Abdul Rahim Abu Bakar and Fariza Hashim
International management control and organisational behaviour.
Abstract
Subject area
International management control and organisational behaviour.
Study level/applicability
This case is suitable for final year undergraduate and Master's students as well as for the general practitioner. It is suitable for the university course program and for in-company training seminars. For company training seminars, the human resources department and finance would most probably benefit from the discussion of the case.
Case overview
This case was about a company that was eager to expand its business internationally as it gains success in the home market. Having being entrusted by the company CEO to lead the project, the enthusiastic “project champion” lavishly spent the company investments with minimal control from the parent company.
Expected learning outcomes
After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able to: first, decide a firm mode of entry, scale of entry and strategic commitment; second, determine the market potential of a particular business venture; third, suggest the management structure and control for international subsidiaries; fourth, decide the possible exit strategy of a business venture.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
Details
Keywords
Abdul Rahim Abu Bakar and Fariza Hashim
Strategic market entry; international business; marketing.
Abstract
Subject area
Strategic market entry; international business; marketing.
Study level/applicability
MBA/MA in management; international business; postgraduate.
Case overview
This case is based on a real-life situation of an existing transnational firm contemplating to enter a new market in a developing country. It involves a gamut of issues ranging from firm-strategic market entry, competitive positioning, international marketing strategies (including international market segmentation) and international product lifecycle. These issues revolve on numerous theories namely theories on internationalization (motive, scope, process, scale and timing of entry) and globalization of markets (standardization versus adaptation). In the past, the market was heavily regulated and protected which makes market entry simply impossible. However, a change in government policy is opening up new opportunities for foreign providers to participate in the host country. Although the market potential is enormous, there are various factors that concern the firm in determining its market entry and marketing mix decision.
Expected learning outcomes
After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able to: evaluate a firm's internal and external position in market expansion decision; assess a country's attractiveness in terms of its potential, competitive intensity and entry barriers; identify and discuss the factors that influence firm's marketing mix decision (standardize/adapt); and determine the firm market entry and the tactical decisions.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is, first, to examine the factors that impede SMEs in their internationalization process; second, to analyse the effectiveness of the government support…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is, first, to examine the factors that impede SMEs in their internationalization process; second, to analyse the effectiveness of the government support and development programs of the SMEs; and finally, to examine the networking efforts by Malaysian SMEs at the industrial level.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is descriptive in nature. Secondary data are the main source of data collection. Data were obtained from reliable and authoritative sources such as SME Corp, government agency publications, newspapers, international business journals and other related periodicals. A meta-analysis technique was used in this study where results from previous and current studies on similar topics were critically reviewed.
Findings
This study found that Malaysian SMEs faced external and internal impediments in their efforts of expanding their operations internationally. Externally there is a lack of skilled workers available in the domestic labour market; increased competition in the domestic market due to the regional economic agreement among neighbouring countries; lack of physical infrastructure allocated to the SMEs; and government assistance offered does not reach SMEs due to high level of bureaucracy and poor communication. Despite the impediments encountered by SMEs, they still obtained benefits from various policies, programmes and incentives provided by the government.
Research limitations/implications
Meta-analysis conducted on the challenges of Malaysian SMEs in its internationalization process might be inadequate as it is limited to the availability of the current and previous studies. Additionally, quantitative data obtained from the secondary source was not raw data thus statistical testing could not be further conducted and analysed. Data obtained from the local authoritative sources detected different problems and challenges from those found in previous and current studies.
Practical implications
This study indicates several implications for managers and policy makers. Malaysian SMEs need to evaluate its capability before embarking into new geographic locations and engage internationally. With diverse programmes offered by the government, SMEs have a wide range of choice when involving the whole value chain activities, either through marketing their products in the market or manufacturing and supplying the products to large firms or MNCs. Involving international markets is not only about expanding the market but also for seeking lower costs and resources as well as operating with management efficiency.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge of international business and entrepreneurship literature in three ways. First, research on SMEs from emerging countries involved in international market tend to be limited in literature, most of them are concentrated in the developed countries; thus this study would extend the understanding about the internationalization process among SMEs. Second, this study focused on the impediments of SMEs in their implementation strategies which represent the practicality of the phenomenon thus bridging the gap between theories and realities. Third, this study brings to light the significance of networking relationships in international business and entrepreneurship primarily among SMEs due to their size limitations. Finally, the meta-analysis technique which is seldom used in the international business and entrepreneurial literature is adopted in this study. This technique provides another approach for the researchers to examine and address the issues in the field.
Details
Keywords
Siti Mazlita Yamaludin, Sharifah Faigah Syed Alwi, Romzie Rosman and Mohd Rahim Khamis
This study aims to explore the COVID-19 impact on the sustainability of gharimin (genuine debtors) in Islamic financial institutions (IFI) in Malaysia. The analysis was further…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the COVID-19 impact on the sustainability of gharimin (genuine debtors) in Islamic financial institutions (IFI) in Malaysia. The analysis was further conducted to expand the interpretation of gharimin in zakat institutions (ZI) to use the role of zakat distribution during the post-pandemic period due to income shock and long-term unemployment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative research approach with grounded theory analysis to integrate theoretical insights into the interpretation of gharimin and current practices from the perspectives of ZI and IFI. An in-depth interview with 18 informants was conducted, and data were collected from senior management positions in the zakat distribution department, academicians who are experts in the area of zakat, and heads of Shariah departments in IFI.
Findings
Expanding the interpretation of gharimin could help ZI and IFI recover the sustainability of gharimin for preparedness during post-pandemic and any emergency crisis in the future.
Practical implications
This study implies the potential role of ZI in combating the risk of defaulting debtors in IFI to prepare for pandemic recovery in the future.
Social implications
The new interpretation assists gharimin in reducing the burden debt using the zakat fund and protects genuine debtors by preventing IFI from declaring default or bankruptcy.
Originality/value
This study narrows the literature gaps about gharimin in IFI in the context of the pandemic. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is, perhaps, the first paper to present the expansion of interpretation for gharimin into mu’sir in IFI in Malaysia.