|
Full Length Research Paper
|
|
Virtual R&D teams and SMEs
growth: A comparative study between Iranian and Malaysian
SMEs
Nader Ale Ebrahim1*, Shamsuddin Ahmed1
and Zahari Taha2
1Department of Engineering
Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University
of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
2Department of
Manufacturing Engineering, University Malaysia Pahang,
Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang, 26300, Malaysia.
*Corresponding author.
E-mail:
aleebrahim@perdana.um.edu.my.
Accepted 13 July, 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.
Key words:
Virtual R&D team, small and medium enterprises, survey,
developing countries. |
