bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The way towards cooperative project delivery
Authors: Heidemann Ailke , Gehbauer Fritz
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Lean construction enhances cooperative project delivery with a focus on customer needs and the optimization of the project as a whole rather than pieces during the design phase, as well as, during construction. The purpose of this paper is to show that by using the lean approach, project results will be positively influenced by a cooperative project delivery, in the areas of cost, time and quality. Also, the full application of the lean cooperative model is limited by strict design‐bid‐build tender regulations required for public clients.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing lean project delivery system in the USA and the corresponding contract – the integrated form of agreement – and, the Australian alliance agreements have been analysed. The main focus of the analysis has been to identify the fundamental characteristics and factors of success concerning a cooperative project delivery. As a result, a lean system which includes the key parts for cooperative project delivery from the client's perspective will be presented in this paper. It identifies which procurement rules are impediments to early cooperation and – hence – would have to be modified. The reasons for those modifications are given on the basis of the case studies.

Findings

It was difficult to compare the results of different projects and to allocate the influence of different tools to the outcomes in terms of cost, time and quality.

Originality/value

A matrix has been developed that measures qualitative results and correlates it to the use of the tools and is presented in the paper.
Head contractor role in construction value‐based management
Authors: Perera Salinda , Davis Steven , Marosszeky Marton
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Value in construction is defined in so many ways and used to mean many different things, often linked to cost, time, objectives and customers that there exists no concise and complete description of what constitutes value within a construction context. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study the current perceptions of value by the construction players and compare with emerging theories of value in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence of prevailing perceptions of value within the support role provided by the head contractor (HC) to the subcontractors (SCs) is presented based on two years of action research on six construction sites in Sydney, Australia.

Findings

The results show that value management during the construction phase is currently understood as intrinsic to other HC functions. The paper presents a list of activities identified by HCs and SCs as key support services to be performed by the HC to enable efficient progression of construction.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations in generalising the outcomes of this study to the construction industry. Further research is required in advancing the role of the HC in overall construction organisation.

Originality/value

This paper adds value in advancing the role of the HC in construction. Empirical evidence of value‐based management closely following the current perceptions of the construction players compared to managing value as a separate function is presented.
Motivation and incentives in relational contracts
Authors: Darrington Joel W. , Howell Gregory A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Lean projects seek to optimise the project rather than its parts and to maximize value to the customer. To better align the behaviour of project participants with a Lean project delivery model, the purpose of this paper is to argue for compensation structures that better address the economic and non‐economic motives that impact project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Social science research increasingly shows that non‐economic human motives play a key role in job performance and that they interact in complicated ways with economic incentives. By reviewing and extrapolating from relevant literature, this paper explores certain key non‐economic human motives and their impact on project performance, how these non‐economic motives interact with economic incentives, and strategies for structuring effective incentives.

Findings

The paper identifies certain contract incentive principles that the authors believe should promote non‐economic motivation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a starting point for further research regarding compatibility of incentives with non‐economic motives on Lean projects. In particular, more research is needed on the applicability of the social science findings to corporate entities.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that traditional compensation systems are ill‐suited to project‐optimised behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper provides important insight into the problems of traditional compensation systems for construction projects and offers both concepts and strategies that could better align economic incentives with project‐optimised behaviour.
Negotiating time, meaning and identity in boundaryless work
Authors: Kamp Annette , Lambrecht Lund Henrik , Søndergaard Hvid Helge
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Focus on the qualities and rhythms of time are important in order to understand strain and learning opportunities in modern working life. This article aims to develop a framework for exploring the qualities of time in boundaryless work, and to explore self‐management of time as a process, where the relations between time and tasks are negotiated.

Design/methodology/approach

The article consists of a theoretical part that takes inspiration from newer time sociology and leads to proposal of a framework that focuses on the relation between identity, meaning and qualities of time. The empirical part illustrates the use of the framework. The authors present a case study of teachers’ work at an elementary school based on qualitative data collected by observations, teachers' time dairies and individual and group interviews.

Findings

The authors suggest an analytical framework where temporal order is a core concept, and points at conflicts between multiple temporal orders as a focus for empirical studies. On the basis of the case study the article discusses how mastering of time conflicts is an integrated part of doing the job and how professional identity and meaning is at stake in this process.

