bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedding enterprise in science and engineering departments
Authors: Handscombe Robert D. , Rodriguez‐Falcon Elena , Patterson Eann A. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the attempts to implement the challenges of teaching enterprise to science and engineering students by the embedding approach chosen by the White Rose Centre for Enterprise (WRCE), one of the centres formed under the Science Engineering Challenge in the UK.Design/methodology/approachWRCE's objective was to have departmental science and engineering staff teach enterprise modules as part of their overall departmental teaching and to have such modules integrated into the course provision. The WRCE approach emphasized the value of giving students some real life or simulated “real” experience and of developing a strand or track of enterprise through the years of the course.FindingsThe general propositions of WRCE are reviewed in the light of the outcomes in a number of departments, but most specifically within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sheffield, which would claim to be one of the most successful departmental interventions of WRCE. Whilst good examples of embedded modules exist, the successful results in Mechanical Engineering appear to depend on the appointment of non‐traditional staff, the integration of enterprise in a track broader than enterprise and leadership of that track that has the confidence and resource to deliver its agenda in part using external rather than internal teaching.Originality/valueThe embedding of enterprise learning into an engineering curriculum and a mechanical engineering degree program in particular, is discussed from the perspective of the programme leadership, the sponsoring body and the implementing instructor.
Graduate entrepreneurship: more than child's play
Authors: Hegarty Cecilia , Jones Colin 
Published: September 2008

PurposeWith the unbridled demand for entrepreneurship in higher education, the purpose of this paper is to identify how pedagogy can inhibit students in making the transition to graduate entrepreneurship. Along the way, the concept of what and who is a graduate entrepreneur is challenged.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports upon the pragmatic development of enterprise programmes in Ireland and Australia. Despite different starting points, a convergence of purpose as to what can be realistically expected of enterprise education has emerged.FindingsThis study reinforces the shift away from commercialisation strategies associated with entrepreneurial action towards developing essential life skills as core to any university programme and key to developing entrepreneurial capacity among students. Despite similar government intervention, university policy and student demand for practical‐based entrepreneurial learning in both cases, graduates tend not to engage in immediate entrepreneurial action due to the lack of fit between their programme of study and individual resource profiles, suggesting that graduate entrepreneurship is more than child's play.Practical implicationsThere are practical implications for educationalists forced to consider the effectiveness of their enterprise teachings, and cautionary evidence for those charged with providing support services for graduates.Originality/valueGiven the evolutionary approaches used at the University of Tasmania to develop students as “reasonable adventurers” and at the University of Ulster to develop “the enterprising mindset” the paper presents evidence of the need to allow students the opportunity to apply entrepreneurial learning to their individual life experiences in order to reasonably venture into entrepreneurial activity.
Human capital, poverty, and income distribution in developing countries
Authors: Quang Dao Minh 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of the components of human capital on the extent of poverty and income distribution in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachData for all variables are from the World Development Report, 2006 and 2007. The least‐squares estimation technique in a multivariate linear regression is applied. It is noted that the introduction of interaction terms between income and the components of human capital yields better statistical results, as pointed out in the economic development literature.FindingsBased on data from the World Bank and using a sample of 40 developing economies, it is found that the fraction of the population below the poverty line is linearly dependent upon gender parity ratio in primary and secondary schools, the prevalence of child malnutrition, per capita purchasing power parity gross national income, the maternal mortality rate, and the percentage of births attended by skilled health staff. Using another sample of 35 developing countries, it is found that income inequality linearly depends on the same explanatory variables plus the infant mortality rate and the primary school completion rate.Practical implicationsStatistical results of such empirical examination will assist governments in those countries identify areas that need to be improved upon in order to alleviate poverty and improve the distribution of income.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information on the impact of the components of human capital on the extent of poverty and income distribution in developing countries.
