bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DaVinci ‐ A model‐driven web engineering framework
Authors: Langegger Andreas , Palkoska Jürgen , Wagner Roland
Published: June 2010

The World Wide Web has undergone a rapid transition from the originally static hypertext to an ubiquitous hypermedia system. Today, the Web is not only used as a basis for distributed applications (Web applications), moreover it serves as a generic architecture for autonomous applications and services. Many research work has been done regarding the modeling and engineering process of Web applications and various platforms, frameworks and development kits exist for the efficient implementation of such systems. Concerning the modeling process, many of the published concepts try to merge traditional hypermedia modeling with techniques from the software engineering domain. Unfortunately, those concepts which capture all facets of the Web’s architecture become rather bulky and are eventually not applicable for a model‐driven Web application development. Moreover, there is a need for frameworks which address both, the modeling process and the implementation task and allow a model driven, semi‐automatic engineering process using CASE tools. This paper outlines the DaVinci Web Engineering Framework which supports the modeling as well as the semi‐automated implementation of Web applications. The DaVinci Architectural Layer specifies a persistent, hierarchical GUI model and a generic interaction scheme. This allows the elimination of the hypermedia paradigm, which turned out to be rather practical when building Web applications.
Broadcasting commercial advertising using bluetooth technology
Authors: Malik S. Al‐Salman Abdul
Published: June 2010

Wireless technologies have enhanced applications mobility in no small way. They have created new and increasing number of human‐related challenges particularly in the areas of wireless‐based applications such as Mobile Marketing (Marketing). Bluetooth wireless technology is a completely new method through which devices within a short radius can communicate effectively. This paper explores wireless technologies world for marketing purposes, focusing on Bluetooth as an example to build a system that provides an interactive Bluetooth station for marketing purposes. The Bluetooth station includes Bluetooth profile (OBEX), server, and client applications.
Web‐Based Diet Information System with Case‐Based Reasoning Capabilities
Authors: Ravana S. D. , Abdul Rahman S. , Chan H. Y.
Published: June 2010

Encouraging socio‐economic development in developing countries has resulted in many changes in the lifestyle of communities. Changes in dietary patterns are one of the main outcomes from the rapid socio‐economics advancement, for example excessive intake of fat, high‐protein diet (animal protein), salt and preservatives. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension and cancer are mostly related to diet. With the community becoming more nutrition and health conscious, one of the challenges faced is to make sure that the information and knowledge on diet and healthy lifestyle gets across to the community. This paper presents a model of web‐based diet system (WebDIET) that attempts to make diet information and menu plans that are customised to local preference more accessible via the use of Internet. The system is to be used by dieticians who serve as administrators and the public who are the end users. The dietary standard adapted in developing the system is Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Malaysia. The Malaysian Dietary Guidelines was also referred as it emphasises on Malaysian diet. The system consists of six modules namely Authentication Module, Menu Plan Module, Diabetic Menu Plan Module, Food Selection Module, Disease Info Module and Feedback Module. Diabetic menu plan module models the reasoning process employed by dieticians in suggesting menu plans. The planning task is solved using an artificial intelligence technique through the case‐based reasoning (CBR) approach. CBR, generally describes, the process of solving the current problem based on the proposed solution of similar problems in the past. Nearest Neighbour Algorithm was used to compute the similarities in weighted average. Tools used for the development of the system are Microsoft Visual Interdev, Microsoft FrontPage 2000, while HTML, VBScript and JavaScript are the scripting languages used to develop the system.
A Novel Approach for Ontology Distribution in Ubiquitous Environments
Authors: Feki Mohamed Ali , Mokhtari Mounir , Khalil Ibrahim Ismail
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we describe a novel approach for ontology distribution in ubiquitous environments. We present the Context Aware Explorer (CAE) framework we have developed which allows building context aware applications. Our approach, while built upon Web Ontology Language OWL and RDF Schema, is aiming at modeling context ontology for supporting context reasoning and the design of a Smart Rule Engine that maintains a shared model of context for all computing entities in the smart space. The CAE main contribution is its ability to distribute ontology based on abstract parameters related to situation and to user profile. The ultimate goal is to decrease the response time of the reasoning engine with regards to reasoning accuracy. We also describe the implementation of CAE, and its associated ontology, in a prototype demonstrator of smart environment handling indoor and outdoor context aware services. The validation of the ontology distribution approach was applied to assistive environment dedicated to people having motor disabilities and tested within laboratory conditions. Preliminary performance results are presented to highlight the impact of distributed ontology concept.
Systematic Development of Physical Hypermedia Applications
Authors: Challiol Cecilia , Rossi Gustavo , Gordillo Silvia , De CristÓfolo Valeria
Published: June 2010