Research limitations/implications

The article urges for a renewal in research on time and strain at work, and discusses how self‐management of time becomes a new area for learning at the workplace, implying that collective arenas should be established.

Originality/value

The article offers an original contribution to understanding and studying temporal aspects of work and the role of learning processes.
Restrictive practice
Authors: Orr Kevin , Simmons Robin
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper problematises the experience of trainee teachers in further education (FE) colleges in England. It focuses on colleges as employers and developers of their own teaching staff, 90 per cent of whom are trained “in‐service”, while in paid employment. The paper aims to explore how a shift towards more expansive workplace practices could better develop these teachers and contribute towards enhancing the learning culture in FE.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data gathered from two instrumental case studies of FE colleges focusing on the experience of in‐service teachers training in the workplace. Using Fuller and Unwin's expansive‐restrictive framework, the paper draws on qualitative data from interviews with trainee teachers, teacher educators and human resource managers. It critiques the current practice of colleges as employers and considers alternative strategies for workforce development.

Findings

This research finds that in‐service trainee FE teachers are expected to cope with heavy workloads almost immediately upon commencing employment and that these trainees are required to quickly make the transition to full practitioner. Consequently, opportunities to develop are restricted, often leading to conservative practice. There is evidence of the prioritisation of expedience over the development of professional knowledge and creative practice, a scenario that this paper challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small‐scale qualitative research project based upon two colleges within a large and diverse sector of employment. As such, its findings do not claim to be representative of workplace practices experienced in all FE colleges. However, the research gives informed insight into some of the challenges trainee teachers are likely to face during the early stages of their employment.

Practical implications

The paper identifies strategies to challenge current practice and to enhance the work‐based learning experience of trainee teachers.

Originality/value

This paper considers FE colleges primarily as employers and explores the consequences of their employment practices on new teachers as both trainees and employees.
Using appreciative intelligence for ice‐breaking
Authors: Verma Neena , Anand Pathak Anil
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of applying appreciative intelligence and appreciative inquiry concepts to design a possibly new model of ice‐breaking, which is strengths‐based and very often used in any training in general and team building training in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The design has evolved from the authors' study and practice of appreciative intelligence and appreciative inquiry in their consulting and facilitation work.

Findings

A new ice‐breaking design is proposed which is built on a strengths‐based generative model of appreciative intelligence and appreciative inquiry. The new design infuses creativity and positive envisioning into the context of team‐building intervention. The appreciatively intelligent ice‐breaking design engages the team energy in an inspiring manner, channeling the team deliberations and working with a focused positive agenda founded in generative capabilities. Arguments are offered in terms of how the proposed new design is different and advantageous over the traditional ice‐breaking model.

Originality/value

This paper presents a value‐seeking and value‐adding design of an ice‐breaking exercise in the context of a team building intervention. Practical implications of this new design for both OD practitioners/trainers and academic educators are discussed.
Organizational culture and knowledge creation capability
Authors: Wang Dong , Su Zhongfeng , Yang Dongtao
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Organizational culture comprises a firm's climate that informally and tacitly defines how the firm develops and uses knowledge, thus it has a significant effect on knowledge creation capability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of organizational culture on knowledge creation capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 212 Chinese firms collected through face‐to‐face interview is used to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study finds that organizational culture plays a critical role in knowledge creation capability. Specially, collectivism has a positive impact on knowledge creation capability, while power distance and uncertainty avoidance have negative effects.

Originality/value

This study not only contributes to knowledge management research by identifying a key antecedent of knowledge creation capability – organizational culture – but also is of importance to organizational culture literature by demonstrating the proper organizational culture for knowledge creation capability.
Becoming to know. Shifting the knowledge creation paradigm
Authors: Jakubik Maria
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to provide a theoretical contribution to the current phase of the knowledge creation theory of knowledge management (KM) by addressing the need for a paradigm shift and having more ontological and epistemological discussions.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed “becoming to know” framework builds on the KM literature review and on the study of learning, knowing and becoming concepts from several perspectives. Both conceptual and empirical research papers contribute to the framework.

