bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structuring knowledge transfer from experts to newcomers
Authors: Guechtouli Widad , Rouchier Juliette , Orillard Magali 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the process of knowledge transfer within social networks composed of a pool of experts, and newcomers whose aim is primarily to acquire new knowledge, such as communities of practice. The authors wish to understand which communication system and which information about others' knowledge should be provided to get to a better diffusion of knowledge.Design/methodology/approachAgent‐based models and social network analysis are used and many simulations are run, in which communication mode and information about others' knowledge are varied.FindingsResults emphasize the part played by newcomers in the process of direct knowledge transfer. They constitute additional sources of knowledge and act as intermediaries. Results also show that in a process of indirect transfer of knowledge, they have only little influence on the process of individual learning. These results enable the authors to formulate some recommendations to facilitate knowledge transfer within a knowledge intensive community. Non‐hierarchical structures of communication should be preferred and the participation of newcomers in the activities of the community fully encouraged.Originality/valueThis paper combines agent‐based modelling and social networks analysis to investigate the field of knowledge transfer and enables the identification of the key elements in the process of knowledge diffusion within a community of practice. It thus provides some solution to eventual congestion problems in the access to the knowledge held within the community.
Knowledge sharing amongst academics in UK universities
Authors: Fullwood Roger , Rowley Jennifer , Delbridge Rachel 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the limited previous research on knowledge sharing in universities, by profiling the attitudes of and intentions towards knowledge sharing of UK academics, and by profiling their views of some of the factors that might be expected to impact on knowledge sharing activities.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey was used to gather a profile of UK academics' attitudes and intentions towards knowledge sharing and related factors, including expected rewards and associations, expected contribution, normative beliefs on knowledge sharing, leadership, structure, autonomy, affiliation to institution, affiliation to discipline, and technology platform. Responses were received from 230 academics in 11 universities.FindingsRespondents had positive attitudes towards knowledge sharing and their intentions in this area were also good. This may be related to their belief that knowledge sharing will improve and extend their relationships with colleagues, and offer opportunities for internal promotion and external appointments. Respondents are relatively neutral regarding the way in which they are led, and the role of organisational structure and information technology in knowledge sharing. They have a relatively low level of affiliation to their university, perceptions of a high level of autonomy, coupled with a high level of affiliation to their discipline.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that universities do have an embedded knowledge culture, but that culture is individualistic in nature and to some extent self‐serving and instrumental. This poses interesting challenges for knowledge management in universities.
Small business performance: business, strategy and owner‐manager characteristics
Authors: Blackburn Robert A. , Hart Mark , Wainwright Thomas 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the factors that influence small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) performance and particularly, growth.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilises an original data set of 360 SMEs employing 5‐249 people to run logit regression models of employment growth, turnover growth and profitability. The models include characteristics of the businesses, the owner‐managers and their strategies.FindingsThe results suggest that size and age of enterprise dominate performance and are more important than strategy and the entrepreneurial characteristics of the owner. Having a business plan was also found to be important.Research limitations/implicationsThe results contribute to the development of theoretical and knowledge bases, as well as offering results that will be of interest to research and policy communities. The results are limited to a single survey, using cross‐sectional data.Practical implicationsThe findings have a bearing on business growth strategy for policy makers. The results suggest that policy measures that promote the take‐up of business plans and are targeted at younger, larger‐sized businesses may have the greatest impact in terms of helping to facilitate business growth.Originality/valueA novel feature of the models is the incorporation of entrepreneurial traits and whether there were any collaborative joint venture arrangements.
