Abstract
The internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been the focus of considerable academic and policy-oriented interest. However, most of this previous research has been focussed on developed economies (Leonidou and Katsikeas 1996; Bell 1997; Leonidou 2004). This situation has been slightly remedied by an increasing number of studies focussing on developing countries and economies in transition (Kuada and Sorensen 2000; Ibeh and Young 2001; Ibeh 2003, 2004; Rutashobya and Jaensson 2004; Aidis 2005; Lloyd-Reason et al. 2005; Chung, Chen, and Hsieh 2008; Crick and Kaganda 2008; Liu, Xiao, and Huang 2008). The relative scholarly neglect of developing country firms, nevertheless, remains. This is particularly true of the Middle East region where, apart from Turkey (e.g., Özkanh, Benek and Akdeve 2006; Karadeniz and Göçer 2007), very few countries have been the focus of stud-ies on SMEs’ cross-border expansion (e.g., Lebanon: Ahmad et al. 2006; Saudi Arabia: Crick, Al Obaidi and Chaudhry 1998).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Acedo, F.J., Barroso, C. and Galan, L. (2006) ‘The resource-based theory: Dissemination and main trends’, Strategic Management Journal, 27(7), 621–36.
Ahmad, Z.U., Craig, C. J., Baalbaki, I. and Hadidian, T.V. (2006) ‘Firm internationalisa-tion and export incentives from a Middle Eastern perspective’, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 13(4), 660–69.
Aidis, R. (2005) ‘Institutional barriers to small and medium-sized enterprise operations in transition countries’, Small Business Economics, 25(4), 305–18.
Barney, J.B. (1991) ‘Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage’, Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
Bell, J. (1995) ‘The internationalization of small computer software firms: a further challenge to stage theories’, European Journal of Marketing, 29(8), 60–75.
Bell, J. (1997) ‘A comparative study of the export problems of small computer software exporters in Finland, Ireland and Norway’, International Business Review, 6(6), 585–604.
Bell, J., Crick, D. and Young, S. (2004) ‘Small firm internationalisation and business strategy: an exploratory study of ‘knowledge-intensive’ and ‘traditional’ manufacturing firms in the UK’, International Small Business Journal, 22(1), 23–56.
Bell, J. and Young, S. (1998) ‘Toward an integrative framework on the internationalisa-tion of the Firm’, in G. Hooley, R. Loveridge and D. Wilson (eds), Internationalisation: Process, Context and Markets, 5–28 (London: Macmillan).
Bilkey, W.J. and Tesar, G. (1977) ‘The export behaviour of smaller-sized Wisconsin manufacturing firms’, Journal of International Business Studies, 8(1), 93–98.
Bloodgood, J.M., Sapienza, H.J. and. Almeida, J.G. (1996) ‘The internationalization of new high-potential US ventures: Antecedents and outcomes’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 20(4), 61–76.
Borchert, O. and Ibeh, K.I.N. (2008) ‘A quintessential ‘Born Global’?: Case evidence from a rapidly internationalising Canadian small firm’, in N.O. Ndubisi (ed), International Business: Theory and Strategy, 49–64 (Selangor Darul Ehsan: Arah Publications).
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2003) Business Research Methods (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Cavusgil, S.T. (1980) ‘On the internationalisation process of the firm’, European Research, 8(6), 273–81.
CCG (2002) ‘Syria Country Commercial Guide FY2002’, online available at http://www.buyusainfo.net/info.cfm?id=78495&keyx=5FCE5DA559C73E65E474492A24CDF5CF&dbf=ccgl&loadnav= [accessed 1 August 2008].
Chetty, S. (1999) ‘Dimensions of internationalisation of manufacturing firms in the apparel industry’, European Journal of Marketing, 33(1/2), 121–42.
Chetty, S. and Campbell-Hunt, C. (2004) ‘A strategic approach to internationalization: A traditional versus a “Born-Global” approach’, Journal of International Marketing, 12(1), 57–81.
Chung, H.-J., Chen, C.C. and Hsieh, T.-J. (2008) ‘First geographic expansion of startup firms: Initial size and entry timing effects’, Journal of Business Research, 60(4), 388–95.
CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) (2008) ‘The World Factbook, Syria’, online available at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sy.html [accessed 12 December 2008]
Coviello, N.E. (2006) ‘The network dynamics of international new ventures’, Journal of International Business Studies, 37(5), 713–31.
Coviello, N.E. and Munro, H. (1997) ‘Network relationships and the internationalisation process of small software firms’, International Business Review, 6(4), 361–86.
Crick, D. (2002) ‘The decision to discontinue exporting: SMEs in two U.K. trade sectors’, Journal of Smal1 Business Management, 40(1), 66–77.
Crick, D. (2004) ‘SMEs’ decision to discontinue exporting: an exploratory investigation into practices within the clothing industry’, Journal of Business Venturing, 19, 561–87.
Crick, D., Mansour Al Obaidi and Chaudhry, S. (1998) ‘Perceived obstacles of Saudi-Arabian exporters of non-oil product’, Journal of Marketing Practice: Applied Marketing Science, 4(7), 187–99.
Crick, D. and Kaganda, G. (2008) ‘An Exploratory study of the international competitiveness of low and high intensity Tanzanian exporting SME5’, Proceedings of the Eleventh McGill International Entrepreneurship Conference, New Frontiers in International Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gap between North & South and East & West.
Crick, D. and Jones, M.V. (2000) ‘Small high-technology firms and international high-technology markets’, Journal of International Marketing, 8(2), 63–85.
Cyret, R.M. and March, J.G. (1963) A Behavioural Theory of the Firm (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall).
Ellis, P. (2000) ‘Social ties and foreign market entry’, Journal of International Business Studies, 31(3), 443–69.
Ellis, P. and Pecotich, A. (2001) ‘Social factors influencing export initiation in small and medium-sized enterprises’ Journal of Marketing Research, 38(1), 119–30.
Fan, T. and Phan, P. (2007) ‘International new ventures: revisiting the influences behind the “born- global” firm’, Journal of International Business Studies, 380(7), 1113–31.
FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) (2008) ‘Country Profile: Syria’, online avail-able at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/country-profiles/middle-east-north-africa/syria?profile=economy&pg=2 [accessed 12 December 2008].
Fletcher, R. (2001) ‘A holistic approach to internationalisation’, International Business Review, 10(1), 25–49.
Gabrielsson, M., Kirpalani, V.H.M., Dimitratos, P., Solberg, C.A. and Zucchella, A. (2008) ‘Born globals: Propositions to help advance the theory’, International Business Review, 17(4), 385–401.
Ghauri, P., Gronhaug, K. and Kristianslund, I. (1995) Research Methods in Business Studies: A practical Guide (New York, London: Prentice Hall).
Ghauri, P., Lutz, C. and Tesfom, G. (2003) ‘Using networks to solve export-marketing problems of small- and medium-sized firms from developing countries’, European Journal of Marketing, 37(5/6), 728–52.
Grant, R.M. (1991) ‘The resource-based view of competitive advantage: Implications for strategy formulation’, California Management Review, 33(3), 114–35.
Grant, R.M. (1996) ‘Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm’, Strategic Management Journal, 17, (Winter Special Issue), 109–22.
Harris, S. and Wheeler, C. (2005) ‘Entrepreneurs’ relationships for internationalization: functions, origins and strategies’, International Business Review, 14(2), 187–207.
Heeks, R. and Nicholson, B. (2004) ‘Software export success factors and strategies in ‘Follower’ nations’, Competition & Change, 8(3), 267–303.
Hite, J.M. and Hesterly, W.S. (2001) ‘The evolution of firm networks: from emergence to early growth of the firm’, Strategic Management Journal, 22(3), 275–86.
Ibeh, K.I.N. (2000) ‘Internationalisation and the small firm’, in S. Carter and D. Jones-Evans (eds), Enterprise and Small Business: Principles, Practice and Policy, 434–52 (Harlow: Financial Times).
Ibeh, K.I.N. (2001) ‘On the resource-based, integrative view of small firm internationalization: An exploratory study of Nigerian firms’, in J.H. Taggart, M. Berry and M. McDermott, (eds), Multinationals in the New Era (London: Macmillan).
Ibeh, K.I.N. (2003) ‘On the internal drivers of export performance among Nigerian firms: empirical findings and implications’, Management Decision, 41 (3), 217–25.
