bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SME internationalization research: past, present, and future
Authors: Ruzzier Mitja , Hisrich Robert D. , Antoncic Bostjan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the similarities and differences in the internationalization of SMEs and MNEs and the specific factors affecting them.Design/methodology/approachThe relevant literature was reviewed particularly in the context of the major theories of internationalization.FindingsThe positive and negative aspects of each theoretical approach to internationalization are present to form the basis of a new model of international entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsThe newly developed conceptual model has not been empirically tested.Originality/valueA redeveloped theoretical integrative conceptual model of international entrepreneurship is proposed based on four internationalization properties (mode, market, product, and time), internationalization performance, and key antecedents and consequences of the internationalization process.
“Successful” internationalising UK family and non‐family‐owned firms: a comparative study
Authors: Crick David , Bradshaw Robert , Chaudhry Shiv 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate differences in the perceived performance and competitiveness of “successful” family and non‐family‐owned firms in overseas markets.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports on findings from a postal survey and subsequent interviews involving managers of firms that are winners of the UK Queen's Award for Export.FindingsStatistical analysis and follow‐up interviews establish that limited differences exist between high performing family and non‐family‐owned SMEs in respect of measures and sources of performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were based on a sample of firms judged to have been successful and therefore the usefulness of the sampling frame is questionable based on the criteria of the award's committee.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that small family‐owned businesses can be just as competitive in overseas markets as their non family‐owned counterparts, assuming that an effective strategy is employed. These can serve as useful role models.Originality/valuePrior research has focused on general surveys and has not explicitly investigated differences between family and non‐family‐owned higher performing firms.
The role of management characteristics in the internationalisation of SMEs
Authors: Hutchinson Karise , Quinn Barry , Alexander Nicholas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to specifically explore the role of management characteristics in the international development of SMEs.Design/methodology/approachSince the intention of this study was to build theory from an unexplored area of research, a multiple case approach was deemed most appropriate. In doing so, this paper responds to recent calls in the literature for in‐depth case research (e.g. Westhead et al., 2002; Doherty, 2003).FindingsThis paper highlights the importance of objective and subjective characteristics as factors which impact not only the initial decision to expand and the support of overseas operations, but the subsequent path and pace of international development.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this paper confirms the pivotal role of the owner manager in the international decision‐making of retail SMEs, it is recommended that future research examines the role of management characteristics in SMEs based in other industries.Practical implicationsThe findings from this empirical study have important implications for both managers of SMEs and private and public sector organisations, and these recommendations are discussed in the conclusions of this paper.Originality/valueWhile the effect of management decisions upon the internationalisation of SMEs is at a relatively developed stage in the literature, one of the less studied aspects is the role of decision‐maker characteristics. Given the manufacturing focus of research contributions in the field, this paper yields new insights into SME foreign development and the role of management in the context of the retail sector and the broader service industry.
The use of the accounting beta as an overall risk indicator for unlisted companies
Authors: St‐Pierre Josée , Bahri Moujib 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to verify whether or not the accounting beta, a recognized measure of overall risk in publicly traded companies, can be used with unlisted businesses.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an empirical study using factorial and regression analysis to measure which components of the global risk of SMEs are linked to accounting beta.FindingsThe results show that accounting beta does not seem to constitute a global measure of SMEs' risk, being explained mostly by financial risk and not by commercial, technological, management and entrepreneurial risks components.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers will have to turn towards other models than accounting beta that include financial and nonfinancial dimensions of risk in order to obtain an adequate assessment of the overall SMEs' risk.Practical implicationsRisk is the element that determines access to external financing as well as the lending conditions. Results obtained in this research show that accounting data cannot be used to express overall risk of SMEs, because they are not global enough and are not good predictors of future situations.Originality/valueThis article presents limits inherent to financial data to properly measured global risk of SMEs.
