Internationalisation Of Malaysian Architectural Firms
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Date
2010-03
Authors
C. M. Nor Azmi, Haniza Azmaya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Several Malaysian architectural firms have spread their architectural influence in the international markets, even making their mark on several prestigious projects. This study aimed to investigate the differences between internationalised and non-internationalised firms, the motives that drove internationalised firms to go overseas, the firm-specific and home country-specific factor they possessed, the locational factors they considered, the strategies they adopted to internationalise and the implication of firm size and age among internationalised firms. This thesis was arranged into seven chapters including background of the study, an overview of architecture services in Malaysia, literature review, research method, findings, discussion and lastly conclusion. Data was collected from postal questionnaire survey, face-to-face interviews and secondary sources. Questionnaires were sent to all 941 architectural firms in Malaysia. A total of 15 useable responses were received, seven of which agreed to be interviewed. Data from the questionnaires were analysed using SPSS 12.0 and content analysis was conducted on the interview data. The study found that there were no differences between internationalised and non-internationalised firms in relation to firm age, legal status and location of office. The most important motive to internationalise was top management decision. Quality of service and mutual recognition of professional qualification were found to be the most important firm- and home country-specific factors respectively for overseas competitiveness. Also, market growth of host country was the most important locational factor. Further analysis found that project joint venture was the common mode to enter foreign market and Malaysian clients were the most important source of overseas projects. Finally, firm size and age had relationship and impact on the factors related to the internationalisation of Malaysian architectural firms. The findings from the present study can be use as guidance for newly internationalised firms as well as those intending to do so.
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Keywords
The differences between internationalised , and non-internationalised firms