The internationalization of SMEs in emerging markets: Case Russia

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dc.contributorAalto Universityen
dc.contributorAalto-yliopistofi
dc.contributor.authorNieminen, Stefan 
dc.contributor.departmentDepartment of Management and International Businessen
dc.contributor.departmentJohtamisen ja kansainvälisen liiketoiminnan laitosfi
dc.contributor.schoolKauppakorkeakoulufi
dc.contributor.schoolSchool of Economicsen
dc.date.accessioned2012-03-29T01:30:31Z
dc.date.available2012-03-29T01:30:31Z
dc.date.dateaccepted2012-01-05 
dc.date.issued2011 
dc.description.abstractThe Internationalization of SMEs in Emerging Markets: Case Russia The first goal of this study is to investigate and analyze the characteristics and challenges of the internationalization process of foreign small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Russia. The second goal of this study is to create a model of the production unit establishment process, as designed especially for SMEs. Also, the key resources in succeeding in these processes are studied. The theoretical framework studies several mainstream internationalization theories, mainly from the perspective of SMEs: stage models, innovation models, network models, early internationalization theories, international entrepreneurship and international business. In order to better understand and help to describe SME internationalization process, the methods by which large corporations internationalize are also studied and contrasted. The source of data in the qualitative single case studies consists of four interviews based on semistructured questionnaires, two company visits and one factory (production unit) visit. These interviews center on Finnish SME-owner/CEOs operating partly or fully in Russia, and also include one Russian CEO and one work safety manager of two Finnish-owned SMEs. The empirical study reveals that stage models are the most suitable for studying the internationalization process of SMEs. However, given that stage models ignore the influence of entrepreneurs in the internationalization process, a new model is introduced – the entrepreneurial stage model of SME internationalization – in order to recognize the role of these key actors in the process. Additionally, a model of product unit establishment is introduced and described. This thesis’ case study widely supports previous studies focused on operating and internationalizing to Russia, and the study also introduces the main challenges and characteristics of the SME internationalization process to Russia. Finally, the key resources needed for successful SME internationalization and the establishment of production units are described. With respect to internationalization, the key resources are an SME’s and entrepreneur’s capabilities and networks, and also an entrepreneur’s will to continually learn and gain experience. For production unit establishment, key resources are highly qualified employees, organization, local business knowledge, distribution and logistics systems, financing, and business operations.en
dc.ethesisid12764 
dc.format.extent63 
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.urihttps://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/3463
dc.identifier.urnURN:NBN:fi:aalto-201203301689
dc.language.isoenen
dc.locationP1 I
dc.programme.majorSME Business Managementen
dc.programme.majorYrittäjyys ja pienyritysten johtaminenfi
dc.subject.heleconyrittäjyys 
dc.subject.heleconentrepreneurship 
dc.subject.heleconpk-yritykset 
dc.subject.heleconsmes 
dc.subject.heleconkansainvälistyminen 
dc.subject.heleconinternationalization 
dc.subject.heleconVenäjä 
dc.subject.heleconRussia 
dc.subject.heleconmarkkinointi 
dc.subject.heleconmarketing 
dc.subject.keywordSME internationalization 
dc.subject.keywordproduction unit establishment 
dc.subject.keywordinternationalization to emerging 
dc.subject.keywordmarkets 
dc.subject.keywordbusiness in Russia 
dc.subject.keywordSME internationalization challenges. 
dc.titleThe internationalization of SMEs in emerging markets: Case Russiaen
dc.typeG2 Pro gradu, diplomityöfi
dc.type.dcmitypetexten
dc.type.ontasotMaster's thesisen
dc.type.ontasotPro gradu tutkielmafi
local.aalto.idthes12764
local.aalto.openaccessyes
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