In this paper we present a model‐based approach for the development of physical hypermedia applications, i.e. those mobile (Web) applications in which physical and digital objects are related and explored using the hypermedia paradigm. We describe an extension of the Object‐Oriented Hypermedia Design Method (OOHDM) and present an improvement of the popular Model‐View‐Controller (MVC) metaphor to incorporate the concept of located object we illustrate the idea with a framework implementation using Jakarta Struts. We first review the state of the art of this kind of software systems, stressing the need of a systematic design and implementation approach we briefly present a light extension to the OOHDM design approach, incorporating physical objects and “walkable” links. We next present a Web application framework for deploying physical hypermedia software and show an example of use. We evaluate our approach and finally we discuss some further work we are pursuing.
MAGGIS: A Mobile‐Agent and GML Based Distributed Geographic Information System
Authors: Guan Jihong , Zhou Jiaogen , Zhou Shuigeng
Published: June 2010

The rapidly emerging of Mobile Internet and the constantly increasing of wireless subscribers' number bring new opportunities and challenges to geographic information sharing and accessing. Current Web GISs, which are accessed by using connection based approaches, are very inefficient in fulfilling the requirements of GIS applications under open, dynamic, heterogeneous and distributed computing environments such as (Mobile) Internet. In this paper, we propose a new system for accessing and sharing distributed geographic information by using mobile agent and GML technologies, in which mobile agents are used to overcome the limitations of traditional distributed computing paradigms in (mobile) Internet context and GML is adopted as the common format for spatial information wrapping and mediation, while SVG is used as a web‐map publishing format that can be processed and displayed in Web browser. A prototype is implemented, which demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Enhancing mobile coupon redemption in fast food campaigns
Authors: Banerjee Sy , Yancey Scott
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how managers can strategize different aspects of mobile coupon promotions to enhance their redemption rates.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary dataset of campaign designs and responses were provided by a Midwestern mobile marketing firm. The data were further analyzed using analysis of variance and mean comparisons.

Findings

Consumers are more responsive to coupon designs which are congruent with the nature of the product. For utilitarian products, they respond more to “smarter” deals with dollar or percent off, and for hedonic products, they respond more to the timing of receiving the message.

Practical implications

Marketers need to better understand local customer demographic profiles to be able to identify their lifestyle – convenient timings, needs, and cravings, so that coupons can be accordingly designed.

Originality/value

This paper examines behavioral data in a new (mobile) medium of direct marketing, which allows the authors to capture data across a wider range of physical situations than traditional media, adding more richness and validity to the findings of the paper.
Creativity chains and playing in the crossfire on the video‐sharing site YouTube
Authors: Boulaire Christèle , Hervet Guillaume , Graf Raoul
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how individual creativity of internet users is expressed in the production of online music videos and how the creative dynamic among amateur internet video producers can be characterized.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers became readers and authors in the aim of providing the academic community with a scholarly narrative of creative YouTube video production. To develop their narrative, they explored the narrative woods that have grown up on the other side of the monitor screen in the form of videos inspired by one song.

Findings

The collective creative force is shown not to be expressed merely through the semantic and non‐semantic montages that make internet users into postmodern tinkerers, but also through such mechanisms as imitation, diversification and ornamentation. This force and these mechanisms give rise to chains that link and connect individual minds, imaginations, interests, enthusiasms, talents, abilities and skills.

Practical implications

As part of a relationship, or even a “conversation” to be initiated, sustained, and maintained on behalf of an industry organization, or brand with its consumers, the authors believe that the way to deal with digital participatory culture and the creative force manifested in innovation communities is to capitalize on these creative chains as judiciously as possible.

