It used to be that international business and the small enterprise sector were almost mutually exclusive. Internationalization was generally limited to large corporations, while small firms tended to be local. Those days are gone. Increasing global competition is changing the nature of knowledge necessary for success in commerce. Firms will need to seek opportunities beyond familiar turf and traditional markets. For that reason, this book examines business issues and the environment for enterprise in a variety of contexts around the Middle East.The information provided helps entrepreneurs decide where to invest, where to focus their expansion efforts and where to be especially cautious. Thus, this guide — written in easy-to-understand language — can help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes. It is more than a book — it is an investment!

This book contains a unique collection of studies on key economic and social policy challenges faced by countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region in a short- and long-term perspective. Prepared within the EU funded FP7 project on „Prospective Analysis for the Mediterranean Region (MEDPRO)” conducted in 2010-2013 it takes account on recent political developments in the region (Arab Spring) and their potential consequences. It covers a broad spectrum of topics such as factors of economic growth, macroeconomic and fiscal stability, trade and investment, Euro-Mediterranean and intra-regional economic integration, private sector development and privatizations, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, financial sector development, poverty and inequality, education, labor market and gender issues.

The ways and means described in this book constitute a road map for responsible members of the international community to work together, reduce tensions, resolve differences over maritime boundaries peacefully, and reap the rewards of a safer, stabler, and more prosperous world. This volume shows that the UN and its associated treaties, courts, and other institutions have developed a body of laws, rules, and procedures guiding the way to negotiated, peaceful outcomes. Mr. Baroudi’s book also points to rapid advances of science and technology that take much of the guesswork out of boundary delineation, making this route more reliable and user-friendly than ever before. The successful use of these mechanisms would set a useful example for the resolution of boundary disputes in other regions of the world. That, in turn would restore confidence in the international rules-based system and could pave the way for the settling of some of the world’s most troubling and dangerous disputes.

There are 18 contributions in the book; all of whom are very highly regarded in the fields of entrepreneurship and international management. . . the book is well researched and edited. The book provides an excellent discussion on the importance of SMEs in the global economy. Through a number of different case study examples and discussion of various elements of the internationalization process, this book provides an outstanding resource for the study of SMEs that operate in the international market. Vanessa Ratten, Journal of International Entrepreneurship This book is most timely. It arrives at a time when globalisation and new technologies present major opportunities and challenges to the role of the independent small and medium sized business in economies. . . The book s strength in dealing with many of the emerging issues is underpinned by a truly international range of contributors with a strong mix of practical as well as academic experience. From the preface by Allan Gibb, Professor Emeritus, Durham University, UK Lester Lloyd-Reason and Leigh Sear bring together leading researchers and thinkers in this critical guide to the ongoing, worldwide research shaping the role played by SMEs within today s global economy. The expert contributors contend that the past twenty years have seen an explosion in research into international SMEs, resulting in a considerable body of academic literature and thinking. This research, they argue, may merely serve to increase our lack of understanding in this area, and often results in myths and misconceptions upon which SME policies and support programmes have been developed and introduced. They go on to suggest that academic models are often poorly suited to the problems faced by SMEs within the international trading environment. In many instances, the contributors find SMEs at the vanguard of the challenge to accepted business practices: it is these challenges that underpin the text. Illustrating that today s SMEs are faced with the critical issue of how to create and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in light of the increased complexity of international trade and global business linkages, this Handbook will prove invaluable to both academics and practitioners involved in business and management and entrepreneurship.

​This book presents the reader a comprehensive understanding of the development of family business in transitional economies. Throughout eastern Europe, post-Communist countries transitioning to market-based economies are obtaining a variety of results due to diverse policy approaches. Expert contributions in this book draw from a wealth of information in this context and include thought-provoking policy prescriptions for the future. This book concentrates on the challenges to predict the direction emerging markets will take, particularly when dealing with the wide-ranging social and economic situations taking place in post-Communist Eastern Europe. This reference volume for policymakers, educators, investors, and researchers also provides a much-needed and timely survey of family firms in the transitioning markets of post-Communist Europe.

Straddling North Africa and Western Asia, the Middle East has been a cradle of civilisation and entrepreneurship — well before the arrival of Islam. In this region, gender roles were traditionally specified by culture, with women often expected to stay within the family environment, while men would trade in society at large. This book contributes to the literature on a highly neglected field of study: women entrepreneurs in the Middle East. Recognising that entrepreneurship does not take place in a vacuum, it focuses on contexts, and the ecosystems of this region with largely patriarchal societies, that are influenced by culture, religion, and colonial experience.This book provides readers with a topical analysis of women entrepreneurs in the Middle East on the context, ecosystems, and future perspectives for the region. Authors have presented the reality of 11 countries from the region based on women entrepreneurs' historical backgrounds, challenges, and achievements, as well as the contribution towards economic development in their local/immediate communities and the Middle East at large. Following the country analysis by the authors of each chapter, the editors provide a general assessment of the future of women entrepreneurs in the region by focusing on the current entrepreneurship policy and strategies of various countries in the region. This volume will be an essential reading for anyone researching or working on projects related to women's entrepreneurship and small businesses in the Middle East.

While firms are attempting to expand into the global environment, many of the formerly communist nations are often misunderstood. Based on field research involving in-depth interviews in China, Central Asia, Myanmar and Indochina, this book provides academics, investors and policy-makers with an introductory overview of enterprise in these transitional economies. A theoretical framework precedes surveys of individual countries. Each chapter has been carefully refereed by national experts. Diligently referenced, the book includes citations of 250 relevant publications, guiding the future researcher through an extensive bibliography. This book is detailed, yet reader-friendly. It combines rigor with vigor, providing valuable insights into the rapidly emerging economies of Asia. Sample Chapter(s). Introduction (821 KB). Contents: Culture & Enterprise; The People's Republic of China (PRC); West of China: An Overview of Central Asia; The Republic of Kazakhstan; The Kyrgyz Republic; The Republic of Tajikistan; The Republic of Turkmenistan; The Republic of Uzbekistan; The Union of Myanmar (Burma); An Overview of Indochina; The Kingdom of Cambodia; The Lao People's Democratic Republic; The Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Toward the Future. Readership: General.