Inward Internationalization

Domestic Market ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Future Research ◽

The existing literature on internationalization and purchasing is vast; however, the inward internationalization perspective is an under-researched topic. In this chapter, the authors review the literature on internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to understand the main reasons behind international purchasing and the role of experience on internationalization. Using a survey and descriptive statistics, the results from 56 respondents show that SMEs source from a small number of countries and hold those relationships for several years. The main reasons underlying international purchases are lower prices and better product quality, regardless of goods availability on the domestic market. This chapter has some limitations concerning its exploratory nature, pertaining to its sample size. Some future research avenues are presented such as a deeper look on how internationalization processes differ when SMEs begin their activity by inward rather than by outward activities.

Small and Medium Enterprises in the Middle East and North Africa Region

International Journal of Business and Management ◽

10.5539/ijbm.v16n5p55 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. 55

Author(s):

Khaled Otman

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

North Africa ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Future Research ◽

Mena Region ◽

Access To Finance ◽

Mena Countries ◽

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are now widely recognized as engines of economic development. This paper discusses the importance of SMEs in the MENA economic area and identifies the challenges and barriers facing SMEs in MENA countries. In addition, this study analyses the effects of two 'black swan' Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) phenomena and a decline in oil prices on the economy of MENA in 2020. The current study found that the most significant challenges were identified as lack of access to finance, lack of managerial expertise, inefficiencies of government, lack of a well-trained workforce, inadequate infrastructure, corruption and bureaucratic obstacles. Among these challenges, the lack of access to finance appears to be the major challenge and suggests that future research is required to identify the role of Islamic finance models in the financing of SMEs in MENA countries. This research provides all stakeholders with policy implications intended for enhancing the different features of SME improvement in the MENA region and generally in developing countries.

Impact of Digitalization on the Speed of Internationalization

International Business Research ◽

10.5539/ibr.v12n4p1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yan-Yin Lee ◽

Mohammad Falahat ◽

Bik-Kai Sia

Keyword(s):

International Business ◽

Business Models ◽

Research Direction ◽

Theoretical Development ◽

Future Research ◽

New Business ◽

Medium Enterprises ◽

The Impact

Digitalization combined with globalization is the current megatrend that impacting the international business landscape and creates opportunities for new business models. Embracing digitalization enables firms for speedy internationalization. Although the phenomenon of early internationalization has received increasing attention in the field of International Entrepreneurship over the past decades, however, there is a lack of focus on the role of digitalization that allows a higher speed of internationalization. This paper proposes a model that highlights the moderating role of digitalization on international business competencies and speed of internationalization. We argue that small and medium enterprises able to enter international markets more rapidly due to the impact of digitalization. This study addresses a gap in the literature and practical development needs for better understanding the impact of digitalization on the speed of internationalization. The limitations and implications of this study will be discussed for theoretical development and future research direction.

Motives for Financial Valuation of Intangibles and Business Performance in SMEs

Innovar ◽

10.15446/innovar.v25n56.48994 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (56) ◽

pp. 113-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Belén Vallejo Alonso ◽

José Domingo García Merino ◽

Gerardo Arregui Ayastuy

Keyword(s):

Business Performance ◽

Balance Sheet ◽

Future Research ◽

Competitive Advantages ◽

Financial Valuation ◽

Intangible Resources ◽

Valuation Process ◽

In line with the Resource-based view, intangibles have become the key resource for generating competitive advantages in a firm. This is particularly significant in the case of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) whose competitive advantage is frequently based on intangible resources. However, there has been little attempt to assess and measure the role of intangible resources in firms' performance, and the motives driving their valuation process. Besides, most of the studies have been carried out in large firms. This article, combining theoretical contributions and empirical evidence, aims to analyze the relationship between the motives, external or internal, driving the valuation process of intangibles and the performance obtained by SMEs. Considering the recognized hypotheses and based on a survey of a representative sample of 369 Spanish SMEs' managers, in addition to the financial data collected from these firms, we explore whether the different motives driving the companies to perform a financial valuation of their intangibles are reflected in the business performance, and conditioned by financial structure and the level of intangibles. Results indicate that SMEs consider important to report intangibles value to external stakeholders as they depict a higher level of borrowing, as well as a higher level of intangibles accounted in the balance sheet. Furthermore, SMEs that consider the financial valuation of their intangibles for internal reasons achieve better performance. The implications of these results and suggestions for future research are dicussed as well.