Originality/value

The authors suggest that this process should be part of a high‐impact interactive marketing strategy likely to promote (self‐) enchantment and foster loyalty among community members through (self‐) enchantment, particularly via the coproduction of a story, with community members creating the scripts.
Gender differences in using mobile data services: utilitarian and hedonic value approaches
Authors: Yang Kiseol , Lee Hyun‐Joo
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how consumers differ by gender in terms of the values sought from mobile data services.

Design/methodology/approach

The technology acceptance model (TAM) and utilitarian and hedonic value were employed to examine the differences in mobile data services usage. A total of 200 respondents participated in an online survey. Of the sample, 116 participants were female and 84 participants were male. Multiple group structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine gender differences in using mobile data services.

Findings

The findings indicated that the effect of hedonic value was stronger in the female group than the male group. Utilitarian value was a significant driving value in using mobile data services in the male group and showed a stronger effect for the male group than the female group. The results supported that the effects of hedonic value and utilitarian value on using mobile data services generated different mobile data services usages across the gender groups.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that mobile data services can be gendered in terms of utilitarian value and hedonic value. The task‐oriented utilitarian value of mobile data services can be classified as preferred by males and the communicative and hedonic aspect of mobile data services can be classified as preferred by females.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to determining driving value in using mobile data services sought by each gender and the results provide insights for mobile marketers to use in successfully positioning mobile data services into targeted markets.
Integrating management and marketing strategies at heritage sites
Authors: Fullerton Leanne , McGettigan Kathleen , Stephens Simon
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the integration of management and marketing practices at heritage sites in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

The research process involved: phase one, a survey of 224 heritage attractions in Ireland and phase two, semi‐structured interviews with the six organizations that represent the heritage sector on the island of Ireland.

Findings

The findings suggest that market research and marketing communication are vital in achieving a balance between targeting cultural tourists and tourists with no specific interest in heritage.

Research limitations/implications

The study has the restriction of being limited to the Irish case. However, these findings provide scope for further investigation, namely extending to other destinations and to sites which use different techniques.

Originality/value

A combined commitment to visitor research by the individual heritage sites could provide information to the representative organizations to facilitate target marketing and improved onsite management. However, a change of mindset is required among heritage practitioners in Ireland regarding the use of marketing and the implications for onsite management. The authors propose that this is achievable through education linked to the study of models of best practice.
The role of heritage tourism in the Shetland Islands
Authors: Leask Anna , Rihova Ivana
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the role of heritage tourism in Shetland Island destination development and how this links to tourism public policy in island communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted in the Shetland Islands, located off the north coast of Scotland, UK. Descriptive and inductive approaches are utilized to enable the researchers to recognize multiple social structures and draw conclusions from observations and specific information. Primary research focuses on semi‐structured interviews with key informants. Data is analyzed via a mix of content analysis and interpretation of the responses through a connected narrative approach.

Findings

Seasonality is a key feature of Shetland Island tourism, alongside other key limitations to growth including transport links and climatic conditions. Potential conflicts exist between tourism stakeholders and their perceptions of the effectiveness of the heritage tourism public policy in Shetland, though overall stakeholder collaboration succeeds in enhancing heritage conservation and development.

Practical implications

While the findings relate specifically to the Shetland Islands, the general conclusions offer an example of best practice concerning tourism public policy for heritage‐focused tourism in island communities, which could be used in comparable destinations.

Originality/value

The choice of the Shetland Islands as an example of a cold water island destination offers the opportunity to extend existing research and examine how the community of Shetland embraces the opportunities afforded by tourism as an alternative to traditional industries.
Developing sustainable tourism: managers' assessment of Jamaica's ten‐year master plan
Authors: Kennett‐Hensel Pamela A. , Sneath Julie Z. , Hensel Paul J.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The study aims to examine Jamaican managers' perceptions of the ten‐year master plan (2000) for tourism sustainability and its effectiveness in achieving inclusive, community‐based development and growth. The research seeks to determine how much progress has been made and discusses implications for the Jamaican tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey containing 16 open‐ and close‐ended questions was sent to 540 Jamaican managers and executives; 99 surveys were completed and used for analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate Jamaica's ten‐year master plan has the correct focus. The goals of the plan are viewed as important. Goals related to heritage‐based tourism and infrastructure improvements and accessibility are perceived as successfully developed. Weaknesses appear in the implementation and development of community‐based, inclusive tourism and environmentally sustainable tourism. Some significant differences between those employed in tourism/hospitality and those employed in other industries are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The results may not be generalizable across all socio‐economic strata since survey participants are limited to educated business professionals. However, their inclusion – or lack thereof – in decisions that could help achieve the plan's goals, suggests deficiencies in implementation that may be valid across social strata and destinations.

