bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the establishment of knowledge‐intensive ventures
Authors: Madsen Henning , Neergaard Helle , Ulhøi John P. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe importance of entrepreneurial activities and the establishment of new ventures for economic growth and employment have long been recognized. However, the interactions of underlying mechanisms whihc influence this process have not been understood all that well. In the light of this, a deeper understanding of various mechanisms on which knowledge‐intensive entrepreneurship hinges is needed. This paper aims to investigate how the make‐up of financial, human and social capital impacts on entrepreneurial action.Design/methodology/approachBased on a longitudinal study using both structured survey and in‐depth interview techniques, this research addresses the role and importance of financial capital, human capital and social capital in the organizational genesis and early growth of entrepreneurial activities.FindingsFinancial capital remains the most critical asset in the entrepreneurial process. However, possessing the right mixture of human and social capital is often a prerequisite for accessing the best capital sources as well as sufficient capital. The value of human and social capital, however, depends largely on the industry environment.Originality/valueThe findings give weight and insight to the understanding that it is important, for policy‐makers for example, to tailor support initiatives to specific industries.
Enterprise support for older entrepreneurs: the case of PRIME in the UK
Authors: Kautonen Teemu , Down Simon , South Laurie 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine the potential for and barriers to older enterprise as well as the role and contribution of specific enterprise support policy, focusing in particular on socially disadvantaged older people.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a single case study of the Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) with multiple data sources, including a synthesis of current literature, PRIME self‐evaluation reports, interviews with PRIME personnel and results of a recent survey of 283 individuals who had contacted PRIME for enterprise advice and support.FindingsThe paper finds that, with respect to older enterprise support policy, the tentative results presented in this study seem encouraging in terms of a positive social and economic role for older enterprise support work. However, due to the limitations of the data, a number of questions need additional clarification in future research. Longitudinal research designs are required to investigate in more detail the additional social benefits generated by older enterprise support as well as concerns regarding deadweight and over‐investment.Originality/valueThe paper brings the experience of enterprise support practitioners into the debate about older entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial orientation and international entrepreneurial business venture startup
Authors: Kropp Fredric , Lindsay Noel J. , Shoham Aviv 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the interrelationships among three elements of an entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness, innovativeness, and risk‐taking), age and education of the entrepreneur, and the international entrepreneurial business venture (IEBV) start‐up decision.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a sample of 539 individuals from dynamic internationally focused South African firms. Since the dependent variable is non‐metric and the independent variables associated with the IEBV new entry decision are metric, multiple discriminant analysis was used to test new entry decisions.FindingsResults indicate that the start‐up decision is positively related to the proactiveness and risk‐taking components of an entrepreneurial orientation and the age of the lead entrepreneur and negatively related to the education of the lead entrepreneur. As predicted, the innovativeness component of entrepreneurial orientation is not a factor in the start‐up decision.Practical implicationsInvestors can determine the likelihood of venture start‐up by examining the proactiveness and risk‐taking dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and the age and education of the lead entrepreneur. Since older and less educated entrepreneurs have a greater likelihood of starting ventures, entrepreneurial training programs may provide greater returns by targeting this age and education group.Originality/valueThis is the first examination of the role of entrepreneurial orientation, age, and the IEBV start‐up decision. It examines South Africa, a more dynamic, changing and hostile business environment. Managers and financiers can enhance their probability of success by developing the proactiveness and risk taking entrepreneurial orientation dimensions.
Supply chain redesign in the healthcare industry of Singapore
Authors: Kumar Arun , Ozdamar Linet , Ning Zhang Chun 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate cost reduction in logistics and supply chain management of medical supplies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a case study.FindingsIn many healthcare systems, executives focus on cost containment efforts to lower acquisition price of supplies instead of lowering the total delivered cost. However, the case in this research presents a novel contemporary approach to reduce costs by process reengineering in supply chain management.Originality/valueHealthcare managers are continually searching for innovative ways to contain costs without sacrificing quality. To achieve a reduction in costs, hospitals need to review their activities and associated costs, and eliminate nonvalue‐added activities. The novel process reengineering presented in this paper is concerned with the centralization of warehousing and the control of non‐production goods.
