bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication executives in a changing world
Authors: Johansson Catrin , Ottestig Ann T.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study how communication executives perceive their internal and external legitimacy, how they reflect on recent developments in their work, and which future challenges they perceive as being important.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of in‐depth interviews with communication executives.

Findings

Communication executives have a distinct strategic managerial role within their organizations. The executive role involves three different performances: the organizational leader; the communication leader; and the communication manager. Executives perceived high external legitimacy, whereas internal legitimacy varied between organizations, and status and formal position were both dynamic and subject to negotiation. The communication technology development, termed as a “revolution”, has considerably affected executives' work. Future communication challenges such as globalization and organizational change were discussed.

Research limitations/implications

Recent changes have strengthened the roles of the communication executives. Internal status and legitimacy appear to be dependent on the attitudes of the other executives. These relationships and the emerging executive roles will be an important basis for study in future research.

Practical implications

Internal legitimacy was clearly an issue of negotiation, which is important for practitioners to consider. Acting out the educational role, working with communication support and the coaching of managers, and initiating and pursuing strategic organizational issues may be means by which communication executives are further able to enhance their internal legitimacy.

Originality/value

New insights with regard to the legitimacy, practice and self‐perceptions of communication executives are provided. This is the first study of Swedish communication executives, adding to the knowledge base derived from studies from The Netherlands, UK and USA.
Value theory in lean construction
Authors: Salvatierra‐Garrido Jose , Pasquire Christine
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the common perspective of value for lean construction (LC) researchers and practitioners. Thus, this paper aims to generate a future discussion in the construction sector about the huge impact of construction projects over the entire society and, consequently, to underline the need of an expansion of current value perspectives moving from a local context (project level) to a global context (society).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews the concept of value from LC perspective. As such, literature review has been conducted as a main task.

Findings

LC value perspectives lack in a common idea to be applied in the construction industry as a whole. Customer‐focused construction practices, where satisfaction of customer requirements predominates over societal welfare.

Research limitations/implications

The work described forms part of a larger study intended to expand common value perspective to the wide society. Therefore, a future global model of value should be proposed and validated through an interactive workshop with participation of relevant actors in construction industry.

Practical implications

Construction industry should reformulate current practices and governments, as representative of the society, should promote construction regulation policies based on delivery of value including environmental and social issues.

Originality/value

The concept of value is placed in a global context, changing common LC perspective. Thus, this paper gives the opportunity to continue discussing the contribution of construction industry to the cure of environmental and social issues.
Target costing and designing to targets in construction
Authors: Pennanen Ari , Ballard Glenn , Haahtela Yrjänä
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Target costing determines the cost of a building before design. The cost of the product is based on the customer's requirements for the product's performance and the customer's willingness to pay for such performance. However, if the designers cannot achieve the target cost, the benefits of target costing are wasted. The purpose of this paper is to describe design steering, a methodology for managing design process to achieve target cost and purposed value for the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

The design steering concept steers the complex design process by knowledge management and rapid cost feedback loops, especially in the very early stages of design. Traditional estimating together with CAD systems cannot produce feedback because of the cumulative nature of design. This paper introduces advanced building information modelling (BIM) that supports project management in cost and quality management. As CAD systems start from zero, this BIM starts from the full content. The BIM constructs all the quantities and costs of the building components before the design starts, basing on the client's needs. The model acts as a “defending champion” in relation to the designer's proposals during the design.

Findings

Design steering concept is already in commercial use with encouraging results. A case study explains how design steering affects to designers' decision making. Design steering has helped mutual understanding between the designers and management enabling to achieve the target cost.

Research limitations/implications

At the moment more transparency on goals, processes and information models of clients, project managers and designers are needed in order to support the commitment process of the participants.

Originality/value

Design process has not been earlier dealt with from top to bottom, but from bottom to top. New BIM technologies enable both perspectives.
Applying lean thinking in commercial management
Authors: Zimina Daria , Pasquire Christine L.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop two hypotheses explaining the role of commercial management in the lean business model: lean construction is a viable choice of commercial strategy; and lean commercial management is an integral part of lean construction system subordinate to the project delivery. This is completed as a part of conceptualisation of the lean commercial management discipline in construction on the abstract level and followed by deriving its main principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the direct observation of the companies pursuing lean strategy in construction as well as of those following non‐lean business models, review of case studies and literature.

