bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The shifting consultant involvement
Authors: Klyver Kim 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis article aims to investigate the practice adopted by entrepreneurs regarding their use of consultants through the business life cycle.Design/methodology/approachA representative sample of Danish entrepreneurs was surveyed with response rates of 73 percent and 92 percent. The Danish GEM population survey was merged with own follow‐up surveys and statistically analyzed.FindingsThe survey results reveal that involvement of consultants increases as entrepreneurs move forward in the business life cycle. As entrepreneurs gain access to more resources, and as their problems become more fragmented, specialised, discrete and business oriented, the feasibility and benefit of consultant involvement becomes more viable. It was further found that older entrepreneurs have a higher tendency to involve consultants and that entrepreneurs mostly discuss economic and financial issues with consultants to whom they are mostly weakly connected.Research limitations/implicationsCompared to other people in entrepreneurs' social networks, entrepreneurs mostly discuss financial issues with consultants with whom they are mostly relatively weakly connected.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that a publicly‐supported advisory system should continue its effort in the early stages where entrepreneurs have only scarce resources. Further it is suggested that this advisory should be even more concentrated towards other issues than financial issues such as marketing, strategy, coordination, and specific opportunity development.Originality/valueThe research extends previous studies by integrating advisory literature and social network literature. The introduction of the business life cycle is also new. The results are based on a very solid research design.
The shotgun clause
Authors: Schnabel Jacques A. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the economic rationale for the shotgun clause, a legally specified protocol for the dissolution of a partnership or a private corporation that empowers one investor to acquire ownership of all the venture's assets.Design/methodology/approachEmploying simple mathematics, the behavior of the initiating party or offeror is modeled in a situation of informational asymmetry and then optimized. The implications of offeror optimal behavior are then examined.FindingsThe paper finds that the introduction of a shotgun clause lowers the offeror's optimal offer price. Whereas in the absence of the clause, the offer price must exceed the offeror's private valuation of the business, in the presence of said clause the offeror's price may not exceed the offeror's private valuation. Situations where the shotgun clause improves versus impairs economic efficiency are delineated. For high (low) offeror private valuations of the business, the shotgun clause induces a greater (lower) discrepancy between said valuation and the offer price. Offerors with high private valuations of the business are shown to prefer the inclusion of the shotgun clause.Practical implicationsThe behavioral ramifications of the shotgun clause are presented, thus providing potential partners and private corporation shareholders a guide for the clause's inclusion or exclusion when the small business is structured.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to provide an analysis of the shotgun clause in the context of informational asymmetry, employing refinements and simplifications of extant models that address other small business dissolution procedures.
Institutional strategies for developing enterprise education
Authors: Pittaway Luke , Hannon Paul 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to identify criteria for assessing the viability of institutional strategies for enterprise education and to develop models that describe methods of organising enterprise education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies and explains a number of key criteria including: educational impact, financial sustainability, academic credibility, human capital, structural embeddedness, context and infrastructure, alignment with institutional strategy and policy, community engagement, and alignment with policy context and funding. The paper then considers a number of models. These models are separated into two clusters: single department‐led models and campus wide models. The evaluative criteria are applied to each model to explore the impact of particular strategies and the criteria are used to assess the long‐term viability of each model. The paper concludes by making judgements about each criteria and their usefulness for helping understand long‐term sustainability of enterprise education.FindingsThe paper shows that different models may be valuable in different higher education contexts and illustrates the temporal nature of the relationships between the models.Research limitations/implicationsThis is principally a conceptual paper that can be developed further by the application of the evaluative criteria empirically. The models developed can be tested and analysed further through reference to observations of practice.Originality/valueThe paper makes a valuable contribution to knowledge in this subject area by describing and analysing the various models of organisation that could be used to support enterprise education in higher education institutions.
A review on benchmarking of supply chain performance measures
Authors: Peng Wong Wai , Yew Wong Kuan 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to redress the imbalances in the past literature of supply chain benchmarking and enhance data envelopment analysis (DEA) modeling approach in supply chain benchmarking.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is sorted into sections: benchmarking, definitions, concepts and literature survey, supply chain benchmarking, problems in supply chain benchmarking, existing tools used in benchmarking, problems in existing tools and motivation of using DEA as a supply chain benchmarking tool. A range of recently published (1995‐2004) works is referred and aims to provide insights into possible new research focus in supply chain benchmarking.FindingsProvides information about new trends in supply chain benchmarking and what are the existing problems. Recognizes the lack of mathematical modeling tool in addressing this issue.Research limitations/implicationsSupply chain benchmarking is gearing towards a holistic approach. DEA is deemed to be an appropriate benchmarking tool with modifications in existing model.Practical implicationsProvide insights to managers on the use of DEA in decision making at strategic level.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers insights to the future research focus in supply chain benchmarking.
