Virtual R&D teams and SMEs growth: A comparative study between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs. Afr. J. Bus. Manage.

African Journal of Business Management Vol. 4(11), pp. 2368-2379, 4 September, 2010

ISSN 1993-8233 ©2010 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Virtual R&D teams and SMEs growth: A comparative study between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs Nader Ale Ebrahim1*, Shamsuddin Ahmed1 and Zahari Taha2 1Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia. 2Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang, 26300, Malaysia. *Corresponding author. E-mail: aleebrahim@perdana.um.edu.my. Accepted 13 July, 2010

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 literatures, 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.

Key words: Virtual R&D team, small and medium enterprises, survey, developing countries.

Ale Ebrahim et al.Virtual R&D teams and SMEs growth: A comparative study between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs. Afr. J. Bus. Manage.