bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An application of the integrated AHP‐PGP model in supplier selection
Authors: Perçin Selçuk
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The supplier selection problem has gained great attention in business management literature. The first objective of this study is to determine the required variables in selecting the best suppliers and to develop a supplier selection model based on these selected variables. The second objective is to explain how an integrated AHP‐PGP model can be used in supplier selection decisions while minimizing suppliers' defects rate, rate of late order delivery, purchasing costs, and maximizing suppliers' scores and after‐sales service levels.

Design/methodology/approach

An integration of an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and multi‐objective pre‐emptive goal programming (PGP) is used to consider both quantitative and qualitative factors in selecting the best suppliers and allocating the optimum order quantities among them.

Findings

The integrated model is presented with a real‐world application using source data provided by the manufacturing firm operating in an automotive industry in Turkey. Findings demonstrate that the integrated AHP‐PGP model can be useful to all firms in their supplier selection decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The integrated model presented in this study could be used to incorporate criteria such as quantity discount, demand satisfaction and budget constraints, etc. Further, the AHP approach could be extended with the genetic algorithm or data envelopment analysis techniques in solving such a problem.

Originality/value

Although there is considerable research in the literature, this study differs from the literature by introducing stages of the AHP model extensively, and adding a service objective function related to the suppliers' after‐sales service levels. In addition, the paper is especially of interest to both practitioners and researchers.
Measuring the performance of public sector organisations: a case study on public schools in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Nagarajah
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically validate the performance management framework for managing public sector performance, particularly public schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance management framework was developed based on the balanced scorecard principle, that is, appropriately managing the performance determinant will lead to excellent performance. The performance determinant comprises four elements; customer orientation, learning and growth, internal processes, and financial management. Focus group discussions were used to derive the indicators to assess these elements. These indicators were later transformed into Likert Scale questionnaires that were used in the subsequent survey.

Findings

This framework was validated using survey data from secondary schools in Sarawak, Malaysia and it was found that the model has an adequately good fit (χ2/df=2.70, GFI=0.88, CFI=0.88, TLI=0.87, RMSEA=0.057)

Research limitations/implications

Since the framework was validated in an educational setting, some modifications need to be made if it were to be used for managing the performance of other non‐profit organisations. However, the structural model proposed in this paper can be used as a generic platform to develop a specific framework for other types of organisations.

Practical implications

The performance management framework proposed in this paper provides valuable insights on the interrelationships between performance determinants and performance.

Originality/value

Even though the balanced scorecard forms the platform for the performance management framework, the author assesses both the direct and indirect effects of the performance determinants on the overall organisational performance using structural equation modelling, a technique that performs simultaneous analysis.
Customer‐focus and business performance: the study of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria
Authors: Gladson Nwokah N. , Maclayton Darego W.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of customer‐focus on the performance of the organisation. While many empirical works have centered on customer‐focus, the generalisability of its impact on performance of the food and beverages organisations in the Nigeria context has been under‐researched.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted a triangulation methodology (quantitative and qualitative approach). Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using non‐parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.

Findings

The paper validated the earlier instruments but did not find any strong association between customer‐focus and business performance in the Nigerian context using the food and beverages organisations for the study. The reasons underlying the weak relationship between customer‐focus and business performance of the food and beverages organizations are government policies, new product development, diversification, innovation and devaluation of the Nigerian currency. One important finding of this paper is that customer‐focus leads to business performance through some moderating variables.

Practical implications

The paper recommends that the Nigerian Government should ensure a stable economy and make economic policies that will enhance existing business development in the country. Also, organisations should have performance measurement systems to detect the impact of investment on customer‐focus with the aim of knowing how the organization works.

Originality/value

This paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of customer‐focus on the performance of the organization, and thereby offers a model of customer‐focus and business performance in the Nigerian context for marketing scholars and practitioners. This model will, no doubt, contribute to the body of existing literature of customer‐focus.
Money laundering: towards an alternative interpretation – Chapter one
Authors: Bosworth‐Davies Rowan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide an alternative viewpoint about the issues surrounding money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines narrative with argument and analysis in an attempt to deconstruct and re‐evaluate the reasons why international money laundering legislation has reached its present stage of development, and, of more concern, why there is still more room for it to grow.