Findings

The paper presents the challenges of KM; it identifies five phases of the knowledge creation theory development through 1995‐2008; it summarizes the main criticism against the theory; and it proposes the “becoming epistemology” concept and the “becoming to know” framework. The main elements of this framework are: engaging, exploring, experiencing, emerging, enabling and evolving.

Research implications

Study of the KM literature reveals several other challenges that are not addressed here and could provide opportunities for researchers. The paper calls for more discussions regarding the paradigm shift and for more attention to the participative research paradigm, as well as action and case study research in KM.

Originality/value

Drawing on the participative paradigm, epistemology of practice, extended epistemology, transformative teleology, becoming ontology and on concepts of learning, knowing, and becoming, the proposed framework illustrates the dynamic, iterative, interactive interplay and evolution of ontological and epistemological knowledge creation spirals that is the essence of the knowledge creation theory.
Developing organisational decision‐making capability: a knowledge manager's guide
Authors: McKenzie Jane , van Winkelen Christine , Grewal Sindy
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Decisions are integral to daily business practice. Sound and agile decision making is argued to be a core strategic capability. Knowledge helps avoid the consequences of ill‐informed decisions. Facts and expertise provide content; know‐how about the pitfalls and requirements of thinking through problems in different contexts contributes to sound process. This paper seeks to offer a staged framework to guide organisational discussions about how knowledge management (KM) can contribute to better decision‐making capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Consistent with a maturity model approach, the study used an interactive multi‐method design to explore knowledge and decision making with experienced practitioners. Guided by the literature the authors collected input via three focus groups and eight interviews with KM practitioners plus 19 interviews with senior decision makers chosen for their good track record. From the combination of input five stages of capability building in five key areas of intellectual capital development were identified.

Findings

The output is a maturity model that can be used to assess organisational status in knowledge‐enabled decision making and plan for relevant KM interventions to improve organisational capability across a range of contexts.

Practical implications

A discussion around current status raises awareness of the pitfalls that can lead to poor or unsound decisions. This can help individuals reflect on how to improve their practice, and organisations to learn systematically from past experience, improve governance of the decision‐making process and progressively improve capability by planning deliberate developmental action.

Originality/value

The paper provides a rigorously developed tool for systematic evaluation and planning about a critical business capability.
Mystery of the unknown: revisiting tacit knowledge in the organizational literature
Authors: Oğuz Fuat , Elif Şengün Ayşe
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to discuss how organizational researchers use the concept of tacit knowledge. The concept has become a “buzzword” in the last decade and has given rise to an extensive literature. The current study views tacit knowledge as a crucial concept that may help link individual understanding and skills and organizational routines and capabilities, a rare topic of discussion in extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper also addresses some of the misunderstandings in the theoretical and empirical organizational literature on tacit knowledge. Organizational researchers usually refer to Michael Polanyi's conception of the term as tacit knowledge, though they mean Gilbert Ryle's concept of “knowing‐how” instead.

Findings

Accordingly, the primordial nature of tacit knowing is lost in the transition and what is left is a linear dichotomy of tacit and explicit knowledge.

Originality/value

This misunderstanding creates an obstacle in the way toward establishing the link between individual skills and organizational routines and capabilities. The paper ends with suggestions offered toward bringing the individual and the organization under the same theoretical explanation of human action.
Transferring subsidiary knowledge in the global learning context
Authors: Miao Yuzhe , Choe Soonkyoo , Song Jaeyong
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore organizational factors that affect the transfer of subsidiary knowledge to both parent companies and peer subsidiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using multivariate regression, based on a survey of 81 foreign subsidiaries in South Korea.

Findings

The findings show that organizational factors that affect the transfer of subsidiary knowledge differ according to whether the recipient is the parent or the peer subsidiary. Subsidiary‐to‐parent knowledge flow is facilitated by establishing efficient formal mechanisms such as an expatriation policy, a subsidiary performance evaluation system, etc., whereas knowledge transfer to peer subsidiaries is enhanced by the length of a subsidiary's operation period and the frequency of its managers' communications with other managers in peer subsidiaries.