Determinants of capital flows to developing countries: a structural VAR analysis
Authors: De Vita Glauco , Kyaw Khine S. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim of the study is to investigate the relative significance of the determinants of disaggregated capital flows (foreign direct investment and portfolio flows) to five developing countries, across different time horizons.Design/methodology/approachAn empirically tractable structural VAR model of the determinants of capital flows is developed, and variance decomposition and impulse response analyses are used to investigate the temporal dynamic effects of shocks to push and pull factors on foreign direct investment and portfolio flows.FindingsEstimation of the model using quarterly data for the period 1976‐2001 provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that shocks to real variables of economic activity such as foreign output and domestic productivity are the most important forces explaining the variations in capital flows to developing countries.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings highlight the concomitant need for policy makers in developing countries to design domestic policy that accounts for both external and internal shocks to real variables of economic activity.Originality/valuePrevious empirical studies on the determinants of capital flows to developing countries have mostly examined the capital flow variable in aggregate, and have largely overlooked the possibility that the relative significance of estimated coefficients of such determinants may vary across time horizons.
Donating behavior: if time is money, which to give? A preliminary analysis
Authors: Handy Femida , Katz Eliakim 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThere appears to be a puzzle associated with the observation that individuals both donate and volunteer to charity. If the purpose of a giving individual is to maximize the effect of his/her donation, then he/she should give as effectively as possible. This implies that an individual should donate either time or money but not both. Yet, simultaneous volunteering and donating money is extremely common. Indeed, it may be viewed as the rule rather than the exception. This paper aims to offer a solution to this puzzle.Design/methodology/approachThis theoretical paper models giving behavior by individuals and takes into account the disutility of volunteer and income related work.FindingsBy modeling the difference between an individual's volunteer and income‐related work, it can be understood why individuals' giving behavior of donating money and volunteering.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should test these findings empirically.Originality/valueTheoretical contribution to our understanding of giving behavior as to why individuals donate money and time even if is not economically efficient to do both.
Inequality and size of government: evidence from Brazilian states
Authors: Mattos Enlinson , Rocha Fabiana 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the role of income‐inequality on the size of local government.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper extends the model proposed by Meltzer and Richard, allowing for spatial interaction in the redistributive in‐kind transfers from the local governments. Second, it estimates the determinants of the size in local government taking into consideration spatial dependence in the variables.FindingsThis model points that the poorer the median voter is, the higher should be the level of local public expenditures, but the spillover effect (spatial effect) in spending is undetermined. Second, using data on Brazilian states public finance, the results suggest a negative relation between expenditures (and tax revenues) and the median voter income, in favor to the model. While both public spending and tax rates exhibit negative spatial correlation (substitute goods), behavioral significance can be attached to the spatial process in public spending but not to the spatial process in the local tax rate.Originality/valueThe paper provides a small extension of the Meltzer and Richard model allowing for spatial interaction and contributes to the empirical debate about inequality and the size of the government presenting the results for Brazil.
Business‐to‐business marketing and globalization: two of a kind
Authors: Matthyssens P. , Kirca A.H. , Pace S. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim of the “viewpoint” part of this paper is to enhance discussion on the challenges global business‐to‐business (B2B) marketing is facing. More specifically, academics are stimulated to study the impact of these trends on the internationalization of B2B companies. Managers are urged to engage in open strategy conversations on the consequent opportunities and threats for their global market strategy. Further, this paper acts as a “Guest editorial” for a special issue on B2B and international business.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a literature screening of key contributions highlighting B2B marketing trends on the one hand and theoretical underpinnings of IB on the other. Starting from a practitioner perspective, the paper gradually introduces a discussion on the potential theoretical implications and on cross‐fertilization possibilities when merging recent developments in B2B with theory and concepts from international business.FindingsB2B and IB go hand in hand and the actual challenges that business marketers encounter require critical revisions of core concepts and foundations of internationalization theories.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies trends based on secondary data. They are exemplary and not exhaustive. Future research will have to empirically “test” these assertions.Practical implicationsAs a result of this paper, practitioners might question their internationalization or globalization approach.Originality/valueThe value of the first part of the paper lies in the intended stimulus of academic and practitioner discussion. The second part draws attention on the special issue papers and their main messages.
