Ethylene polymerizations were performed in toluene using the neodymocene complex (C5Me5)2NdCl2Li­(OEt2)2 or {(Me2Si­(C13H8)2)­Nd­(μ-BH4)­[(μ-BH4)­Li­(THF)]}2 in combination with n-butyl-n-octylmagnesium used as both alkylating and chain transfer agent. The kinetics were followed for various [Mg]/[Nd] ratios, at different polymerization temperatures, with or without ether as a cosolvent. These systems allowed us to (i) efficiently obtain narrowly distributed and targeted molar masses, (ii) characterize three phases during the course of polymerization, (iii) estimate the propagation activation energy (17 kcal mol–1), (iv) identify the parameters that control chain transfer, and (v) demonstrate enhanced polymerization rates and molar mass distribution control in the presence of ether as cosolvent. This experimental set of data is supported by a computational investigation at the DFT level that rationalizes the chain transfer mechanism and the specific microsolvation effects in the presence of cosolvents at the molecular scale. This joint experimental/computational investigation offers the basis for further catalyst developments in the field of coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP).

This thesis aimed at filling a literature gap indicated in Resource Based View: the development of resources that lead to superior performance. According to research propositions by Barney, Ketchen & Wright (2011) and Maritan & Peteraf (2011). RBV is a management theory that sustains that superior performance is due to ownership and use of valuable and imperfect mobile resources, that is, resources that cannot by aquired or imitated by competitors. There are several research papers testing and validating the causality betweeen ownership or superior quantity of an specific resource and organizational performance. Following research design proposal by Rouse & Daellenbach (1999), in which RBV researches must select firms that share the same production factors and compete in similar markets, it was selected an specific industry to analyze how a key resource in this industry is developed. The resource selection for this research was based on Newbert's (2007) proposal about how a resource can be framed in RBV foundations. Chosen industry was professional football. The chosen resource was clubs's fans base. From this research choice, based on data and assumptions, research objectives were formulated: reveal which factors are relevant on individual's choice of a football club to be a fan, verify importance of this factors on individual's decision and examine preponderance of factors under organizational's control. First research objective was completed with a qualitative research, based on grounded theory method. From proposed model on qualitative phase, later objectives were accomplished using logistic regression and discriminant analysis models. On this models, dependent variable was nominal-qualitative (chosen football club to be a fan) and independent variable were family composition, family loyaltymeasured with Funk & James (2001) construct, clubs's brand personality traits, sport performance, players quality and club media exposition. Most relevant factors were Family related variables, being sport performance also capable of influence fan choice. Research results indicate ex ante and ex post limits to competition, highlighting that clubs with an inferior resource position must considerable elevate its sport performance to accumulate more quantity of this resource, due to existent mass effect.

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