Virtual R&D Teams and SMEs Growth: A Comparative Study Between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs

African Journal of Business Management, Vol. 4, No. 11, pp. 2368-2379, September 2010

12 Pages Posted: 9 Oct 2010

See all articles by Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Research and Technology Department, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran, Postcode: 19938 93973; Centre for Research Services, Institute of Management and Research Services (IPPP), University of Malaya (UM); University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture

Shamsuddin Ahmed

University of Malaya (UM)

Zahari Taha

University Malaysia Pahang - Department of Manufacturing Engineering

Date Written: September 4, 2010

Abstract

This paper explores potential advantages of using virtual teams for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a comprehensive review on various aspects of virtual teams. Based on the standing of the pertinent literatures, attempt has been made to study the aspects by online survey method in Iran and Malaysia. In both countries, SMEs play an important role in their economies, employments, and capacity building. Virtual R&D team can be one of the means to increase SMEs efficiency and competitiveness in their local as well as global markets. In this context, surveys have been conducted to evaluate the effects of virtuality to the growth of SMEs. The study addresses some differences between two countries in engaging virtual research and development (R&D) teams in their SMEs. It is observed that there is a significant difference between the SMEs turnover that employed virtual team and that did not employ the virtual team. The way for further studies and recommend improvements are proposed.

Keywords: Virtual R&D team, small and medium enterprises, survey, developing countries

JEL Classification: M11, M2, N6, O1, O31, O32, O4, Z

Suggested Citation

Ale Ebrahim, Nader and Ahmed, Shamsuddin and Taha, Zahari, Virtual R&D Teams and SMEs Growth: A Comparative Study Between Iranian and Malaysian SMEs (September 4, 2010). African Journal of Business Management, Vol. 4, No. 11, pp. 2368-2379, September 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1688934

Nader Ale Ebrahim (Contact Author)

Research and Technology Department, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran, Postcode: 19938 93973 ( email )

Iran

Centre for Research Services, Institute of Management and Research Services (IPPP), University of Malaya (UM) ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
University of Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
Malaysia

HOME PAGE: http://https://umresearch.um.edu.my/

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Shamsuddin Ahmed

University of Malaya (UM) ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
University of Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Zahari Taha

University Malaysia Pahang - Department of Manufacturing Engineering ( email )

Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang 26300
Malaysia

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