Findings

Traditional commercial arrangements do not comply with the lean construction requirements and may hamper the exploration of its full potential. Lean commercial management differs in the way that its primary role is to support the production process thus it is subordinated to it.

Research limitations/implications

This research would benefit from links with the existent field of social and economic studies where deeper reasoning to substantiate the theory might be found. Experiments with lean companies in the construction sector are also necessary for theory validation.

Practical implications

The approach offered in this paper vectors the way of dealing with the commercial decisions within lean enterprise. This potentially can further enhance benefits from lean construction.

Originality/value

The paper builds upon the related research and papers, further advancing the topic of lean construction.
Team learning and team composition in nursing
Authors: Timmermans Olaf , Van Linge Roland , Van Petegem Peter , Elseviers Monique , Denekens Joke
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore team learning activities in nursing teams and to test the effect of team composition on team learning to extend conceptually an initial model of team learning and to examine empirically a new model of ambidextrous team learning in nursing.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research utilising exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and correlation and multiple regression analyses, were used for empirical validation.

Findings

Principal component analyses of the team learning activities scale revealed a five‐factor model, explaining 78 per cent of the variance on the team‐learning scale. Being a nursing team in a community hospital, having high team longevity, and having a high percentage of female nurses explained 33 per cent of team learning.

Research limitations/implications

Data aggregation in a cross‐sectional design can be criticised for potential biases. However, statistical assumptions for aggregation were met, and the concepts used in this study were clearly formulated at team level. Thus, a valuable instrument is provided for further quantitative research on team learning in nursing.

Practical implications

The team learning activities in nursing teams reflected the ambidexterity of teams in modern nursing practice. The findings provide a rationale for managers to create infrastructures that support both productive, as well as developmental learning tasks in teams.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights regarding how team learning activities occur in ambidextrous teams in nursing. Contrary to prediction, the results show that team composition has little effect on team learning activities. This is valuable knowledge for researchers, trainers, teams and management in nursing.
An activity‐based framework for quantification of knowledge work
Authors: Heidary Dahooie Jalil , Afrazeh Abbas , Mohammad Moathar Hosseini Seyed
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study attempts to identify the different types of activities that comprise a worker's job, and provide a framework for quantitative definition and segmentation of knowledge works (KWs).

Design/methodology/approach

Every KW has two main parts: working with knowledge and establishing communication. Thus, in order to provide an exact definition for the KW it is necessary to calculate the knowledge intensity score of a job (JKIS) and communication intensity score of a job (JCIS). For determining these two parameters precisely, jobs were broken hierarchically to tasks and then activities. To identify these activities, an initial list of activities mentioned in the literature was created and then completed with generalized work activities of O*NET. A six‐step framework for calculating of JKIS and JCIS was proposed and finally, different groups of knowledge workers (KWrs) with respect to JKIS and JCIS were identified by using a clustering method.

Findings

This article shows how KW can be defined and segmented based on two dimensions (i.e. knowledge intensity score of a job (JKIS) and communication intensity score of a job (JCIS)). The proposed framework was used to analyze 133 jobs in 11 organizations. Practicality and validity of framework were examined based on this empirical study.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a base for the identification of appropriate managerial frameworks corresponding to each discovered group of KWrs. Using more data can improve the results obtained in this study.

Practical implications

This work emphasizes the importance of defining and clustering KW and proposes a practical method for this aim.

Originality/value

A new framework for the quantification of KW is proposed. This framework is supported by five principles inferred from the literature.
Organisational culture's influence on tacit knowledge‐sharing behaviour
Authors: Suppiah Visvalingam , Singh Sandhu Manjit
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This research aimed at investigating the influence of organisational culture types on tacit knowledge sharing behaviour in Malaysian organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was collected from 362 participants from seven organisations. Multiple regression was used to assess the research model.

Findings

The research findings indicate that organisational culture types influence tacit knowledge sharing behaviour and that such influences may be positive or negative depending on the culture type.

