bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Networking strategies for entrepreneurs: balancing cohesion and diversity
Authors: Martinez Martha A. , Aldrich Howard E. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how cohesive/diverse networks affect entrepreneurial activities. In particular, an interest is shown in how cohesion and diversity may affect entrepreneurial outcomes like survival, profitability, innovation and efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe paper organizes the literature and presents conclusions about the effects of cohesion and diversity using three stages of entrepreneurial activity: opportunity development, technology and organizational creation, and exchange.FindingsAt the opportunity stage, strong ties with entrepreneurs increase the likelihood of becoming one, but are associated with lower levels of innovation. Diverse ties increase self‐efficacy and innovation. At the technology and organizational creation stage, most entrepreneurial teams are homogeneous whereas team diversity is associated with better organizational outcomes. Using strong ties to recruit potential employees provides price and commitment advantages, but may interfere with efficiency. At the exchange stage, entrepreneurs must strike a balance between weak (market based) and stronger (embedded) ties to gain preferential access to resources and customers, while maintaining diverse sources for information and market opportunities. Overall, cohesion through strong ties provides entrepreneurs with hard to find resources very early in the development of new ventures, but those resources are limited in scope and have a high cost. By contrast, diversity is more common and more important later in a venture's life cycle.Originality/valueGuidelines are suggested regarding the best networking strategies at the different stages and in different instrumental areas, offering an overall evaluation of the evidence in the cohesion v. diversity debate. Directions for future research on the effects of networks on entrepreneurial outcomes are also provided.
Self‐regulation and effort in entrepreneurial tasks
Authors: Trevelyan Rose 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe central question of this paper is, “What determines an entrepreneur's effort on different tasks?” The paper aims to address this question.Design/methodology/approachPropositions about the impact cognitive processes have on entrepreneurial effort across different tasks are developed. These propositions draw on self‐regulatory theory, in particular our understanding of regulatory focus and self‐efficacy.FindingsIt is argued that a promotion orientation motivates effort on explorative tasks, and a prevention orientation motivates effort on exploitative tasks. Further, it is proposed that high self‐efficacy motivates effort on action tasks, but high self‐efficacy reduces effort on judgment tasks.Practical implicationsOne implication of these propositions for entrepreneurs is to understand self‐regulatory processes and to consciously decide how much effort to put into different tasks, rather than relying on (hidden) preferences. Another implication is for those involved in selecting and developing entrepreneurs. That implication is that entrepreneurs' self‐regulatory processes can inhibit effective effort. These processes can be managed to increase effectiveness.Originality/valueBy introducing task type into the discussion of self‐regulation and entrepreneurial effort, a more fine‐grained understanding of cognitive processes in actual entrepreneurial activities is developed.
Delivering enterprise
Authors: Smith Anne M.J. , Paton Robert A. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeIndustry, government and funding bodies have long called for the inclusion of entrepreneurship and enterprise within education provision at all levels: engagement with enterprise develops entrepreneurial skills, which in turn will enhance both the employability of the recipient and contribution to the knowledge led economy. This paper seeks to examine an innovative approach to the development, implementation and assessment of enterprise and entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe authors were directly engaged with a Scottish Enterprise programme between November 2006 and 2008 inclusive. The observations drawn from this time are part of an ongoing study, which has adopted an action research approach, to assess and deliver transferable skills.FindingsThe programme delivers skills and economic benefits within an international setting. Enterprise agencies, universities and employers have come together to deliver a programme that generates economic benefit while enhancing participant and client capability. It does so by combining and addressing business and technology connectivity, experiential learning and reflective practice.Practical implicationsThis paper examines the rationale behind such initiatives and links this to the direct experience of programme development, delivery and assessment; the aim being to “unpack” the programme in such a way as to allow others to access the experience. This should in itself encourage discussion around the academic and pedagogical underpinnings of such enterprise offerings.Originality/valueThe authors hope that this paper helps inform the policy debate (within government, funding and enterprise agencies and representatives of industry and commerce) by addressing the question: how best to engage with practice in a meaningful and enterprise led manner?
What motivates REITs to pay cash versus other forms of payment in mergers and acquisitions?
