bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomy as a start‐up motive
Authors: van Gelderen Marco , Jansen Paul 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAutonomy is a primary motive for a large majority of small business starters. As an explanation of why people want their own (autonomous) business it is tautological. This study sets out to focus on an explanation of the autonomy motive itself: why small business starters want autonomy.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using semi‐structured interviews with a sample of 167 nascent entrepreneurs.FindingsThere are two types of autonomy motives: a proximal motive which is associated with task characteristics of being self‐employed (decisional freedom), and distal motives for which autonomy is instrumental (to avoid a boss or restrictions; to act in a self‐endorsed and self‐congruent manner; and to be in charge).Research limitations/implicationsAutonomy measures should either operationalise autonomy only in a proximal sense without regard to underlying motive sources, or take distal motives into account and offer items that reflect these autonomy motive sources.Practical implicationsPersons who resist bosses and rules now must be a boss and set rules themselves. People who want to express their personality and creativity in their work might be so busy and occupied that there will be little space left for personality and creativity expression. People who want autonomy because of the power and control it brings them may find that as a small business owner they have to deal with several types of uncertainty. Practitioners must resolve these tensions.Originality/valueIn spite of the intimate relationship between freedom and entrepreneurial motivation, this is perhaps the first paper to focus exclusively on autonomy as a start‐up motive.
Localised strategies for supporting incubation
Authors: Atherton Andrew , Hannon Paul D. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo generate and test a coherent framework of incubation strategies and interventions that can be deployed to encourage enterprise development through new venture creation in local economies.Design/methodology/approachPostal questionnaire to new ventures, combined with ongoing engagement of and consultation with incubation practitioners and local economic development professionals.FindingsSeven generic incubation strategies were identified and developed. Four focus on a premises‐driven approach to incubation, and three on a more process‐based approach. All seven strategies represent opportunities for tailored and hence targeted approaches to the development of incubators and incubation services.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on one rural county in England. There is a need to test the strategies in other contexts, to determine their wider relevance.Practical implicationsThe seven incubation strategies can be used to develop tailored approaches to incubation, within a comprehensive framework of incubation “options”. The authors suggest that a combination of approaches is developed as the basis for effective local incubation practice.Originality/valueThe paper provides a framework for developing incubation strategies that offers coherence and the opportunity for “bottom‐up” yet integrated approaches.
Drivers and dynamic processes for SMEs going global
Authors: Winch Graham W. , Bianchi Carmine 
Published: July 2006

PurposeMany, if not most, small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are subject to the impacts of globalisation. This article seeks to explore the extra dimension of challenge to their already difficult environments when they have to venture into the world‐trade system.Design/methodology/approachRecent research undertaken separately by Polish, Italian, Norwegian and UK collaborators examined eight case studies of disparate smaller companies with international operations. This article brings together the common features found, and discusses them in terms of structural drivers and dynamic implications.FindingsResearch findings include the stretching of capabilities in supporting customers in unfamiliar markets, the internal competition for funds in pursuing multiple international markets, the importance of word‐of‐mouth marketing, and the pressures on R&D functions.Practical implicationsThe critical importance of balance in smaller enterprises where resources are likely to be tightly constrained is highlighted, and the article observes that, while some of the challenges apply to many firms and other contexts, they are especially critical in SMEs.Originality/valueThis article identifies common pressures and challenges facing SMEs when going global, and uses causal loop diagramming to capture the drivers and consider longer‐term dynamic implications.