Ibeh, K.I.N. (2004) ‘Furthering export participation in less performing developing countries: The effects of entrepreneurial orientation and managerial capacity factors’, International Journal of Social Economics, 31 (1/2), 94–110.
Ibeh, K.I.N. (2005) ‘Toward greater firm-level international entrepreneurship within the UK agribusiness sector: Resource levers and strategic options’, Management International Review, 45(3, Special Issue), 59–81.
Ibeh, K.I.N. and Young, S. (2001) ‘Exporting as an entrepreneurial act: An empirical study of Nigerian firms’, European Journal of Marketing, 35 (5/6), 566–86.
Jansson, H. and Sandberg, S. (2008) ‘Internationalization of small and medium sized enterprises in the Baltic Sea Region’, Journal of International Management, 14(1), 65–77.
Johanson, J. and Mattsson, L.-G. (1988) ‘Interorganizational relations in industrial sys-tems: A network approach compared with the transaction-cost approach’, International Studies of Management and Organization, 18(1), 34–48.
Johanson, J. and Vahlne, J.-E. (1977) ‘The internationalization process of the firm: a model of knowledge development and increasing foreign commitments’, Journal of International Business Studies, 8(1), 23–32.
Johanson, J. and Wiedersheim-Paul, F. (1975) ‘The internationalization of the firm: Four Swedish case studies’, Journal of Management Studies, 12(3), 305–22.
Jones, M.V. (1999) ‘The internationalization of small high-technology firms’, Journal of International Marketing, 7(4), 15–41.
Jones, M.V. (2001) ‘First steps in internationalisation: Concepts and evidence from a sample of small high-technology firms’, Journal of International Management, 7(3), 191–210.
Jones, M.V. and Coviello, N.E. (2005) ‘Internationalisation: conceptualising an entre-preneurial process of behaviour in time’, Journal of International Business Studies, 36(3), 284–303.
Karadeniz, E.E. and Göçer, K. (2007) ‘Internationalization of small firms: A case study of Turkish small- and medium-sized enterprises’, European Business Review, 19(5), 387–403.
Knight, G.A. and Cavusgil, S.T. (1996) ‘The born global firm: A challenge to traditional internationalization theory’, in S.T. Cavusgil and T.K. Madsen (eds), Advances in International Marketing, 8, 11–26 (Greenwich: JAI Press).
Kogut, B. and Zander, U. (1992) ‘Knowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities, and the replication of technology’, Organization Science, 3(3), 383–97.
Kuada, J.E. and Srarensen, O.J. (2000) Internationalization of Companies from Developing Countries (New York; London: International Business Press).
Larson, A. and Starr, J.A. (1993) ‘A network model of organization formation’, Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, 17(2), 5–15.
Leâo, C. and Kabbani, A. (2007) ‘Design of a strategy and detailed action plan leading to the development of the software industry in Syria’, Final Report, Damascus: Syrian Enterprise and Business Centre, SME Support Programme.
Leonidou, L.C. (2004) ‘An analysis of the barriers hindering small business export Development’, Journal of Small Business Management, 42(3), 279–302.
Leonidou, L.C. and Katsikeas, C.S. (1996) ‘The export development process: an integrative review of empirical models’, Journal of International Business Studies, 27(3), 517–51.
Liu, X., Xiao, W. and Huang, X. (2008) ‘Bounded entrepreneurship and internationalisa-tion of indigenous Chinese private-owned firms’, International Business Review, Article in Press, Corrected Proof.
Lloyd-Reason, L., Damyanov, A., Nicolescu, O. and Wall, S. (2005) ‘Internationalisation process, SMEs and transitional economies: a four-country perspective’, International Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, 5(3/4), 206–26.
Loane, S., Bell, J.D. and McNaughton, R. (2007) ‘A cross-national study on the impact of management teams on the rapid internationalization of small firms’, Journal of World Business, 42(4), 489–504.
Madsen, T.K. and Servais, P. (1997) ‘The internationalisation of born globals: an evolutionary process?’, International Business Review, 6(6), 561–83.
Marquis, C. (2004) ‘Bush imposes sanctions on Syria, citing ties to terrorism’, The New York Times, [online], 12 May 2004, available at: http://www.query.nytimes.com/gst/full-page.html?res=9C0CEFDA103CF931A25756C0A9629C8B63 [accessed 31 July 2008].
