bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The open innovation paradox: knowledge sharing and protection in R&D collaborations
Authors: Bogers Marcel 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the paradox that arises when firms simultaneously share and protect their knowledge in an alliance with other organizations. The goal of this paper therefore is to explore this tension field in such a coupled open innovation process and to identify which strategies can be developed to cope with this tension.Design/methodology/approachThe study was initially guided by a literature review and exploratory interviews, and it ultimately develops an inductive framework based on a multiple case study approach. The paper presents eight cases of a focal firm involved in a particular R&D collaboration. The case studies are based on a variety of data sources, including a number of semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThis paper unravels the tension field of knowledge sharing and protection in R&D collaborations, with the knowledge characteristics at the core and with the knowledge embodiment and relational dimension as mediating factors. These forces are in turn influenced by the collaboration characteristics and environment. Moreover, the case studies show different ways to cope with the tension between knowledge sharing and protection, such as an open knowledge exchange strategy and a layered collaboration scheme with inner and outer members. Licensing is moreover presented as a concrete way to implement such coping strategies.Originality/valueThis paper provides an holistic perspective on the knowledge paradox in R&D collaborations as a coupled process of open innovation. Moreover, it describes two concrete strategies to cope with the tension field as well as the role and implications of licensing as a particular mechanism to overcome the open innovation paradox.
Organizational knowledge assets and innovation capability
Authors: Delgado‐Verde Miriam , Martín‐de Castro Gregorio , Emilio Navas‐López José 
Published: January 2011

PurposeOrganizational knowledge assets are key organizational factors responsible for firm innovation, as well as effective management. Traditionally, a good piece of research takes the innovation processes from an external perspective, leaving aside the internal complexity that characterizes innovation dynamics. Nevertheless, the innovation capability of a certain firm depends very closely on the intellectual assets and organizational knowledge that it possesses, as well as on its ability to deploy them. In this sense, this paper aims to test empirically the relationships between organizational knowledge assets and the innovation capability of the firm.Design/methodology/approachThe data collection was carried out through a questionnaire on a sample of 251 Spanish high and medium‐high manufacturing firms. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and multiple linear regressions were also used.FindingsBased on the literature review, this work explores the nature and measurement of organizational capital as well as its role on innovation performance in high and medium‐high manufacturing firms.Practical implicationsThis paper proposes a theoretical and empirical model of technological innovation that, based on organizational knowledge assets, highlights the importance of culture and CEO commitment towards innovation, as well as the role played by communication and information technologies (CITs) applied to management on product innovation capability within high and medium‐high manufacturing firms.Originality/valueThe scarcity of empirical works analyzing the innovation phenomena from an internal point of view adds value to the current academic literature, specifically from an intellectual capital‐based view.
Towards an ontology for the intellectual capital domain
Authors: Vlismas Orestes , Venieris George 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis study attempts to formulate an ontological proposition for the intellectual capital (IC) domain. This study is motivated by the debate of contemporary thinking for different IC research streams (IC1‐ostensive versus IC2‐performative) and their different ontological perceptions for IC. The proposed ontological proposition aims to serve the epistemological requirements towards the development of a common accepted generic IC theory.Design/methodology/approachThe formulation of the ontology for the IC domain is based on contemporary tools within the fields of ontology and conceptual modelling. The principal dimensions of the ontology for the IC domain are identified following the directions of the Sowa's generalised theory for ontological frameworks. For each dimension, a generic entity is defined by drawing inferences from disciplines relevant to the contemporary IC inquiry. The relationships between the generic entities are modelled with the semantic representations of General Systems Theory (GST).FindingsThis paper provides an answer to the epistemological problem of how to perceive the substance of the IC domain. The derived ontology for the IC domain recognises different IC ontological dimensions that correspond to the IC ontological assumptions of different IC research streams, attempts to associate the IC of an organization with the tangible dimension of the enterprise, and provides conceptual semantics for modelling firm‐specific IC domains under the prism of different epistemological perspectives for IC.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed ontological proposition for the IC domain is an abstract ontology. It might empower researchers with guidelines for systemising the formulation of theoretical propositions and descriptions for their research fields. Yet, as an abstract ontology, it might create difficulty in its practical implementation.Originality/valueThe ontological proposition for the IC domain can contribute towards the debate on the establishment of a common research communicational rationalism within the IC research community for coordinating individual research efforts.
