TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 16, 2004

Neural Network Model to Support International Market Entry Decisions

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 130, Issue 1

Abstract

Bidding for international construction projects is a critical decision for companies that aim to position themselves in the global construction market. Determination of attractive projects and markets where the competitive advantage of a company is high requires extensive environmental scanning, forecasting, and learning from the experience of competitors in international markets. In this paper, a neuronet model has been developed as a decision support tool that can classify international projects with respect to attractiveness and competitiveness based on the experiences of Turkish contractors in overseas markets. The model can be used to guide decision makers on which type of data should be collected during international business development and further help them to prepare priority lists during strategic planning. Information derived from the model demonstrates that the most important factors that increase attractiveness of an international project are availability of funds, market volume, economic prosperity, contract type, and country risk rating. Similarly, level of competition, attitude of host government, existence of strict quality requirements, country risk rating, and cultural/religious similarities are the most important factors that affect competitiveness of Turkish contractors in international markets.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 130Issue 1February 2004
Pages: 59 - 66

History

Received: Aug 2, 2001
Accepted: Sep 18, 2002
Published online: Jan 16, 2004
Published in print: Feb 2004

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Authors

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Irem Dikmen
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical Univ., 06531, Ankara, Turkey.
M. Talat Birgonul
Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical Univ., 06531, Ankara, Turkey.

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