Change in SME internationalisation: an Irish perspective
Authors: Nummela Niina , Loane Sharon , Bell Jim 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to describe and analyse the change process related to internationalisation among three internationalising Irish SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ a retrospective case study. The data were collected with face‐to‐face interviews with the founding CEOs.FindingsThe study indicates that the changes in SME internationalisation would be more multidimensional than assumed. The level of change due to internationalisation varies considerably and the different types of change are closely intertwined. However, the cases verified that the framework created is a well‐functioning tool for analysing such changes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is an exploratory one, and the findings are based on three cases. Therefore the results can only be considered tentative. Additionally, the retrospective nature of the research design is challenging, as it puts weight on the respondents' memory and ability to identify change.Practical implicationsBased on the findings SMEs might be able to anticipate future changes in the environment and adapt to them. This could also be reflected in their strategic planning. Additionally, the information can be utilised in organising public support for internationalising SMEs.Originality/valueIn contrast to the mainstream research which focuses on the change process, the study examines the content of change, i.e. what actually changed in the company during internationalisation.
Foreign language use among decision‐makers of successfully internationalised SMEs
Authors: Knowles Deborah , Mughan Terry , Lloyd‐Reason Lester 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to assess the place of language skills in the international orientation of decision‐makers of successfully internationalised SMEs. The position of language skills in this area of literature and policy is problematic and a new paradigm is proposed.Design/methodology/approachThis paper considers findings from an empirical project using both quantitative and qualitative methods, first, a 1,200 company telephone survey and second, an 80 company batch of face‐to‐face interviews.FindingsStrong international orientation seems indeed to be a determinant of success in international trade. The decision‐makers of the successful companies were notably more likely to have foreign language skills than those in the other groups and were also the only group to include self‐reported skills at the highest level. However, comparison of the countries in which the firms were dealing with the languages in which decision‐makers claimed skills shows very clearly that the decision‐makers of the “successful” international companies were often not using their foreign language skills in business. In addition, these decision‐makers also possessed better attitudes towards foreign experience and other elements of international orientation.Practical implicationsThe paper discusses the implications of the findings for policy‐makers responsible for training and trainers themselves. The evidence supports the view that government subsidies focusing on language training might be better directed at a more varied range of activities to develop international orientation.Originality/valueThe article contributes to the development of qualitative research in this area in examining the foreign language use of decision‐makers in successful international SMEs and locating this within their broader international orientation. It posits that language skills make an indirect contribution to overall international business success which is more valuable than their direct contribution to improved communication with specific foreign clients and markets.
The entrepreneur in the Born Global firm in Australia and Sweden
Authors: Andersson Svante , Evangelista Felicitas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify and analyse the common characteristics and behaviour of entrepreneurs that affect the establishment of Born Global firms. The differences between the Australian and Swedish contexts will be scrutinized.Design/methodology/approachThis study was designed to be qualitative in nature so that rich insights can be obtained directly from the entrepreneurs themselves. The sample consists of three Born Global firms each from Australia and Sweden.FindingsThis study shows the importance of entrepreneurs for the rapid internationalization of firms in Australia and Sweden. Different types of entrepreneurs were identified and small but important differences were identified between the two countries and different industries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study shows that analysis on an individual level enhances the understanding of internationalisation in new firms. By using the concept marketing and technical entrepreneur in different industrial contexts a more detailed understanding of different internationalization patterns can be obtained. This study is limited to two countries and six case studies. The findings may be limited to the chosen firms and studies across more countries and industries are needed.Practical implicationsThis study shows that the entrepreneur should be in focus when analysing new firms' possibilities to expand abroad. Entrepreneurs can use their international experience, visions, ambitions and networks as crucial competencies in an international expansion. Different types of entrepreneurs can use different international strategies.Originality/valueThe focus and detailed analysis on the individual level across different countries make this study original.