Findings

The facts and the fantasies surrounding money laundering have become interchangeable, depending on whose agenda is being best served. This is largely due to the fact that governments on a global basis have so far found no substitute for the value possessed by their ability to instil in the mind of the public, the fear of the actions of the “international cartels of organised crime gangs and terrorists” a series of moral panics which they are anxious to emphasise and at pains to amplify.

Originality/value

The paper invites the reader to exercise skill and judgement to decide whether this is a realistic analysis of the real reasons which lie behind the introduction of the international laws and regulations which purport to deal with money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Organised crime today: the evolution of the Sicilian mafia
Authors: Balsamo Antonio
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the Sicilian mafia, exploring its evolution and the challenges it poses today for the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a discussion of the issues.

Findings

The present situation of Sicilian organised crime is the result both of a long historical evolution and of the modern development of the economy in the era of globalization. The modern Sicilian mafia represents a threat to democracy, operating both as an enterprise syndicate, in the context of economic globalization, and as a power syndicate, that exacts extortion tax from all the businesses in a given area.

Originality/value

Illustrates the new challenges launched by “Cosa Nostra” and the key role to be played by the development of common evidentiary processes across the common law and civil law systems of criminal procedure in Europe.
Recovering the proceeds of corruption
Authors: Rider Barry A.K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Until very recently there was little real concern in governments and inter‐governmental organisations to address the problems and issues of corruption in the context of sustainable development and stability. This article aims to focus on the present situation with regard to asset recovery in the domestic and international arena.

Design/methodology/approach

The article takes the form of an analysis and discussion of the present situation.

Findings

The new United Nations Convention on Corruption represents a significant achievement in the on going fight against those who seek to corrupt societies. It does not and cannot provide a panacea. There are numerous compromises, fudges and lacuna. However, it does point in the right direction in regard to many issues and provide a vehicle for those pursuing the fight against corruption.

Originality/value

The article provides some pointers for the interdiction and recovery of the proceeds of corruption.
An evaluation of the recovery of criminal proceeds in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kennedy Anthony
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how effective the four mechanisms of UK criminal asset recovery are – confiscation, cash forfeiture, civil recovery and taxation – and whether they, or their application, might be enhanced.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on both the author's own practical experience of involvement in criminal asset recovery in the UK, and other published material in the field.

Findings

While an increasing amount is being recovered from criminals by the various agencies involved in the recovery of criminal assets, there is clearly more that can be achieved with the tools provided. In order to do so, there requires to be change at a number of levels, including legislative, structural and cultural.

Practical implications

The paper identifies a number of challenges, which need to be met if asset forfeiture is to fulfil its potential to reduce crime.

Originality/value

The paper combines a strategic overview as to whether the mechanisms of asset recovery are accomplishing what they are designed to do with a practitioner's grasp of what is occurring at a practical level.
The fight against money laundering
Authors: Geiger Hans , Wuensch Oliver
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide an economic view on the costs and benefits of anti‐money laundering (AML) efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a international, comparative study conducted in Switzerland, Singapore and Germany, the authors outline the impact of AML measures on banks and the financial services industry. The paper discusses possible reasons for the failure of AML to fight the predicated crimes. It also discusses the collateral damage caused by AML.

Findings

Compared with the monetary and non‐monetary costs of money laundering prevention for the society and the economy, the benefits are small. Instead of broadening and deepening the current AML framework, a thorough review of the current approach should take place.

Research limitation/implications

Costs and benefits of AML measures are hardly quantifiable. The authors resort to a qualitative approach, stylising possible outcomes and side effects of money laundering prevention.

Practical implications

Useful set of arguments for discussing the benefits and shortcomings of the current and upcoming AML measures.

