bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the development of successful knowledge cities: an advanced framework
Authors: Ergazakis Emmanouil , Ergazakis Kostas , Metaxiotis Kostas , Charalabidis Yannis 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present how the topics of knowledge‐based development (KBD) and especially of knowledge cities (KCs) have attracted the interest of many researchers and practitioners during recent years. In a previous research work of the authors, a set of hypotheses for the design, development and operation of successful KCs are proposed and validated through the analytical study of KCs cases in support of these hypotheses, resulting in a related framework. However, the rapid changes in the field render it necessary today to re‐examine the elements which had led to the formulation of the framework, so as to update it.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology followed so as to update the framework is based on the examination of the already identified KCs and the inclusion of five additional KCs cases. For the new set of KCs, the authors examine at which degree each case supports the hypotheses. Modifications in the set of hypotheses are proposed. The hypotheses that continue to be valid are considered as dominant, thus leading to the updated framework.FindingsAmong the main findings is that all cities previously examined continue to actively support their KBD, through a series of strategies and appropriate actions. The majority of the hypotheses continue to be valid, while three of them need to slightly change so as to adapt to prevailing current conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper can be of value for researchers seeking to develop specific customized methodologies for the development of KCs.Originality/valueThe main added‐value elements of this paper can be considered the re‐examination of the current status of a series of successful KCs on the one side and the update of the framework for the design, development and operation of KCs on the other side.
Planning for knowledge‐based urban development: global perspectives
Authors: Yigitcanlar Tan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the engineering of creative urban regions through knowledge‐based urban development. In recent years city administrators realised the importance of engineering and orchestrating knowledge city formation through visioning and planning for economic, socio‐cultural and physical development. For that purpose a new development paradigm of “knowledge‐based urban development” is formed, and quickly finds implementation ground in many parts of the globe.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature and examines global best practice experiences in order to determine how cities are engineering their creative urban regions so as to establish a base for knowledge city formation.FindingsThe paper sheds light on the different development approaches for creative urban regions, and concludes with recommendations for urban administrations planning for knowledge‐based development of creative urban regions.Originality/valueThe paper provides invaluable insights and discussion on the vital role of planning for knowledge‐based urban development of creative urban regions.
Generation and transfer of knowledge in IT‐related SMEs
Authors: Zapata Cantú Laura , Rialp Criado Josep , Rialp Criado Alex 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the generation and transfer of knowledge in information technology‐related small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey of 105 employees from 30 organizations in Barcelona, Spain, the authors use a structural equation approach to validate the conceptual model.FindingsPersonal motivation and the opportunity to learn from other employees are critical to generate knowledge. The attitudes and abilities of those who take part in the transfer process are also relevant, and this is especially true in cases when knowledge is highly tacit. Personal development is one example of knowledge‐based organizational and social development.Practical implicationsThe results point to the importance of the roles of managers and employees as bearers of initiative, voluntary effort and commitment. At the same time, they suggest that the firm's strategic planning process should include the knowledge to be transferred.Originality/valueTwo phases of knowledge management are studied, generation and transfer in IT‐related SMEs, and this study demonstrates how these processes are relevant.
Overcoming cultural barriers for innovation and knowledge sharing
Authors: Rivera‐Vazquez Juan C. , Ortiz‐Fournier Lillian V. , Rogelio Flores Felix 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the cultural barriers that set back knowledge production and sharing in organizations of the Municipality of Caguas at the Commonwealth of the Puerto Rico in order to find effective ways to overcome them. The purpose is to explore how the enterprise promotes efficiency among employees and how they develop a suitable environment for knowledge production and sharing.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research consists of in‐depth interviews, carried out to management personnel, and questionnaires submitted to the employees. Two hypotheses are developed and tested using the results obtained from four organizations, public and private.FindingsThe interview responses show that at the managerial level both private and public agencies have overcome the identified barriers that set back the knowledge sharing, while from the questionnaires it is found at the employee level that several cultural barriers such as organizational environment, emotional intelligence and managers' commitment are still present.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough limited by the small sample of critical actors, this study includes international and regional organizations that serve the Municipality of Caguas. The results may set a basis to develop a methodology to analyze the presence or absence of cultural barriers in other organizations, and municipalities of Puerto Rico.Originality/valueThis investigation may be used to develop standard procedures to cope with culture differences when establishing a suitable environment for knowledge production and sharing among employees.
