Small players on the big stage
Article Abstract:
Europe's 13.4 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to the success of the imminent single European market of 1992 since they will serve as links in the supply chain to large businesses and will be key players in fostering innovation and job creation. Large firms are reducing their number of suppliers to a few that can offer products that meet rigorous quality standards and that can tailor deliveries to a just-in-time manufacturing schedule. However, research indicates that SMEs have a casual attitude towards the demands the single European market will make on them. Many SMEs, partly due to psychology and partly due to a scarcity of resources, have not identified partners for distribution or strategic alliances. The European Commission's DG-23 program was established to help prepare SMEs for 1992 and includes subsidies to venture capitalists to encourage investment in high technology projects.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1990
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The ECU: an uphill struggle
Article Abstract:
A survey of Europe's private sector revealed that only about 50% of the EC's business leaders have an adequate knowledge of how the European Currency Unit (ECU) works. Consequently, even though the ECU has been in existence since 1979, only about one in every five companies uses it while less than 1% of intra-European trade is conducted with the currency. Companies seem to have adopted a wait-and-see attitude, hesitating to embrace the currency before their suppliers and customers have done so. Those progressive businesses that do use the ECU use it to settle intra-company accounts, raise financing in capital markets, tender for export contracts and cover their foreign exchange risks. Despite the cultural and social factors preventing the widespread acceptance of the ECU, greater use of it is actively being encouraged by such luminaries as Helmut Schmidt, Valery Giscard d'Estaing and Fiat's Giovanni Agnelli.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1989
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Gizmos, gadgets and gimmicks
Article Abstract:
International Information Services Ltd (IIS) is a company devoted to locating products for firms interested in maintaining quality control and monitoring competitor inventions. IIS' 400 shoppers in 128 countries locate items. Typical assignments might include shopping for Coca-Cola or analyzing shopping aisles for innovative products. IIS publishes employee discoveries in a bi-monthly publication. The firm predicts that economic unification in Europe and the increased occurrence of products crossing country lines will expand the need for monitoring quality and analyzing exporting competitors.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1989
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