BACHELOR THESIS EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION OBJECTIVE
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFERS IN CHINA ABSTRACT Based on a combined methods of approach in drawing an open and closed question in an online questionnaire, this thesis looks into exploring knowledge transfers currently undertaken by Chinese companies as part of their international strategic techniques. Looking into the importance of these international strategic alliances in the economy of China. This thesis also seeks in understanding what the key challenges are involving knowledge transfers in this setting, what they look like, and how knowledge may be used in a way that sustains competitive success. INTRODUCTION This chapter outlines the main research context, introducing some key concepts. To understand the importance and nature of knowledge transfers, this chapter also defines the meaning of knowledge that draws on both explicit and tacit forms. Moreover, it also introduces to the readers the increasing importance of international strategic alliances, primarily focusing on the Chinese economy (Carlson, 2006). Recognizing that there is a connection between competitive success and strategic alliances in the literature, this research looks on the Chinese market to understand what these alliances look like, as well as the nature of knowledge transfers, along with the particular challenges which exist in this rapidly booming market. This information is required to assess the overall extent in which Chinese companies can use the knowledge obtained in order to strengthen their position in the race.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFERS IN CHINA LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter highlights the theoretical basis for the research that is aligned to the objectives of the research presented. This chapter further introduces the primary theoretical concepts, as well as the empirical studies which underpin the arena in which the research sits. The point of this exploratory research aims to understand the depth in which knowledge transfers currently exist in a number of strategic alliances, as well as the extent in which these underpin the competitive success. In order for this aspect to be examined, the meaning of knowledge, as well as the nature of knowledge transfers should be understood first and foremost. At a basic level, these knowledge transfer refer to an exchange of knowledge, which may either be tacit or explicit, and used in order to further improve learning within the firm. These knowledge transfers are positioned increasingly as being highly essential as a result of their being treated as a capacity that allows organizations to achieve the position of superiority if such capacity is achieved and focused on (Moran & Philips, 2001). Different interpretations regarding knowledge and knowledge transfers are usually generalized and often interpreted as being ambiguous. This results to discussions regarding knowledge being coupled with terms including experience, understanding and intuition which, even though useful, may fail to appreciate the essence of the context. Knowledge may also be both implicit which may be based on an experience, and explicit where the information is translated and depicted easily.Â
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFERS IN CHINA SUMMARY AND RESEARCH GAPS The review of literature presented in the next chapter drawing on the importance of knowledge transfers, and still recognizing how little attention had been specifically directed towards the nature of these knowledge transfers in strategic alliances. This often results in an empirical study was performed so as to identify what the exchanges actually look like, but also in understanding how these knowledge transfers may be facilitated because of the strong empirical linked between innovation, knowledge transfers, as well as competitive advantage. A foundation and starting point for this thesis was to further gain clarifications on the concepts, moving towards a point of exact measurement (Molley, 2002). References Carlson, E. (2006). How do social and special proximity impact the flow of knowledge? Evidences coming from patent data. Urban Economics Journal, 45(3), 345-367. Molley, H. (2002). Social research and development methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. California: Sade Press. Moran, R., & Philips, E. (2001). Strategic modularity in knowledge transfers: performance and innovation implications. Business Research of Journal, 34(3), 23-25.