Originality/value

Money laundering measures and their impact are examined using basic laws of economy and financial intermediation.
The anti‐money laundering activities of the central banks of Australia and Ukraine
Authors: Van der Zahn Mitch , Makarenko Mikhail I. , Tower Greg , Kostyuk Alexander N. , Barako Dulacha , Chervoniaschaya Yulia , Brown Alistair M. , Kostyuk Helen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a textual analysis of the anti money laundering practices of the central banks of Australia (Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)) and Ukraine (National Bank of Ukraine (NBU)).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is performed two ways by both calculating a disclosure index and through use of textual analysis.

Findings

The results show very low levels of anti money laundering disclosures by both NBU and RBA with NBU usually showing more. Textual analysis reveals that the NBU is prepared to internalise its discussion on anti‐money laundering discussing wide‐ranging topics. There appears to be a concerted communication effort by NBU to tackle the issues of money laundering head‐on. Textual analysis of the RBA's four annual reports show a clipped discourse on anti‐money laundering, treating it as if it were a distant concern. Over the four year period, there is little acknowledgement in the way of RBA textual discourse that Australia is a jurisdiction of primary concern.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that, it emphasizes that, if the globalised activity of money laundering is to be crushed further energies are needed to woo central banks from varied backgrounds into exerting their considerable resources toward anti‐money laundering enforcement.
Management control transformations
Authors: Almqvist Roland , Skoog Matti
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to clarify ongoing transformations in an organisation's management control systems (MCSs) by investigating the nature and emergence of internal change mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an inductive methodological approach. Data were obtained from focused interviews with managers at different levels in one public and one private Swedish organisation. Various internal and external documents were also analysed.

Findings

The findings indicate that one starting point for achieving continuous MCS transformation in organisations is to select specific transformation mechanisms. These mechanisms appear capable of linking various aspects of organisational time and place, and turning general expectations of continuous change into coordinated action through accountability and organisational learning.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on enablers rather than barriers in MCS transformation processes. Selection of the specific organisations studied was based partly on how well established their practices were in relation to new MCS aspects.

Originality/value

The approach of the paper, which goes beyond a rational outcome orientation, focuses on internal mechanisms of change that contribute to an understanding of how and why MCS become dynamic in effect.
How to increase work autonomy in workflow management systems?
Authors: Vanderfeesten Irene
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Current workflow management systems (WfMS's) are often too rigid and lead to “chain production” in the office. The paper proposes a number of “tuning measures” to reconfigure an implemented WfMS in such a way that it is more agreeable to the needs of its users.

Design/methodology/approach

The “tuning measures” are generated through a creative process that is founded on two theoretical pillars: the job characteristics model, from the domain of job design theory and work psychology, and the assignment and synchronization policies, from the area of workflow management.

Findings

By combining theories from both job design theory and workflow management we have developed a number of measures to “tune” WfMS's in a human oriented way. An expert panel has selected the six most promising of these measures. These six measures have been used in the evaluation of three contemporary WfMS's. From this evaluation we concluded that current workflow technology is only partly able to support our measures.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limited system evaluation, it would be valuable to do a more thorough evaluation of the three systems, have a closer study of the other generated ideas, and to broaden the scope of systems we considered. Additionally, it seems worthwhile to perform an actual validation in practice, i.e. an experiment with real workflow users in a realistic setting.

Originality/value

New in this paper is the focus on people working with WfMS's. The paper tries to go beyond the traditional borders of finding a good support for a business process. It highlights the importance of the human factor in the success of the implementation of a workflow system in a company and gives directions for concrete improvement in order to make working with a WfMS more enjoyable to its users. The proposals stated in the paper are of value to workflow designers, managers and workflow researchers.
Engineering change request management in a new product development process
Authors: Nadia Bhuiyan , Gregory Gatard , Vince Thomson
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this research was to compare the behavior of two methods of managing an engineering change request (ECR) process, namely, perform changes as they occur or in a batch.