Originality/value

This study examines managers' assessments of hard and soft targets for a sustainable tourism industry. Using a community‐based approach to planning and development, the researchers explore opportunities to enhance tourism growth and sustainability.
Repositioning Malta as a cultural heritage destination
Authors: Foxell Emilio , de Trafford Aloisia
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how Malta seeks to reposition itself as a “cultural heritage” tourist destination. After pursuing an expansion in its tourist industry in the 1970s, by the 1990s a sense of crisis prevails, due to the realization that irreversible environmental degradation is damaging the islands with regard to both the cultural heritage and ecological environment. This case study of Malta focuses on the conditions that prompt a policy of environmental intervention. The paper shows how a policy of change results from three main factors: pressures brought from various stakeholders, the availability of funding, and a sense that failure to act will have serious detrimental consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an account of recent historical background to explain the case of Malta's tourism. Governmental policy documents, press articles, promotional tourist literature, interviews with experts, and relevant stakeholders in the cultural and educational sphere form the basis for the authors' interpretation.

Findings

Governmental policy of investment in the environment is subject to resistance to change due to inertia, the costs of intervention and opposition from entrenched business interests. The role of opinion leaders, pressure groups and of volunteer‐run environmental NGOs is critical in exerting pressure on the government to adopt a policy of intervention to safeguard the environment and heritage as well as providing expertise and constituting agencies to whom the government can entrust the implementation of environmental projects.

Originality/value

The case of Malta as a small nation state offers indications that are not easily transferable but which shows the role of different stakeholders in the implementation of a policy of change.
Viable social enterprise: an evaluation of business support to social enterprises
Authors: Hines Frances
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To identify the challenges faced by UK social enterprises in their attempts to develop the kind of support needed to achieve their social, economic and environmental objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The history of social enterprise development in the UK is traced, focusing on some of the key problems of definition and complexity within the social enterprise sector. Examines some of the current problems facing social enterprises in terms of the provision of business support. Reports the results of a survey of 28 key informants working in 30 social enterprises (20 drawn from Triodos Bank’s client list, 10 non‐Tiodos Bank clients) to gather data relating to: business profile; technical profile; business support; evaluation of business support; and the role of social businesses in the UK and the quality and level of support available to the sector. Includes results for five organizations from two specific industry sectors for more detailed research (electrical and electronic waste refurbishment sector, care sector).

Findings

The results indicated that the current needs of social enterprises are not being met by the current provision for such organizations since such provision fails to address the strategic tension that exists between social and business purpose. Concludes with recommendation for providers of business support and advice to the social enterprise sector.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was skewed towards organic related businesses (farming, wholesale/retailing of organic products) and fewer care‐related businesses than anticipated from national statistics were included.

Originality/value

Provides important results based on research commissioned by Triodos Bank, an ethical and social bank that lends to social enterprises across the UK.
Shaping the balanced scorecard for use in UK social enterprises
Authors: Somers Ali B.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To develop and apply the social enterprise balanced scorecard (SEBS) as an amended balanced scorecard technique for use evaluating UK social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved exploring the potential mainstream application of the balanced scorecard in UK social enterprises to learn how this process show the ways in which social enterprises can develop, and implement and track the performance of their socially driven strategies. Describes the development of an SEBS and its testing by 12 social enterprises in a pilot training programme (August 2004‐December 2004).

Findings

The results indicated that the SEBS had changed participant views about their organizations in terms of: increased employee understanding about their organization as a business; the usefulness as a business planning tool for social enterprises; the natural fit of the SEBS alongside the existing UK quality accreditation scheme of Investors In People; the power of the SEBS to be an effective means to engage staff and team members as an early‐warning system for potential problems; helping to redress the balance between purely financial gains and social purpose; and providing focus, clarity, and the ability to remove non‐essential detail from strategic planning. Concludes that: Kaplan and Norton’s balanced scorecard is capable of being adapted to suit social enterprises; positive outcomes include creating a common language through which social entrepreneurs can share and compare experience, even if they operate in different industries; and the application of the SEBS can enable organizations to become better businesses, while demonstrating social value added to stakeholders.

