International Business Management Research Articles

FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONALIZATION OF STARTUPS USING A SYSTEMATIC FRAMEWORK

Internationalization is the process of commercial expansion of a business to other countries, increasing its visibility and sustainable growth. In order to analyze the viability of internationalizing a startup, this case study presents the use of a systematic framework, encompassing analysis of opportunities and partners, market research, planning through a flight plan, cost structuring, pricing definition, and takeoff for execution of the proposal. It is understood that, for startups, internationalization is not only a path to growth, but also a boost for innovation and competitiveness in the global business scenario. The results of the application of the framework highlight the potential for scalability and expansion of startups, and the need for careful planning that considers all the variables of this process. This article contributes to the field of international business management, presenting valuable information for entrepreneurs seeking effective expansion strategies.

Unlocking knowledge transfer dynamics across borders: key drivers in international strategic alliances

Purpose In today’s swiftly evolving and intensely competitive business landscape, organisations increasingly recognise the significance of cross-border collaborative partnerships. International Strategic Alliances (ISAs) have emerged as effective platforms to foster innovation and gain a competitive advantage. Within the context of the hotel industry, which epitomises international operations, this study aims to investigate the pivotal role of knowledge transfer (KT) in the performance of ISAs. Design/methodology/approach The research framework draws on the influence of technological drivers (TD), organisational drivers (OD) and individual drivers (ID) on successful KT within ISAs. By analysing data from managers and owners of international hotel businesses using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), this study empirically examines the relationships between these drivers and KT dynamics. Findings Findings highlight the direct impact of these drivers on KT and subsequent alliance performance. However, among these drivers, factors related to TDs, such as Web 2.0, knowledge management systems and IT infrastructure, generally received the highest values. Originality/value This study contributes to international business and knowledge management and sheds light on the intricate interactions between the drivers of KT and ISAs. The insights derived from this study provide a foundation for enhancing strategic alliance practices in a global context. By embracing KT mechanisms, organisations can harness collaborative potential, drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

Exploration of Diversified Assessment Models for Business English Courses

As one of the important courses in majors such as international trade and business management, the assessment method of Business English directly affects students' learning enthusiasm and the cultivation of practical application ability. The traditional single assessment method often focuses on the memorization of theoretical knowledge and test-taking skills, and ignores the assessment of students' practical application ability of Business English. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore diversified assessment models to comprehensively and objectively evaluate students' business English level. This paper aims to explore the construction and implementation of diversified assessment models for Business English courses. By analyzing the problems existing in the current assessment methods, this paper proposes the necessity, design principles and specific implementation strategies of diversified assessment models, in order to provide a reference for the teaching reform of Business English courses.

How digital transformation shapes European union countries’ national systems of innovation: A configurational moderation approach

Digital transformation is changing the innovation landscape, not only of firms but also at the macro level. This study aims to analyse how configurations of European Union countries’ innovation inputs that lead to innovation outputs are affected by the levels of national digital transformation. A novel configurational moderation approach is adopted to assess the impact of digital transformation on the 27 EU countries’ national systems of innovation (NSI). Results showed that the presence of all innovation inputs is a sufficient configuration for the presence of high innovation outputs, while three different configurations were found to be sufficient for its absence. The configurational moderation analysis revealed that digital transformation effectively moderates the arrangement of innovation inputs leading to the presence of high innovation outputs, where the human capital and research pillar loses its importance. The results of this study can be understood as benchmarks, against which less innovative countries may compare and develop their NSI. They also shed light on the specific configurations followed by each EU country in achieving innovation outputs, which could be an input for Union-based policies directed at the development of concrete innovation pillars in specific Member States. Furthermore, findings enlighten international business managers about the strengths and weaknesses of EU countries’ NSI, which may aid them in their internationalisation decisions.

