In recent days, expansion of FTA(Free Trade Agreement) and development of IT(Information Technology) has resulted in globalization and a borderless phenomenon of the world’s economy. The scale of logistics in the world has reached five trillion doll...
In recent days, expansion of FTA(Free Trade Agreement) and development of IT(Information Technology) has resulted in globalization and a borderless phenomenon of the world’s economy. The scale of logistics in the world has reached five trillion dollars and foreign freight forwarders have been expanding their global logistics networks throughout the world to acquire global markets by prior occupation and providing better customer service.
Lately, Korean freight forwarders have also been participating in overseas expansion. However, they are faced with the limitations of the scale and speed, compared to the foreign enterprises. More than 99% of the Korean freight forwarders are small and medium-sized companies and there is not much opportunity for them to go abroad and enhance their international competitiveness due to the lack of capital strength and overseas experience. Against this backdrop, this study aims to seek the decision making factors of overseas expansion for Korean small and medium-sized freight forwarders. These factors will and contribute to enhancing global competitiveness on their behalf.
To achieve the objective of this study, theories and advanced researches regarding overseas expansion were examined and various types of press releases were investigated. Based on the Resource-Based Approach, Root Theory and Electric Theory, the model and hypothesis of this research were designed and a survey was conducted for statistical hypothesis tests. Employees and employers of Korean freight forwarders and related companies in the same industries were the subject of the survey and 135 questionnaires were utilized for practical analysis in this research. Using the SPSS statistics version 18.0, reliability and factor analysis were implemented for consistency and validity of the factors and variables of the questionnaires. For verification of the hypothesis, correlation and regression analysis were conducted.
According to the result of the analysis, the following is a brief description of the recommended strategies for Korean small and middle-sized freight forwarders to succeed in international market entry.
Firstly, preparing the global logistics capability of a firm is essential before going abroad. To survive in global competition with foreign companies and preoccupy the overseas markets, forwarders should invest in up-to-date equipment and provide global SCM(Supply Chain Management) as well as quality and advanced service to the customers.
Secondly, human resources with global experience and knowledge is substantially required for international business. Experienced experts who possess language ability, innovative thinking and high-tech IT skills are necessary to adapt to rapidly changing global environments. In addition, the company should continually provide training sessions for their employees to develop their language skills and technical ability.
Thirdly, updated logistics information technology could also be a vital factor for the entry of foreign markets. Development of technology reflecting the latest trend of the global economy to design sales and marketing plans would be one of the company’s competitive advantages.
Lastly, governmental policies toward freight forwarders attempting foreign market entry should be strengthened. Informative counseling services and training programmes regarding global markets could be provided together with fundraising support.