Originality/value

Reveals the benefits of extending the balanced scorecard approach to the evaluation of social enterprises.
Exploring the meaning(s) of sustainability for community‐based social entrepreneurs
Authors: Wallace Barbra
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To explore the meaning of sustainability from the perspective of community‐based social entrepreneurs (CBSE) on an estate in East London, UK, and enable local practitioners to express their views, and where appropriate, to challenge the values, cultural norms and underlying assumptions involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focused on an area of London that has been trapped in a spiral of decline for several decades and has been targeted for regeneration and renewal by the UK government. Describes the application collaborative inquiry and storytelling as research approaches to gather data from four social enterprise practitioners, where the techniques were chosen to be qualitative and allow the voices of informants to be heard, and their meanings and interpretations to be articulated. Addressed the following issues: what social entrepreneurs mean when they talk about sustainability( whether these meanings differ from the dominant discourse of sustainability contained in social enterprise policy and strategy publications; how sustainability is achieved by CBSE; what the barriers to achieving sustainability are; and whether sustainability is constrained by environmental context.

Findings

The findings indicated that the social enterprise meta‐narrative has followed orthodox business and embraced the values and ethos of the corporate sector (competitiveness, profit maximisation), while social enterprise is seen as an organizational hybrid with social and business goals. Concludes that the small number of social enterprises that have achieved financial sustainability from trading are included in the dominant discourse, but the majority of social enterprises, especially those engaged in community development and those located in areas of disadvantage, are not, and are unlikely ever to be, financially sustainable.

Originality/value

Provides a realistic assessment of the sustainability of social enterprises in areas of social and economic deprivation.
Social enterprise: a case of terminological ambiguity and complexity
Authors: Jones Declan , Keogh William
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To study some of the difficulties involved in defining the nature of social enterprises and the environments in which they operate in order to provide a framework to show how and where social enterprises fit in the overall social economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The complexity of organizations involved in the spectrum of the social economy is discussed in terms of the literature to show how many social enterprises in the UK and worldwide can be categorized as small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Discusses the ambiguity prevalent in the social economy concerning the terms and concepts of “not for profit”, “non‐profit”, social enterprise and social entrepreneur and illustrates the successes, failures and difficulties of the social enterprise sector.

Findings

The four key issues which the definitional debate needs to address, comprise: voluntary participation; independence from the state; the concept of profit (profit making, appropriateness of profit making from certain activities, profit maximization, profit distribution); and ownership and corporate governance. Illustrates the points made in the article with particular reference to three case studies involving: Edinburgh Lothian Council On Alcohol (ELCA) (company limited by guarantee with charitable status); First Scottish University Credit Union Ltd (FSUCUL) (credit union); and Forth Sector (social firm).

Originality/value

Sorts out some of the difficulties and complexities in the definition and classification of social enterprises.
Equity finance for social enterprises
Authors: Brown Jim
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To study a range of options for providing equity finance (equity capital) in social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The UK government’s keenness for social enterprises to overcome the sector’s cultural aversion to borrowing and seek finance for their activities and end grant dependency within the sector is discussed. Considers the different motives of ethical investors and the potentially blurred boundary between what constitutes a social enterprise and what constitutes a private enterprise. Reports on how the Community Interest Companies (CICs), which provides the legal format for social enterprises, has adapted its regulations to pave the way for new forms of equity finance for social enterprises.

Findings

It is possible to adapt the rights of ownership identified by Jeff Gates (1998) to provide the basis for equity finance for social enterprises through its attention to liquidation rights, income rights, appreciation rights, voting rights, and transfer rights.