Financing practices and preferences for micro and small firms
Authors: Daskalakis Nikolaos , Jarvis Robin , Schizas Emmanouil 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aims of the paper are three‐fold: first, to analyse how small and micro firms finance themselves; second, to investigate what their financing preferences are; and third, to explore their opinions on how they evaluate the financing sources and the various obstacles they face in accessing those sources.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a sample of Greek small and micro firms, which cover 99.6 per cent of the total number of firms operating in Greece. The data are derived from the answers in a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe main conclusions are as follows. Regarding equity financing, firms rely heavily on their own funds and would not raise new equity from sources outside the family; thus, there is a reluctance to use new outside equity (venture capital, business angels, etc.). Regarding debt financing, firms denoted that they would use more debt, specifically long‐term debt, than they currently do. Thus, there are limitations in accessing long‐term debt financing. Regarding grant financing, micro and small firms should be better informed and encouraged more to participate in state grants and co‐financed programs; thus, there is an informational gap in grant financing.Originality/valueThe paper uses a sample of Greek micro and small firms and a survey methodology to tackle the lack of quantitative published data for most small firms in Greece. It incorporates distinct sources of funds that are very important for small firms (family funds, grants provided by the state and micro‐loans). It investigates preferences, not just practices.
Gender, disadvantage and enterprise support – lessons from women's business centres in North America and Europe
Authors: Braidford Paul , Stone Ian , Tesfaye Besrat 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyse support measures in the USA, Canada and Sweden aimed at encouraging women to start their own business and/or promote growth in women‐owned businesses, and in particular the role of women's business centres. It examines whether existing initiatives of this kind have proven successful in their stated and unstated aims; and if elements of practice are transferable to other countries and contexts. The paper also contributes to the gender mainstreaming debate.Design/methodology/approachThrough in‐depth interviews across four countries with managers of such centres and other business support personnel, policy‐makers and practitioners, the paper constructs a view of how women's business centres fit into the overall policy context, and how they have aided the development of women's enterprise.FindingsThe use of international comparisons permits the identification of common approaches to enterprise policy for women. Policy‐makers and practitioners will appreciate the nuanced view of the elements that make up several lauded initiatives aimed at supporting women's entrepreneurship, how (and to what degree) these elements work together and how these elements may be used elsewhere.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper suggests the need for more nuanced understanding of client needs, whether male or female, and the role this might play in the delivery of business support.Practical implicationsPolicymakers should be clear regarding the objectives of women's centres, as between support principally directed at unemployed/low income groups and increasing the business start‐up rate per se among women (leading to economic growth), and even whether support should be differentiated by gender.Social implicationsWomen's centres are working mainly for the more disadvantaged women, rather than those with real potential as entrepreneurs. Such centres may also reinforce stereotypes of “women's businesses”.Originality/valueThe key contribution of this paper is that, compared to previous work, it provides a more critical perspective on the specifics of women's business centre initiatives, exploring both the processes and outcomes that lie behind the simple output‐related success measures that often characterise mainstream policy evaluations.
Supporting entrepreneurship in deprived communities: a vision too far?
Authors: Williams Nick , Huggins Robert 
Published: February 2013