Design/methodology/approach

This comparison was accomplished by creating a computer model of a new product development (NPD) process and simulating ECR management. The model connects process design and process characteristics (teamwork, parallel activities) to process outcomes (development time, effort). The first method executes the ECR promptly and the rework is done as soon as the ECR is initiated. In the second method, ECRs are batched; in other words, a number of them are accumulated, and processing of the ECRs takes place when a batch of a certain size has accumulated. Thus, the change requests are grouped into a batch, and then, the section(s) of the process to effect the change(s) is (are) reworked.

Findings

Batching ECRs was found to be superior to doing them one at a time.

Research limitations/implications

Future work should focus on refining the computer model and differentiating ECRs by assigning priorities to incoming ECRs.

Practical implications

For product development managers, processing ECRs in batches is preferable than attending to them on an individual basis. Nevertheless, in some situations ECRs require immediate attention. A mechanism will always be needed to deal with situations directly. Also, in terms of batching, ECRs could be processed in groups on a periodic basis. Periodically performing ECRs due to new design versions or prototypes in a timely manner is a good compromise between a random batch mode and doing them individually.

Originality/value

The paper shows that batch processing is superior to executing ECRs promptly as they are received. This result has been shown through the use of a computer model of NPD. To the authors' knowledge, no other studies have used computer modeling to study this problem.
Fading eco‐benign networks
Authors: Williander Mats
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Most research on greening of industry using a network approach has the firm as smallest unit of analysis. In addition, few have focused on technological regimes. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues through research on the firm‐internal network of two automotive firms, the actors, resources and activities of their networks, and how change initiatives in the firm forge and dissolve external networks of alternative regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is based on an insider/outsider research methodology. The specific issues of contextual and temporal boundaries in case research with a network approach were addressed through a relatively open‐ended process of inquiry during which these boundaries emerge and unfold. In terms of data collection, interviews with project team members in the two focal companies were conducted.

Findings

Failure or success is not only a matter of how the alternative regime fits into its cultural ambience in society and how successful that mutual adaptation is, but also equally of how it fits into the firm and the firm‐internal mutual adaptation. Particularly established companies may experience alternative regimes as threats to the established business, even when these regimes are developed inside the firm. In addition, the actors‐resources‐activities model reveals important resource dependencies between established technologies and the alternatives to them. Most likely, such dependencies constitute important complementary causes as to why eco‐ordering endeavors often fail.

Originality/value

The network approach having a mesh that goes into the firm reveals important factors to the outcome of eco‐ordering efforts. The actors‐resources‐activities analyzing tool helped find important non‐human resource dependencies.
Sensemaking throughout adoption and the innovation‐decision process
Authors: Seligman Larry
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Current technology adoption research focuses on relationships between attitudes, intentions, behavior, and their various antecedents, but little is known about how these relationships develop and the processes by which adoption actually takes place. The purpose of this paper is to use Karl Weick's description of sensemaking from his book Sensemaking in Organizations, as a starting point for a sensemaking‐based perspective on adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes sensemaking, explains why it is an appropriate perspective for studying IT adoption, and discusses it briefly in terms of existing adoption‐related models and perspectives. The paper then discusses seven properties of sensemaking and their roles in the adoption process. A comparison of the sensemaking perspective of adoption to Rogers' innovation‐decision process model is presented. Finally, questions to guide future development of the sensemaking perspective on adoption are highlighted.

Findings

Seven properties of sensemaking are discussed with regard to technology adoption. These discussions produced a substantial number of research questions.

Originality/value

This perspective provides the opportunity for a much richer understanding of how adoption occurs and how it can be influenced.
Influence of the business technological compatibility on the acceptance of innovations
Authors: Hernández Ortega Blanca , Jiménez Martínez Julio , José Martín De Hoyos Mª
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyse the influence exerted by technological compatibility upon the intensity of use of the new online management programs made by information technology (IT) sector (new technology companies).

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of perceived compatibility, first defined by Rogers, has been adapted to the specific characteristics of the company as the user of technology, subsequently testing its dimensionality through confirmatory analyses. Additionally, a causal study was made in order to determine the importance of technological compatibility in the intensity of use of online business management. The statistical techniques employed are based on structural equation methodology.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the concept of technological compatibility is composed of several dimensions, which these differentiate the technologies previously applied by the company on the basis of their level of complexity; the overall concept achieves an explanatory power of 56 per cent with regard to subsequent technological development.