Competitive advantage: mediator of intellectual capital and performance
Authors: Kamukama Nixon , Ahiauzu Augustine , Ntayi Joseph M. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of competitive advantage in the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance in Uganda's microfinance institutions. The major aim is to establish the role of competitive advantage in the relationship between intellectual capital and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts MedGraph program (Excel version), Sobel tests and the Kenny and Boran approach to test for mediation effects.FindingsCompetitive advantage is a significant mediator in the association between intellectual capital and financial performance and boosts the relationship between the two by 22.4 percent in Ugandan microfinance institutions. Further findings confirmed a partial type of mediation between the intellectual capital, competitive advantage and financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a single research methodological approach was employed and future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Furthermore, the findings from the present study are cross‐sectional. Future research should be undertaken to examine the mediation effects studied in this paper across time.Practical implicationsIn order to have a meaningful interpretation of the results of the relationships between study variables, it is always vital to assess the role of the third variable (competitive advantage) in the relationship. This enables practitioners and scholars to comprehend and make legitimate decisions and conclusions that can foster business growth.Originality/valueThis is the first study that focuses on testing the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance in Ugandan microfinance institutions.
Immigrant effects and international business activity: an overview
Authors: Enderwick Peter , Tung Rosalie L. , Chung Henry F.L. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the myriad linkages between cross‐border migration and international business activity through a conceptual framework of international arbitrage.Design/methodology/approachWhile labour is internationally the least integrated of the various markets (capital, product, labour) the increasing co‐movement of both tasks and workers has created opportunities for the arbitrage and exploitation of differences between national labour markets. Because national labour markets typically display the two characteristics of separation and price discrepancy it is possible to utilise the principle of arbitrage and within this framework examine cost, intellectual, knowledge and employment arbitrage.FindingsThe discussion suggests that international business offers valuable insights into migration processes and effects which have been dominated by the research approaches of other disciplines. It is found that migrants can help reduce transaction costs for bilateral trade, contribute to nostalgic trade, encourage outsourcing and foreign direct investment through referrals and performance signalling, assist country of origin development through remittances and return migration and provide valuable knowledge to their employers in the country of residence.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a conceptual one which offers no new empirical results but does provide a context for the interpretation of the more specialised studies that appear in this special issue. There is a need for research on this topic to be firmly grounded in the contemporary context of an increasingly integrated global economy. It also suggests a number of specific areas where further work would be useful.Originality/valueThe key contribution of the paper is in developing a comprehensive conceptual framework – that of labour market arbitrage – which enables a clearer understanding of the complex impacts of international migration on international business activity. It also distinguishes between direct and indirect effects.
Immigrant effect in melting pot and multicultural societies: a comparison between the USA and Canada
Authors: Ghorbani Majid 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the role of socio‐economic institutions on immigrant effect (IE). The IE is to be empirically tested in two multi‐ethnic societies of the USA and Canada; comparing it in a melting pot and a multicultural approach. This effect is also separately to be examined in several provinces and states, each with its own social setting, in both countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines data mainly collected from the census, immigration, and trade/export data in both countries, for the six‐year period of 2000‐2005. The paper compiles data in a panel data format on immigrant groups and trade with the country of origin of 27 (US) and 29 (Canada) immigrant groups.FindingsThe analysis implies findings almost the opposite of what was expected; immigrant effect exists in a melting pot and is not significant in a multicultural society.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to two societies, and still needs to be tested in other multicultural and melting pot countries across the globe.Practical/ implicationsWhile immigrants to Canada identify themselves more strongly with their new home than immigrants to the USA, Canada in general is not fully utilizing their potential in boosting foreign trade with the countries of origin of these immigrants. The paper also addresses some practical implications of the study for managers interested in better exploiting the benefits of immigrant effect.Originality/valueImmigrant effect and its values in two very large immigrant recipient countries with very dissimilar social and institutional settings are systematically investigated. Based on the results of this investigation a number of implications for practitioners and policy makers is suggested.
