by George Tesar (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, USA & Umeå University, Sweden), Hamid Moini (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, USA), John Kuada (Aalborg University, Denmark), & Olav Jull Sørensen (Aalborg University, Denmark)

Table of Contents (28k)
Preface (31k)
Introduction (49k)
Chapter 1: Decision-Making Process among Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises (57k)
Chapter 5: The Internationalization Process (47k)
Chapter 8: Start of International Operations (54k)

This book provides an overview of approaches to internationalization as experienced by smaller manufacturing enterprises over a relatively long period of time — the 35-year period from 1974 to 2009. The original research on which this study is based dates back to the mid-1970s, when academic interest in export studies, market entry modes, and internationalization approaches, among others, have their origins. With practical examples of companies from both inside and outside the USA, readers will be able to understand how smaller manufacturing enterprises approach the world of international commerce, how they prepare themselves for it, and what really draws them into the world of international commerce.

• Introduction: Historical Perspective on Internationalization of Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises
• Decision-Making Process Among Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises:
  • Managers of Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises
  • The Types of Goals Set by Managers of Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises
  • Strengths and Weaknesses of Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises
  • Future Operations and Planning Processes Among Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises
• Decision to Internationalize Among Managers of Smaller Manufacturing Enterprises:
  • The Internationalization Process
  • The Decision to Consider Internationalization
  • Perceived Obstacles to Internationalization
• Operations:
  • Start of International Operations
  • The Motivations for Internationalization
• Decision to Internationalize and Integrate:
  • Summary and Overview of Research Cases: A Wisconsin Perspective
  • Summary and Overview of Research Cases: A European Perspective
  • Comparison of the Wisconsin and European Perspectives
• Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Research:
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations for Future Research