Practical implications

Knowledge derived from technological compatibility permits the correct evaluation of whether to accept a new IT application, providing the company with a series of positive synergies which increase the advantages of its online business management.

Originality/value

The originality of this study stems from its innovative treatment of the company as the IT user, adapting to this end the concept of compatibility hitherto exclusively applied to the analysis of the individual. Similarly, in distinction to the unidimensional approach of other research, this study has taken into account the need to establish different constructs for the measurement of technological compatibility and has demonstrated its importance in company technological development.
Do organisational factors support creativity and innovation in Polish firms?
Authors: Zdunczyk Kasia , Blenkinsopp John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Martins and Terblanche developed a theoretical framework of the organisational factors that support creativity and innovation, and the current study aims to provide an empirical test of this framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of existing literature on national culture and previous research into Polish organisations, we developed hypotheses as to the likely position of Polish organisations on these four dimensions. These predictions were tested via a survey of Polish managers from a diverse range of companies.

Findings

The key findings related to ownership – partly or fully foreign‐owned companies operating in Poland appeared to be much more enabling of creativity and innovation than their wholly Polish‐owned counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

Nicholson suggested that Polish businesses would benefit greatly from the adoption of at least some western methods, but that there would be significant constraints to their adoption. This research strongly supports this, but being based solely on a Polish sample, requires further research in order to be able to make direct comparison between firms in Poland and firms elsewhere.

Practical implications

One conclusion of this study is that Polish organisations can draw significant benefits from further effective assimilation of western management philosophy and methods.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing literature on organisational determinants of innovation, and on the transfer of western methods to the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe. It offers insights of interest to managers in Polish businesses and to potential investors in Poland.
The lure of simplicity: learning perspectives on innovation
Authors: Kalling Thomas
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss obstacles to innovation, by using organisational learning and knowledge management theory. The logic behind this purpose is that understanding obstacles enhances our understanding of what may drive innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

While organisational learning and knowledge management tend to focus on cognitive factors this paper focuses on contextual factors such as organisational structure and institutional factors. The method applied follows the case study approach, where a theoretic frame of reference is studied in a one case setting and findings are generalised by means of so‐called analytical generalisation. A total of 86 managers and employees were interviewed in one large multinational corporation within the paper packaging sector, to unveil their experience from specific attempts at being innovative and from the general climate of innovation within the company.

Findings

The empirical findings support that understanding the significance of the organisational context, particularly the structure and control of the line organisation, the interface between the line and the R&D organisation, the availability of slack resources, and the presence of an effective capital application procedure, is important. They also suggest that institutional forces at the market, corporation and individual level are interdependent and impact the propensity to innovate. Findings indicate that understanding innovation requires understanding the roles of institutional forces and organisational context – not just cognitive explanations.

Originality/value

In that respect, the originality of the paper lies in its addressing these factors not just as prerequisites to cognitive issues but as parallel explanatory factors behind innovation.
SME internationalization research: past, present, and future
Authors: Ruzzier Mitja , Hisrich Robert D. , Antoncic Bostjan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the similarities and differences in the internationalization of SMEs and MNEs and the specific factors affecting them.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant literature was reviewed particularly in the context of the major theories of internationalization.

Findings

The positive and negative aspects of each theoretical approach to internationalization are present to form the basis of a new model of international entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

The newly developed conceptual model has not been empirically tested.

Originality/value

A redeveloped theoretical integrative conceptual model of international entrepreneurship is proposed based on four internationalization properties (mode, market, product, and time), internationalization performance, and key antecedents and consequences of the internationalization process.
“Successful” internationalising UK family and non‐family‐owned firms: a comparative study
Authors: Crick David , Bradshaw Robert , Chaudhry Shiv
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate differences in the perceived performance and competitiveness of “successful” family and non‐family‐owned firms in overseas markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on findings from a postal survey and subsequent interviews involving managers of firms that are winners of the UK Queen's Award for Export.

