bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information systems and creativity: an empirical study
Authors: Eaglestone Barry , Ford Nigel , Brown Guy J. , Moore Adrian 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report research that sought to understand the requirements of information systems designed to support people engaged in creative intellectual activity. The research aimed to provide empirical evidence based on a case study of a particular arena of creativity, namely electro‐acoustic music composition. However, it also sought to identify issues that may apply more widely to other arenas of human creativity.Design/methodology/approachThe research was based on a related series of three in‐depth studies of electro‐acoustic music composers at work. These studies entailed the collection of qualitative data from interviews, observations and “think aloud” protocols. These data were analysed inductively to reveal concepts and relationships that formed the basis for a model of interactions between the composers and the information systems with which they were working.FindingsThe paper presents a model of relationships between information system features and use, and the resulting effects in terms of the extent to which creativity was perceived by the composers to have been facilitated and inhibited. In particular, a number of tensions were identified which suggest that conventional “best practice” in the design of data‐intensive information systems may be fundamentally at odds with the requirements of such systems to support important aspects of creativity.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations associated with in‐depth qualitative research based on small samples is acknowledged, relating in particular to its lack of ability to generalise on the basis of statistical probability. However, such an approach arguably offers the complementary strength of being particularly suited to exploratory research aimed essentially at charting new territory and identifying rich and possibly unanticipated constructs rather than testing hypotheses based on existing theory. The resultant findings, however, must remain tentative and provisional pending further systematic investigation designed to establish the extent to which they are generalisable.Practical implicationsAs well as identifying limitations in conventional approaches to designing data‐intensive information systems, an alternative architecture is proposed which seeks better to map onto the requirements of creativity support. It is hoped that both the criticisms of conventional approaches and the proposed novel architecture may be of practical use to those engaged in the design of data‐intensive creativity support systems.Originality/valueThe research reported here offers a novel perspective on the design of information systems in that it identifies a tension between conventional “best practice” in system design and the requirements of important aspects of creativity support. It has the advantage of being based on the in‐depth observation of real composers in action over protracted periods of time. It also proposes a novel system architecture which seeks to avoid reduce such tensions.
Let's get natural
Authors: Lampel Joseph , Bhalla Ajay 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that the influence of Japanese management practices has led organizations towards a “naturalized” view aiming to resolve the ontological dilemmas that exist between communalism and individualism.Design/methodology/approachHaving conducted an extensive literature review, the paper draws on literature and examples to construct the argument that for organizations to benefit from Communities of Practice they need to balance the tension between practice and process of such initiatives.FindingsThe influence of Japanese knowledge management practices on the more general phenomenon of transferring practices is twofold. On the one hand, the Japanese precedent has legitimized radical rethinking of management practices which were strongly influenced by rational views of organizations, and on the other hand it provided models which experimenters could emulate.Practical implicationsLooking to the future of KM, it is important that researchers and practitioners acquire deeper understanding of how practices are translated from one context to another. This does not only apply to transferring practices between contexts that are clearly as different as Japan and the USA, or Europe, but also between industries that may appear to operate in the same context. Second, following the Japanese economic crises in the 1990s we are witnessing the fascinating phenomenon of Japanese firms seeking to revitalize their innovative capacity by looking to Western knowledge management practices (Kodama).Originality valueThis paper explores the issue of how the management of knowledge has increasingly become “naturalized” by importing Japanese (or even Eastern) management practices to resolve the ontological dilemmas that exist between communalism and individualism.
