Henry Langseth, Michele O'Dwyer and Claire Arpa
This study applies Oviatt and McDougall’s (2005) model of forces influencing the speed of internationalisation to small, export oriented enterprises. The purpose of this paper is…
Abstract
Purpose
This study applies Oviatt and McDougall’s (2005) model of forces influencing the speed of internationalisation to small, export oriented enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of the forces enabling, motivating, mediating and moderating internationalisation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the manner in which these forces manifest themselves in the market.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach utilising eight case studies within Norway and Ireland was adopted in order to facilitate theory building required for this study.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that four forces in particular are found to be strongly significant to the speed of internationalisation among the case SMEs: the enabling force of technology, the mediating force of entrepreneurial actor perceptions/owner-managers’ global vision and the moderating forces of foreign market knowledge and tie strength in networks.
Practical implications
The empirical evidence has several implications for managers and policy regarding influencing the speed of internationalisation process. The enabling force (technology) has implications for government in their support of the SME macro environment. The motivating force (competition) has implications for government, in understanding what motivates entrepreneurs to enter international markets. The two moderating forces (foreign market knowledge and network tie strength) have implications for managers and can be leveraged through product innovation, increased focus on intellectual property rights for better protection against copycats, and through active and deliberate international networking.
Originality/value
The paper suggests adjustments to Oviatt and McDougall’s (2005) model, permitting researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the complex reality of SME internationalisation.
Details
Keywords
Claire Camilleri and Marilyn Clark
The purpose of this study is to explore and theorise about the desistance process of Maltese mothers who previously used drugs. The study unpacks how initial and continued…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore and theorise about the desistance process of Maltese mothers who previously used drugs. The study unpacks how initial and continued desistance from high-risk drug use (HRDU) is impacted by being a mother within the Maltese context and identifies contingencies for desistance and examines how they are negotiated along the desistance pathways.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a symbolic interactionist-inspired career framework and involved in-depth exploration of trajectories of mothering and desistance of eight Maltese women with a history of HRDU. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analysis used an evolved grounded theory methodology.
Findings
Four explanatory categories were identified in the interview data to document the role of mothering in the various pathways to desistance recounted by the women. These are: becoming a mother; differing pathways of desistance in relation to mothering; the lived experience; identity negotiation and transformation. This study highlights how identity fluidity and transformation is central to the desistance process.
Practical implications
The paper aims to inform policy and practice with mothers who use drugs and their families and has important implications for the development and delivery of gender transformative interventions.
Originality/value
This study challenges taken-for-granted beliefs about the influence of mothering on desistance and identifies the complexities involved.
Details
Keywords
Augustino Mwogosi and Stephen Kibusi
This study aims to identify the barriers that hinder the effective implementation of electronic health records (EHR) systems in developing countries while also uncovering the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the barriers that hinder the effective implementation of electronic health records (EHR) systems in developing countries while also uncovering the critical success factors (CSFs) that can facilitate their implementation. This study focused on the sociotechnical and environmental challenges that influenced the implementation of EHR systems.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a systematic literature review methodology guided by the modified sociotechnical theory. It followed PRISMA guidelines to identify barriers and CSFs. This review included a comprehensive search of academic databases such as Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, Emerald and PubMed, covering studies published between 2012 and mid-2024. The studies were screened and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The review identified several barriers to EHR implementation, including a lack of information and communication technology infrastructure, inadequate training, and limited government support. It also highlighted CSFs such as enhancing training programmes, improving technical infrastructure, fostering government support and addressing privacy and security concerns. This study concluded that a holistic approach addressing technical, social and environmental factors was critical for the success of EHR systems in low-resource settings.
Practical implications
This study offered actionable recommendations for policymakers and health-care leaders in developing countries. These include strategies for enhancing user training, improving technical infrastructure, ensuring government support and addressing data privacy and security issues, which are crucial for successfully adopting EHR systems.
Originality/value
This research comprehensively examined the factors influencing EHR implementation in developing countries, offering a unique perspective by applying the modified sociotechnical theory. It bridged a significant gap in the literature by focusing on the specific challenges faced in resource-constrained environments.