Findings

Statistical analysis and follow‐up interviews establish that limited differences exist between high performing family and non‐family‐owned SMEs in respect of measures and sources of performance.

Research limitations/implications

The data were based on a sample of firms judged to have been successful and therefore the usefulness of the sampling frame is questionable based on the criteria of the award's committee.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that small family‐owned businesses can be just as competitive in overseas markets as their non family‐owned counterparts, assuming that an effective strategy is employed. These can serve as useful role models.

Originality/value

Prior research has focused on general surveys and has not explicitly investigated differences between family and non‐family‐owned higher performing firms.
The role of management characteristics in the internationalisation of SMEs
Authors: Hutchinson Karise , Quinn Barry , Alexander Nicholas
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to specifically explore the role of management characteristics in the international development of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the intention of this study was to build theory from an unexplored area of research, a multiple case approach was deemed most appropriate. In doing so, this paper responds to recent calls in the literature for in‐depth case research (e.g. Westhead et al., 2002; Doherty, 2003).

Findings

This paper highlights the importance of objective and subjective characteristics as factors which impact not only the initial decision to expand and the support of overseas operations, but the subsequent path and pace of international development.

Research limitations/implications

While this paper confirms the pivotal role of the owner manager in the international decision‐making of retail SMEs, it is recommended that future research examines the role of management characteristics in SMEs based in other industries.

Practical implications

The findings from this empirical study have important implications for both managers of SMEs and private and public sector organisations, and these recommendations are discussed in the conclusions of this paper.

Originality/value

While the effect of management decisions upon the internationalisation of SMEs is at a relatively developed stage in the literature, one of the less studied aspects is the role of decision‐maker characteristics. Given the manufacturing focus of research contributions in the field, this paper yields new insights into SME foreign development and the role of management in the context of the retail sector and the broader service industry.
The use of the accounting beta as an overall risk indicator for unlisted companies
Authors: St‐Pierre Josée , Bahri Moujib
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to verify whether or not the accounting beta, a recognized measure of overall risk in publicly traded companies, can be used with unlisted businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an empirical study using factorial and regression analysis to measure which components of the global risk of SMEs are linked to accounting beta.

Findings

The results show that accounting beta does not seem to constitute a global measure of SMEs' risk, being explained mostly by financial risk and not by commercial, technological, management and entrepreneurial risks components.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers will have to turn towards other models than accounting beta that include financial and nonfinancial dimensions of risk in order to obtain an adequate assessment of the overall SMEs' risk.

Practical implications

Risk is the element that determines access to external financing as well as the lending conditions. Results obtained in this research show that accounting data cannot be used to express overall risk of SMEs, because they are not global enough and are not good predictors of future situations.

Originality/value

This article presents limits inherent to financial data to properly measured global risk of SMEs.
Change in SME internationalisation: an Irish perspective
Authors: Nummela Niina , Loane Sharon , Bell Jim
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to describe and analyse the change process related to internationalisation among three internationalising Irish SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a retrospective case study. The data were collected with face‐to‐face interviews with the founding CEOs.

Findings

The study indicates that the changes in SME internationalisation would be more multidimensional than assumed. The level of change due to internationalisation varies considerably and the different types of change are closely intertwined. However, the cases verified that the framework created is a well‐functioning tool for analysing such changes.

Research limitations/implications

The study is an exploratory one, and the findings are based on three cases. Therefore the results can only be considered tentative. Additionally, the retrospective nature of the research design is challenging, as it puts weight on the respondents' memory and ability to identify change.

Practical implications

Based on the findings SMEs might be able to anticipate future changes in the environment and adapt to them. This could also be reflected in their strategic planning. Additionally, the information can be utilised in organising public support for internationalising SMEs.

