This thesis studies the adjustments and adaptations in the International Key Account Management (IKAM) strategies of Swedish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in recent worldwide geopolitical tensions and crisis conditions towards their suppliers (Key Accounts). The tensions have sharply shifted the world economy, supply chains, and international business relations. Since SMEs form the majority of the Swedish economy, a large proportion of the focus of these SMEs is on international trade; hence, understanding the strategic responses to these challenges is essential. The study will be conducted through a qualitative multiple-case method, featuring six business cases with different backgrounds who possess broad experience and knowledge in international trade and IKAM. The interviews will allow the research to further understand the challenges and adaptations that have been made when managing supplier relationships during crises outside of the theoretical. Through semi-structured interviews, the research will provide key factors that have affected the IKAM strategies, showcasing the importance of strategic flexibility, adaptability, and proactiveness when dealing with crisis management. Key findings indicate that, over time, SMEs will need to become more strategically flexible, adaptable, and proactive when applying IKAM practices. Notable adjustments are the reshoring of production closer to Sweden, the diversification of the supplier base to reduce risks, and increasing preparedness for crises by giving more emphasis to communication and relationship management. The dynamic capabilities needed to assure organizational resilience are emphasized in the presented study. The conclusions developed are subject to the dynamic nature of IKAM practices vis-à-vis global uncertainties and, therefore, it provides actionable insights beneficial for Swedish SMEs to navigate future crises more effectively. As such, the current insights have added new dimensions not only to theoretical but also practical learning and have provided invaluable implications for increasing the resiliency and sustainability of SMEs in the international business environment.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:lnu-130696 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Bothin, William, Dahlberg, Alexander, Larsson, Edvin |
| Publisher | Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring och turismvetenskap (MTS) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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