Practical implications

This analysis suggests that managers of multinational companies should apply different approaches in managing these two distinct knowledge flow patterns in the MNC network.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the challenges of global learning by highlighting the difficulty of transferring subsidiary knowledge to peer subsidiaries through formal organizational apparatuses.
Knowledge‐mapping model for construction project organizations
Authors: Yun Gangcheol , Shin Dohyoung , Kim Hansoo , Lee Sangyoub
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate and propose the appropriate K‐mapping models as an approach to integrating key project components and technologies for the effective improvement of project performance within and across construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In this holistic, single‐case study, one of the largest construction consulting firms in South Korea has been studied by conducting 15 semi‐structured interviews and the different loci for each of the K‐mapping components are identified and analyzed. Based on the different loci, four types of the K‐mapping model are provided and elucidated.

Findings

Research findings indicate that these four types of the K‐mapping model provide the criteria to identify the appropriate types of K‐map for construction project organizations, according to the characteristics and conditions of their own construction personnel, construction processes, and K‐transfer technologies. With the K‐mapping models, an appropriate knowledge management system (KMS) can be developed more effectively.

Research limitations/implications

First, as interpretivism was adopted as the research philosophy, the case study findings were subjective and qualitative to both the interviewees in the case study company and the researchers, though this study provided an important underpinning for future research on K‐mapping within construction project organizations. Second, the theory developed in this study was based on an investigation of the appropriate K‐mapping models with only a single case study. Nevertheless, this case study provided sufficient data and information to develop and propose a theory for successful K‐mapping model development within construction project organizations.

Originality/value

In the KM area, the definition, benefits, purposes, principles and types of K‐map have been already provided by many KM researchers and practitioners. However, no industry (practical)‐based K‐mapping model has been developed and proposed, especially in the construction industry. Accordingly, the originality of this study to be presented in one of the paper's conclusions: construction processes must be considered and adopted as a key component in the K‐mapping process, and the discussion of the four types of K‐map this research have generated, which significantly expands the existing literature on K‐mapping.
Measuring supply chain management practices
Authors: Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana Beatriz , Gomes Alves Filho Alceu , Backx Noronha Viana Adriana , José Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to perform an empirical investigation about the constructs and indicators of the supply chain management practices framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The measuring framework proposed is based on a survey that was carried out on 107 Brazilian companies. Statistical techniques were employed to verify, validate, and test the reliability of the constructs and their indicators. To validate this framework principal component analysis and structural equation modeling techniques were used.

Findings

In general, previous studies suggest six constructs for measuring the supply chain management practices framework. However, in this study a framework was achieved with four constructs of supply chain management practices, namely, supply chain (SC) integration for production planning and control (PPC) support, information sharing about products and targeting strategies, strategic relationship with customer and supplier, and support customer order. This framework has adequate levels of validity and reliability.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study was that only a small sample of companies in a single sector and country were surveyed, and therefore there needs to be further research considering the special conditions in other countries.

Originality/value

This study investigated statistically set indicators to discuss the topic “supply chain management practices”. The framework obtained has good quality of validity and reliability indicators. Thus, an alternative framework has been added to measure supply chain management practices, which is currently a popular topic in the supply chain mainstream literature. Both defined constructs and the validated indicators can be used in other studies on supply chain management.
Updating corporate sustainability performance measurement systems
Authors: Searcy Cory
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach for guiding the evolution of a corporate sustainability performance measurement system (SPMS).

Design/methodology/approach

A review of published literature highlights the need for further research on the evolution of corporate SPMSs. Building on existing research, the paper presents a three‐phase approach for structuring the evolution of a corporate SPMS: planning for an assessment of an SPMS; conducting an assessment; and following up on the results of the assessment. Key issues that must be addressed in each phase are highlighted and discussed.

Findings

The approach presented in the paper will help guide decision‐makers through the process of reviewing and updating their corporate SPMS. The guidelines will provide needed insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with the evolution of a corporate SPMS.

Research limitations/implications

The approach presented in the paper is a conceptual model. Opportunities for further research are highlighted in the paper.