Intellectual property rights and knowledge sharing across countries
Authors: Ben Chou P. , Passerini Katia 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to integrate the empirical and game theoretical approaches to address the strategic interactions among countries in choosing their optimal levels of intellectual property rights (IPRs), and to identify how these countries can reach an efficient and equitable equilibrium.Design/methodology/approachBecause countries' decisions on which IPR standards and protections to implement are interrelated, the authors apply game theory to characterize the scenarios before and after the 1994 Agreement on Trade‐related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) involving developed and developing countries.FindingsThe model shows that the pre‐TRIPS equilibrium is comprised of high‐income (H‐I) developed countries which choose a strong IPR protection while the middle‐income (M‐I) and low‐income (L‐I) developing countries choose a weak IPR standard. For countries to move from such an equilibrium to the uniformly strong IPR regime under TRIPS, it is necessary for the H‐I countries to compensate L‐I and M‐I countries that do not have the sufficient conditions to attract knowledge/technology transfer. This compensation covers IPR protection implementation costs and increased royalties for patents.Research limitations/implicationsThe model proposed in this study is not complex. In reality, the payoff functions can have more variables and parameters, which, however, may also complicate the model and lower its generalizability.Originality/valueThe study explains that it is difficult for countries to reach an efficient and equitable equilibrium without the subsidies and side‐payments from the developed countries to the developing countries. It builds an important bridge between the game theoretical approach and the empirical studies of TRIPS, which can be further enriched and tested. It acknowledges that it is more likely for stronger IPR standards (as in TRIPS) to be implemented than an open source approach.
Strengthening human capital for knowledge economy needs: an Indian perspective
Authors: Batra Surinder 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the initiatives being taken in India in recent years to revitalize the national education and skill development systems from the perspectives of a knowledge economy. These initiatives include strengthening of the higher and technical education system of the country and bringing about a paradigm shift in the national skill development system through the plans of action contained in the on‐going Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007‐2012). The new policy frameworks for education and skill development developed by respective Government Ministries are also to be examined from the point of view of their efficacy in moving India up the ladder of knowledge economy.Design/methodology/approachThe critical review is based on an assessment of India's current status on well‐known Knowledge Economy Indices, providing a conceptual understanding of the requirements from the country's education and skill development systems, and the emerging needs for making measurable progress on issues related to education and skill development. The approach is literature‐survey based.FindingsThe paper, while underscoring the emphasis given by the Government in bringing about major changes through mission‐mode activities in both education and skill development systems, highlights possible gaps and mismatches in various initiatives taken up by different agencies, resulting in continuing issues and challenges in India's path towards moving up the ladder of knowledge economy.Originality/valueThe paper gives a fresh look at several initiatives which have been continually taken up by the Government in the past, from the prism of a knowledge economy.
Modeling the development toward the knowledge economy: a national capability approach
Authors: Dang Duc , Umemoto Katsuhiro 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to model the national development of the knowledge economy and argue its policy implications.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is a deductive research approach. First, the paper examines fundamental epistemological assumptions of the literature on the knowledge economy to identify major views on the knowledge economy. Second, it synthesizes relevant studies of the knowledge economy to develop key concepts to be used in the theoretical model of the knowledge economy.FindingsThe paper argues that among three views of the knowledge economy (i.e., knowledge‐as‐asset, knowledge‐as‐relation, and knowledge‐as‐capability views), the knowledge‐as‐capability view is the most appropriate to explain the knowledge economy. However, this view is still evolving to explain the knowledge economy. Only a few studies have discussed national capabilities, but they omitted many points of capability as an aspect of knowledge. Although many studies have discussed organizational capabilities and provided some insight, these ideas are not directly applicable at the national level.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that to develop a knowledge economy a national government should be concerned about the balanced development of the whole system of the economy, while paying due attention to knowledge‐related activities.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a theoretical model of the knowledge economy, using original concepts of three types of national basic capability, i.e., epistemic capability, economic capability, and institutional capability and national developmental capability as the meta‐capability of leveraging, orchestrating, and restructuring those basic capabilities.
