As literaturas contemporâneas espanhola e portuguesa como espaços culturais de memória histórico-política

Nesta dissertação analisamos a forma como quatro obras literárias contemporâneas se podem constituir como espaço cultural de memória histórico-política das décadas que em Portugal e Espanha se seguiram à implantação dos regimes democráticos. O trabalho incide na análise de Os Memoráveis, de Lídia Jorge, Novembro, de Jaime Nogueira Pinto, Las leyes de la frontera, de Javier Cercas, e Romanticismo, de Manuel Longares. Procede-se à análise comparativa dos quatro romances e à forma como cada um problematiza dois períodos fundamentais da história recente dos dois países. São também tratadas as questões relacionadas com o diálogo entre o conhecimento histórico e literário, o lado fictício e imaginário da história e a contribuição da memória para a reconstrução dos processos históricos. Procura-se também entender de que forma a literatura se constitui como uma forma de reflexão catártica e crítica, como suscita a problematização do momento presente, e que marcas pessoais e/ou autobiográficas os autores deixam transparecer nas suas obras.

Being ahead of its time the consumer resistance phenomenon: A comparative case study research

Double Degree.

The establishment mode choice of German multinational enterprises in Brazil: A comparative approach

We examine the drivers behind the establishment mode choice of German multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the sectors of Automotive, Chemicals and Mechanical Engineering in Brazil for the years 1993-2013 using a novel sample of primary data obtained directly from German MNEs. Based on prevalent theories found in the literature, we test the most common hypotheses on our sample. Firms with high R&D activities and firms with prior market knowledge in Brazil in from of previous sales offices are more likely to enter Brazil by a Greenfield investment. We also show that it is the specific private ownership of the German so-called hidden champions that drive those specific SMEs to enter Brazil by Greenfield, a sneaking suspicion that has been made before. Finally, we show that the establishment mode choice between Brazil and the USA only deviates to a low extent, with German MNEs preferring to enter Brazil by Greenfield and the USA by M&A. Thereby, we provide valuable insights for future research in this field.

Trust, alliance management capability and the alliance management function: A comparative analysis of Portuguese SMEs

Strategic alliances represent a key driver for internationalization and growth, being the purpose of this work project to better understand the intertwined relationship between trust and the existence of an alliance management position. Previous research supports the positive impact of such position in stock market returns. However, little attention has been given to the impact of such position on the level of trust in the collaborative arrangement, which is deemed to be a key driver for alliance success. A qualitative comparative case-study of three Portuguese SMEs is used to draw conclusions from the literature to real life business cases and it demonstrates the positive impact of an alliance management position on trust.