Different approaches to the pursuit of internationalization by Italian SMEs

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Colapinto ◽  
Laura Gavinelli ◽  
Mariangela Zenga ◽  
Angelo Di Gregorio
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Entry Modes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Approach ◽  
Innovation And Technology

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyse why Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) pursue internationalization (current and future entry modes, motivations, advantages and difficulties) and how they go about it, with reference to four key areas: innovation and technology, networking, environmental approach and human resource (HR) competences. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was distributed to 792 enterprises with a response rate of 24.37 per cent. Data were collected using the computer assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method and processed with Rasch analysis, Principal Components Analysis and Cluster analysis methods. Findings – The paper presents the results of a quantitative research on SMEs located in the Province of Monza and Brianza – one of the most productive territories in Italy. Four different clusters emerged with specific approaches. Briefly, this paper points out that: innovation is mostly linked to the product and is incremental; HR and their competences are crucial for facing complex markets; the green issue is not dominant (it is considered only for saving energy and reducing cost production); and networking is not a key issue (except informal relations, contractual agreements and strategic alliances). Research limitations/implications – The research could be extended: through a longitudinal survey on the same sample; by covering different territories on the same topics. The cluster analysis identifies potential guidelines for entrepreneurial behaviour in respect to key factors for exiting from the economic and financial crisis: innovation and technology, formal and informal networks, the “green” approach, HR training. Originality/value – This paper presents a new interdisciplinary approach that may work beyond country boundaries, providing a new basis to the debate on the internationalization of SMEs.

scholarly journals International new ventures market expansion through collaborative entry modes

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 890-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pushyarag N. Puthusserry ◽  
Zaheer Khan ◽  
Peter Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Entry Mode ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
International New Ventures ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Entry Modes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Expansion ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role that different collaborative entry modes play in how international new ventures (INVs) expand into international markets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper’s arguments are based on the INVs and social network literatures. In order to investigate the entry modes adopted by British and Indian small and medium information and communication technology (ICT) firms into each other’s markets, the paper outlines the results of qualitative semi-structured interviews with the key decision makers of ten British and ten Indian ICT firms.FindingsThe findings contribute to the relatively under-researched area of how INVs enter foreign markets through collaborative entry mode. The findings suggest that INVs utilize both equity and non-equity modes of collaboration to expand their international operations. The findings also indicate that financial and non-financial resources always limit the market expansion and internationalization of such companies. Against this background, the INVs rely on building collaboration as one of the safest methods for foreign market expansion and successful internationalization. The collaborative entry mode is enhanced by entrepreneurs’ prior experience, social ties and knowledge of the foreign market.Research limitations/implicationsSet against the backdrop of an ever-increasing trend of internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the paper offers important implications for understanding the conditions and factors behind the choice of collaborative and non-collaborative entry modes by INVs in particular and SMEs more broadly.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few studies that have examined the role of collaborative entry modes choice adopted by INVs from two of the largest economies – the UK and India.

An examination of strategies under the financial tsunami

2010 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 1319-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.T.S. Ho ◽  
K.L. Choy ◽  
S.H. Chung ◽  
C.H.Y. Lam
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors, such as the different strategies adopted and the size of the company, that have a significant determining impact on the financial performance of companies in extreme circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThe research target of this paper is the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong. This is quantitative research and it is done on a survey basis, which includes hypothesis setting and statistical analysis. In addition, constructive suggestions are given to companies after analyzing the current situation.FindingsIn total, ten factors from four dimensions are determined as the critical strategies for the company to adopt in an uncertain financial situation. The result shows the influence of different factors on return on investment for the companies with different backgrounds.Practical implicationsThe business environment today is full of turbulence and uncertainties; this, along with the fierce global competition, means that manufacturers are all struggling to survive. The financial tsunami that has swept across the global economy is believed to be the most catastrophic in living memory. Therefore, this research will be especially valuable and useful to companies which wish to achieve excellence in business performance in spite of such a global disaster.Originality/valueManufacturers worldwide have suffered badly from the impact of the financial tsunami. The SMEs in Hong Kong are certainly not an exception. However, under the same adverse conditions, some have been able to maintain their stability or even thrive. The findings suggest some specific corporate strategies which will enable companies to survive and remain competitive.

scholarly journals The transition of small Spanish wineries toward multi-channel distribution

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haydeé Calderón ◽  
Teresa Fayos ◽  
Marta Frasquet
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Channel Distribution ◽  
Channel Integration ◽  
Exploitation And Exploration

