Case Study: Bill Gates and Microsoft's International Entrepreneurship

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Bill Gates' entrepreneurial journey, focusing on his background, achievements, and the founding of Microsoft. It delves into the factors that motivated him, the company's market share, innovation, and the challenges faced. The report examines the theories of international entrepreneurship, the influence of personal interests, and the impact of external factors. It also explores the use of motivation theory, start-up barriers, and the strategies employed to overcome them. Through a detailed case study, the report offers valuable insights into the key elements of successful entrepreneurship and the strategies employed by Bill Gates to build one of the world's leading technology companies. The report draws upon various sources to provide a well-rounded perspective on Bill Gates' impact on the business world.

INTERNATIONAL
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Background Bill Gate.............................................................................................................1
Who is the entrepreneur.....................................................................................................1
Some theories of the background...........................................................................................2
Effectuate ...............................................................................................................................4
Use of Motivation theory .......................................................................................................6
International entrepreneur literature.......................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
International entrepreneurship is a king of course which are being done by the students who aim
at becoming the global entrepreneur. The present report is prepared with a motive to analyse
about Microsoft Company. The said firm is established by the Bill Gate who is an entrepreneur.
The current document is going to explain about the age of the company and its number of
employees. In addition to this, the report is about to explain the different achievement of Bill
gates in terms of market share, innovation and other aspects. By considering all the factors the
learner will be able understand the background theories like how the business is started and who
influenced the business. The current document is based on the case study of Microsoft where the
organization deals in manufacturing, developing, licensing and selling the computer software and
other customer’s electronics. The aforesaid firm is one of the most renowned organization in
terms of software making. Although, there are several areas are going to be focused in the
current report such as different factors responsible for motivating the entrepreneur. Apart form
this, different barriers which is being faced by the owner at the time of starting up the business
(Brush, 2012).
Background Bill Gate
Who is the entrepreneur
Entrepreneur is the one by whom a business is being set up and they are mainly know as risk
takers. They are majorly responsible for enhancing the business by introducing innovation in the
company practices (Kiss, Danis and Cavusgil, 2012).
Achievement of Bill gates
THIS PARAGRPH MUST HAVE SOURCES.
Bill Gates has been awarded with different achievements in his life such as Silver Buffalo award
which won in 2010. Apart form this; Bill Gates also won national Medal of Technology and
innovation award in 1992. Further, he was also awarded with Outstanding Contribution to
Entertainment New Media award. Lastly, the award named with Mary Woodard Lasker award
for public Service in 2013 also won by him. During his school time Bill Gates also excelled as
the tic-tac-toe game is being created by him (Brush, 2012). Besides this, there are different
computer programmes and software are being created by Paul Allen and him. With the help of
his best friend Paul Allen he created computer software to make the Altair 88800 work. He
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started a partnership with Paul Allen and named it Micro Soft. Which soon became the largest
software business in the world? It just so happened that because of all of his success Bill Gates is
now one of the richest people in the world. He is currently worth $76 billion (Zahra, Newey and
Li, 2014)
Market share, innovation etc.
Bill Gate is an American investor, business magnate, author and philanthropist who was born on
28th October 1955. During the end of 19th century Bill Gates and Paul Allen established
Microsoft that has become one of the largest computer software company. Apart form this, while
he was attaining his career in Microsoft he was selected as the chairman, CEO and chief software
Architect in the aforesaid company. As a result, till may 2014 he had become the largest
individual shareholder of the stated company. Apart form this, since 1987 Bill Gates has been
included in the Forbes list of the wealthiest person in the World. He was well known an one of
the best entrepreneur in the world.
THIS PARARGRAPH NEED NARATIVE
REF. DESCRIPTION RESPONSE
1.1 Company age The age of Microsoft is 41 years as it has
established on 4th April 1975s
1.2 Size (no. of employees/sales
turnover)
114000
1.3 Industry sector
Main offerings (try and get on-
line brochures, materials etc)
Computer software, computer hardware, consumer
electronics and digital distribution
1.4 Main Markets
Domestic/International
B2B B2C
The main markets where the said firm deal in
India,US etc.
