Over the past few decades, alliance and networks have been generally examined individually. This Handbook sheds new light on this research by combining the two topics and focuses on highlighting their similarities. The expert contributors discuss topics surrounding the state-of-the-art in alliance and network research such as organizing opportunities in international entrepreneurship; transaction costs in alliances and joint ventures; diaspora networks; and national culture and international alliances. They go on to look at conceptual developments relating to born globals; subsidiary performance; internationalisation; and knowledge transfer and organisational learning. Finally, they present empirical evidence of international alliances and networks. They combine diverse types of studies including literature reviews, conceptual papers and empirical studies in order to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Researchers with an interest in joint ventures and alliance and networks, along with students and academics of international business will find this book to be a valuable resource. Contributors: S. Andersson, U. Andersson, A. Arslan, G.B. Awuah, P Ekman, M. Elo, C. Erixon, N. Evers, P.N. Ghauri, M. Hilmersson, M. Hsia-Wen Ho, M. Johanson, V. Kaartemo, J. Larimo, C. Lopez-Duarte, H. Lundberg, T. Mainela, H. Makkonen, M. Marinov, S.T. Marinova, L.-G. Mattsson, H. Merchant, K.E. Meyer, N. Mirc, N. Nummela, R. Olkkonen, U.F. Ott, S. Papaioannou, E. Pernu, V. Puhakka, P.A. Ryan, S. Saarenketo, A. Salmi, P. Servais, A. Smith, A. Thyr, L. Torkkeli, P. Very, M.M. Vidal-Suarez, Y. Wang

Over the past few decades, alliance and networks have been generally examined individually. This Handbook sheds new light on this research by combining the two topics and focuses on highlighting their similarities. The expert contributors discuss topics surrounding the state-of-the-art in alliance and network research such as organizing opportunities in international entrepreneurship; transaction costs in alliances and joint ventures; diaspora networks; and national culture and international alliances. They go on to look at conceptual developments relating to born globals; subsidiary performance; internationalisation; and knowledge transfer and organisational learning. Finally, they present empirical evidence of international alliances and networks. They combine diverse types of studies including literature reviews, conceptual papers and empirical studies in order to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Researchers with an interest in joint ventures and alliance and networks, along with students and academics of international business will find this book to be a valuable resource. Contributors: S. Andersson, U. Andersson, A. Arslan, G.B. Awuah, P Ekman, M. Elo, C. Erixon, N. Evers, P.N. Ghauri, M. Hilmersson, M. Hsia-Wen Ho, M. Johanson, V. Kaartemo, J. Larimo, C. Lopez-Duarte, H. Lundberg, T. Mainela, H. Makkonen, M. Marinov, S.T. Marinova, L.-G. Mattsson, H. Merchant, K.E. Meyer, N. Mirc, N. Nummela, R. Olkkonen, U.F. Ott, S. Papaioannou, E. Pernu, V. Puhakka, P.A. Ryan, S. Saarenketo, A. Salmi, P. Servais, A. Smith, A. Thyr, L. Torkkeli, P. Very, M.M. Vidal-Suarez, Y. Wang

This edited collection brings into focus the meanings, interpretations and the process of value creation in international business. Exploring value creation in the context of emerging and developed economies, Volume 1 takes the perspective of multinational firms and examines various modes of foreign market servicing varying from exporting to joint venture, mergers and acquisition and strategic alliances. Providing theoretical and practical insights, the authors open an intellectual debate into what value is, and how it is created through the internationalization activities of firms. Value Creation in International Business is a pioneering two volume work intended to provoke theoretical and empirical development in International Business research. Moreover, it is intended as a bridge between concepts derived from general business firm-level research agendas such as value creation and business model, and internationalization approaches and activities of firms.

The edited collection brings into focus the meanings, interpretations and the process of value creation in international business. Exploring value creation in the context of emerging and developed economies, Volume 2 takes the perspective of small and medium sized enterprises and examines various approaches to value creation in the process of firm internationalization. Providing theoretical and practical insights, the authors open an intellectual debate into what value is, and how it is created through the internationalization activities of firms. Value Creation in International Business is a pioneering two volume work intended to provoke theoretical and empirical development in International Business research. Moreover, it is intended as a bridge between concepts derived from general business firm-level research agendas such as value creation and business model, and internationalization approaches and activities of firms.

