Title: Business growth models: review of past 60 years

Authors: Matti Muhos, Pekka Kess, Kongkiti Phusavat, Sitthinath Sanpanich

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland. ' International Graduate Program, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand. ' International Graduate Program, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract: This study reviews growth configurations research published over the past 60 years. Numerous configuration models seek to clarify the management priorities in the early growth of companies. However, an extensive review is missing from the literature and the variability of attributes among the models leads to confusion. The study identifies 90 configuration studies, describes the common patterns and trends, and identifies well-covered areas and promising research challenges. This meta-analysis reveals increasing consensus on growth indicators, sharpening focus, increasing context and process specificity, and diversification. Future approaches are encouraged to provide context-specific empirical studies, and to open new viewpoints.

Keywords: business growth models; company growth; growth stages; configuration models; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; common patterns; trends; growth indicators; process specificity; context-specific studies; management; enterprise development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2010.034865

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2010 Vol.8 No.3, pp.296 - 315

Published online: 26 Aug 2010 *

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