Firm internationalisation and export incentives from a Middle Eastern perspective
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Julian Craig C. , Baalbaki Imad , Hadidian Tamar V. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the incentives to export that Lebanese entrepreneurs face when engaging in international business.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on an empirical investigation of the incentives to export that Lebanese firms face when engaging in international business. The sample of firms came from a wide cross section of industries and was provided by the Lebanese Ministry of Industry. A questionnaire was developed and pre‐tested using a small sample of exporters with the final instrument used to personally interview all respondents.FindingsA total of 17 of the 20 export incentives tested were identified as being significantly important. Also, it was concluded that exporters and non‐exporters largely agree in their views of the various incentives to exporting.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the research limitations was the sampling technique. Convenience sampling was used in this project. Although it has many advantages, it also has some limitations, including respondent self‐selection.Practical implicationsThe study findings suggest that exporters and non‐exporters perceive the same incentives to export to be important. However, exporters and non‐exporters had different attitudes towards one export incentive being “Decline in the Value of Currency Relative to Foreign Markets”.Originality/valueFrom the multiple comparisons test conducted on “Decline in the Value of Currency Relative to Foreign Markets” for those who export 11 percent to 40 percent of their total sales and those who export 41 percent or more of their total sales the attitudes towards this export incentive are significantly different from each other.
The charity sector in England and Wales
Authors: Morgan Andrew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo share the author's experience in advising not for profit occupiers on relocation strategy and implementation and to draw conclusions that apply across all occupier sectors.Design/methodology/approachAn examination of the issues impacting the charity sector's selection of operational property with a pros and cons analysis of the benefits of ownership versus leasing. Policy implications are addressed by way of conclusion.FindingsIdentifies a tendency for decisions to be taken without the support of a financial framework and to be biased towards an ownership approach, following investment rather than strategic objectives. The need is highlighted to prioritise operational needs and treat property as a business resource.Originality/valueThe paper offers an insight into how property decisions are reached in the not for profit sector, an area not widely addressed by analysis or research. The paper is useful to CRE managers in highlighting policy implications and best practice for property selection generally.
Factors affecting the development of flexible workplace facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence the provision of sustainable and flexible office workplace in built‐facilities, and further, classify these factors under several categories, where commonalities are shared.Design/methodology/approachThe author has analyzed the published literature for the purpose of reviewing the origin of office workplace design and the reasons that promoted the development of flexible workplace in office‐based environments. A sum of 18 factors for facilitating the provision of the flexible workplace were identified. These factors were classified under four categories, including planning of the building, layout of the physical workplace, information technology networking, and building service systems.FindingsThe survey of literature has revealed that there is no comprehensive overview of factors that designers, developers, investors, facility managers, and planners can use to provide sustainable and flexible workplace facilities, where flexibility relates to the concept of the physical layout and functional opportunities of the workspace. Based on a study of the literature, 18 factors for facilitating the provision of the flexible workplace have been identified.Originality/valueDesigning a sustainable office work environment is as challenging a task today as ever. New ways of working have arisen and new technologies are being introduced into office work activities. This paper presents advice to designers, planners and real estate developers to consider the concept of designing flexible workplaces to meet the emergence of new technologies and the increase in business competition.
Comparing recent technology foresight studies in Korea and China: towards foresight‐minded governments?
Authors: Schlossstein Dominik , Park Byeongwon 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to compare recent third generation technology foresight studies in South Korea and mainland China. Both studies were released in 2005.Design/methodology/approachReview of the foresight reports released by the Chinese and Korean governments (not available in English), interviews with the project leaders of foresight studies.FindingsChina is relatively behind Korea in the sophistication of its technology foresight methodology. Chinese foresight is second generation (technology focus) whereas Korea's is third generation (society focus). There is no example of policy up‐take of TF results in China so far but there was one very recent example in Korea. There was no private sector participation in using Chinese foresight results; however, there was limited participation in Korea. Foresight methodology should be generally enhanced.Practical implicationsA better link between policy‐making and foresight process is needed. This requires changes at both ends. Governance issues of foresight are addressed towards the end of the paper.Originality/valueOriginal, unpublished competitive paper for the ASIALICS 2006 International Conference, Shanghai, April 2006.