Artificial Intelligence and Managerial Decision-Making in International Business

Management in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) presents unique challenges and opportunities, especially in the international landscape. The technology is constantly evolving, and managers need to adapt to the new landscape that is emerging to harness its potential while considering and anticipating the risks involved. AI can disrupt traditional leadership models by automating specific tasks and decision-making processes. This challenges managers to align with this new reality and use AI to drive innovation and productivity. In addition, managers must navigate and adapt to the evolving regulatory environment, understanding but also complying with regulations around AI, data protection, and privacy, while advocating for responsible and fair governance. While AI significantly impacts management processes, the academic literature on the subject is still emerging. This study aims to explore the challenges posed by AI and how international business managers can use this technology to drive decision-making and benefit their organizations. Ten interviews were conducted with senior executives from a range of industries to collect qualitative primary data. The findings show that AI can help with decision-making, automate many processes, and improve efficiency. Top managers can use AI tools to address many challenges more effectively, but they need to understand the ethical implications and concerns that continue to arise. The findings provide theoretical implications and practical recommendations for top managers using AI technologies. Senior executives should develop AI-focused strategies; as AI becomes more prevalent across industries, managers need to understand how to integrate AI technologies into their organizations successfully.

Challenges and Opportunities in International Business Management

Challenges and Opportunities in International Business Management

Research on Cross-International Business Operation and Management Strategies of Enterprises

As globalization accelerates, the corporate realm finds itself amidst an unprecedented international business landscape. Conventional marketing paradigms and management strategies falter in such rapidly shifting environments, presenting both challenges and opportunities for multinational operations. This discourse delves into the myriad challenges facing multinational corporations, such as policy risks, legal framework disparities, cultural differentials, economic and monetary policy uncertainties, and disparate rates of technological advancement. Moreover, the article conducts a profound analysis of theories pertaining to international business and multinational management, cultural variance theories, as well as strategic management theories, with the aim of furnishing a robust theoretical foundation for multinational operations and management. Beyond mere theoretical exploration, this article also endeavors to elucidate various successful strategies in multinational operations and management, encompassing market entry strategies, marketing strategies, human resources management strategies, and financial and risk management strategies, in order to furnish enterprises engaging in international markets with reliable guidance and successful paradigms, thus encouraging the realization of both social value and commercial interests in tandem.

Understanding the evolution of international human resource management research: a bibliometric review over the past 25 years (1995–2019)

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive overview of the field of international human resource management (IHRM) research by tracing its evolutionary development over a 24-year period. The study seeks to understand how the field has progressed by considering historical research themes and their subsequent integration into more recent scholarly work, thereby identifying current and emerging research trends.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the evolutionary path of IHRM research from 1995 to 2019. A dataset of 1,507 articles from journals specializing in IHRM, international business and general management was created. Analysis at the keyword, thematic and network levels was conducted to identify trends, historical context and the interrelatedness of research themes.FindingsThe analysis reveals that IHRM research has gone through several phases of thematic focus, from initial emphasis on cultural differences and expatriate management to more recent topics like global talent management and digital transformation. Earlier research themes continue to be incorporated and re-contextualized in modern scholarship, highlighting the field’s dynamic nature.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to use a bibliometric approach to systematically examine the evolution of IHRM research. It not only provides a historical perspective but also outlines future research trends, incorporating the institutional logic perspective. The findings offer deep insights that are valuable for researchers, practitioners and policymakers interested in the development of IHRM research and its practical implications.

Enhancing lecture comprehension in English medium of instruction: a case study of an international business management programme in Belgium

The growing global trend of adopting English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in higher education, particularly in non-English-speaking countries, presents a unique set of challenges. This study focuses on a group of students in Belgium navigating EMI within the context of a bachelor’s degree programme in International Business Management. It delves into the strategies employed by both lecturers and students to enhance learning outcomes while listening to EMI lectures. Through classroom observations and focus groups with EMI students, this research uncovers valuable insights into effective teaching and strategies that can be instrumental in ensuring EMI does not hinder the achievement of educational objectives. The study's findings contribute by putting forward a comprehensive repertoire of didactic strategies and resources, offering valuable guidance to lecturers, students, and curriculum developers involved in the EMI landscape of higher education, with a particular emphasis on improving students' comprehension of lecture content.