Transmitting the entrepreneurial spirit to the work team in SMEs: the importance of leadership
Authors: Ribeiro Soriano Domingo , Manuel Comeche Martínez José 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo establish the extent of the influence of variables which, under a particular style of leadership, form the necessary basis for encouraging and developing group, entrepreneurial activities carried out within the context of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) thus explaining the transmission of the entrepreneurial spirit to the work team and, consequently, the existence of collective entrepreneurship in the firm.Design/methodology/approachFrom the results of a questionnaire carried out via personal interviews with over 100 firms, a confirmatory factorial analysis was carried out that provided us with the variables to be studied. The cause/effect relationships and their implications were obtained from applying a LISREL8 analysis.FindingsA leadership based on relationships shows a positive impact, with an intensity of more than double that of participative leadership. A task‐oriented leadership style reduces the chances of transmitting the entrepreneurial spirit to the work team by having a negative influence on the generation of collective entrepreneurship in the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe models contain the relations of “causality” between these latent variables, assuming that the variables observed therein are indicators or symptoms of those other variables. This could be considered as a limitation to our analysis as the study of covariance.Practical implicationsThe model has important applications for the process of incorporating new CEOs into the organization.Originality/valueThis paper presents confirmation of the need for aspects traditionally associated with the figure of the entrepreneur to be transmitted to the organization's collective as a whole and for the existence of collective entrepreneurship: an area of management that has thus far received relatively little attention and which could have important practical implications.
New product development management issues and decision‐making approaches
Authors: Yahaya Shahrul‐Yazid , Abu‐Bakar Nooh 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report findings related to new product development (NPD) management issues and their corresponding decision‐making approaches undertaken by senior managers.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts grounded theory research method using interview as the primary data source. 100 NPD management issues, sourced from 16 senior managers from six technology‐based organizations in Malaysia, were investigated and analyzed.FindingsThe study revealed four categories of NPD management issues; strategic NPD management issues, NPD project management issues, NPD process and structural issues, and NPD people management issues. The study also found that senior managers apply different patterns of decision‐making approaches in dealing with each category of NPD management issues.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the findings from this study are within the specific context of technology‐based organizations in Malaysia, this exploratory study opens up a number of questions for further investigation.Practical implicationsThe discussion from this paper should also stimulate senior managers from other organizations or from other locations to reexamine categories of management issues in their organizations and how they approach them from a decision‐making perspective. This reflection could help identify areas which need further decision‐making skills development.Originality/valueThe classification of NPD management issues provides description of NPD management issues and the corresponding common decision‐making approaches. The study which was carried out at technology‐based organizations in Malaysia contributed to narrow down the geographical imbalances of NPD literatures, contributed to the body of NPD management literatures by bridging it with decision‐making theoretical perspective, and contributed to the naturalistic decision research stream.
Organisational effectiveness of Australian fast growing small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Nelson Silvia , Brunetto Yvonne , Farr‐Wharton Rodney , Ramsay Sheryl 
Published: July 2007

PurposeSmall to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to make a major contribution to the Australian economy. However, research into organisational processes within SMEs has been limited to date. This study aims to examine the links between communication processes and organisational effectiveness in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative study uses social capital theory as a framework to investigate whether employees' level of satisfaction with organisational communication processes affects organisational outcomes within three high growth manufacturing SMEs in one area of Australia.FindingsResults indicate that organisational communication processes does affect employees' levels of ambiguity regarding customers, job satisfaction and commitment to their firms.Research limitations/implicationsWhile generalisability is limited because of the small number of SMEs participating in the study, the research indicates great potential for developing theoretical and practical insights into Australian SMEs that would assist industry and employees overall.Practical implicationsImplications for the growth strategies of SMEs, particularly in relation to the current skilled labour shortage, are discussed.Originality/valueThe paper contributes much needed theoretical development and research into SMEs.
Intellectual capital disclosure and intangible value drivers: an empirical study
Authors: Vergauwen Philip , Bollen Laury , Oirbans Els 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to study the relationship between intellectual capital disclosures (ICDs) and the relative importance of intangible assets as company value drivers.Design/methodology/approachAnnual reports of Swedish, British and Danish firms are analysed to measure the extent of ICD. The level of intellectual capital (IC) in firms, measured with proxies for the categories of human, structural and relational capital.FindingsAs to the components of IC, the empirical results indicate that there is a strong significant positive relationship between (the level of) structural capital possession of a firm and the firm's ICD.Practical implicationsThis suggests that firms with a relatively high level of structural capital, disclose more information on IC in the annual report. The study found no such significant association between human and relational capital in firms and ICD regarding these items. Firms might have a transparency drawback in addressing these issues in the reports when these IC categories are relatively of greater importance for firms.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence for the argument that firms focus their ICD on those IC elements that are most relevant for the company's value creation process.