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Some theories of the background
How did they start
In 1955, Bill Gate took birth in America where he was one of the argumentative kid in class.
Researches defined that maths classes has bunked by him for the attainment of his hobby i.e. to
pursue programming. Further, he met with Paul Allen and he was farther banned from school
computer for hacking. Later on he went to Harvard in order to complete his further studies. Due
to certain reasons he was dropped out form Harvard as well. Besides this, he started rewriting
BASIC computer language for the Altair where the line of code is personally being checked and
supervised by him. He used to work for 16 to 17 hours for 5 years. Later on, an operating system
is being resold to IBM as he bought from someone else. Besides this, Gates' first exposure to
computers came while he was attending the prestigious Lakeside School in Seattle. A local
company offered the use of its computer to the school through a Teletype link, and young Gates
became entranced by the possibilities of the primitive machine (Jones, Coviello and Tang, 2011).
THIS PARAGRAPH IS NEEDED NARATIVE
In addition to this, it can be stated that responses are being taken from 61 years male. Along with
this, Harvard lakeside is being considered as a location for effective gathering of information.
Moreover, respondent has started rewriting BASIC computer language for the Altair where the
line of code is personally being checked and supervised by him. Reading books was the major
interest of respondent which also refer that long term sustainability can be advanced (Dimitratos
and et.al., 2010).
RE
F.
DESCRIPTION RESPONSE
2.1 Age, gender, education, marital
status, etc
61 years, male, Harvard lakeside and he is married.
2.2 Prior work experience/s
Worked for/owned another
business?
he started rewriting BASIC computer language for
the Altair where the line of code is personally being
checked and supervised by him.
2.3 Personal interests, specialist
training, etc.
Reading books was the major interest.
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Who influenced the business, family or friend
In order to establish Microsoft, Bill Gate was majorly got influenced due to his personal
interest towards programming and computers. Along with fellow student Paul Allen, he began
ditching class to work in the school's computer room. Even though Gates founded one of the
strongest and most influential companies in the world, along with his success has came great
criticism. Many criticized Gates for making Microsoft a monopoly and limiting the abilities of
competitors such as Apple Computer and more. Gates has fought several battles in the courtroom
since the development of the Microsoft Corporation. Legal battles have included: Apple
Computer, Netscape, Opera, Word Perfect, and sun Microsystems (Zahra, Newey and Li, 2014).
Effectuate
What makes entrepreneurship?
THIS PARARGRAPH IS NEEDED SOURCES
There are different factors which are useful for an entrepreneur to get motivated for starting a
business. Many researchers have tried to understand and answer this question by conducting
research studies to identify the factors that motivate people to take all the risk and start a
business enterprise. Mainly, the internal and external factors make an entrepreneur to start a
business. Internal factor includes desire to do something new and becoming independent.
Besides this, background of an individual is also responsible for attaining the career of an
individual. On contrary to this, external factors like government assistance and support,
availability of raw material and other factors are responsible for making an entrepreneur to start a
business.
There are several start up barriers are being faced by the an entrepreneur such as competition,
rapid growth, adding talent and fast packed market. In terms of competition, the start up business
faces fierce competition at the time of entry in the market. But if start ups can find a niche
market and differentiate themselves from their competitors, the reward is great. So much
opportunity exists for entrepreneurs because switching costs for most customers are low and
many are willing to try new, relatively untested technologies. When an ad-tech start up does find
their niche market, demand for its products and services will skyrocket, and the company will
need to grow and adapt to fill the needs of its growing client base. Expanding at this fast rate is a
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challenge for small and sometimes unexacting start-ups. Predicting when we would move out of
start-up mode into scale-up mode and what talent and organizational changes that this shift
would require was our biggest challenge. In context to above, all the stated factors has remained
helpful for Bill Gates in an effective manner (Zucchella and Magnani, 2016).
How motivate to set up business money, desire or success
THIS PARARGRAPH NEEDED PARARGRAPH
In order to set up any business, there are several elements that helps in motivating a person.
