Showing papers in "Journal of Korea Trade in 2019"

The Effect of eWOM on Purchase Intention for Korean-brand Cars in Russia: The Mediating Role of Brand Image and Perceived Quality

Abstract: Purpose – This paper tried to identify the impact of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on purchase intention (PI) of Korean-brand cars in the context of Russian consumers, taking into consideration the credibility, quality, and quantity of eWOM while also considering the mediation effects of brand image (BI) and perceived quality (PQ). Although there is a considerable number of studies discussing the impact of eWOM determinants on PI, not many studies were conducted focusing on the Russian market. Design/methodology – This paper is considered to fill this gap between eWOM and (PI) and, in order to do so, 211 Russian respondents were randomly selected. Descriptive analysis, factor, and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. While structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS version 24.0. Findings – The results display that, in terms of Russian consumers’ perception, eWOM credibility, quality, and quantity for Korean-brand cars show a substantial impact on PI. The mediation effects of brand image, as well as perceived quality, were also supported by analysis. In the final part of the paper, theoretical and managerial implications alongside limitations with further research suggestions are presented. Originality/value – This study endeavored to explore the degree of impact of eWOM and mediating roles of BI and PQ on Russian customer intentions to buy Korean-brand cars.

Detection of Earnings Management as a Measure of Income Smoothing on Fluctuations in Exchange Rates: Managerial Implications for Korean Exporters

Abstract: Purpose – Foreign Exchange Rates (FER) have been one of the most significant factors for both Korean exporters and the economy of Korea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether exporters with a high level of Exchange Rate Elasticity of Sales (ERES) make the use of earnings management for Income Smoothing (IS). Design/methodology – Income smoothing was obtained using the methodology suggested by Leuz, Nanda and Wysocki (2003). Accruals-based Earnings Management (AEM) was estimated using Discretionary Accruals (DA) calculated by the operant Jones Model developed by Dechow, Sloan and Sweeney (1995). Real Earnings Management (REM) was obtained using the methodologies suggested by Roychowdhury (2006) and Cohen and Zarowin (2010). Data were 2,402 firm years of public listed companies on the KRX, which were not in the financial industry and had a settlement of accounts in December for the period from 2013 to 2017. Findings – Results of the evaluation are as follows. First, companies with higher levels of ERES have relatively lower levels of smoothing of reported income. This might be because a fluctuation in sales caused by an exchange rate fluctuation has a direct impact on the volatility of the reported income. Second, companies with high levels of both ERES and IS have a positive correlation with both AEM and REM. This might be because companies with high levels of IS engage in earnings management to smooth reported income. Specifically, it is possible to assume that for smoothing the reported income, not only AEM but also REM is practiced. Third, companies with high levels of ERES but low levels of IS have a negative correlation with both AEM and REM. This could be interpreted as companies exhibiting low levels of IS due to higher levels of ERES tend to control IS. In addition, such results were supported by firms relying highly on exporting, and are consequently sensitive to exchange rate fluctuation. Therefore, it may conclude that companies with high levels of ERES make the use of earnings management as a means of IS. Originality/value – This study can find its significance from the fact that it is the first study, empirically verifying that companies of Korea, where exportation is a large part, use both AEM and REM as a means for smoothing reported income upon facing exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, it is highly expected that the results of this study could be useful for participants of financial markets when making IS-related decisions.

Assessment of Competitiveness Improvement on Multinational Enterprises based in Korea

Abstract: Purpose – This study’s the ultimate goal is to analyze competitiveness improvement on multinational enterprises as firstly providing which factors are to strengthen or weaken competitiveness, secondly investigating if hypotheses development and research design is correct and thirdly finding significant implications for research and practices across country specific advantage. Design/methodology – Using feedback data provided by 250 firms, we extracted variable factors and hypotheses, which were empirically carried out by reliability and validity testing, correlation analysis, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to prove which factors are to make the positive effect on the improvement of overseas subsidiaries’ management performance and competitiveness. Findings – Through proceeding empirical analysis study, we found out that technology management capability, knowledge management capability, and local management capability had a statistically significant effect on the improvement of overseas subsidiaries’ competitiveness, while linked activity capability revealed a negative effect. Originality/value – During business globalization, overseas investments and establishment of overseas subsidiaries have been essential. It is anticipated that this study results would be meaningful for analysis on multinational enterprises’ competitiveness and helpful in promoting their entry into Korean market and enhancing their competitiveness. This paper would also help Korea government develops new FDI model and induce more investment from global major companies to Korea region.

