bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovating low‐cost business models
Authors: Kachaner Nicolas , Lindgardt Zhenya , Michael David 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe authors warn of an emerging competitive crisis. Multinationals are disrupting competitors and pioneering new price points and applications in the developed world with low‐cost offerings created for rapidly developing economies. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains how smart low‐cost players invest in true innovation targeted at the large, low‐income segments of the population.FindingsThe paper charts a process for implementing low‐cost innovation.Practical implicationsCorporate leaders too often underestimate the power of low‐cost models to affect their business and wrongly focus their innovation on new products that are more sophisticated, and, thus, more expensive than the models they replace.Originality/valueA low‐cost innovation might cannibalize some of your current profit, but, most likely, it will also expand your market scope in a significant way.
Enterprise education in schools and the role of competency frameworks
Authors: Draycott Matthew , Rae David 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe period 2002‐2010 has seen significant growth in enterprise education in schools in England, accompanied by the growth of guidelines and frameworks to provide educational and assessment structures. This paper intends to explore the questions: What does “enterprise” mean in the context of 14‐19 education? What is the purpose and contribution of competence frameworks and related structures for the learning and assessment of enterprise education? How effective are they? and How might enterprise education frameworks evolve in response to changes in the post‐ recessionary economic, employment and educational landscape?Design/methodology/approachThe paper conducts a critical review of competency frameworks introduced in England to assist with enterprise education primarily for the 14‐19 age group. These are compared on the basis of their educational purpose and rationale (“why?”), their content (“what skills and knowledge they include”), and the approaches to teaching, learning and assessment they recommend (“how?”).FindingsThe analysis discusses the following questions to reflect on the progress and direction of enterprise education: How broadly or narrowly should enterprise be defined? How useful is the term? Are the skills and related knowledge and attributes too broad or too soft?; and Is there too much emphasis on assessable outcomes, rather than on how enterprising learning takes place?Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to the development of enterprise education for researchers, policymakers and practitioners in schools at an important point in the economic, educational and political cycle.Originality/valueEnterprise education in schools requires critique of and reflection on what has been achieved, together with consideration of its future purpose, value, orientation and nature. There is a concern that the “delivery” of enterprise education takes place in ways which are not “enterprising” forms of learning, and that assessment drives the curriculum. Changes to definitions, frameworks and pedagogy are needed to clarify its future educational role.
Concepts into practice: meeting the challenge of development of entrepreneurship educators around an innovative paradigm
Authors: Gibb Allan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore a range of conceptual and practical challenges faced in delivering an innovative programme targeted at staff of UK higher Education (HE) and further education (FE) institutions. The two major foci of the programme are: on the pedagogies and organization of knowledge required to provide a true “feel” for the life world, values and ways of behaving of entrepreneurs in very different academic disciplinary contexts; and on strategically and operationally making things happen in the participant institution.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is action research‐focused. Its aim is to explore the validity of a concept of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education which is truly interdisciplinary. It tests out in practice a “Mastery” model of an entrepreneurship educator in HE and FE.FindingsThe basic structure of the model is found to be appropriate as is its social constructionist view of education upon which it is founded. Importantly it values learning through practice, which may not be a total reflection of what is taught on the programme, equally with the application of programme knowledge.Originality/valueThe conceptual model and resultant programme are arguably unique in their total focus on behaviours in different organizational and disciplinary contexts.
Graduate entrepreneurs are different: they access more resources?
Authors: Pickernell David , Packham Gary , Jones Paul , Miller Christopher , Thomas Brychan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether, and in what areas, graduate entrepreneurs are significantly different from non‐graduate entrepreneurs, both generally and in terms of external resources (advice, finance and public procurement contracts).Design/methodology/approachThe available literature was evaluated to identify issues affecting enterprise generally, and external resource access and use and educational attainment specifically. The data used were generated from the 2008 UK Federation of Small Businesses Survey, providing over 8,000 usable responses for this analysis. Quantitative analysis identified significant general characteristics of graduate entrepreneurs compared with non‐graduate entrepreneurs. Factor analysis was then used to identify the sets of advice, finance and public procurement customers of greatest interest, with independent samplest‐tests used to compare graduate and non‐graduate use thereof.FindingsGraduate entrepreneur‐owned firms were statistically significantly more likely (than non‐graduate‐owned firms) to have younger owners, be younger and more export‐oriented businesses, in high knowledge services, to have intellectual property, make more use of web sites and be of high growth potential. In terms of external resources, graduate‐owned businesses were more likely to have received beneficial business advice from informal networks/trade associations, government business services, friends and family, customers and suppliers, and to have public procurement customers at the national/international level.Originality/valueThe study provides important empirical baseline data for future quantitative and qualitative studies focused on the impact of enterprise education specifically.
