C83 - Survey Methods; Sampling MethodsReturn

This paper aims to focus on the determinants influencing the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Czech Republic and Russia. The objective is to investigate and evaluate the business environment and, then, examine the importance of developing and promoting entrepreneurship to allow SMEs in Czech & Russia to develop a competitive position in the international marketplace. An overview of the current economic situation facing SMEs in CZ & RU is provided. Then the factors necessary for the expansion of the business will be discussed, along with the challenges of overcoming the resource gaps to be identified. We have conducted empirical surveys along with the use of SPSS statistical tools to predict the potential of revenue growth in SME sector. Information is provided concerning the current situation for SMEs in CZ & RU and the challenges encountered as they face a business environment that is becoming more competitive. We also found that SMEs are increasingly more integrated into the global economy and not limited to regional/international activities. Quantitative analysis shows that there is significant potential for SMEs for the next couple of years despite the economic uncertainty. This paper integrates entrepreneurship, and the resource-based internationalization of SMEs in Czech Republic & Russia, specifically focusing on the use of technology.

The first large-scale (909 products, 79,679 individual price listings) empirical study of price dispersion based on data from the Czech Republic's online shops is presented in the paper. First, simple descriptive indicators were calculated for each product. Second, several versions of linear regression models were constructed for each of the 13 product categories and evaluated against the hypotheses. The price dispersion was regressed against its mean market price and the number of shops. For the majority of categories R² is high or very high (the mean market price variable accounts for 86.6% to 96.7% in the price dispersion) or at least medium (from 56% to 69%). Also, price dispersion (measured by range and standard deviation) remains quite high for the majority of the analyzed product categories. The important role of pricebots for online shop owners and marketing managers and some other findings are also discussed.