The Great Game evolves for Central Asia and opportunities beckon
Authors: Kidd John 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look to new opportunities that may be available to the nations comprising Central Asia. The region has recovered only slowly since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.Design/methodology/approachBased on secondary data from reports by the UN, ADB and other NGOs, academic papers and the press, a quasi‐mathematical equation is used to illustrate how infrastructure development is dependant on many factors. From this analysis the importance of the transportation sector for future growth is discerned. Historical detractors are noted and drivers for the future are discussed.FindingsThe paper finds that Central Asia's future growth and prosperity would be based on a robust redevelopment of all its infrastructures but primarily on the implementation of Maglev high speed rail systems to move freight quickly internally and for Eurasian transit.Practical implicationsWell‐integrated transport infrastructures enhance local wellbeing. The interconnectedness and interdependence of globalised economies depend on transport, but other aspects of the total infrastructure local and regional must be integrated to achieve growth. In the case of Central Asia it is seen that an accord between the Presidents is needed to ensure regional cooperation, which will lead to Eurasian cooperation.Originality/valueThe region has been forgotten, to some extent, by the global community, yet it has great potential to become again an important transportation hub between Europe and Asia. The value of the paper is in noting the push of many NGOs towards regional integration, which may be best approached, we suggest, from an initial investment in its transportation infrastructure.
Transaction costs in group microcredit in India
Authors: Shankar Savita 
Published: July 2007

PurposeExisting literature indicates that transaction costs are a major contributor to high interest rates on microcredit loans. The purpose of the study was to examine the composition of transaction costs to be able to draw implications on how lending rates in microcredit could be reduced in a sustainable manner.Design/methodology/approachAs the study required in‐depth insights on the processes being followed within a micro finance institution (MFI), the case study method was used. Three established MFIs mainly engaged in microcredit – using group‐lending model – were studied.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that the key drivers of direct transaction costs are field worker compensation and number of groups handled per field worker. Collection activity is the single largest contributor.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralisations based on the case studies should be done with caution.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that MFIs, in order to reduce direct transaction costs, increase the number of groups per square kilometer. In order to reduce indirect costs, MFIs should minimize the number of layers of fixed costs in their system and examine alternative revenue‐generating activities that can be undertaken with minimal incremental costs. Policymakers need to take into account transaction costs when examining the interest rates charged by MFIs. The regional variation in transaction costs that the study has found is an important factor that suggests that no uniform view can be taken on the rates charged by MFIs in different regions.Originality/valueNo other studies have focused on transaction costs of a microfinance institution in India.
Alleviating poverty: how do we know the scope of the problem and when we have solved it?
Authors: Dwyer Rocky J. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to outline and discuss how to incorporate the stakeholder perspective into performance measurement framework to enhance program effectiveness, accountability and understanding in relation to human development issues.Design/methodology/approachAn examination of the literature and a review of best practices was undertaken to identify relevant performance measurements and indicators that could be utilized to measure incremental results and impacts related to poverty reduction strategies.FindingsCredible demonstration of policy or program impacts for poverty reduction are dependent on understanding the distinction between inputs, outputs, outcomes and indicators. Moreover, to be trusted by the public, performance reporting on poverty reduction needs to focus more selectively on identifying the key measures of performance and the engagement of key constituents. The intention of this paper is to identify some current best practices and suggest a model with potential indicators, which could be utilized to measure incremental results and impacts in relation to human development issues that we contend is the essential next step if the power and resources of stakeholders are to be harnessed in the fight against poverty while enabling organizations to implement new ways of approaching measurement effectiveness and accountability in a strategic and comprehensive manner.Practical implicationsThe paper advocates that an understanding of performance measurement theory and stakeholder engagement process can enable business leaders to create practical performance measurement frameworks, which in turn will lead to enhanced reporting and accountability for poverty reduction impacts and results.Originality/valueThis paper presents an overview of the literature which both enhances personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels enabling business leaders to gain insight on the inherent stakeholder factors that need to be considered when designing performance measurement strategies and reporting frameworks.