Learning from artificial intelligence researchers about international business implications

AbstractArtificial intelligence is a dynamic and emerging form of technological innovation that has numerous ramifications for international business managers. The aim of this article is to obtain commentary from researchers about the role artificial intelligence will play in the global arena. This includes asking questions about how it will affect internationalization processes and whether it will lead to more international collaboration. Well‐known researchers provide advice on what international business managers should do in terms of staying competitive but also how they can integrate learning from artificial intelligence into their business operations. Lastly, suggestions for future research regarding the interplay between international business and artificial intelligence are provided.

Towards a more balanced treatment of culture in international business using an ethnographic design: a multinational family business case study

PurposeThe negative cultural bias vis-à-vis international business and cross-cultural management has been duly acknowledged, necessitating recommendations towards investigating its positive effects. Methodologically, quantitative research clearly predominates, and there have been calls for alternative approaches. Thus, this conceptual paper addresses the research gap (methodological and thematic) by investigating if multicultural teams can be an essential part of the global workforce and whether positive effects exist regarding dynamic capabilities, learning and knowledge transfer.Design/methodology/approachThe underlying ethnographic research design enabled exploring within the embedded single case study from an emic perspective, including qualitative observation and semi-structured expert interviews, and provided detailed insights into the company’s multicultural work environment.FindingsThe results reveal that applying a qualitative design allowed the needed exploration and show that multicultural, geographically dispersed teams are positively experienced and considered necessary in today’s globalised world. They are likely to increase in the future. Moreover, dynamic capabilities (multicultural competencies) are indispensable for multicultural teamwork. Regarding learning opportunities, different viewpoints for discussion and the ability to reflect on these offer valuable insights. In line with theory, multiculturality is considered a “two-edged sword”, providing simultaneous benefits and challenges. Contrary to the theory, even highly important information transfers can occur virtually, although occasional physical contact is essential for trust building.Originality/valueThe multinational family business offers a unique example of a positive relationship between multiculturalism and organisational excellence and demonstrates how the application of a qualitative methodology can support theory building by delivering a revised model of dynamic capabilities in multicultural environments with geographical dispersion.

Managing artificial intelligence in international business: Toward a research agenda on sustainable production and consumption

AbstractThe collaboration between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans is reshaping international business (IB) management dynamics, aiming to achieve global sustainable development. Recent IB literature indicates that managing AI brings benefits such as better resource reconfiguration, reduced transaction costs, and global sustainable development. However, existing IB literature provides only meager knowledge about the characteristics of AI and how these characteristics can be employed for international expansion at the intersection of sustainable development. In response, our aim is to construct these characteristics by employing directed qualitative content analysis of empirical AI research. Based on our three constructed characteristics of AI, we contribute to current IB literature by providing a framework to balance economic and social goals and utilizing AI for global sustainable development. Further, we provide future IB research themes to guide IB and AI research toward achieving a sustainable production and consumption agenda.

Evolución de los programas de administración en Colombia:

The purpose of this research was to identify the evolution of administration programs in Colombia. A prospective method was followed from the econometric technique of the moving average of order 4, to analyze the historical requests for qualified records in 5 categories of administration programs: 1. General administration 2. Agroindustrial, environmental and health administration 3. Administration Transport, logistics National and international commerce. 4. Hotel management, tourism, and ecotourism. 5. Administration and finance. The results show the relevance of a general approach of the administration programs in Colombia and their possibilities of strengthening through alternatives of emphasis related to logistics and international business, finance, and agro-industrial and environmental management. The results are limited to the geographical area studied and must be adapted to the local needs of the cities where new administration programs are developed. The practical implications are aimed at strengthening the electives of the administration programs in Colombia and the consideration of general administration programs for the opening of new programs. The methodology in which the study was developed is applicable to other educational programs, both nationally and internationally. The study distinguishes itself by retaking different foundations of the evolutionary economy and of the prospective, applied to the identification of the potential demands of the administration programs in Colombia, from the analysis of their historical behavior.

