Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Internationalization of South Korean software SMEs: A multiple-case study on market selection, expansion patterns and the influence of large business conglomerates

Kőhegyi, Ádám (2015) ACET35
Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University
Abstract
The purpose of the thesis was to examine the internationalization process of South Korean software SMEs with a focus on their market selection and international expansion patterns. In addition, the thesis aimed to determine whether the presence of large business conglomerates in the domestic market, a unique characteristic of the South Korean economy, had any significant influence on the internationalization process of these software SMEs. In order to explore the topic, the thesis used the revised, business network version of the Uppsala model as the theoretical framework and employed a qualitative multiple-case study research design with a total of four case companies. Based on the findings, this thesis emphasized that the market size and... (More)
The purpose of the thesis was to examine the internationalization process of South Korean software SMEs with a focus on their market selection and international expansion patterns. In addition, the thesis aimed to determine whether the presence of large business conglomerates in the domestic market, a unique characteristic of the South Korean economy, had any significant influence on the internationalization process of these software SMEs. In order to explore the topic, the thesis used the revised, business network version of the Uppsala model as the theoretical framework and employed a qualitative multiple-case study research design with a total of four case companies. Based on the findings, this thesis emphasized that the market size and the expected opportunities in the potential market were the most important influencing factors behind market selection for these companies. Furthermore, findings showed that the international expansion of these companies happened in an accelerated pace which was influenced considerably by network relationships. Finally, the thesis argued that large business conglomerates did not have a significant influence on the overall internationalization process of South Korean software SMEs. However, their presence could have limited the options to start internationalization. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kőhegyi, Ádám
supervisor
organization
course
ACET35
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
expansion pattern, multiple-case study, chaebol, market selection, SMEs, software firms, internationalization, South Korea
language
English
id
7854433
date added to LUP
2015-09-03 13:52:01
date last changed
2015-09-03 13:52:01
@misc{7854433,
  abstract     = {{The purpose of the thesis was to examine the internationalization process of South Korean software SMEs with a focus on their market selection and international expansion patterns. In addition, the thesis aimed to determine whether the presence of large business conglomerates in the domestic market, a unique characteristic of the South Korean economy, had any significant influence on the internationalization process of these software SMEs. In order to explore the topic, the thesis used the revised, business network version of the Uppsala model as the theoretical framework and employed a qualitative multiple-case study research design with a total of four case companies. Based on the findings, this thesis emphasized that the market size and the expected opportunities in the potential market were the most important influencing factors behind market selection for these companies. Furthermore, findings showed that the international expansion of these companies happened in an accelerated pace which was influenced considerably by network relationships. Finally, the thesis argued that large business conglomerates did not have a significant influence on the overall internationalization process of South Korean software SMEs. However, their presence could have limited the options to start internationalization.}},
  author       = {{Kőhegyi, Ádám}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Internationalization of South Korean software SMEs: A multiple-case study on market selection, expansion patterns and the influence of large business conglomerates}},
  year         = {{2015}},
}