Research limitations/implications

The study only investigated seven organisations. A larger sample size may be necessary for a study of this nature. Aside from this the ipsative rating scale was not clearly understood by the respondents resulting in scoring errors by some.

Practical implications

Knowledge is considered the one and only distinct resource and is crucial for an organisation to sustain its competitive advantage. Determining the organisation's culture type will allow managers to implement, among the myriad knowledge sharing activities, the ones that would be more appropriate and relevant to the organisational culture.

Originality/value

Most of the knowledge in organisations is in tacit form. There is a dearth of literature on the influence of organisational culture types on tacit knowledge sharing behaviour. Aside from theoretical contributions, the findings of this study have the potential to assist organisations to unlock economic value from knowledge embedded in the minds of its employees.
KM implementation in a public sector accounting organization: an empirical investigation
Authors: Choy Chong Siong , Salleh Kalsom , Noh Syed Ahmad Syed , Syed Omar Sharifuddin Syed‐Ikhsan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how accountants working in a large public sector accounting organization perceive KM implementation issues in their organization. An integrated KM framework that interconnects KM enablers, knowledge sharing process, and organizational performance derived from the literature is proposed and adopted in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The accountants working at the Accountant‐General's Department (AGD) under the Ministry of Finance, Malaysia are selected for an in‐depth study through the use of a self‐reporting questionnaire. The model's validity was confirmed through factor analysis. The data were then analyzed using multiple regression analyses.

Findings

The statistical results provide strong support for the KM framework. There are positive effects of KM enablers and knowledge sharing process towards organizational performance. When both the variables are regarded as antecedents of organizational performance, knowledge sharing process and technology resources are among those of highly significant enablers.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in only one organization among the lower echelon accountants, thereby limiting the generalizability of the results obtained. This paper provides a framework for developing an instrument for assessing the AGD, which has drawn plans to institutionalize KM. As a knowledge nexus of public sector accounting knowledge and practice, the AGD has to place serious emphasis on the significant KM enablers in drawing up its KM implementation strategy in order to effectively manage and leverage the intellectual assets of its professional intellects. This will enable it to reap better performance.

Originality/value

This study has extended knowledge in KM, especially concerning KM implementation issues in public sector organizations. Moreover, this research is among the first empirical works to address KM implementation in a public accounting organization.
A hybrid performance measurement framework for optimal decisions
Authors: Fukushima Akihiro , Jeffrey Peirce J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a hybrid performance measurement framework integrating available frameworks and mathematical models. The hybrid framework potentially allows decision makers to move from intuitive decisions to analysis‐based decisions by using a complete hierarchy of objectives, mathematical equations and a simulation of increased capabilities. To illustrate the utility of the proposed framework, this paper aims to apply the framework to a hypothetical decision‐making scenario in a computer manufacturing company.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed framework, a developed hierarchy is verified with correlation and regression analyses. Mathematical equations relating performance indicators are defined with a multiple linear regression model. An expected final outcome and uncertainty are evaluated with a Monte Carlo simulation.

Findings

An organization can find consistent performance indicators based on correlation and regression analyses. In addition, based on a forecast final outcome, the organization can make proactive decisions about up‐front investments in its capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

A hierarchy of objectives developed in this paper is not comprehensive. A scenario used for simulating a future outcome is hypothetical.

Originality/value

Although some studies illustrate mathematical equations relating objectives, the studies are limited to parts of a hierarchy and there are few practical directions. This paper proposes mathematical equations that represent vertical relationships among objectives in a hierarchy, while evaluating the importance of a performance measurement system in a big picture. Moreover, this paper explains a decision‐making procedure based on a forecast outcome.
Implementation of the FATF 40+9 Recommendations
Authors: Jensen Neil , Png Cheong‐Ann
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent to which the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 40+9 Recommendations have been implemented by developing countries from the Asia‐Pacific region and the issues pertaining to these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the compliance ratings from published reports of assessments/mutual evaluations for these countries between 2004 and 2010 and makes comparisons with the ratings for FATF countries for that period.