McDougall, P.P., Shane, S. and Oviatt, B.M. (1994) ‘Explaining the formation of inter-national new ventures: the limits of theories from international business research’, Journal of Business Venturing, 9(6), 469–87.
Melin, L. (1992) ‘Internationalization as a strategy process’, Strategic Management Journal, 13 (Winter, Special Issue: Fundamental Themes in Strategy Process Research), 99–118.
Mills, A.E. (1964) ‘Environment and size of firm: A study of international trading in the Arab Middle East’, Journal of Management Studies, 1(1), 67–80.
Moen, O., Gavlen, M. and Endresen, I. (2004) ‘Internationalization of small, compu-ter software firms: Entry forms and market selection’, European Journal of Marketing, 38(9/10), 1236–51.
MOEX 2006, Ministry of Expatriates, About MOEX, [online] available at: http://www.min-istryofexpatriates.gov.sy/cweb/MOEX_English/MOEX%20Pages_en/AboutMOEX_en.htm [accessed 20 January 2009].
Nonaka, I. and Takeuchi, H. (1995) The knowledge-Creating Company: How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of Innovation (New York: Oxford University Press).
Nummela, N., Saarenketo, S. and Puumalainen, K. (2004) ‘A global mindset—a prerequisite for successful internationalization?’, Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, 21(1), 51–64.
OBG, Oxford Business Group (2008), ‘Emerging Syria 2008’, [online] available at: http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/publication.asp?country=6 [accessed 18 August 2008].
Oviatt, B.M. and McDougall, P.P. (1994) ‘Toward a theory of international new ventures’, Journal of International Business Studies, 25(1), 45–64.
Özkanh, Ö., Benek, S. and Akdeve, E. (2006) ‘Export barriers of small firms in Turkey: A study of Ankara-Ivedik industrial district’, Problems and Perspectives in Management, 4(3), 78–90.
Penrose, E.T. (1959) The Theory of the Growth of the Firm (Oxford: Basil Blackwell).
Reid, S.D. (1981) ‘The decision-maker and export entry and expansion’ Journal of International Business Studies, 12(2), 101–12.
Rennie, M.W. (1993) ‘Born Global’, The McKinsey Quarterly, 4(4), 45–52.
Rialp, A., Rialp, J. and Knight, G.A. (2005) ‘The phenomenon of early internationalizing firms: what do we know after a decade (1994–2003) of scientific inquiry?’, International Business Review, 14(2), 147–66.
Rogers, e. (1962) Diffusion of Iinnovations (New York: The Free Press).
Rutashobya, L. and Jaensson J.-E. (2004) ‘Small firms’ internationalization for development in Tanzania: Exploring the network phenomenon’, International Journal of Social Economics, 31(1/2), 159–72.
Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (1997) Research Methods for Business Students (London: Pitman Publishing).
Sharma, D.D. and Blomstermo, A. (2003) ‘The internationalization process of born glo-bals: a network view’, International Business Review, 12(6), 739–53.
Spence, M. and Crick, D. (2006) ‘A comparative investigation into the internationalization of Canadian and UK high-tech SMEs’, International Marketing Review, 23(5), 524–48.
Syrian Enterprise Business Centre (2008), SEBC discusses SME Strategy with Syrian government, [online] available at: http://www.sebcsyria.com/web2008/art.php?art_id=1338 [accessed 10 June 2008].
Terjesen, S., O’Gorman, C. and Acs, Z.J. (2008) ‘Intermediated mode of internationalization: new software ventures in Ireland and India’, Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 20(1), 89–109.
Thai, M.T.T. and Chong, L.C. (2008) ‘Born-global: The case of four Vietnamese SMEs’, Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 6(2), 72–100.
Tyagi, P. (2000) ‘Export behaviour of small business firms in developing economies: evidence from the Indian market’, Marketing Management Journal, Fall/Winter, 12–20.
Weerawardena, J., Mort, G.S., Liesch, P.W. and Knight, G. (2007) ‘Conceptualizing accelerated internationalization in the born global firm: A dynamic capabilities perspective’, Journal of World Business, 42(3), 294–306.
Welch, L.S. and Luostarinen, R. (1988) ‘Internationalisation: evolution of a concept’, Journal of General Management, 14 (2), 34–55.
