The fourth selected paper in Phase 3 is Cheng and colleagues (2007). Stage models have a long tradition in the broader international marketing literature. To an extent, the Quinn and Alexander (2002) typology also fits into this category, as do some earlier works, including McIntyre and Huszagh (1995). Cheng and colleagues develop what becomes a five-stage model of international franchise expansion. The major issues of risk and decision making are canvassed at each stage. Although their model is conceptual, not all of the concepts and trade-offs are fully specified. Thus, Cheng and colleagues develop what is best described as a process theory of international franchising. The model would be helpful for assisting in the planning of international expansion of a franchise system. However, a limitation is that many of the critical issues are not fully specified or conceptualized, so the theory would need to be used in conjunction with one or more other better developed theories of international franchising.