The elephant in the room: gender and export‐led poverty reduction
Authors: Ruiz Thierry Astrid 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of gender‐sensitizing trade strategies aimed at export‐led poverty reduction, where capitalizing on market‐oriented structures and optimizing existing resources become the drivers for making trade work efficiently and equitably.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an in‐depth literature review and the author's own practical experience as an international business consultant specialized in helping public institutions, corporations and non‐profit organizations to integrate a gender perspective into their planning and decision making processes, strategies, programs, and projects.FindingsThe paper concludes that the existing gender gap in trade strategy formulation indirectly hinders trade performance and that pro‐poor trade strategies require more inclusive decision making processes and the use of gender impact assessments.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research into the links between CSR, gender sensitivity and value chain analysis is needed to explore the potential of specific engagement between corporations and women‐led MSEs.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes that policy and strategy makers can produce more coherent and effective programs by capitalizing on existing market structures and women's entrepreneurial drive, incipient integration into the export value chain, and MSE networks and clusters.Originality/valueThe paper provides a response to how export‐led poverty reduction strategies can systematically maximize market opportunities and, at the same time minimize the risks inherent to implementing counter‐mainstream actions and decisions aimed at creating gendered value‐enhanced market opportunities.
In response to Ansell, Harrison and Archibald on survival analysis and lifestyle segmentation
Authors: Lindgreen Adam , Frederiksen Peder 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a response to an article in Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 25 No. 4.Design/methodology/approachThis is a commentary piece.FindingsThe paper finds that certain aspects of the practical application of a statistical model may need to be reconsidered. Marketing planners should take this discussion into account before applying the model in the same way.Originality/valueDespite the questions raised, the original article and this commentary together provide the impetus for further research studies, potentially leading to a fruitful approach to the planning of “cross‐selling” initiatives.
Who are “innovators” and do they matter?
Authors: McDonald Heath , Alpert Frank 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to bring together and evaluate the reasons that have historically been advanced to justify the heavy emphasis on innovative consumers within the general context of the adoption of products and services, and to assess the strategic benefits to be gained from targeting such market segments.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is critical review and analysis of the published literature.FindingsThis paper finds that, although the benefits of identifying innovative early adopters are not as strong and clear‐cut as is often claimed, they are still sufficient to warrant further research into methods that will accurately identify them and predict their purchasing behaviour.Practical implicationsTargeting strategies should distinguish carefully between truly innovative consumers and other early adopters. The costs of identifying them in a particular market need to be weighed against the potential benefits.Originality/valueAlthough many studies have attempted to address the question of what drives individual adoption behaviour, the rationale for that focus has not been well established and is rarely critiqued. In clarifying the situation, this paper should provide guidance for academic researchers and marketing planners.
University performance and strategic marketing: an extended study
Authors: Hammond Kevin L. , Harmon Harry A. , Webster Robert L. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeExtending a previous study of business schools across the USA, this further analysis of the research data aims to investigate the organizational deployment of the selection of strategic marketing initiatives prescribed by a national quality programme, and to cross‐index the results to the organisational characteristics of the responding institutions.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by postal questionnaire from the deans of 225 business schools. Descriptive statistics analyze organizational characteristics, marketing planning activities and the use of “faculty awards” for an identified set of performance groups. Cluster analysis identifies distinct segments representing unique combinations of marketing activities undertaken and awards used. Performance levels are compared across the clusters, and the typical organizational structures of their members described.FindingsAnalysis yields marketing intelligence relating to the extent that eight categories of strategic marketing effort are deployed by the best and worst performing business schools in the sample. Common patterns are identified, and attributed to organizational types. It is clear that pre‐requisites for performance excellence are the existence of a formal mission statement, the practice of formal marketing planning, and the planned use of motivational rewards to faculty. But, it is equally clear that too many business schools are content with the status quo, which is not typified by these attributes.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this analysis is limited in a number of identified respects. Implications for future research are discussed.Practical implicationsNo one responsible for performance delivery in a business school practitioner should doubt that the benefits of planned strategic marketing are worth the commitment and effort required.Originality/valueUniquely, this study provides detailed empirical support to the application of marketing theory within the higher education context. The cross‐indexing of the findings to the various organizational types permits planners to compare practice in other business schools, both in their peer group and in the sector as a whole.