as subsidiary power increase, headquarters becomes less involved, i.e., a curvilinear effect of power is found. Acquired subsidiaries tend to become favored for headquarters involvement in transfer relative to greenfield subsidiaries. Finally, the results indicate that headquarters involves itself in transfer projects when the subsidiaries hosting the transfer projects have been relationally embedded during the innovation development phase. Theoretically, headquarters involvement can be conceptualized as orchestration of innovations within the MNE, and as a form of resource allocation. Thus, this thesis contributes to the understanding of what influences intra-MNE resource allocation, as well as what factors capture the attention of headquarters leading to innovation orchestration. Headquarters involvement in innovation transfer has implications for setting subsidiaries on evolutionary trajectories.
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| 4. |
- Kachlami, Habib M.
(författare)
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Social Entrepreneurship and Influence on Regional Firm Demography
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The central interest of this thesis is the emergence of social ventures. In this regard, it investigates two types of questions: what regional factors influence the emergence of social ventures? and what types of interaction may emerge between the emergence of social ventures and the demography (entry, exit and migration) of commercial ventures in a region? The thesis also aims to adopt a macro-oriented approach to studying the research questions.To answer those questions, this thesis applies both theoretical and empirical analysis. For the theoretical analysis, instead of a single theory it applies three middle-range theories: theory of organisational ecology, market failure theory, and the demand and supply theory of entrepreneurship. The empirical analysis is based on two large-scale databases from Sweden and the U.S. The Swedish database includes nonprofit social ventures and commercial ventures for the 1990-2014 period from all of the 290 municipalities across Sweden, while the database from U.S. includes 88 counties in the State of Ohio between 2003-2007.The answers to the research questions are presented in the form of six papers. Paper 1 provides an overall picture of the different possible functions of social ventures within communities and their contributions to regional development. With this overall view, Papers 2 and 3 answer the first research question, that is the factors influencing the emergence of social ventures. Thus, while Paper 2 provides a review of previous research, Paper 3 empirically examines some of the regional factors that may influence the emergence of social ventures in a region. The results of Paper 3 revealed that factors such as gender, education, entrepreneurial role models, wealth, unemployment rate, age, and urbanisation positively influence the emergence rate of the of social venture in a region.Papers 4, 5 and 6 are dedicated to answering the second type of research question, in other words the interaction between the emergence of social ventures and the demography (entry, exit and migration) of commercial ventures. As such, Paper 4 studies how the emergence of social ventures is influenced by the entry and exit of commercial ventures, Paper 5 investigates how the emergence of social ventures influences the entry of commercial ixventures, and Paper 6 examines how the emergence of social ventures influences the migration of commercial ventures. In summary, the results of these three papers reveal that while the emergence of social ventures negatively influences the commercial ventures inside a region, it has a positive influence on the commercial ventures outside the region. Paper 6 further investigates the influence of the emergence of commercial ventures on the migration of commercial ventures. The results show that while the emergence of social ventures attracts commercial ventures from outside into a region, the emergence of commercial ventures repels them from moving into the region.
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| 5. |
- Kao, Pao-Tsung, 1973-
(författare)
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Institutional Change and Foreign Market Entry Behaviour of the Firm : A Longitudinal Study of Three Swedish Firms in China
- 2013
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- China’s status as the world’s top destination for foreign direct investment and the largest trading nation is likely to attract more international firms seeking market entrance, and increase the speed of expansion by those already present in the market. Its progress in reaching this point has been accompanied by significant changes in laws and regulations. This study sets out to understand the events of foreign market entry to emerging markets experiencing recurring changes in laws and regulations, and asks the research question: How may institutional change in the host market influence the market entry behaviour of the firm over time?Based on retrospective longitudinal case studies of DeLaval, Elekta and Höganäs from 1980 to 2010, the findings show that institutional change taking place in the host market plays a signal role that enables firms to recognise the availability and accessibility of market opportunity. Firms also make market commitment accordingly to capture the market opportunity recognised. Additionally, institutional change comes in different forms (transitional change and turbulent change), and plays out differently in various industries and at various points in time. They also have varying influences on market opportunity in terms of the source through which it is recognised (structural opportunity and relational opportunity), and the direction in which market commitment is made (commitment toward the host market, relationships, and organisational integration).Furthermore, depending on the point in time, the relations among institutional change, market opportunity, and market commitment may change. While a consistent level of institutional change encourages firms to recognise structural opportunity, the escalation of institutional change over time seems to influence firms to form stronger relationship commitment with local actors and leads to stronger recognition of relational opportunity.This study’s findings imply that recurring institutional changes in emerging markets have an overarching impact on foreign market entry of the firm, and needs to be understood from a long-term perspective. Foreign firms that have acquired experience in emerging markets over time face less of a threat from ongoing institutional changes. Actively engaging in the host market and remaining alert to information from various sources will enable firms to recognise market opportunity in emerging markets.