Originality/value

Clarifies some of the aspects involved in equity finance to reveal the potential of this type of finance for social enterprises.
A new model for supporting social enterprise through sustainable investment
Authors: ul Islam Zia
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To present a practitioner’s view on the experiences of the HELP Foundation, Pakistan, in finding practicable ways of helping poor people to escape the poverty trap through the setting up of sustainable institutions and social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature of fund availability and public policies is presented. Discusses the origin and work of the HELP Foundation, a not‐for‐profit organization (NPO) formed by a consortium of professionals, business people, industrialists and public servants, to develop a robust model for poverty‐alleviation through social enterprise. Examines the approaches used to finance the organization and the changes required at public and individual levels to establish sustainable institutions based on the new model. Reports the gathering of data through surveys and interviews with clients, staff and HELP Foundation benefactors to reveal the mixed results of micro‐finance and the difficulties faced when setting up social enterprises in a poor country.

Findings

The success of the HELP Foundation in deriving a novel model for a workable partnership between NPOs and slum‐level entrepreneurs is reported. Argues that social enterprises can be set up in urban slums through joint ventures between an NPO funder and small businesses that have the capacity to expand. Concludes that such joint ventures should be entered into only after trust has been established between the business person and the NPO. While the involvement of respected members of the locality, transparent processes and close monitoring are all necessary for the social enterprise’s success.

Originality/value

Reveals how the social enterprise concept can be made to work even in conditions of extreme poverty.
Social return on investment and social enterprise: transparent accountability for sustainable development
Authors: Rotheroe Neil , Richards Adam
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To apply the social return on investment (SROI) concept to a case study based on the Furniture Resource Centre Group (FRC Group), a social enterprise based in Liverpool, UK, to satisfy a need for quality affordable furniture for low‐income households.

Design/methodology/approach

The nature of FRC Group’s business is discussed from the viewpoint of how it exemplifies Westall’s (2001) values‐led operation concept with four core values (bravery, creativity, professionalism, passion). Discusses the value of social enterprises and the importance of identifying their social returns as measured by the SROI approach, which was adapted by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) to take account of stakeholder engagement, materiality, impact map, and appreciation of deadweight. Reports on the action research based case study which explored the relationship between the social enterprise business model and the concept of sustainable development.

Findings

The results indicated that the SROI technique demonstrated many qualities of sustainability and, with stakeholder inclusiveness pivotal to the innovative process, it allows for truly connected thinking that reveals advancements in sustainable development.

Originality/value

Provides a stimulus for ongoing research and thought on the dynamic concept of sustainability.
“Balance”: the development of a social enterprise business performance analysis tool
Authors: Bull Mike
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To investigate the higher‐level skills needs and learning provisions for small medium social enterprises (SMSEs) in Northwest England in order to support strategies for lifelong learning and organizational development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved the development of “Balance”, a tool based on an adapted form of Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard (1996) performance measurement and management tool, integrating the notion of incremental learning development, and utilizing Kolb and Fry’s (1975) organizational learning cycle. Discusses the findings of piloting the tool in 30 social enterprises to make a case for an alternative approach to business analysis, where a qualitative approach is put forward.

Findings

The results indicated that the Balance tool provided SMSEs with an easy to use diagnostic tool for collating managers’ subjective opinions in order to simplify the analysis process and provide a reference point for discussing management skills needs. Reveals that there is a spectrum of social enterprise with the “need” or “social” driven organization at one end and the more “enterprise” driven organization at the other. Concludes that the “social” led business tends to focus on an informal, organic organizational system, utilising a loose business framework purely as a means to meeting the social/environment need, while the “enterprise” led business focuses on a structured business organizational system, embracing business logic and businesslike methods and discourse to meet the social/environment/business need.

Originality/value

Builds on research which was published in the previous issue of this journal (“Business practices in social enterprises”, Social Enterprise Journal, Volume 2 Number 1 2006) and outlines the current understandings and shortcomings of SMSE management knowledge.
Social enterprise: a solution for the voluntary sector?
Authors: McBrearty Sinéad
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To identify the factors influencing the success or failure of voluntary organizations to utilize social enterprise models to achieve financial and/or social objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature of success/failure factors in trading ventures is presented. Describes the study to understand why social enterprise models either do or do not work in the voluntary sector. Evaluates findings from five separate consultancy projects with UK voluntary sector organizations, where the consultancy work comprised feasibility assessments of new business ideas for each organization and projects carried out by Beehive Promotions Ltd, a subsidiary of Social Enterprise London (SEL). Presents the critical success and failure factors involved in an action research framework for the organizations.

