bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managerial performance and business success
Authors: Dafna Kariv 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the role of managerial performance in the success of men‐owned businesses (MOB) and women‐owned businesses (WOB) for Canadian and Israeli entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachA process‐oriented approach, a relatively overlooked perspective in this field, was used for this assessment. The methodology used was based on two national samples from Canada and Israel (n=235) which included mostly members of a private business networking organization. Questionnaires were distributed to the respondents; only entrepreneurs with at least one employee were included.FindingsMultilevel analyses revealed that gender is significantly associated with some managerial functions, but except for the business longevity – it is not directly associated with measures of business success; nationality is associated with two measures of business success: turnover and growth. Women entrepreneurs, both Canadian and Israeli, ranked significantly higher in some functions of their managerial performance compared to their male counterparts.Practical implicationsThis study's main implications are in deciphering the major role of managerial performance and nationality and the relatively marginal effect of gender in business success measures, implying that the gender gap in successful entrepreneurial businesses is decreasing. These findings can become foundations for better understanding broader entrepreneurship questions and practice‐based researched endeavors.Originality/valueThis paper's main contribution is in the identified need for developing training and education programs for entrepreneurs in the areas of managerial skills and practices; as well as in opening future avenues for cross‐national assessments of a process‐oriented perspective in these areas.
A study of SMEs in Singapore
Authors: Chew Rosalind , Chew Soon‐Beng 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to appreciate the difficulties faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a small open economy such as Singapore where there is very little margin for comfort.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is analytical and statistical. Comparing key ratios over time to reinforce the findings is done.FindingsSMEs in Singapore are price‐takers in the product markets and they are also price‐takers in the input markets. When there is substantial increase in costs, SMEs will be in trouble as they cannot pass the increased costs to the buyers of their products and services.Practical implicationsThe implication is that only the government can help SMEs. With more information, the government can be convinced that SMEs can play a big role in the economy.Originality/valueThe paper shows that government and the SMEs' association can find ways to help SMEs.
Attitudes toward entrepreneurship and small business
Authors: Gupta Vishal K. , York Anne S. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the attitudes towards and knowledge about entrepreneurship and small business among the people of Nebraska, a mid‐western state in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the importance of understanding attitudes and knowledge about entrepreneurship at the state‐level. It uses a parsimonious framework to present the findings based on data collected by a Gallup Organization survey of Nebraska residents and small business owners.FindingsData reveals low interest in becoming entrepreneurs among Nebraskans. Interestingly, however, Nebraskans believe their educational experience is significantly more valuable and applicable to business start‐up than does the US general population. They are also less likely than the US population to believe that successful entrepreneurs and small businesses should give back to their communities.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the need to examine attitudes and beliefs about entrepreneurship in individual states and comparing the findings from the state level data to those from the national data. The results have important implications for teachers interested in providing training to potential entrepreneurs, as well as policy‐makers in states such as Nebraska interested in encouraging entrepreneurial activity in their state.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study to focus on attitudes and beliefs about entrepreneurship among the people of Nebraska, a rural state in USA, an otherwise highly industrialized country. It is also the first study to use the data collected at the state‐level to compare it to findings from a national sample.
Aligning personal and entrepreneurial vision for success
Authors: Hurst Deborah , MacDougall Shelley , Pelham Chris 
Published: October 2008

PurposeWhile there is no definitive profile of the successful entrepreneur or prescribed pathway for success, research suggests that individuals who proactively accommodate factors that push and pull them into entrepreneurship, align their personal and entrepreneurial visions, and to some extent, build emotional intelligence (EQ), are more likely to succeed. This paper aims to describe an entrepreneur counseling process developed and used by the Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship (ACSBE), located in Nova Scotia, Canada.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose an entrepreneur's success, negotiation of push and pull factors, and EQ are all linked, and the ACSBE counseling model draws on these. The case study method was used. ACSBE staffs were interviewed regarding the entrepreneur counseling process, counselor‐training sessions were observed and documents were reviewed. Two ACSBE clients, who together started a successful fair‐trade business, were interviewed for their insights regarding the ACSBE counseling model and their own experiences starting their business.FindingsThe responses of the ACSBE clients illustrate a successful application of the ACSBE Entrepreneurial Decision Making Cycle©. Their personal values, business strategies and performance were linked to promote success personally and for society. Both entrepreneurs were authentic, self‐aware and empathetic individuals who were able to hone their EQ and develop sound business acumen with assistance of the ACSBE counseling model.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of the ACSBE counseling model and its success in this case leads to the question of whether the application of the ACSBE Entrepreneurial Decision Making Cycle can predict those more likely to succeed in an entrepreneurial venture. In order to address this, further research of the ACSBE decision tool is recommended.Originality/valueThe ACSBE Entrepreneurial Decision Making Cycle is unique. It should be of interest to entrepreneur counselors and researchers of entrepreneurship.