Originality/value

The paper focuses attention on the frequently overlooked process of reviewing and updating a corporate SPMS. The paper offers practical guidance, including an extensive set of assessment questions, related to the evolution of a corporate SPMS. The paper will be of interest to both practitioners and researchers in corporate sustainability performance measurement.
Performance measurement, organizational learning and strategic alignment: an exploratory study in Thai public sector
Authors: Srimai Suwit , Damsaman Nitirath , Bangchokdee Sirilak
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of performance measurement in the Thai public sector. It seeks to explore the interactive use of strategic performance measurement systems (SPMS) and organizational learning as a means to achieve strategic alignment at the provincial level of government, inter‐organizational networks of public agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were sent to all chief officials of the Office of Governors in Thailand. Path analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings revealed significant relationships between interactive use of SPMS and organizational learning and between interactive use of SPMS and strategic alignment. The results also showed an indirect effect of interactive use of SPMS on strategic alignment through organizational learning.

Originality/value

This paper provides a considerable contribution about the use of performance measurement in inter‐organizational networks which is relatively limited in the public arena.
The strategic fit between “competitive strategy” and “supply chain strategy” in Indian manufacturing industry: an empirical approach
Authors: Soni Gunjan , Kodali Rambabu
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the state of strategic fit between “competitive strategy” (CS) and “supply chain strategy” (SCS) in the Indian manufacturing industry by investigating the mediating role of supply chain strategy between competitive strategy and performance of company/supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This aim is accomplished by using a survey questionnaire that was answered by 185 respondents from various sectors of Indian manufacturing industry. These sectors included automobile, electrical and electronics, process, machinery, textile, food, aviation and footwear sectors. The state of strategic fit is explored based on research framework of “matrix of strategic fit”.

Findings

The major findings revealed existence of a causal relationship between CS and SCS with CS as independent variable and SCS as dependent variable. It was also found that choice of CS and SCS affects business and supply chain performance. The other finding was establishment of the existence of strategic fit in Indian manufacturing industry, which was explained by analyzing the interaction effect between CS and SCS. It was also found that a major hurdle in implementing SCM practices in Indian manufacturing industry is “overcoming traditional practices”.

Originality/value

Indian manufacturing industry is growing by leaps and bounds, but to date there is no study that has explored the mediation effect of supply chain strategy between competitive strategy and performance in India. This paper provides a research framework to study and assess these dimensions of strategy on “matrix of strategic fit”.
Citizenship: participation and exclusion in early modern Europe
Authors: Macrì Geltrude
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the most recent results of the historiographical works on the subject “how to become a citizen” within the European continent in the early modern period (sixteenth‐nineteenth centuries).

Design/methodology/approach

The idea that citizenship status could not mark the difference between natives and immigrants on a geographical basis, as natives were entitled to it at various stages as well, stands out from the presentation of some case studies (the Republic of Venice, the Papal State, the Reign of Naples, France, Spain and Britain).

Findings

In many contexts, citizenship was rather the political recognition of social and economic integration of somebody that already acted as a citizen within the new setting.

Originality/value

The comparative perspective can lead us to some reflections, when we notice that participation in the life of the local community was often the main requirement for applying for its citizenship, at least until the spread of nation states in the nineteenth century.
Arbitration of investment disputes under Iranian investment treaties
Authors: Atai Ardeshir
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the remedies available under Iranian investment treaties for settlement of investment disputes. This includes the obligation of the Iranian Government to provide foreign investors access to international arbitration. The sensitivity of the controversial Iranian nuclear program and the imposition of economic and financial sanctions on Iran will lead to the termination of many contracts between companies from Europe and the West and Iran, therefore, a viable solution must exist to address the rights and remedies of foreign investors. This article aims to provide an insight into Iranian treaties.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method was a survey of different treaties signed by Iran.

Findings

The discussion revealed that there are currently more than 50 treaties signed and ratified by Iran which provide arbitration as a dispute resolution forum. There are many treaties between the member countries of the European Union which make it important for the research. Iranian treaties guarantee international law remedies to foreign companies with investment in Iran by allowing them to seek redress in an international forum.