Developing and validating total quality management (TQM) constructs in the context of Thailand's manufacturing industry
Authors: Das Anupam , Paul Himangshu , Swierczek Fredric W. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeTo provide reliable and valid constructs of total quality management (TQM) and a measurement instrument in the context of manufacturing industries in newly industrialized countries for evaluating the TQM implementation process and to target improvement areas.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of TQM literature and expert opinions, ten TQM constructs (nine implementation constructs and one outcome construct) were identified. A detailed questionnaire was developed with the items for ten TQM constructs along with the questions on quality performance and information about the respondents. The questionnaire was then sent to randomly selected ISO 9000 certified manufacturing companies in Thailand. Out of 1,000 questionnaires sent, 275 usable samples were returned giving a response rate of 27.5 percent. Based on the data from the survey, exploratory factor analysis was done to ensure that items in each scale reflected sufficiently the scope of each construct. Internal consistency analysis was done to ensure the reliability of the constructs. Criterion‐related validity and construct validity were evaluated statistically to ensure that the set of measures correctly represents the constructs, and the degree to which they are free from any systematic or non‐random error.FindingsThis paper identified ten reliable and valid TQM constructs. Nine are implementation constructs and an outcome construct. These constructs have a total of 52 items, fewer compared to other instruments available in the TQM literature, with higher reliability compared to them.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to time and resource constraints, this study was conducted only in the manufacturing sector of Thailand and hence generalization is somewhat limited. This study could be extended to the service sector in Thailand and the same sector in other countries.Practical implicationsThe instrument presented will provide Thailand's manufacturing companies with a practical understanding in the area of TQM implementation. Moreover, researchers and practitioners from other newly industrialized countries may be able to use these constructs in future TQM research. Compared to other instruments, this instrument will be easier to administer and the response rate may be better.Originality/valueQuality/production managers will be able to use the instrument to evaluate their TQM implementation initiatives and identify problem areas requiring improvement. Researchers will be able to use this instrument to enhance understanding of the process and to develop applicable TQM theory.
A study on the ISO 14000 certification and organizational performance of Indian manufacturing firms
Authors: Padma P. , Ganesh L.S. , Rajendran Chandrasekharan 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the critical factors (CFs) of ISO 14000; to determine if ISO 14000 certification results in improved organizational performance; and to analyze the levels of and changes in these CFs and levels of and changes in the indicators of organizational performance (IOPs) in relation to firm attributes considered in the present study.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs questionnaire‐survey approach to obtain the practitioners' perceptions of ISO 14000 certification, levels of presence of CFs and changes in CFs due to certification, levels of presence of IOPs and changes in IOPs due to certification. The data collected have been analyzed by using statistical techniques.FindingsThe firms regard the preparation for emergencies as an integral part of environmental management system (EMS), and they seem to initially struggle to identify environmental issues that are to be given higher importance. Further, the certified firms find it difficult to continuously improve their environmental management processes. There are significant changes in all the CFs and IOPs due to ISO 14000 certification. Furthermore, more‐experienced firms have higher mean values of levels of all CFs, in comparison with less‐experienced firms. In the course of time, these firms appear to understand the EMS and effectively implement it in order to realize long‐term benefits.Research limitations/implicationsResults of the study are dependent on the nature and number of respondents, i.e. on the perceptions of the top management responsible for quality certification, and the sample size (number of respondents in the current study is 36 due to limited response rate and other operational constraints).Practical implicationsThe present study would enable the practitioners to benchmark their organizations (in respect of levels of presence of CFs and levels of presence of IOPs) with those of their competitors, with the best‐in‐class, and also with the industry's mean level. The study also enables one to compare different categories of firms (e.g. firms with low, medium and high levels of turnover; national and international firms; etc.). Since, there is a significant improvement in the organizational performance due to certification, the study provides a strong empirical justification for non‐certified firms to go in for ISO 14000 certification.Originality/valueThe study conceptualizes ISO 14000 as a seven dimensional framework. Further, it has also identified several IOP related to ISO 14000 certified firms. A questionnaire has been developed to obtain the perceptions of top management about the ISO 14000 certification and related factors and indicators; the proposed instrument can be used for several purposes such as functional benchmarking.