Findings

The five critical success factors identified were: organizations wishing to trade must have a product or service that can be sold; the need to identify a market with resources and inclination to pay for the service or product offered; ability and desire to change organizational culture; significant commitment from internal and external stakeholders; and the need for organizations to have requisite management skills to deal with the additional complexity involved in pursuing social enterprise models. Concludes that the three critical failure factors were: underestimating the development time required; the bureaucratic burden carried by third sector organizations; and the fact that organizations driven toward social enterprise for reactive reasons and fear declining grant income are less likely to succeed. Suggests that commercialization is not always a good thing for voluntary organizations struggling to build businesses while maintaining a focus on their core social mission.

Originality/value

Fills a gap in the literature where the issues brought up in this exercise have tended not to be studied.
Making sense of social enterprise
Authors: Seanor Pam , Meaton Julia
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To study the ways in which the people involve in social enterprises make sense out of what they are trying to do.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focused on the issues and concerns of participants in a social enterprise network in Bradford, UK, where the network includes both social enterprises and agencies offering them support. Explains that the study aimed to examine the relationship between the development of social enterprise and organizational identity, processes and problems to determine what shared meanings and sense of shared identity are used by participants to make sense of social enterprise, how these are related to actions and projects within the social enterprise sector, and whether there is network integrity in responding and adapting to changes. Reports on a case study involving exploratory semi‐structured interviews, between November 2005 and February 2006, with 11 key actors involved in social enterprise networks in Bradford, all of which were involved in either delivering services to the community or from agencies tasked with supporting these groups.

Findings

Five key themes emerged from the interviews: identifying as a social entrepreneur; organizational identity; common language; growth; and networking. Concludes that the factors involved in the way that actors in social enterprises make sense of their activities include: identity, where most organizations did not identify a heroic leader nor would they choose to become social entrepreneurs; lack of a common metaphor; staying small; and fragmentation.

Originality/value

Provides a useful starting point from which to explore the problems faced by social enterprise organizations.
So you like to play the guitar? Music‐based social enterprise as a response to economic inactivity
Authors: Cato Molly Scott , Arthur Len , Smith Russell , Keenoy Tom
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To study the relationship between organization structure and socio‐economic impact in the Welsh music industry and the potential role of social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The economic value of social enterprise and the role of creative industries in urban regeneration are discussed from the viewpoint of the inclusion of marginalized workers, especially the young, into the labour‐market. Discusses the increasing political interest in social enterprise and explores evidence for this policy interest, including whether the nature of the governance and management structure of social enterprises influences their social and economic impacts. Reports preliminary stages of the research project and presents evidence gathered through case studies of three unnamed music businesses based in South Wales comprising: a development agency based on co‐operative principles; a loosely organized collective of practitioners and trainers; and a limited liability company. Explains that all three companies began by focusing on hip‐hop music but have developed in different directions and have also developed distinct forms of governance, and this enable the relationship between governance, the music industry, and socio‐economic outcomes to be studied.

Findings

The critical analysis of the potential of social enterprises to achieve social and economic regeneration supports the authors’ own conception of mutual economic activity in terms of what they call “associative entrepreneurship”. Concludes that this concept is needed because the existing definition of social enterprise has become too wide to have analytical value. Notes that the authors hope to present the research findings to a conference of creative industries’ academics in the coming year.

Originality/value

Presents the authors’ preliminary attempts to apply their knowledge of the social economy to the music industry as the first stage of a research project funded by the Welsh Assembly.
Understanding social enterprise: a case study of the childcare sector in Scotland
Authors: Hare Paul , Jones Declan , Blackledge Gemma
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To investigate the application of the social enterprise model to the childcare sector in Scotland and develop a practical model for analysing such social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature of ideas on social enterprise found in official and academic literature is presented. The concept of “social enterprise” is reviewed with particular reference to features of the childcare sector that relate both generally and specifically to Scotland. Reports the results of a questionnaire survey, conducted in late 2005 and early 2006, involving 81 childcare organizations (27.0 per cent response rate).

Findings

The results indicated that about two‐thirds of the organizations operated at just one site, with playgroups tending to be local groups operating in relatively small geographical areas. Reveals that the issue of whether childcare should be free caused mixed but fairly evenly distributed responses, from strong agreement to strong disagreement, but the issue of external sources of funding and the problems involved caused the majority of respondents to agree that childcare services are unsustainable without external funding, a finding that shows that sustainability is not the same as self‐sufficiency. Concludes that childcare sector issues and social economy issues are the most significant.

