Virtual R&D Teams and SMEs Growth: A Comparative Study Between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs

Nader Ale Ebrahim
University of Malaya - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Shamsuddin Ahmed
University of Malaya (UM)

Zahari Taha
University Malaysia Pahang - Department of Manufacturing Engineering



African Journal of Business Management, Vol. 4, No. 11, pp. 2368-2379, September 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.

Keywords: Virtual R&D team, small and medium enterprises, survey, developing countries

SSRN-Virtual R&D Teams and SMEs Growth: A Comparative Study Between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs by Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Zahari Taha