Search results
1 – 10 of over 74000I am honored to receive the Booz Allen Hamilton/strategy+business Eminent Scholar Award in International Management. I am even more honored to follow in the footsteps of such…
Abstract
I am honored to receive the Booz Allen Hamilton/strategy+business Eminent Scholar Award in International Management. I am even more honored to follow in the footsteps of such distinguished previous recipients of the AOM-IMD (Academy of Management-International Division) Distinguished Scholar Award as: John Child, Christopher Bartlett, Sumantra Ghoshal, John Dunning, and Yves Doz. Like them, I shall reflect here on my past contributions to scholarship, and then use this work as a building block for the major part of this paper, which is on the need for new and relevant theory in the field of international management.
Niels Ketelhöhn, Roberto Artavia, Ronald Arce and Victor Umaña
This paper is a historical account of the process by which Michael Porter and INCAE Business School put together a regional competitiveness strategy for Central America that was…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is a historical account of the process by which Michael Porter and INCAE Business School put together a regional competitiveness strategy for Central America that was officially adopted by the governments of five participating countries, and implemented through a series of Presidential Summits that occurred between 1995 and 1999. The paper provides a unique case study on the adoption of the concepts put forth by Porter in his book “The Competitive Advantage of Nations” (1990) at the highest level of government. The study arrives at a series of practical implications for policy makers that are particularly relevant for the implementation of supra-national regional strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct an extensive literature review of 190 policy papers produced by INCAE Business School, that are used to recreate the historical evolution of the regional competitiveness strategy. The effect of Porter’s intervention is also assessed by comparing the main economic indicators of each participating country with those of 2005-2010. One of the authors was the main protagonist in the successful implementation of the strategy, and the paper relies partially on his accounts of events.
Findings
This study describes how economic policy in Central America was profoundly influenced by Michael Porter’s thinking in the second half of the 1990s. These policy changes promoted international competition of Central American clusters and firms, and opened the region for international investment and tourism. The region experienced important increases in its economic integration, its international trade, foreign direct investment and tourist arrivals. Gross domestic product growth was accelerated in Honduras and Nicaragua.
Research limitations/implications
Like all case studies, this study has limits related to the generalizability of its conclusions. Additionally, it is not possible to determine the precise nature of the relation between the implementation of the regional economic strategy, and the impact on economic growth, integration, FDI attraction and exports.
Practical implications
The paper has several practical implications that relate to the design of regional economic strategies. First, it identifies policy areas that are more effective as part of regional strategies, and distinguishes them from those that should be resolved at the national level. Second, it suggests a process that can facilitate execution. Finally, it provides an example of the coordinating role that can be assumed by an academic institution such as INCAE.
Originality/value
The Central American Competitiveness Initiative provides a unique setting to study the implementation of competitiveness policy for several reasons. First, in all countries in Central America, Michael Porter’s diamond framework (1990) and cluster theory were officially adopted at the highest level of government. Second, in addition to their individual competitiveness strategies, all countries adopted a regional strategy for cooperation and economic integration. Finally, the Central American Competitiveness Initiative was founded on one of the first competitiveness think tanks of the world.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the framework of the EU cohesion policy 2014-2020 with respect to its potential to secure not only the resources necessary for climate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the framework of the EU cohesion policy 2014-2020 with respect to its potential to secure not only the resources necessary for climate action in EU regions but also an integrated climate adaptation approach. It also examines the prospects for Greek regions with respect to climate adaptation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the regional policy approach as it is generally formulated and applied in the context of the EU cohesion policy, this paper seeks to identify the policy objectives, the funding opportunities and the conditionalities for climate adaptation action. It also examines the above-mentioned elements for Greek regions.
Findings
The context of the EU cohesion policy constitutes a necessary but not sufficient condition for developing and implementing successful regional adaptation strategies. The process and content of regional policies are of significant importance in order for this context to be fully exploited.
Research limitations/implications
Since this is the first time that climate adaptation at the regional level is directly addressed by cohesion policy, there is not much evidence on this issue, at least for Greek regions.
Practical implications
The approach followed in this paper may constitute a useful contribution to the formulation of regional adaptation strategies. This is of particular importance as climate adaptation, together with risk prevention, is one of the key thematic objectives of the EU cohesion policy 2014-2020.
Originality/value
This paper makes an original contribution by introducing and explaining a new challenging issue for the regional policies agenda, namely, the climate adaptation strategy, and stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to it, especially for Greek regions.
Details
Keywords
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…
Abstract
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.
Details
Keywords
The objective of this paper is to explore the progress of current reforms to government in the English regions through administrative decentralisation aimed at delivering economic…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to explore the progress of current reforms to government in the English regions through administrative decentralisation aimed at delivering economic growth and greater accountability.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to government documents the paper is informed by the views of a range of public and non‐governmental bodies on key aspects of the reforms, including the preparation of integrated regional strategies, accountability arrangements and institutional capacity.
Findings
While holding out the prospect of a more effective approach to regional policy making and delivery, implementation of the reforms carries risks for the delivery of key government policies. There is little evidence that they will assist in reversing disparities in economic growth rates between the English regions or tackle England's ingrained tradition of centralisation. There are also concerns that the prominence given to economic considerations is incompatible with delivering sustainable development.