An integrated approach for supplier selection and purchasing decisions
Authors: Ting Shin‐Chan , Cho Danny I. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide academic researchers and practitioners with a better understanding about purchasing strategies through an integrated approach to supplier selection and purchasing decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper views supplier selection as a multi‐criteria problem. Through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), in consideration of both quantitative and qualitative criteria, a set of candidate suppliers is identified. A multi‐objective linear programming (MOLP) model, with multiple objectives and a set of system constraints, is then formulated and solved to allocate the optimum order quantities to the candidate suppliers.FindingsThe paper provides tradeoffs among different objectives, which are more consistent with the complexity and nature of the real‐world decision‐making environment. It also offers better information and solutions supporting effective purchasing decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThe main concept of the proposed approach can be applicable to any organization with a purchasing function. However, its implementation will be very specific to a particular organization of interest, as each individual organization must define its own subjective criteria and constraints. The area of decision support system development, which automates (or computerizes) the input process of the proposed models and integrates with other databases in a company, will provide great opportunities for future research.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practitioners with flexibility and effectiveness in their supplier selection and purchasing decision process and with a better understanding about their future purchasing strategies. The results from the application of the proposed models to the supplier selection problem at a high‐technology firm in Taiwan show that the models are effective and applicable.Originality/valueThis paper takes an integrated approach to problem analysis (i.e. multi‐objectives with both quantitative and qualitative information), uses a sound scientific methodology in model development (i.e. integrating AHP with MOLP), and provides practical use of the models. It offers additional knowledge and value to both academics and practitioners.
Assessing the rigor of case study research in supply chain management
Authors: Seuring Stefan A. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the current practice in research on supply chain management applying a case study method. Two particular research fields, namely sustainable supply chain management (SustSCM) and performance supply chain management (PerformSCM), are used as examples.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a content analysis, where quality criteria for documenting case study research are analyzed. A total of 68 papers from the two research fields (51 SustSCM and 17 PerformSCM) forms the sample. The criteria of analysis chosen are taken from the case study research process.FindingsThere are two major findings: first, supply chain researchers have to make a greater effort to collect data from supply chains (i.e. at least two, or better, three or more stages of the supply chains). Second, the research process needs to be more comprehensively documented in related peer‐reviewed journal publications. This way, the value of case study based research might be appreciated more, as well enabling stronger conclusions to be drawn on the individual piece of research.Research limitations/implicationsThe research presented focuses on two particular fields inside SCM. However, the observations made that methodological rigor is often lacking in the papers holds for both fields.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the further development of appropriate empirical research strategies for supply chain management.
The impact of information technology on the financial performance of third‐party logistics firms in China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Lai Fujun , Zhao Xiande 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the impact of information technology (IT) on the financial performance of third‐party logistics (3PL) firms in China.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based mail survey was conducted in mainland China. Path analysis and spline regressions were used to model the relationship between IT and financial performance.FindingsThis study found that IT can significantly improve 3PL firms’ financial performance and there are complementarity and plateau effects of influencing financial performance between IT advantage and executives’ involvement in both IT and business strategy planning.Research limitations/implicationsThe modeled relationship between IT and competitive advantages may not hold in different cultural environments and industrial settings. The sample size was small. Perceptual performance data were used.Practical implicationsTo achieve better financial performance, it is essential for 3PL firms to sense strategically the importance of IT and commit sufficient managerial efforts and resources to achieve IT competency. In addition, IT executives should involve themselves in strategic business planning to better understand business strategies.Originality/valueThe results of this study – which constitutes the first to investigate IT in the 3PL industry in China – provide empirical evidence and a better description of the relationship between IT and financial performance. The findings provide valuable managerial guidance and insights for logistics managers.
