bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a new model of success and performance in SMEs
Authors: Simpson Mike , Padmore Joanne , Newman Nicki 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop an academic theoretical framework relating success and performance in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) so that future research could be carried out to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a literature review, in‐depth interviews with owner‐managers of SMEs and a knowledge elicitation exercise was carried out based on the experience of the researchers and on the interviews with owner‐managers.FindingsA new academic conceptual model was developed linking CSFs, definitions of success and performance to the characteristics of the business environment, the characteristics of the owner‐manager and the characteristics of the business. The relatively new idea that feedback on performance in the model could modify the strategic/tactical behaviour of the SME owner‐managers was introduced.Research limitations/implicationsThe many research problems posed by performance studies aimed at establishing CSFs in SMEs are still present in the current framework but a longitudinal research methodology could be employed to avoid these problems in future research.Practical implicationsThe theoretical framework offers a different way forward for both practitioners and business advisors in thinking about those factors that may be critical for success in SMEs.Originality/valueThis is a new framework that can be used to inform thinking and research design in the area of performance measurement and success.
Family business management
Authors: Gurd Bruce , Thomas Jill 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe interaction of the chief financial officer (CFO) with family and non‐family managers is important for the financial management of a family business to maximise wealth creation within the business. This paper explores the role and the possible conflict with managers from the family.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method is used combining interviews of CFOs, CEOs and a telephone survey of CFOs in Australia. Three propositions are tested.FindingsSurprisingly, the authors find no evidence that there is substantial role conflict as has been found in previous research. Relationships with the family CEO and other family and non‐family managers are usually positive. Commitment to the business from the family and strong support from the CEO are identified as making the CFO's job easier. Conflict with external accountants appears to be minimised as external accountants usually focus on the management of personal financial affairs and taxation issues while the CFO focuses on business financial management.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is Australian and relatively small.Practical implicationsThe contribution of the CFO will be optimised by giving them the opportunity to move out of the “bean counter” role to a more strategic financial management position.Originality/valueThere is limited empirical evidence relating to the role of the CFO in the family business.
Performance drivers of serial entrepreneurs
Authors: Kirschenhofer Florian , Lechner Christian 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the role of team and entrepreneurial experience for firm performance of serial entrepreneurs in the multi‐media industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research assumes that serial entrepreneurs have certain advantages over novice entrepreneurs, such as the development of effective start‐up teams and entrepreneurial experience effects. Disadvantages, however, are also mentioned in the literature, and these are assumed to out‐balance the advantages, leading to mixed research findings. The hypotheses are tested on a sample of 52 European multimedia companies.FindingsThe results show a positive impact of relevant entrepreneurial experience and evidence both team advantages as well as disadvantages. Team diversity had a positive impact on performance while the extent of repeated partnerships (or relative team stability) had a negative impact on performance. Moreover, entrepreneurial experience helps to build better diverse teams but has no impact on repeated partnerships.Research limitations/implicationsThe degree of experience of serial entrepreneurs in the same industry matters, and suggests that more experience is better. The findings challenge a general assumption about serial entrepreneurs: that the building of superior teams creates performance differences. Team diversity drives performance and the study could also show that habitual entrepreneurs are better in building diverse teams (through a positive moderation of team diversity by entrepreneurial experience). However, relying heavily on previous partners is counter‐productive. Limitations of this study are due to self‐reported data, small sample size and survivor bias.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs need to focus on opportunities and resource needs linked to these opportunities, and use their experience to build stronger teams but to resist the temptation of replicating perceived past success formula by over‐relying on previous partners. The latter is also important for stakeholders in the entrepreneurial venture.Originality/valueThis paper tests various assumptions and propositions about serial entrepreneurship that are rarely based on sound evidence. The role of entrepreneurial experience to build better diverse teams and the role of repeated partnerships constitute an original contribution to habitual entrepreneurship research.