Ethnic entrepreneurial business cluster development: Chinatowns in Melbourne
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Masli Eryadi K. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to review the concept of clustering and to examine both mature and newly evolved natural ethnic entrepreneurial business clusters in Melbourne, Australia.Design/methodology/approachPhenomenological methodology was employed in this research. This qualitative research technique examines life experiences in an effort to understand and give them meaning. This method is seen to be appropriate as the study is investigative and explores the historical development, maintenance and growth of ethnic entrepreneurship clusters.FindingsBox Hill has evolved into a second Chinatown in Melbourne through natural ethnic entrepreneurial business cluster. The key features of these entrepreneurs are high educational and professional competence; focus on hard work and persistence; independence and sense of freedom as the key driving force; maintaining cultural linkage with countries of origin; almost no assistance from government agencies; succession or exit is not a major issue; and strong belief in providing employment and making a contribution to society.Practical implicationsThe ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs in Box Hill as well as in CBD Melbourne's Chinatown and the Chinese community at large realize that they needed to be socially participative and politically active. Through active participation in local politics, the ethnic community members are able to improve and provide more services and facilities to the community. As a result, the cluster becomes bigger and serves better the social needs of the community members, ethnic as well as non‐ethnic group members.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of literature on ethnic entrepreneurial business clusters that seem to be a growing feature of many cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Vancouver, Los Angeles and other cities in the western hemisphere. This paper investigates this phenomenon in Melbourne.
Acquiring overseas market knowledge: a comparison of strategies of expatriate and immigrant employees
Authors: Enderwick Peter 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis conceptual paper starts from the recognition that internationalisation of business is an information‐intensive process and aims to investigate two key modes for the acquisition of knowledge: expatriates and immigrant employees.Design/methodology/approachThe paper sets out a conceptual framework which examines nine popular modes of knowledge acquisition essential to the internationalisation process and their comparative strengths and weaknesses. This is coupled with a more intensive evaluation of the relative merits of the two strategies of expatriates and immigrant employees.FindingsThe analysis suggests that the modes of expatriates and immigrant employees can both be cost effective and yield high levels of relevant knowledge underpinning internationalisation. However, there are key differences between the two and it may be more useful to consider them as complements rather than simply substitutes. The strength of expatriates is their considerable knowledge of the home market, industry and firm. Their weakness is the need to gradually acquire overseas market knowledge. The strength of immigrant employees is their knowledge of overseas target markets. Their weaknesses are limited understanding of the home country business system, the firm and even the industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has several limitations. It is conceptual in nature and tentative in assessment. It does not consider all available knowledge gathering modes. To fully understand this process more research is required, particularly work that extends the narrow case approach typically used.Practical implicationsThe analysis suggests that different information gathering modes offer different advantages with none clearly superior in all situations. A similar situation appears to also hold for the modes of expatriates and immigrant employees and the two modes may be more usefully considered as complements.Originality/valueThe key contribution of the paper is in evaluating these two modes from the perspective of market knowledge and diffusion.