Performance measures in English small and medium enterprises: survey results
Authors: Sousa Sérgio D. , Aspinwall Elaine M. , Guimarães Rodrigues A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo determine the current state of knowledge related to performance measures and their degree of implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in England.Design/methodology/approachThe paper starts with a literature review and then goes on to discuss the methodology used. The survey is briefly presented together with the analysis of the resultant data. General opinions regarding performance measurement in English SMEs are described, including the most important measures and the biggest obstacles to the adoption of new ones. Hypotheses about differences between groups are tested and discussed.FindingsThis work concludes that there is a gap between the theory/knowledge of performance measures and the practice in English SMEs. Training of employees and difficulty in defining new performance measures were highlighted as the major obstacles to the adoption of new performance measures.Research limitations/implicationsThe low response rate of the survey precludes the generalisation of the findings.Practical implicationsInnovation and learning measures should be applied more widely.Originality/valueThis paper is relevant to academics and SME managers because it supports the existence of a gap between the theory of performance measurement and its degree of implementation. In addition, it introduces both theoretical information on performance measurement, including that based on the balanced scorecard perspectives, and practical information from a survey conducted in English SMEs.
B2B international internet marketing
Authors: Eid R. , Trueman M. , Ahmed A.M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide the foundation for further research and good practice in benchmarking since it combines the best aspects of traditional and new internet marketing activities.Design/methodology/approachA methodological triangulation approach has been adopted that uses secondary data, a mail questionnaire survey, and case studies, to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The answers of each respondent were coded into the statistical package for social science (SPSS). Frequency analysis was used for data reduction purposes and to develop an overall understanding of the survey responses and a general picture of how the sample group has responded. The initial analysis used descriptive analysis for the whole sample. Furthermore, factor, regression and path analysis were used to study the research variables and their relationships.FindingsIdentification of business‐to‐business international internet marketing (B2B IIM) critical success factors (CSF) by a holistic literature review and a series of statistical and qualitative analysis of the relevant data. Provides information and valuable insights into the marketers' acceptance of the internet for B2B marketing activities. It has also tested the validity of the TAM and IDT in the domain of internet environment.Research limitations/implicationsB2B IIM is an area of research where theory is still inadequate. This study is limited by its cross sectional nature. An additional limitation of the study is the reliance on the subjective, self‐report indicators to measure the research constructs in the survey questionnaire. Another limitation to this study is in representativeness and generlisability issues.Practical implicationsIn terms of academic implications, it proposes factors that affect the adoption of the internet for B2B international marketing activities. A key managerial implication is the effect of internet usage on B2B IIM efficiency. Notably, it was found that the use of the internet affects B2B IIM efficiency not directly, but indirectly, through B2B marketing and customer relations activities, international marketing targeting activities and marketing performance. This means that the competitive advantage of marketing efficiency is not automatically achieved with the adoption of the internet.Originality/valueThis paper offers several avenues for investigating individual factors that have a direct impact on the use of internet for international marketing purpose.
Comparative evaluation of practices: lessons from R&D organizations
Authors: Mrinalini N. , Nath Pradosh 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo highlight a few critical issues related to indicators that are used to compare organizational practices.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is as follows: to compare the efficacy of qualitative and quantitative indicators; objectivity in identification of processes and practices; and make a distinction between essence and logistics of benchmarking.FindingsFor any benchmarking exercise the most important job is objectivity in identification of processes and practices. The distinction between the two is not always apparent. Qualitative evaluation of practices is as important as quantitative evaluation. The quantitative performance indicators for evaluation of best practices come only at the end of a series of critical qualitative analysis of the organizational processes and practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe subject of the paper has been the enhancement of the effectiveness of R&D organizations. Such organizations form an important part of the innovation system of a nation, generally known as national innovation system (NIS). NISs of more successful countries are being continuously evaluated and emulated by other countries for attaining respective technological aspirations. This leaves a wide scope for application of benchmarking methodology. The dynamics of networks like NIS being different from that of a business organization, the methodology for best practices has to be refined. The present paper has addressed only the R&D organization part of NIS. Much of the validity of the conclusions will depend upon studies on NIS in particular and organizations not driven by profit motive in general.Practical implicationsThe exact definition of the organization in terms of its mandate, long‐term vision and source of competence is the critical task. This is an important lesson for extending benchmarking exercise beyond business enterprises. The study envisages that the methodology would have wide scope of application for organizational restructuring of R&D organizations. However, methodology has to be refined depending on the specificity of the problem of R&D organizations.Originality/valueIt is in presenting the comparative efficacy of qualitative and quantitative indicators for R&D organizations and also in highlighting the importance of benchmarking, the essence of organizational practices, to arrive at the logistics.