Cited in Chetty, S.K. (1999), ‘Dimensions of internationalisation of manufacturing firms in the apparel industry’, European Journal of Marketing; 33 (1/2), 121–42.
Wernerfelt, B. (1984) ‘A resource-based view of the firm’, Strategic Management Journal, 5 (2), 171–80.
Westhead, P., Wright, M. and Ucbasaran, D. (2001), ‘The internationalization of new and small firms: A resource-based view’, Journal ofBusiness Venturing, 16(4), 333–58.
Vissak, T., Ibeh, K. and Paliwoda, S. (2007) ‘Internationalisation from the European Periphery: Triggers, processes and trajectories’, Journal of Euromarketing, 17(1), 35–48.
World Bank (2008), Syrian Arab Republic, [online] available at: http://www.web.worldbank.org/W BSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/MENAEXT/SYRIANARABEXTN/0„menuPK:31055 3-pagePK:141159-piPK:141110--theSitePK:310548,00.html [accessed 15 June 2008].
Yin, R.K. (2003) Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 3rd edn (Thousand Oaks, CA, London: Sage).
Yli-Renko, H., Autio, E. and Tontti, V. (2002) ‘Social capital, knowledge, and the international growth of technology-based new firms’, International Business Review, 11(3), 279–304.
Zain, M. and Siew I. Ng (2006) ‘The impacts of network relationships on SMEs’ internationalization process’, Thunderbird International Business Review, 48(2), 183–98.
Zahra, S., Ireland, D. and Hitt, M. (2000) ‘International expansion by new technology firms: International diversity, mode of entry, technological learning and performance’, Academy of Management Journal, 43(5), 925–50.
Amit, R. and Schoemaker, P.J.H. (1993) ‘Strategic assets and organizational rent’, Strategic Management Journal, XIV, 33–46.
Barney, J.B. (1991) ‘Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage’, Journal of Management, XVII, 99–120.
Barney, J.B. (1986) ‘Strategic factor markets: Expectations, luck, and business strategy’, Management Science, XXXII, 1231–41.
Barney, J.B. (2001) ‘Resource-based theories of competitive advantage: A ten-year retro-spective on the resource-based view’, Journal of Management, XXVII, 643–50.
Barney, J.B. and Clark, D.N. (2007) Resource-Based Theory. Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Bell, J., Crick, D. and Young, S. (2004) ‘Small firm internationalisation and business strategy: An exploratory study of knowledge-intensive and traditional manufacturing firms in the UK’, International Small Business Journal, XXII, 23–56.
Boojihawon, D.K., Dimitratos, P. and Young, S. (2007) ‘Characteristics and influences of multinational subsidiary entrepreneurial culture: The case of the advertising sector’, International Business Review, XVI, 549–72.
Branzei, O. and Vertinsky, I. (2006) ‘Strategic pathways to product innovation capabili-ties in SMEs’, Journal of Business Venturing, XXI, 75–105.
Brouthers, K.D. and Nakos, G. (2004) ‘SME entry mode choice and performance: A transaction cost perspective’, Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice, XXVIII, 229–47.
Brouthers, K.D., Brouthers, L.E. and Werner, S. (2008) ‘Resource-based advantages in an international context’, Journal of Management, XXXIV, 189–217.
Cavusgil, E., Seggie, S.H. and Talay, M.B. (2007) ‘Dynamic capabilities view: Foundations and research agenda’, Journal of Marketing Theory & Practice, XV, 159–66.
Chetty, S.K. and Wilson, H.I.M. (2003) ‘Collaborating with competitors to acquire resources’, International Business Review, XII, 61–81.
Coviello, N.E. and Jones, M.V. (2004) ‘Methodological issues in international entrepreneurship research’, Journal ofBusiness Venturing, XIX, 485–508.
Crick, D. and Spence, M. (2005) ‘The internationalisation of ‘high performing’ UK high-tech SMEs: a study of planned and unplanned strategies’, International Business Review, XIV, 167–85.
Dhanaraj, C. and Beamish, P.W. (2003) ‘A resource-based approach to the study of export Performance’, Journal of Small Business Management, XLI, 242–61.