Disclosure Effects of Korean Firms’ Divestment from China

Abstract: Purpose – We examine the disclosures on foreign divestment from China by 77 Korean firms between 2007 and 2016 to identify the effects (and their determinants) on parent firm value. Design/methodology – We analyze how divestment affects firm value by examining the disclosure of divestment from China by Korean firms. Then, we examine the determinants of these disclosure effects using cross-sectional regression analyses. Findings – We find negative effects on parent firm value in the short and medium term, and both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ stock markets show negative correlations between foreign divestment and firm value. The parent firm’s financial condition and profitability and the reason for divesting are statistically significant determinants. Practical implications – Most Korean firms in China belong to the manufacturing industry. As a result, divestment signifies a loss of important manufacturing bases and assets. Originality/value – We analyze foreign direct divestment, which has not been studied in detail previously owing to a lack of data. In addition, this research is the first to compare the disclosure effects in the KOSPI market with those in the KOSDAQ market for the same period.

An Empirical Study on Trade Claim Management from a Relational Perspective

Abstract: Purpose – This study is designed to provide new insights on trade claim management by typifying trade claims from a relational perspective, which defines trade as an organic combination that exchanges relationships based on a mutual goal instead of conflicts between obligations and rights of the contracting parties. Design/methodology – This is a phenomenological study that aims to typify trade claims based on a relational perspective and extract implications for trade claim management. The research procedures of this study are as follows. First, international commercial dispute cases applying the CISG are collected. Second, the cases collected are quantified through content analysis. The variables for quantification are developed based on a relationship perspective. Third, cluster analysis is conducted on coded data to typify cases. And finally, this study compares the characteristics of each type using analysis of variance and suggests implications for the strategic management of trade claims from a relational perspective. Findings – Results show that trade claims are divided into four clusters, depending on whether flexibility is accepted or not and which party violates mutuality. There is also a difference between the claimant and the cause of the claim, according to the cluster. Based on the results, this study suggests that the buyer and the seller should employ different strategies depending on the type of trade claim and presents proposals for strategic claim management. Originality/value – Firstly, this study extends the theoretical discussion on trade claims by applying relational contract theory. Prior studies on trade claims have been primarily based on traditional contract theory. The second is to analyze trade claims quantitatively. Prior case studies on trade claims have mainly relied on qualitative research. Finally, the study contributes to international commercial practice by typifying trade claims and presenting options for strategic management.

Trade Facilitation for the Products of the Industry 4.0: The case of Customs Classification of Drone

Abstract: Purpose – This paper investigates the implications for facilitating trade in the products of Industry 4.0. To identify the issues caused by the conflicts of policy objectives such as applying the tariff concession under the ITA and imposing the export control, by exploring the case of classification of drones. Design/methodology – We adopted a single case study method to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted issues of Customs classification in the context of facilitating trade in the products of Industry 4.0. This study employs the case of drones to explore how these issues of Customs classification affect trade facilitation. We ensured the internal validity of the study by confirming the pattern of the results with the existing theories. Findings – Our main findings can be summarised as follows: the intrinsic nature of the products that converge several technologies causes issues in the classification. The inconsistency in product classification delays customs clearance by hindering the Customs risk-management system that pinpoints products subject to controls. To address the issues, therefore, we proposed fundamental reforms of Customs to empower themselves with management roles. Facilitating trade in the products of Industry 4.0 requires more enhanced Customs capability. Therefore, the reforms should include comprehensive capacity-building activities, such as changes in staff-trainings, promotion system, organisation and culture. Customs also need roles in robust designing of cooperative systems to compensate for the lacks of controls and to ensure concrete risk management for expedited Customs procedures. As well, by equipping the Single Window of Customs with crucial control functions of other ministries, Customs need to support the cooperation. The role of harmonising various preaudits of other ministries with its own is another essential role that ensures predictability of clearance procedure. Originality/value – There are scanty studies in the field of knowledge about what obstacles exist and what solution is available in the course of transforming to ‘Industry 4.0’. In filling out the gap of knowledge, this paper is of academic significance in that it applies the research theory on trade facilitation for the specific cases of classification of the product of Industry 4.0 to verify its effectiveness and to extend the subject of the studies to the scope of Industry 4.0. It also has practical significance in that the results have provided implications for reforms of Customs procedures to facilitate trade in the products of Industry 4.0.

The Qualitative Trade Competitiveness of China in IT Industry: A Comparison to Korea and USA

