Virtual R&D teams and SMEs growth: A comparative study between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs

Year:	2010-07-01
Abstract:	This paper explores potential advantages of using virtual teams for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a comprehensive review on various aspects of virtual teams. Based on the standing of the pertinent literature, attempt has been made to stud ... [more] This paper explores potential advantages of using virtual teams for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a comprehensive review on various aspects of virtual teams. Based on the standing of the pertinent literature, attempt has been made to study the aspects by online survey method in Iran and Malaysia. In both countries, SMEs play an important role in their economies, employments, and capacity building. Virtual R&D team can be one of the means to increase SMEs efficiency and competitiveness in their local as well as global markets. In this context, surveys have been conducted to evaluate the effects of virtuality to the growth of SMEs. The study addresses some differences between two countries in engaging virtual research and development (R&D) teams in their SMEs. It is observed that there is a significant difference between the SMEs turnover that employed virtual team and that did not employ the virtual team. The way for further studies and recommend improvements are proposed. [less]
Person:	Ale Ebrahim, Nader; Ahmed, Shamsuddin; Taha, Zahari
Institution:	Volkswirtschaftliche Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität
Series:	MPRA Paper
Subject:	Virtual R&D team; small and medium enterprises; survey; developing countries
Classification:	jel-O47
Type of publication:	Buch / Working Paper
Note:	Published in African Journal of Business Management 11.4(2010): pp. 2368-2379
Title record from database:	RePEc - Research Papers in Economics
Link to database:	http://econpapers.repec.org/RePEc:pra:mprapa:26983
Availability:	Full text Online

Virtual R&D teams and SMEs growth: A comparative study between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs