Local Business Partners Research Articles

Analisis Kompetensi Kewirausahaan dalam Mewujudkan Keunggulan Kompetitif di UMKM Kedai Mie Ala Korea Kecamatan Lemahabang Wadas

This study aims to analyze how entrepreneurial competence can realize competitive advantage in Korean Noodle Shop MSMEs located in Wadas Lemahabang, which offers various Korean specialties. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that Korean Noodle Shops have entrepreneurial competence that includes the ability to create new flavors, consistency in posting products on social media, the ability to prepare financial reports, and the presence of business partners. Competitive advantages include special spice blends, competitive pricing, and the ability to survive and compete for six years. The obstacles faced include a location far from the city center, lack of use of digital marketing, some raw materials purchased online, and long-lasting service. The proposed solutions to overcome these obstacles include opening a branch in the city center, registering sales through digital marketing, stocking raw materials for the next few days, adding local business partners, and training for chefs to improve service speed. This study provides important insights for the development of entrepreneurial strategies to increase the competitive advantage of MSMEs in the culinary sector. Keywords: Korean Noodle Shop, Entrepreneurial Competence, Competitive Advantage

Establishing A Greenhouse For Melon Cultivation: A Community Service Program To A Farmer Group In Lamongan Jawa Timur

The demand for fresh and high-quality melon has been steadily growing over the years. Certainly, supply chain challenges significantly impact farmers' ability to produce and distribute their products efficiently for some reasons. Moreover, melon crops are vulnerable to changes in weather and climate. Support in the form of climate-resilient farming practices, weather forecasting, and access to drought-resistant or heat-tolerant varieties can help farmers mitigate risks. Hence, melon farmers, like farmers of any other crop, require support for various reasons due challenging industry, and farmers often face a range of factors that can impact their performance. This article aims to explore how a community service program support a farmer group in Lamongan Jawa Timur by establishing a greenhouse for melon cultivation. The primary focus of a community development report is to document the planning, implementation, progress, and outcomes of a specific community development program. Data collection for a community development report involves qualitative approaches such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations. The method follows the sequential step: The initial step is gathering information about the community's needs, challenges, and aspirations by conducting online interviews, and offline focus group discussion to understand the specific areas that require improvement. The second step is stakeholder mapping, which includes community members, local leaders, local university partners, and local business partners who have a vested interest in the program. The third step entails assessing potential risks and challenges that could hinder the development process. This includes identifying economic, social, environmental, or cultural risks. Based on the information gathered in the previous steps, the design of the community development program was to set clear goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans by tailoring to address the specific needs and circumstances of the community. Last, putting the program into action involves executing the strategies and action plans outlined in the program design, which includes organizing workshops, training sessions, and infrastructure development. The results show that community development is a dynamic and iterative process. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities as the situation on the ground may change, and new insights may emerge. Additionally, involving the community at every stage of the process fosters ownership, empowerment, and sustainability of the development initiatives.

How Do Foreign Labor Regulations Affect Firms’ Operating Strategies?

Abstract We examine how changes in foreign labor regulations affect U.S. multinationals’ operating strategies. We show that firms with integrated operations in countries where labor regulations become tighter tend to establish arm’s-length relations with local business partners in that nation. The substitution between integrated and arm’s-length operations is stronger toward joint ventures than suppliers and weaker in the presence of financial constraints. Our findings are consistent with the idea that when firms find it harder to terminate their workers in integrated operations, they change to an operating model where it is easier to replace or discontinue business partners instead of employees.

Foreign and domestic multinationals’ linkages in advanced, small open economies: do foreignness, regional origin and technological capability matter?

Purpose International business theory suggests that multinational enterprises (MNEs) seek to internalise resources embedded in local firms to complement their own through inter-organisational relationships, yet little is known about whether and how these business linkages differ between foreign (F)MNEs and domestic (D)MNEs. This paper aims to explore the linkage differential between DMNEs and FMNEs operating in the same single-country contexts and to examine whether foreignness, regional origin and technological capability make a difference. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a unique firm-level data set of 292 MNEs located in five advanced, small open economies (SMOPECs). This study analyses the benefit received – in the form of technical and organisational resources and knowledge – by DMNEs and FMNEs via backward, forward and collaborative linkages with local business partners. Findings Our research finds FMNEs benefit less from linkages than DMNEs; and FMNEs originating from outside the region especially so. However, the results also show technological capability mitigates this difference and is thus a game changer for FMNEs from outside the region. Originality/value This paper differentiates between FMNEs and DMNEs in their propensity to benefit from resources received from different local partners and explores the influence of regional origin and technological capability. Despite the advanced and internationally oriented nature of SMOPECs, DMNEs still gain more benefit, suggesting either liabilities of foreignness and outsidership persist, or FMNEs do not desire, need or nurture local linkages.