Starting any business concern requires dedication, desire, hard work, money and patience.
Researches have shown that more than 30% of small business get closed in initial period. In
order to keep going the business, it is important for the owner to remain motivated in odd
situations. Although, certain factors are explained further for developing good level of
understand over the aforesaid topic. It is seen that, the business run properly if an individual has
strong desire to operate the business effectively. Their way of working must be specific so that
the company operations can be successfully run. Apart form this, the level of motivation may
vary person to person because there are various factors which motivates an individual. For
instance, for some people money is the major motivator or from another family and passion can
be the pushing factor (Sarasvathy and et.al., 2014).
Ref. Description Response
3.1 What factor/s motivated entrepreneur
to start up
Profit maximization, can start business at less amount,
create an image etc.
3.2 What levels of support did he/she get
from:
Family & friends
Spouse/partner
Government agencies
Financial institutions (banks etc.)
Financial support, strongness, various skills etc.
3.3 What start-up barriers did they face? Lack of specialist and skilled employees, taxation and tariff
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Ref. Description Response
(eg lack of finance/management
expertise, etc
rules, availability of finance etc.
3.4 How did they overcome these
barriers?
Appointing highly specialist employees,, control over the
expenses,
3.5 What challenges do they currently
face?
Challenges from competitors
In the present report, the case study of Bill Gate is taken into consideration. According to the
early life of bill Gate he belonged from a rich and well connected background. Whereas, his
mother was good in sports activities and father was a lawyer. This has resulted in encouraging
Bill Gate to get knowledge and do something well in life. During the age of 12 he himself
developed a strong personality for decision making. Apart form this, long hour of dedication is
the major factor which made bill Gate to do well in business. He worked for 10,000 hours to get
knowledge over programmings and software. Besides this, intrinsic motivation has helped him to
remain continued with his work. Therefore, it can be said that Bill gate is a well know successful
businessman who had done great philanthropic work with positive attitude. The major reason of
being successful was his desires and dreams of attaining something in life (Tukamushaba, and
et.al. 2011).
Use of Motivation theory
Motivation is an action which helps in expanding the behaviour of an individual. There are
different theories available in order to gain understanding towards motivation. The major
theories stated by Maslow and Herzberg with reference to motivation which is given below.
Maslow's hierarchy theory
Maslow hierarchy of needs is a theory of motivation in which five needs of an individual is
identified. According to him, for the attainment of certain needs and demands individuals are
motivated. As per this model, two deficiency and growth needs are being explained with the help
of this theory..
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Self actualization: In terms of personal development, growth of self actualization plays an
essential role for the analysis of personal growth and discovery. It is seen that, each and every
individual is unique the motivation for self actualization leads people in several directions
(Hagen, Denicolai and Zucchella, 2014).
Social: After the fulfilment of psychological and belonging needs these are other needs which
play a huge impact on the success of an individual. According to Maslow, being a human it is
needed to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance among the social groups.
Failure or success and what we can learn from
The aforesaid theory is successful for an individual in order to enhance the motivation level.
With the use of this theory, a person can understand the changing needs over a period of time.
This theory is useful for the organization where it can be implemented at workplace. The failure
of this theory is that the unsatisfied needs can have huge impact on the behaviour of an
individual. On contrary to this, the order of needs is set in a way that it will help in understanding
the expectation level of an individual. With the adaption of this theory, one can learn his growth
and development needs of a person. It will provide an assistance to a person to evaluate the
changing requirements over a period of time (Brush, 2012). The stated theory has remained
useful for Bill Gate in order to attain his dream true.
PART B : THEMES
International entrepreneur literature
Technology entrepreneurship
According to (Jones, Coviello and Tang (2011), technology entrepreneurship can be termed as
the study in which the prosperity, religion and nations of an individual. Or it can also be said that
it is function which is beyond the satisfaction level of curiosity of an individual. The major
example of this term is related with the bill Gates charity. It is a privately owned foundation
which is started by Bill Gates and his wife. It was launched with a motive to render proper health
care and to reduce the extreme level of poverty in America. Apart form this, it is seen that, the
technological entrepreneurship has major focus on enhancing the technology in an economy.
