| ID | 079668 |
| Title Proper | Competitiveness of small enterprises |
| Other Title Information | Insights from a developing economy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Williams, Densil A |
| Publication | 2007. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The rapid liberalization of the world's trading system has obliged all firms (micro, small, medium and large) to participate in the international trading system. The competitiveness of these enterprises is very important if developing economies are to secure their economic survival in this era of rapid market liberalization and erosion of trade preferences. This paper seeks to provide some insights into the competitiveness of a group of firms that have received very little attention in the debate on competitiveness and economic development. It draws on the case study method to analyse export-marketing strategies of eight small firms from Jamaica to help us analyse their ability to compete internationally and, by extension, to draw out lessons for other similar enterprises in the economy. The results reveal that the export-marketing strategies used by Jamaican small enterprises to expand exports are unsophisticated and unsustainable. The strategies pursued leave these enterprises hostage to foreign buyers, thus making their export capacity quite fickle. This therefore threatens their long-term survival and by extension the Jamaican economy. Taking greater control of the export-marketing mix is the only way these enterprises can develop sophisticated strategies that will ensure their survival in an increasingly inhospitable international trading environment |
| `In' analytical Note | Round Table Vol. 96, No.390; Jun 2007: p347-363 |
| Journal Source | Round Table Vol. 96, No.390; Jun 2007: p347-363 |
| Key Words | Liberalization ; Small Firms ; Competitiveness ; Strategy |