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the trade structure and competitiveness of China’s information technology (IT) industry in comparison to that of Korea and the United States, particularly in terms of quality. Design/methodology/approach – Indices such as trade specialization index (TSI), Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), and Market Comparative Advantage (MCA) are used. Further, an Intra-industry Trade (IIT) index is used to analyze qualitative changes in horizontal intra-industry trade and intra- industry trade of high- and low-quality goods. Findings – China’s IT industry has a comparative competitive advantage over that of Korea and the United States, and mainly exports goods of inferior quality and imports goods of superior quality. Further, China’s horizontal intra-industry trade has been decreasing, while its vertical intra-industry trade has been increasing and vertical trade of inferior quality goods outweighs that of superior quality goods. This shows that China is rapidly catching up with Korea and the United States, even though its qualitative competitiveness has not significantly improved. Research limitations/implication - This study has academic and political implications, as it analyzes changes in China’s IT trade competitiveness. However, it is somewhat limited as factors determining qualitative aspects has not been considered. Originality/value – Most studies aggregate analyses of export competitiveness using methodologies such as TSI, RCA, and market share. However, the focus of these methods is price competitiveness. Hence, an examination of the objective and qualitative trade competitiveness of China’s IT industry is necessary. this study the trade structure and quantitative competitiveness of the industry by analyzing intra-industry trade focusing on the quality of competitiveness. Therefore, the changes in China's IT industry in the USA and Korea and in foreign trade competitiveness and quality competitiveness are clarified. The results show that the academic and policy implications of these changes in the IT industry will be a useful resource. This is the first study in Korea to attempt such an analysis. This is the first study in Korea to attempt such an analysis.

Lead-Lag Relationships between Import Commodity Prices and Freight Rates: The Case of Raw Material Imports of Korea

Abstract: Purpose – This study investigates the lead-lag relations between the prices of major commodities imported into Korea and corresponding shipping freight rates. This paper aims to provide implications for cross-market causal relations between related economic segments. Design/Methodology - For economic long-run equilibrium between commodity prices and freights, a Johansen (1988) cointegration test is employed first. Then, Granger (1987) causality tests are performed under the vector error correction model (VECM) framework. Findings - The results indicate that the direction of causality varies by raw materials, which is attributable to different economic mechanisms in the corresponding shipping transportation sectors. In addition, the significance of causality becomes blurred during the post-2008 period. Practical Implication - Corporate managers in commodity trading, steelmaking, power generation, and oil refinery sectors can take advantage of the findings in this study as identifying leading economic indicators can be helpful for decision making in both short- and long-term strategies. Originality/value - This study is the first attempt to analyze the inter-relations between commodity prices and corresponding freight rates focusing on raw material imports of Korea.

The Relationship on Risk Type, Risk Management and Business Performance – Evidence from Korean FDIs in China

Abstract: Purpose – As the well-known Structure-Conduct-Performance paradigm implies, risk structure of a corporation may affect its risk management activity and the activity may in turn determine its performance. Depending on its goal, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can shape its risk structure, risk management and its performance. Under this assumption, we investigate the relationship between the goals of FDI and risk management for the first time in academics. Design/methodology – This empirical research uses a survey of 279 current Korean enterprises’ FDIs in China with the recently developed business risk quadrant model. Companies are classified into either a market- or an efficiency-seeking group, to identify how each group perceives and manages risks, and values the performance of risk management. Also, we apply integrated risk management method that multinational corporations have introduced in China, then verify the mediating effect between risk factors and performance. Findings – Our research shows the FDIs can expose themselves to differing risk structure although risk management activities simply represent the level of empowerment given to local management by headquarter due to limit of sample size despite diversity of risk and risk management tools. To sum, market seekers are found to have more strategic risk (revenue related risk) than efficiency seekers with financial risk (cost related risk). The market seekers can manage their risk by empowering their local organisation while the efficiency does the opposite ways. The risk management appears to be successful in general. Originality/value – Previous studies on small and medium enterprises’ FDIs to China have concentrated on the analysis of entry determinants, withdrawal factors and individual risk management. Meanwhile, this research establishes enterprise-wide risk factors faced by the companies that advance into China, according to the method of the classification by ERM and verifies if they could synthetically improve performance through risk corresponding measures.

Compliance of Electronic Bill of Lading Regulation in Korea with Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records

Abstract: Purpose – The UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (Model Law) is based on the principles of non-discrimination against the use of electronic means, functional equivalence, and technology neutrality underpinning all UNCITRAL texts on electronic commerce. Investigating the disagreements between the Model Law and the Koran Commercial Act (KC Act), including the B/L Regulation, and suggesting the revision of the KC Act including the B/L Regulation, could be a valuable study. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the harmonization of Korean legislation regarding electronic bill of lading in compliance with the Model Law. Design/methodology – The Model Law is flexible to accommodate the use of all technologies and models, such as registries, tokens, and distributed ledgers: that is, blockchain. In 2007, the KC Act was revised to regulate electronic bills of lading to promote the widespread legal use of electronic bills of lading. In addition, The Regulation on Implementation of the Provisions of the Commercial Act Regarding Electronic Bills of Lading (the B/L Regulation) was enacted to regulate the detailed procedures in using electronic bills of lading in 2008. This paper employs a legal analysis by which this paper does find differences between two rules in light of technology neutrality and global standard of electronic bills of lading model. Findings – The main findings are as follows: i) the Korean registry agency has characteristics of a closed system. ii) The KC Act has no provision regarding control. iii) The KC Act discriminates other electronic bills of lading on the ground that it was issued or used abroad. Moreover, this study does comprehensive analysis of Korean Acts in comparison with the Model Law and, in particular, this study analyzes the differences between the KC Act and the Model Law by comparing article by article in view of the harmonization of the two rules. Originality/value – The subject of previous several studies was draft provisions on Electronic Transferable Records before completion of the Model Law; thus, these studies did not take into consideration the character of the Model Law as the Model Law was chosen at the final stage of legislation. This study is aimed at the final version of the Model Law. So, this study is meaningful by finding the suggestion and directions for the Korean government to revise the KC Act and the B/L Regulation in line with the Model Law.

