bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global R&D organization and the development of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Ester Ralf Martin , Assimakopoulos Dimitris , von Zedtwitz Maximilian , Yu Xiubao 
Published: April 2010

PurposeHow does the internationalization of R&D influence the development of dynamic capabilities? Based on the observation that Chinese high‐tech companies internationalize parts of their R&D activities to Western countries before they have established sound domestic R&D capabilities and in opposition to other held beliefs about internationalization drivers this paper aims to investigate the role of global R&D organizational structure in the development of dynamic capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on a qualitative case study using data of one Chinese high‐tech firm to develop testable propositions.FindingsThe research develops three main propositions: the loss of competitive advantage and relevant capabilities in the domestic market is more important to the internationalization of R&D than an attempt to enter new international markets; in joint development teams with a partner company, a functional R&D team sub‐structure using heavyweight or autonomous teams leads to a higher degree of knowledge exchange in the partner sub‐project organization; R&D projects conducted in organizations with higher formal control lead to a higher degree of learning than R&D projects conducted when control is shared with a partner; R&D projects which rely extensively on external knowledge (with no formal control) produce better outcomes for learning than projects conducted under joint control; R&D projects which rely extensively on external knowledge (with no formal control) produce better outcomes for learning than projects conducted in full control.Research limitations/implicationsAs the research is based on data of one single case study there are several inherent limitations regarding validity and reliability which need to be covered by future research.Originality/valueThis paper posits that R&D internationalization has a positive influence on the development of dynamic capabilities.
Multinational investment projects in the petrochemical industry in China
Authors: Todeva Emanuela , Fu Yan 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe paper discusses the new concept of “Multinational Investment Projects” (MIPs) and its application in the context of international business operations in China. The petrochemical industry in China is used as the industrial context in which we investigate the interplay between the Chinese government, which encourages growth and investment activities in the sector, and the multinational petrochemical firms competing for global market share in this sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the nature of the petrochemical value chain and the investment activities in all of its segments. Using an originally created database of the top 180 MIPs in the petrochemical industry in China and additional context information the business environment in China, the paper reviews the investment strategies of multinational petrochemical corporations, and discusses their strategic choices for mode of entry in China, geographic location and location within the value chain.FindingsThe overview of MIPs in the Chinese petrochemical industry confirms the theoretical expectations of the critical impact of Chinese Government policies. The paper explains the emerging shape of international competition in this sector of the Chinese economy.Originality/valueThe main contributions of this paper are the new conceptual framework for analysis of the drivers for strategic investment choices, the assembly of a database with the top 180 MIPs in the petrochemical industry in China, and the analysis of the relationships between the regional endowments, concentration of value‐chain activities and location choices by multinational firms from different countries of origin. The results demonstrate the factors that drive growth in a knowledge‐, technology‐ and capital‐intensive sector.
Human and social capital interplay among internationalizing SMEs
Authors: Goxe François 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an explanation for foreign small‐ and‐medium‐sized enterprise' (SMEs) internationalization results in China based on human and social capital interactions.Design/methodology/approachThe results of a qualitative comparative case study drawing on primary (interviews, observations) and secondary data (reports) are reported.FindingsThe paper finds that human capital dimensions interact and influence social capital development for internationalization purposes. Different types of social capital can be developed (domestic or international) with different effects on internationalization. Similarities with Chinese guanxi practices are also established.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper provides a starting‐point for further research in SME internationalization and entrepreneurs' characteristics in China regardless of cultural traits typically invoked: quantitative analysis, extension to a different context of internationalization or use of different descriptors of human and social capital, etc.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the importance for internationalization agents (such as public agencies) to provide not only cultural training but also, above all, personal coaching to develop some international human capital traits (international orientation, international business skills, etc.) and sectoral connections.Originality/valueThe paper extends the traditional culture‐based guanxi paradigm of internationalization in China to a social capital based approach of emerging entrepreneurship.
SME innovation in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Mitussis Darryn 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine the barriers to innovation in Chinese small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachInterviews with 39 SME owner‐managers, industry bodies and relevant government authorities were gathered and analysed.FindingsThe key finding is that Chinese SMEs may be at risk of being stuck in a high‐level equilibrium trap and that the improving macro‐environment might not change embedded innovation constraining hierarchical management and guanxi networking.Originality/valueKey contribution is the characterisation of Chinese SMEs as stuck in an equilibrium trap along with a description of the conditions that cause it. Importantly, this paper explores these issues by juxtaposing macro‐environment conditions with the rational firm‐level behaviours that they prompt.
Key approaches to research knowledge for doctoral students: study of Tongji University, China
Authors: Yu Xiubao , Chen Ming , You Wenhong 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the most important approaches to gaining research knowledge employed by full‐time doctoral students in a Chinese university.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a case study of Tongji University using two sets of convenient samples and interviewing 51 students.FindingsResults show that “academic databases” have outperformed the traditional supervisors' roles in their importance to PhD students' research activities. Also, an approach called “big and small group discussions” by local computer science students is identified to be important. In‐depth analysis of this special practice suggests this learning experience echoes the importance of Wenger's theory of “community of practice” in the research activities of doctoral students.Originality/valueThis paper presents an analysis of doctoral students' research knowledge at a Chinese university. Its findings give critical suggestions for doctoral students' education and also have key theoretical implications, and suggest that future researchers in this area should have a deep understanding of the special form of “community of practice,” both in academic PhD and firm‐level research activities.