Authors: Abdou Khaled , Ghosh Sudip 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the payment of percentage cash from total payment in a REITs mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a heteroskedastic‐consistent regression model to analyze the relationship between the percentage of cash paid during M&A transactions and other determinants such as sources of funds, geographical proximity and percentage sought by acquirer.FindingsThe results of empirical analysis show that REITs with internal corporate funds tend to pay larger percentage of cash versus other forms of payments within M&A deals. Moreover, geographical proximity and intra‐industry REITs M&A has no significant effect on the form of payment. And finally, the larger the percentage sought by the acquirer, the less percentage of cash paid in a REITs M&A deal.Practical implicationsThe paper mainly shows that internal funding is a significant factor in determining the percentage of cash versus stocks (or any other form of payment) when completing a merger. This highlights the importance of a REIT to manage its short‐term liquidity and cash specifically. Also, this shows the applicability of pecking order theory on the REITs industry.Originality/valueThe paper researches the cash as a method of payment in REITs M&A, an industry with its specific characteristics.
A repeat sales index robust to small datasets
Authors: Baroni Michel , Barthélémy Fabrice , Mokrane Mahdi 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to test the robustness of the trend and volatility estimations for two indices: the classical Weighted Repeat Sales and a PCA factorial index. The estimations are computed from a dataset of Paris commercial properties.Design/methodology/approachFirst, two methodologies are presented, and then the dataset. Finally, the impact of the number of transactions per period are tested on the trend and volatility estimates for each index, and an interpretation of the results are given.FindingsThe trend and volatility estimates are biased for the WRS index and not for the PCA factorial index when the periodicity increases. Consequently, the level of the index at the end of the computing period is significantly different for various periodicities in the case of the WRS index. Globally, the PCA factorial seems to be more robust to the number of transactions.Originality/valueAs suggested by D. Geltner, commercial properties indices have to be built using repeat sales instead of hedonic indices. The repeat sales method is a means of constructing real estate price indices based on a repeated observation of property transactions. These indices may be used as benchmarks for real estate portfolio managers. But the investors, in general, are also interested in introducing real estate performance in their portfolio to enhance the efficient frontier. Thus, expected return and volatility are the two key parameters. To create and to improve contracts on real estate indices, trend and volatility of these indices must be robust regarding to the periodicity of the index and the volume of transactions.
Elixir or delusion
Authors: Huston Simon , Warren Clive , Elliott Peter 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a General Systems Theory (GST) risk management framework and conducts a preliminary investigation into its potential benefits.Design/methodology/approachA risk management framework with four domains is developed by applying GST to property. Risk management in five listed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A‐REITs) is benchmarked against the GST ideal using public web‐sites information. A‐REIT volatility‐adjusted returns are calculated using Treynor ratios for the year to May 2010. The link between risk management score and entity performance is then investigated.FindingsThe GST framework directs attention to risks involving surveillance, capacity and controls. However, as predicted by the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), the study found no link between assessed risk management and volatility‐moderated annual returns to May 2010.Research limitations/implicationsThe risk scoring was predicated on publicly available data, with limited analysis of financial statements. The sample size was restricted.Practical implicationsSuccessful entities are well governed, focused and innovative. Robust finances allow exploitation of emerging opportunity when business conditions become favourable. Planning and environmental management capabilities are essential.Originality/valueThe paper makes conceptual and practical contributions. Conceptually, it develops a GST risk management framework. Practically, albeit for a handful of entities, the paper illustrates how the GST approach to risk management could be effectively deployed. The paper also outlines a pathway for more refined risk management research.
The reliability of investment property fair values under IFRS
Authors: Nellessen Thomas , Zuelch Henning 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe valuation of property companies and fair value accounting for investment properties under IFRS are closely affiliated with each other. This is because property companies are commonly valued using net asset value as a valuation technique. The term net asset value represents the fair value of a property company's assets less its liabilities and therefore can easily be determined, as under IFRS investment property is often reported using a fair value approach. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perception of fair value estimates for many companies' main asset: investment properties. With this it contributes to the stream of real estate finance literature that investigates net asset value deviations from property companies' share prices and to the stream of accounting literature that investigates fair value accounting.Design/methodology/approachThe association between the net asset values of European listed property companies and their market prices are investigated. Observed deviations are related to a wide set of variables using panel (unbalanced) OLS‐regressions.FindingsIt is found that net asset value usually departs from the market capitalization of European property companies. It is also found that those deviations are a result of insufficient reliability of fair value estimates of investment properties because of the limitations of appraisals, the diversity of applied approaches in appraising investment properties and the reliability problem for mark‐to‐model approaches usually applied in determining the fair value of investment properties.Originality/valueThis parameter has not been considered before in previous literature.