Findings

These developing countries have demonstrated positive developments in addressing anti‐money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements and having their level of compliance evaluated through the rigorous process of assessment/mutual evaluation. Nonetheless, the general level of compliance is quite limited, not least when compared with FATF countries. This may be due to complexities of the FATF 40+9 Recommendations, challenges in prioritizing AML/CFT development amidst other national priorities and general limited capacity in these countries. An appreciation of the challenges faced by these countries is essential in the formulation and implementation of AML/CFT measures for these countries.

Originality/value

This paper considers implementation of international standards for AML/CFT from the perspective of developing countries, which is an important contribution given the needs and peculiarities of these countries.
The dark side of European immigration policy
Authors: Duca Rita
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This article aims to highlight the dark side of the restrictive immigration policies, undertaken both at European and national level, paying special attention to the negative effects that these policies can cause.

Design/methodology/approach

In particular, the article focuses on two of the main aims stated by these migration policies: the organization of legal immigration and the control of the illegal immigration.

Findings

The paper demonstrates how the repressive instruments, today put into practice, not only have not been a solution, but they have produced destructive effects, such as: the increasing of illegal immigration and the consequential increasing of the exploitation of immigrants – making the borders between smuggling and trafficking more and more transitory – the strengthening of the more and more professionalized criminal organization and finally the enlargement of the black market's borders, of which the European single market feeds itself.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the dark side of European immigration policy.
The EU's preventive AML/CFT policy: asymmetrical harmonisation
Authors: van den Broek Melissa
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This article aims to consider the role of the European Union (EU) in the prevention of money laundering and to show that the EU has a lot more to win in this field of policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on a literature study and a thorough analysis of the EU Directives on the prevention of money laundering.

Findings

Whereas, the material norms for entities subject to regulation have been harmonised and adjusted to the risk‐based approach at European level, the norms regarding the enforcement instruments have mostly been left to the Member States' legislation. As a result, there exists a “patchwork” of enforcement mechanisms throughout the EU.

Research limitations/implications

This article focuses on the prevention of money laundering on the level of the EU only; no connection is made to the international or to the national level.

Originality/value

This article does not provide a value judgment on the preventive rules at European level as such, but rather it offers an academic perspective on the role of the EU in the prevention of money laundering.
Political barriers to economic development in Russia
Authors: Robinson Neil
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the periodization of Russian political and economic development that sees a break occurring between the Yeltsin and Putin presidencies. It does this by looking at how political problems common to late developing nations influenced the development of reform programs in Russia under its first two presidents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies concepts from the literature on development to Russia, using it as a case study to develop an alternative historical narrative on Russian political economy.

Findings

The paper finds that there was more continuity in political conditions between Yeltsin and Putin and that economic change in Russia under Putin was not achieved because a political consensus over economic policy developed but because the wealth generated by hydrocarbon exports enabled Putin to buy support. Whilst this has meant that there was less contest over economic policy during the Putin presidency, it is far from certain whether this means of managing the economy can last over the longer term if the price of oil declines.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the need for political reform in Russia as a condition of economic change, something that is beginning to be taken seriously in Russian political circles after the experience of economic crisis that followed Putin.
The interactive effect of remittances and civil liberties on investment and consumption
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey A. , Biser Jennis J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of influence that civil liberties has on the marginal effect of remittances on gross domestic investment and consumption separately and measures it across all levels of civil liberties.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a two‐stage system generalized method of moments procedure and the civil liberties subset of the Freedom in the World Index as a proxy for civil liberty.

Findings

The findings indicate a substitution effect from investment to consumption as civil liberties deteriorate for developing south economies, though not for emerging economies. In addition, the marginal effect of remittances on investment diminishes less quickly as economies become less free than it increases for consumption indicating that the substitution is not quite one‐for‐one.

Practical implications

Economies with low levels of civil liberties could benefit by improving them in ways that would encourage recipients to channel remittances into investment rather than consumption.