Longitudinal assessment of an integrated industrial supply chain
Authors: Elmuti Dean , Minnis William , Abebe Michael 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of integrated supply chain management on productivity, efficiency, and performance of participants in the system, in an industrial setting in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses longitudinal and experiment field study. Actual organizational data from the survey firm was used. Follow‐up interviews were conduced with key managers in the manufacturing facility.FindingsThe results show positive and substantial improvements in overall performance as a result of integration and coordination of the internal functions within the firm and effectively linking them with their external suppliers. The results also support the claims that an integrated supply chain involves aligning outsourcing activities to achieve the organizational goal of responding positively to the needs of consumers. Several factors were identified as key contributors to supply chain program success in this firm. These included sharing information through new technologies, established partnerships with key suppliers, and constant communication with employees.Research limitations/implicationsOrganizations must realize that integration and coordination in each stage of the supply chain design, planning and operation result in considerable impact on the complete chain. Firms should realize that it takes commitment and skill to implement an integrated supply chain program and reap its benefits. Managers interested in applying an integrated supply chain management system would benefit from this study.Originality/valueThis exploratory empirical study provides insight into the effectiveness of implementing an integrated supply chain management approach for increasing the probability of success in the supply chain management approach and identifies areas that need further investigation.
Supply chain collaboration: capabilities for continuous innovation
Authors: Soosay Claudine A. , Hyland Paul W. , Ferrer Mario 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how collaborative relationships enhance continuous innovation in the supply chain using case studies.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from semi‐structured interviews with 23 managers in ten case studies. The main intention was to comprehend how these firms engaged in collaborative relationships and their importance for successful innovation. The study adopted a qualitative approach to investigating these factors.FindingsThe findings demonstrate how differing relationships can impact on the operation of firms and their capacities to innovate. The ability to work together with partners has enabled firms to integrate and link operations for increased effectiveness as well as embark on both radical and incremental innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research into the initiatives and strategies for collaboration was essentially exploratory. A qualitative approach using case studies acknowledged that the responses from managers were difficult to quantify or gauge the extent of these factors.Practical implicationsThe findings have shown various methods where firms integrated with customers and suppliers in the supply chain. This was evident in the views of managers across all the firms examined, supporting the importance of collaboration and efficient allocation of resources throughout the supply chain. They were able to set procedures in their dealings with partners, sharing knowledge and processes, and subsequently joint‐planning and investing with them for better operations, systems and processes in the supply chain.Originality/valueThe case studies serve as examples for managers in logistics organisation who are contemplating strategies and issues on collaborative relationships. The study provides important lessons on how such relationships can impact on the operation of firms and their capability to innovate.
From periphery to center: how CSR is integrated in mainstream performance management frameworks
Authors: Rahbek Pedersen Ebsen , Neergaard Peter 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to analyze how CSR can be embedded in mainstream performance management models. It is frequently argued that corporate social responsibility (CSR) needs to shift from being a peripheral add‐on activity to become integrated in all core business functions. However, in order to do so it is important that CSR is absorbed in the mainstream management standards that are used by the majority of large companies today.Design/methodology/approachThe Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos A/S serves as a good practice example to describe how CSR can be integrated in the Business Excellence model. The analysis is primarily based on secondary information and interviews with managers and senior professionals in Grundfos A/S and Grundfos Group.FindingsThe case example illustrates how CSR can become well‐integrated in the business excellence model. However, it is argued that the instrumental view dominating the Business Excellence model may suppress alternative and more value‐based approaches to CSR.Originality/valueThe analysis is primarily based on interviews which make it difficult to conclude whether Grundfos A/S actually live CSR in the daily operating practices.
The interrelationship of retailer's relationship efforts and consumers' attitude and behavior
Authors: Wang Wen‐Hung 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a model for examination of the impact of different relationship efforts (financial bonding, social bonding, and structural bonding) made by a retailer on key relationship marketing outcomes (trust, relationship commitment, and behavioral loyalty).Design/methodology/approachA cross department study in the financial services industry was conducted based on three consumer samples (Department of Loans, Deposits, and Credit Cards) drawn from XYZ Bank, one of the most famous banks providing merchant banking services in Taiwan.FindingsSEM results indicate that retailers undertaking relationship efforts to loyal consumers can positively affect these consumers' attitudes and behavior. Besides, the findings suggest that financial services with dissimilar attributes need different kinds and levels of service and relationship efforts.Originality/valueConsequently, managers and employees of retail banks need to be trained, motivated, and rewarded for making relationship efforts to regular consumers.