Drivers of SMEs’ exporting activity: a review and a research agenda

Multinational Business Review ◽

10.1108/mbr-06-2016-0023 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 194-215 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Barbara Francioni ◽

Alessandro Pagano ◽

Davide Castellani

Keyword(s):

Research Agenda ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Directions ◽

Content Type ◽

Research Perspective ◽

Original Contribution ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic and updated assessment of studies on key exporting stimuli for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to propose a research agenda on this topic. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop a review of empirical articles on SMEs’ exporting stimuli and outline future research directions based on key emerging drivers. Findings Research on SMEs’ exporting drivers focuses mainly on human resources’ competences, skills and subjective characteristics and on the role of relevant network actors (customers, intermediaries). Originality/value This paper provides an original contribution with regard to updating the framework on export drivers by Leonidou et al. (2007), highlighting an emerging research perspective based on internal/external network dimensions and proposing future research directions on internal individual and organisational actors and on new external network actors.

Knowledge transfer in international asymmetric alliances: the key role of translation, artifacts, and proximity

Journal of Knowledge Management ◽

10.1108/jkm-11-2016-0501 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 1272-1291 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Fadia Bahri Korbi ◽

Mourad Chouki

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Transfer ◽

Multinational Corporations ◽

Knowledge Generation ◽

Future Research ◽

Cultural Issues ◽

Work Processes ◽

Content Type ◽

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the issue of knowledge transfer in the context of international asymmetric alliances. The objective is mainly to identify the barriers that can impede the knowledge transfer between asymmetric partners and to analyze the solutions adopted to overcome these barriers. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a qualitative study involving six cases of asymmetric alliances between Tunisian small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and European multinational corporations (MNCs). Findings The results of this research highlight a set of obstacles related to the context of asymmetric alliance itself and the nature of knowledge transferred by partners. The study emphasizes the importance of translation using artefacts by both partners and proximity with its geographical, organizational and technological dimensions to overcome these obstacles. Research limitations/implications The investigation of knowledge transfer in asymmetric alliances was based on the role played by only three proximity dimensions (geographical, organizational and technological), while other factors, such as institutional, social and cultural issues, were not considered. Indeed, future research may take these variables into account in studying solutions to overcome knowledge-transfer barriers in asymmetric alliances. Practical implications The paper calls the attention of asymmetric alliance managers to the importance of translation to perform work processes, facilitate knowledge transfer and overcome linguistic barriers. Managers should use virtual artefacts to reduce the constraints resulting from their geographical remoteness and to strengthen cooperation. Further, reinforcing geographical, organizational and technological proximity between partners involved in an international alliance is essential to facilitate knowledge transfer, essentially of tacit knowledge, and to accelerate innovation. Originality/value This study emphasizes the importance of the simultaneous role of artefacts, translation and proximity in overcoming obstacles related to the asymmetric alliance itself and the nature of knowledge transferred by partners. The results shed light on the issue of knowledge generation in asymmetric alliances.

Peran Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik Baznas Dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Ekonomi Mustahik

Al-Kharaj : Jurnal Ekonomi, Keuangan & Bisnis Syariah ◽

10.47467/alkharaj.v4i2.687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 477-494

Author(s):

Ali Idrus ◽

Ade Maman

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Qualitative Research ◽

Data Collection ◽

Business Development ◽

Economic Welfare ◽

Descriptive Data ◽

One of the solutions proposed by Badan Amil Zakat Nasional is to form Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik which has the task of improving the quality of life of mustahik through its programs. So, the purpose of this study is to find out how the role of Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik Badan Amil Zakat Nasional in improving the economic welfare of mustahik. This study uses qualitative research methods that produce descriptive data. Where this research is based on observations made by the author and then explained according to what the author observed in the field. The data collection that the researchers did was using the method of observation, documentary interviews, and other data. When the data has been collected, the researcher conducts an analysis and then draws conclusions from the analysis. The results of this study are Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik BAZNAS plays a role in the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and focuses on potential creative businesses, empowers by providing business development capital assistance, in accordance with the budget draft proposed by mustahik, and approved by LPEM BAZNAS. Keywords: The Role of LPEM BAZNAS, Mustahik's Economic Welfare

Effects of cloud computing assimilation on supply chain financing risks of SMEs

Journal of Enterprise Information Management ◽

10.1108/jeim-11-2020-0461 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Qiang Lu ◽

Jinliang Chen ◽

Hua Song ◽

Xiangyu Zhou

Keyword(s):

Cloud Computing ◽

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Integration ◽

Content Type ◽

Supply Chain Financing ◽

Medium Enterprises ◽

The Relationship ◽

Moderating Role

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how cloud computing assimilation reduces supply chain financing (SCF) risks of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study also investigated the mediating roles of internal and external supply chain integration between cloud computing assimilation and the SCF risks of SMEs, as well as the moderating role of environmental competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from surveys of SMEs located in China. Multiple regression analysis was used to validate the proposed theoretical model and research hypotheses. Findings The findings show that cloud computing assimilation could reduce the SCF risks of SMEs directly. The results also indicate that both internal and external supply chain integration mediate the relationship between cloud computing assimilation and SCF risks. Furthermore, environmental competitiveness inhibits the effects of cloud computing assimilation on SCF risks. Originality/value To our best knowledge, this is the preliminary study to explore the role of cloud computing assimilation in reducing the SCF risks of SMEs. Also, this study attempted to investigate the process by which cloud computing assimilation affects the SCF risks of SMEs.