Reduction clause in an advance payment guarantee (AP-bond) under an overseas construction contract

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review characteristics and functions of an advance payment guarantee (AP-Bond), and to analyse some legal and practical issues concerning a “reduction clause” in an AP-Bond under an overseas construction contract.,This paper compares relevant provisions of the URDG 758, the UN Convention, the ISP 98, and the FIDIC Silver Book, and also cites relevant case laws of the USA, UK and Korea. This paper also refers many Korean scholars’ views on characteristics of an independent guarantee including an AP-Bond.,A demand for payment under an AP-Bond shall not be honoured in the event that an employer wrongfully refuses to issue documents required for reduction of an AP-Bond. A beneficiary shall not be favoured by independence nature of an AP-Bond in case of fraud or abuse of right.,This paper originally analyzes a “reduction clause” in an AP-Bond. This paper provides logics that a demand for payment shall not be honoured in the event that a beneficiary wrongfully refuses to issue documents required for reduction of an AP-Bond.

The Relationship of Country Image, ProductCountry Image, and Purchase Intention of Korean Products: Focusing on Differences among Ethnic Groups in South Africa

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to provide practical implications for Korean companies searching for new market opportunities. From the experimental analysis, the impact of country image on product-country image and purchase intention of Korean products are measured. In addition, this study disaggregates the impacts of country image and product-country image and purchase intention among ethnic groups in South Africa for searching further useful implications. Design/methodology – To examine South African consumers’ country image and product-country image towards Korean products, data were collected between June and July 2019 through an online questionnaire, and 335 questionnaires were used for analysis. Firstly, the multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the general tendency of South African consumers’ perceptions of country image to Korea, product-country image, and purchase intention among three ethnic group consumers. Then in order to verify the country image model and hypotheses of the study, we analyzed the structural models for each of the three ethnic groups and compared the sizes of the path coefficients for each groups. To compare the difference of path coefficients across ethnic groups, configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance tests were conducted sequentially. Findings – In the black and white ethnic groups, the country image had a statistically significant impact on product-country image, but it did not affect the purchase intention to Korean products. The product-country image showed a statistically significant impact on the purchase intention to Korean products in both ethnic group. However, in the coloured ethnic group consumer, the country image had a significant effect on the product-country image, but it did not affect the purchase intention of Korean products. In addition, the product-country image did not have a significant influence on the purchase intention of coloured ethnic group consumers unlike black and white ethnic group consumers. The results of this study suggest that even though differences in terms of the impact of CoI on PCI and PI were investigated for the sample of white, coloured, and black respondents, the groups seemed to respond in a reasonably comparable manner. Originality/value – South Africa occupies more than 20% of Africa’s total GDP in sub-Saharan Africa and is a hub for Southern African logistics as a hub for Korean companies to enter Africa. However, it is rare to find a study focused on the determinants of consumer behavior in South Africa. In particular, this study disaggregates the impacts of country image and product-country image on consumer behavior across ethnic groups in South Africa. Therefore, this study could provide practical implications for Korean firms which desire to diversify their export markets and pioneer future markets.

Effects of AEO-MRA on the Performance of Exporters and Importers in Korea

Abstract: Purpose – This study analyzes the effect of the authorized economic operator–mutual recognition arrangement (AEO–MRA) on the performance of Korean exporters and importers. The effect of the import–export companies’ characteristics, such as annual sales, the number of foreign markets, and overseas experience, on the AEO–MRA is deduced; the relationship between this effect and firm performance is analyzed. Design/methodology – An empirical research model was constructed and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The effect of AEO–MRA on logistics and operational performance was derived from the aforementioned characteristics as leading factors of the AEO–MRA. The regulatory influence of cooperation with logistics companies was analyzed in the AEO–MRA effect on logistics performance. Thus, 172 valid samples were obtained from import–export companies certified by the AEO–MRA. Findings – Among the aforementioned characteristics, only “annual sales” has a positive effect on the AEO–MRA, whose effect enhances logistics and operational performances. The AEO–MRA effect did not directly affect operational performance. Owing to the adjustment effect analysis, the AEO–MRA effect and logistics performance relationship is strengthened if the cooperative relationship with the logistics company is higher than a certain level. If this cooperation falls below a certain level, the AEO–MRA effect on logistics performance reduces. Thus, logistics cooperation is an important factor in the AEO–MRA effect and logistics performance relationship. Originality/value – Hinging on the resource-based theory and relational viewpoint, an empirical model that explains the relationship between the AEO–MRA effect and firm performance is established.

