International business competence in SMEs

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My thanks go out to all who have helped me complete this study and with whom this project may have not been possible. In particular, my gratitude goes out to friends, facilitator and family for extensive and helpful comments on early drafts. I am also deeply indebted to the authors who have shared my interest and preceded me. Their works provided me with a host of information to learn from and build upon, also served as examples to emulate.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

This study examined the extent to which six selected factors (impediments and incentives) determine the participation of United Kingdom small businesses enterprises in business in Malaysia. The selected factors were social, legal, economic, political, technological and regulatory and institutional/actors (SLEPT). Specifically, the study sought to determine the importance of these six factors in decisions of small business enterprises (SMEs) to engage in exports to Malaysia. The researcher identified factors from the literature and surveyed UK small business enterprises to access the efficacy of those factors as critical core elements for conducting business with Malaysia. The main goal of this dissertation is to examine how small and medium sized enterprises from emerging economies become competitive internationally, in particular UK. This study examines the performance of SMEs and its international marketing strategy is discussed focusing on the marketing strategy and persisting trends in the market, which has seen a tremendous growth in contemporary times due to the presence of potential competitors, striving to make their mark in the ever-growing industry. These six categories of factors (impediments and incentives) were quite repetitive in the literature, and thus were deemed "core" factors to be considered in doing business with Malaysia. Therefore, this study examined the extent to which core factors (social, legal, economic, political and regulatory and institutional) were considered by UK small business enterprises that engaged in international business operations with the country of Malaysia.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER # 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the study1

Problem statement3

Aims and objective of the Study4

Importance of solving problem4

Significance of the Study5

Assumptions6

Limitations of the Study7

CHAPTER # 2: LITERATURE REVIEW8

Introduction8

Stage Models of SME Growth8

Conceptual Framework9

Core Factors11

Social Factors11

Culture and Language12

Experience13

Organizations and Relationships15

An internal perspective on the firm16

Resource-Based View16

Dynamic Capabilities19

Technological Factors23

Summary of Literature Review23

CHAPTER # 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY25

Introduction25

Research Method25

Advantages26

Disadvantages26

Research Design27

Instrumentation28

Data analysis methods28

Reliability/Dependability29

Validity30

Ethical Considerations31

CHAPTER # 4: RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS32

Introduction32

Factors That Determine Participation in IBOs with Malaysia32

Social Factors32

Legal Factors33

Economic Factors35

Technological Factors38

Regulatory and Institutional Factors39

Summary of Findings40

CHAPTER #5: RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION44

Conclusions44

Policy Implications45

Recommendations for Future Research48

Recommendation from Limitations48

Recommendations from Findings48

REFERENCES50

APPENDIX53

Questionnaire53

CHAPTER # 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

As a United Kingdom entrepreneur, manager, or business professional, opportunities are always sought to increase the profit margin, both domestically and internationally, amid increasing competition and obstacles. Interestingly, firms are finding it necessary and worthwhile to compete in ...