Throughout the last decades, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are achieving increasing importance in the corporate world. There are many motives such as to increase the market power and competitive advantage, to reduce dependence on suppliers, to gain fast access to new market etc. why managers adopting an acquisitions strategy. Nevertheless, many M&As have been unsuccessful in the past due to incompetent managers, poor ethics, inadequate analysis prior the deal, and diversification away from the core business of the company. Therefore, a careful industry, target company, and product portfolio analysis must be made before the deal. The literature provides different frameworks and analytical tools that can be used in the M&A process in order to avoid typical risks. However, because of the uniqueness of each M&A deal, it is important to gain further insights in these transactions in order to provide an appropriate guideline on how to select an optimal M&A target.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Research question
- Research objectives
- Philosophy Research Design
- Epistemology
- Ontology
- Research Approach
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative
- Data collection
- Sample size
- Collecting data
- Data analysis
- Ethical considerations
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide a thorough examination of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the context of corporate strategy and competitiveness. It delves into the motivations behind M&A, analyzes the critical factors influencing success, and identifies key frameworks and analytical tools that can be used to evaluate and manage such transactions.
- The role of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in corporate strategy
- Critical factors influencing the success or failure of M&As
- Analytical frameworks and tools applicable in M&A decision-making
- The importance of understanding industry structure and competitive dynamics
- Exploring the concept of synergy and its implications for M&A outcomes
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the significance of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the contemporary business world, highlighting their increasing importance for companies seeking to enhance market power, competitiveness, and access to new markets. It also acknowledges the challenges associated with M&A, including the potential for failure due to managerial shortcomings, ethical lapses, insufficient analysis, and diversification away from core competencies.
The literature review delves into the work of Michael Porter, whose five forces model of industry competition provides a framework for analyzing the competitive landscape and informing strategic decisions. The chapter explores criticisms of Porter's model and discusses alternative perspectives on strategy, highlighting the importance of recognizing dynamic market conditions and emergent strategies.
The chapter on research design outlines the philosophical foundations underpinning the study, including epistemology and ontology, which provide a framework for understanding the nature of knowledge and reality. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion on research methodology and data collection.
The chapter on research approach explores the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods, discussing their strengths and limitations in the context of the study's objectives. It delves into the specific data collection methods employed, including the rationale for sample size, data collection techniques, and data analysis approaches.
The chapter on ethical considerations examines the ethical implications of the research, ensuring that the study adheres to principles of respect for participants, confidentiality, and data integrity.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this work include mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate strategy, competitive advantage, industry structure, Porter's five forces model, synergy, analytical frameworks, and ethical considerations. These terms encapsulate the core concepts and research foci of this study, providing a comprehensive understanding of the critical factors influencing the success and failure of M&A transactions within the broader context of corporate strategy.
- Quote paper
- Alexander Berger (Author), 2011, Applied Research Methods - Mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/174855