Analyzing price transmission in agri‐food supply chains: an overview
Authors: Aramyan Lusine H. , Kuiper Marijke 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to present a conceptual overview of the price transmissions within agri‐food supply chains. Analyzing price transmission in agri‐food supply chains is essential since imperfect price transition may result in market power. This is an important issue that needs attention, given that the structure of agri‐food retail in Europe, USA and Canada is experiencing rapid change towards retail power.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual overview draws on a review of different approaches in analyzing transmission of prices through an agri‐food supply chain based on supply chain analysis and price transmission studies.FindingsThree key challenges are identified in analyzing price transmission in agri‐food supply chains: structure of the supply chain; factors affecting price transmission; and supply response.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel concept in analyzing price transmission in agri‐food supply chains using price transmission literature and bi‐directional flows of information and products in agri‐food supply chains
Performance plumbing: installing performance management systems to deliver lasting value
Authors: Meekings Alan , Povey Simon , Neely Andy 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of performance plumbing, arguing that too often performance management systems in organisations are not correctly installed. Without the appropriate plumbing, performance management systems do not drive organisational change and improvement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the consultancy experiences of two of the authors, as well as the research of the third. Specific case examples are provided throughout the paper to illustrate the points being made.FindingsThe paper argues that the key elements of a plumbed‐in performance management system are: performance architecture; performance insights; performance focus; and performance action. Taken together, these four elements provide the necessary plumbing to enable performance management systems to deliver real value.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper draws on the experience of the authors, rather than a formally designed piece of research. The ideas presented in the paper would therefore benefit from further investigation and testing.Originality/valueThe paper will be valuable to scholars and practitioners interested in ensuring that performance management systems deliver lasting value.
Customer‐focus, competitor‐focus and marketing performance
Authors: Gladson Nwokah N. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of customer focus and competitor focus on marketing performance of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted an exploratory design‐ six measures of marketing performance is used to capture the customer‐focus and competitive‐focus of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria. Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using regression analysis through the use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.FindingsThe paper validated the existing instruments for measuring customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance. The paper also finds a strong positive relationship between the three constructs.Practical implicationsTwo major implications are identified in this paper, one to scholars on the investigation of the link between customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance in two different organizations. The second is for managers to be aware of the need for effective assessment of marketing performance measure in line with customer focus and competitor focus. This will no doubt help to provide knowledge and understanding of the reason for and consequences of any particular marketing decision.Originality/valueThe paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance in the Nigerian context.
Working on high performance in Asia: the case of Nabil Bank
Authors: de Waal André , Frijns Miriam 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to identify the factors that determine the continuous success of a high performance organization (HPO) in Asia and to apply these at a case company. In the past few decades organizations all over the world have been searching for the elements that constitute continuous organizational success. Fuelled by bestsellers such as In Search of Excellence and Good to Great, managers have implemented many different improvement concepts, often with mixed results.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of a previous meta analysis into high performance which identified 35 characteristics of an HPO, a case company in Nepal was studied to identify the practices this organization applied to become and stay one of the best financial services organizations in Nepal.FindingsThe results of the study show that it is possible to identify factors that determine continuous organizational success in Asia, and that managers can be offered a framework that adds focus to improvement. An important part of an HPO in Asia turns out to be the performance management system.Research implications/limitationsThe HPO approach detailed and applied in this article can be used to identify the high performance status of other Asian companies.Originality/valueBecause the research described in this paper looks at so many aspects – it encompasses not only structural, but also the behavioural aspects of management – it provides a unique insight into what makes a great Asian organization tick. The research results provide the foundation for an action agenda listing the improvement efforts organisations in Nepal have to undertake to make the transition to HPO.
