Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2003 in the subject Business economics - Offline Marketing and Online Marketing, grade: 1,9 (B+), Heidenheim University of Cooperative Education (Economic - International Commerce), course: International Commerce, language: English, abstract: “There will be hunters and hunted, winners and losers. What counts in global competition is the right strategy and success.” Heinrich von Pierer1 In business planning the globalization of the world market and the limits of domestic growth raise the question to what extent a foreign commitment should be considered if at all.2 In Germany these considerations are particularly underlined by the strong integration into the world economy. German enterprises obtain a third of their total revenue in foreign business, 25 % of all jobs depend on foreign trade.3 Contrary to expectations, going global is no longer subject only to large multinational companies. Due to saturation tendencies in the domestic market, global competition and the dependency on international key-account customers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been faced with the need for international activities. 4 Considering the fact that SMEs account for 97,3 % of all German enterprises, generating almost 45 % of the total revenue per year, the importance of future growth potential becomes evident.5 In general, SMEs are referred to as the “backbone” of German economy and many of them, the so called “hidden champions” have successfully faced the challenge of entering foreign markets.6 Others have been afraid to take this step. For these, the need for adaptation remains and their continuity will depend on the competitiveness in the world market. In general, entering new markets is connected with a multiplicity of chances and risks. SMEs especially, tend to underestimate the importance of profound information and the need for a realistic estimation of own capabilities.7 Accordingly, it becomes necessary to focus on a SME specific approach which considers major evaluation criteria for carefully developing market entry strategies. 1 Dr. Heinrich von Pierer, President and Chief Excecutive Officer of Siemens AG: Quotation cp. ‘TheGlobalist’ (2000) 2 cp. Hoppen (1999:144) 3 cp. Statistisches Bundesamt (2001:1.6) 4 Due to the IFM in Bonn (2000) SMEs intend to increase their foreign sales from an actual average of 30 % to 50 % in 2020 5 cp. IMF Bonn (2000) 6 cp. Hibbert (2000:1) 7 cp. Brenner (1999:2 et sqq.)

Seventeen in a series of annual reports comparing business regulation in 190 economies, Doing Business 2020 measures aspects of regulation affecting 10 areas of everyday business activity.

This volume, published in association with the UK chapter of the Academy of International Business , again contains a number of contributions from leading academics. The book looks at the environmental influences on internationalisation and considers the strategic options available to firms.

This open access book focuses on Switzerland-based medium-sized companies with a longstanding export tradition and a proven dominance in global niche markets. Based upon in-depth documentation and analysis of 36 Swiss companies over their entire history, an expert team of authors presents several parallels in the pathways and success factors which allowed these firms to become dominant and operate from a high-cost location such as Switzerland. The book enhances these insights by providing detailed company profiles documenting the company history, development, and how their relevant global niche positions were reached. Readers will benefit from these profiles as they compile a diverse selection of industries, mainly active within the B2B sector, with mostly mature companies (60 years to older than 100 years since founding) and different types of ownership structures including family firms. ‘Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship’ brings unique learning opportunities to owners and leaders of SMEs in Switzerland and elsewhere. Findings are based on detailed bottom-up research of 36 companies -- without any preconceived notions. The book is both conceptual and practical. It fosters understanding for different choices in development pathways and management practices. Matti Alahuhta, Chairman DevCo Partners, ex-CEO Kone, Board member of several global listed companies, Helsinki, Finland Start-up entrepreneurs need proven models from industry which demonstrate the various paths to success. “Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship” provides deep insights highlighting these models and the important trade-offs entrepreneurial teams must consider when choosing the path of high growth or of maximum control, as they are often mutually exclusive. Gina Domanig, Managing Partner, Emerald Technology Ventures, Zurich

Tourism is changing. This innovative textbook examines a key international service industry in the context of globalization processes, the state, and increased individual mobility, using case studies to illustrate wider themes and key issues.

The "Model Law" deals with security interests in all types of tangible and intangible movable property, such as goods, receivables, bank accounts, negotiable instruments, negotiable documents,

A co-publication of the World Bank, International Finance Corporation and Oxford University Press