The importance of the internet in international business‐to‐business markets
Authors: Moen Øystein , Koed Madsen Tage , Aspelund Arild 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the actual use and market performance effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) with regard to international business‐to‐business marketing activities of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on survey data from 635 Danish and Norwegian SMEs with international marketing activities. The two primary research questions regarding actual use and performance effects are addressed by descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling, respectively.FindingsFindings suggest that, contrary to expectation, Norwegian and Danish international SMEs are not heavy users of ICT. Rather, ICT is predominantly used for market information search and to develop long‐term customer relationships. In both those areas the use of ICT is positively associated with the firm's satisfaction with its development of new market knowledge. The use of ICT for sales purposes is limited and apparently negatively associated with the firm's satisfaction with its development of new market knowledge. There is no significant association between the use of ICT and the firm's satisfaction with its international performance.Practical implicationsThis study contributes with new knowledge regarding the potential and limitations of the use of ICT in international business‐to‐business marketing. Heavy usage of ICT seems to be primarily directed towards information search and relationship development. The study also supports that ICT usage have positive impact on the accumulation of new market knowledge (and indirectly on international performance). Use of ICT for sales activities seems to be quite limited, and perhaps not even advisable. The reason for this may be that media richness associated with face‐to‐face interaction is beneficial for establishment of commitment and trust.Originality/valueThis paper makes an original contribution to the field of knowledge regarding the potential (and limitations) of ICT in international business‐to‐business marketing.
Market driving multinationals and their global sourcing network
Authors: Ghauri Pervez N. , Tarnovskaya Veronika , Elg Ulf 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how a global supplier network can support and contribute to a market driving strategy. Theoretically, the paper contributes by integrating the market driving strategy and the network approach. IKEA is considered one of the leading market driving firms. The paper studies its activities in establishing supplier networks in Russia and Poland.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study of four suppliers of IKEA in Poland and Russia. Data are collected through 11 in‐depth interviews with IKEA's corporate and middle level managers and with managers and technicians from its suppliers in Russia and Poland. Results are drawn through matrix coding techniques and pattern matching.FindingsFindings confirm IKEA's market driving strategy and how it has been able to restructure the market and successfully develop an efficient supplier network as a part of its market driving strategy.Originality/valueMarket driving approach has been suggested as a more pro‐active form of market orientation. It is characterised by an ability of the firm to shape the market conditions, to influence customers and offer completely new value propositions through its unique business process.
Strategy development in international markets: a two tier approach
Authors: Arthur Solberg Carl , Durrieu François 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to seek answers to the question of the impact of different classes of strategy (generic and international) on firm performance in international markets.Design/methodology/approachSurvey of 213 British SME exporters, using EQS.FindingsThe paper concludes that Porter's generic strategies have both a direct and an indirect impact through international marketing strategies on firm performance, and that the combined impact of the two levels yields better returns than either of them individually. Furthermore, it questions the wisdom of a stepwise approach to international markets and highlights the importance of a challenger strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to British SMEs and needs to be supplemented by research from other countries. Also, it explores the effect of only a limited number of confirmed international marketing strategies, excluding for instance the standardisation construct – a key construct in international marketing.Practical implicationsManagers may derive guidance in their planning by applying the model and the findings in their own deliberations.Originality/valueLittle agreement has been reached as to the impact of different international marketing strategies, let alone the classification of strategies themselves. This paper analyses firm strategy in two levels – generic strategies and five groups of international marketing strategies.
Role of international trade shows in small firm internationalization: a network perspective
Authors: Evers Natasha , Knight John 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe impact of trade shows on the internationalization of participating small exporting firms in terms of growth and expansion has gone largely unstudied, as has their effectiveness in network‐building activities. Using the network model of internationalization, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role international trade shows play in the internationalization process of small exporting firms in Ireland and New Zealand (NZ).Design/methodology/approachTaking a two‐tier approach, first, qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 37 Irish‐ and NZ‐based export‐intensive seafood firms, followed by in‐depth cases of three Irish export start‐ups.FindingsTrade shows go well beyond being a marketing and information platform and make an important contribution to establishment and enhancement of a network infrastructure for enabling such firms to grow and expand internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a research basis for exploring the role of trade shows in the firm internationalization across other industry sectors.Practical implicationsManagers need to revisit how they use trade shows in their international marketing strategy, in terms of the strategic role of trade shows in creating and developing international networks for competitive advantage. Policy makers need to recognize their important role as horizontal networks in network development.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge on the role of trade shows in international business and further advances the network approach to small firm internationalization by identifying trade shows as a vital context where networks are created and maintained for international advancement.