Dierickx, I. and Cool, K. (1989) ‘Asset stock accumulation and the sustainability of competitive advantage: Reply’, Management Science, XXXV, 1231–41.
Dimitratos, P. and Jones, M.V. (2005) ‘Future directions for international entrepreneurship research’, International Business Review, XIV, 119–28.
DuBois, F.L. and Reeb, D. (2004) ‘Ranking the international business Journals’, Journal of International Business Studies, XXXI, 689–704.
European Commission (2003) SMEs in Europe 2003, The Observatory of European SMEs, Luxemburg: European Communities, http://www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/enterprise_pol-icy/analysis/observatoryen.htm.
Fahy, J. (2002) ‘A resource-based analysis of sustainable competitive advantage in a global environment’, International Business Review, XI, 57–77.
Fernhaber, S.A. and McDougall-Covin, P.P. (2009) ‘Venture capitalists as catalysts to new venture internationalization: The impact of their knowledge and reputation Resources’, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, XXXIII, 277–95.
Filatotchev, I., Xiaohui, L., Buck, T. and Wright, M. (2009) ‘The export orientation and export performance of high-technology SMEs in emerging markets: The effects of knowledge transfer by returnee entrepreneurs’, Journal of International Business Studies, Online Publication, 1–17.
Foss, N. (1997) Resource firms and Strategies. A Reader in the Resource-Based Perspective (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Gassmann, O. and Keupp, M.M. (2007) ‘The competitive advantage of early and rapidly internationalising SMEs in the biotechnology industry: A knowledge-based view’, Journal of World Business, XLII, 350–66.
Grant, R.M. (1991) ‘The resource-based theory of competitive advantage: Implications for strategy formulation’, California Management Review, XXXIII, 114–35.
Grant, R.M. (1996) ‘Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm’, Strategic Management Journal, XVII, 109–122.
Haahti, A., Madupu, V., Yavas, U. and Babakus, E. (2005) ‘Cooperative strategy, knowledge intensity and export performance of small and medium sized enterprises’, Journal of World Business, XL, 124–38.
Hall, R. (1992) ‘The strategic analysis of intangible resources’, Strategic Management Journal, XIII, 135–44.
Hitt, M.A., Ireland, R.D., Camp, S.M. and Sexton, D.L.(2001) ‘Guest editors’ introduction to the special issue. Strategic entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial strategies for wealth creation’, Strategic Management Journal, XXII, 479–91.
Hoopes, D.G., Hadsen, T.L. and Walker, G. (2003) ‘Guest editors’ introduction to the special issue: Why is there a resource-based view? Toward a theory of competitive heterogeneity’, Strategic Management Journal, XXIV, 889–902.
Itami, H.T. and Roehl, W. (1987) Mobilizing Invisible Assets (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press).
Johanson, J. and Vahlne, J.E. (1977) ‘The internationalization process of the firm-a model of knowledge development and increasing foreign market commitments’, Journal of International Business Studies, VIII, 23–32.
Jones, M.V. and Coviello, N.E. (2005) ‘Internationalisation: Conceptualising an entre-preneurial process of behaviour in time’, Journal International Business Studies, XXXVI , 284–303.
Knight, G.A. and Cavusgil, S.T. (2004) ‘Innovation, organizational capabilities and the born-global firm’, Journal of International Business Studies, XXXV, 124–41.
Knight, G.A. and Kim, D. (2009) ‘International business competence and the contemporary firm’, Journal of International Business Studies, XL, 255–73.
Kuemmerle, W. (2002) ‘Home base and knowledge management in international ven-tures’, Journal of Business Venturing, XVII, 99–122.
Leiblein, M.J. and Reuer, J.J. (2004) ‘Building a foreign sales based: the roles of capabilities and alliances for entrepreneurial firms’, Journal of Business Venturing, XIX, 285–307.
Lévesque, M. and Shepherd, D.A. (2004) ‘Entrepreneurs’ choice of entry strategy in emerging and developed markets’, Journal of Business Venturing, XIX, 29–54.
Li, H. and Zhang, Y. (2007) ‘The role of manager’s political networking and functional experience in new venture performance’, Strategic Management Journal, XXVIII, 791—804.
Liesch, P.W. and Knight, G.A. (1999) ‘Information internalization and hurdle rates in small and medium enterprise internationalization’, Journal of International Business Studies, XXX, 383–94.
