bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production Processes Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHow SMEs arranged their factory floor and the kind of processes, proprietary, or other, they employed, including the extent of automation in use, are all important aspects of the process practices. Swiss SMEs have realized that reliance on product feature advantages alone, even if protected by patents, is not sufficient to guarantee a lasting competitive advantage. Many companies, over time, have developed proprietary processes that are not available on the open market. This can include proprietary production or custom equipment developed and built in-house for key steps of the production process. Automation and robotization are extensively applied throughout, much of this designed by the companies themselves. The longevity of the companies fosters long-term improvements that are not available on the free market.
Product Design Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHow SMEs dealt with the trade-offs between functionality, design, and ergonomics to compensate for a high-cost production basis and offering customers a competitive in-use price is key to their overall competitiveness. Design for durability is an important practice as it decreases in-use costs over time and offsets higher acquisition costs. For marketing success, design flair can be used to enhance the product appearance and looks. A very important element is the ergonomics and ease of use of a product as this can both reduce in-use costs and make the higher price tag the most efficient solution after all. The chapter ends with a discussion of the more recent concept of design thinking and how some of the Swiss SMEs have applied this idea well before the term became fashionable.
Product Line Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSuccess in global markets is not only dependent on the quality and effectiveness of a single product. For many firms, even as they focus on narrow niches, the number of product variations they can cram into a narrow market space becomes a competitive advantage. How SMEs dealt with requirements for product line depth vs. breadth and, in particular, how they managed to use platforming and modularity to maximize product variations to increase the number of SKUs offered in their chosen market space. To enable such market cramming, companies have adopted extensive modularization strategies to create a maximum of product variations from a limited set of components. Platforming is another method companies use to create multiple variations from a single platform which is more efficient to produce and market. The combination of both modularization and platforming is allowing this game to be played to an even greater extent, permitting a small company to become a relative giant in a small space.
Sourcing the Defining Business Idea
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHow did the founders come upon their central, defining business idea that went on to shape the destiny of their companies? Although many of the firms profiled in this book are known for their products as of today, it is rarely known how they arrived at these ideas. Some left an unresponsive employer, some capitalized on personal experience, and others responded to walk-in innovators. There were those who listened to customer recommendations or were simply reading about an idea in a publication. Even a rejected job application turned out to be the source of a thriving company! By putting the spotlight on the idea finding process, the authors hope to trigger future generations of company founders to be more effective in identifying such ideas. A central idea described is the Open Mind or principle that emerged from the many conversations and interviews.
Innovation Processes
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe extensive examination of the defining innovations, which were gleaned from the documented companies, was driven by the importance those early decisions had in shaping the companies. Most of these ideas were product innovations. The separation of the defining ideas from ongoing product innovations was based upon the need to show that following an initial Big Bang step, company management then had to refine these product ideas over time. While the first ideas were often generated from the outside and involved little or no formal research or development, the firms needed to engage in the constant renewal of their product lines in order to stay on top. It was observed that this is actually a different process: one that is most pronounced at those companies where the starting idea was built upon over a long period of time.
Organizing for Innovation
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGiven that innovative ideas are expected to be generated on a permanent basis, it is interesting to observe that among the documented firms, there were special practices in place to assure that ideas and improvements would roll off the assembly line of innovation. Such organizational practices were particularly prevalent in firms which could be classified as platformers, or those practicing and dependent on a steady stream of new product versions, or variants.
Leveraging Resources for Growth
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpecific managerial practices adopted by the SMEs have been detailed in previous chapters. This chapter takes a step back and reviews the growth trajectories of the documented firms over their histories. Plotting growth (expressed in sales) over time (expressed in years) resulted in a scatter diagram that demonstrates substantial differences across the 36 sample firms. If these firms followed the managerial practices described earlier, what then accounted for the substantial differences in size and the speed of growth over the life of the companies? Were there differences as to which combinations of the chosen practices have been utilized?
Company Profiles
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis final chapter, containing the full-length profiles of each of the 36 companies representing the base of this research project, plays an integral role in Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship. Although the various profiles have been quoted extensively as part of the analysis in the previous chapters, those excerpts were used to illustrate a particular concept, finding or practice. A reader, going through the previous chapters, cannot possibly gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and trajectory of a given company in the main book text; this section allows for a more in-depth reading, one company at a time. The company profiles are organized in the order of when each of the enterprises was founded.