Practical implications

Iran has not signed the ICS1D Convention, meaning that the arbitration proceedings will be subject toad hocarbitration rules of UNCITRAL. Furthermore, ICSID rules on enforcement of the award do not apply. Therefore, the winning party must go through the Iranian courts to enforce its awards.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to government organization, international institutions and multinational companies with substantial economic interest in Iranian energy and natural resources. For the first time, the topic has been covered in a research paper. There are no articles in Iranian bilateral investment treaties (BITs) addressing dispute resolution through arbitration. This is the first piece of work that actually conducted a thorough analysis of Iranian BITs.
Intellectual property regime and the global financial crisis: lessons from Nigeria
Authors: Adewopo Adebambo
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to point out the vital role an effective regulatory regime can play in any sector of a nation's economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the regulatory mandate of the Nigerian Copyright Commission on the Nigerian copyright‐based industries as an example.

Findings

The paper underscores the vital role of an effective regulatory regime in facilitating the growth, development and crisis prevention in any sector of a nation's economy.

Originality/value

The paper advocates an adoption of an effective regulatory regime to prevent a reoccurrence of the global financial crisis.
Exploring the Philippine economic landscape and structural change using the input‐output framework
Authors: Magtibay‐Ramos Nedelyn , Esther Estrada Gemma , Felipe Jesus
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the degree of structural change of the Philippine economy and examine how linkages among sectors evolved during 1979‐2000.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the input‐output tables of the Philippines to draw the economic landscape of the Philippines and to examine the degree of structural transformation that the economy has undergone since the 1970s. They perform a linkage analysis of 11 major economic sectors and through the multiplier product matrix, plot the economic landscape of the Philippines for 1979‐2000. This allows identification of the sectors that have exhibited the highest intersectoral linkages. The authors also undertake a more disaggregated analysis within manufacturing and consider export sophistication and competitiveness.

Findings

Manufacturing is consistently the key sector of the Philippine economy. Resource and scale‐intensive manufacturing industries exhibit the highest linkages. The authors also find a growing impact on the economy of private services and transportation, communication and storage sectors, probably due to the globalization of these activities. But overall, compared to manufacturing, the service sector exhibits lower intersectoral linkages.

Originality/value

The economic landscape of the Philippines shows the structural changes that have taken place. The empirical findings lead to the conclusion that the Philippines cannot afford to leapfrog the industrialization stage and depend solely on a service‐oriented economy, when the potential for growth still lies primarily on manufacturing. The results of this study can be used for government policy formulation. The government should institute policy reforms that directly target the industrial sector to accelerate economic growth.
Encouraging pharmaceutical innovation to meet the needs of both developed and developing countries
Authors: Longo Christopher J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Current pharmaceutical global pricing strategies functionally exclude developing countries from the market for drugs to treat many diseases. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate some of the proposed patent reward models to determine their feasibility in the current environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of a variety of proposals including special financing or tax arrangements, public‐private partnerships, and government‐funded patent purchases are briefly reviewed. A more in‐depth examination of the recently proposed health impact fund (HIF) is undertaken.

Findings

In brief, the HIF requires developed countries to donate to a fund that finances the release of pharmaceutical patents. The pharmaceutical companies would be reimbursed over a ten‐year period from the government donation pool based on the medicine's health impact. The expected consequence of this policy would be affordable medicines for developed and developing countries. This examination highlights deficiencies in the current HIF strategy and offers a number of suggestions mostly focused on a more balanced sharing of the inherent risks in pharmaceutical product development to improve the strategies viability.

Practical implications

Although among the proposed strategies, the HIF offers the most promise, the suggested changes would result in a program viewed more favourably by the pharmaceutical industry and participating countries.

Originality/value

Although it is recognized that pricing challenges are limiting the availability to essential medications in developing countries, current strategies often ignore many of the market dynamics for pharmaceuticals. This critique, focused on the HIF strategy, is presented in an effort to improve the likely success of the most promising of these strategies.
Promotional channels of FMCG firms and tourism
Authors: Poulis Konstantinos , Poulis Efthimios
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed more light on the influence of a tourism‐oriented environment on the promotional channel strategies of fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises an exploratory, qualitative research design among 14 case studies of FMCG firms operating in the tourism‐oriented environment of Greece.

