Discovering Knowledge and Cognitive Based Drivers for SMEs Internationalization

Abstract

Internationalisation begins with companies’ decision to enter global markets to develop knowledge and experience as key competitive factors in the global economy, which has been the subject of much empirical research. Decision-making, knowledge management, and effective internationalisation have become key strategic tools for all companies, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study wants to provide a framework for SMEs internationalisation based on the real options theory, (ROT) as a knowledge driver method. For this purpose, the effective factors for internationalisation were identified by reviewing the literature on the subject and the internal and external backgrounds of the subject. Then, main and sub-factors were prioritised by the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The statistical population consisted of senior managers, business managers of SMEs in Isfahan, Iran, who were eligible to enter this study. Twenty-six experts participated in this study by judgmental non-random sampling method. A fuzzy AHP questionnaire was prepared in the form of 19 sub-factors and 7 main factors. The components of each factor in each group were also ranked by experts, and their weights were obtained. Next, according to the ROT strategies which have 5 options, an alignment matrix was used to align the factors affecting the decision with the strategies. After answering the research question, the option that had a higher mode was considered AS; then, this score was multiplied by the weight obtained in the previous step and the TAS was obtained. Finally, strategies were classified as appropriate, need further investigation, and inappropriate.

Knowledge trajectories in the internationalization of the firm

“…These internationalization processes are ideal for this research because (1) the similarities of the cases minimize bias stemming from exogenous factors. This means that internationalization is subject to several contextual factors such as country of origin, host country and industry (Alinasab et al, 2021;Nurcholis, 2021). In qualitative studies, it is not trivial to control the effects of such factors.…”

“…Since the literature assumes that firm internationalization is a contextual phenomenon (e.g. Alinasab et al, 2021), this empirical choice raises concerns about possible contextual bias (Zhao et al, 2022).…”

Motivational Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing in Steel Industry Supply Chain: A Mixed Qualitative-Quantitative Method Analysis

“…To better use of resources in knowledge-intensive and multi-cultural enterprises (Samuel et al, 2011 ), and to improve the sustainability of business activities (martins et al, 2019 ; amavilah & andres, 2022 ), KM can help to reduce the knowledge gaps that are key in the management of purchases, supplies, and sales, to ensure a traceable and transparent environment. In short, it is vital for current and future managers of SCs to learn how to implement and apply appropriate KM practices, not only in their organizations but also in their relationships with external partners (Alinasab et al, 2022 ). The design of a KM course for SC management requires that students achieve, among other things, an awareness and effective understanding of the possible KM practices that can be adopted for better SC performance, to facilitate the creation, delivery, sharing, and protection of knowledge across SC partners (manufacturers, suppliers, customers, service providers, etc.)…”

Grassroot processes of knowledge sharing to build social innovation capabilities

“…Moreover, Romanelli and Zbuchea (2020) noted that knowledge exchange processes are related to SI activities and urban regeneration. Interdisciplinary debate has developed around the topic of knowledge-sharing cognitive domains (Caputo and Evangelista, 2019; Alinasab et al , 2021). In particular, several scholars have focused on individuals’ behavior of knowledge sharing by evaluating the individuals’ extrinsic and intrinsic motivations as main triggers of the sharing process (Kwok and Gao, 2005; Lin, 2007; Totterdill et al , 2012; Nguyen, 2019).…”