Raymond O'brien

SME Internationalisation

This Ph.D. research delves into the dynamic landscape of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises' (SMEs) internationalization in the UK, encompassing a tripartite investigation framed within Resource-Based View, Capability Theory, and Institutional Theory. 

The first paper probes the relationship between SME ownership type and export propensity of goods and services, emphasizing how access to finance acts as a moderating variable. Leveraging the resource-based view, it explores how the tangible resource of finance can potentially influence SMEs' strategic decisions in internationalizing their operations. 

In the second paper, a longitudinal study is conducted to observe the evolution of SMEs' capabilities from 2015-2019, guided by the Capability Theory. This study's objective is to understand how these capabilities develop over time, providing valuable insights into the mechanism that drives SMEs' internationalization processes. 

Finally, the third paper supplements the analysis of Ownership Type and Export Location by integrating the Institutional Theory. It scrutinizes the role of geographic location (urban vs. rural) and business planning in the internationalization processes. The research suggests that the external environment—manifested in location and institutional norms—can moderate the link between ownership type and export decisions. 

Collectively, these papers provide a comprehensive view of the complex variables and processes involved in SMEs' internationalization in the UK, elucidating the ways in which different theoretical lenses can shed light on this multifaceted phenomenon.

Email: rxo126@student.bham.ac.uk

Supervisors: Dr Linda Hsieh and Professor Oded Shenkar

Biography

The individual in question has always been fascinated by the world of business, specifically Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). They were an entrepreneur from a very young age and have had a range of both successful and unsuccessful businesses over the past two decades. Currently, the individual is pursuing a PhD in Management at the Birmingham Business School, with their research focusing on SMEs and their internationalization across different regions in the UK. They began their postgraduate studies in September 2021. 

Prior to their PhD studies, the individual worked as a Site Manager at an NHS Test Centre in Gloucester from September 2020 to May 2022. In this role, they were responsible for site management, logistics, infrastructure, security, maintenance, and data management. Additionally, they managed food, supplies, and test kit inventory to ensure the smooth running of the test centre. 

Before pursuing a PhD, the individual completed a master's degree in international business with distinction at Ulster University, from January 2020 to January 2021. They also hold a first-class honours degree in Business Management from the University of Roehampton, which they obtained from February 2016 to November 2019. 

Overall, this individual has a strong academic and practical background in business, with a particular interest in SMEs and their internationalization. They have worked in management roles across a wide variety of industries, and their research will contribute to the understanding of SMEs' internationalization in the UK.

Qualifications

Business Management (University of Roehampton) January 2019