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Factors contributing to successful export performance of regional and metropolitan SME exporters
Dissertation   Open access

Factors contributing to successful export performance of regional and metropolitan SME exporters

Joanne M Freeman
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00561
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Abstract

export performance SMEs
Export can play a vital role in contributing to a nation's economic wealth. Therefore in order to develop and increase export performance the assessment of the determinants of export performance is an important step toward achieving sustainable economic growth of a nation. Moreover while the overall importance of exporting is acknowledged the differences between regional and metropolitan exporters have received little attention even though improving the export performance of SMEs in regional locations has become an area of emerging importance to governments and researchers alike. The contribution to knowledge of this thesis is the finding that regional exporters do have inherent challenges specific to their location however, location does not significantly impact on their export performance when compared with their metropolitan counterparts. Thus, this thesis answers the research question: What are the factors that contribute to successful export performance of regional and metropolitan SME exporters? Whilst reviewing the extant literature, several variables were identified that have a direct association with a firm's export performance such as firm location, firm resources, capability development and export market environment. It was proposed in this research that a firm's location influences a firm's resources and therefore their ability to develop capabilities which in affect will impact on export performance. Furthermore, the direct association of firm resources and capabilities on export performance was considered. Finally, this research also suggests that the export market environment has a direct association with the ability of the firm to develop resources and capabilities and also a direct relationship with a firm's export performance.

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