Applying entrepreneurial orientation to a medium sized firm
Authors: Vora Davina , Vora Jay , Polley Douglas 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is twofold. First, the authors aim to investigate the applicability of the five (EO) dimensions of autonomy, innovativeness, risk taking, proactiveness, and competitive aggressiveness to a medium‐sized firm. Second, the research seeks to explore firm processes leading to the development of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in a medium‐sized domestic US firm. Thus, it endeavours to examine the applicability of EO dimensions as well as the processes by which EO arose in the focal company.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a multi‐method approach entailing analysis of archival data as well as semi‐structured interviews of executives to examine the applicability of EO dimensions as well as the processes associated with the development of EO to a medium sized firm competing in a Midwestern US market. Such an in‐depth analysis of one firm provides rich data, enabling the exploration of EO using qualitative methods.FindingsWhile the medium‐sized domestic US business had high levels of autonomy and proactiveness, it exhibited moderate levels of innovativeness and risk‐taking, and only a low level of competitive aggressiveness. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that organizational artifacts facilitate the development of EO and support organizational culture. Specifically, the organizational artifacts of having an ESOP, a flat hierarchy, inter‐unit coordination, and customer communication facilitated EO, and reinforced the organizational culture aspects of empowerment, openness, teamwork, quality services, customer satisfaction, and adaptability.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine all five EO dimensions as well as to use qualitative methods to do so. It also illustrates how EO applies to medium‐sized firms, and identifies processes by which these dimensions develop.
Investor relations beyond financials
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Fieseler Christian 
Published: April 2012

PurposeIn this paper, the authors aim to identify a range of non‐financial factors that play a role in the formation of a company's image, and ultimately its valuation, on capital markets. By identifying and highlighting their relative importance to the perceptions of equity analysts, the authors seek to show that investor relations are best understood as a strategic communication function rather than a mere purveyor of pure financials.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on a two‐tiered approach, relying on qualitative interview data collected among 42 equity analysts and a subsequent exploratory factor analysis performed on data obtained from a survey among 134 buy‐ and sell‐side analysts.FindingsThe authors argue that equity analysts consider the following eight categories of non‐financial information when forming an impression of a company: the stakeholder relations of an organization, its corporate governance, its corporate social responsibility, its reputation and brand, the quality of its management, and its strategic consistency. One of the most important factors, however, is the quality of a company's communication, which underscores the strategic role that the investor relations function should play in fostering positive capital market relations.Research limitations/implicationsBeing explorative in nature, the categories and scales proposed need further validation. Furthermore, in future research, it would be worthwhile to explore not only the role of non‐financials in image formation but also the interplay between financials and non‐financials in image formation.Practical implicationsInvestor relations professionals should consider the factors presented in this study in their work in order to ensure that they cater to the actual information needs of capital market participants. The consideration of non‐financial factors enhances the quality of financial communications. It also enriches the understanding of the strategic communication tasks of the investor relations department.Originality/valueThis paper describes an empirical analysis of the management of corporate relationships with financial audiences, a stakeholder group increasingly focused on by communications research. It represents a contribution to the further establishment of investor relations as a strategic communication function.
Causal linkages among relationship quality perception, attitude, and behavior intention in a membership organization
Authors: Ki Eyun‐Jung , Hon Linda C. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis study was designed to test two models linking relationship perception, attitude, and behavior‐based involvement in a membership organization. This study helps fill a gap in the relationship management literature by exploring the hierarchy of effects among a strategic public some of whom could be characterized as having low involvement.Design/methodology/approachAfter a couple of pilot tests, a state‐wide mail survey was conducted. As recommended by several studies, the mail survey for this study was included in a packet with a cover letter and a pre‐addressed, pre‐stamped return envelope mailed to 2,100 randomly selected current members of the organization. Of the 2,100 members who received questionnaires, 493 usable responses were collected, resulting in a 23.4 per cent response rate.FindingsFor the four relationship quality dimensions used in this study – i.e. control mutuality, satisfaction, trust, and commitment – current members' perceptions of relationship trust and commitment positively influenced their attitudes toward the organization. More importantly, this study demonstrates that the public's perception of commitment can also directly engender supportive behavior toward the organization among members of a key public.Originality/valueThis study was designed to empirically test two models that link relationship quality perceptions, attitude, and behavioral intentions with members in a membership organization based on their levels of involvement. By testing a model of standard sequential order (relationship perceptions → attitude → behavioral intentions), this study found that the originally tested model met the criteria. However, the model was revised based on the modification index and theoretical justification. A new path directly connecting commitment of the relationship quality outcomes to behavioral intentions was added.