Entrepreneurial learning in family business
Authors: Hamilton Eleanor 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute towards understanding how entrepreneurial learning might be understood as being socially situated, embedded in everyday practice in the context of family business. The study is framed by three main principles drawn from situated learning theory. First, the family and the business are examined as overlapping communities of practice, as sites of practice‐based knowledge. Second, the concept of legitimate peripheral participation is explored in relation to members of the family business. Finally, how practice is both reproduced and transformed over time is examined in the context of two generations' participation in a family business.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on an empirical study of two generations from five families, the founders of a business and their successors. The interview approach adopted phenomenological techniques. A thematic analysis identified conceptual frameworks to make sense of the data in a “quasi grounded” approach. Finally, the three main principles introduced from situated learning theory – communities of practice, legitimate peripheral participation, and cycles of reproduction and transformation provided a conceptual framework to analyse the empirical material.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an interpretive, qualitative study based on a small sample of families based in the North West of England. The findings are not intended to be generalised to a population, but to offer empirical insights that extend theoretical frameworks in order to better understand the entrepreneurial phenomenon.Practical implicationsThe experience of the second generation both in the family business and in overlapping contexts of learning‐in‐practice brings innovation and change as well as continuity. The study also suggests that the complex process of succession might be informed by the understanding of the importance of the nature and extent of participation in the family business over time.Originality/valueThis paper introduces conceptual frameworks that capture the social complexity of intergenerational entrepreneurial learning and contributes an empirical illustration of situated learning theory within the context of family business. The situated learning perspective contrasts with much of the existing entrepreneurial learning literature, which has tended to focus on “the entrepreneur” and individual learning processes. This study demonstrates that applying a learning lens brings theoretical insights to the study of family business.
Human capital and growth in Romanian small firms
Authors: Lafuente Esteban , Rabetino Rodrigo 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine the impact that certain human capital variables have over employment growth of small firms in Romania.Design/methodology/approachThe human capital components considered in this paper are education, previous work experience, employment motivations, the presence of entrepreneurial teams, and the presence of family members in the firm. To attain the objective of the paper we carry out a regression analysis using a rich data set of 635 Romanian firms for the year 2006.FindingsConsistent with different employment growth measures, the empirical findings indicate that human capital matters for explaining small firms' employment growth. Previous work experience, the presence of entrepreneurial teams and the proportion of family members working in the business appear as determinant components. In addition, the results indicate that an active involvement of the entrepreneur in managerial tasks increases the intensity with which the entrepreneur makes use of his/her human capital, and this leads to higher employment growth rates.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the paper lies in the absence of a longitudinal analysis that could have given a greater perspective to the study. In order to enrich the analysis, future research should attempt to further explore the impact of human capital components on small firms' growth in other transition economies.Originality/valueThe paper increases the literature dealing with the determinants of small firms' growth in transition economies. The results of the paper also have important implications for academics and support institutions in Romania, as they suggest that, in the Romanian context, small firms may obtain significant benefits from support policies more oriented towards the formation of human capital.
Sustainable SMEs network utilization: the case of food enterprises
Authors: Jämsä Päivi , Tähtinen Jaana , Ryan Annmarie , Pallari Maarit 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine how sustainable SMEs utilize their networks. Here utilization refers to activities SMEs perform in network and how the SMEs are influenced by and influence networks. While the importance of networks has been acknowledged in SME marketing research, linking sustainability to SME networking has been a more neglected area of research.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study of two Finnish SMEs operating in the food sector was conducted for this study. The main methods applied to gather the research data were group and individual interviews.FindingsThis study shows that SMEs utilize their networks as a source of opportunities and resources and their networks can serve as an avenue for change towards sustainability. Moreover, learning in the network was identified as a key process through which the enterprises and the network evolve.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this paper is that the case study interviews were conducted at a single point in time and thus the study is based on historical instead of follow‐up data.Practical implicationsSMEs are encouraged to develop skills (e.g. willingness to solve problems), which on the one hand, help them to utilize the network as a source of opportunities and resources and, on the other hand, influence the network to develop it further.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that SMEs utilized their networks to bring about enhanced sustainability, a perspective less understood in previous research. Moreover, the study connects sustainability to SME networking, which is also less studied, but a highly valuable way for resource‐constrained SMEs to enhance social and ecologic sustainability.
Growth and economies of scale among timber haulage companies
Authors: Soirinsuo Juho , Mäkinen Pekka 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to help growth‐oriented timber haulage entrepreneurs to recognise the problems of growth and understand its implications.Design/methodology/approachData from 30 companies were retrieved from their financial statements between 2001 and 2006. The relevant literature consists of the company growth theory, strategy analysis and definitions of entrepreneurship. In this empirical study a resource‐based approach was used as the theoretical background. The research method was purely financial analysis.FindingsEconomies of scale exist in the sector but are limited and do not evolve hand‐in‐hand with company size. There is an optimum size for a timber haulage company at which it can operate efficiently. However, the sector may be polarised.Research limitations/implicationsThe data used in the study do not clarify the particular entrepreneurial actions taken in companies as they grew.Originality/valueThis empirical study covers new ground and offers new information about the sector. The results can be used to assist in the development of the sector, which has been studied very little. In addition, the results can be used as a background for further studies, and also by growth‐oriented companies' management when considering the option of growth.