Findings

Findings show that most firms utilise adapted promotional channels due to the influence of structural characteristics of the tourism industry and tourists' modes of behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this qualitative study are limited to the context that is investigated and thus, future researchers are encouraged to investigate similar contexts with the goal of generalising findings.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that firms ought to appreciate the contextual idiosyncrasies of Euro‐Mediterranean countries (as a result of international tourism) and thus, tailor their programs to these idiosyncrasies, which are distinct from other non‐tourism‐oriented environments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the effect of tourism‐induced idiosyncrasies of Euro‐Mediterranean countries on FMCG firms' promotional strategies. In light of the increasing importance of global consumer mobility, such studies are expected to increase.
Connecting the Mediterranean system of innovation: a functional perspective
Authors: Lopez‐Vega Henry , Ramis‐Pujol Juan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a first exploratory overview of the Mediterranean system of innovation and present the results of interactive work with 25 innovation delegates from northern and southern Mediterranean countries. The study comes at a watershed for the Union for the Mediterranean, which is drawing up innovation policies for the future and debating ways of boosting core activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research benefits from the established literature on innovation systems (IS) to study how Mediterranean countries are enhancing their innovation capabilities. In collaboration with the European Institute of the Mediterranean, this research invited delegates from northern and southern Mediterranean countries, programme directors and representatives from the European Commission to discuss national and regional innovation activities in their own countries.

Findings

The data shed light on how activities conducted by public and private organisations influence the IS functions, revealing shifting services and business models. Finally, the data highlighted the need to draw up an innovation strategy to boost R&D capabilities.

Originality/value

The value of this research lies in the application of the well‐established IS approach to the Mediterranean case and a description of existing enabling and blocking mechanisms.
Is there new evidence to show that product and international diversification influence SMEs' performance?
Authors: Muñoz‐Bullón Fernando , Sanchez‐Bueno Maria J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint effect of product and international diversification strategies on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on a panel data of small and medium Spanish manufacturing enterprises over the period 1993‐2006, collected from the Spanish Survey of Business Strategies.

Findings

The evidence reveals the existence of a negative relationship between geographic expansion and profitability. Likewise, the adoption of both product and international diversification is not associated with higher performance.

Research limitations/implications

A promising avenue for future research is the analysis of firms located in different countries (for example, emerging economies), or the study of this issue considering factors such as the ownership structure (family firms, the role of the state and banks, etc.).

Practical implications

The authors' analysis underlines the fact that the distinctive particularities of SMEs – for example, limited resources, lack of previous experience in the adoption of new products and accessing new markets – might constrain diversification as an alternative for firm growth. As a practical implication, Spanish SMEs should overcome their shortcomings before adopting diversification in order to improve the profitability associated with these strategies.

Originality/value

Although Spain's economic structure is highly segmented and made up of mainly SMEs, research on these companies in this country is rather scarce. In particular, the distinctive characteristics of SMEs mean that diversification might have different performance implications than for larger companies. Moreover, the authors' analysis offers new insights compared to previous research, which has traditionally relied on cross‐section data.
Assessing the consumer's choice of purchase channel in the tourism sector
Authors: Izquierdo‐Yusta Alicia , Pilar Martínez‐Ruiz María
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the most important economic factors that determine choice of distribution channel when booking a tourism service. The theoretical framework applied to meet this objective is agency theory, as it provides insight into the effects arising from problems such as information asymmetries and opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of a sample composed of 805 tourists who made their reservation through either the internet or traditional channels has provided interesting conclusions, allowing different hypotheses to be contrasted using a structural equation analysis.

Findings

This study has shown how the main source of uncertainty in the stages leading up to the choice of purchase channel is due to a lack of trust towards the internet. In this regard, the signals emitted by firms in order to mitigate information asymmetries contribute to generating trust towards the selected firm; however, they neither reduce the risk differential existing between channels nor the associated transaction costs. In addition, trust in the chosen firm shows that the buyer makes the reservation through the channel with the least perceived risk.

Research limitations/implications

The research has underlined that the greater the differential in transaction costs between the internet and the traditional channels, the greater the propensity of buyers to make their purchases through alternative distribution channels. In addition, clients perceive greater internet transaction costs with respect to the traditional channels, a fact that may be contrasted with the purpose behind its creation.