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| 6. |
- Lundström, Robert, 1973-
(författare)
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Comparing Procurement Methods in Road Construction Projects : Influence on Uncertainty, Interaction and Knowledge
- 2013
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The construction sector is often considered to show a number of limitations regarding efficiency and effectiveness, conclusions normally drawn irrespective of project procurement method used, and despite the common assumption that differences among approaches exist regarding these aspects. The study investigates differences and similarities among procurement methods using a longitudinal multi-case study based on two comparatively large infrastructure projects: a traditional so-called design-bid-build project and an unconventional so-called design-build-maintain project. The empirical part of the investigation, which in addition to the two focal projects mentioned also includes a number of prior and subsequent projects, was conducted based on literature studies, interviews and observations. The complex organizational phenomenon associated with each case was studied partly by interpreting each focal project as a small temporary network comprising a client, a contractor and a consultant, and partly any connections from the focal project to other projects of the organizational context. The influence of the procurement method was investigated using a model comprising the three concepts of uncertainty, interaction and knowledge. The empirical findings suggest that significant differences exist between the two approaches investigated regarding all three concepts. In principle, the traditional procurement approach resulted in low degrees of uncertainty, interaction and knowledge, while the unconventional project resulted in higher degrees. Although differences regarding the procurement methods can be observed by directly comparing the two focal projects, the influence of procurement method on uncertainty, interaction and knowledge gained becomes even more interesting if the time-frame is extended beyond the immediate projects studied. In particular, the comparison of the two cases presented indicates differences regarding the establishment of inter-project connections. The theoretical framework utilized in the study contributes to previous research by providing a way to characterize procurement methods, differences among them, and how knowledge is gained in relation to interaction and uncertainty.
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| 7. |
- Magnus, Norberg, 1972-
(författare)
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On the Nature of the Multidimensional Firm–Bank Exchange
- 2016
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of firm–bank exchange. Using a qualitative research method and existing theory, by capturing transaction-based and relationship-based elements, I examine ten firms and eight different bank services important for the exchange between the firms and their banks. The study indicates that the exchange is more complex than previous theories have proclaimed, since the nature of the exchange differs when central elements of different bank services are compared. There are bank services, such as bank account and loans, which have a high degree of both transaction-based and relationship-based elements. Saving and investment are also indicated as consisting of both transaction-based and relationship-based elements. Other services, such as depositing of cash, digital depositing and payments clearly have a higher proportion of transaction-based elements than of relationship-based elements, but depositing of cash differs somewhat from digital depositing regarding some of the elements investigated. The study suggests that advising has a high level of relationship-based elements, while the transaction-based elements are much less evident. For the service exchange of money, both transaction-based and relationship-based elements are present at a level below medium. In total this demonstrates that the firm–bank exchange has a multidimensional nature.