Location Selection of an LNG Bunkering Port in Korea

Abstract: Purpose - The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has promulgated strict regulations on emissions in the maritime shipping industry. LNG...

Exports and job creation in South Korea: industry-level analysis

Abstract: The Korean manufacturing sector has undergone structural changes in a transition from labor- to capital-intensive industries. These changes seem to be relevant to the weakening of the export effect on employment that began in 1990. In light of the importance of exports in the Korean labor market, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on the primary reasons why export growth does not lead to sufficient job creation as it did in the past.,The authors first use the growth accounting approach to show that the weakening of the linkage between exports and employment is closely related to the composition of export products, which has changed toward being more labor-saving. An empirical analysis (i.e. first difference A-B generalized method of moments estimator) on the employment effect of exports confirms that as the capital-intensity of exports increases employment effect decreases.,The main findings of the study can be summarized as follows. First, the reduction in the export effect on exports is highly correlated with changes in the composition of export products. Second, an increase in exports leads to an increase in manufacturing jobs, and the export elasticity of employment decreases as capital-intensity increases. Third, the export elasticity of employment tends to be higher when the export proportion of SMEs’ products is larger.,Despite the many literatures on the link between exports and employment, there is no consensus on this topic. However, it is generally agreed that the employment effect of exports has been considerably weakened, compared to that of the past, at least in Korea. Nevertheless, few studies attempt to address why this trend has occurred. In this paper, we focus on the structural factors that are the major cause of the weakening of the virtuous cycle between exports and employment. This allows us to provide valuable information to policy makers who are concerned with developing export policies that are related to effective job creation.

An Empirical Study on Consumers’ Intention to Use a Global Business-to-Consumer Sharing Platform

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to examine the factors that affect consumers' intention to use a global business-to-consumer sharing platform. Design/methodology – The questionnaire collected 300 copies from June 25 to July 11, 2019, of which 281 were used for statistical processing. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to test hypothesis in this research. Findings – The results showed that information innovation, personalization, and personal innovation influenced perceived usefulness, and social connectivity did not affect perceived usefulness. And perceived usefulness greatly influenced the intention to use. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of the study are that most of the survey respondents were in their twenties and could not grasp the perception of sharing economy services for various age groups. This paper derived implications that sharing platform promotes sharing and cooperation, which are the basic principles of international trade, to increase the intrinsic value of resources by cyclically using and utilizing limited resources around the world. Originality/value – It aims to contribute to the growth of consumer value-related industries and the welfare of society by providing implications from the point of view of sharing platform services.

The Impact of ICT Goods Imports on Economic Growth: Evidence from Asia-Pacific Countries

Abstract: Purpose – This paper empirically investigates the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods imports and economic growth with a focus on the 13 Asia-Pacific economies during 2005-2016. In particular, this paper extends the study by breaking down the data of Asia-Pacific countries into High Income Countries (HICs) and Low Income Countries (LICs) according to the difference of income levels. Design/methodology – Our empirical model employs the standard growth model based on the Barro (1998)-type growth framework. Using static panel-data technique, we estimate the effect of ICT goods imports on economic growth in the 13 Asia-Pacific economies. In addition, we also estimate a difference of the ICT goods imports–economic growth link between HICs and LICs. Findings –The estimation results indicate that ICT goods import has a significant positive effect on economic growth, while ICT goods export has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on it. When we break down the panel data into HICs and LICs in order to gain further insight, ICT goods imports has been effective in spurring growth in only LICs but not in HICs. The other supplementary results show that both domestic investment (GCF) and life expectancy (LE) have a significantly positive impact on economic growth in both HICs and LICs. Originality/value – The main findings of the paper suggest that ICT goods imports has a positive effect on economic growth in only LICs but not in HICs. This result supports the so-called ‘leapfrogging’ hypothesis through ICT goods imports in the Asia-Pacific countries, in which LICs are gaining more from ICT goods imports than HICs.