Boards and Governance
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCompany boards play a big role in the governance of SMEs and different models were traced from family boards to foundations, as well as the impact of dual board structures frequently adopted. Covering governing arrangements, the chapter reports how SMEs dealt with board roles at public, family-owned, and foundation-owned companies. Discussion of the emergence of dual board structures and the structure of boards at investor-driven companies. The chapter ends with comments on the evolution of boards at SMEs.
Financing the Enterprise
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter examines the many different pathways company founders and successors pursued to finance their businesses, as well as the financial practices adopted to assure the longevity of the companies. Describing frugal beginnings such as setting up in garages and old factory buildings to start, the chapter deals with the bootstrapping mentality and experience with tapping family resources or personal savings. SME experience with leveraging external financing are reported. Finally, the chapter concludes with experiences of SMEs financing themselves internally, such as based upon cash flow and applying conservative financial policies.
Franchise Focus Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter centers around the concept of the customer franchise defined as a distinct group of users for whom a company offers a central element or product. Explanations are offered how companies attach such groups to their products and create loyalty. Examples are cited of companies that manage to create a single customer franchise around a distinct group of companies that rely on the supplier for a critical part of their business processes. Franchises may also be created around a particular industry or around institutions. Particular emphasis is placed on the creation of customer franchise anchored around a particular professional group with client companies. Solution-based franchises are built on supplying entire solutions for customers also leading to a systems-centered approach in franchise building. The chapter ends with company examples of consumer franchise building practiced by B2C firms and how this process differs from the franchise building in the B2B sectors.
Courses of Action for Improving the Safety of the Powered Cycle
Authors: Vinckx Luc , Davies Huw 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the possibility to include a number of safety features from passenger cars in powered cycles with three or four wheels, whilst complying with the legal definitions and requirements, and also the legal conditions to use the bicycle lanes. The differences between technical specifications contained within EU law for pedal cycle with pedal assistance, powered cycles, quadricycles and passenger cars will be explained. Further, examples of traffic code rules with respect to the use of bicycle lanes in different countries will be discussed. Finally, the need for new safety criteria for powered cycles, replacing the existing power limit, is highlighted. In addition to the above, the need for a different technical approach to deal with the stability of 1 m wide e-bikes with a vehicle height similar to a mainstream passenger car will be discussed.
Electrification of Urban Three-Wheeler Taxis in Tanzania: Combining the User’s Perspective and Technical Feasibility Challenges
Authors: Goletz Mirko , Ehebrecht Daniel , Wachter Christian , Tolk Deborah , Lenz Barbara , Kühnel Meike , Rinderknecht Frank , Hanke Benedikt 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study assesses the feasibility of electric three-wheelers as moto-taxis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from a socioeconomic and technical point of view. The analysis is based on three pillars: (i) the acceptance of users (the moto-taxi drivers) for adoption, (ii) the vehicle specifications incl. battery type and size, and (iii) the role of the charging infrastructure. Findings are based on data from empirical field-work; methods used are qualitative and quantitative data analysis and modelling. Main findings include that moto-taxi drivers, who we see as most important adopters, are open towards electric mobility. They request however that vehicles should have similar driving characteristics than their current fuel-vehicles. As the market is very price sensitive, keeping the vehicle cost is of high importance. A high potential to lower these costs is seen by offering opportunity charging spots around the city. If such an infrastructure is being implemented the combination with suitable, cost competitive vehicles makes the transformation of the vehicle market towards electrification possible.
Product-Service Systems Development for Sustainability. A New Understanding
Authors: Vezzoli Carlo , Ceschin Fabrizio , Diehl Jan Carel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract.This chapter introduces the concept of Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS). S.PSS is an offer model providing an integrated mix of products and services that are together able to fulfil a particular customer/user demand (to deliver a “unit of satisfaction”), based on innovative interactions between the stakeholders of the value production system (satisfaction system), where the ownership of the product/s and/or the life cycle services costs/responsibilities remain with the provider/s, so that the same provider/s continuously seek/s environmentally and/or socio-ethically beneficial new solutions, with economic benefits. Next it discusses the potentional environmental, socio-ethical and economical benefits of S.PSS.