Monte Carlo simulations for real estate valuation
Authors: Hoesli Martin , Jani Elion , Bender André 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo address formally the issue of uncertainty in valuing real estate.Design/methodology/approachMonte Carlo simulations are used to incorporate the uncertainty of valuation parameters. The probability distributions of the various parameters are constructed using empirical data and a simple model is suggested to compute the discount rate.FindingsThe central values of the simulations are in most cases slightly less than the hedonic values. The confidence intervals are found to be most sensitive to the long‐term equilibrium interest rate being used and to the expected growth rate of the terminal value.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should focus on the stability of the model when other portfolios are used and for different periods of the real estate cycle. It would also be fruitful to dig deeper in the relation between capital expenses and property values.Practical implicationsRisk can be assessed by valuers as they can measure the probability that the value of a property be less than a given threshold.Originality/valueBy incorporating uncertainty, the analysis does not yield merely a point estimate of the property's value but rather the entire distribution of values. Also this paper constitutes a contribution to the debate about valuation variation and the margin of error in valuing properties.
Institutional real estate portfolio diversification in Ireland and the UK
Authors: McGreal Stanley , Adair Alastair , Berry James N. , Webb James R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeFew countries have sufficiently long and detailed returns data for real estate to permit sophisticated analysis. This paper aims to examine the potential diversification of private real estate investments using returns data for major regional centres in Ireland and the UK.Design/methodology/approachOptimal real estate‐only portfolios are constructed using total returns, income returns and appreciation returns for office and retail real estate in ten cities within Ireland and the UK. The analysis uses IPD data for the period 1984 to 2002. Total return, income return and appreciation returns are treated as separate asset streams in the modelling of portfolios.FindingsThe results show different risk levels; in particular the income stream carries low risk, whereas the capital appreciation element is much more volatile and risky. Optimal portfolios, office or retail, whether income, appreciation or total returns, indicate that provincial markets perform well and are capable of pushing London out of the optimised portfolios.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations stem from the optimal portfolios being based on return series without a consideration of market depth. Future research will seek to construct weighted portfolios.Originality/valueThe paper constructs optimal portfolios for three scenarios: low return; medium return; and high return across sectors, return streams and major regional centres in Ireland and the UK. The results show that regional centres perform well and can exclude London real estate from optimal portfolios.
Religious fundamentalism and terrorism: why do they do it and what do they want?
Authors: Pech Richard J. , Slade Bret W. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article aims to develop and explore diagnostic frameworks to enhance one's understanding of the religiously‐inspired terrorist. It seeks to examine the relationship between the culture and conditions from which terrorists are recruited, as well as the psychological impact of fundamentalist religious teachings upon the minds of susceptible people.Design/methodology/approachThis paper synthesises the theories of memetics with structuration to create a diagnostic framework facilitating greater understanding of terrorism and its appeal to those being recruited to its cause. This diagnostic framework assesses the influence and power of selective religious teachings when combined with a culture and history of violence, and their impact on susceptible minds in a fractured society.FindingsBy combining the theory of memetics with structuration theory it is possible to develop a diagnostic framework that examines psychological, cultural, and religiously‐inspired factors driving the phenomenon that has been labelled as terrorism. Memetic theory assesses culture and communication of beliefs, ideas, and thoughts. Structuration theory identifies motives and drives.Originality/valueThe authors conclude that the current terrorism problem bears little relationship to US foreign policy. The concept of a free society will never be fully enacted until the religious and cultural scaffoldings that support terrorism have been dismantled.
