An integrated information strategy for ecommerce for export : enhancing networking in an international business context

Companies using electronic commerce to facilitate their export activities (EC4X) need information and support at all stages of their export development and eCommerce adoption. This need is especially pressing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper reports the findings of a study of EC4X information and support needs among a sample of Australian companies. Evidence from SMEs, business associations and the Victorian state government suggests that governments need to develop a strategy for cost-effective on-line EC4X material that incorporates both generic and specific information. On-line provision of information is an effective way to meet the needs of SMEs and is increasingly the preferred channel for government bodies seeking to promote EC4X capability. However, personal contacts and networks are still an essential part of international business. Thus, an effective government strategy will support the business networking and personal contacts so important to help SMEs develop both eCommerce and export activities.

International business : a managerial perspective

Provides students with the knowledge, insight and tools to function effectively as managers in this global business environment. Designed specifically for students in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, this text contains many relevant local examples and applications.

Fit for intended use : a manufacturing metaphor applied to international business students and learning outcomes

It is no secret that contemporary tertiary education in Australia is significantly reliant on international student fee income in a competitive market. Accordingly, the need to attract fee paying students involves strategies for increasing competitive advantage, new course structures, flexible learning initiatives and marketing. However Jackling (1) has found that employers are reluctant to employ graduate international students in the accounting field as they consider them to lack the skills required to effectively meet employment needs. This paper seeks to focus the spotlight on the role of academics/universities in ensuring that graduates have the skills necessary for employment as part of the education process.

Reducing corruption in international business decisions : prospects, frameworks & techniques

This paper reports the results of a rare interview/questionnaire survey of 41 multinational business managers in India regarding their personal experiences of corrupt practices. Despite current trends and traditional scepticism, quite favourable prospects for reducing corruption are indicated, provided that multifaceted approaches are adopted that appeal to intrinsic and extrinsic motives. Accordingly, a corruption related decision-making model is proposed, for use as an heuristic guide in circumstances involving corrupt business practices.

From ivory towers to international business : are universities export ready in their recruitment of international students?

The main hypothesis examined in this study is that the success of export recruitment strategies of universities is partly determined by their export readiness, defined as a function of market orientation. This article seeks to fulfil both a research and a practitioner gap in the export of education field. There currently exists a lack of research and discussion concerning the business aspects of export education. Suspicion of the commercial aspects of what is essentially a public good is suggested as a possible reason for this absence of research. With the commercialisation of education growing at the phenomenal rate that it currently is, it is largely time that this research gap be addressed. This study provides an important contribution by examining the export readiness of universities, in particular pre-export market orientation, and its impact on subsequent export recruitment performance.

Post global financial crisis international business strategies

International business strategies are affected by economic conditions, although the resource-based view would suggest that company resources are a more significant factor. This paper identifies differences in the international strategy behaviours of companies located in countries which, as a result of the GFC, entered either a deep recession, a shallow recession or no recession at all. Empirical evidence is provided for companies with home country markets with each of these conditions. The ability of international strategy theories to explain these behaviours is considered. Based on observations of international businesses with home country markets in each of these categories, it is suggested that determinants of international strategy during financial crises (and immediately after) are influenced by the strength of the home country market, foreign market government protectionist behaviour, international exchange rate variations and local levels of rivalry.

The changing landscape of international business : From the Baltic Sea to the Indian Ocean

The article reviews the book "Foreign Direct Investment in Europe: A Changing Landscape," edited by Klaus Liebscher, Josef Christl, Peter Mooslechner, and Doris Ritzberger-Grünwald, and "International Business Marketing in Emerging Country Markets: The Third Wave of Internationalization of Firms," by Hans Jansson.