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Virtual R&D teams in small and medium enterprises: a literature review

Ale Ebrahim, Nader and Ahmed, S. and Taha, Zahari (2009) Virtual R&D teams in small and medium enterprises: a literature review. [Journal (Paginated)]

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Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the driving engine behind economic growth. While SMEs play a critical role in generating employment and supporting trade, they face numerous challenges, the prominent among them are the need to respond to fasting time-to-market, low-cost and rapid solutions to complex organizational problems. Towards that end, research and development (R & D) aspect deserves particular attention to promote and facilitate the operations of SMEs. Virtual R & D team could be a viable option. However, literature shows that virtual R & D teaming in SMEs is still at its infancy. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on different aspects of virtual R & D teams collected from the reputed publications. The purpose of the state-of-the-art literature review is to provide an overview on the structure and dynamics of R & D collaboration in SMEs. Specifying the foundation and importance of virtual teams, the relationship between virtual R & D team and SMEs has been examined. It concludes with the identification of the gaps in the existing literature's and calls for future research. It is argued that setting-up an infrastructure for virtual R & D team in SMEs still requires a large amount of engineering efforts and deserves consideration at top level management.

Item Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:Virtual teams, small and medium enterprises, literature review
Subjects:JOURNALS
Computer Science > Human Computer Interaction
Electronic Publishing > Peer Review
ID Code:7804
Deposited By: Ale Ebrahim, Nader
Deposited On:16 Dec 2011 00:00
Last Modified:16 Dec 2011 00:00

References in Article

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ALE EBRAHIM, N., AHMED, S. & TAHA, Z. 2010. SMEs; Virtual research and development (R&D) teams and new product development: A literature review International Journal of the Physical Sciences, 5, 916–930.

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