Brand theory has its origins in the consumer product market and is normally considered in relation to big business. An established brand enables customers to save time by guaranteeing the level of quality, reducing purchasing risk and simplifying customer choices. Little research, however, has...

Effective co-ordination of business-to-business relationships is an important determinant of firms' competitiveness under changing market conditions. Drawing on transaction cost analysis (TCA) and resource-dependence theory (RDT), the authors analyse the effects of inter-firm dependence and...

This article discusses the relationships between competences and strategies in firms. The competences of firms are normally their most basic resource and, as opportunities for winning on technological leadership are diminishing; a firm's capacity to develop and use its competences are vital to...

The article looks at how firms' perceptions of competitive influences shape their innovative behaviour as they search for strategic advantage. In this exploratory piece of research, the author shows that firms take notice of a small number of competitors only, their perceived competitive...

Why do firms that make specific downstream investments as they start international operations, sometimes turn to more market-like arrangements as they gain international experience and their international sales increase? This paradox in international marketing is the key question to be addressed...

Despite increased attention towards problem finding, the initial activity in problem solving, no integrated theory or common conceptual framework has been developed. This can partly be explained by competing vocabularies and perspectives due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. This...

Technology transfer through international joint ventures is considered important to enhance competitiveness, exploit opportunities and boost economic growth. A common observation is, however, that such ventures often fail. Present insights regarding transfer processes, influencing factors, and...

Most research on burnout has been conducted among the helping professions. This article reports findings from a large-scale survey undertaken in a new setting, the off-shore oil industry. The same three components as reported in earlier research, i.e. emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and...