Inter‐organisational post‐crisis communication
Authors: McDonald Joanna , Crawford Isabella 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the post‐crisis communication response of the UK oil industry both from a management and employee perspective following two major helicopter incidents in 2009. The purpose of this paper is to develop further understanding of the merits of a cross‐industry post‐crisis communication strategy for certain crisis types.Design/methodology/approachThis research is a single case study focusing on the Helicopter Task Group (HTG). Thirteen members of the HTG were interviewed and 250 questionnaires distributed to the workforce. Results were analysed against a literature review of current post‐crisis communication theory.FindingsThe study demonstrates that where a crisis is deemed to genuinely cross company boundaries, an inter‐organisational approach to post‐crisis communications is of mutual benefit to all stakeholders, providing certain conditions for dialogue are met.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper only focuses on one crisis event. Further research is required with other inter‐organisational groups formed to lead a cross‐industry response to a crisis.Practical implicationsThis case study provides a model for cross‐industry pre‐crisis planning and post‐crisis renewal strategy where the aim is not to attribute blame, but to respond to a wider community of concerns and issues that are deemed to cross company and institutional boundaries.Originality/valueThe research demonstrates that the process of rebuilding stakeholder relationships and renewal is possible prior to any formal attribution of blame or apology.
Assessing the effect of industry clockspeed on the supply chain management practice‐performance relationship
Authors: Chavez Roberto , Fynes Brian , Gimenez Cristina , Wiengarten Frank 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the effect of industry clockspeed on the relationship between supply chain management (SCM) practices, from both upstream and downstream sides of the supply chain, and SCM performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a questionnaire sent to manufacturing companies in the Republic of Ireland. The relationships between the constructs are analysed through regression analysis.FindingsThe results suggest that the relationship between SCM practices and SCM performance is not monotonic across varying levels of industry clockspeed. Although mixed support was found for the hypothesized relationships, this research contributes considerably to the theoretical development of the contingency view in the SCM literature.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware that the rate of change in their industries can affect the way SCM practices across the supply chain impact on SCM performance.Originality/valueThe literature review has shown that empirical studies which address the relationship between SCM practices and SCM performance provide mixed results. One possible explanation lies in the contingency theory. This paper contributes to the theoretical development of the contingency view in the SCM literature by showing that industry clockspeed affects the way SCM practices impact on SCM performance.
The influence of supply chain management competency on customer satisfaction and shareholder value
Authors: Ellinger Alexander , Shin Hyunju , Magnus Northington William , Adams Frank G. , Hofman Debra , O'Marah Kevin 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe relationship between supply chain management (SCM) competency and firm performance is not well established empirically. This is largely because proven metrics for quantifying the effects of SCM are scarce. Drawing on the strategic managerial concept of supply chain orientation as a source of competitive advantage, this paper aims to apply three independent sources of secondary data to examine the influence of SCM competency on two important firm performance metrics: customer satisfaction and shareholder value.Design/methodology/approachSCM competency is assessed with data from the expert opinion element of Gartner Supply Chain Group's (formerly AMR Research) supply chain top 25 rankings; the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) database and the recently developed Economic Value Added (EVA) Momentum financial metric are utilized as outcome measures.FindingsFirms recognized by peers and experts for superior SCM competency exhibit higher levels of customer satisfaction and shareholder value than their respective industry averages.Research limitations/implicationsFurther evidence is required to prove causality does exist between these variables. Limitations associated with the use of secondary data restricted the number of top performer firms available for this analysis. Nevertheless, the strong correlations found between SCM competency and two critical firm performance metrics may help senior managers and managers from other functional areas to better understand potential advantages associated with developing greater SCM competency.Practical implicationsThe assessment of two metrics that differentiate top SCM performers from their industry competitors may also help SCM professionals to better convey the impact of SCM competency to non‐supply chain managers and external participants in the supply chain whose support and cooperation are critical to the success of process improvement initiatives.Originality/valueIn addition to the study findings, blending qualitative expert opinion, formal customer satisfaction and quantitative financial performance secondary data represents a relatively novel and informative method that responds to contentions that different approaches should be employed to develop a more holistic understanding of SCM.