Sustainable development in an industrial enterprise: the case of Ontario Hydro
Authors: Roome Nigel John , Bergin Ronald 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a longitudinal case study of Ontario Hydro – an industrial organization that used sustainable development as the basis for a strategy of social and organizational transformation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the complex factors that influenced the formulation and implementation of this strategy.FindingsThe findings indicate the advanced ambition and authenticity of Ontario Hydro's strategy, even though it was formulated some ten years ago. The study suggests that the strategy was abandoned for reasons that include the gap between the processes identified in the strategy and the processes followed in practice, the absence of platforms to discuss and agree the meaning and practice of sustainable development within the company and its wider system, and the scarcity of skills to facilitate sustainable development as a process of multi‐actor innovation. Consequently, the concept of sustainable development was not translated into practices that had shared meaning for the many actors involved in the energy system of Ontario. While based on a case study of one organization, the findings appear to speak to more general issues of sustainable development as the management of organizational and contextual change.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates much about the process of organizational change to effect more sustainable practices within a company and its social context.Originality/valueNo other organization has pursued a strategy for sustainable development with the same claim to authenticity as that of Ontario Hydro, where the strategy was cross‐referenced to Agenda 21 and developed with input from some of the main architects of Agenda 21. Moreover, few studies of sustainable development in the literature span a period as long as this case.
Stakeholder engagement, social auditing and corporate sustainability
Authors: Gao Simon S. , Zhang Jane J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo identify the applicability of social auditing as an approach of engaging stakeholders in assessing and reporting on corporate sustainability and its performance.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon the framework of AA1000 and the social auditing studies, this paper links stakeholder engagement, social auditing and corporate sustainability with a view to applying dialogue‐based social auditing to address corporate sustainability.FindingsThis paper identifies a “match” between corporate sustainability and social auditing, as both aim at improving the social, environmental and economic performance of an organisation, considering the well‐being of a wider range of stakeholders and requiring the engagement of stakeholders in the process. This paper suggests that social auditing through engaging stakeholders via dialogue could be applied to build trusts, identify commitment and promote co‐operation amongst stakeholders and corporations.Research limitations/implicationsThis research requires further empirical research into the practicality of social auditing in addressing corporate sustainability and the determination of the limitations of dialogue‐based social auditing.Practical implicationsSocial auditing has been identified as a useful mechanism of balancing differing interests among stakeholders and corporations in a democratic business society. The application of social auditing in developing and achieving corporate sustainability has apparently practical implications.Originality/valueThis paper examines the applicability of dialogue‐based social auditing in helping business to move towards sustainability. Social auditing as a process of assessing and reporting on corporate social and environmental performance through engaging stakeholders via dialogue could be applied to build trusts, identify commitment and promote cooperation amongst stakeholders and corporations.
Sustainability: aligning corporate governance, strategy and operations with the planet
Authors: Cartwright Wayne , Craig John L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo demonstrate that mainstream current ethical stances of corporate governance and associated strategic and operational management are contributors to global unsustainability, and to discuss issues and approaches for bringing governance and management into alignment with sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA representative model of a business is used to predict outcomes for financial wealth creation and environmental sustainability under mainstream ethical stances for corporate governance.FindingsAnalysis of the model concludes that, given these stances, enhanced management practice and/or technological innovation is unlikely to take such businesses above the threshold of sustainability. This leads to proposal of a model that demonstrates seven alternative pathways to achieving alignment of governance and management with planetary sustainability. One pathway retains current mainstream ethical stances, that must be constrained by government interventions. The other six pathways show alternative influences that cause corporates to shift their ethical stances autonomously and hence to change governance and management strategies and action.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reaches theoretical conclusions that could be further developed as research propositions for empirical testing and raises issues that can be considered directly by corporate directors and managers.Originality/valueThe paper introduces models and analysis that have not appeared elsewhere in the literature.