Originality/value

This paper differs from previous research in that the authors evaluate investment and consumption separately rather than embedding these component parts within growth. In addition, when interactions are employed in existing literature, the inference drawn is static with regard to the varying degrees of institutional development. Third, none of the prior studies directly explores civil liberties proper; they usually aggregate civil liberties with other aspects of political or economic freedom.
The role of portfolio diversification in the hotel industry
Authors: Giannotti Claudio , Mattarocci Gianluca , Spinelli Luca
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study whether geographic and sector diversification allow for a significant reduction in the risk exposure of a portfolio of hotel investments in one of the major tourist markets, the Italian market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the benefits related to a Markowitz diversification approach for the construction of a specialised portfolio in the hotel real estate market. The portfolio analysis considers the degree of efficiency of each portfolio, the type of diversification adopted by a more efficient portfolio, the persistence of results over time and the impact of diversification constraints.

Findings

The results demonstrate that, while standard geographic and sector diversification allow for good results, the more efficient portfolios are more concentrated. The trade‐off is worse if some concentration constraints are established, but the portfolios identified are characterised by higher performance persistence.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis only considers high‐quality hotels in the Italian market. Unfortunately, some information on costs is not as detailed as would be desired. The availability of a more complete database could increase the significance of the results obtained.

Practical implications

The results are relevant for constructing all hotels' portfolios, like those managed by a real estate fund manager, in order to define the type and degree of diversification that allow for minimal risk exposure.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply the Markowitz theory to the Italian hotel industry in order to identify the best diversification criteria.
Figures of speech as semantic operators in the innovation process
Authors: Dell'Era Claudio , Buganza Tommaso , Verganti Roberto
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Product functionalities aim to satisfy the operative needs of the customer, while product meanings (i.e. the emotion and the symbolic values represented by the product) aim to satisfy the emotional and socio‐cultural needs of the customer. What consumers are increasingly looking for in consumer products are new forms of psychological satisfaction that go beyond normal and simple consumption; today, more than ever, products define their own presence not only through their attributes, but also through the meanings that they assume, through the dialogue that they establish with the user, and also through the symbolic nature that they emanate. Figures of speech can be exploited to emphasise a message or a meaning. The purpose of this paper is to propose an application of rhetorical figures to product design that will make them more communicative.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, the authors propose the “Rhetorical Innovation Process” as a methodology that foresees the application of figures of speech as semantic operators. First, the authors discuss several product innovations that can be interpreted according to the “Rhetorical Innovation Process”. Then, a brief workshop assignment in the strategic design course at the Faculty of Industrial Design of Politecnico di Milano explored the potentialities of the method in relation to different product typologies: 40 Italian master students were divided into eight groups (five industrial design students each) in order to develop five products per group.

Findings

The results obtained by design students demonstrated as figures of speech can stimulate associations with other contexts and modifications to existing architecture. The exploration of the “rhetorical innovation process” in collaboration with eight design student teams has shown that this method can support and enrich the concept generation phase. Moreover, four configurations proposed by the “rhetorical innovation process” allow one to generate different alternatives supporting the creative process and allowing the identification of strengths and weaknesses associated to each solution.

Originality/value

The method described in the paper elucidates the structure and process adopted by several designers and also illustrates an effective framework for communicating choices to their clients. In particular, the cross‐context associations proposed in the “rhetorical innovation process” provide additional insights and incentives during the concept generation.
New product development best practice in SME and large organisations: theory vs practice
Authors: Nicholas John , Ledwith Ann , Perks Helen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore new product development (NPD) best practice from a practitioner's perspective. A large body of research has been completed on best practices in NPD. However, there is a limited knowledge of the extent to which practitioners are aware of what constitutes a NPD best practice and are aware of the relative importance of different NPD best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an established framework, this research investigates NPD practitioners' views of best practices. Data were collected through a survey using a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions from 70 SMEs and 74 large companies in Ireland and the UK.

Findings

The results show that practitioners assign different levels of importance to the various NPD best practices. Regardless of company size, strategy is viewed as the most importance best practice for NPD, while metrics and performance evaluation is seen as the least important. This does not support previous research, which has shown that excellence in NPD process is the primary driver of NPD success. Additionally, there were differences between the specific practices that NPD practitioners from SMEs and large companies considered to be best practice.