The impact of supply network characteristics on reliability
Authors: Adenso‐Diaz Belarmino , Mena Carlos , García‐Carbajal Santiago , Liechty Merrill 
Published: April 2012

PurposeAs globalisation makes supply networks more complex, the risk of material disruptions increases. Many factors have been considered as affecting the reliability of supply networks. However, no empirical research has been carried out to assess and evaluate the impact of each of these factors on the reliability of supply networks. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachA gap in the literature was identified around the evaluation of the impact of supply network design characteristics on reliability. This gap is addressed by performing a full factorial experimental design considering all the factors described in the literature, and then analysing (by using analysis of variance and linear regression models), thousands of theoretical and extreme structures of supply networks, thus allowing the analysis of the influence of each factor on the overall network resilience.FindingsResults show that network density, node criticality and complexity are significant factors in reducing the reliability of supply networks. In particular, node complexity (i.e. the total number of nodes in the network) was found to have the strongest negative effect on network reliability, while the strongest positive factor was sources criticality (i.e. the level of redundancy of suppliers).Practical implicationsThe identification of these factors and their relative impacts on network reliability can serve as a guide for the design of more reliable networks, and to know which are the most important to consider when designed distribution networks.Originality/valueThe paper identifies, from the literature, key factors affecting supply network reliability and evaluates their relative impact. Given the number of factors identified, an extensive Monte Carlo simulation is used for the first time, by considering simple and very complex networks, to allow the testing of the role of each factor in supply network reliability.
Empirical behavioral analysis of project contractors' supply‐chain payment terms
Authors: Long Chen Hong 
Published: April 2012

PurposeResearchers in supply chain (SC) payment management have long sought to understand how project contractors, project owners, specialist contractors, and suppliers behave in the context of negotiating payment terms that improve contractors' SC cash flow.Design/methodology/approachUsing a single case study approach, semi‐structured interviews with contract and project managers identify behavioral patterns. An analysis of categorical experiments and Spearman's correlation tests on 118 surveys from Taiwanese project contracting corporations generalizes the case findings.FindingsThe findings suggest that payment terms of project owners, specialists, and suppliers have an important impact on contractors' working capital. The findings also reveal that contractors pass project owners' payment terms down to specialists and suppliers, suggesting that contractors' behavior depends on that of the project owners.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper generalizes the case findings via surveys, but does not assume that the reported behavior patterns apply to all business enterprises. Future research could triangulate the findings.Originality/valueThis study combines qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how the project owner‐contractor‐supplier (or owner‐contractor‐specialist) triad behaves. Particularly, it focuses on an economic sector – real estate and construction – that receives less research interest than processing or manufacturing.
Green supply chain management practices: impact on performance
Authors: Green Kenneth W. , Zelbst Pamela J. , Meacham Jeramy , Bhadauria Vikram S. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe aim is to contribute significantly to the first wave of empirical investigations related to the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on performance. The paper also aims to theorize and empirically assess a comprehensive GSCM practices and performance model. The model incorporates green supply chain practices that link manufacturers with supply chain partners (both suppliers and customers) to support environmental sustainability throughout the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachData collected from 159 manufacturing managers were analyzed using a structural equation modeling methodology. Manufacturing managers provide data reflecting the degree to which their organizations work with suppliers and customers to improve environmental sustainability of the supply chain.FindingsGenerally, the adoption of GSCM practices by manufacturing organizations leads to improved environmental performance and economic performance, which, in turn, positively impact operational performance. Operational performance enhances organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsAs a first wave empirical investigation of the impact of GSCM practices on performance, the study is by necessity exploratory.Practical implicationsPractitioners are provided with a framework for assessing the synergistic impact of GSCM practices on performance. Internal environmental management and green information systems are identified as necessary precursors to the implementation of green purchasing, cooperation with customers, eco‐design, and investment recovery.Originality/valueA comprehensive GSCM practices performance model is proposed and empirically assessed. The results of this investigation support the proposition that GSCM practices are both environmentally necessary and good business. A structured two‐wave approach to the implementation of GSCM practices is recommended.