bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The challenges of integrating entrepreneurship education in the vocational training system
Authors: Nkirina Severina P. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the challenges faced when trying to integrate entrepreneurship education in the training system, with a particular focus on vocational training.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through in‐depth interviews, document reviews and focus group discussions. The respondents were drawn from VETA headquarters – training director, centre managers, entrepreneurship instructors in the centre, and a section of final year students who were purposively selected. Other stakeholders in vocational training in Tanzania were also consulted.FindingsThe findings were organized around key themes of the research as per the set objectives. The emerging views showed some of the following issues as the major challenges facing the authority in its effort to integrate entrepreneurship training in the programme: time too limited to cover the core subjects; Form iv leavers and standard vii trainees have different understanding levels; financial/budgetary constraint; few instructors with relevant skills; lack of role models of successful former trainees who are practising entrepreneurs; course too theoretical, lacking the component of field studies; and the course too boring compared with other mainstream courses.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size was too small to be wholly reliable for generalizing the findings to a similar problem. However, the insights gained are a crucial basis for further research and give some variables to be investigated on their significance in shaping entrepreneurship training, especially in a developing country like Tanzania.Originality/valueThe research provides knowledge that was lacking as far as entrepreneurship training and vocational training are involved. Other studies, especially in Tanzania, focused on the quality of technical training and the infrastructural resources rather than business‐related skills.
Undergraduate research centers: simply a source of student employment or a model for supplementing rural university finances?
Authors: Rich Michael K. , Bartholomew Darrell 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the inequities in the financial infrastructure of Division II rural universities located throughout the USA and much of the Western world while seeking to offer possible solutions through on‐campus marketing enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual contribution based on the author's personal experiences as the executive director of an undergraduate research center combined with a literature study by the authors.FindingsDepending on available resources in the immediate proximity of a given rural university, services can be offered, such as marketing research, that otherwise would not be available. The author's personal experiences have demonstrated that sufficient cash flow can be generated not only to compensate the student employees, but also to support all operating expenses of an established university marketing department.Practical implicationsIf faculty members can be found who are willing to assume a leadership role, Division II universities can augment their operating funds through the development of undergraduate research organizations. This not only benefits financial situations, but also offers students real‐life experiences directly related to their earned academic degree, thus enhancing their employment opportunities subsequent to graduation.Originality/valueSufficient opportunities exist in the rural marketplace for reasonably priced marketing research services that the demand can be generated once promotion and word‐of‐mouth have established the impact of the offered services. Commercial research firms have often avoided solicitation of rural clients based on their inability to pay commercial rates and the dearth of opportunities to sell services.
Response of buying‐center participants to B2B product placements
Authors: Lord Kenneth R. , Gupta Pola B. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review product‐placement research in the consumer‐marketing domain, examine the acceptability of the practice for buying‐center participants, and assess recall, attitude and purchase‐intention responses to B2B products placed in movie scenes.Design/methodology/approachAchievement of the research objectives requires the collection of data from a sample of organizational buying‐center participants and their exposure to B2B placements in entertainment‐media contexts. Qualified participants observed a movie containing B2B products within the context of the feature. They then completed a short questionnaire concerning their observations and the impressions gained from that observation.FindingsProduct placements, used prolifically to target household consumers, are beginning to expand into the B2B domain. This research reviews product‐placement research in the B2C domain and examines the acceptability of the practice for a sample of 127 buying‐center participants and their recall, attitude and purchase‐intention responses to B2B products placed in movie scenes. Despite some claimed negativity toward the commercial intent of the practice, results reveal that buying‐center participants find the practice to be generally acceptable for a wide array of B2B products and services.Practical implicationsAdditional research supporting these findings could reveal a fruitful promotional outlet for B2B influence through placement within major motion picture productions.Originality/valueParticipants demonstrated an impressive level of recall and a modestly favorable attitude and purchase intention on exposure to experimental B2B placements viewed in movie scenes. Variables moderating that response include liking for and emotions induced by the movie, the degree of prominence and realism of the placement, and its fit with the surrounding movie content.