The real estate investment of insurance companies in Poland
Authors: Wolski Rafal , Zaleczna Magdalena 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify possible reasons for insurance companies' scant interest in real estate as investment asset in Poland. The authors attempt to determine the impact of real estate investment on insurance companies' profitability.Design/methodology/approachAfter collecting the aggregated data about insurance companies' financial results for the period 2000‐2008 the authors analyzed the relationship between real estate investment and profitability indicators such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and return on sales (ROS). This approach reflected the shareholders' point‐of‐view. Subsequently, the same kind of analysis was carried out to investigate the impact of real estate investments on the insurance companies' return on technical activity (RTA) and return on investment activity (RIA). These indicators are meant to assess business performance from the point‐of‐view of insured persons.FindingsThe analysis revealed some negative correlations: real estate investments may reduce the profitability of insurance companies. If this is true, the unwillingness of insurance companies to purchase property would not be surprising. Yet, this conclusion should be accepted with caution.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the short study period and changes in legal classification of investment categories, the available data were very imperfect and the study results may not be perceived as undisputable, hence, it is felt that further research is needed.Originality/valueThe paper is original, as previously no such research has been conducted in Poland.
Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of process management initiatives at technologically consistent firms
Authors: Small Michael H. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Alavi Jafar 
Published: January 2011

PurposeA firm may be considered to be technologically consistent if its manufacturing technology is appropriate for its segment of its industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between technology consistency and both the rate of adoption and performance of six specific process management initiatives.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey was administered to CEO's at a total of 400 food processing, pharmaceutical/biotechnology, apparel and semiconductor firms in the USA. In total, 80 usable responses were returned, resulting in a response rate of 20 percent; 64 of these responses form the basis for the results presented in this paper.FindingsThe results indicate that there was a relationship between technology consistency and the adoption of only one of the six process management initiatives covered in this study. However, most of the respondents indicated that the initiatives that they had chosen were effective in meeting their needs.Practical implicationsThis study concerns the adoption of six process management initiatives at firms in four industries. The results indicate that these initiatives appear to be just as relevant and beneficial to manufacturers regardless of the level of technology existent in their industry. However, examination of this phenomenon for a greater number of initiatives at a wider cross section of manufacturing industries is desirable.Originality/valueThis research is innovative in that it considers the impact of the implementation of various process management initiatives in the context of the technological consistency of the adopting firm. The reported results are relevant for small, moderate and large manufacturing concerns.
Modular product architecture for productivity enhancement
Authors: Shamsuzzoha A.H.M. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe aims of this article are to introduce a modularization framework and a method for the formation of modules.Design/methodology/approachA methodological framework is presented to guide designers and engineers in the formation and selection of suitable modules in developing customized products. Detailed explanations of the framework are presented theoretically. This framework interacts with different product development participants such as resources, customers' preferences, design architecture for planning, and scheduling a custom‐built product. A new method is proposed with a case example to facilitate the formation of modules.FindingsThis paper investigates the potential of the modularization framework, usable for prioritizing the components dependencies and creating required number of modules. It also explains the overall concept, usability and rules/methods for the module formation applied to product design, to allow a greater degree of freedom for the designer, and the opportunity to reduce development time and increase customer satisfaction. A method, based on the rules for modularity concept is proposed within the scope of this paper.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework and the method of modularization as illustrated in this article are based on a theoretical hypothesis. Both the approaches require implementing in a real industrial environment in order to generalize their effectiveness, applicability and consistency in the manufacturing arena.Practical implicationsSince product architecture is an important element in determining the value and flexibility of the product development process, the relationship pattern between the architecture and productivity is therefore worthy of careful investigation. The aims of modular framework and rules for modularity are to incorporate design variables and dependency structure with a view to enhancing product development lead time and will contribute to the exploitation of overall bottlenecks of manufacturing systems.Originality/valueThe implementation framework for modular product architecture seems unique as its potential value could be applied in the industrial environment for production flexibility and reducing bottlenecks. Along with the framework, the presented modularity rule or method will contribute to business architecture with a view to providing more reliable operation, easier maintenance and faster product development time.