Challenges for corporate foresight: towards strategic prospective through scenario thinking
Authors: Ratcliffe John S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo reflect, first, that the global changes now washing over the people are probably far more profound than is commonly understood, demanding a new mindset on the part of corporate organisations. Second, that this cultural transformation engenders a fresh set of challenges facing the corporate world in tackling the inherent complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity which need a futures‐oriented approach to comprehend and capitalize upon societal change. And third, that this organisational metamorphosis will best be understood, planned and managed through a process of foresight or prospective.Design/methodology/approachThe particular methodology proposed is that of “prospective through scenarios” which has been developed by The Futures Academy at DIT, and the five formative fields, together with their respective key action areas, have been identified from a review of the relevant recent literature and an evaluation of a number of case studies in which the author has been involved.FindingsApart from the more detailed findings recounted throughout the text, the main conclusion drawn is that new kinds of corporatism will require the “proactivity” of prospective founded on the “imagineering” of scenarios to shape their future in a changing world.Originality/valueIn identifying some of the “grand challenges facing corporations in the modern world, the article conceives a mind‐set that accepts” that one can shape the future if one first imagines it.
Value‐creating ecologies: understanding next generation business systems
Authors: Hearn Greg , Pace Cassandra 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to describe and illustrate an emerging shift in the conceptualisation of value creation in business, namely the emergence of value ecology thinking.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines shifts in the understanding of value creation in key business, economic and innovation literature and focuses on developments in creative industries at the forefront of technology and innovation – film, TV, computer games, e‐business, mobile phones – to illustrate how business increasingly creates value through ecologies.FindingsThis paper identifies five important shifts in the conceptualization of value creation by highlighting a growing prevalence in the literature of several ecological metaphors used to explain business processes, namely: the shift from thinking about consumers to co‐creators of value; the shift from thinking about value chains to value networks; the shift from thinking about product value to network value; the shift from thinking about simple co‐operation or competition to complex co‐opetition; and the shift from thinking about individual firm strategy to strategy in relation to value ecologies.Originality/valueThis paper synthesizes emerging trends in the literature in relation to value creation and defines the concept of a value‐creating ecology. In the process it sheds light on the structure of next generation business systems.
As green as we think? The case of the College of Charleston green building initiative
Authors: Owens Katharine A. , Halfacre‐Hitchcock Angela 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to disseminate knowledge regarding the experiences of a student team in implementing a campus‐level sustainability initiative, outlining the strategy to measure the potential impact of this initiative.Design/methodology/approachProject design is a case study. Via interviewing and surveys, the study observed student and faculty attitudes, information levels and behaviors regarding sustainability both before and after project implementation. Calculated sustainability scores were calculated for both faculty and students. Data were collected with the intention of understanding first, if any changes occurred in these campus community members, and second, if changes occurred, could the changes be linked to the project.FindingsFaculty experienced a significant increase in sustainability scores over the course of the project. Faculty interviews were used to glean a rich understanding of attitudes, information and behaviors about sustainability. A building waste audit was conducted to substantiate any self‐reported changes in recycling behavior. In contrast, students experienced either a significant decrease in sustainability scores or an insignificant decrease in sustainability scores. Large‐scale, campus‐wide behavioral changes of individuals did not take place. Some community members showcase sustainable behaviors, but for reasons not definitively linked with this project and its outreach.Practical implicationsThis project serves as a stepping stone for other student teams; an opportunity to learn from our successes and mistakes, improving design of similar projects. General information about this type of project was discovered namely faculty and student participants were cooperative and outreach was not as extensive as imagined. The study also suggest future research could benefit from analyzing barriers to sustainable behaviors, addressing these in outreach for a similar project. Evaluating future projects to understand their effectiveness produces increasingly informative research.Originality/valueThis paper looks beyond the initial enthusiasm for conducting campus sustainability projects, shedding light on the ways they may effect the campus community.
For whom is the new information millennium?
Authors: Gorman G.E. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to look into the digital divide in countries where new centres of information technology create wealth and integrate some sectors into the global economy, while millions remain deprived of basic human needs.Design/methodology/approachReports were produced by the UN's Millenium Project and the Gyandoot Project in India which produced action plans to reduce poverty on a local and global basis.FindingsAn effort has been made to achieve results despite the unavailability of information professionals to disseminate information provided to tackle poverty issues.Originality/valueGives valid views on information sharing on a worldwide basis.