When small businesses go international: alliances as a key to entry

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiko Haase ◽  
Mário Franco
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Market ◽  
Lower Amount ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Know How ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Exploratory Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategic alliances and to understand how this internationalisation process evolves. Design/methodology/approach – For this purpose, the authors decided on a qualitative approach and performed exploratory case studies of two SMEs in Portugal. Findings – The authors found that in forming alliances, SMEs aim to increase sales and reduce costs. After the analysis, the authors believe that learning about other markets and cultures as well as having appropriate national partners are the key aspects in the internationalisation of SMEs through strategic alliances. Practical implications – The authors revealed the influence of national partners in the internationalisation process. The firms in the study established alliances with national firms to facilitate international market entry. This holds in particular for partners that already have some international experience. Building partnerships with national firms allows the combination of competencies and requires a lower amount of internationalisation know-how on the part of the cooperating firms. Originality/value – In spite of the opportunities going along with strategic alliances, there is only limited empirical evidence of their impact on the internationalisation process and vice-versa. This holds particularly true for the realm of SMEs.

Effective feedback for millennials in new organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-27
Author(s):  
Prantika Ray ◽  
Manjari Singh
Keyword(s):  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Millennial Generation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Feedback ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to understand aspects of feedback given to the millennial generation, particularly in new organizations. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a review of existing literature from journals and magazines. The perspectives discussed in this paper have been substantiated with discussions with practicing line and HR managers. This paper has been further developed after conducting informal discussions with employees and their supervisors (both millennials and non-millennials). However, the synthesized perspectives expressed here are those of the authors. Findings The millennial generation has characteristics that relate to receiving feedback. Key aspects discussed in this paper are the purpose of feedback, formal versus informal methods, short versus long-term orientation, frequency, hierarchical relationships, and technology. Practical implications With the increasing entry of millennials into the workforce, organizations need to focus on the mechanisms and environments for effective feedback. Originality/value This paper is timely given the rising number of millennials entering the workforce. This work looks into the mechanisms for effective performance feedback, as well as creating a facilitating environment with the focus on employee development.

Means-ends based know-how mapping

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 454-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon Sturm ◽  
Daniel Gross ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Eric Yu
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Know How ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Prototype Tool ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research that aims to make knowledge, and in particular know-how, more easily accessible to both academic and industrial communities, as well as to the general public. The paper proposes a novel approach to map out know-how information, so all knowledge stakeholders are able to contribute to the knowledge and expertise accumulation, as well as using that knowledge for research and applying expertise to address problems. Design/methodology/approach This research followed a design science approach in which mapping of the know-how information was done by the research team and then tested with graduate students. During this research, the mapping approach was continuously evaluated and refined, and mapping guidelines and a prototype tool were developed. Findings Following an evaluation with graduate students, it was found that the know-how maps produced were easy to follow, allowed continuous evolution, facilitated easy modification through provided modularity capabilities, further supported reasoning about know-how and overall provided adequate expressiveness. Furthermore, we applied the approach with various domains and found that it was a good fit for its purpose across different knowledge domains. Practical implications This paper argues that mapping out know-how within research and industry communities can further improve resource (knowledge) utilization, reduce the phenomena of “re-inventing the wheel” and further create linkage across communities. Originality/value With the qualities mentioned above, know-how maps can both ease and support the increase of access to expert knowledge to various communities, and thus, promote re-use and expansion of knowledge for various purposes. Having an explicit representation of know-how further encourages innovation, as knowledge from various domains can be mapped, searched and reasoned, and gaps can be identified and filled.

Used vehicle global supply chains: perspectives on a direct-import model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangyan Shi ◽  
Tiru Arthanari ◽  
V.G. Venkatesh ◽  
Samsul Islam ◽  
Venkatesh Mani
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain (SC) operations of importing used vehicles into New Zealand and how such SCs affect business practices and performance. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an exploratory qualitative semi-structured interview approach to interview the different stakeholders involved in the global used vehicle SC. Findings The research identifies the overall network structure of the used import vehicle SC from Japan to New Zealand and characterises key aspects of its operations and network connections. This paper finds that Japanese buying agents have integrated increasing numbers of services to provide a trouble-free trading platform, which has created a direct-import model for used vehicle companies in New Zealand. Practical implications The findings and recommendations are useful in designing and managing the used vehicle SC for all stakeholders and effective real-time management of uncertain factors. Originality/value The paper primarily analyses SC operations by researching the cooperation and coordination between SC components and networks, based on providing the flow of used vehicles from Japan to New Zealand. It constitutes a pioneering practice-perspective research paper in this domain.

Major crises and supply chain disruption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Supply Chain Disruption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Supply chain disruption is a frequent outcome when a major crisis occurs. Organizations can become more resilient against such effects through a focus on key aspects of sustainability that can help increase the robustness of their supply chain Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

SMEs and adoption of innovative technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 25-28
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Risk Management Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Exploiting new technological innovations can help increase the competitiveness of small businesses. But considerable risks are often involved in adopting such technologies. Knowledge risks are especially significant and it is imperative that firms become cognizant of such risks so that appropriate countermeasures can be devised and implemented as part of an effective risk management strategy. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. 