Originality/value

This paper identifies a gap between what researchers and practitioners understand to be NPD best practice. The results further our understanding of how NPD practitioners translate existing NPD knowledge into actual NPD practice. The results presented in this paper suggest that there is much to be gained by strengthening the links between researchers and NPD practitioners. There is limited value in developing theories and models about the “best” ways to manage NPD unless these model and theories are fully diffused and can be made useful to NPD practitioners.
Exploring the links between entrepreneurial orientation and intrapreneurship in SMEs
Authors: Bouchard Véronique , Basso Olivier
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and intrapreneurship within the context of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper builds on a historical review of the two main currents of the corporate entrepreneurship literature and the distinction established by French scholars between “traditional SMEs” and “miniature large firms”.

Findings

The paper summarizes various findings regarding the antecedents of EO and intrapreneurship in SMEs and elaborates a series of testable propositions linking EO to intrapreneurship.

Practical implications

The paper posits the existence of different types of SMEs and suggests that the organizational and managerial antecedents of EO differ by type.

Originality/value

The paper explores the relation between intrapreneurship and EO, thus connecting two unrelated streams of literature within the field of corporate entrepreneurship.
An individual‐level perspective for assessing nascent venturing outcomes
Authors: Delanoë Servane
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Entrepreneurship scholars have become more demanding concerning detailed investigations of nascent venturing processes. The purpose of this paper is to propose indicators measuring the impact that these processes in general, and support actions in particular, have on individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing theories that could be used to analyze the impact of nascent venture experiences on individuals are reviewed. Literature and official statements regarding the underlying objectives of different stakeholders in company creation in France are then presented. Following this, performance indicators used by researchers and French support networks are discussed in relation to these objectives.

Findings

It is shown that indicators that could provide information regarding the potential effects of startup processes on individuals exist but remain to be used with nascent entrepreneurs. A proposal as to how these indicators might be adapted to the specific needs of nascent entrepreneurship research is made.

Research limitations/implications

The indicators proposed here are identified in a review of the literature, in which studies are primarily undertaken on student samples. Their practical adaptation to populations of nascent entrepreneurs remains to be implemented.

Practical implications

The suggested indicators should be of use to professional support actors who constantly look to improve their service to nascent entrepreneurs. They should also provide valuable information to the individuals considering or involved in startups on how to use support more efficiently, to policy makers for assessing the impact of specific support efforts and to academics designing entrepreneurship programmes.

Originality/value

The paper proposes readily applicable indicators for nascent entrepreneurship outcomes by drawing on a variety of research streams and linking them to practical information.
The entrepreneurial process trigger: a modelling attempt in the French context
Authors: Degeorge Jean‐Michel , Fayolle Alain
Published: May 2011

Purpose

In France, there seems to be no immediate correlation between the desire to opt for an entrepreneurial career and actually starting or taking over a business. Based on this observation, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the entrepreneurial process and more specifically on its trigger phase; the exploratory research question is: how to model the entrepreneurial process trigger phase?

Design/methodology/approach

First, based on a review of the literature, the authors seek to identify the main concepts that can be used to study the entrepreneurial process trigger. Second, the authors try to show the articulation between these various concepts with a view to proposing a typology of the entrepreneurial process trigger. In order to model the trigger phase, the authors rely mostly on the concepts of intention and displacement and works by Shapero and Sokol, by Ajzen, and by Krueger and Carsrud. The authors study the case of French engineers by drawing on previous research, notably the database of French engineers assembled by Fayolle. Concerning the methodological approach, first a quantitative analysis was performed on the sample, which was completed with a qualitative study.

Findings

Thanks to the questionnaire, the authors were able to identify eight possible career paths based on the initial measurements made by Fayolle in 1996; then various trigger paths were tested. Finally, a model of the trigger phase is proposed based on the qualitative study. Two determining dimensions emerge through analysis of the results: the trigger paths evolve differently over time. Furthermore, the intensity and impact of displacements are perceived differently by individuals. This leads the authors to propose a mapping of the four identified trigger processes.

