The goal of this study is to analyze the innovative management of the entrepreneur, networking and sources of financing in the implementation of strategies for the internationalization of ICT companies that develop software in Paraguay.
The objectives of this work are to characterize the entrepreneur in his vision and training for innovation in the internationalization of the companies studied; know if the entrepreneur experience in business management is considered important to achieve success; identify networking as an influential factor in the internationalization mechanisms of the companies studied; evaluate the importance of funding sources in the internationalization of the companies studied.
The data was collected from interviews with the managers or entrepreneurs participating or not of the internationalization processes of each firm. The results show that although there is an early export tendency as well as a gradual internationalization, which are analyzed by the Models of Born Global Firms and Uppsala, the software development companies in Paraguay do not have an organized and pre-meditated plan or method of internationalization.
This is how it was possible to find and affirm the important role of the entrepreneur in terms of his vision and preparation as well as having a network of contacts or established partners.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Problem Statement
1.2. Objectives
1.2.1. General:
1.2.2. Specifics:
1.3. Justification
1.4. Scope of the Investigation
1.5. Structure of the Thesis
2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1. Concept of internationalization
2.2. Internationalization Theories
2.3. Innovative management of the entrepreneur
2.4. Networking
2.5. Financing founds
3. METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
3.1. Methodological aspects
3.1.1. Universe, population, sample
3.1.2. Kind of investigation
3.1.3. Information sources
3.1.4. Methods for obtaining and processing information
3.1.5. Data collection instrument
3.2. Theoretical Model
4. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
4.1. Intro to the current view on internationalization
4.2. Characterize the entrepreneur in his vision and training for innovation in the internationalization of the companies studied.
4.3. To know if the entrepreneur experience in business management is considered important to achieve success.
4.4. Identify networking as an influential factor in the internationalization mechanisms of the companies studied.
4.5. Evaluate the importance of funding sources in the internationalization of the companies studied.
5. CONCLUSIONS
Objectives and Topics
This study aims to analyze the innovative management, networking capabilities, and financing sources that influence the internationalization strategies of ICT software development companies in Paraguay. The research investigates how these factors facilitate entry into global markets, characterizing the role of the entrepreneur in driving these processes.
- Role of the entrepreneur in internationalization strategy.
- Networking as an influential mechanism for market expansion.
- Impact of financing sources on international operations.
- Comparative analysis of Born Global and Uppsala internationalization models in the local context.
Excerpt from the Book
Innovative management of the entrepreneur
Early and fast internationalization of BGFs is considered as entrepreneurial and risk seeking (Oviatt & McDougall, 2005). It is often associated with the ability, experience and willingness of the entrepreneur (Hennart, 2013) (as quoted by Neubert & Van der Krogt, 2017, p. 134).
Cavusgil & Knight (2015) mention the abilities of the entrepreneur like international experience, the existence of a global vision, innovativeness (Casillas & Moreno-Menendez, 2014), or entrepreneurial and market orientation. Romanello & Chiarvesio (2016) point out the entrepreneurial capabilities like networking, opportunity creation (Zucchella et al., 2016) and product promotion play an important role during the early market entry stage (Neubert, 2016). Thus, the ability to acquire new clients in new foreign markets is a required key attribute for an international entrepreneur (Neubert, 2017). Depending on the personality of the decision-maker and market conditions, the respective processes are well structured or rather unplanned (Nummela et al., 2014); as referred by Neubert & Van der Krogt (2017, p. 136).
Oviatt & McDougall (2005) found out that international entrepreneurship includes the discovery and exploitation of global market opportunities by entrepreneurs. This requires abilities like the international learning ability (Neubert, 2016; Gabrielsson et al., 2014; Dimitratos et al., 2012), the international networking ability (Neubert, 2016; Cavusgil & Knight, 2015; Covin & Miller, 2014) and the ability to work in intercultural environments. Especially the ability to develop relevant global networks, in order to create business opportunities and to acquire new clients in foreign markets, influence the speed of internationalization positively; as mentioned by Neubert and Van der Krogt (2017, p. 143).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Presents the global context of ICT development and defines the research problem regarding the internationalization of Paraguayan software firms.
2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Reviews foundational theories, including the Uppsala Model and Born Global Firms, focusing on the roles of the entrepreneur, networking, and financing.
3. METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK: Outlines the qualitative research design, sample selection of ICT companies in Asunción, and data collection via semi-structured interviews.
4. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: Analyzes the empirical findings regarding entrepreneur characteristics, networking usage, and the difficulties faced in accessing external financial resources.
5. CONCLUSIONS: Summarizes the key findings, highlighting the critical role of individual entrepreneurial vision and informal networks over formalized planning.
Keywords
ICT, internationalization, entrepreneur, networking, BGF, Uppsala Model, INV, software development, Paraguay, business management, innovation, risk seeking, market entry, global vision, startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work focuses on analyzing how innovative management, networking, and financing sources influence the implementation of internationalization strategies among ICT software companies in Paraguay.
What are the central themes of the study?
The study revolves around the internationalization of high-tech firms, entrepreneurship, the role of social and professional networks, and the barriers to external funding in a developing market context.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The main objective is to identify the key factors—specifically entrepreneur-led management, networking, and finance—that enable or hinder Paraguayan software firms to successfully enter and compete in international markets.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The study utilizes a descriptive and explanatory methodology with a qualitative approach, relying on semi-structured face-to-face interviews with entrepreneurs and managers in the Greater Asunción area.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers theoretical frameworks of internationalization (Uppsala vs. Born Global models), the specific managerial competencies of the entrepreneur, the importance of networking, and an analysis of how financing is currently accessed by local ICT firms.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include ICT, internationalization, entrepreneur, networking, BGF (Born Global Firms), Uppsala Model, and business innovation.
Why are networks important for these companies?
Networks are identified as critical because they allow companies to overcome local market saturation, gain reputation, and acquire necessary knowledge to enter foreign markets with lower perceived risk.
How do Paraguayan ICT firms currently manage financing?
The research reveals that companies primarily rely on self-financing or owner capital, as formal external funding through banks or subsidies is considered difficult to access and highly bureaucratic.
Is there a standardized method for internationalization among these firms?
No, the findings suggest that most companies internationalize in a largely unplanned way, often following random opportunities or existing client connections rather than adhering to a formal, premeditated strategy.
- Quote paper
- Laura Ramirez Pistilli (Author), 2017, Financing Sources, Networking and Innovative Management of the Entrepreneurs in the Implementation of Strategies. Internationalization of Ict Software Developing Companies in Paraguay, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/387408