Advanced planning and scheduling with collaboration processes in agile supply and demand networks
Authors: Kristianto Yohanes , Ajmal Mian M. , Helo Petri 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe general purpose of the paper is to improve supply chain (SC) responsiveness and agility by developing advanced planning and scheduling (APS) with collaboration process into agile supply and demand networks (ASDN).Design/methodology/approachSome industrial examples are presented to extract the APS requirements, then business models that are supported by analytical models are developed into APS modules to respond to the requirements. At the end, the modules are attached into an ASDN simulator to measure the benefit of the APS with collaboration process.FindingsThe results show that the APS with collaboration process is superior to existing APS software in terms of promising lead times to customers at minimum inventory level.Research limitations/implicationsSince the APS with collaboration process cannot optimize transportation planning, SCs cannot therefore optimize networks by finding the optimum network configuration. Currently, the simulator needs to be tested in several possible network scenarios to find the optimal network configuration.Practical implicationsThe APS with collaboration process makes it possible to give guaranteed lead times at minimum inventory level. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the APS with collaboration process with enterprise resources planning or MRP II by considering the criticality of the planning.Originality/valueThe attachment of APS with collaboration process business into ASDN represents the original aspect of this paper.
A fuzzy multi‐objective balanced scorecard approach for selecting an optimal electronic business process management best practice (e‐BPMBP)
Authors: Zandi Faramak , Tavana Madjid 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe rapid intensification of the internet and electronic commerce diffusion has given rise to electronic business process management (e‐BPM) which enhances the overall connectivity of the business processes. However, when confronted by the range of e‐BPM best practices (e‐BPMBPs), organizations struggle to identify the one most appropriate to their needs. The paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a novel fuzzy group multi‐objective method for e‐BPMBP evaluation and selection. First, a fuzzy group linear assignment method is used to rank the e‐BPMBPs drawing on the four perspectives of a balanced scorecard (BSC). Second, a fuzzy group real options approach is used to estimate the financial values of the ranked e‐BPMBPs. Third, a four‐objective assignment model is used to select the optimal e‐BPMBP in deferral time with respect to their rankings, financial values, and a series of pertinent constraints.FindingsThe contribution of the proposed method is threefold: it is grounded in the four perspectives of a BSC, it considers imprecise or vague judgments which lead to ambiguity in the decision process, and it uses a meaningful and robust multi‐objective model to aggregate both qualitative judgments and quantitative data. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework and to exhibit the efficacy of the procedures and algorithms.Originality/valueThe novel fuzzy group multi‐objective framework for e‐BPMBP evaluation and selection proposed in the paper takes into consideration (1) the qualitative and quantitative criteria and their respective value judgments; (2) the verbal expressions and linguistic variables for qualitative judgments which lead to ambiguity in the decision process; and (3) imprecise or vague judgments.
Factors influencing technological entrepreneurship capabilities
Authors: Petti Claudio , Zhang Shujun 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to address the issue of the factors influencing Chinese enterprises technological entrepreneurship capabilities. This study is particularly relevant in light of the driving role given to enterprises in the process of transforming China into an innovation‐oriented nation and leading science power.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a broad literature review, covering various theoretical fields in International as well as Chinese management literature, to develop an integrated research framework. Relying on a multi‐disciplinary and multi‐level approach, the framework highlights a number of internal processes and external network attributes, their interactions and moderating relationships as related to their impact on Chinese enterprises technological entrepreneurship capabilities and their contributions to business performance.FindingsThe paper offers an overview of the factors that affect technological entrepreneurship capabilities, with particular reference to Chinese enterprises. Also, the study highlights some understudied issues and points to a number of research directions of specific relevance for the Chinese context. In this aim, a number of theoretical propositions have been identified.Originality/valueThe paper provides an integrated multi‐disciplinary and multi‐level research framework that organizes the body of knowledge, scattered in different literature and contexts, in a state‐of‐the‐art piece of the research into technology entrepreneurship capabilities, as well as to identify more specific research questions, model, testable hypothesis and related studies that build on and add value to previous research.