International sourcing strategies and operations are usually described distinctively for manufacturing and services. In this paper, the theoretical and strategic relevance of this distinction is questioned. As an alternative, an activity-based theoretical framework for exploring the linkages...

Knowledge and learning are ascribed pivotal roles in firms' internationalization processes: perceived market uncertainties, namely knowledge gaps related to business environments in foreign markets, may curb firms' inclinations to commit resources to these markets. This study explores whether...

A large number of studies has examined the pattern of firms' internationalization in terms of the sequence by which a firm introduces various operation methods to a foreign market. With few exceptions, the studies seek to establish whether or not the observed patterns of internationalization are...

This article takes a critical look at the extant foreign entry mode research and argues that a richer and more and dynamic view is needed in order to provide a realistic presentation of how firms organize their foreign activities. While researchers have typically assumed a very limited range of...

In this paper, the shift into international franchising from other forms of operation, rather than the typical home market franchising base, is explored. The focus is international retail franchising, based on a study of the Danish clothing and footwear industry. In this study it was found that...

Although the issue of switching costs does appear in some of the frameworks for choosing modes of foreign operation, the treatment of these costs is fairly cursory. In this article we propose a simple classification of switching costs which distinguishes between "take-down" costs and "set-up"...

The study addresses the implications MNC strategies have for linkage effects in developing countries. Two contrasting MNC strategies, which reflect an integration-responsiveness dichotomy, are scrutinized in terms of their effects on jobs among local linkage partners in developing countries. It...