This paper presents a systematic method for classifying research on international channels of distribution. It is used to examine 79 articles published during an 18‐year period…
Abstract
This paper presents a systematic method for classifying research on international channels of distribution. It is used to examine 79 articles published during an 18‐year period (1988‐2005). Based on content analysis, each article is classified by its primary research framework. Two frameworks are identified: (1) structural ‐ based on the economic and organizational aspects of international channels of distribution; and (2) behavioral ‐ based on the exchange relationship between channel members from different national environments. This simple organizing system offers a comprehensive way to analyze scholarship that has emerged in the field. For managers, it can bring the theoretical and practical developments together in an understandable fashion as they seek to interpret and apply research findings. For scholars, it may bring focus to an increasingly complex area of international business and guide future research efforts.
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Prescott C. Ensign and Maria Scopelliti
This paper aims to present the challenges faced by a small startup as entrepreneurship and marketing intersect to influence the success or failure of the venture. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the challenges faced by a small startup as entrepreneurship and marketing intersect to influence the success or failure of the venture. The entrepreneurial marketing focus of the case provides a deeper understanding of the practice-based interface of these two disciplines. The case focuses on the vision of two entrepreneurs and how they use the value creation process of opportunity recognition, evaluation and development to design a consulting service for Canadian firms that want to do business in China. It also provides insight on the difficulty of creating, communicating, selling and delivering a new consulting service to the Canadian business community.
Design/methodology/approach
The case is based on extensive interviews with QiaoLinx Inc.’s founders, relevant others and secondary data including press releases, social media and promotional material.
Findings
The events, issues and questions presented to track the entrepreneurial actions and marketing process of a startup from concept to market to tipping-point. The case is intended to serve as an instructional platform that encourages deductive reasoning in analyzing and synthesizing the application of entrepreneurship and marketing theories.
Originality/value
This teaching case can be used in undergraduate or graduate courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, new venture creation and international business. Researchers, faculty, practitioners and students can use the case to engage in a discussion on the underlying theories of entrepreneurship and marketing.
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This paper focuses on the concept of fit as a topic of research. The concept of fit has been viewed as an internal consistency among key strategic decisions or the alignment…
Abstract
This paper focuses on the concept of fit as a topic of research. The concept of fit has been viewed as an internal consistency among key strategic decisions or the alignment between strategic choices and critical contingencies with the environment (external), organization (internal), or both (external and internal). A number of research perspectives or approaches related to fit are presented.Research design problems are discussed: definition of terms, theoretical issues, and empirical issues. Emphasis is on how key variables or dimensions of fit are defined and measured in research.
A six-celled matrix is proposed as a conceptual scheme to distinguish different perspectives of fit and to portray congruence relationships more accurately. The matrix includes three common dimensions: strategy, organization, and environment. The matrix also suggests two levels of strategy—corporate or business—and three domains of fit—external, internal, or integrated. These suggest different research perspectives for the study of fit. Examples from the literature are provided to illustrate and support this conceptual scheme. Finally, implications for management and furtherstudy are outlined.
Prescott C. Ensign and Nicholas P. Robinson
This case aims to illustrate the hurdles that a young venture might experience in the early stages of its life cycle and showcase how managers must use ingenuity to climb over…
Abstract
Purpose
This case aims to illustrate the hurdles that a young venture might experience in the early stages of its life cycle and showcase how managers must use ingenuity to climb over obstacles.
Design/methodology/approach
The case is based on interviews with the founders and additional secondary data.
Findings
RepositBox, a Canadian-based provider of credentials verification solutions, is a new venture coping with the challenges posed by the introduction of its innovative new product to the marketplace.
Originality/value
The case is suitable for use in undergraduate or graduate courses in new venture creation, entrepreneurial marketing and launching a technology-based enterprise.
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The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will prove consequential in the years ahead. Some of the effects will be tremendous and others subtle. Many of the repercussions…
Abstract
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will prove consequential in the years ahead. Some of the effects will be tremendous and others subtle. Many of the repercussions will be unique for women. Society shapes public policy, and in pursuit of national interests, public policy can take into consideration or neglect the individual. It has been cautioned that short‐term, narrowly focused views leave many individuals unaccounted for; there exists a great danger in making generalizations, particularly when individuals and their lives are at stake. To ensure prosperity for all, all must be considered.
Discusses how interrelationships can be developed for synergy. Also focuses on horizontal strategy as a way to achieve competitive advantage. Organizational context can determine…
Abstract
Discusses how interrelationships can be developed for synergy. Also focuses on horizontal strategy as a way to achieve competitive advantage. Organizational context can determine a firm’s motivation and ability to develop interrelationships that result in overall competitive advantage. Corporate strategy must move beyond the idea that the primary way of creating synergy is the combination of related businesses (by buying and selling businesses). Corporate strategy must focus on creating value that is independent of business unit value. This means developing horizontal strategies that have the objective of coordinating activities and developing programs that encourage the sharing of resources and skills. An understanding of the horizontal organization helps to emphasize that organizational structure and processes are significant in developing interrelationships with the potential to reach the goals of synergy and competitive advantage.
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Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
The iconic BlackBerry has become so addictive to many of its users that it's earned the nickname “crackberry”. It's not the only such mini‐miracle on the market, of course, but it does punch well above its weight in the “brand icon” stakes against such competition as Nokia, Apple and Palm.
Practical implications
Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.
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Abstract
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Su-Jung Hwang and Jae-Hyeok Choi
Technological innovation is crucial for businesses to achieve development and profitability through enhancing core capabilities and differentiating competitive advantages. The key…
Abstract
Technological innovation is crucial for businesses to achieve development and profitability through enhancing core capabilities and differentiating competitive advantages. The key to organisational survival is boosting innovation performance focused on technological innovation, as SMEs lack resources and competencies compared to large companies. Entrepreneurship is a topic of active research to overcome SMEs’ resource and size limits. This is because entrepreneurs’ capabilities are considered more important in small and medium-sized enterprises closely related to corporate success than in large enterprises that can receive organisational support. In addition, a company’s holding capacity is a direct driver of creating differentiated competitiveness because it can pursue product differentiation through high levels of market capabilities and technology capabilities. Therefore, this study attempts to demonstrate entrepreneurship and technological innovation for SMEs. Reviewing previous studies, the authors derive the organisational capabilities needed by the organisation for innovation and examine how these organisational capabilities (technological, market, and operational capabilities) relate to entrepreneurship and technological innovation.