Information technology and organizational performance within international business to business relationships
Authors: “Bryan” Jean Ruey‐Jer , Sinkovics Rudolf R. , Kim Daekwan 
Published: September 2008

PurposeAdvanced information technology (IT) changes the way companies manage cross‐border supply chains. This paper examines the role of IT in the context of international business to business (B2B) relationship and its contribution to supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachThis literature review paper develops a conceptual model of IT‐mediated relationships in international supply chain relationships. The framework integrates transaction cost economics and resource‐based theory perspectives and argues that IT capabilities facilitate supply chain performance, deter partner's opportunism and this process is mediated by B2B processes. Moreover, environmental, relational, cultural and country level moderators are examined.FindingsIt is suggested that IT capabilities contribute directly to improved organizational process such as coordination, transaction specific investment, absorptive capacity and monitoring. These in turn contribute to strategic and operational performance outcomes. Against a resource‐based as well as a transaction‐cost theory background it is suggested that partner interdependence and environmental, country and cultural factors moderate the process of IT contribution on performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a number of propositions which can be tested empirically in future studies.Practical implicationsManagers should focus on the complementarities of IT capabilities. Electronic integration in combination with, for example, human IT resources may enhance supply chain performance and mitigate the moderating effects of environmental, relational, cultural and country factors.Originality/valueThe paper develops an integrated conceptual model and propositions which contribute to a clarification of the ambiguous nature of the IT‐business value in international B2B relationship.
The STRATADAPT scale
Authors: Filipe Lages Luis , Luís Abrantes José , Raquel Lages Cristiana 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe development of marketing strategies optimally adjusted to export markets has been a vitally important topic for both managers and academics for about five decades. However, there is no agreement in the literature about which elements integrate marketing strategy and which components of domestic strategies should be adapted to export markets. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new scale – STRATADAPT.Design/methodology/approachResults from a sample of small and medium‐sized industrial exporting firms support a four‐dimensional scale – product, promotion, price, and distribution strategies – of 30 items. The scale presents evidence of composite reliability as well as discriminant and nomological validity.FindingsFindings reveal that all four dimensions of marketing strategy adaptation are positively associated with the amount of the firm's financial resources allocated to export activity.Practical implicationsThe STRATADAPT scale may assist managers in developing better international marketing strategies as well as in planning more accurate and efficient marketing programs across markets.Originality/valueThis study develops a new scale, the STRATADAPT scale, which is a broad measure of export marketing strategy adaptation.
Political skill construct and criterion‐related validation: a two‐study investigation
Authors: Ferris Gerald R. , Blickle Gerhard , Schneider Paula B. , Kramer Jochen , Zettler Ingo , Solga Jutta , Noethen Daniela , Meurs James A. 
Published: September 2008

PurposePolitical skill is measured with the political skill inventory (PSI), and the construct is composed of four distinct dimensions. Previous validation studies of the PSI found evidence in support of the four‐factor structure, but only using self‐reports. Furthermore, no efforts have been made to also identify a single, higher‐order factor solution through second‐order factor analysis. The present research aims to expand on prior work and report on a two‐study investigation of both the construct validity and antecedents and consequences of the political skill construct.Design/methodology/approachTo test construct validity, Study 1 combined self‐ and other reports of political skill from 467 employees in a confirmatory factor analysis. Study 2 used longitudinal data from 202 employees to constructively replicate Study 1 results and to test hypotheses regarding the antecedents and consequences of political skill.FindingsThe results of Study 1 confirmed both a four‐factor and a single higher‐order factor solution of the political skill construct, thus supporting our hypothesis. Study 2 constructively replicated the Study 1 factorial validity results, and supported hypotheses regarding the dispositional and developmental experience antecedents, career‐related consequences, and mediation of these antecedents and outcomes by political skill.Originality/valueThese two studies test the construct validity of political skill using both self‐ and other‐reports. Further, this is the first research to test the Ferris et al. conceptualization of political skill, by examining its antecedents, consequences, and mediation of the antecedents‐consequences relationships.