Benchmarking of North Indian urban water utilities
Authors: Singh Mamata R. , Mittal Atul K. , Upadhyay V. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a suitable benchmarking framework that encompasses multiple criteria of sustainable water supply services for assessing the performance of select North Indian urban water utilities and also to arrive at potential for input reductions (or efficient input levels).Design/methodology/approachThe study considers 35 North Indian urban water utilities pertaining to two union territories (Chandigarh and Delhi) and three states (Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh) for sustainability‐based performance assessment using input‐oriented variable returns to scale data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. Important criteria considered for sustainable water supply services are service sufficiency, service reliability, resource conservation, staff rationalization, and business viability which in turn address the key sustainability dimensions (social, environmental and financial).FindingsThe approach when applied to a sample of 35 North Indian urban water utilities shows low‐performance levels for most of the utilities, with significant scope for reduction in operation and maintenance expenditure, staff size and water losses. State/UT‐wise analysis of sustainability‐based average efficiency presents the highest score for Chandigarh and the least score for Haryana, whereas the rest of the three states/UT score in between them.Research limitations/implicationsLimited data availability has constrained the incorporation of other sustainability criteria (such as services to the poor, tariff design, customer services, revenue functions, etc.) for efficiency analysis of urban water utilities. Also, estimation of efficiency scores does not encompass the effect of exogenous environmental factors which are beyond utilities' managerial control (such as topography, population density, water source, ownership status, etc.).Practical implicationsThis framework would be useful for the regulator or operator of the facility to rank the utilities and devise performance‐linked incentive mechanism or price cap regulation.Originality/valueThis paper is a significant departure from the other international benchmarking initiatives/studies as it develops a holistic framework for benchmarking in the water sector that encompasses multiple criteria of sustainable water supply services using DEA as a tool.
A preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems
Authors: Fox Stephen 
Published: February 2011

PurposeGenerative Production Systems are generative design computation that is linked to optimal physical production. They can improve the design and production of products which have unique geometries. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review investigating the structures and formats of successful methodologies. The literature review also investigates Generative Production Systems' theoretical foundations, development and implementations.FindingsThe potential of Generative Production Systems is restricted because enabling information is fragmented and difficult to access. In other fields, such barriers have been overcome through the introduction of methodologies that provide guiding principles, rules and strategies (P‐R‐S). The P‐R‐S type of methodology structure is suitable for Generative Production Systems.Practical implicationsThe use of Generative Production Systems requires more upfront investment than the use of CAD/CAM software packages. However, they require little, or no, human input after they are set‐up. The preliminary methodology provides structured guidance about how to set up a Generative Production System. Further, the explanatory text enables wider understanding of Generative Production Systems, and how they can improve design and production.Originality/valueAn analysis is provided for the structure and format of successful methodologies in general. A preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems is introduced. Further, the paper provides an overview of the disadvantages and advantages of Generative Production Systems compared to typical CAD/CAM software packages.
Computer‐aided design and engineering as enablers of agile manufacturing
Authors: Vinodh S. , Kuttalingam D. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided engineering (CAE) as enablers of agile manufacturing (AM).Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review, the importance of technology integration enabling AM has been found. CAD technology has been used for modelling baseline product; CAE has been used for deriving optimized parameters; new designs have been derived.FindingsThe feasibility of CAD and CAE as enablers of AM has been ensured.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has been conducted only in one automotive sprocket manufacturing organization.Practical implicationsThe practical feasibility of generating new products through technology integration has been ensured.Originality/valueVery little research has been reported on technology‐integrated AM practices. In this study, CAD and CAE have been used for enabling product development.
The effects of innovativeness on effectiveness and efficiency
Authors: Tajeddini Kayhan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeWhilst researchers have explored the relationship between innovativeness and business performance in different organizations, such studies in services such as restaurants are scarce. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential influences of innovativeness on effectiveness and efficiency and their subsequent effects on restaurant business performance.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were collected through personal interviews from 211 Iranian restaurants to examine the interrelationships between innovativeness, effectiveness and efficiency as well as service business performance dimensions (i.e. profit goal achievement, sales goal achievement and return on investment achievement).FindingsThe findings provide a fresh insight by exploring innovativeness, effectiveness and efficiency and how these determinants affect the business performance of restaurants.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to Iranian restaurants in a cross sectional manner, using self‐report measures indicating that the results might be idiosyncratic and subject to individual differences. Implications for future research in innovativeness in practice are discussed. This paper contributes to knowledge regarding the impact of innovativeness on effectiveness and efficiency and extends the findings of Chan et al. regarding the influences of effectiveness and efficiency on business performance.Practical implicationsManagers should consider the important roles that operating effectiveness and cost efficiency play in the innovativeness‐performance relationship.Originality/valueThe paper provides a good example of innovation, effectiveness and efficiency in the service industry.