However, organizations like Microsoft helps in brining new and innovative technology in a
country. There are several benefits of the same are increasing in foreign exchange in the
economy. It helps a country to bring innovative products in home and other countries. In
contrary to this, (Zahra, Newey and Li, 2014) explained that technology entrepreneurship has
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positive implication in the growth and success of an economy. For instance, firms like Microsoft
help an individual and the organization to work done in an easier manner. Additionally,
implementation of different software has resulted in speed and storage of the data and
information. Technology allows small businesses to automate certain functions that historically
have required the need to hire an employee. For instance, bookkeeping functions now can be
handled by software applications such as Quicken and Quick books. The sales function is
automated through contact management sites such as Sales Force. This gives the small business
owner the ability to focus on strategy and cut down on labour expenses. In addition to this, Bill
Gates is come up in the market with new and innovative products as well as software services.
The customers want updated and new products and services in order to make changes in the life.
The technology innovation of products and services is highly helps to firm for fulfil needs and
requirements of potential consumers. Apart from this higher innovative and updated techniques
are useful for entrepreneur in order to attract more and higher number of consumers towards it.
Ultimately market share in the software industry across the world will be enhance up to greater
extent. Hence, it can be said that the Bill Gates having good guts and virtues of technology
entrepreneurship due to come up with new technological services.
Social international entrepreneurship
As per (Brush, 2012), social International entrepreneurship can be explained as can be termed as
the concept in which the risk and innovation is brought by the entrepreneur at international level.
These practices are attained with the help of selling products at international level. Apart form
this, the entrepreneurs also provide assistance to the society of different nations for lowering
down the illness and diseases. For instance, Bill Gates raise funds for the people suffering form
HIV in Africa. It is seen that, the aforesaid entrepreneur has already established a foundation for
the development of US economy. But he is not limited his help and grants till America but the
whole world. In a conference held in South Africa, Bill Gate announced a series of grant for the
people suffering from HIV. The announcement is better and effective for local community of the
country and world as well. When Bill Gates provide such type of medical services then it leads to
increase positive image in eyes of consumers as well as corporate world. The announcement
helps them up to greater extent because it directly impacts on their health make them healthier.
Further, the Bill Gates announce this thing at the international level which is the best
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entrepreneurship of respective owner. Along with this, this is one type of corporate social
responsibilities of the company which lead to enhance image of the business enterprise.
Ref. Description Response
4.1 How has business changed/grown By using innovative and advancement technologies,
providing high quality of products and services etc.
4.2 What future plans do they have for
the business
Expand/maintain/divest
Provide softwares with help of updated features, increase
social international entrepreneurship, use CSR activities etc.
4.3 What future ambitions do they have
for themselves
To become a leading company in software industry across
the globe.
4.4 What do they consider to be the
secret/s of their success
Increase social, technological and international
entrepreneurship.
4.5 What advice would they give other
potential entrepreneurs
To using advancement as well as innovations on
consistently basis.
THIS PARARGRAPH NEEDED SOURCES
. However, the new grants were announced for more than $90 million. These grants were
provided with a motive to lower down the rate of infection in Africa due to HIV. According to
Bill Gates, the stated programme will help in decreasing the HIV in women and men. Other
programs will train people in palliative care and provide resources to children an orphaned by
AIDS. The new grants announced in Durban build upon earlier funding of AIDS-related
organizations, such as the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), one of the Foundation's
first major AIDS grantees (Gibb, 2011). It will help the people of Africa to overcome the above
mentioned disease as well as problems related health issues. In addition to this, the Bill Gates
requires fund and capital for arranging such type of programmes and campaigns. Further, it can
be said that there are various types of sources of finance are available for the respective
Microsoft company. On the other hand side, already profit level of the company is better and
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highly appreciated. Its profitability ratios are highly better by which it not needs more number of
financing sources.
CONCLUSION
The above report is helpful in concluding the essentialness of international entrepreneurship.