Effectiveness of Western MBA programmes for Chinese managers
Authors: Yan Kai‐Cheung , Mak Michael 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to address how management knowledge transferred through Western management education programmes is effectively perceived and applied to decisions by Chinese managers, who have a cultural background quite different from their Western counterparts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first examines Western management concepts under Chinese culture and second reviews the development and status of Western Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes in China. Third, the framework of a three‐dimension knowledge transfer model first developed in the USA is used to study the effectiveness of the transfer of academic management concepts to working managers in China through their perception of source, familiarity and usefulness of the concepts. A quantitative approach employing non‐probability sampling method is adopted to survey a group of working managers enrolled in a Western MBA programme in Xi'an.FindingsThe result shows education to be a much more important source of management knowledge for the Chinese managers than for their US counterparts who regard it as the least important.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralized interpretation of the results should be cautioned due to the limited scope of the study and the nature of non‐probability sampling method.Originality/valueThe findings form a basis for further research in how cultural differences between the West and China are tempering the effectiveness of Western MBA programmes to Chinese working managers so that educators can better design their management programmes for China.
Culture and leadership in Africa: a conceptual model and research agenda
Authors: Kuada John 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe paper aims at identifying the knowledge gaps in the existing African leadership studies and argues in support of further research in the field with a view to establishing the link between African culture and leadership practices and their implications for economic growth on the continent.Design/methodology/approachIt reviews the mainstream perspectives in leadership literature in general and African leadership literature in particular as a basis for the development of an integrated goal‐behaviour‐performance model.FindingsPrevious studies have seen African culture as either defining the uniqueness of leadership on the continent or constraining leadership development. The paper suggests the presence of both types of impact on leadership. It also offers a conceptual framework that integrates the different perspectives on the relationship between culture, leadership and organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based mainly on limited empirical investigations into leadership styles and functions in Africa. The scarcity of studies in the field therefore imposes limitations on the generalizability of some of the arguments.Practical implicationsThe paper encourages research in the field and provides some propositions to guide future empirical investigations. Ideas generated in the paper will guide organizational development strategies and poverty alleviation policies in Africa.Originality/valueIt is one of the recent attempts to synthesize existing perspectives on leadership behaviour in Africa and its implications for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
Defining and enforcing ethical leadership in Nigeria
Authors: Kate Nwadiogwa Nnabuife Ezimma 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the current gap existing between ethics theorization and enforcement in the Nigerian leadership system.Design/methodology/approachIn an attempt to achieve the objective of the paper, some ethical issues in the Nigerian governance and the several regulatory and enforcement agencies set up to curb ethical menace were critically examined. The achievements of the bodies were also evaluated.FindingsThe paper concludes that the apparent gap which continues to exist is not a function of ethical definition but results from challenges in the enforcement which are thematically grouped under leadership, societal and individual variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis suggests that bridging the ethical gap in Nigeria depends largely on leadership which must be by example.Originality/valueThis paper presents an invaluable challenge to leadership in Nigeria who must reposition their responsibility.
Work engagement among managers and professionals in Egypt
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , El‐Kot Ghada 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine potential antecedents and consequences of work engagement in a sample of male and female managers and professionals employed in various organizations and industries in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 242 respondents, a 48 percent response rate, using anonymously completed questionnaires. Engagement was assessed by three scales developed by Schaufeliet al.; vigor, dedication, and absorption. Antecedents included personal demographic and work situation characteristics as well as measures of need for achievement and workaholic behaviors; consequences included measures of work satisfaction and psychological well‐being.FindingsThe following results are observed. First, both need for achievement and one workaholic job behavior are found to predict all three engagement measures. Second, engagement, particularly dedication, predict various work outcomes (e.g. job satisfaction, intent to quit). Third, engagement, again, particularly dedication, predicted various psychological well‐being outcomes but less strongly than these predicted work outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsQuestions of causality cannot be addressed since data were collected at only one‐point in time. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the effects of work life experiences on engagement.Practical implicationsOrganizations can increase levels of work engagement by creating supportive work experiences (e.g. control, rewards, and recognition) consistent with effective human resource management (HRM) practices. But caution must be exercised before employing North American practices in the Egyptian context.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the understanding of work engagement among managers and professionals and HRM more broadly in a large Muslim country.