How to survive in the age of artificial intelligence? Exploring the intelligent transformations of SMEs in central China

International Journal of Emerging Markets ◽

10.1108/ijoem-06-2021-0985 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Jinqiang Wang ◽

Yaobin Lu ◽

Si Fan ◽

Peng Hu ◽

Bin Wang

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Policy Support ◽

Central China ◽

Limited Resources ◽

Text Data ◽

Content Type ◽

External Pressures ◽

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to explore how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in central China achieve intelligent transformation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Because of unequal resource allocation, constraints on the intelligent transformation of SMEs in central China are different from those in economically and technologically well-developed coastal provinces. Hence, the authors focus on SMEs in central China to identify drivers of and barriers to intelligent transformation.Design/methodology/approachThe interview data were collected from 66 SMEs across 20 industries in central China. To verify the validity of the data collection method, the authors used two methods to control for retrospective bias: multi-level informants and enterprises' AI project application materials (Wei and Clegg, 2020). The final data were validated without conflicts. Next, the authors cautiously followed a two-step approach recommended by Venkatesh et al. (2010) and used NVivo 11.0 to analyze the collected text data.FindingsSMEs in central China are enthusiastic about intelligent transformation while facing both internal and external pressures. SMEs need to pay attention to both internal (enterprise development needs, implementation cost, human resources and top management involvement) and external factors (external market pressure, convenience of AI technology and policy support) and their different impacts on intelligent transformation. However, constrained by limited resources, SMEs in central China have been forced to take a step-by-step intelligent transformation strategy based on their actual needs with the technological flexibility method in the short term.Originality/valueConsidering the large number of SMEs and their importance in promoting China's economic development and job creation (SME Bureau of MIIT, 2020), more research on SMEs with limited resources is needed. In the study, the authors confirmed that enterprises should handle “social responsibility” carefully because over-emphasizing it will hinder intelligent transformation. However, firms should pay attention to the role of executives in promoting intelligent transformation and make full use of policy support to access more resources.

SOSIALISASI PENDAFTARAN NPWP BAGI PRIBADI DAN PEMILIK UMKM DI DESA KANGKUNG, KECAMATAN MRANGGEN KABUPATEN DEMAK

Edupreneur: Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat bidang Kewirausahaan ◽

10.36412/edupreneur.v3i2.2331 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Maya Aresteria ◽

Apip Apip ◽

Deddy Sulestiyono ◽

Rosdayah Fairuz Hitsotsu

Keyword(s):

Community Service ◽

Small And Medium Enterprise ◽

Medium Enterprise ◽

Training Activities ◽

Medium Enterprises ◽

Service Location ◽

And Training

ABSTRACT - Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) also known as UMKM is growing rapidly and has become one of many sectors to support the Indonesian Economy. The lack of ability to have NPWP has been a problem for UMKM and also people. The same problem also found at UMKM in Kangkung Village. The purpose of this community service is to train the entrepreneurs about preparing and register oneself to get a NPWP. This community service is consist of four steps which started by survey of service location then collecting data on village potentials and the role of the community , Preparation for the implementation of assistance and training and training activities. After participating in the training, the entrepreneurs become more understanding and can register NPWP. This community service is expected to be held continuously for the UMKM in Kangkung village Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises, UMKM, NPWP

Big data-driven supply chain and performance: a resource-based view

The TQM Journal ◽

10.1108/tqm-02-2021-0036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Shampy Kamboj ◽

Shruti Rana

Keyword(s):

Big Data ◽

Supply Chain ◽

Data Driven ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Firm Age ◽

Content Type ◽

Sustainable Performance ◽

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to study the role of supply chain performance (SCP) as a mediator between big data-driven supply chain (BDDSC) and firm sustainable performance. In addition, the role of firm age as a moderator between BDDSC and SCP as well as between SCP and firm sustainable performance has also been explored.Design/methodology/approachThe 200 managers of medium or senior level positions in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) located at Delhi-NCR have been contacted. Further, collected data have been confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In this paper, structure equation modeling (SEM) has been employed to empirically check the proposed hypotheses and their relationships.FindingsThe findings confirmed that SCP mediates the link between BDDSC and firm sustainable performance. Additionally, firm age moderates the association between BDDSC and SCP as well as between SCP and firm sustainable performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe role of SCP and firm age between BDDSC and sustainable performance have been examined in the context of MSMEs in Delhi-NCR and thereby limit the generalization of results to other industries and country contexts.Originality/valueThe present study adds to the existing literature via recognizing the blackbox using SCP and firm age to comprehend BDDSC and firm sustainable performance relationship.