Originality/value

At the theoretical level, this research contributes to mapping out the various trigger processes of new venture creation. By incorporating the time dimension, it was possible to outline the sequence of events. The authors shed some light on the entrepreneurial process by showing the main factors that can lead an individual to go from intention to action. In light of the results, the authors feel it necessary to reject any determinist interpretation of the French engineers' career paths. The interactions between personal and contextual variables add to the complexity of the phenomenon, as contextual and environmental factors play a significant role in the trigger of the entrepreneurial process. The present work provides insights into the decisive factors in the career orientation of French engineers, and it can be replicated with samples from various nationalities.
The role of resources: micro‐firms internationalization in the French context
Authors: Hermel Philippe , Khayat Imane
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze resources and capabilities that distinguish between traditional, slow born‐global and rapid born‐global micro‐firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses multiple case study methodology. Three case studies are presented to compare the internationalization pathways of three French micro‐firms.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the importance of leveraging between internal and external resources for rapid internationalization of micro‐firms. The rapid internationalization is driving and facilitated by managerial abilities, innovation and network. The study shows that analysis of micro‐firms in terms of resources and capabilities enhances the understanding of internationalization.

Research limitations/implications

Because it is limited to three case studies, the generalization of findings to a broad sample of French micro‐firms will be needed.

Practical implications

The research suggests that two‐level analysis (i.e. individual level and micro‐firm level) should be considered when examining rapid internationalization. Micro‐firm top managers need to be aware of the importance of developing internal resources to facilitate incorporation of new external resources. Their experience and expertise in addition to the micro‐firm's innovation capacity or reputation can be used to expand rapidly abroad.

Originality/value

The distinction between traditional, slow born‐global and rapid born‐global French micro‐firms in terms of resources and capabilities makes this study original.
The process of export information exploitation in French and Romanian SMEs
Authors: Mogos Descotes Raluca , Walliser Björn
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the exploitation of export information in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the contrasting institutional contexts of France and Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative approach is based on 18 semi‐directed interviews with managers in Romanian and French exporting SMEs. With an absorptive capacity (AC) perspective, this study investigates export information processing in SMEs as a beginning‐to‐end process, including antecedents, inputs, and outputs.

Findings

The efficiency of export information acquisition and assimilation in SMEs reflects the richness of their international experiences, as well as the richness of export information sources accessed in foreign settings. The transformation and exploitation of export information in SMEs takes various forms: sense‐making, decision making, and development of new export market‐related know‐how and capabilities. The AC framework appears consistent with exporting SME managers' perceptions. The managers' testimonies are generally homogeneous across both countries.

Research limitations/implications

This research offers valuable insights into how SMEs can acquire relevant information and then assimilate, transform, and exploit that information. It neither establishes causality across the different dimensions of AC nor links information processing and exploitation to performance.

Originality/value

This research uses a dynamic AC framework to clarify export information processes. Contrary to the vast majority of existing studies that focus on a single element or phase of export information management, this study reviews the entire process, from the antecedents of information acquisition to the transformation and exploitation of export information.
“Method in their madness”: understanding the behaviour of VSE owner‐managers
Authors: Cyr André , Meier Olivier , Pacitto Jean‐Claude
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the sound practical reasons underlying the behaviour of very small enterprise (VSE) owner‐managers with respect to their perceived resistance to the dominant entrepreneurial and managerial models in areas such as management methods, marketing or internationalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The current literature on VSE managers was reviewed in the light of Raymond Boudon's general theory of rationality. Starting from the premise that in science, the simplest explanation tends to be the best, the paper highlights the practical reasons why VSE owner‐managers behave the way they do.

Findings

While there may be cultural or personality‐based reasons why VSE owner‐managers often appear to reject the traditional entrepreneurial model, these are not the sole or even the main explanation. In most cases, the behaviour in question can be explained much more simply by practical, down‐to‐earth reasons. From the actor's point of view, his behaviour is always rational.

Research limitations/implications

This new model of the behaviour of VSE owner‐managers has not been empirically tested.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel vision of the behaviour of VSE owner‐managers, based on the practical reasons underlying their actions, that goes beyond the existing typologies such as the “Traditional‐vs‐Opportunistic” entrepreneur.
Fifty years of entrepreneurship and SME: a personal view
Authors: Marchesnay Michel
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present personal testimony of one of the early researchers on small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship in France.

Design/methodology/approach

The story of a half‐century evolution is divided into five decades, of SME and entrepreneurship development in France. The development of the French academic system of research on SME and entrepreneurship is described through some teams.

