FACTORS IMPACTING THE CHOICE OF ENTRY MODES FOR BUSINESSES INTERNATIONALIZING TO EMERGING MARKETS : CASE STUDY OF BECKMANN INTERNATIONALIZING TO CHINA AND SOUTH KOREA :

Abstract

The overall topic of this master thesis is to create new insight into factors that impact the entry mode choices of internationalizing firms, focusing on the choices and experiences made by an SME in emerging markets. The title and research problem of this thesis are, therefore: Factors impacting the choice of entry modes for businesses internationalizing to emerging markets.The authors found that the entry mode topic is a well-researched area. However, there seemed to be a lack of studies researching the thought process and outcomes of the entry mode choices made by SMEs in emerging markets. The goal of this thesis has therefore been to add findings and new insight to this topic, as well as offer findings that could be of interest to SMEs that are considering internationalizing to emerging markets or to those SMEs who are already established in such markets.This thesis was based on a qualitative research method, with a single case study of Beckmann AS's endeavors in the Chinese and South Korean markets. Data collected for this thesis originated from interviews with the CEO of Beckmann AS, the firm's local partner in South Korea, and Innovation Norway in South Korea.