Purpose This paper aims to analyses the development of exploitation and exploration capabilities, and the role of ambidexterity, in the evolution of small Spanish wineries toward multi-channel distribution systems. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology based on the analyses of multiple cases supported by a computer assisted qualitative data analysis software with an abductive approach was used to study the relationship between ambidexterity and the multi-channel integration of six wineries. Findings Companies with more advanced multi-channel distribution systems have more developed ambidexterity capabilities. This ambidexterity stems fundamentally from the ability to simultaneously maintain relations with distributors and innovate and search for creative ways to satisfy new customers. Research limitations/implications The research is based on insights from companies based in Spain. Practical implications Spanish small and medium enterprises in the sector are in an underdeveloped phase of multi-channel integration. To be successful in this process, these companies must combine exploitation and exploration capabilities. Social implications If the company is able to develop an integrated multi-channel distribution system leading to an omnichannel system, consumers will benefit from it, getting complete information at each specific stage of shopping. Originality/value This study provides the first description in academic literature of the usefulness of the concept of ambidexterity as a dynamic capability to explain the degree of development and multi-channel integration.

scholarly journals A new approach to retailing for successful competition in the new smart scenario

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Pantano ◽  
Constantinos Vasilios Priporas ◽  
Charles Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Service ◽  
Innovation And Technology ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose This study develops the idea of smart retailing, exemplified in innovative, technology-enriched retail services as part of service-oriented strategies. In particular, the purpose of this paper is to provide a new integrated framework to understand the emerging retail scenario based on the smart usage of technologies to improve retail service and develop innovation management strategies. This framework will provide a comprehensive understanding the basic forms of smart retailing as the current competitive scenario. Design/methodology/approach As a viewpoint, this paper employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon the actual challenges in retailing, to propose a new perspective, the smart retailing one, to describe the new competitive scenario and formulates an emerging research agenda. Findings The present paper contributes to research on innovation and technology management for retailing by examining the key dimensions of smart retailing, which aims to enhancing retail service quality and retailers’ performance. Originality/value The paper clearly explains how current retailing is moving to a smart perspective, and how retail management should be adapted to successfully perform in the current service-dominant logic scenario, as consequence of the increasing consumer involvement in service co-production and the rapid growth of digital technologies.

Towards innovation performance of SMEs: investigating the role of digital platforms, innovation culture and frugal innovation in emerging economies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Khattak ◽  
Mosab I. Tabash ◽  
Zahid Yousaf ◽  
Magdalena Radulescu ◽  
Abdelmohsen A. Nassani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Frugal Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Innovation Culture ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of digital platforms, frugal innovation and innovation culture (IC) on innovation performance (IP). The mediation role of IC between digital platforms and IP, as well as moderating role of frugal innovation between IC and IP is also tested. Design/methodology/approach Data is collected from 387 top management officials from the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working in emerging economies, in the current study Pakistan. Quantitative research design was applied for the collection of data and analysis. Various statistical techniques, i.e. correlation and regression, were used. Findings The findings revealed that digital platforms positively affect IC and IP. The results proved that IC mediates the association between digital platforms and IP link. Originality/value The SMEs of emerging economies are working in a dynamic scenario, and their performance in term of innovation is critically needed. Only those businesses that update their products and services according to customers’ demand can achieve success. Hence, SMEs of emerging economies need IP to flourish their businesses. This study highlights an overlooked link of digital platforms with IP and also shows the mediating role of IC.

The impact of inward international licensing on absorptive capacity of SMEs

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 164-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Saeedi ◽  
Hossein Dadfar ◽  
Staffan Brege
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to examine the impacts of inward international licensing (IIL) on the absorptive capacity (ACAP) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach – The study is explorative, qualitative and elaborative in nature. Therefore, a multiple case study was selected and performed as the research strategy. The data were collected from four pharmaceutical SMEs licensed from European pharmaceutical large-scale enterprises. Findings – The results confirm that IIL has a strong effect on acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation as absorptive factors. Furthermore, the results have been enhanced by several contextual factors of ACAP human resources, inter-and intra-firm relationships, internal knowledge and managerial and strategic aspects. These contextual factors have also been influenced by IIL. Originality/value – From the licensee perspective in a developing context, examining the extant literature on non-equity strategic alliances shows that very few studies have empirically examined the impact of this kind of alliance, such as IIL, on SMEs’ ACAP. On this basis, the study provides evidence that non-equity strategic alliances, particularly IIL, enhance SMEs’ capabilities such as ACAP. In other words, to overcome SMEs’ resource limitations and inadequate capabilities, IIL provides opportunities for them to obtain capabilities and critical resources.

scholarly journals Exploring brand associations: an innovative methodological approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 1092-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Crawford Camiciottoli ◽  
Silvia Ranfagni ◽  
Simone Guercini
Keyword(s):  
Text Mining ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Brand Associations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Association ◽  
Brand Attributes

Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory study is to propose a new methodological approach to investigate brand associations. More specifically, the study aims to show how brand associations can be identified and analysed in an online community of international consumers of fashion to determine the degree of matching with company-defined brand associations. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is two-pronged, integrating qualitative market research techniques with quantitative text mining. It was applied to determine types and perceptions of brand associations among fashion bloggers with reference to three leading Italian fashion houses. These were then compared to brand associations found in company-generated texts to measure the degree of matching. Findings – The results showed consistent brand associations across the three brands, as well as substantial matching with company-defined brand associations. In addition, the analysis revealed the presence of distinctive brand association themes that shed further light on how brand attributes were perceived by blog participants. Practical implications – The methods described can be used by managers to identify and reinforce favourable brand associations among consumers. This knowledge can then be applied towards developing and implementing effective brand strategies. Originality/value – The authors propose an interdisciplinary approach to investigate brand associations in online communities. It incorporates text mining and computer-assisted textual analysis as techniques borrowed from the field of linguistics which have thus far seen little application in marketing studies, but can nonetheless provide important insights for strategic brand management.

Knowledge management barriers, practices and maturity model

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1053-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Lotti Oliva
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the barriers and practices associated with knowledge management (KM), which is characterized as an important management tool to add value to products and services of companies and, thus, allow them to become more competitive and unique, of large Brazilian companies. Design/methodology/approach – As a conceptual framework, the author adopted the main theories on KM to extract the barriers and practices included in the literature, aiming to confirm them through quantitative research with managers from large Brazilian companies. Based on the responses obtained, the author conducted several multivariate analyses, including descriptive analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression. Findings – In addition to presenting the main barriers and key practices associated with KM, our main result also presents a model for the evaluation of the level of maturity in KM based on the practices adopted by large Brazilian companies. Originality/value – The main result presents a model for the evaluation of the level of maturity in KM based on the practices adopted by large Brazilian companies.

Succession planning and performance of family-owned small and medium enterprises in Arusha City – Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Haynes Kiwia ◽  
Kenneth M.K. Bengesi ◽  
Daniel W. Ndyetabula
Keyword(s):  
Succession Planning ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine succession planning and performance of family-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design were employed. The probability sampling technique was used to draw 219 respondents from the sampling frame. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used for data analysis. Findings It was revealed that most of family-owned SMEs founders in the study area had mechanisms for succession planning for their businesses. Also, there is a difference in business performance when successors are selected and prepared by business founders compared to when they are selected and prepared by other family members. Successors selected and prepared by business founders performed better in business than successors who were selected and prepared by other family members. Research limitations/implications This study employed a quantitative research paradigm methodology, which limits deep discussion with respondents. Future studies could consider using a qualitative research paradigm methodology. Originality/value The paper presents succession planning process experience in family-owned SMEs in the study area, specifically the existence of succession planning in family-owned SMEs. It also shows a difference in business performance between the two investigated groups. This paper will benefit business founders, family business successors and researchers.

TOE drivers for cloud transformation: direct or trust-mediated?

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min LI ◽  
Dingtao Zhao ◽  
Yan Yu
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cloud Service ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Market Mechanism ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Service Market ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain cloud service transformation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on technology-environment-organization paradigm and understand the role of cloud service trust in transformation process. Design/methodology/approach – A survey involving 107 SMEs was conducted to examine the research model and hypotheses. Findings – First, cloud service trust is found to have a significant positive effect on the SMEs’ cloud service transformation intention. The second finding is about significant influences of technological drivers (reliability and information security), environmental drivers (institutional pressure, structure assurance, and vendor scarcity) and entrepreneurship on SMEs’ cloud service trust. Further, the authors found mediating effects of trust on relationships between external drivers and cloud service transformation. Practical implications – For vendors, it suggests building cloud service trust by distinguishing advantages of their cloud service and by establishing strategic alliances with existing users in marketing to attract potential clients. Vendors should target entrepreneurial organizations as initial customers and then expand to other types of organizations. For users, the study implies the need of cultivating entrepreneurship, if they have innovative IT initiatives and need to speed up the IT innovation absorption. Market regulators can provide adequate structural assurances and survival-of-the-fittest market mechanism to stimulate cloud service market. Originality/value – This study is on the leading edge of systematically investigating drivers for SMEs’ cloud service transformation and further reveals a mediating process, in which technological and environmental aspects have primary effects on cloud service trust that sequentially influences cloud service transformation. These mediating effects imply an essential trust building process of cloud service transformation.

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