The propagation of benchmarking concepts in Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Jain Rakesh , Yadav Om Prakash , Pal Singh Rathore Ajay 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the propagation of benchmarking concepts among Indian manufacturing companies after liberalization of Indian economy.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the propagation of benchmarking concepts in the Indian manufacturing sector, first, a postal survey was conducted on 500 Indian manufacturing companies. Only 97 companies participated in the survey. Subsequently, interviews with 20 managers of six manufacturing companies were undertaken.FindingsResearch showed that benchmarking in Indian manufacturing sector is still in the nascent stage, but there is a positive attitude towards adoption of benchmarking concepts. The industry sectors, which typically show above average levels of benchmarking activity, are motor vehicle, electric and electronic industries. By contrast, it is the process sectors, which record the lowest incidences of benchmarking. Identification of suitable benchmarking partner was considered to be the most important problem among Indian manufacturing companies.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of research is the number of respondents, which precludes the generalization of findings.Practical implicationsThe study can help managers of manufacturing companies understand the problems and inhibitors to successful benchmarking.Originality/valueThe paper provides an attempt to find out propagation of benchmarking concepts in Indian context. The paper should be of interest to those researching or managing in the Indian manufacturing sector. This is one of the first studies on dissemination of benchmarking in developing countries and should encourage further research in these countries.
Real estate private equity: the case of US unlisted REITs
Authors: Corgel John , Gibson Scott 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how fixed‐share prices, as a structural flaw in private equity funds targeted to small‐unit investors, economically disadvantages those investors in favor of sponsors.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical model incorporates fixed share prices with continuous investment opportunity and evaluates the wealth transfer from long‐term investors to marketing affiliates and soliciting dealers in the form of fees paid on the sale of shares to follow‐on investors.FindingsThis result holds in the presence of high‐payout dividend policy that attempts to compensate for wealth transfer.Research limitations/implicationsShould share prices be marked‐to‐market using real estate appraisals or another method, the unlisted REIT and related offerings, such as tenant‐in‐common funds, will be profitable for sponsors without economically disadvantaging long‐term investors.Practical implicationsThe findings from this research are useful to fund sponsors who design real estate investment products for small‐unit investors. These products may retain the advantageous characteristics of existing products while eliminating the disadvantageous features.Originality/valueThis is the first academic research on private equity capital raised from small‐unit investors.
Real estate security and other investment assets
Authors: Abdul‐Rasheed Amidu , Bioye Tajudeen Aluko , Muhammad Bashar Nuhu , Muibi Olufemi Saibu 
Published: March 2008

PurposeQuite a substantial number of academic papers have examined the performance of both direct and indirect real estate relative to other investment assets. While these studies are valuable in the field of real estate investment performance measurements, a gap still exist in the literature on the comparative performance of investment assets in the various sectors of the stock markets of most emerging economies. This paper aims to fill the gap by providing analysis of the historical performance of real estate and other securities in the Nigerian capital market.Design/methodology/approachAnnual open and closing market prices of shares and dividend of sampled listed companies in addition to data on all share index (ASI), consumer price index (CPI) and yield on 90‐days T‐Bill were obtained for the period 1999‐2005. These were then analysed using descriptive, risk‐adjusted measures and regression models.FindingsThe empirical evidence suggests that while real estate outperformed the market on a nominal basis, it underperformed the market stock on a risk‐adjusted basis over the time period of analysis. Unexpectedly, real estate security did not provide a good protection against inflation and is also uncorrelated with the stock market.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence of the investment characteristic of indirect real estate investment in Nigeria. The results suggest that real estate security does not after all provide a good substitute to direct real estate investment.
Real estate portfolio strategy and product innovation in Europe
Authors: Hoesli Martin , Lekander Jon 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to review major changes on real estate markets in Europe and to analyse the impacts of such changes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of the various equity real estate investment vehicles available to investors, with particular focus on the pros and cons of each type of vehicle. The paper also includes an analysis of the impacts of product innovation on real estate markets and on portfolio strategy.FindingsThe changes on real estate markets have led to considerable amounts of capital being allocated to the asset class. Portfolio strategies should be substantially more flexible.Research limitations/implicationsAs many of the new products have been created in bullish real estate markets, it is important to assess the impacts of a market downturn on portfolio performance.Practical implicationsA good understanding of available products with their pros and cons is necessary for a sound investment strategy.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the very few papers that discuss the major institutional changes that have occurred on European real estate markets.