Valuation, diversity and cultural mis‐match: immigration in New Zealand
Authors: Clydesdale Greg 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the economic effect of immigration, in particular, government's ability to select human capital that benefits the economy.Design/methodology/approachThe effects of recent migration to New Zealand are examined, drawing on government statistics. Outcomes are contrasted with policy intentions, and the effect of diversity is considered before examining the economic effect on Auckland city.FindingsThe government's assessment of human capital does not reflect market assessment. Reasons include systemic abuse, government valuation of qualifications that are not transferable, and insufficient value placed on language, culture, nor time required for adaptation. The best performing immigrants are those with similar cultures to the dominant NZ ethnic group.Research limitations/implicationsMore research is needed to quantify impacts, however migration can also be linked to some barriers to growth including congestion costs and diversion of investment to low growth areas.Practical implicationsGovernment policies need to recognise culture is not neutral and the economic benefits of diversity may vary in time and region.Social implicationsFailure to recognise culture results in unemployment and under‐employment while migrants endure un‐met expectations. Migrants not assessed for human capital also exhibit cultural mis‐match, and is in danger of creating an emerging underclass.Originality/valueThere is a need to distinguish between economic leading immigrants and economic followers. Migrants from different cultures can lead economic growth by developing export markets but the market for such migrants can get saturated. The effects of migration change over time and each situation requires its own analysis.
Evaluation of supply chain collaboration: a case of apparel retail industry in India
Authors: Anbanandam R. , Banwet D.K. , Shankar Ravi 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a methodology to measure the extent of collaboration between apparel retailers and manufacturers in the apparel retail industry in India.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model for measuring collaboration considers variables like top management commitment, information sharing, trust among supply chain partners, long‐term relationships and risk and reward sharing. Level of collaboration is measured using graph theory.FindingsThe survey results confirmed the validity of the proposed collaboration index for measuring collaboration. The findings also show that the collaboration index is positively associated with operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could consider larger sample sizes and cover other industrial sectors.Practical implicationsSupply chain partners will be able to measure the extent of their collaboration and seek improvement in their performance. This approach helps to compare organizations in terms of their collaboration capability.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by introducing an index for measuring the extent of supply chain collaboration. This measure can be used by any participant (member) in a supply chain to determine the level of collaboration and seek improvement.
How the BSC implementation process shapes its outcome
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Arnaboldi Michela 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper has the aim of understanding how the reasons behind the adoption of the balanced scorecard (BSC) and the approaches undertaken during the entire change process influence the outcome, both in terms of BSC structure and use.Design/methodology/approachThe research studies the BSC change process and its use, adopting a multiple case study methodology which has been conducted in seven medium‐to‐large Italian non‐financial companies. The results have been analysed from an institutional perspective, considering the management accounting change process and its outcome not only as a technical problem, but also as a broader organizational issue.FindingsThe results show the interdependence between the change process, which is influenced by organizational forces, and its outcome. Different reasons for the adoption and different approaches in the design and implementation give rise to different BSC structures and styles of use.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study methodology that has been adopted does not allow the results to be generalized. Further research is needed to examine the BSC change process in order to support the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings could help managers decide when to introduce the BSC. Depending on how they use the device, they could become aware of the most suitable approach to adopt during the change process, a key feature in translating techniques into practice.Originality/valueThe paper explains the reasons behind the high fluidity of practice, considering the approach adopted during the management accounting change process.
A performance measurement view of IT project management
Authors: Tadeu de Oliveira Lacerda Rogério , Ensslin Leonardo , Rolim Ensslin Sandra 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop a methodology and a framework to assess performance measurement and generate a better understanding of the project context. The paper aims to present an application to illustrate the proposed methodology, to identify and measure the success parameters for a project.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative and it is applied to a case study. The primary data were gathered using unstructured interviews with decision makers. Bibliographic research is used in order to construct the theoretical framework and the intervention instrument adopted is the multicriteria decision aiding methodology – constructivist (MCDA‐C).FindingsThe methodology makes it possible to visualize the criteria that must be taken into account according to the decision makers' values in the project selection process. The framework supports the ordinal and cardinal measurement of the project performance, making it possible to compare and rank proposals, as well providing a process to improve project proposals.Practical implicationsThis process has helped in negotiations between stakeholders in the project, and, consequently, has helped the chief project officer to select and prioritize strategic projects within the demand for new products.Originality/valueThis paper offers an empirical understanding of the application of performance evaluation to project management and identifies a complementary tool in this interdisciplinary area.