Who gains more from networking? A comparative study of Polish exporting and non-exporting SMEs

Abstract Paper’s objectives The paper aims to identify differences in the perceived benefits of cooperation in domestic and foreign networks achieved by Polish small and medium enterprise (SME) exporters and non-exporters. Methods applied A quantitative study was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviewing and computer-assisted web interviewing on 240 Polish exporting and non-exporting SMEs. The t-test and correlation analysis were used to investigate the phenomena under study. Findings While exporting SMEs attach greater importance to networking with foreign partners than non-exporting ones, domestic partners are of equal importance for exporting and non-exporting firms. Exporting SMEs perceive local business partners to have more influence on their market success than foreign ones. Exporting SMEs benefit more from networking than non-exporting companies. Originality/value The paper compares the importance of local and foreign network partners for the market success of exporting and non-exporting SMEs, contributing to both internationalization and entrepreneurial literature.

From Downturn to Upturn, An Economic Lift of Local Business Entrepreneurs in Qatar as Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenology

Abstract: Background: Globally, local entrepreneurs have experienced an economic downturn brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Local businessmen in Qatar are not an exception. Method: This qualitative research paper utilized the phenomenological approach as it sought to understand the lived experiences of business owners in Qatar who are experiencing financial decline relative to the central question: “How do local business owners deal with financial decline brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic?”. Findings: The verbal ponderings and statements of the respondents revealed three major themes that local business partners had experienced before their businesses finally reached an upswing. These are (1) CUSTOMER RELATIONS, dealing with Acknowledging Achievements, Attaining Customer Values, and Operating Responses, (2) ADJUSTMENT REMODELING, focusing on Building Foundations, Adapting to Changes, and Coping with Mishaps, and (3) BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT which is about Dealing Impacts, Relieving Stress, and Addressing Liabilities of the businesses impacted by the pandemic. Conclusion: Local Business Partners had a continuous downturn to a series of events revolving around its business, however, most of the respondents are satiated with operating the facility under circumstances. Recommendations: This study recommends that business owners here in Qatar enable themselves to be knowledgeable of the phases behind the strategies of managing a business. These can aid the entrepreneurs in their decision-making skills for the business to prosper. The upcoming related studies should further enlarge the concept of businesses as it will help begin a broader perception of the local businesses. Keywords: Qatar Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Finance, Recession, Financial

IbM Pelatihan, Pembinaan dan Pendampingan Penggunaan Aplikasi Management Stock Control

The purpose of this service activity is to provide Training, Coaching, and Assistance for Stock Control Management Applications and it is hoped that the participants can; 1) Understand the strategy for the supply of goods, 2) Understand and be able to control spare parts, 3) Be able to provide the goods needed in the remodeling process, 4) Be able to manage spare parts efficiently and be able to apply methods Determine the level of reordering and minimum inventory for inventory optimization, and 5) Evaluating the material planning system that has been running so that we can find out the core of the problems faced and how to solve them. The method of implementing the program to be carried out is; 1) Presentation, 2) Experience Sharing Discussion, 3) Training (Training for Users), and 4) Further assistance in the use of the application. This Community Service Implementation Activity was held for 4 (four) months from early December 2019 to the end of March 2020. This activity was attended by all personnel of Gober Indo's local business partners. Based on the results of the activities that have been carried out, several conclusions can be drawn, namely; 1) The development of a web-based Stock Control Management application has been successfully built, 2) Assistance and training activities for the use of the appropriate Stock Control Management Application and can help partners, 3) Service activities that are followed very enthusiastically, It can be seen that many members and owners have attended the training, and 4) Supporting activities for the Stock Control Management Application are expected to continue with the development of partner business finances.

Managing legitimacy through corporate community involvement: The effects of subsidiary ownership and host country experience in China

This article examines the legitimacy rationale behind the corporate community involvement of foreign subsidiaries in China from an institutional perspective. Based on the assumption that the level of community involvement reflects a firm’s desire to seek legitimacy in the host country, we suggest two research questions: 1) How do factors determining the need for legitimacy affect foreign subsidiaries’ community involvement? and 2) How can these relationships be moderated by perceived trust in local business relationships? We hypothesize that a foreign parent’s ownership share has a positive effect on its subsidiaries’ local community involvement, while sufficient host country experience leads to less community involvement. We also propose that the level of perceived trust toward local business partners moderates these impacts of parent firm ownership and host country experience on local community involvement. These hypotheses are generally supported by our analysis of 223 Korean subsidiaries in China.