A settled structure for the TMT sector remains a mirage in 2006/2007
Authors: Curwen Peter 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis article is the eighth in a series that seeks to analyize the constantly changing structure of the TMT sector. It aims to cover the period 25 March 2006 to 24 March 2007.Design/methodology/approachThe article is designed so as to contain at its core the creation of a series of databases in tabular form that can be used to analyze structural trends over a period of many years.FindingsThe article finds that, prior to March 2002, the TMT sector spent two years in the doldrums, and the overall trend continued to be broadly negative during the ensuing year, partly driven by the implosions at the likes of WorldCom. The following two years saw companies coming to terms with a radically different environment. The year commencing March 2005 witnessed a sharp upsurge in restructuring activity somewhat reminiscent of the late 1990s and this continued unabated throughout 2006 and the first half of 2007.Originality/valueEmpirical research based upon current data is very scarce in the public domain. This series of articles makes a major contribution to the analysis of how and why the structure of the TMT sector is evolving.
European telephony numbering space
Authors: Sutherland Ewan 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the development by the European Commission of numbering policies for the internal market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an historical narrative of the development with an analysis of the responses of the various parties. The development of the operational regulatory and legal instruments for European telephony numbering space described. Recent work on a 116 pan‐European code is explained, and then finally conclusions are drawn.FindingsThe development of trans‐European operators has proved to be very limited. This is in stark contrast to the success of the North American equivalent of freephone services using 1‐800, 1‐888 and 1‐866. These have been highly successful in demand from corporations and also in their use by end customers.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work is required on the development of pan‐European services on fixed and on mobile networks.Practical implicationsA proper framework is required to evaluate this type of initiative, including those based on VoIP.Originality/valueNothing has, to date, been published on the European telephony numbering space.
WiMAX in Tanzania: a breakthrough for underserved areas
Authors: Sedoyeka Eliamani , Hunaiti Ziad 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to briefly present the review on the key WiMAX features, describing its strengths over other technologies. It also seeks to review the result of the survey conducted presenting opinions from a number of country's ICT professionals. The aim is to show how using WiMAX to address connectivity problems faced by developing countries will bridge digital divide.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth literature review was conducted to study the WiMAX standard. Also, the study was conducted to gather opinions of ICT professionals by asking their views about connectivity problems and solutions. The study uses a low number of internet users as an indication of low ICT penetration in the country. To conduct a survey, a questionnaire was uploaded to the website and emails were distributed to online communities and email groups with the link to the questionnaire and results were analyzed.FindingsThe study shows that if well planned, WiMAX will be a breakthrough technology to provide connectivity to undeserved areas.Originality/valueThe study gives an insight to the problems facing developing countries. The study contributes to the industry and body of knowledge by giving an in depth summary to WiMAX technology. The findings can be used by network planners, policy makers, scholars and industry in general.
Communication platforms in electronic commerce: a three‐dimension analysis
Authors: Xin Xu Sean , Yan Xu , Zheng Xiaona 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to develop a general framework for evaluating communication platforms in e‐commerce, and then apply the framework to investigate what factors have impeded m‐commerce from taking off in the specific context of China.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a three‐dimension framework for evaluating a communication platform in e‐commerce, which features reach, richness, and costs of communications as its salient characteristics. Grounded on the framework, a comparative analysis is conducted using data from a survey sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China. The analysis, from the user's perspective, compares facilitators and inhibitors for using communication platforms in two different contexts, the mobile communication platform in m‐commerce vs the fixed communication platform in the “classical” e‐commerce.FindingsThe study finds that, compared with e‐commerce over the fixed communication platform, the m‐commerce in China enjoys relatively great communication reach but suffers from relatively low communication richness. In the mean time, costs of communications do not seem to be a major barrier for m‐commerce growth.Originality/valueThe three‐dimension framework can serve as an underlying model not only to evaluate currently available communication platforms for e‐commerce, but also to address economic calculus of benefits and costs of emerging communication platforms.