B2B relationship marketing analytical support with GBC modeling
Authors: Latusek Wojciech Peter 
Published: February 2010

PurposeDiscrete choice modeling has been discussed by both academics and practitioners as a means of analytical support for B2C relationship marketing. This paper aims to discuss applying this analytical framework in B2B marketing, with an example of cross‐selling high‐tech services to a large business customer. This example is also used to show how an algorithm of genetic binary choice (GBC) modeling, developed by the author, performs in comparison with major techniques used nowadays, and to analyze the financial impact of these different approaches on profitability of B2B relationship marketing operations.Design/methodology/approachPredictive models based on the regression analysis, the classification tree and the GBC algorithm are built and analyzed in the context of their performance in optimizing cross‐selling campaigns. An example of business case analysis is used to estimate the financial implications of the different approaches.FindingsB2B relationship marketing, although differing from B2C in many aspects, can also benefit from analytical support with discrete choice modeling. The financial impact of such support is significant, and can be further increased by improving the predictive accuracy of the models. In this context the GBC modeling algorithm proves to be an interesting alternative to the algorithms used nowadays.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the findings, concerning performance characteristics of the algorithms, is limited: which method is best depends, for example, on data distributions and the particular relationships being modeled.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how B2B marketing managers can increase the profitability of relationship marketing using discrete choice modeling, and how implementing new algorithms like the GBC model presented here can allow for further improvement.Originality/valueThe paper bridges the gap between research on binary choice modeling and the practice of B2B relationship marketing. It presents a new possibility of analytical support for B2B marketing operations together with financial implications. It also includes a demonstration of an algorithm newly developed by the author.
A dynamic process of buyer‐seller technology adoption
Authors: Lee Jongkuk , Qualls William J. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to propose a process through which channel stakeholders interact with one another to adopt a buyer‐seller technology with the purpose of improving the efficiency of their supply chain. The paper seeks to examine how ongoing business relationships between channel stakeholders influence the process of buyer‐seller technology adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe paper extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) to dyadic adoption behaviour by incorporating a social network perspective for buyer‐seller relationships.FindingsBuyer‐seller technology adoption occurs at multiple levels throughout a supply chain network. Although each channel stakeholder forms its own behavioural intention to adopt a new enterprise technology, actual adoption occurs at the dyadic level between two channel stakeholders. Network embeddedness and resource dependence can influence the individual firm and dyadic processes of buyer‐seller technology adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the study imply that successful implementation of a buyer‐seller technology requires attention to the relationships between channel stakeholders as well as each channel stakeholder's internal needs and capability of adopting the technology.Originality/valueThe paper offers a social network perspective of buyer‐seller behaviour when adopting a new technology. The model provides a framework through which the impact of internal and relational factors on technology adoption behaviour can be examined systematically at the dyadic level of supply chain relationships.
Training interventions: fulfilling managerial ends or proliferating invaluable means for employees?
Authors: Soltani Ebrahim , Liao Ying‐Ying 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of employee training practices in a sample of Iranian‐based organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach adopted for the study conforms to qualitative research in the form of multiple case study design. Semi‐structured interview is adopted to collect qualitative data. To enhance the validity of the information derived from the interviews, the interview data are supplemented by some observations and examination of the related documents.FindingsData from managers and employees from different functional areas support a capital approach to employee training. The results further indicate that the current approach to training has an upward impact on employee turnover. Overall, the data suggest that the effect of training on employee motivation and productivity is indirect through management's approach and orientation towards training. This, in turn, causes a gap between employee's expectation and perception toward the effectiveness of organisational training.Research limitations/implicationsThere is no sufficient evidence to correlate directly the contribution of training programmes to the overall performance of both employee and organisation. The need for more empirical data should focus on more rigorous testing of the implications of the current state of training interventions for other human resource management practices.Practical implicationsThere is a fundamental need for the Iranian managers, first, to reconsider their understanding of and rationale for training interventions; second, to realise the increased importance of employee training in achieving sustainable competitive advantage in the long term; third, to encourage employees to recognise their training needs; and last and fourth, to recognise the importance of employee training in enhancing organisational commitment. In respect of the management of international companies wishing to exploit business opportunities in Iran, there is a need on their part to know the Iranian culture, its difference from other Middle Eastern countries, and therefore to overcome such existing cross‐cultural challenges.Originality/valueThe degree to which the adoption of training strategies reflects new and different attitudes and practices among the non‐managerial employees is seen to be a major shortcoming of previous research. This study addresses such limitation by collecting data from multiple perspectives in the novel context of the Middle East with a particular focus on Iran.