Practical implications

The differences between the information provided by economic agents and the information that is requested by the client reveal a need for greater awareness among those offering the services, in order for them to improve the way in which they target the consumer, especially in relation to the management of information flows. Furthermore, steps should be taken to improve internet security systems and undertake joint actions that are formalised and coordinated by all of the agents involved so that clients perceive internet as a secure channel. Finally, internet‐related skills should be developed to allow the consumer to search for information in a more efficient way.

Originality/value

The study deals with a recent line of new research. It is also performed in the context of Mediterranean countries, which represents a further important contribution, given that very few empirical studies focus on this geographical region.
Cultural factors affecting consumer behaviour: a new perception model
Authors: Pantano Eleonora
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study consumers' perception regarding Calabrian local products and the role of Magna Græcia culture in their buying behaviour, in order to identify a new model which can deliver concrete results for the area as regards marketing strategies and territorial communication, thereby influencing in a positive way the regional development. In fact, many products and artefacts reflect the finds in the region from the ancient Greek era which ran from the eighth century BC to the first century AD (called “Magna Græcia”). Despite this considerable patrimony, Calabria has still not fully exploited its potential.

Design/methodology/approach

The research conducted has been developed by using two different approaches: the first qualitative, the second quantitative. In particular, the qualitative method (in depth interviews with marketing experts) has been used initially to find important considerations which constituted the base for the subsequent quantitative research (focused on the questionnaires with consumers) can then build upon.

Findings

This research carried out a new consumers' perception model of local products coming from Magna Græcia. In particular, the model shows the most important factors influencing the perception, which are related to cultural value of the products.

Practical implications

Calabrian marketers could improve their strategies by focusing on the cultural value of their products, as well as on the link products/territory and on the role of Magna Græcia culture on the creation of the products.

Originality/value

An important aspect which has emerged is the key role of culture‐related factors (regional image and authenticity) on consumers' perception, which affect consumers' buying behaviour and the total expenditure on local products. Furthermore, the research undertaken is of an inter‐disciplinary nature being comprised of elements linked to both marketing and psychology, which combine to produce revealing insights.
An experience‐based view of co‐opetition in R&D networks
Authors: Schiavone Francesco , Simoni Michele
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between prior experience of organisations and their “co‐opetitive” behaviours in forming research networks when a R&D programme is launched in order to fund future research projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on both resource‐based writings and social embeddedness studies, the paper posits that two types of co‐opetition – namely the intra‐network and inter‐network co‐opetition – should be clearly distinguished in order to understand co‐opetitive behaviours of organisations. These two types of co‐opetition arise as a consequence of the different levels of firms' prior experience in forming successful co‐opetitive networks with their competitors.

Findings

A reverse U‐shape trade‐off between the two types of co‐opetition is hypothesised: the maximum level of intra‐network co‐opetition and the lowest of inter‐network co‐opetition are expected for low and highlevels of prior experience; the minimum level of intra‐network co‐opetition and the highest of inter‐network co‐opetition are expected for moderate levels of prior experience.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on how co‐opetitive relationships emerge in R&D networks and under which circumstances competition prevails on cooperation.
Antecedents and performance impacts of product versus process innovation
Authors: Murat Ar Ilker , Baki Birdogan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between seven antecedent factors (R&D strategy, top management support (TMS), customer focus (CF), organizational learning capability (OLC), creative capability (CC), organizational collaboration (OC), and supplier relationship (SR)), two innovation types (product and process), and firm performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper formulates 16 hypotheses from the literature review. These hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling with data collected from 270 managers of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Turkish science and technology parks (STPs).

Findings

The findings indicate that both of product and process innovation have a strong and positive association with FP. While antecedents such as R&D strategy, TMS, CF, CC, and SR have significant impact on product innovation, other antecedents such as OLC and OC have a significant and positive impact on process innovation.

Practical implications

The results of this study could be used by any managers of SMEs located in STPs to improve successful innovation projects. The results also provide companies operating in Turkish STPs with useful information on how their policies and actions might affect firm innovation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a clarification of the reasons that may be behind a positive, a negative, or a non‐significant effect of the many antecedents on the product and process in SMEs located in Turkish STPs.