scholarly journals A Triad of Uppsala Internationalization of Emerging Markets Firms and Challenges: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Paul Agu Igwe ◽  
David Gamariel Rugara ◽  
Mahfuzur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Uppsala Model ◽  
Early Internationalization ◽  
Internationalization Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Globalized World

The economic advancement of emerging markets such as China, Brazil, and India has been regarded as one of the benefits of a globalized world. This paper revisits and evaluates the Uppsala model to teases out the process, speed, determinants, and challenges of early internationalization approaches of firms in transition and emerging markets (TEMs). Applying Systematic Literature Review (SLR), this article collects, disintegrates, and categorizes previous studies, synthesizing the theoretical models to shed light on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) characteristics, behaviour, and motives to internationalise, as well as the approaches to internationalisation. This method identified 183 articles published between 2008–2018 from 84 international journals. A triad (a set of three related things) highlights the three main features of the Integrated Uppsala Model including the basic assumptions, influential factors, and competitive strategies of firms. The findings suggest that the institutional–legal environment constitutes key barriers that firms in TEMs must overcome to develop an early internationalization strategy. It appears that internationalization literature focusing on emerging markets is biased towards China. The review identifies a need for future studies to (i) focus on emerging markets firms in Africa and South America; and (ii), provide a cross-country analysis and evaluation of internationalization strategies of TEMs.

scholarly journals Influence of Strategic Factors on Early Internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (44) ◽  
pp. 76-86
Author(s):  
Akinbola Olufemi Amos ◽  
Babatolu Ayorinde Tobi ◽  
Sanni Sekinat Arike ◽  
Akinbola Omolola Sariat
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Early Internationalization ◽  
Strategic Factors ◽  
Internationalization Strategies ◽  
Small Medium Enterprises ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The study on strategic factors and internationalization of small medium enterprises (SMEs) has continued to gain attention across the globe as most indigenous organization desire to take their products and services to international markets. As such, this study tried to ascertain the influence of the strategic factors element of the early internationalization process and tendencies of firms going to foreign market within the period of one to five years which signifies early internationalization. Two different objectives emanated from that main goal: The first is to investigate the influence of firm orientation on early internationalization mode, and the second is to assess the relationship between early internationalization strategies and success of SMEs. Two hypotheses were tested in line with the objectives through the data collected from purposively selected twenty companies in various industries through standardized questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was explored to evaluate the hypotheses and variable relationships. The findings reveal that strategic factors significantly affect internationalization of firms when organization put into consideration both external and internal factors towards internationalization, it further shows relationship exist between the factors and what affects SMEs from going global. The study finally recommends that SMEs should consider strategic factors as it will help them to avoid pitfalls while going international.

The internationalization strategies of rapidly internationalizing high-tech UK SMEs

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 421-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave Crick ◽  
James Crick
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Niche Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Parental Decision Making ◽  
Internationalization Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate aspects of causation and effectuation decision-making in respect of the planned and unplanned nature of the internationalization strategies of a small sample of rapidly internationalizing, high-tech UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These exhibit four different rates of scale of international intensity (percentage of overseas sales to total sales) and market scope (geographical coverage and commitment). Design/methodology/approach – Interviews with managers of 16 independently owned high-technology-oriented manufacturing SMEs were undertaken in this investigation to reduce the potential effect of bias from parental decision-making and firm size, also trade sectoral conditions. These were drawn from an existing database. Findings – Aspects of both causation and effectuation logic were evident in planned and unplanned aspects of decision-making. Moreover, industry factors were seen to affect internationalization strategies in various ways and not least in respect of the need to exploit windows of opportunity in international niche markets and the usefulness of utilizing managers’ experience and networks in the sector in which firms operated. Originality/value – The contribution of this study is to build on earlier work where authors have used different terminology to describe firms that have internationalized soon after their foundation. Specifically, with respect to the planned versus unplanned nature of respective internationalization strategies and the causation as opposed to effectuation logic in decision-making.

Strategic Management Overview and SME in Globalized World

2014 ◽  
pp. 22-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Recent Decade ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Stark Contrast ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Globalized World

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.

B2B E-Commerce Institutionalization in SMEs in Less Developed Countries

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almaaf Bader Ali A ◽  
Jian-Jun Miao ◽  
Quang-Dung Tran
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Less Developed Countries ◽  
Organization Learning ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The adoption of e-commerce technologies is an organization-learning process. Existing literature on the adoption has not been adequately addressed on this nature. This study develops a model and instrument to investigate the determinants of both initial adoption of e-commerce and its sophisticated extent in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in less developed countries' context. A model is tested empirically by using the data collected in Saudi Arabia. Since the sophistication of e-commerce is essential to gain full benefits from the technology, it is important to understand well influential factors of a decision of sophisticated adoption. Therefore, this present study is a necessary contribution to the literature.

The Post-Adoption Phase of Broadband in Small Businesses

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Gholami ◽  
Elizabeth Koh ◽  
John Lim
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Internet Service ◽  
Medium Enterprises

In spite of the increasing significance of broadband, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are unaware of or unappreciative of its benefits. This is potentially a problem for governments, Internet Service Providers and other supply side institutions. The current study empirically verifies applicability of an extended IS continuance model controlling for organizational variables based on the Technology-Organization-Environment framework to examine factors influencing broadband post-adoption behavior of SMEs in Singapore. Strong support for the model has been manifested by the results, providing insight into influential factors. Results of the study suggest that perceived usefulness is a strong predictor of users’ continuance intention, followed by satisfaction with broadband usage as a significant but weaker predictor. SMEs in a more competitive business environment and whose key executive possesses greater IT knowledge are more likely to use broadband.