The intellectual capital impact on Polish construction companies during the transformation period
Authors: Buszko Andrzej , Mroziewski Marian 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe different models have been used in recent intellectual capital (IC) studies to understand better the outcome of company intangible asset components. The purpose of this paper is to develop and apply the index of IC of construction companies in relation to the growth of their net profit.Design/methodology/approachEvaluation of the relationship between an IC index and company net profit employs a scoring method of evaluation of individual components of IC, which include human capital, investment capital, process capital, relations capital and management styles. The correlation method, based on rank correlation index, has been used to calculate the strength and character of the relationships.FindingsA quantitative method of evaluation of qualitative components of IC has been developed as well as a way of finding a relationship between the quality of IC and the growth of net profit earned by a company. The obtained findings support the hypothesis: the higher the value of IC, the greater the net profit growth.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper covers the procedure of measuring IC, determination of its effect on company results and creating IC in the context of long‐term competitiveness.Practical implicationsThe method can be applied by construction companies in order to determine the value of intellectual assets and to assess how they influence profit growth.Originality/valueThe solutions presented in the paper provide an approach to qualitative assessment of intellectual assets, in the strategic and universal aspect.
Business transformation through empowerment and the implications for management control systems
Authors: Herbert Ian 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of employee empowerment, and the implications for management control systems (MCS), as the style of management changes from a hierarchical, top‐down, style to a more lateral, bottom‐up, orientation, in which workers assume greater responsibility for situated decision‐making and self‐monitoring.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal, multiple method, case study explores how empowerment is both understood and applied by management and workers. Simons “Levers of Control” framework is employed as a sensitising device to understand the implications for MCS.FindingsThe transformation strategy is largely successful in changing the long‐standing, bureaucratic, public‐sector culture, to a more devolved style in which challenge and participation is encouraged, although actual adoption patterns are uneven and developments are not always linear. By the end of the study period, there is a move back towards centralised control but, significantly, the study is able to confirm Simons' argument that the use of an appropriate mix of levers in a “loose‐tight” manner can still promote empowered working.Research limitations/implicationsThe field work consists of a single case, albeit this is a large company with a number of autonomous units and, over time, each developed its own style of management control. At times, it is difficult to establish clear linkages between the empowerment initiative, operational management, actual performance and the MCS due to numerous contextual factors, hence the longitudinal nature of the project.Originality/valueWhilst practitioner literature has made copious exhortations to empower workers, there is little empirical work on the practical application of empowerment, or the implications for MCS in the longer term. This paper finds that empowerment can, despite some academic reservations, have an honest purpose and indeed outlive its otherwise faddish tendencies.
Information technology as knowledge management enabler in product development
Authors: Revilla Elena , Rodríguez‐Prado Beatriz , Prieto Isabel 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on one of the most recognized knowledge management enablers, information technology (IT), and explores how IT influences on knowledge base capabilities in product development – specifically knowledge exploitation and exploration.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses are empirically tested through the analysis of 80 product developments, and valid and reliable measures for each variable are developed. The research methodology uses a two‐step approach.FindingsThe study shows that product development processes can be categorized within three IT configurations: balanced IT configuration, convergent‐based IT configuration and divergent‐based IT configuration. These results show that differences in IT configurations in product development may lead to differences in terms of knowledge exploitation and show the advantages of the balanced IT configuration that combines both dimensions of IT.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size is not large and the scope of this study is limited to firms located in the Madrid area, Spain. The measurement effort represents an advance for research but, nonetheless, they measure facts that are neither fully nor easily measurable. All data were collected from the same respondent, using the same perceptual measurement technique.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that product development managers would be advised to consider knowledge based goals when selecting their IT tools. It also highlights that product development efforts should not involve an excluding trade‐off between the convergent and the divergent dimensions of IT (whereby one is at the expense of the other), but a balance of both dimensions.Originality/valueThe paper differs from previous research in a number of important ways. First, it focuses on benefits to product development. Second, it measures the impact of IT on knowledge base capabilities. Third, it focuses on the configuration of IT and an evaluation of how different configurations impact on different types of knowledge based capabilities.