Case study: international development in Ukraine
Authors: Jones Brian , Iredale Norma 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis article aims to report on a Department for International Development (DFID) funded enterprise education programme in Ukraine, managed by the University of Durham. It seeks to offer a description and explanation of the programme along with an analysis of its rationale, operation and workings. The focus is on the method used to transfer, adapt and apply a programme for the introduction of enterprise education from the UK to Ukraine.Design/methodology/approachA partnership‐based framework of analysis that underpins the actual workings of the programme is detailed. Issues affecting societies and economies in transition are explored with a specific focus on Ukraine. The programme rationale and its operational workings are discussed before revealing the key findings and their implications for theory and practice.FindingsIn the transition economies of Eastern Europe, enterprise education can help bring about peaceful social and economic transformation. Enterprise education helps to establish the principle that in a free society starting a business is not just a right of all citizens but it is within their capabilities. The concept is liberating and liberalising and is a tool that encourages, advocates and advances freedoms and opportunities. It can help stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship and as a tool of empowerment it can help people cope with and adapt to an uncertain economic future.Originality/valueThe paper shows that in recognising the educational value of “positive mistake making” a more “can do”, calculated risk‐taking attitude can be fostered to encourage enterprise and entrepreneurship. It also illustrates that the development of teaching resources is essential and needs to be done in context making it relevant to local conditions and circumstances.
The impact of geographically defined school zones on house prices in New Zealand
Authors: Rehm Michael , Filippova Olga 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and quantify the impact of geographically defined school zones on house prices in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a series of hedonic pricing models to analyse 10,000 house sales transactions over a 21‐year period within a compact group of inner Auckland suburbs, which represents the epicentre of the school zoning debate in New Zealand. The study diverts from past research, which mainly focuses on school quality measures such as standardised test scores, and instead analyses the comprehensive price impacts of access to popular state schools. Its unique approach employs a geographic information system to divide the study area into effective school zones and then further subdivide into suburbs, thus offering a vital indicator of internal validity.FindingsThe study's findings indicate that the influence of school zoning on house prices is not uniform and the variation in price effects is largely a function of the uncertainty of future zone boundary definitions. Although some “in‐zone” suburbs have enjoyed accelerated house price growth following the reintroduction of zoning in 2000, peripheral suburbs’ price premiums have diminished.Originality/valueIn contrast to standard hedonic studies on school quality, this paper offers an innovative approach that integrates geography to solve what is essentially a spatial economic problem.
The state intervention in achieving a quality urban living standard
Authors: Nor Azriyati Wan Abd Aziz Wan , Rosly Hanif Noor , Ahmad Faizah 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present how the state government can successfully intervene in providing better quality of urban living standard in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper approaches the issue of state intervention by using a case study of a former squatters’ colony area in Bandar Baru Sentul in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.FindingsThe paper establishes that for many decades the governance of Kuala Lumpur has played an active role in designing and implementing a wide range of housing policies to eradicate squatters’ settlement in the city, consequently fulfilling the aspirations of low‐income people to become part of the home owning democracy.Practical implicationsThis paper attempts to encourage public policy makers and local authorities to undertake a more active role in providing better quality of urban living standard through the establishment of strong institutional capacity.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on how the state government provides a range of mixed policies to rehabilitate squatters’ colonies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cashing in on the green machine: are developers in the UK missing out?
Authors: Roberts Claire , Sims Sally 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons behind the apparent reluctance of UK residential developers to embrace microgeneration technology and adopt it large‐scale across their developments despite consumer demand for post‐construction microgeneration technologies. This paper explores residential developers’ attitudes towards these technologies, their perceptions of drivers and barriers to sustainability, supply and demand issues and perceptions of the potential contribution that microgeneration technologies could make towards sustainable construction across the UK.Design/methodological/approachThis paper reports on the findings from 12 telephone interviews with UK residential developers which were carried out in May 2007.FindingsThe main driver towards sustainability was legislation. The most favoured microgeneration technology amongst developers was solar thermal, as it was perceived to be the most established microgeneration technology. Barriers towards adopting this technology were the initial cost to developers, the initial costs to occupiers, long payback periods, and the current market immaturity, reliability and liability of microgeneration products.Research limitations/implicationsThis represents a snapshot of developers views in 2007 and due to technological improvements, policy and changes to the economy opinions may have changed.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that unless there are significant improvements in efficiency, reliability, reductions in purchase costs and, guarantees that they will be free from liability when things go wrong, developers will struggle to achieve the requirements of the code for sustainable homes Level Six “zero carbon” rating in 2016.Originality/valueThe study addresses microgeneration from the house‐builders’ perspective.