Networking as a marketing tool in small companies: a random and informal approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário Franco
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Marketing Tool ◽  
Exploratory Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Informal Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the particularities of marketing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), to try to understand how networking can influence the marketing activities implemented in this firm segment. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, the author decided on a qualitative approach and performed exploratory case studies of four SMEs in Portugal. Findings The results obtained show that the owners/managers of the SMEs studied here recognize the importance of marketing and networking, but have not yet implemented them in a structured way. In these SMEs, marketing is informal and reactive to market opportunities. Practical implications This study contributes to showing the importance of marketing in SMEs, providing more information and evidence about marketing in this firm sector, as well as about the owner/manager’s influence on the use of networking in marketing activities. Originality/value In spite of the opportunities associated with networking in SMEs, there is only limited empirical evidence of its importance in marketing activities. This holds particularly for the realm of SMEs.

Three-dimensional sustainability of Kaizen

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Mendez ◽  
Mercedes Vila-Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Know How ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to know, from a three-dimensional perspective (operational, emotional and behavioral), the process of “putting down roots” related with the implementation of Kaizen until it becomes sustainable. The research aims to know how this “putting down roots” process is carried out, what transformations occur, what elements are involved and what role they represent in achieving sustainability. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a methodology based on the case study has been used, an interpretive approach to reality has been adopted as a paradigm and the Grounded Theory has been applied as an analytical technique. Findings The results suggest the existence of a transformation process that leads to creating new habits, beliefs and feelings, a phenomenon that the authors identify as a three-dimensional learning process (operational, emotional and behavioral). Practical implications This type of learning is perceived as a transition toward an organizational culture that ensures the roots of the Kaizen principles, which is essential for its sustainability and which favors the creation of talent and the well-being of employees, two challenges that the Kaizen of the twenty-first century must face. Originality/value The document includes innovative contributions to the Kaizen sustainability phenomenon, as it is dealt with from a three-dimensional perspective that underlies the inhibitors and enablers known in the current literature.

Satisfaction level and competitiveness in subsistence small businesses

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 1108-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos M. Jardón
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wood Processing ◽  
Maximum Benefit ◽  
Manova Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Subsistence small businesses (SSBs) do not seek the maximum benefit; they only seek a benefit that enough satisfies their basic needs. In consequence, a dual behaviour of companies is expected and possibly the competitiveness of these companies is different. The purpose of this paper is to study the dual behaviour of SSBs and the differences about their competitive advantages. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained by conducting surveys with owners and managers of wood processing companies located in a region of Misiones (Argentina). The results were checked by interviews in 2012 and 2015. The research uses principal component analysis and K-means to classify the different behaviour and MANOVA analysis to study the relationships. Findings The findings suggest two types of SSBs and show that competitive advantages are different into two groups of companies. Research limitations/implications The data used refer to a certain period of time, with interviews in next periods. Sample is in a particular region and sector and generalisations should be done carefully. The variables are measured with subjective questions. Practical implications The findings suggest instruments to change the strategy of unsatisfied SSBs to grow. Social implications The growth of SSBs is very important in poorest areas. The paper suggest governments’ politics that facilitate a stable environment for improving competitiveness of SSBs. Originality/value SSBs are very important in developing countries, but they are not sufficiently studied. The research shows the importance of satisfying principle in the competitiveness of subsistence entrepreneurs.

scholarly journals Is your Brexit supply chain resilient enough? The British footwear manufacturers’ perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 34-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Safonovs ◽  
Arvind Upadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Content Type ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Authors have analyzed operations of major fashion operators, interviewed business experts with the intention to support small to mid-sized enterprises. Their first-ever-in-its-kind projects can be a guide for industry players to follow when seeking ways in which to increase their competitiveness. Some of the key aspects authors have focused on their project are as follows: a limited number of possible supply chain strategies companies can deploy, e.g. based on demand/supply predictability, various opportunities for so-called postponement strategies and pragmatic ways of matching demand and supply along the product life cycle. All is supported with a first hand and up-to-date examples of industry players. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

What affects the export entrepreneurship of SMEs?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-278
Author(s):  
Channappa Santhosh
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
International Market ◽  
Engineering Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different drivers’ and its impact on the export entrepreneurship (EE) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The proposed conceptual framework has been tested through analysis of a sample of 102 internationalized (exports) SMEs of the Engineering industry in the Bangalore district, Karnataka, India. Findings Results reveal that firms with younger entrepreneurs who have industry-specific experience and different social ties are able to achieve higher performance. Practical implications Overall, results facilitate understanding of the importance of entrepreneurial capabilities to successfully formulate and strategize their international efforts to achieve better performance in the international market. Originality/value The study enhances the importance of understanding the role of different drivers on EE in the context of an emerging economy where studies are limited and largely unexplored till date.

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