Organizational retention strategies and employee performance of Zenith Bank in Nigeria
Authors: Eseme Gberevbie Daniel 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine employee‐retention strategies and performance in the Nigerian banking sector over the period 2000‐2005, with focus on Zenith Bank in Nigeria. The sector is unique in terms of its contribution to Nigeria's gross domestic product.Design/methodology/approachThe survey research design involving the use of questionnaire and structured interview to obtain primary and secondary data from relevant books, journals and the internet were adopted. The paper also adopted the χ2‐analytical technique to test for significant relationship between variables.FindingsThe study revealed that it is more profitable for organizations to put in place appropriate employee‐retention strategies such as good organization's image, staff participation in decision making, enhanced and regular salary package, and humane treatment of employees as strategies for organizational performance.Practical implicationsParticularly, organizations are likely to experience frequent employee turnover for as long as they fail to put in place appropriate employee‐retention strategies, which is capable of preventing enhanced performance.Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into what could enhance the performance of organizations in their quest for quality service delivery and profitability. Its findings could also be a source of motivation to organizations in other sectors in the area of employee performance.
Establishment processes in a one party economy: the case of Eritrea
Authors: Abraha Gebrekidan Desalegn 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the issues of how business people perceive the business environment, how government policies impact the environment and how the environment impacts the establishment processes and position development of new firms in the Eritrean market. The process is discussed by keeping a strict focus on the main actors and the activities they carried out, as well as how the available resources are utilized and exchanged in the market.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the establishment process model developed from the network approach, case studies based on interviews and focus group discussions have been used to shed light on the extent to how government policies and the environment impacts the establishment processes and position development in the Eritrean market.FindingsAn important conclusion of this paper is that the main obstacle for business establishment is the hostile attitude of the government to the private sector. Another significant obstacle for building a successful position in the market is the state‐owned command economy network of relationships. An additional crucial hindrance is the non‐existence of a market economy network of relationships that can provide firms in the private sector with the resources they need to perform their operations.Research limitations/implicationsAll firms in this paper have demonstrated that the main obstacle for establishment is the hostile attitude of the government to the private sector. Another obstacle is the state‐owned command economy network of relationships, which hinders firms from building a successful position in the market. An additional crucial hindrance is the non‐existence of a market economy network of relationships that can provide firms in the private sector with the resources they need to perform their operations. Since the paper is based on case studies and focus group discussions, conducting a similar study on a representative sample of firms selected from a larger population will be very useful.Originality/valueThis paper makes a unique contribution by focusing on the establishment process in a market, which is regulated, controlled and owned by the one party government. The other unique contribution is that a firm has to identify the secrets of business success and to follow the same strategy.
Generic Lean Six Sigma project definitions in publishing
Authors: de Koning Henk , Does Ronald J.M.M. , Groen Arjan , Kemper Benjamin P.H. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeMany companies in the publishing industry are facing the task of developing new business models and becoming more efficient and effective in execution. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a unified framework for systematically developing efficiency and quality improvements; it can help realize significant results and breakthrough improvements in the publishing industry, as demonstrated with many projects from a Dutch multinational publishing company. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the process of defining LSS projects in publishing, because lack of a clear definition is an important cause for project failure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses and categorizes 49 project definitions based on two elements: the critical to quality flowdown and the corresponding set of operational definitions and shows how this simple categorization and subsequent standardization of approaches can help LSS teams simplify the definition phase.FindingsThe strategy presented in this paper provides seven standard LSS project definitions (“generic templates”).Originality/valueProject leaders can use the templates presented in this paper as an example and as a guide in the project definition phase. This helps them to formulate crystal‐clear project definitions, which have explicitly stated goals and a solid business rationale.
Design for Six Sigma: caveat emptor
Authors: Watson Gregory H. , DeYong Camille F. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the historical approach to concurrent engineering (CE) which has resulted in product line management (PLM) and then evaluates the theoretical models that have been proposed for design for Six Sigma (DFSS) in order to determine which model is able to provide the most consistent approach with historical development of PLM.Design/methodology/approachThe approach begins with an overview of the approach taken by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) in the development of a coherent quality methodology for structured analysis and problem solving – the Deming Wheel of plan‐do‐check‐act (PDCA) which has become the standard model in Japanese total quality management to define a logical decomposition in process management. In Japan, PDCA is the single logical model which has been broadly accepted as the construct for understanding how to develop both strategic and operational quality methods. The second step in the approach is to examine a similar American development of the model for statistical problem solving that is applied in the Six Sigma method for statistical problem solving: define‐measure‐analyze‐improve‐control (DMAIC). Next, the paper examines the historical sequence in the way the product development process has developed over the past forty years, with emphasis on its military origins (especially CE) and which resulted in the generic model for PLM. The final part of this paper examines the models that have been proposed to implement DFSS over the past ten years and evaluate their logical congruence with the engineering community's design process.FindingsProblems in alignment with the engineering design process were identified with all of the DFSS models and with the non‐structured or “heuristic” approach to developing a coherent body of knowledge related to DFSS.Originality/valueThis paper provides a challenge to the quality community as well as to the academic community. The paper points out the need for rigorous examination of logical models that are proposed for guiding the thinking of practitioners in the use of quality methods for both the engineering of products and business systems. An expose of lack of rationality in the way an approach to DFSS has been investigated calls for more responsibility in the management of the development of this body of knowledge.