Globally oriented Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises: in search of an integrative framework and competitive determinants (original) (raw)

Structural and competitive determinants of globally oriented small- and medium-sized enterprises: An empirical analysis

Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 2010

This paper examines the factors influencing the internationalization of the activities of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as an entrepreneurial response to the opportunities and threats posed by the increasing globalization of the economic system. Findings from agricultural equipment manufacturers indicate that size, international experience, innovation, and distinctiveness have a direct influence on the degree in internationalization by SMEs. Scanning, learning, and networking have some influence on the extent of internationalization of SME activities but only indirectly through other variables. Competition intensity and uncertainty also have an indirect impact on internationalization, but standardization does not. Relative importance of each determinant is ascertained and the impact of SME internationalization activities on performance is assessed.

SMEs; Localisation vs. Internationalisation: A Critical Review of Theoritical Frameworks and Business Strategy

Journal of Entrepreneurship & Organization Management, 2016

This literature review is aimed at providing deeper insights into how the state of SMEs internationalisation proceeds overtime as well as what propels them to pursue internationalisation. Also, the synthetic study format which involves crucial review of various arguments from different researchers will be employed. This paper will begin by discussing how SMEs expand. The factors, motives and strategies that drive internationalisation of SMEs will be evaluated. Theoretical frameworks of SMEs internationalisation will be critically reviewed and the linkages between Scholar's assertions about theoretical frameworks and the business strategy of firms will be discussed.

Smes; Localisation Vs Internationalisation, a Critical Review of Theoretical Frameworks and Business Strategy

This literature review is aimed at providing deeper insights into how the state of SMEs internationalisation proceeds overtime as well as what propels them to pursue internationalisation. Also, the synthetic study format which involves crucial review of various arguments from different researchers will be employed. This paper will begin by discussing how SMEs expand. The factors, motives and strategies that drive internationalisation of SMEs will be evaluated. Theoretical frameworks of SMEs internationalisation will be critically reviewed and the linkages between Scholar’s assertions about theoretical frameworks and the business strategy of firms will be discussed.

Strategic Management Overview and SME in Globalized World

Handbook of Research on Strategic Management in Small and Medium Enterprises, 2000

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in each economy. Some of them even became market leaders from an international perspective. This stands in stark contrast to the fact that scientific and strategic management research up to date has only rudimentarily covered the field of strategic management of SMEs. Globalization is not a trend, a fad, or an isolated phenomenon. It is an inescapable force. If anticipated and understood, it is a powerful opportunity. If not, it can swiftly destroy businesses and drown organizations. Meanwhile the concern for globalization and its effect on SMEs has grown tremendously over the recent decade. Hence, strategic management becomes critical and deserves more attention due to the threats and opportunities globalization exposes and offers SMEs to at the same time. This chapter intends to make a contribution to this research gap by means of raising the question whether strategic management is feasible and/or necessary for SMEs, identifying suitable concepts of strategic management and their applicability for SMEs so that they can maintain their independence and at the same time blossom to their fullest extent.

SMEs: The Path Towards International Success

Oxford Journal, Special Issue: Emerging Trends and Issues in Management and Economics, ISSN: 1551-4498, 2009

The role of Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the international economic environment has attracted the attention of many scholars due to the distinctive features of these firms. In particular, their development and longevity paths are critical to a better understanding of the main characteristics of the global economy. Although Italian SMEs manage many of the same issues of other companies, they must also face specific problems, mainly related to their status and to the entrepreneurial behaviour of firm owners. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have stressed the importance of human resources and entrepreneurial behaviour for the performance and growth of Italian SMEs, especially in the international environment, where keen competition and difficulties of obtaining the necessary resources are often insurmountable barriers for SMEs. The main goal of this study is to suggest a “holistic” model to analyze the relations between the internal determinants of the internationalization process of SMEs, by integrating individual-level and firm-level features. The analysis, based on the theories of individual cognitive aspect, international expansion and business strategy, explores the process of internationalization of SMEs from a cognitive perspective. Finally, the present study stresses the central role played by individual expectations and risk perception in understanding the international expansion strategies of SMEs.

What Helps to Make SMEs Successful in Global Markets

As the globalization rises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a very important role of opening the local products/services to the international markets, as well as competing with multinational competitors in the local markets. There are some entrepreneurial, external and internal factors behind the success of SMEs through the globalization process. The purpose of this paper is to identify and associate the main factors that affect the success of globally succesful Turkish SMEs. The analysis based on the results of the structured survey conducted to a sample of SMEs registered and nominated to export awards by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization and Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey.

SMEs and entrepreneurship in the era of globalization: Advances and Theoretical approaches

Scholars have long studied small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and recognize the need for SMEs to postulate strategies to compete and succeed in the global market. In the current ultra-competitive business environment, SMEs face several internal and external challenges. In this introduction to the special issue (SI), we review the theoretical models and frameworks in this stream of research and outline some research questions that could be potentially used in future research in this era of globalization. The six papers selected for inclusion in this SI analyze this field from different angles, offering interesting overviews on the present situation of research in the field, as well as relevant new findings and perspectives for future research.

Performance Through Internationalization as a Strategic Option for Smes

Oradea Journal of Business and Economics, 2022

Internationalization is often considered a strategic option for SMEs, but a large part of small firms’ contribution to internationalization is not reflected in statistics, as many of them participate indirectly in the global economy as suppliers of exporting firms. The export-oriented model of SMEs seems to follow the general strategic choices, most SMEs do not export at all, and most exporting SMEs are regular companies. The literature mentions a number of characteristics that distinguish companies that are likely to export such as group membership, consistent expertise, size, rapid growth and innovation orientation, production experience or collaborations in production and distribution. At the European Union level, the recognition of the role of internationalization in increasing the performance of SMEs and the performance of the economy as a whole is complemented by extensive support measures, which prove both their direct role (volume of exports and imports, degree of internatio...