The requisite match between internal resources and network ties to cope with knowledge scarcity

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alkis Thrassou ◽  
Demetris Vrontis ◽  
Maria Crescimanno ◽  
Marcella Giacomarra ◽  
Antonino Galati
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Internal Capabilities ◽  
Stratified Sample ◽  
Internationalization Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Collective Influence

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the internationalization strategies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the interaction between network ties and “soft” internal resources at the foundation of knowledge management (KM). Specifically, it identifies the firms’ internal capabilities that affect KM strategies, and their collective influence on the degree of internationalization; verifies the influence of network ties on the internationalization process itself; and develops a conceptual “preliminary theoretical framework of SME internationalization capabilities and networks.” Design/methodology/approach The primary research and analysis are based on a proportional stratified sample of Sicilian wineries; while the conceptual and implicative developments of the paper rest on the combination of the theoretical with the primary findings of the research, and, it has been designed and tested through eight experts’ interviews/reviews. Findings Findings underline a strong influence of the internal capabilities of firms on the internationalization process. In addition, an important role in the export process emerges from the acquisition of information and knowledge through the establishment of networks. Research limitations/implications The results need to be interpreted within the context for which this study was designed and cannot be applied generally to all businesses. However, results allow cellars’ managers to better understand the relationships among the influencing factors of SMEs internationalization. Originality/value The originality of the paper lies not only in its above-stated explicit theoretical objectives and findings but also in its comprehensive conceptual framework that theoretically incorporates the “strategic” with the “internal” and “networking” aspects; purposefully also arming the industry with a practicable tool toward managerial implementation.

AN ANALYSIS OF COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA: A CASE OF NAIROBI CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Omar B. Buul ◽  
Dr. Robert Omundi
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Central Business District ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of competitive strategies on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Kenya.Methodology: The study employed a descriptive correlation design using primary data collected using questionnaires. The study targeted 4,560 SMEs in Nairobi CBD. The collected data was coded and entered into SPSS (V.20) to create a data sheet that was used for analysis. Data was analyzed using quantitative techniques. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of collected data. Pearson’s Correlation, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to establish the relationships among the study variables.Findings: Cost leadership, differentiation, market focus and strategic alliance were all found to have a positive and significant influence on SME performance.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that: SMEs should embrace and invest in cost leadership strategies most especially forming linkages with service providers, suppliers and other supplementary institutions since it will enable them achieve competitive advantage; SMEs ought to focus and invest more on differentiation as it could be used as a major competitive advantage tool against competitors; SMEs should know on what basis to segment their products, services and operations; and that SMEs should embrace strategic alliances to increase their market share.

Understanding Knowledge Management Spectrum for SMEs in Global Scenario

2020 ◽  
pp. 1589-1605
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Globalized World

Knowledge that exists within organization is a sustainable source of competitive advantage. Though enormous research on knowledge management (KM) has taken place, little focus has been on KM in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Globalization of supply chains, rapid technological advances, superior returns on intellectual capital, growing importance of knowledge-intensive industries would make KM a strategic tool in the growth and success of all, especially SMEs. KM-enabled SMEs are essential for competitive and sustainable growth. Hence a judicious approach for KM in SMEs is a must in current scenario. Done by an in-depth literature review and contextual analysis, the objective of this paper is twofold - to aid researchers in recognizing and understanding KM spectrum for SMEs in a globalized world and for SMEs to reckon that success and worth of businesses depend more on intellectual capital than physical assets merely.

Influential Factors in the Adoption and Use of E-Business and E-Commerce Information Technology (EEIT) by Small and Medium Businesses

2013 ◽  
pp. 58-84
Author(s):  
Scott Wymer ◽  
Elizabeth A. Regan
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Barriers To Adoption ◽  
Industry Sector ◽  
Adoption Factors ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
Medium Enterprises

This study addresses factors commonly examined in the research concerning adoption and use of e-business and e-commerce information technology (EEIT) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The primary objectives are to determine: 1) what barriers and incentives SMEs perceive in adopting EEIT; 2) how the level of adoption of EEIT influences perceptions of incentives and barriers; and 3) whether results vary depending on demographic characteristics of size, geographic market scope, or industry sector. This paper also examines how homogenous SMEs’ perceptions are in their consideration of EEIT adoption factors. Data were collected from 290 U.S. SMEs. The findings revealed that among 25 factors identified in the research literature as incentives or barriers to adoption of EEIT by SMEs, only 16 factors were significant in the population studied, 12 as incentives and four as barriers. Factors were perceived differently as incentives or barriers by adopters, intended adopters, and non-adopters of EEIT. A number of differences were found among SMEs based on demographic characteristics, particularly size and industry-sector.

Typologies of internationalisation pathways of SMEs: what is new?

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 286-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dafnis N. Coudounaris
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Time Dimension ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Uppsala Model ◽  
Stratified Sample ◽  
Export Destination ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This study aims to examine internationalisation pathways of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on a sample from Manchester, UK, and it provides an exercise theory testing of the Uppsala model with data from SMEs from Manchester. It investigates the existence of new internationalisation pathways and the parallel use of four dimensions, namely, export intensity, export destination, time dimension and number of export markets. Design/methodology/approach The suggested model of international pathways is developed based on a survey of 110 firms located in the Greater Manchester area. The study of the population was based on a stratified sample of firms included in the KOMPASS directory in the Greater Manchester area. t-Test analysis was performed on combinations of the six pathways. Findings The results reveal that SMEs follow a pattern of internationalisation pathways consisting of non-exporters, traditional small exporters, traditional medium exporters, accelerated medium exporters, born globals and declining exporters. The paper concludes that the Uppsala model does not apply in this study. Originality/value There is evidence of a new pathway, i.e. accelerated medium exporters and the CEOs of Manchester SMEs, and governmental authorities in the UK should consider targeting this group or developing appropriate export promotion programmes.

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