Knowledge sharing through inter‐organizational knowledge networks
Authors: Ahmad Norita , Daghfous Abdelkader 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the business sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on their level of involvement in knowledge‐sharing activities with external sources, internal organizational innovations, and the barriers and benefits of joining knowledge networks. Subsequently, the findings are used as a basis for proposing several recommendations on managing knowledge in the UAE businesses that could result in higher levels of motivation and productivity.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory investigation is done by in‐depth interviews with the employees of five local and eight multinational companies in the UAE.FindingsThe paper finds that the concept of knowledge management (KM) is still not well received in this region. Most of the companies interviewed are concerned about confidentiality of their knowledge, and the presence of competent and trustworthy partners in such KM structures.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide a foundation for further research on inter‐organizational knowledge sharing in the UAE. However, this study has certain limitations such that its results may not be applicable to other industrial sectors not covered in this paper, or to other regions.Originality/valueBy using the case study approach with in‐depth interviews, this paper provides more reliable understanding of inter‐organizational KM in the UAE. It fills the gap of previous research on the subject.
FDI knowledge spillovers and host government policies: the Iranian experience
Authors: Ferretti Marco , Parmentola Adele 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is aimed at analysing the influence of the host government policies on foreign direct investment (FDI) knowledge spillovers.Design/methodology/approachStarting from the analysis of the literature, the paper has introduced a theoretical model that has been illustrated analyzing the Iranian case.FindingsGovernments can promote the realisation of knowledge spillovers only if they create the conditions for improving the absorptive capacity of local firms and the connections between local firms and foreign investors (strategic approach). Moreover, in many emerging countries, governments are directly involved in relationships with foreign investors through state‐owned companies. According to this, the Iranian case shows how the direct government involvement, if it is matched with a strategic approach, can encourage the realization of FDI knowledge spillovers.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents some limitations: other quadrants of the proposed model need to be further explored adopting other case studies; moreover, the Iranian case can be examined more in deep.Practical implicationsFrom a policymaker's point of view, the paper is an useful tool because it gives them many suggestions about what FDIs attraction policies have to be adopted in order to realize FDI knowledge spillovers.Originality/valueFrom a theoretical point of view, the paper gives a contribution to the literature on FDI spillovers highlighting the direct relationships between host government policies and FDI knowledge spillovers, especially revaluing the opportunities stemming from a direct government intervention. Moreover, this paper contributes to increase the knowledge on the Iranian context often neglected by international management studies.
Cross‐cultural differences and Italian firms' internationalization in Algeria
Authors: Calza Francesco , Aliane Nadir , Cannavale Chiara 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of cross‐cultural differences on Italian firms' internationalization in Algeria, and to determine if performance orientation and assertiveness are perceived by Italian managers of local subsidiaries as important cultural dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a qualitative analysis based on a semi‐structured questionnaire and three case studies. All the questionnaires are submitted during an interview in order to clearly explain their purpose and the terms used.FindingsCultural differences are strongly perceived by Italian managers operating in Algeria. Algerian culture seems to be characterized by a low degree of performance orientation and a low degree of assertiveness, with strong implications for Italian managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is still limited and in the future a quantitative analysis on a larger sample should be done in order to evaluate the relationship between family and religious values, on one hand, and performance orientation and assertiveness, on the other.Practical implicationsWhile entering Algeria, Italian firms have to be aware of cross‐cultural differences. Algerians' low performance orientation and assertiveness discourage local workers to reach higher standards and to improve performance, and they impact on Italian managers' capability to give instructions and to motivate local workers. The involvement of local managers is crucial in overcoming these problems.Originality/valueWhile interest towards Southern Mediterranean countries is increasing, there is little written on this topic. The impact of performance orientation and assertiveness on firms' internationalization has not been investigated so far.