This is one of the important topic to be reviewed as it helps in development and growth of an
economy. Apart from this, Bill Gate has adapted motivational theories for attainment of goals
and objectives of business. Along with this, it can be concluded that Bill Bates having two highly
better skills that are such as technological as well as social entrepreneurship at the international
level. In terms of social skills there are Bill Gates announced to resolve HIV disease of local
community.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Brush, C., 2012. International entrepreneurship: The effect of firm age on motives for
internationalization (Vol. 5). Routledge.
Brush, C., 2012. International entrepreneurship: The effect of firm age on motives for
internationalization (Vol. 5). Routledge.
Dimitratos, P. and et.al., 2010. The global smaller firm in international entrepreneurship.
International Business Review, 19(6). pp. 589-606.
Dimitratos, P. and et.al., 2012. International entrepreneurial culture—Toward a comprehensive
opportunity-based operationalization of international entrepreneurship. International
Business Review, 21(4). pp. 708-721.
Dimitratos, P., Voudouris, I., Plakoyiannaki, E. and Nakos, G., 2012. International
entrepreneurial culture—Toward a comprehensive opportunity-based operationalization
of international entrepreneurship. International Business Review.21(4). pp.708-721.
Gibb, A., 2011. Concepts into practice: meeting the challenge of development of
entrepreneurship educators around an innovative paradigm: The case of the International
Entrepreneurship Educators' Programme (IEEP). International Journal of Entrepreneurial
Behavior & Research, 17(2). pp. 146-165.
Hagen, B., Denicolai, S. and Zucchella, A., 2014. International entrepreneurship at the
crossroads between innovation and internationalization. Journal of International
Entrepreneurship, 12(2). p.111.
Hisrich, R.D., 2012. International Entrepreneurship: Starting, Developing, and Managing a
Global Venture: Starting, Developing, and Managing a Global Venture. Sage.
Jones, M.V., Coviello, N. and Tang, Y.K., 2011. International entrepreneurship research (1989–
2009): a domain ontology and thematic analysis. Journal of business venturing, 26(6). pp.
632-659.
Kiss, A.N., Danis, W.M. and Cavusgil, S.T., 2012. International entrepreneurship research in
emerging economies: A critical review and research agenda. Journal of Business
Venturing.27(2). pp.266-290.
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Kobeissi, N., 2010. Gender factors and female entrepreneurship: International evidence and
policy implications. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 8(1). pp. 1-35.
Mejri, K. and Umemoto, K., 2010. Small-and medium-sized enterprise internationalization:
Towards the knowledge-based model. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 8(2). pp.
156-167.
Sarasvathy, S. and et.al., 2014. An effectual approach to international entrepreneurship: overlaps,
challenges, and provocative possibilities. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 38(1).
pp. 71-93.
Terjesen, S., Hessels, J. and Li, D., 2016. Comparative international entrepreneurship: A review
and research agenda. Journal of Management.42(1). pp.299-344.
Tukamushaba, and et.al., 2011. Development of a conceptual model to understand international
social entrepreneurship and its application in the Ugandan context. Journal of
International Entrepreneurship, 9(4). pp. 282-298.
Volchek, D., Jantunen, A. and Saarenketo, S., 2013. The institutional environment for
international entrepreneurship in Russia: Reflections on growth decisions and performance
in SMEs. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 11(4). pp. 320-350.
Westhead, P., Wright, M. and Mcelwee, G., 2011. Entrepreneurship: Perspectives and cases (pp.
391-405). Pearson.
Zahra, S.A., Newey, L.R. and Li, Y., 2014. On the frontiers: The implications of social
entrepreneurship for international entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship Theory and
Practice, 38(1). pp. 137-158.
Zahra, S.A., Newey, L.R. and Li, Y., 2014. On the frontiers: The implications of social
entrepreneurship for international entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship Theory and
Practice.38(1). pp.137-158.
Zucchella, A. and Magnani, G., 2016. International entrepreneurship: theoretical foundations
and practices. Springer.
Zucchella, A. and Magnani, G., 2016. International entrepreneurship: theoretical foundations
and practices. Springer.
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