Integrating S.PSS and DE
Authors: Balasubramanian Ranjani , Vezzoli Carlo , Ceschin Fabrizio , Matthew Jacob , Sinha Abhijit , Neusiedl Christoph 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe combination of Sustainable Product-Service Systems (S.PSS) and Distributed Economies (DE) has been considered as a promising mode of developing sustainability through regional resilience and by empowering a shift to a more localized economic model. This chapter examines case studies from around the world that use combinations of S.PSS and DE to varying degrees and in different industry sectors to analyse the opportunities that it presents. The chapter then goes on to provide a framework for categorizing various models of S.PSS and DE combinations and ends with an analysis of the barriers to implement such models.
Designing S.PSS and DE: New Horizons for Design
Authors: Vezzoli Carlo , Petrulaityte Aine , Banerjee Sharmistha , Upadhyay Pankaj , Punekar Ravi Mokashi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAssuming S.PSS applied to DE is an opportunity for a locally based sustainability for all, as introduced in this volume, we envision a new role for designers: Designing Sustainable Product-Service Systems applied to Distributed Economies, or shortly System Design for Sustainability for All (SD4SA).
S.PSS and DE in Practice
Authors: Garcia Parra Brenda , Kohtala Cindy , Marttila Tatu , dos Santos Aguinaldo , Molina Mata Sandra , Zhong Fang , Xia Nan , Liu Xin , Zhang Jun , Banerjee Sharmistha , Upadhyay Pankaj , Punekar Ravi Mokashi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractContemporary challenges related to sustainability are shared across the globe. Their materializations, prioritizations and emphases, however, vary from one region to another. This chapter shares the experiences from LeNSin project seminars and pilot courses and discusses the potential of design education as a transdisciplinary matchmaker between various actors and networks.
Legal Issues Affecting Labour Market Integration of Migrants in Finland
Authors: Bontenbal Ilona , Lillie Nathan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFinland has only relatively recently become a country of immigration, and as a result most immigration and integration policy legislation is also relatively recent. Since the 1990s, the number of migrants to Finland has increased steadily, motivating the adoption of various policy measures to regulate migration and support integration. From the perspective of migrant labour market integration, the two most important legislative acts are the Aliens Act (FINLEX 301/2004) and the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (FINLEX 1386/2010), which lay out basic labour market integration supports for migrants, and determine who can work in Finland and on which grounds. Finland’s comprehensive residence-based welfare state policies and collective bargaining based labour regulation also shape labour market outcomes for migrants. Immigrants working in Finland are subject to the same labour regulations as native Finnish citizens. There are different justifications for labour market access for different groups of immigrants, depending on from which country they come, and what kind of work they are doing. The chapter will go over the principle legislation regulating migration and migrants working in Finland. Also, the legislative basis for applying for asylum is discussed.
Between Reception, Legal Stay and Integration in a Changing Migration Landscape in Greece
Authors: Bagavos Christos , Kourachanis Nikos , Lagoudakou Konstantina , Xatzigiannakou Katerina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSignificant transformations in the migratory landscape of Greece have been observed recently. In practice, the mixed flows of migrants and refugees have modified the role of Greece as a migrant-receiving country. Immigration, in terms of either transit or settled immigrants, has become a major policy issue; additionally, it has mobilized national authorities, international bodies as well as formal and informal civil society organizations. Changes in the immigration landscape, along with adverse economic conditions, has led to further efforts by public authorities in the effective management of refugee flows and reducing the risks of irregular stay for a significant number of migrants. Despite significant developments in the legislative framework for the integration of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers (MRAs) into the labor market, their access to employment remains more of a secondary issue for policy actors.