Approaching digital equity: is wifi the new leveler?
Authors: Middleton Karen L. , Chambers Valrie 
Published: February 2010

PurposeRecent reports suggest the shape and size of the digital divide may be changing. This exploratory study aims to examine the relationships between demographic and situational variables and small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) owners' intentions to adopt and use free public wifi technology.Design/methodology/approachA survey study of 158 SME owners in the urban renewal community (RC) of a large Southwestern metroplex investigated the influence of known digital divisors – gender, ethnicity, age, education, and experience – on the adoption and use of wi‐fi technologies. Partial least squares was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsContrary to previous research, gender, age, education, and experience were not related to the intention to adopt wifi technology. Ethnicity was significantly related to intent to adopt, but the relationship was small. Ethnicity and age were found to be somewhat related to wifi usage. In marked contrast from earlier research, education, gender, and experience were not significant predictors of usage.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that access to high‐speed wifi has the potential to reduce and/or eliminate the digital divide. The projected changes in the digital divide can be expected to make a significant impact on SME productivity and performance.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to examine the influence of the adoption and use of public wi‐fi technologies by SME owners on the digital divide.
The impact of project team attributes on ERP system implementations
Authors: Rothenberger Marcus A. , Srite Mark , Jones‐Graham Karen 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is a major challenge to organizations. Many implementation teams struggle to ensure the success of such projects. The information systems literature indicates that the team attributes of breadth of experience, empowerment, and cohesion are necessary conditions for project success. This paper aims to investigate how the nature of implementation teams may affect adoption success.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a positivist, qualitative field study approach to investigate the role of the implementation team attributes in ERP system adoption. Project success is assessed on three determinants, i.e. support of organizational activities, stakeholder satisfaction, and system acceptance.FindingsThe findings provide new insights as to the extent to which prior assumptions from the information systems literature apply in the ERP system implementation context. The results indicate that team empowerment and cohesion are not necessary precursors to project success as their impact depends on the adoption context.Practical implicationsThe circumstances under which the impact of low team empowerment and low cohesion can be alleviated in ERP adoption projects are discussed.Originality/valueThe paper offers explanations as to why certain established assumptions regarding information systems teams and project success may not apply to an ERP adoption context.
The role of exogenous factors in the strategic performance of construction companies
Authors: Isik Zeynep , Arditi David , Dilmen Irem , Talat Birgonul M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of exogenous factors in the strategic performance of construction companies. A conceptual model is proposed where strategic performance is influenced by a two‐dimensional construct composed of market conditions and strategic alliances.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was administered to 73 construction companies. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and test the hypothesis that strategic performance is impacted by exogenous factors. The individual constructs used in the study passed the internal reliability test, all factor loadings were statistically significant at α=0.05, all goodness of fit indices consistently indicated a good fit, and the hypothesized path coefficient was large and significant at α=0.05.FindingsThe hypothesis was supported by the data and analysis. Indeed, macro‐economic, political, legal, socio‐cultural conditions and the level of competition and demand are expected to impact differentiation strategies, and market/project/partner selection strategies. The quality of the relationships with government agencies and clients is expected to influence client/project/market selection strategies, while the quality of the relationships with labor unions may affect the ability to differentiate by using innovative construction methods, materials and equipment.Research limitations/implicationsIt is likely that endogenous factors such as company resources, capabilities and project management competencies also impact strategic performance. But the study is confined only to the exogenous factors of market conditions and strategic alliances.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study benefit construction company executives in that they make the executives more cognizant of the market environment and they draw the executives' attention to the importance of alliances with other parties. While market conditions are beyond the control of construction executives, relationships with other parties are somewhat within their sphere of influence.Originality/valueOnly a few studies have ever investigated non‐financial measures to assess the effectiveness of company strategies. Also, exogenous factors which are unavoidable in a project environment were also rarely discussed in the construction management literature. The originality of this study is that it uses non‐financial measures to assess the effects of exogenous factors on strategic performance.