Nadège Measson and Colin Campbell-Hunt
By examining SMEs’ participation in trade fairs as a way to establish network relationships within a global value chain (GVC), the purpose of this paper is to offer one example of…
Abstract
Purpose
By examining SMEs’ participation in trade fairs as a way to establish network relationships within a global value chain (GVC), the purpose of this paper is to offer one example of the steps used to reach this goal.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a priori deductions derived from prior literature and case analysis of a purposive sample of six New Zealand SMEs to develop propositions on the use of trade fairs to enter a GVC network. The authors use the typology of GVC governance developed by Gereffi et al. (2005) to investigate how the use of trade fairs varies for each governance type.
Findings
The study concludes that international trade fairs offer great network-building possibilities for SMEs, as well as selling, promotion and information gathering benefits. Both theoretical argument and experiential evidence suggest that these benefits are contingent on the GVC’s governance type.
Originality/value
Although there is extensive work on the importance of networks to SME internationalisation, less has been done on the detailed steps used to build these networks.
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Argues that the serious environmental degradation occurring in two “low island” Pacific states, Kiribati and Tuvalu, can be directly attributed to the lack of allocation of rights…
Abstract
Argues that the serious environmental degradation occurring in two “low island” Pacific states, Kiribati and Tuvalu, can be directly attributed to the lack of allocation of rights of access to, or the lack of exclusion of non rights‐holders from, common property resources. A recommendation, resulting from research in the countries concerned, is that the governments must enforce their rights over lands and underground water, if these resources are to continue to provide benefits to the community and if disease incidence in the population (an outcome of open access to public resources) is to be reduced. For the management of inshore fisheries resources, it is suggested that rights of Island Councils are confirmed and reinforced by central government. In the case of the nations’ ocean resources, co‐operation between Pacific island states is required to manage access and exploitation by foreign vessels.
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Sylvie Chetty and Colin Campbell‐Hunt
The internationalisation of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is considered in the context of the overall configuration of strategy in these firms. This paper is based on…
Abstract
The internationalisation of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is considered in the context of the overall configuration of strategy in these firms. This paper is based on in‐depth case studies of the internationalisation path of ten small‐ to medium‐sized manufacturing firms in New Zealand. Two distinct paths are identified, one of global, the other of regional scope. These are argued to be the product of two distinct configurations of strategy, requiring different choices in product and market scope, mode of market development, and location of manufacturing. The patterns of internationalisation produced by these configurations are in some respects at variance with the predictions of stages models of internationalisation derived from larger enterprises and economies. The influence of these configurations and the characteristics of SMEs in particular those of the decision maker on the pace of internationalisation are also considered. A conceptual model is developed from the findings of this study by integrating internationalisation theories and SME characteristics.
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Holger Joerg Schmidt, Nicholas Ind, Francisco Guzmán and Eric Kennedy
This paper aims to shed light on the emerging position of companies taking stances on sociopolitical issues and the impact this has on consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to shed light on the emerging position of companies taking stances on sociopolitical issues and the impact this has on consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses focus groups, interviews and consumer experiments in various countries, to provide insights as to why brands are taking sociopolitical stances.
Findings
Consumers expect brands to take a stance on sociopolitical issues. However, to be credible, a stance needs to be rooted in a long-term commitment that aligns with the brand’s strategy and values. Perceived authenticity is key.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies should aim at broader generalizability and should address various industries.
Practical implications
Differentiating a brand through a sociopolitical stance requires a strategic approach. Brand managers need to identify which issues they should support, how to engage with them and the risks and opportunities involved.
Originality/value
While the impact of brands adopting a sociopolitical stance has been discussed in the mainstream media, there has been a lack of empirical evidence to support the arguments. The results of the four studies discussed in the paper provide insights and demonstrate the brand-related opportunities and risks of taking a sociopolitical stance.
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Frank G. Adams, Colin B. Gabler and V. Myles Landers
This paper aims to examine the common roots of both logistics and sustainability phenomena in supply chains to derive a new potential construct, green logistics competency.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the common roots of both logistics and sustainability phenomena in supply chains to derive a new potential construct, green logistics competency.
Design/methodology/approach
Theoretical synthesis and conceptualization of new construct.
Findings
Based on Madhavaram and Hunt’s (2008) resource hierarchy concept, the key to successfully competing with a sustainable supply chain may lie in whether the resources enabling both sustainability and effective supply chains are interdependent, as opposed to merely co-existent.
Research limitations/implications
Most current theory regarding sustainable supply chains regards environmentally-friendly factors as resources that are additively bundled with supply chain resources. To determine if competitive performance differentials exist between truly green supply chains, and supply chains that merely adopt green practices, measurement must account for both the interdependence of green and supply chain resources, and their common cultural antecedents.
Practical implications
The study indicates that it is not sufficient for firms to have expertise in both sustainability and in supply chain practices; managers in each of those areas must develop the cultural antecedents of both supply chain and sustainability excellence if firms are to achieve meaningful competitive capabilities through sustainable supply chains.
Originality/value
This conceptual study addresses a paucity of theory describing how and why organizations build a genuinely green supply chain, as opposed to simply adapting supply chains to green practices.
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Two years ago, in May 1983, as an optimistic graduate clutching my well earned BA(Hons), I would have laughed at the idea of running my own business. After a year of unemployment…
Abstract
Two years ago, in May 1983, as an optimistic graduate clutching my well earned BA(Hons), I would have laughed at the idea of running my own business. After a year of unemployment and full time job‐hunting, such an option seemed less outlandish. Now, in April 1985, I find myself at the end of my first year as my own boss. Not long ago I had difficulty spelling entrepreneur; now I am one.