Project ownership: implications on success measurement
Authors: Olsson Nils O.E. , Johansen Agnar , Alexander Langlo Jan , Torp Olav 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss measurement of project success in an ownership perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a case study of owner structures in 11 projects. For each case, an analysis was made of which stakeholder that held six different roles related to project ownership. Multiple sources of information are used, including archives, interviews and observations.FindingsResults from the study indicate that owner responsibilities are not always concentrated to one individual stakeholder in a project. While a traditional owner can be identified for some projects, it is a more complex picture for many other projects.Research implications/limitationsThis paper has primarily analysed project ownership on a macro level, between organisations. Challenges related to identifying owners can to a certain extent also be found on a micro level, within the most involved organisations, but this has not been the aim of the research.Practical implicationsMeasurement of project success in a project owner perspective needs to be adjusted to fit the projects in question. While the question “Who owns a project” is easy to answer in some cases, it requires a more differentiated answer in other cases.Originality/valueMost literature on project ownership focuses on one owner who has all the characteristics of the owner. It is based on one stakeholder who takes the risk related to the cost and future value of the project. The study shows that owner responsibilities are not necessarily concentrated to one individual stakeholder in a project.
The board's black hole – filling their assurance vacuum: can internal audit rise to the challenge?
Authors: Chambers Andrew 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there is a significant deficit in the assurance needs of boards and, if so, what might be done to fill this gap and whether internal auditors have a role to play in this.Design/methodology/approachContemporary examples of boards being taken by surprise are analysed, making extensive use of high quality reports and other information. The role played by internal audit, both in these cases and with reference to what is currently regarded as “best practice” is explored to assess internal audit's potential to evolve to meet the challenge.FindingsBoards are exposed to a partial assurance vacuum which urgently needs to be filled. If internal audit can make a further quantum leap, as internal audit has done in other respects in the past, then internal audit may fulfil this need.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on the plentiful information in the public domain which has been sufficient to reliably support the conclusions drawn.Practical implicationsNothing less than a root and branch revamp of internal auditing is called for. If responded to, the rewards for internal audit and the added value for boards and their stakeholders will be massive.Originality/valueWhile internal auditors are tentatively moving into the audit of governance processes, this paper argues that internal audit must be much bolder to become a respected corporate governance partner to the board.
Telling the story
Authors: Brophy Peter 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that libraries are facing challenging environments in which services and content must be delivered into the users' workflows and “lifeflows”.Design/methodology/approachAn understanding of linguistic codes and language games, and similar concepts, will help librarians to appreciate the enormous challenge of becoming an accepted member of each user community.FindingsIn order to assess performance in this changing environment, much greater emphasis will need to be placed on qualitative methods, including ethnographic approaches, externally‐moderated, reflective self‐evaluation and narrative‐based practice.Originality/valueLibraries themselves are changing, and most of all are being challenged to reinvent themselves within the workflows and lifeflows of their users. If this challenge is to be met then innovative yet robust methods need to be developed to assess performance in this new milieu.
LibStats
Authors: Jordan Elizabeth 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development and practical applications of a highly configurable online tool – LibStats – licensed under GNU GPL, for collecting and reporting on statistics in the academic library, developed at the University of Queensland Library.Design/methodology/approachLibStats – an online tool – was used to make quantitative and qualitative assessments and to benchmark the results against those of other academic libraries in Australia and New Zealand.FindingsBeyond an introduction to the tool this paper explores the potential benefits it brings to the organisation in terms of information available to management and staff time saved.Originality/valueLibStats is a tool which is available as open source software and which facilitates the collection, recording, analysis and reporting of statistics in an academic library. It is highly configurable, which allows for customised implementation in other organisations.