The Moderating Effect of Internal Control on Performance of Cross-Border M&A under the Uncertainty of Economic Policy: Evidence from China

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between internal control, economic policy uncertainty, and performance of cross-border merger and acquisition (M&A) based on the panel data of Chinese listed firms. The authors expected that internal control has a positive moderating effect on the performance of cross-border M&A and that it mainly occurs during periods when economic policies are relatively stable. In addition, the authors tried to find out the mechanism of internal control affecting cross-border M&A and the corporate performance. Design/methodology – The authors tested the hypotheses by a multivariate regression model based on the panel data of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2017. The dependent variable is the change value of business performance (DROA_1,2,3) and the explanatory variables are cross-border M&A (MA), China’s uncertainty of economic policy (EPU), and internal control level (IC) respectively. Findings – The authors find that internal control has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between cross-border M&A and corporate performance. Further, the authors find that the moderating effect is more significant in state-owned enterprises and that it mainly occurs during periods when economic policies are relatively stable. Originality/value – This paper is the leading study that tries to analyze empirically the relationship between internal control, economic policy uncertainty, and performance of cross-border M&A. It provides a new avenue through which internal control might reasonably mitigate the risks of crossborder M&A and correspondingly improve the performance of cross-border M&A. It also confirms the moderating effect of internal control on the performance of cross-border M&A under the uncertainty of economic policy.

Volatility and Z-Type Jumps of Euro Exchange Rates Using Outlying Weighted Quarticity Statistics in the 2010s

Abstract: Purpose – This paper examines the recently realized continuous volatility and discrete jumps of US Dollar/Euro returns using the frequency of five minute returns spanning the period from February 2010 through February 2018with periodicity filters. Design/Methodology – This paper adopts the nonparametric estimation. The realized volatility and Realized Outlying Weighted variations show non-Gaussian, fat-tailed, and leptokurtic distributions. Some significant volatility jumps in returns occurred from 2010 through 2018, and the very exceptionally large and irregular jumps occurred around 2010-2011, after the EU financial crisis, and 2015-2016. The outliers occurred somewhat frequently around the years of 2015 and 2016. Originality/value – When we include periodicity filters of volatility such as MAD, Short Half Scale, and WSD, the five minute returns of US Dollar/Euro exchange rates have smaller daily jump probabilities by 20-30% than when we do not include the periodicity filters of volatility. Thus, when we consider the periodicity filters of volatility such as MAD, Short Half Scale, and WSD, the five minute returns of US Dollar/Euro have considerably smaller jump probabilities.

Applicability of Blockchain based Bill of Lading under the Rotterdam Rules and UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records

Abstract: Purpose – This paper investigates applicability of blockchain based bill of lading under the current legal environment. Legal requirements of electronic bill of lading will be analyzed based on the Rotterdam Rules and recently enacted UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records. Using comparative analysis with the previous registry model for electronic bill of lading, this paper examines the advantages of blockchain based bill of lading. Design/methodology – This research reviewed previous efforts for dematerializing bill of lading with its limitation. Main features of blockchain technology which can make up for deficiencies of registry model also be investigated to analyze whether these features can satisfy the requirements for the legal validity of the negotiable electronic transport record or electronic transferable records under the Rotterdam Rules and the MLETR. Findings – Main findings of this research can be summarized as follows: Blockchain system operated in an open platform can improve transparency and scalability in transfer of electronic bill of lading by assuring easy access for transaction. Distributed ledger technology of blockchain makes it more difficult to forge or tamper with transactions because all participants equally shares identical transaction records. Consensus mechanism and timestamp in a blockchain transaction guarantee the integrity and uniqueness of a transaction. These features are enough to satisfy the requirements of electronic transferable records under the Rotterdam Rules and MLTER. Originality/value – This study has significance in that it provided implications for the introduction of electronic bill of lading by analyzing whether the blockchain based electronic bill of lading model meets the legal requirements under the current legal system prepared prior to the introduction of blockchain technology, and by presenting the advantages of the blockchain based bill of lading model through comparative analysis with the existing registry model.

The moderating effect of international trade on outside director system in Korean firms

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effect of international trade on outside director system in Korean firms. The authors expected that Korean firms highly depending on international trade would mitigate the resource provision function of outside director system in order to reduce information asymmetry among global business partners. In addition, the authors tried to find out the functions of outside director system: the control function based on agency theory and resource provision function based on resource dependence theory.,The authors tested the hypotheses by Poisson regression with 2011 and 2002 Korean-listed manufacturing firms. The dependent variable is the number of excessively appointed outside directors and independent variable is CEO type: family CEO or professional CEO. The moderating variable is the dependency on international trade measured by export proportion out of total sales.,The authors found that not control but resource provision function was a main role of outside director system in Korean firms. The authors also found negative moderating effect of dependency on international trade, which means that firms highly depending on global market tended to consider outside director system as control function, namely “global standard.”,This paper is the leading study that tries to analyze empirically the relationship between international trade and the function of governance mechanism; outside director system in Korean firms. It also confirms that Korean firms adopted outside director system on the basis of the resource dependence theory.