Social Background and Adult Socio-Demographic Outcomes in a Cross-National Comparative Perspective: An Introduction
Authors: Liefbroer Aart C. , Zoutewelle-Terovan Mioara 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn individual choice paradigm, focusing on individual preferences and values, has long dominated our understanding of socio-demographic outcomes. Recently, a trend towards an unequal choice paradigm, stressing how inequality in opportunities structures socio-demographic outcomes, is observed. This chapter outlines these changes and argues for a comparative perspective to examine how childhood disadvantage impacts these socio-demographic outcomes. The expectation is that the consequences of childhood disadvantage for demographic outcomes in young adulthood and for socio-economic and well-being outcomes in middle and late adulthood depend on the opportunities that national contexts offer to abate the adverse impact of economic and social deprivation. Subsequently, all chapters of the book are briefly introduced and their contribution to understanding this key issue is discussed.
Flawed Progress: Criticisms of Residential Institutions for Child Migrants in Australia and Policy Responses, 1939–1945
Authors: Lynch Gordon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe positive view of child migration held by UK Government officials in the inter-war period was not based on any regular system of inspections of the institutions in Australia to which children were sent. During the Second World War, UK Government officials became more of reported problems at several of these institutions, relating to standards of accommodation, management, care, training and after-care. This chapter traces the growing awareness of these problems and the UK Government’s response to them. Whilst policy-makers’ positive assumptions about child migration were challenged, and specific issues and institutions were known to require significant improvement, overall confidence in the value of child migration remained. Despite evidence of organisational failings in Australia, Australian welfare professionals were trusted to address these problems, and suggestions about the need for greater control from the United Kingdom were seen as a backward-looking attempt to limit the autonomy of Britain’s Dominions.
‘Australia as the Coming Greatest Foster-Father of Children the World Has Ever Known’: The Post-war Resumption of Child Migration to Australia, 1945–1947
Authors: Lynch Gordon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter examines the policy context and administrative systems associated with the resumption of assisted child migration from the United Kingdom to Australia in 1947. During the Second World War, the Australian Commonwealth Government came to see child migration as an increasingly important element in its wider plans for post-war population growth. Whilst initially developing a plan to receive up to 50,000 ‘war orphans’ shortly after the war in new government-run cottage homes, the Commonwealth Government subsequently abandoned this, partly for financial reasons. A more cost-effective strategy of working with voluntary societies, and their residential institutions, was adopted instead. Monitoring systems of these initial migration parties by the UK Government were weak. Whilst the Home Office began to formulate policies about appropriate standards of care for child migrants overseas, this work was hampered by tensions between the Home Office and the Commonwealth Relations Office about the extent to control over organisations in Australia was possible.
From Regulation to Moral Persuasion: Child Migration Policy and the Home Office Children’s Department, 1948–1954
Authors: Lynch Gordon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter examines the wider policy context and administrative systems for child migration to Australia in the period 1948-1954. With stronger concerns about child migration being expressed by some professional and voluntary organisations in Britain, in 1949 the Home Office began a process of drafting regulations for the emigration of children from the care of voluntary societies. The chapter examines how the process of developing these regulations was delayed through a complex bureaucratic process, with a final draft of the regulations not completed until 1954. Concerns about the legal limitations of these regulations and their effective power in safeguarding child migrants once overseas contributed to a subsequent decision in the Home Office not to introduce them. This decision was also informed by an independent review of child migration to Australia by John Moss, published in 1953, which offered a broadly positive view of this work. The chapter considers why Moss—a former member of the Curtis Committee—took this view, and how broad policy standards such as the Curtis report were, in practice, interpreted and implemented in different ways.
‘If We Were Untrammelled by Precedent…’: Pursuing Gradual Reform in Child Migration, 1954–1961
Authors: Lynch Gordon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter examines how British child migration policy became caught up in the political sensitivities of post-war assisted migration. By 1950, officials in the Commonwealth Relations Office were becoming increasingly doubtful about the strategic and economic value of assisted migration, but also concerned about adverse political reaction in Australia to any scaling back of this work. An agreement was reached between the Commonwealth Relations and Home Office in 1954 to continue child migration on the basis of encouraging gradual reform of standards in Australia. In 1956, a UK Government Fact-Finding Mission in 1956 recommended more urgent controls over child migration, but this was rejected by an inter-departmental review in view of these wider political sensitivities. Despite introducing more limited monitoring, British policy-makers struggled to reconcile their knowledge of failings in some Australian institutions with the political challenge of trying to address these in the absence of co-operation from the Australian Government.