PurposeGovernment intervention has increasingly identified deprived communities as a key focus for enterprise support. The purpose of this paper is to examine attitudes and perceptions to enterprise support in a deprived community in the UK city of Leeds.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 142 entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs, and 18 follow‐up in‐depth interviews with entrepreneurs, were conducted with people living in the study area. The survey examined the entrepreneurial activity of members of the community, and usage of enterprise support.FindingsThe paper finds that certain forms of enterprise support in deprived communities may actually discourage entrepreneurship. Also, where entrepreneurial ventures are supported they tend to operate in activities relating to generic trades with low entry barriers, with many enterprises having little actual or perceived requirement for external support, with it being likely that these would have been established with or without support.Research limitations/implicationsA potential limitation of the study is that it is restricted to a case study of deprived communities in one particular city.Practical implicationsIncreased investment in the supply of enterprise support may not lead to increased levels of entrepreneurship, with support that aims to engage with people who have never considered starting a business, or do not have the skills required to launch and grow a venture, is unlikely to be cost‐effective given their low growth potential.Originality/valueThe results of the research are potentially applicable to other deprived communities, and provide lessons for policy relating to the promotion of entrepreneurship.
Assessing students' entrepreneurial skills development in live projects
Authors: Chang Jane , Rieple Alison 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present an exploratory study that examined the development of students' entrepreneurial skills over time within live projects.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, students worked alongside real‐life entrepreneurs and financiers. Students' perceptions of their skills were assessed using both quantitative and qualitative data, which were gathered during weeks 1, 6 and 12 of the programme.FindingsThe results showed significant changes in students' perceptions of their skills over time. At the outset students were confident about their abilities across the 17 categories of entrepreneurial skills developed by Lichtenstein and Lyons and Lyons and Lyons. Later on in the projects, their confidence in certain skills declined significantly; what these were varied according to the time of data collection. The qualitative data provided more detailed accounts of students' perceptions of their skills and why they had changed over time.Originality/valueThis study makes a contribution in providing insights into the nature and practice of an experiential learning approach. The results indicate that the development of entrepreneurial skills can be improved by providing a learning environment in which students interact with real business people in live projects. They also indicate that entrepreneurship education programmes may be improved by scheduling skills training in a more structured and timely manner than typically occurs now. Students' perceptions of their skills declined substantially over the course of the projects, with some variations, suggesting that educators need to provide different and more timely learning interventions to cater for the specific needs of students working in live projects.
The CORE‐OM and CORE‐OM (SV) in secure settings: a template analysis of the experiences of male patients and their staff
Authors: Perry Tina , Barkham Michael , Evans Chris 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish staff and patient opinions on the acceptability, feasibility, and utility of using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluations – Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) in secure hospitals.Design/methodology/approachPatients and nurses (male patients and their key workers) from high, medium and low secure hospitals participated in semi‐structured interviews after completing CORE‐OM or CORE‐OM (SV).FindingsTemplate themes wereacceptability, feasibility, relevance, suitability, changes to treatment,andunderstanding.Findings suggest that the CORE‐OM is acceptable and potentially useful in secure settings.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that the CORE‐OM is acceptable to patients and staff in secure settings and appears to be a feasible measure for such settings. Further research and accumulation of a referential database of item scores is needed for PROMS, including the CORE‐OM, to be fully useful in secure settings.Originality/valueThis paper will be of use to clinicians working with forensic mental health settings. It is one of only two papers which investigate the use of the CORE‐OM in forensic settings.
Sustainability assessment of large dams: the case of a hydropower plant in Bulgaria
Authors: Bottero Marta 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe increase in issues pertaining to the strategic assessment of territorial transformation has made it necessary to find new methods and tools that are able to consider the several factors at stake. The purpose of this paper is to examine the full range of impacts produced by a project in a territorial context and propose a real application concerning the construction of a new hydropower plant in Bulgaria.Design/methodology/approachMaking use of checklists, network chains and specific impact matrixes, the paper tries to evaluate the overall environmental compatibility of the project.FindingsThe performed analysis highlights a final compatibility that in most cases is satisfactory, where the most critical states concern the disturbance to the fauna species living in the area and, above all, the impacts of the project on the landscape.Practical implicationsThe work puts in evidence the necessity of further investigations for the definition of mitigation measures that are able to reduce the most relevant effects of the project, especially the visual impact of the dams.Social implicationsA part from the environmental issues, a key‐role in the general feasibility of large dam projects is played by the analysis of the social impacts. The paper puts in evidence the importance of considering in the evaluation, the effects of the hydropower plant on the community.Originality/valueThe general theme has an interdisciplinary nature and requires several issues to be considered: technical, economic, social and environmental aspects. The paper provides a comprehensive assessment framework in order to implement such an interdisciplinary approach.
E‐waste economics: a Nigerian perspective
Authors: Rajesh Ejiogu Amanze 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the e‐waste topic, highlight the economic arguments for dumping e‐waste in developing countries and examine the issues around the e‐waste problems in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted is based on a review of existing literature, personal observation and interviews.FindingsElectronic waste, or e‐waste, has emerged as a major problem in quite a number of developing countries, as well as an opportunity for development and economic growth. As a result of its high toxic content, it creates problems of environmental pollution and is a hazard to human health when not handled properly. However, there is a huge demand for good quality, second‐hand equipment in developing countries and there seem to be strong economic arguments for exporting scrap electronic and electrical equipment to those countries. The e‐waste trade has grown in Nigeria, causing several socio‐economic problems.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on e‐waste in developing countries, especially Nigeria. It provides insight into the economic arguments that encourage the continuance of the e‐waste problem.
Latin American ADR performance
Authors: Schaub Mark 
Published: February 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to determine whether Latin American ADRs provided US investors with international diversification benefits as determined by comparing excess returns from issues listed in the 1990s to those listed in the 2000s. A further sample breakdown compares IPO returns to SEO returns.