Originality/value

In contrast to the mainstream research which focuses on the change process, the study examines the content of change, i.e. what actually changed in the company during internationalisation.
Foreign language use among decision‐makers of successfully internationalised SMEs
Authors: Knowles Deborah , Mughan Terry , Lloyd‐Reason Lester
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess the place of language skills in the international orientation of decision‐makers of successfully internationalised SMEs. The position of language skills in this area of literature and policy is problematic and a new paradigm is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers findings from an empirical project using both quantitative and qualitative methods, first, a 1,200 company telephone survey and second, an 80 company batch of face‐to‐face interviews.

Findings

Strong international orientation seems indeed to be a determinant of success in international trade. The decision‐makers of the successful companies were notably more likely to have foreign language skills than those in the other groups and were also the only group to include self‐reported skills at the highest level. However, comparison of the countries in which the firms were dealing with the languages in which decision‐makers claimed skills shows very clearly that the decision‐makers of the “successful” international companies were often not using their foreign language skills in business. In addition, these decision‐makers also possessed better attitudes towards foreign experience and other elements of international orientation.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the implications of the findings for policy‐makers responsible for training and trainers themselves. The evidence supports the view that government subsidies focusing on language training might be better directed at a more varied range of activities to develop international orientation.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the development of qualitative research in this area in examining the foreign language use of decision‐makers in successful international SMEs and locating this within their broader international orientation. It posits that language skills make an indirect contribution to overall international business success which is more valuable than their direct contribution to improved communication with specific foreign clients and markets.
The entrepreneur in the Born Global firm in Australia and Sweden
Authors: Andersson Svante , Evangelista Felicitas
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify and analyse the common characteristics and behaviour of entrepreneurs that affect the establishment of Born Global firms. The differences between the Australian and Swedish contexts will be scrutinized.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was designed to be qualitative in nature so that rich insights can be obtained directly from the entrepreneurs themselves. The sample consists of three Born Global firms each from Australia and Sweden.

Findings

This study shows the importance of entrepreneurs for the rapid internationalization of firms in Australia and Sweden. Different types of entrepreneurs were identified and small but important differences were identified between the two countries and different industries.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that analysis on an individual level enhances the understanding of internationalisation in new firms. By using the concept marketing and technical entrepreneur in different industrial contexts a more detailed understanding of different internationalization patterns can be obtained. This study is limited to two countries and six case studies. The findings may be limited to the chosen firms and studies across more countries and industries are needed.

Practical implications

This study shows that the entrepreneur should be in focus when analysing new firms' possibilities to expand abroad. Entrepreneurs can use their international experience, visions, ambitions and networks as crucial competencies in an international expansion. Different types of entrepreneurs can use different international strategies.

Originality/value

The focus and detailed analysis on the individual level across different countries make this study original.
Firm internationalisation and export incentives from a Middle Eastern perspective
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Julian Craig C. , Baalbaki Imad , Hadidian Tamar V.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the incentives to export that Lebanese entrepreneurs face when engaging in international business.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on an empirical investigation of the incentives to export that Lebanese firms face when engaging in international business. The sample of firms came from a wide cross section of industries and was provided by the Lebanese Ministry of Industry. A questionnaire was developed and pre‐tested using a small sample of exporters with the final instrument used to personally interview all respondents.

Findings

A total of 17 of the 20 export incentives tested were identified as being significantly important. Also, it was concluded that exporters and non‐exporters largely agree in their views of the various incentives to exporting.

Research limitations/implications

One of the research limitations was the sampling technique. Convenience sampling was used in this project. Although it has many advantages, it also has some limitations, including respondent self‐selection.

Practical implications

The study findings suggest that exporters and non‐exporters perceive the same incentives to export to be important. However, exporters and non‐exporters had different attitudes towards one export incentive being “Decline in the Value of Currency Relative to Foreign Markets”.

Originality/value

From the multiple comparisons test conducted on “Decline in the Value of Currency Relative to Foreign Markets” for those who export 11 percent to 40 percent of their total sales and those who export 41 percent or more of their total sales the attitudes towards this export incentive are significantly different from each other.
The charity sector in England and Wales
Authors: Morgan Andrew
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share the author's experience in advising not for profit occupiers on relocation strategy and implementation and to draw conclusions that apply across all occupier sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the issues impacting the charity sector's selection of operational property with a pros and cons analysis of the benefits of ownership versus leasing. Policy implications are addressed by way of conclusion.

