دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی Alibaba: رشد کارآفرینی و گسترش جهانی در بازارهای B2B / B2C - اشپرینگر 2017

Abstract

The purpose of this case-based research is to analyze and discuss Alibaba Group (hereafter Alibaba) and its entrepreneurial growth and global expansion in B2B/ B2C markets. The paper uses company and industry-specific data and surveys to analyze a fast growing Chinese B2B/B2C firm and its internationalization and expansion in global markets. Findings of the work reveal that in a short time, Alibaba has become a major entrepreneurial icon and global player and continues to grow worldwide because of its well-planned business initiatives and B2B/B2C-based business models. The paper also provides implications in the area of international entrepreneurship and its related areas. International entrepreneurs need to learn from Alibaba’s fast growing business model and dynamic growth because of its competitive platforms and Web-based strategies which helped the company to target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global markets. Within the areas of international entrepreneurship and international business, the paper also provides discussion which deals with the changing e-commerce industry and its future growth and developments. El objetivo de esta investigación basada en casos de negocios es analizar y discutir el Grupo Alibaba (de aquí en adelante Alibaba) y su crecimiento empresarial y la expansión global en mercados de B2B/B2C. El ensayo utiliza estadísticas y encuestas específicas a la compañía e industria para analizar una empresa china B2B/B2C y su internalización y expansión en los mercados globales. Los resultados del estudio revelan que dentro de un período breve, Alibaba ha llegado a ser un icono empresarial y un actor global y que continúa a crecer globalmente por causa de sus iniciativas negociantes bien planeadas y sus modelos de negocio basados en el B2B/B2C. La investigación también da implicaciones relacionadas al espíritu emprendedor internacional y sus cualidades relacionadas. Creemos que los empresarios internacionales deben aprender del modelo de negocio de Alibaba que se expande de una forma rápida y el crecimiento dinámico que resulta de sus plataformas competitivas y sus estrategias digitales que han ayudado a la compañía captar a empresas pequeñas y medianas (SMEs) dentro de los mercados globales. En las áreas del emprendimiento internacional y los negocios internacionales, el ensayo también ofrece una discusión relacionada a la industria variable del comercio digital y su crecimiento y desarrollo futuro.

Implications and concluding comments

In international entrepreneurship and its B2B/B2C markets, online marketplaces, Webbased initiatives, and IoT-related platforms are here to stay and will continue to make significant contributions to industries worldwide. This is evident in today’s Bsmart connected products,^ Bsmart algorithms^ (Luca et al. 2016, p. 98; Porter and Heppelmann 2014, p. 65; Porter and Heppelmann 2015, p. 97), and fast emerging new industries and technologies worldwide. Like Bborn globals^ (Madsen 2013, p. 65) with heightened entrepreneurial endeavors (Li 2013), Alibaba also sought internationalization with planned strategies and new ventures. Alibaba did not invent the Internet or Web-based online marketplaces but followed its B2B/B2C models and kept on finetuning its platforms, segments, and positioning strategies. The company’s business model has been labeled as Bthe Alibaba phenomenon^ (The Economist 2013a, p. 15) because of China’s massive e-commerce market which is called the Bworld’s greatest bazaar^ (The Economist 2013b, p. 27). Alibaba made various strategic alliances and investments to seek knowledge from its competitors. The company is exceptionally popular in China and the West because of its growth potential and SME-related appeal (The Economist 2013a, b; Lin and Hufford 2017; Lucas 2017a, b).

Since companies’ longitudinal growth and evolutionary issues are critical in the business world (Anwar and Tariq 2011; Siggelkow 2002), it is important to evaluate Alibaba from the perspectives of its entrepreneurial initiatives and expansion. Liability of foreignness can be a problem for newly formed firms in global markets when competing with established competitors (Kaufmann and Roesch 2012). Same applies to Alibaba when seeking expansion in global markets. At the same time, new technologies and entry mode choices can help companies to overcome these issues. Chinese firms are exceptionally good regarding seeking international expansion and following Western MNCs  (Anwar 2013; Teagarden and Dong Hong 2009; Tung 2004; Williamson and Ming 2009).