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| 8. |
- Andresen, Edith
(författare)
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Dressed for success : designing and managing regional strategic networks
- 2011
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Inter-organizational network initiatives such as regional strategic networks (RSNs) are often used by firms and public agencies to support regional development and competitiveness. RSNs are designed networks managed by a hub and financed by public or private means. RSN management is complex as members are autonomous and initially often loosely connected. The effects of RSNs on regional development are disputed as engineered relationship development may interfere with ongoing business relationships. Despite this, vast public funds are being invested in collaborative initiatives. Identifying factors affecting RSN performance will provide a better basis for evaluating and managing such initiatives.Based on concepts such as actors, resources, and activities findings are reported from longitudinal case-studies built on interviews with 68 members and hubs in four RSNs. Data were also collected through participant observation, conversations, archival data and emails. Findings indicate that factors such as evaluation criteria, member composition, relationships, location, goals, the hub, physical and human resources, knowledge sharing and development, resources, policies and norms, social activities, and communication exert an impact on entrepreneurship and cooperation.The first paper focuses on factors such as actor composition, actor goals, number of actors, and activities facilitating relationship development and commitment. The second paper identifies a framework of seven tasks to be performed by the hub. The effects on development of preferences and atmosphere are dealt with in the third paper. Effects of cooperation between public/private sector and universities are addressed in the fourth paper, and entrepreneurial processes in network contexts are analyzed in the fifth one.The important management role of the hub is emphasized as is carefully considered member composition. Relationships and commitment are found to be crucial. These factors are not covered by national and regional performance criteria. They merit a place of their own.
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| 9. |
- Dahlin, Maria, 1972-
(författare)
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Tro, hopp och IT : Stora och små berättelser från ett förändringsprojekt
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Information technology (IT) is often assumed to be a prerequisite for the modern and developed organization, even though IT projects are described as problematic in practice. Starting with this paradox and using a narrative method, this study focuses on how, through their stories, employees of an organization ascribe different meanings to IT.The study, which entailed following an IT project at an insurance company, illustrates how the employees of the organization actively ascribe various and contradictory meanings to IT. On the one hand, preference is given to one grand narrative of IT as a tool in the service of the organization. This grand narrative ascribes the meaning of achieving management, control, and change, which is supposed to help the organization on its way toward a more successful future. Great responsibility is transferred to the technology for attaining the desired impact in the organization, which can backfire, especially against project management as they are hit with demands to fulfill the expectations for IT. On the other hand, employees wrestle to control the project, which they describe as unwieldy and unmanageable. The desired management, control, and change are described as elusive.The IT project has in this way come to be developed in a field of tension between contradictory meanings, where problems and solutions are constructed over time. The employees thus become, to an extent, victims of the meanings they have reproduced, something that can be described as double-edged power. The employees who were the keenest advocates of IT are also those who have the greatest difficulty accepting the failure of the technology to live up to expectations. In parallel, the study illustrates the employees’ opportunities to actively engage themselves in storytelling that complement and challenge the dominating meanings in the organization.
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| 10. |
- Agrawal, Vikas, et al.
(författare)
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The AAAI-13 Conference Workshops
- 2013
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Ingår i: The AI Magazine. - : Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence. - 0738-4602 .- 2371-9621. ; 34:4, s. 108-115
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The AAAI-13 Workshop Program, a part of the 27th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, was held Sunday and Monday, July 14-15, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel in Bellevue, Washington, USA. The program included 12 workshops covering a wide range of topics in artificial intelligence, including Activity Context-Aware System Architectures (WS-13-05); Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Methods in Computational Biology (WS-13-06); Combining Constraint Solving with Mining and Learning (WS-13-07); Computer Poker and Imperfect Information (WS-13-08); Expanding the Boundaries of Health Informatics Using Artificial Intelligence (WS-13-09); Intelligent Robotic Systems (WS-13-10); Intelligent Techniques for Web Personalization and Recommendation (WS-13-11); Learning Rich Representations from Low-Level Sensors (WS-13-12); Plan, Activity,, and Intent Recognition (WS-13-13); Space, Time, and Ambient Intelligence (WS-13-14); Trading Agent Design and Analysis (WS-13-15); and Statistical Relational Artificial Intelligence (WS-13-16)
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