Findings

During the two early decades (1955‐1975), both the social legitimacy and economic competitiveness sharply and deeply lowered, while that after the world crisis (1975) until nowadays (2005), the social, political, and economic interest for SME and entrepreneurship has continuously increased.

Research limitations/implications

The academic research pioneered SME during the 1960s, and entrepreneurship during the 1980s. The historical development of the national network of teams and associations is described, increasingly including the international context.

Practical implications

Beyond the personal testimony, this contribution enlightens the problems entailed by the lack of legitimacy of the spirit of enterprise anchored in French society, and, more generally, in all the societies averse to individual risk taking.

Originality/value

The testimony is based on the personal experience of one scholar who early promoted in the French academic system Master and Doctoral courses on SME and entrepreneurship. It outlines some original concepts relative to small firms.
Generalist or specific studies for engineering entrepreneurs?
Authors: Wang Yifan , Verzat Caroline
Published: May 2011

Purpose

French engineering students are traditionally reluctant to envisage entrepreneurship. Can a new engineering school aimed at fostering entrepreneurship reverse this trend? The purpose of this paper is to compare the development of engineering students' entrepreneurial intentions and perceived career orientation of the prestigious engineering training schools (Ecole Centrale de Lille) and ITEEM, whose curriculum is dual (engineering+management), new and based on active pedagogies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on qualitative analysis of 12 in‐depth interviews and quantitative longitudinal analysis of data obtained from a questionnaire administered each year to all students from both schools.

Findings

Results show that ITEEM fosters students' entrepreneurial and project management careers, whereas Centrale promotes the traditional technical model of an engineer. Family background of students is close in both schools. Level of entrepreneurial intention at enrolling is higher at ITEEM than Centrale but cannot fully explain why entrepreneurial career orientations decrease at Centrale while they increase at ITEEM. On the other hand, perception of school culture is weak at Centrale and strong at ITEEM and this difference is significantly with regard to the development of students' career orientation. Qualitative interviews indicate that both cultures highlight different elements.

Research limitations/implications

The cultural element can then be proposed as a new factor to take into account when studying the impact of entrepreneurship education. However, this result is based here on a simple measure of school culture perception and qualitative interviews. It should be confirmed by a more detailed quantitative analysis of cultural and organizational characteristics of educational institutions.

Practical implications

Engineering schools can foster entrepreneurial orientations if their educational culture is perceived as new and innovative by students. This can be achieved through a new curriculum based on a wider set of courses (management, entrepreneurship and engineering) and the systematic deployment of active pedagogies such as project work and internships. A new question arises: can such a perception of innovation be maintained over time?

Originality/value

In the theoretical literature, culture is considered to be an essential element that can have an impact on entrepreneurial career aspirations and intentions. But as yet, no empirically based study had been carried out to prove it.
Strategic governmental economic activities in support of young French SMEs
Authors: Branchet Bénédicte , Augier Bernard , Boissin Jean‐Pierre , Quere Bertrand
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to closely study young French small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The authors highlight the structure of these target firms and build a typology of corresponding business models.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a dataset of 38,000 young French SMEs. It is constituted of all individual and consolidated year‐end financial statements submitted by French firms to the commercial court. Data analysis techniques (principal component analysis then hierarchical and ascending classification) were used on the data.

Findings

The business models stemming from this typology are typical (to the greatest extent possible) and actionable. The authors are particularly interested in identifying groups of SMEs where government assistance would be particularly effective and strategically valuable for the national economy.

Practical implications

One of the authors' conclusions is that the typology is not based on a classical growth model that reflects progressive phases of development in the life of a young firm. Furthermore, it is ineffective and wasteful to focus government assistance efforts on firms based on their age. The authors identify groups of business models where assistance would be more efficient and strategically more effective.

Originality/value

It is notable that this paper relies not upon a sample, but upon the exhaustive collection of all available data on the subject. This research questions the allocation efficiency of governmental assistance on the basis of growth models. It intends to provide a better understanding of the criteria that should be taken into account to enhance targeting of assistance toward businesses with the greatest potential for the nation.