Are External and Internal R&D Complementary or Substitute for the Product Innovation of International Joint Ventures in China?

The product innovation of international joint ventures (IJVs) is often seen as an outcome of the combinative capability to synergize and apply different knowledge components from both foreign and local partners. In the era of open innovation, it becomes more common for the IJVs to conduct the internal (in-house) R&D and external R&D beyond the firm boundaries simultaneously. Such external R&D includes contracting or joint R&D programs with the local business partners and research universities or institutes. In this study, we argue that in an emerging market like China, due to the market ambiguity and cultural barriers, there exists a substitute effect between external and internal R&D for product innovation of IJVs. However, a high combinative capability of IJV will mitigate the substitute effect such as the local partner diversity of IJVs is high and the foreign partners of IJVs are from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan (HMT). On the contrary, the local market uncertainty will strengthen the substitute effect. We find support for these hypotheses with a unique dataset of IJVs in China from 2002 to 2006. Discussions will be provided.

Strategies for Developing Work Experiences for Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

High school work experience is a predictor of postsecondary employment success for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Developing integrated work experiences often requires schools to partner with local businesses; yet, secondary special education transition teams may not have prior experience or preparation in this type of transition work. Drawing on supported employment research, this article provides transition specialists and secondary special educators with practical strategies for identifying and engaging with potential local business partners and creating networking opportunities that build effective relationships.

Farmer innovation system and government intervention: An empirical study of straw utilisation technology development and diffusion in China

In the context of rural sustainability in the developing world, a dilemma facing government intervention is to recognise and properly use local (or indigenous, practical) knowledge. This paper sheds new light on government intervention by introducing a farmer innovation system (FIS), which is initiated by farmer innovator(s) with participation or support from government agencies and other stakeholders for technology improvement and diffusion. In relation to different understandings, attitudes and approaches to farmer innovation, we argue that different government intervention may lead to different project designs and results. The complexity of government intervention in farmer innovation can be seen from an empirical study of the development and diffusion of straw utilisation technology (SUT) in rural China. By analysing and comparing two cases - one successful and one failed - we reveal two types of government intervention, and features and conditions of project success. The major limitation is identified as leaving out other actors such as local business partners and non-government agencies. We suggest a balanced account between farmer innovator(s), government intervention and innovation platform in future research.

Promoting Active and Sustained School-Business Partnerships: An Exploratory Case Study of an IT Academy

In support of the national push for promoting career readiness, school-business partnerships have been noted as an important support strategy. However, there is limited research in the context of career academies. Thus, we sought to explore the nature of a partnership between an information technology (IT) career academy and local business partners. We found that the development of social capital is required to keep the network of partners bonded toward a common goal, bridged through a Business Advisory Council to facilitate planning and related supports, and linked by a local web of connecting relationships. Study findings add to the limited literature on the interface of school-business partnerships, career academies, and the promotion of career readiness in particular occupational contexts such as IT.

The Impact of Sin Culture: Evidence from Earnings Management and Alcohol Consumption in China

We study whether culture plays an important role in affecting firm incentives when formal institutions fall short. We link earnings management to alcohol-related sin culture in China, and we find that firms in regions in which alcohol plays a more prominent role show more earnings management. Tests using the regional gender ratio and snow/temperature as instruments suggest a causal interpretation. Moreover, a high level of alcohol consumption in CEOs’ home region significantly enhances earnings management, suggesting that corporate leaders can transmit and propagate sin culture in society. We also find that firms more exposed to alcohol rely more on local business partners for their operations. Furthermore, culture can generate a negative externality by further reducing the likelihood of fraud detection; however, significant improvements in formal institutions (e.g., the 2012 anticorruption regulation) can suppress this impact. Our results shed new light on the impact of culture on the real economy.

Line, line, everywhere a line: Cultural considerations for waiting-line managers

Given the trend of increasing business globalization, management teams of multinational companies have taken steps to better understand consumers, local business partners, and local governments. Local queueing preferences present managers with additional challenges and opportunities in international markets. The world may be ‘flat,’ but it is foolish to believe that all cultures perceive lines and waiting through the same lens. As discussed herein, perceptions regarding waiting and management of queues vary greatly; therefore, managers should adopt different policies and procedures when managing waiting lines across natural and cultural borders. Considering queue management in a global context offers benefits. Thinking globally—and acting locally—can prioritize and clarify important decisions any waiting-line manager has to make.