Design/methodology/approach
– Standard ADR return methodology used in many previous studies is utilized to compute and test excess returns. This methodology is the same as the standard methodology used in IPO studies.

Findings
– The total Latin American ADR sample returned roughly the same as the S
&
P 500 index for the three year holding period; however, those issued before 2000 underperformed the index by nearly 19 percent while those listed after January 1, 2000 outperformed the index by nearly 58 percent. The excess returns of IPOs were nearly 50 percent less than SEOs when compared to the index. Also, both IPOs and SEOs listed after the new millennium began drastically outperformed those listed in the 1990s (when compared to the S
&
P 500 index).

Originality/value
– This study differs from previous studies by emphasizing differences in return behaviour for Latin American ADRs listed during a decade of steady sustained growth (the 1990s) versus those listed in the 2000s when the US stock market encountered times of extreme return volatility. The implications of the return differences help determine whether these ADRs provided investors with true diversification benefits. Also, the dataset includes fresh results for ADRs listed during and trading through the mortgage crisis of 2008.
Does family ownership create or destroy value? Evidence from Canada
Authors: Pukthuanthong Kuntara , J. Walker Thomas , Nuttanontra Thiengtham Dolruedee , Du Heng 
Published: February 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how family ownership enhances or damages firm value.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper studies a sample of Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) between 1999 and 2007 and apply multivariate regression with firm value as a dependent variable. The paper measures firm value as Tobin
'
s Q and ROA based either on net income or EBITDA. The independent variables include family firm dummy and ownership percentage.

Findings
– It is found that control-enhancing mechanisms which are often employed by family companies add value to companies. Furthermore, it is found that agency conflicts between ownership and management are less costly than those between majority and minority shareholders, suggesting that family ownership helps resolve the agency conflicts between ownership and management and in turn enhances firm value. Finally, it is found that family companies with founders as CEOs outperform those with descendants as CEOs.

Research limitations/implications
– The paper studies Canadian family firms; as such, the sample size is not relatively large. Nonetheless, the results should be generalized as Canada is one of the largest markets in the world and have high integration with the rest of the world.

Practical implications
– The results suggest investors should invest in family ownership firms.

Originality/value
– The paper shows whether firm ownership increases firm value and the determinant of family firm value.
Shareholder wealth effects of M
&
As: the third wave from Malaysia
Authors: Mat Rahim Nurhazrina , Ching Pok Wee 
Published: February 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the short-term wealth effects of mergers and acquisitions (M
&
As) in Malaysia. In addition, this study also examines the factors that affect the short-term shareholders’ wealth during M
&
A announcements in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
– The short-term wealth effect is measured by the Cumulative Average Abnormal Returns (CAARs). For the purpose of this study, the wealth effects of a sample of 180 target and 196 bidding companies announced in Malaysia during the period from 2001 to 2009 are analyzed.

Findings
– Results of the study revealed that there are positive market reactions by both target and bidding shareholders towards M
&
A announcements. However, target shareholders earned significantly higher CAARs than bidding shareholders. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that economic condition surrounding merger announcements, type of acquisition (diversified/related), premium paid and status of bid (successful/failed) affect the short-term wealth effects of target and bidding shareholders during M
&
A announcements. However, the impact on the target and bidding shareholders are different. Relative size negatively affects bidding shareholders’ wealth. Target with higher ROE also earned significantly higher returns.

Originality/value
– There is high number of announced M
&
A deals in Malaysia, little is known about the determinants of short-term wealth effects of M
&
As in emerging market Malaysia, in particular the third M
&
A wave.