The impact of cultural distance on the migration of professional athletes as high-skilled employees

Global migration creates both challenges and opportunities for employees and employers. An important issue in international business and human resource management is the integration of employees into a culturally different working industrial environment because focusing on cultural differences, integration, and mitigating culture shock can provide a competitive advantage. Our research examined the global migration involving the Hofstede cultural dimensions in the sports industry, especially in the football transfer market. The paper aims to find a relationship between cultural distance as an expression of cultural differences and international transfers of professional footballers as high-skilled and talented employees. Our study is based on a substantial quantitative examination of processing 34,430 international transfers. Our research question is: What kind of relationship can be detected between cultural distance and the migration of professional footballers? The results of a linear regression model show a significant negative correlation between the number of transfers and cultural distance. However, we believe that the country's economic performance and professional sports standards or quality are essential in addition to the cultural distance. Therefore, as a next step, the analysis involved both factors in getting a more sophisticated result. The results of the multiple regression model confirm the attitude of professional athletes; besides cultural distance, the impact of other factors (economic and/or professional aspects) is also important. Therefore, we recommend that companies pay close attention to their particularly valuable human resources.

Conceptual basis of neuromanagement as a modern paradigm of international business management

Conceptual basis of neuromanagement as a modern paradigm of international business management

Research on the Cultivation Mode of International Business Management Talents from the Perspective of Multidimensional Integration Ideological and Political Education

Research on the Cultivation Mode of International Business Management Talents from the Perspective of Multidimensional Integration Ideological and Political Education

The role of digital technologies in the management of international companies in the era of digital transformation

The article discusses trends, problems and prospects of rapid implementation and active use of digital technologies in all management processes of international companies. It analyzes the impact of digital transformation on changes in the overall organization of management of international companies, identifies the main trends in the digital transformation of specific business processes. The role of the ongoing digital transformation in the organization of international business management at the micro level, i.e., at the level of international companies themselves, is defined. The paper identifies the main advantages that increase the efficiency of their functioning and the ability to ensure competitiveness in the global market, as well as the challenges that international companies face in implementing digital technologies in their business processes and in the overall business management model.

Internationalising high–tech SMEs: Advancing a new perspective of open innovation

Choosing a foreign market entry strategy is known to be essential for firm internationalisation yet there is very little focus on the role, purpose, and value of open innovation for internationalising high–tech SMEs. A review of the international business, international entrepreneurship and international marketing literature combined with a bibliometric mapping of 2501 articles on firm internationalisation, suggests that research does not readily associate open innovation and the internationalisation of high–tech SMEs. This is regardless of open innovation's activities that can span over a firm's immediate geographical space. Thus, this study introduces new theoretical explanations and a midrange open innovation theory to advance open innovation as an alternative foreign market entry strategy especially for internationalising high–tech SMEs. This has theoretical and practical implications for academics, international business managers, and practitioners because it introduces an alternative internationalisation strategy for SMEs.

Research on the Importance of Cross-cultural Integration in International Business Management

The aim of this study is to delve into the significance of cross-cultural integration in international business management. In the context of globalization, cross-cultural integration has become a key factor for businesses to gain a competitive advantage in the international market. A profound understanding and effective utilization of cultural diversity enable businesses to better address challenges in the international market, enhance their competitiveness, and achieve sustainable development. This research will focus on the impact of cross-cultural integration on business strategies, team collaboration, market expansion, etc., aiming to provide management strategies and decision references for businesses and further advance the theory of international business management. Through in-depth research and empirical analysis, this study aims to offer a comprehensive and profound international management perspective, providing crucial guidance and support for businesses to stand resilient in global competition.

Focus on education: Taking stock of key themes, topics, trends and communities in international business and international management education research

This paper sheds light on education in International Business (IB) and International Management (IM) by identifying the main topics, themes, trends and subdomain clusters in their education-focused literature. Using a combination of text- and network-based analysis, only recently introduced for data analysis in IB/IM, we reveal themes focused mainly on five areas: global focus; learning and skill development; teaching and curriculum development; economic and management issues; and student types and experience. Further, we examine the extent to which keywords associated with critical perspectives enter the education literature to gain insight into the embrace of issues related to sustainability, ethics, empathy and gender.