Italian luxury fashion brands in China: a retail perspective

China's consumption of luxury fashion goods is amongst the highest in the world. The importance of the high-end Chinese market for Western luxury fashion brands has been so far the centre of substantial scholarly interest. However, no research has been conducted on the retail strategies of Italian luxury fashion brands in China in terms of date of entry, reasons for entry, entry methods and store strategy to assess the impact they have on the success of those companies in such a complex but growing market. The aim is to provide insightful suggestions in terms of retail strategies for Italian luxury fashion brands operating in China, or considering entering the market. Qualitative research methods in the form of a cross-company examination of a sample of 20 Italian luxury fashion brands operating in China, followed by a second and later stage of the research consisting of interviews with property developers of Beijing's main luxury shopping malls, constitute the approaches used. This ‘on the ground’ research was necessary to complement the trends which emerged from the secondary data, and to gain a deeper, first-hand insight into the retail strategies of the analysed companies. The two subsequent stages of the research results were then combined to reach the final aim of the present study. The results show that a strong, consolidated retail strategy secured mainly but not exclusively by long-term establishment and continuous interest and investment on the Chinese market, to increase and maintain brand awareness, is the key to success. The results further indicate that important differences between traditional markets and the Chinese one regarding government regulations and cooperation with local business partners such as suppliers and distributors, as well as different types of consumers, have to be taken into serious consideration to formulate a successful Chinese strategy.

Local technological competence and asset-seeking FDI: an empirical study of manufacturing and wholesale affiliates in Sweden

This paper focuses on asset-seeking FDI where foreign TNCs tap into localised technological sources in order to augment their own firm-specific competencies. We use unique firm-level data from majority-owned foreign affiliates (MOFAs) located in West Sweden and investigate their technology development activities and to what purposes this is being put to use. The findings indicate that in a substantial number of MOFAs, the operations are part of an asset-seeking strategy, where the technological competence generated through MOFAs’ internal R&D operations, as well as through inter-firm collaboration with local business partners, especially customers, are not only aimed at local market adaptation, but also exploited internationally. Among manufacturing MOFAs this takes the form of export production, as well as a geographical transfer of technology to other corporate units, while among MOFAs engaged in the wholesale of industrial products, it basically takes the latter form.

Collective Technology Learning Between Transnational Corporations and Local Business Partners: The Case of West Sweden

Unique firm-level data from 287 majority-owned foreign affiliates (MOFAs) located in West Sweden are used to analyse the extent in which transnational corporations (TNCs) in a developed host country have established technological linkages, leading to collective technology learning where both TNCs and their local business partners benefit. The findings indicate that local business partners have established substantial levels of organised technological cooperation, not only with manufacturing MOFAs but also with wholesale MOFAs supplying industrial products. This seems to result in collective technology learning where both MOFAs and business partners in Sweden, especially customers, earn advantages. In the case of manufacturing MOFAs, local business partners in West Sweden seem to be important as cooperative partners. By using a multiple logistic regression to analyse key determinants, it was found that the size of MOFAs positively affected the establishment of technological linkages to business partners in Sweden, among both manufacturing MOFAs and sales MOFAs. A positive correlation with linkage formation was also found among manufacturing MOFAs regarding both increasing age and the extent in which they operate within competitive Swedish industry clusters.

Transnational corporations and the geographical transfer of localised technology: a multi-industry study of foreign affiliates in Sweden

Based on unique firm-level data from 323 majority-owned foreign affiliates (MOFAs) located in West Sweden in the beginning of 2000, we show that foreign-located affiliates of transnational corporations (TNCs) generate technological competencies, both internally as well as through organised cooperation with external business partners in the host country. This seems true not only for manufacturing affiliates, but also for wholesale affiliates supplying industrial products, as well as professional service affiliates providing technical services. In addition, all three categories of affiliates are engaged in 'dynamic technological integration', i.e. a geographical transfer to parent and sister firms of technological competence that MOFAs have developed in cooperation with external business partners in Sweden. This indicates that not only the technological competence of MOFAs themselves, but even the geographical context in which they are embedded is a relational asset that is crucial for the overall technological competitiveness of TNCs. Above all, technological linkages were established with host country customers. Important technological linkages were established both with local business partners in West Sweden, as well as business partners in the Rest of Sweden. Using a logistic regression analysis, we found that technological integration is especially associated with affiliates operating in competitive host country clusters, indicating that a large pool of indigenous technological competence acts as an important pull-factor for inward asset-seeking FDI. However, technological linkages between foreign TNCs and host country partners does not come automatically, instead they need substantial and long-term investments in personal and non-personal resources. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.