The Effects of Affiliation with Export Service-Providers on Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Perspective of Small- and Medium-sized Exporters

Abstract: Purpose – An appreciable number of small- and medium-sized exporters have continuously succeeded in their export marketplaces even though they do not possess enough resources. Advocating that affiliation with an export service-provider plays an important role in this phenomenon, we aimed to theoretically explain how export service providers’ competences and relational factors drive small- and medium-sized exporters’ competitive advantages in the long-run.

Design/methodology – Drawing prominently on the resource-based view and the relationship marketing theory, we built an empirically testable model. The model showed the roles of exporter capabilities, export service-provider competences, and relational factors on small- and medium-sized exporters’ sustainable competitive advantages.

Findings – The results of our research showed that exporter production and branding capabilities positively influenced their sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, export service-providers’ marketing competence and relationship-building competence positively moderated the effects of exporter capabilities on their parties’ sustainable competitive advantages. Finally, affiliation parties’ interfirm trust and relationship commitment positively moderated the effects of export service provider competence on the relationship between exporter capabilities and sustainable competitive advantages.

Originality/value – Although prior studies have highlighted the effects of an exporter’s resources on export performance, our research filled a knowledge gap of the effects of other resources on export performance. First, we proposed two types of export service-provider, competence marketing and relationship-building, influencing exporters’ competitive advantage. Second, the effects of relational factors were proposed in the context of export affiliations.

An Empirical Study on the Effects of Export Promotion on Korea-China-Japan Using Logistics Performance Index (LPI)

Abstract: Purpose – “Trade Facilitation” aims the easier flow of trade across borders, driven not only by effective customs administration, the efficiency of appropriate authorities, but also by telecommunications, the quality of infrastructures and competent logistics. Facilitating trade will help lower trade development costs as well as improve economic development and enhance economic benefits for emerging economies at a time when imports and exports are sent in and out across borders several times in the form of intermediate and final products. Not only that, globalization is being accelerated, which in turn increases competitiveness and this makes logistics one of the key factors when it comes to international trade. Highly efficient logistics services promote product movement, ensure product safety and delivery speed, and reduce trade costs between countries. The purpose of this study is, by using the LPI indices based on gravity model estimates, to analyze the impact of each LPI component on trade with the 20 biggest exporting countries of Northeast Asian countries — Korea, Japan, and China — which account for 19.05% of global exports. Design/methodology – Also, this study statistically analyzes the impact of trade on Northeast Asian countries’ top 20 exporting countries, using the LPI indices relevant to Trade Facilitation based on the gravity model estimates. Findings – As a result, it was turned out that the distance, GDP, and the LPI components have relevant impact on the trade exports of all three countries but demonstrated little relation to the demographic perspective. Originality/value – The study also found we can increase the trade volume by improving three countries’ trade partners’ LPI indices since Korea, Japan, and China share most of their 20 biggest trade partners.

The Effects of International Entrepreneurial Orientation and Entrepreneurial Activities on SMEs’ Export Performance

Abstract: Purpose – Without question, globalization has presented different opportunities to entrepreneurs seeking to expand their companies in foreign markets. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial activity, information internalization, and product differentiation in export oriented firms. As such, entrepreneurial activities are divided into exploitative and exploratory opportunities. These opportunities are crucial in improving firms’ performance. Design/methodology – A structural questionnaire was developed using 21 factors/indicators from previous researches. The subjects of this study were recruited using convenience sampling in export SMEs in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Data were collected through visits or e-mails from the export managers, executives, and CEOs of export SMEs in advance. 321 questionnaires were collected over a period of one month. 316 questionnaires were used in the final analysis. Findings – First, International Entrepreneurial-orientation (IE) has a positive effect on the exploration and exploitation of business opportunities. Second, the exploration and exploitation of business opportunities have a positive impact on information internalization. Third, information internalization has a significant effect on product differentiation and plays a mediating role in seeking opportunities, utilizing opportunities, and differentiating products. Originality/value – This study contributes to the development of academic discussions by explaining existing research gaps. First, there is currently a lack of research focusing precisely on the product differentiation capability of SMEs in manufacturing field in terms of IE. To bridge these gaps, we examined the entrepreneurial factors impact on product differentiation and tries to expand the discussion about the internationalization of SMEs, which were mainly focused on IT companies, and manufacturing companies. Second, there is no intuitive explanation regarding international entrepreneurial activity in terms of exploration and exploitation within existing. In this study, international entrepreneurship activities were classified in terms of exploration and exploitation.

