SME internationalisation from an emerging market to a developed market : a case study from Ghana

This study focuses on understanding the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from an emerging market to a developed market. In particular, it examines the internationalisation process of a firm in the clothing and textile manufacturing industry in Ghana. Theoretically, the study is limited to the network internationalisation approach (e.g. Johanson & Mattsson, 1988; Johanson & Vahlne, 2009) and the industrial network approach (Håkansson & Snehota, 1995). Methodologically, a qualitative abductive case study approach is employed. The research process relies on a longitudinal method involving primary and secondary data and critical event analysis. Primary data has been collected from relevant informants at two different times in the internationalisation process. The research findings highlight the significance of both domestic and foreign business relationships in the internationalisation of an SME from an emerging African market to a developed country market. They show the greater importance of exogenous critical events than has been found in the research regarding firms in developed countries. Institutional actors were essential in the network and as sources of exogenous critical events. In addition, the successful SME should possess unique resources in the form of an entrepreneurial spirit, sufficient knowledge of internationalisation, and specific product knowledge. Theoretically, the present study contributes to business network research through providing an understanding of the process of developing network relationships and their impact in an African context. By focusing on SMEs, a contribution has been made in relation to the advancement of SME research. This research reveals empirical insight into SME internationalisation in a setting where an SME is internationalising to a developed country market from a newly emerging African market. Methodologically, the study provides an example of longitudinal research based on abductive methodology. The results provide implications for firms, managers, and policy-makers within the industry, especially on how to manage and use network relationships to promote SME internationalisation from newly emerging markets.

J. G. Granön kokoelma

J. G. (Johannes Gabriel) Granö (1882–1956), oli Turun yliopiston maantieteen professorina 1926–45 ja kanslerina 1945–55 sekä Helsingin yliopiston maantieteen professorina 1945–50. Granö oli Aasian vuoristojen geomorfologian huomattavimpia tutkijoita. Hän loi maisemamaantieteen ja kehitti maantieteen metodiikkaa (ns. puhdas maantiede). Ainutlaatuinen kokoelma käsittää J.G. Granön artikkelit vuosilta 1901-1956 seitsemään niteeseen sidottuna. Kokoelmaan kuuluvat myös J.G. Granön Altai I-II (1911-1921) suomeksi ja ruotsiksi sekä hänen kuuluisat teoksensa Puhdas maantiede (1929-1930) ja Suomen maantieteelliset alueet (1931-1932). Tarkemmat tiedot löytyvät Turun yliopiston Volter-tietokannasta. Kokoelma on lahjoitettu Turun yliopiston kirjastolle 2005. Kokoelma on sijoitettu Matemaattis- luonnontieteellisen kirjaston varastoon.