Practical implications
Greater attention needs to be given to the coordination of national policies with a regional dimension and to the sub‐national institutional capacity required to both prepare and deliver integrated regional strategies.
Originality/value
Drawing on empirical evidence this paper offers insights into the administrative and policy tensions associated with ongoing reforms to sub‐national government in England.
Details
Keywords
This study compares U.S. firm international strategies between two starkly different industries. We find that firms are more inclined to adopt global strategies in the integrated…
Abstract
This study compares U.S. firm international strategies between two starkly different industries. We find that firms are more inclined to adopt global strategies in the integrated global industry than in the multidomestic industry. The global strategy does not seem to be effective unless a firm possesses substantial intangible assets. R&D-based intangible assets play a more significant role than marketing-based intangible assets in both the integrated global industry and (to a lesser extent) the multidomestic industry. Additionally, internationalization pace has a positive direct impact, and a negative interaction effect with the global strategy on firm performance in the integrated global industry.
Arkadiusz Ral-Trebacz, Stefan Eckert and Marcus Dittfeld
Current discussions in the international business community have demonstrated that the focus of MNCs operations tends to be more regional than global. This paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Current discussions in the international business community have demonstrated that the focus of MNCs operations tends to be more regional than global. This paper aims to investigate the performance effects of intra-regional and inter-regional strategy among large companies in European countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors test the research hypothesis on a sample of 25 largest European companies from six regional, as well as global-oriented, industries using the random effects model.
Findings
The authors find that an increase in a firm’s degree of regionalization leads to value enhancement. On the other side, the results reveal that an inter-regional strategy is associated with value discount. Moreover, empirical findings show that the higher the degree of inter-regional expansion the more pronounced is the effect of firm-specific assets related to marketing on performance. Hence, the negative valuation impact of an inter-regional strategy may be attenuated or even overcome through the interplay of inter-regional internationalization and firm-specific assets related to marketing.
Originality/value
By introducing a theoretical framework, the authors discuss the performance effects of regional-oriented and inter-regional-oriented strategies. Furthermore, they investigate the moderating effect of inter-regional expansion on the performance impact of firm-specific assets related to marketing in the case of large companies. Empirically, they test the hypotheses on a sample of large firms for an 11-year period using different measurements regarding the degree of intra-regional and inter-regional expansion.
Details
Keywords
A. Dickson and R. Young
The Strathclyde experience makes it clear that local government should be precise about the objectives it wishes to pursue, the likelihood of achieving these, the methods it must…
Abstract
The Strathclyde experience makes it clear that local government should be precise about the objectives it wishes to pursue, the likelihood of achieving these, the methods it must adopt, and the best way of monitoring progress and effectiveness. Strathclyde Region has laid the base for a much more efficient delivery of services and resources relating to its particular needs, this information being derived from local data collection and analysis and providing essential underpinning to policy initiatives on issues (e.g. services to the unemployed, one‐parent families). Regional deprivation strategy has increased political awareness of Regional employees, and the 1983 strategy emphasises community development. Through a greater commitment by Regional staff to act positively in reducing the impact of urban deprivation, the effect of Regional policy on the lives of individuals has been significant.
Details
Keywords
This study seeks to show how higher education institutions can plan regional strategies to increase their external impact on the environment.
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to show how higher education institutions can plan regional strategies to increase their external impact on the environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The balanced scorecard approach is used to provide a general framework to communicate the strategy.
Findings
The approach is useful in accomplishing the strategic themes and objectives.
Practical implications
The study presents an example of how higher educational institutions are able to plan their joint regional strategy.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the knowledge and practice of strategic planning in the network of educational institutions. The findings of this study are useful to administrators of educational institutions aiming to plan a regional strategy and improve the external impact of institutions.
Details
Keywords
Ruth V. Aguilera, Ricardo Flores and Jin Uk Kim
The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the theoretical underpinnings and extant progress of the research on regional multi-national enterprises (MNEs) and offer a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the theoretical underpinnings and extant progress of the research on regional multi-national enterprises (MNEs) and offer a blueprint for future research by re-conceptualizing how (regional) boundaries relate to the international diversification of MNEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper integrates key insights from the theory of the regional MNE and economic geography to re-orient the treatment of regional borders within international business (IB) literature.
Findings
The paper suggests that the (L) component within the ownership location and internalization (OLI) paradigm should be disaggregated into continuous “distance effects” and discrete “border effects”. Within this rubric, regional borders represent discrete border effects that generate discontinuities that are permeable, fluid and firm specific. Such reconceptualization opens up avenues for future research and more tightly integrates the research on regional MNEs with other research streams.
Research limitations/implications
IB scholars need to make concerted effort to think of regions as one among several parameters in studying the strategy and structure of MNEs. A stronger focus on internal processes and mechanisms elucidating the main drivers of MNEs strategies is needed.
Originality/value
The paper offers innovative ways in which future research can advance the study of how regions matter in the internationalization strategy of MNEs.
Details