In a highly globalised trade and investment environment, businesses in regional areas must learn to take advantage of the benefits that stem from their geographical location. This book explains the immense value regional businesses bring to local communities and to Australia as a whole through case studies.
The case studies are diverse in nature and highlight how regional businesses utilise their competitive advantage to introduce innovative practices and use local expertise, knowledge, skills, and networks to benefit from local social capital in a synergetic manner.
The case studies in the book will help readers better understand the processes of industrial localisation. The examples of how innovative regional businesses have used innovative practices, local resource leverage, social and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of international markets to develop and expand their businesses will provide insights into how regional businesses can achieve growth and secure jobs in an innovative and sustained manner.
Author(s): Quamrul Alam, Robert Grose
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 214
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Endorsement
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Figures
Tables
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1 Shifting Sands in the Regional Business Environment in Australia
Introduction
Business Context
New Realities
Unprecedented Challenge
Conclusion
References
2 Agricultural Innovation in a Remote Setting: Natural Evolution Company in Far North Queensland
Introduction
Company/Business History
Potential of Growth
Products/Services
Business Strategies
Focus On Australian Local Produce and Partners
Diversification
Collaboration and Partnership
Innovation and Research
Challenges to Face
Conclusion
References
3 Bundaberg Brewed Drinks: Regional to Global
Introduction
Product Profile: the Brew
Non-alcoholic Drink Industry
Sustainability Practices of BBD
Market Opportunity in the UK
Competitive Analysis
Potential for Expansion in Asia
Future Strategic Focus
The COVID-19 and New Challenges
Local Sourcing Is an Advantage
New Opportunities in a New Normal
Performance in the Home Country
Collaboration With Other Local Businesses
International Collaboration
The Silver Lining Behind the Cloud
Conclusion
References
4 Revival of Declining Small Businesses in Australia
Introduction
Turnaround Decision and Responses of Declining Businesses
The Process of Business Decline and Revival
Factors Influencing the Turnaround Decision and Responses of Declining Businesses
Findings
Managerial Factors
Managerial Cognition of Decline Severity
Motivation and Self-Efficacy
Managerial Capabilities
Leadership and Entrepreneurial Drive
Organisational Factors
Top Management Team
Stakeholder Management and Firm’s Breadth, Depth, and Life Cycle
External Factors
Turnaround Responses
Discussion
Factors Influencing the Capacity and Turnaround Responses of Australian Small Businesses
Influence of Perceived Capacity and Managerial Factors On the Small Business Turnaround Responses and Iterative Loop
The Pattern of Turnaround Response and Outcomes in the Australian Small Business Context
Implications for the Small Business Entrepreneurs and Policymakers in Australia
Conclusion
References
5 Social Innovation in Health Response: A Rare Case of Social Enterprise Meeting Rural Health Needs
Introduction
Overview of CHH
Products and Services
Key Strategies
Innovation
Drawing On the Grassroots
Partnerships
Transformative Governance
Synthesis
Conclusion
References
6 Return of the Bushrangers?: Technological Determinism and the Collapse and Revival of Independent Australian Rural ...
Introduction
Technological Innovation in Print
Micro-newspapers and Micro-Presses
COVID-19 and the Australian Context
Analysis and Discussion
Note
References
7 Mt Buller’s Snow Business
Introduction
The Mt Buller Alpine Resort: History and Background
Resort Management
Mt Buller and Competitive Advantage
The Economic Benefit of the Alpine Industry and Mt Buller to Victoria
Alpine Visitation and Growth of the Ski Industry
Climate Change and Winter Sports
The Global Warming Adaption Strategies of Mt Buller
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Conclusion
References
8 Australia Post: A Successful Government Business Enterprise
Introduction
Major Players in the Industry
Globalisation
Economic Conditions
The Political Environment
Legislation and Regulations
Societal Values
Technology and Internet
The Environment and Sustainability
Australia Post and Its Market Position
Value Networks
Primary Activities of Australia Post’s Value Network
Support Activities of Australia Post’s Value Network
Australia Post’s Business Competencies
Franchising Activities
Strategic Alliances
Business Alliance and Value Co-Creation
Australia Post’s Successes
Maintaining the Well-Being of Stakeholders
COVID-19 Impact
Conclusion
References
9 GBR Helicopters: Surviving the Downdraft of COVID-19
Introduction
White Knight Or Black Swan?
The Founder Factor
References
10 Australian Macadamia Industry: A Community-Supported Regional Industry
Introduction
Industry Evolution
Industry Structure
The Product and the Supply Chain
Business Sustainability: Increased Market Demand and Others
Geographical and Historical Advantage
Strong Support for Research and Innovation
Highest Sustainability Standard
Industry Strengths
Industry Life Cycle – Growth Stage
Weather Resilience of the Crop
Market Appeal
Industry Opportunities and Threats
Tariff Free Market in China
Product Innovation
Industry Growth Through Collaboration
Management Collaboration
Marketing Collaboration
Research Collaboration
The Potential Threat of Oversupply
The Potential Threat of Price Decline
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Conclusion
References
11 Harvey Norman: A Competitive Business Model
Introduction
Retail Industry for Harvey Norman in Australia
Furniture Retailing Industry
Computer and Software Retailing Industry
Domestic Appliance Industry
The Main Features of Harvey Norman’s Business Model
Core Competencies of Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman’s Strategies to Reposition
Broad Differentiation Strategy
Omni-channel Strategy
The Strategic Leadership Role of Gerry Harvey at Harvey Norman
Future Challenges
COVID-19 Impact On Harvey Norman
References
12 Human Resource Management Innovation in Regional Australia
Introduction
The Case Study Organisation
Ownership and Management Structure
Business Strategy
Attraction Strategy: Employer Branding for Clients and Employees
Competitive Rates and Packaging
Availability of a Skilled Labour Pool
Diversity
Systems
Employee Engagement Through Relationships
Employees Appreciated the Engagement
Employee Retention
Health and Safety
Transparency About Future Work and Insecure Work
Regional and Remote Location Challenges
Distance From Head Office
Distance From Clients and Between Clients
Employees Working Away From Home
Retention Through Employee Development
Retaining Core Employees
Organisational Culture
Conclusion
References
13 The Tale of a Failed Small Business
Introduction
Business Start-Up
Commencement
Factors Constraining the Business Success
Lease Agreement
Refurbishment
Lack of Capital
Experience of Staff
Poor Management
Microeconomic Factors
Macroeconomic Factors
Supplies
Vending Machines
Opening of New Businesses
Taxation
Other Reason Why Small Businesses Fail
Lack of Planning
No Differentiation
Ignoring Customer Needs
Premature Scaling
Lack of Entrepreneurial Skills
The Impact of COVID-19 On Retailers in Large Shopping Complexes
Conclusion
References
14 Conclusion
References
Biography of Contributors
Index