Mahoney, J.T. and Pandian, J.R. (1992) ‘The resource-based view within the conversation of strategic management’, Strategic Management Journal, XIII, 363–80.
Majocchi, A. and Zucchella, A. (2003) ‘Internationalization and performance: Findings from a set of italian SMEs’, International Small Business Journal, XXI, 249–68.
Majocchi, A., Bacchiocchi, E. and Mayrhofer, U. (2005) ‘Firm size, business experience and export intensity in SMEs: A longitudinal approach to complex relationships’, International Business Review, XIV, 719–38.
McDougall, P.P. and Oviatt, B.M. (2000) ‘International entrepreneurship: The intersection of two research paths’, Academy of Management Journal, XLIII, 902–06.
Oviatt, B.M. and McDougall, P.P. (1994) ‘Toward a theory of international new ventures’, Journal of International Business Studies, XXV, 45–64.
Peng, M.W. (2001) ‘The resource-based view and international business’, Journal of Management, XXVII, 803–29.
Penrose, E.T. (1959) The Theory of the Growth of the Firm (New York: Wiley).
Peteraf, M.A.(1993) ‘The cornerstones of competitive advantage: A resource-based view’, Strategic Management Journal, XIV, 179–91.
Porter, M.E. (1991) ‘Towards a dynamic theory of strategy’, Strategic Management Journal, XII, 95–117.
Priem, R.L. and Butler, J.E. (2001) ‘Is the resource-based ‘View’ a useful perspective for strategic management research?’, Academy of Management Review, XXVI, 22–40.
Rialp, A., Rialp, J. and Knight, G.A. (2005) ‘The phenomenon of early internationalizing firms: What do we know after a decade (1993–2003) of scientific inquiry?’, International Business Review, XIV, 147–66.
Rumelt, R.P. (1991) ‘How much does industry matter?’, Strategic Management Journal, XII, 167–85.
Sapienza, H.J., Autio, E., George, G. and Zahra, S.A. (2006) ‘A capabilities perspective on the effects of early internationalization on firm survival and growth’, Academy of Management Review, XXXI, 914–33.
Sharma, V.M. and Erramilli, M.K. (2004) ‘Resource-based explanation of entry mode choice’, Journal of Marketing Theory & Practice, XII, 1–18.
Tseng, C.H., Tansuhaj, P., Hallagan, W. and McCullough, J. (2007) ‘Effects of firm resources on growth in multinationality’, Journal of International Business Studies, XXXVIII, 961–74.
Tuppura, A., Saarenketo, S., Puumalainen, K., Jantunen, A. and KylSheiko, K. (2008) ‘Linking knowledge, entry timing and internationalization strategy’, International Business Review, XVII, 473–87.
Wang, C.L. and Ahmed, P.K. (2007) ‘Dynamic capabilities: A review and research agenda’, International Journal of Management Reviews, IX, 31–51.
Wernerfelt, B. (1984) ‘A resource-based view of the firm’, Strategic Management Journal, V, 171–80.
Westhead, P., Wright, M. and Ucbasaran, D. (2001) ‘The internationalization of new and small firms: A resource-based view’, Journal ofBusiness Venturing, XVI, 333–58.
Zhara, S.A. and George, G. (2002) ‘International entrepreneurship: The current status of the field and future research agenda’, in M.A. Hitt, R.D. Ireland, and D.L. Sexton (eds), Strategic Entrepreneurship (Oxford: Blackwell).
Zucchella, A., Palamara, G. and Denicolai, S. (2007) ‘The drivers of the early internationalization of the firm’, Journal of World Business, XLII, 268–80.
Zucchella, A. and Scabini, P. (2007) International Entrepreneurship. Theoretical Foundations and Empirical Analysis, 1st edn (London: Palgrave).
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2010 Laila Kasem and Kevin Ibeh
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kasem, L., Ibeh, K. (2010). The Internationalization of Knowledge-Based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises from Syria. In: Dimitratos, P., Jones, M.V. (eds) Resources, Efficiency and Globalization. The Academy of International Business. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230278028_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230278028_15
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-31460-7
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-27802-8
eBook Packages: Palgrave Business & Management CollectionBusiness and Management (R0)