Originality/value

Contributes to the social enterprises literature where there is a dearth of knowledge about the birth and death rates for social enterprises and where improved statistics would help in supporting sector‐related policies more effectively and understanding better the sector’s function and behaviour. Provides information that could be helpful for banks and other financial institutions that might be in a position to offer credit to these social enterprises.
Research on the affecting mechanism of entrepreneurial environment on new firm performance
Authors: Li Cai , Xiumei Zhu , Qiguo Cui , Di Zhao
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to build a theory model to examine the influencing mechanism of entrepreneurial environment on new firm performance based on network view and resource‐based view, and then carry out empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 112 new firms, through the use of questionnaires, in Changchun city, China.

Findings

Evidence indicates that the entrepreneurial environment has an impact on new firm performance through entrepreneurial network and resource acquisition. The results show that eight out of ten hypotheses are supported.

Practical implications

In a hostile, dynamic and complex environment, the new firm should enhance its entrepreneurial network to ensure resource acquisition and then promote performance.

Originality/value

The paper shows definitely the significance of entrepreneurial network as a bridge between external environment and resource acquisition and new firm performance. Entrepreneurial network and resource acquisition are identified as important intermediary variables, and resource combination ability as a moderating variable. This paper examines the influence of external environment on new firm performance. The research has some theoretical and managerial implications for new firms' survival and obtaining growth in highly uncertain and turbulent environments.
Anatomy of nascent entrepreneurship in China
Authors: Long Dan , Yang Jun , Gao Jiayong
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The promoting effects of entrepreneurship on economic development, innovation, and employment has been explained in the literature. However, research on micro‐level entrepreneurial activity, falls far behind practice. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the general laws of Chinese entrepreneurial activities at the micro level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a combination of stratified and random digital dialing sampling, and conducts a longitudinal survey on nascent entrepreneurs. In total, 293 nascent entrepreneurs were interviewed by telephone.

Findings

Preliminary analysis results of the first‐wave survey show that nascent entrepreneurs are featured as young, educated, and experienced. Most entrepreneurial activities are opportunity oriented, which is primarily sought via systematic searching. Most entrepreneurs start their businesses by making full use of available resources or abilities. Saving funds, collecting information of target customers and markets, and analyzing and forecasting financial risks are three main activities most frequently undertaken by Chinese nascent entrepreneurs; and most entrepreneurs create their businesses independently. Most new ventures are small businesses, over half of which take the second‐mover strategy and target mature and developing markets. Only a small number of new ventures exhibit high growth aspiration and entrepreneurs tend to pay more attention to the control of their businesses.

Practical implications

The paper presents an overall deconstruction of Chinese nascent entrepreneurs and the pre‐establishment activities of new ventures. The government and VCs can make decisions based on its findings.

Originality/value

The Chinese Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics is the first survey research program focused on the micro‐level entrepreneurial activities in China. This paper expands understanding of the entrepreneurial process.
The impact of founder turnover on firm performance: an empirical study in China
Authors: He Xiaogang , Wang Zhixin , Mei Lin , Lian Yanling
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the immediate and lagged effects of founder's turnover on firm performance, and test the moderating effects of enterprise scale and founders' tenure on enterprise performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper selects 307 listed companies founded by founder from the Listed Company's Financial Database provided by the China Center for Economic Research. Based on 1,535 observations, this paper tests the relationship between founder turnover and performance by using the random effect model and the fixed effect model.

Findings

It is found that founders' turnover will have a significant immediate and negative effect on firm performance. There exists a lagged effect of founders' turnover, but this lagged effect is not as strong as immediate effect. It is also found that the effect of founders' turnover has been moderated by firm size and founders' characteristics.

Practical implications

Founders should choose an appropriate time of leaving when the firm's performance has reached a level high enough for the successor to have a better chance of improving its future operations.

Originality/value

Although some scholars have recognized the special role of founders and that enterprises' performances are mainly determined by the founders, few have studied founders' turnover on firm performance directly and empirically. This paper expands understanding of the founders' departure behavior on firm performance.