Taking a fresh and much-needed perspective on the management of international acquisitions, this book focuses on socio-cultural integration, and in particular the importance of emotions and values. The authors build on the human-centric and typically Nordic approach to mergers and acquisitions by presenting rich empirical cases of cross-border acquisitions conducted by leading Nordic multinationals. This book goes beyond merely stating that successful human integration leads to sociocultural convergence and presents how this can actually be accomplished. The authors offer theoretical approaches and practical solutions which have the potential of improving employee motivation and well-being, and in doing so, ultimately enhancing the chances of successful acquisition outcomes. Providing concrete examples of successful practices for managing socio-cultural integration and facilitating employee commitment, this book will appeal to both scholarly and practitioner audiences.

The edited collection brings into focus the meanings, interpretations and the process of value creation in international business. Exploring value creation in the context of emerging and developed economies, Volume 2 takes the perspective of small and medium sized enterprises and examines various approaches to value creation in the process of firm internationalization. Providing theoretical and practical insights, the authors open an intellectual debate into what value is, and how it is created through the internationalization activities of firms. Value Creation in International Business is a pioneering two volume work intended to provoke theoretical and empirical development in International Business research. Moreover, it is intended as a bridge between concepts derived from general business firm-level research agendas such as value creation and business model, and internationalization approaches and activities of firms.

The majority of SMEs are operating in a networked business environment, and these networks extend beyond national and cultural boundaries. Within these networks, growth takes various routes and forms. Instead of linear, positive growth, international growth is often more cyclical, including periods of stagnation and withdrawal, even exits. International Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises focuses on international growth, such as how companies expand their operations across national borders through opportunity exploration and exploitation, and identification and development of innovations, i.e. on international entrepreneurship. The book provides a comprehensive overview of international growth of small and medium-sized enterprises from diverse points of view. It verifies that SMEs in all parts of the globe share similar characteristics, but also differ significantly. New explanations emerge, such as ownership, steering of the company, or the negative consequences of international growth. It discusses how the changing external environment of SMEs pushes them to create innovative solutions in order to survive and succeed. This collection of new and international perspectives sheds much-needed light on how founders and management teams of SMEs can succeed in fostering the growth process, and what specific characteristics are instrumental in initiating and maintaining international growth.

The majority of SMEs are operating in a networked business environment, and these networks extend beyond national and cultural boundaries. Within these networks, growth takes various routes and forms. Instead of linear, positive growth, international growth is often more cyclical, including periods of stagnation and withdrawal, even exits. International Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises focuses on international growth, such as how companies expand their operations across national borders through opportunity exploration and exploitation, and identification and development of innovations, i.e. on international entrepreneurship.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of international growth of small and medium-sized enterprises from diverse points of view. It verifies that SMEs in all parts of the globe share similar characteristics, but also differ significantly. New explanations emerge, such as ownership, steering of the company, or the negative consequences of international growth. It discusses how the changing external environment of SMEs pushes them to create innovative solutions in order to survive and succeed. This collection of new and international perspectives sheds much-needed light on how founders and management teams of SMEs can succeed in fostering the growth process, and what specific characteristics are instrumental in initiating and maintaining international growth.

This edited collection brings into focus the meanings, interpretations and the process of value creation in international business. Exploring value creation in the context of emerging and developed economies, Volume 1 takes the perspective of multinational firms and examines various modes of foreign market servicing varying from exporting to joint venture, mergers and acquisition and strategic alliances. Providing theoretical and practical insights, the authors open an intellectual debate into what value is, and how it is created through the internationalization activities of firms. Value Creation in International Business is a pioneering two volume work intended to provoke theoretical and empirical development in International Business research. Moreover, it is intended as a bridge between concepts derived from general business firm-level research agendas such as value creation and business model, and internationalization approaches and activities of firms.