Does National Distance Affect Different Industries in Different Ways? A Test of the Ghemawat CAGE Model

Abstract: Purpose – This study empirically investigated whether national distances (Cultural, Administrative, Geographic and Economic distance) have different effects on industries in different ways. Design/methodology – The empirical model utilized industry level export trade data to examine the differentiated effects of each national distance. By using direct measurement and covering 75 countries, this paper analyzes the effect of distances in different industries. More specifically, this study classified the industries into a more-sensitive/less-sensitive scale. Findings – The empirical results showed the complicated impacts of national distances on trade. Trade in industries that are more sensitive to cultural and administrative distances was not decreased as greatly as trade in industries that are less sensitive to cultural and administrative distances. Also, industries that are more sensitive to geographic distance showed a stronger negative impact on trade than less sensitive industries. Lastly, economic distance decreased trade for industries that are more sensitive to economic distance, while economic distance did not significantly increase trade for industries that are less sensitive to economic distance. Originality/value – As the first study to empirically find out whether national distance has different effects on industries, this study updated the measurements of national distance.

Internationalization and Performance of SMEs in Masan Free Trade Zone (Korea): The Direct and Moderating Effects of Firm Size

Abstract: Purpose – This study analyzes the effect of internationalization represented as exporting on firm performance on the subject of SMEs operating in Masan Free Trade Zone which has shown poor performance recently despite its status as the oldest and largest free trade zone in Korea. We also analyze the effect of firm size on firm performance, and the moderating role of firm size in relation to internationalization and firm performance. Design/methodology – This study uses multiple regression models for unbalanced panel data as the empirical tools for the estimation of the effect that internationalization has on firm performance (ROA or ROS). Our sample consists of 91 manufacturing SMEs among all 110 companies located in Masan Free Trade Zone as of 2017. Findings – The degree of internationalization has a negative impact on firm performance. However, firm size turns out to have a positive effect and play a positive moderating role in the relation to internationalization and firm performance. This seems to be because most tenant companies operating in Masan Free Trade Zone are small firms whose costs of internationalization may exceed the benefits. Empirical results also show that longer CEO tenure has a greater negative effect on firm performance. Originality/value – The originality/value of this paper can be found in 3 aspects. First, we conducted an empirical analysis on the relationship between the internationalization and firm performance of SMEs in a specific region, namely, Masan Free Trade Zone. Second, while most previous studies focused on listed medium companies, most of the sample of this study are small and medium nonlisted enterprises. Third, it is witnessed that firm size has a positive moderating effect on the relation between internationalization and firm performance.

Effects of Global Consumer Culture Positioning versus Local Consumer Culture Positioning in TV Advertisements on Consumers’ Brand Evaluation and Attitude toward Brand

Abstract: Purpose - We perform an empirical analysis of the effects of global consumer culture positioning (GCCP) in TV advertisements on consumer’s brand...

A Study on the Possibility of E-Government Procurement in China

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to study what is impacting the development of e-Government Procurement in China, the current strategies of developing Chinese Governmental e-Procurement, and to present some measures by which Korea’s exporting industry could enter the Chinese procurement market. Design/methodology – This study is to provide a systematic literatures review on what is impacting the development of e-Government Procurement in China. Hence, based on western research, Chinese literatures are used for this study. Findings – To penetrate the e-procurement of the Chinese government, the acquisition of government procurement certification is necessary. Secondly, the qualification of “Made in China” is one way to join the market. And finally for Korean companies to enter the procurement, it is necessary to provide products to the public institutions such as universities, hospitals and social organizations and to the state-owned enterprises. Originality/value – This paper aims to study what is impacting the development of the e-Government Procurement in China, the current strategies of developing Chinese Governmental e-Procurements, and to present some measures by which Korea’s exporting industry could enter the Chinese procurement market. These originalities can be expected to give understanding of Chinese e-government procurement and insight for strategy for both Korean enterprise and relevant academic circles.

Assessment of the Korean-Chinese Exports Competition in Sophisticated Markets

Abstract: Purpose - This paper empirically investigates the competition effect of exports between Korea and China in their common-export markets considering market sophistication. Modern market sophistication includes an importing country’s aggregate demand for products of high quality, design, novelty, eco-friendliness, and even IPR protection. Using an empirical analysis to identify the demand for product quality across countries, this paper estimates the effects of market sophistication on the competition between Korean exports and Chinese products. Design/Methodology - Our empirical model considers the relationship between an importing country’s consumer sophistication and the export competition between Korea and China. This study employs the existing theoretical framework to identify the aggregate demand for product quality across countries. Using a quite direct measurement (the consumer sophistication index, our analysis investigates the differential effects of Korea’s export market sophistication, particularly in markets where Korean exports are in competition with similar Chinese products. Findings - Our main findings can be summarized as follows: the negative effects of the export competition between Korea and China on Korea’s exports are stronger in third markets where consumers are less sophisticated while the effects are not as pronounced in markets where consumers are more sophisticated. This result, however, best applies to differentiated goods which significantly vary in product quality. Originality/value - Existing studies focus on the supply side of production and make the assumption that the market preference for export quality is identical across countries. This paper attempts to evaluate the export competition between Korea and China from the demand-side perspective. This area of trade studies is underexplored both empirically and in theory, although the issue has long been important to Korean and world trade.