Findings

Identifies a tendency for decisions to be taken without the support of a financial framework and to be biased towards an ownership approach, following investment rather than strategic objectives. The need is highlighted to prioritise operational needs and treat property as a business resource.

Originality/value

The paper offers an insight into how property decisions are reached in the not for profit sector, an area not widely addressed by analysis or research. The paper is useful to CRE managers in highlighting policy implications and best practice for property selection generally.
Factors affecting the development of flexible workplace facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence the provision of sustainable and flexible office workplace in built‐facilities, and further, classify these factors under several categories, where commonalities are shared.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has analyzed the published literature for the purpose of reviewing the origin of office workplace design and the reasons that promoted the development of flexible workplace in office‐based environments. A sum of 18 factors for facilitating the provision of the flexible workplace were identified. These factors were classified under four categories, including planning of the building, layout of the physical workplace, information technology networking, and building service systems.

Findings

The survey of literature has revealed that there is no comprehensive overview of factors that designers, developers, investors, facility managers, and planners can use to provide sustainable and flexible workplace facilities, where flexibility relates to the concept of the physical layout and functional opportunities of the workspace. Based on a study of the literature, 18 factors for facilitating the provision of the flexible workplace have been identified.

Originality/value

Designing a sustainable office work environment is as challenging a task today as ever. New ways of working have arisen and new technologies are being introduced into office work activities. This paper presents advice to designers, planners and real estate developers to consider the concept of designing flexible workplaces to meet the emergence of new technologies and the increase in business competition.
Comparing recent technology foresight studies in Korea and China: towards foresight‐minded governments?
Authors: Schlossstein Dominik , Park Byeongwon
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to compare recent third generation technology foresight studies in South Korea and mainland China. Both studies were released in 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of the foresight reports released by the Chinese and Korean governments (not available in English), interviews with the project leaders of foresight studies.

Findings

China is relatively behind Korea in the sophistication of its technology foresight methodology. Chinese foresight is second generation (technology focus) whereas Korea's is third generation (society focus). There is no example of policy up‐take of TF results in China so far but there was one very recent example in Korea. There was no private sector participation in using Chinese foresight results; however, there was limited participation in Korea. Foresight methodology should be generally enhanced.

Practical implications

A better link between policy‐making and foresight process is needed. This requires changes at both ends. Governance issues of foresight are addressed towards the end of the paper.

Originality/value

Original, unpublished competitive paper for the ASIALICS 2006 International Conference, Shanghai, April 2006.
Sustainable development in an industrial enterprise: the case of Ontario Hydro
Authors: Roome Nigel John , Bergin Ronald
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a longitudinal case study of Ontario Hydro – an industrial organization that used sustainable development as the basis for a strategy of social and organizational transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the complex factors that influenced the formulation and implementation of this strategy.

Findings

The findings indicate the advanced ambition and authenticity of Ontario Hydro's strategy, even though it was formulated some ten years ago. The study suggests that the strategy was abandoned for reasons that include the gap between the processes identified in the strategy and the processes followed in practice, the absence of platforms to discuss and agree the meaning and practice of sustainable development within the company and its wider system, and the scarcity of skills to facilitate sustainable development as a process of multi‐actor innovation. Consequently, the concept of sustainable development was not translated into practices that had shared meaning for the many actors involved in the energy system of Ontario. While based on a case study of one organization, the findings appear to speak to more general issues of sustainable development as the management of organizational and contextual change.

Practical implications

The paper indicates much about the process of organizational change to effect more sustainable practices within a company and its social context.

Originality/value

No other organization has pursued a strategy for sustainable development with the same claim to authenticity as that of Ontario Hydro, where the strategy was cross‐referenced to Agenda 21 and developed with input from some of the main architects of Agenda 21. Moreover, few studies of sustainable development in the literature span a period as long as this case.