David Floyd

The role of SMEs in improving the competitive position of the European Union

Purpose – This paper sets out to examine the increasing importance of small firms in the European Union (FEU). It further contrasts policy making in EU member states and it traces the development of an emerging EU‐wide policy‐making process.Design/methodology/approach – Theories of entrepreneurship are drawn upon and data on the role of small firms are considered.Findings – Evidence suggests that some reorganisation of policy making in this field may be justified.Research limitations/implications – The limitations of current policy making are considered and suggestions are made on how enterprise policy making should be shaped in the future.Originality/value – Further work contrasting the success of other global competitors may also be warranted.

Globalisation or Europeanisation of business activity? Exploring the critical issues

Many debates have taken place on the question of globalisation. Critics have suggested that most of the changes in the market place are a regionalisation phenomena or indeed a Europeanisation issue rather than cases of globalisation. This article attempts to see whether this situation is truly apparent by tracing back the many definitions and approaches to globalisation and its impact on the business organisation. It also contrasts the cases for Europeanisation in terms of business activity as well as the concept of regionalisation. The paper further explores the key theoretical debates and suggests which of these is likely to be more appropriate in view of the increased globalisation likely to take place in the future.

Eastern and Western management practices: myth or reality?

This paper sets out to question whether managers should really talk of a West/East style of management. It does so by first examining the practices across a variety of Eastern and Western countries. The paper then analyses key changes in the global business environment that are having a huge influence on the adoption of management practices across the globe. There is much evidence to suggest a degree of convergence and this needs to be taken very much on board by firms engaging further in global trade. To assess management practices, this will involve careful analysis of the main organisation of business across various countries, as well as analysis of the environment in which they operate.

Investment decisions in Eastern Europe: choosing the optimum investment – the case of Poland

Notes there is much prior work on the benefits of the various forms of entry into new markets, including alliance, merger or greenfield; but little empirical evidence regarding pinpointing the optimum investment for a specific new market. Utilizes the data from 130 top multinationals entering the new market of Poland. Draws also on the theoretical framework of entry modes and considers the issue from a specific industry perspective. There is further consideration of countries’ specific investments. Draws upon the theoretical approaches of Hofstede and of Trompenaars when considering how national culture influences the main strategic entry decision into new markets. Links theories of foreign direct investment and theories of national culture – prominent areas in today’s management literature. Concludes with some interesting findings for policy makers in terms of the importance of merger activities in the Polish case, with possible application (with variations) in other emerging markets.

A macro and micro perspective of the global software industry with specific orientation to India, China and the Philippines

Much has been made of the importance of the Indian market as the future of the software industry. However, according to mainstream internationalisation theory the market in India may be seen as a less preferential market to other higher growth and low cost markets such as China and Russia. India will have to move higher up the value chain if it is to maintain this favourable position. This article sets out to explain the main reasons why India is proving attractive for foreign direct investment by examining theories of internationalisation and drawing on key FDI data. Contrasts are also made with other important markets including China and Philippines. The article then goes on to examine industry specific variables. The article then considers some alternative historical and cultural factors that may also have a role in explaining the success of this particular industry and location.

Understanding the main motives for foreign direct investment, an East‐West country contrast: is the host country legislation an important factor?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that foreign investment continues to play an important role in business activity across the globe. Understanding the main trends and reasons behind this increased activity is necessary in order to make effective business decisions on how to best engage in further global expansion. The positive benefits on employment and enterprise resulting from FDI will also be considered. A contrast will be made between Eastern and Western countries through an analysis of the main determinants of activities in these countries. The importance of country‐specific legislation on the decision‐making process will also be considered.Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilises a business history perspective, draws on theories of internationalism and uses investment data in order to explain investment behaviour. The paper then considers future possible trends in light of these recent developments.Findings – The evidence suggests that both Eastern and Western countries are now ...

FDI through cross-border acquisitions and greenfield investment in Poland

Abstract This article looks at differences in the impact on Poland of cross-border acquisitions versus greenfield foreign direct investment activity. It starts with an analysis of the main determinants of foreign direct investment and the employment opportunities that can be created from such activity. The employment contribution of each entry mode is considered, and also the impact of the entry mode on local sourcing practices and the main reason behind the particular investment. The long-term versus the short nature of investment will also be considered. The findings compare the impact of firms at the time of their entry with the more recent situation. Evidence suggests that greenfield sites have much to offer with regards to employment opportunities and value-adding activities, though acquisitions have the benefit of better access to local knowledge.

Merger activity: solutions to Japan’s economic downturn?

Economic downturn in Japan has brought about an urgent need for Japanese companies to restructure. Throughout the postwar period of economic growth corporate Japan has been dominated by organizational structures based on relational ties, which have protected implicit contracts with employees and acted as a barrier to takeovers. The current disintegration of traditional business networks has brought about restructuring through merger activity, often with foreign firms, resulting in more market‐oriented corporate control structures. The success of these mergers will depend on incorporating market considerations, while retaining the advantages of alliance structures.

Assessing the ways to recovery from the global financial crisis

Purpose – The financial crisis has led to a number of important trends. This article sets out to examine the capabilities of both emerging markets and developed economies to come back from the current economic slowdown. It will draw on both trade and growth theories and uses relevant data to support the main arguments. Evidence suggests that the recovery will be slow and both emerging and developed countries will experience slower growth than the previous decade.Design/methodology/approach – The paper makes use of secondary data on future economic trends. It also draws on data and theory from international trade and foreign direct investment to support the future projected scenarios.Findings – The paper provides evidence on country data and comparisons between the main trading nations. The paper also draws on current macroeconomic data to support the main future predictions.Originality/value – The paper is useful for both academics and business practitioners and relates to the strategic decisions that hav...

The role and influence of Foreign Direct Investment on the development process: the case of the software industry in Romania, China, India and the Philippines

Much has been made of the importance of emerging markets and transition economies as the future of the software industry. This paper sets out to explain the main reasons why these markets are proving attractive to Foreign Direct Investment in Romania by examining theories of internationalisation and drawing on key FDI data. Contrasts are also made with other important markets, as well as transition economies, including China and India. The paper then goes on to examine industry-specific variables. The article then considers some alternative historical and cultural factors that may also have a role in explaining the success of this particular industry and location, and assesses whether government should continue to support this industry as part of the development process.