Title: Risk management strategies for overseas SMEs investing in China

Authors: K.T. Yeo, Weichun Lai

Addresses: Division of Systems and Engineering Management, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798 Singapore. ' Division of Systems and Engineering Management, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798 Singapore

Abstract: This paper presents a conceptual framework of business risk management for overseas Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) investing in China, mainly from a Singaporean perspective and experience, by drawing essence from the established and relevant framework in business and project risk management. This integrated framework is further investigated on the concept of relative predictability and manageability of risk at enterprise, market, industry and macro-environmental levels. Four major types of risk are developed, within a predictability-manageability matrix, to guide would-be overseas investors venturing into the growing China market. Relevant case examples, Singaporean SMEs, are used to provide evidence to support and illustrate the development and application of the risk management framework developed.

Keywords: small- and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; risk management; China; investment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2007.012721

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2007 Vol.8 No.2/3/4, pp.214 - 231

Published online: 10 Mar 2007 *

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