International variations in new housing supply
Authors: Catherine Fortune Charlotte , Moohan James Anthony John 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect the responsiveness of new housing supply to price changes in Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the USA. The practical purpose is to identify and consider the similarities and differences in the factors that affect new housing supply amongst the selected countries.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative estimates of the price elasticity of new housing supply were reviewed and evaluated. Generally they were found to describe and measure but not explain variations in housing supply responses to house price changes. Qualitative research was undertaken based on case study interviews with experienced senior managers of house‐building firms with the objective of obtaining insights into the variables affecting housing supply in each country.FindingsFirst, quantitative studies provide necessary but insufficient explanation of the factors determining new housing supply. Second, there are a large number of macro‐economic, micro‐economic and institutional factors that explain new housing supply which appear to vary in absolute and relative importance between countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary research findings are based on a small number of case study interviews. Further work is required to confirm the insights using more interviews and/or large‐scale surveys. The work could also be undertaken at other times in different market conditions.Practical implicationsFactors explaining variations in new housing supply in each country have been shown to vary amongst countries. Policy makers can address these factors in achieving balance between supply and demand, and in understanding what needs to be done to increase new housing supply.Originality/valueThe research demonstrates the value of adopting a pluralist methodology in measuring and explaining the causes of variations in new housing supply.
Residents' perceptions of the impacts of special event tourism
Authors: Jackson Leonard A. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to explore residents' perceptions of special event tourism at a destination. Specifically, the research examined residents' perceptions of the social, economic and environmental impacts of special event tourism on the destination. The study also examined dimensions of community life that were impacted or curtailed as a result of event tourism.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a telephone survey. The survey solicited residents' perceptions of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of special event tourism. The study was exploratory and followed a descriptive design.FindingsResidents are generally in favor of events that contribute socially and economically to the destination. They are, however, not ambivalent to some of the negative impacts, but are willing to cope with these negative impacts as long as the perceived benefits exceed the negative impacts.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample was adequate for statistical analysis, a larger sample size would yield more generalizable results. Consequently, caution should be used in making generalizations based on this study.Practical implicationsThe constant question faced by destination managers and tourism development authorities is how to plan for optimal tourism development, while at the same time minimize the impact of this development on the resident population. One approach is to monitor residents' opinions of perceived impacts as a means of incorporating community reaction into tourism planning and development. Hence, this study proposes an all inclusive community‐centric approach to event tourism policy making rather than a top‐down approach.Originality/valueBoth practitioners and educators will benefit from the results of this study as it provides insight into a destination's residents' perceptions of special event tourism. This topic has received little attention in the past.
Transforming the governance of plan‐making in Hong Kong
Authors: King Penny Wan Yim , Har Rebecca Chiu Lai 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine changing plan‐making governance processes in Hong Kong and identifies factors leading to the changes.Design/methodology/approachBoth primary and secondary sources of data were collected. Various stakeholders were interviewed and analysis of Hong Kong planning policies, ordinances and guidelines was undertaken.FindingsSince the late 1990s, plan‐making in Hong Kong has undergone a major shift in governance from that of an elitist‐led pro‐growth mode to one with more community engagement, environmental consciousness and sustainability. The Southeast Kowloon development scheme played a crucial role in triggering this shift.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses solely on one of the three planning systems in Hong Kong, plan‐making.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a comprehensive discussion of the changing governing processes of Hong Kong's plan‐making and will be useful for policy‐makers when examining whether ruling strategies are responding well to changing circumstances. It also contributes to the existing governance literature by offering some insights into the nature of governance and the methodologies for studying it.Originality/valueThere is little literature linking governance and urban planning in Hong Kong. The paper offers a useful background and a framework for future studies.
To rehabilitate or redevelop? A study of the decision criteria for urban regeneration projects
Authors: Yau Yung (Simon) , Ling Chan Ho 
Published: October 2008

PurposeTo develop a multi‐criteria decision‐making framework for evaluating different schemes of urban regeneration project.Design/methodology/approachUrban decay in Hong Kong has long warranted community concern. To tackle the problem, there are generally two different approaches, namely building rehabilitation and redevelopment. In the past, urban regeneration was dominated by complete redevelopment. However, with the rise of the concept of sustainability, the choice of building rehabilitation is becoming increasingly popular. Nevertheless, with either option, difficulties are often encountered in balancing the diverse interests of the stakeholders, who have varied aims and ambitions for the achievements of a project. Therefore, we have developed a framework, which contains the factors to be considered when planning an urban renewal project. To obtain the relative importance of these factors in a reliable but reasonably inexpensive manner from the building‐related professionals, the Non‐structural Fuzzy Decision Support System was employed. In total, 34 building surveyors and 31 town planners were interviewed using structured questionnaires.FindingsThe set of perceived weightings of the decision criteria obtained from building surveyors was quite different from that from town planners. People of different backgrounds hold divergent views towards the relative importance of the decision criteria in an urban regeneration project.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the resource limitations, individuals from the professions of building surveying and town planning were studied only.Practical implicationsTo achieve a credible decision‐making process, it is therefore advisable to have a balanced mix of members in any urban regeneration project decision making panel. Also, the framework developed in this study can be used to facilitate the decision making process in the future project.Originality/valueThis paper is the first attempt to explore the relative importance of various criteria for the decision‐making process in urban regeneration projects perceived by different professionals.
The trademark protection of country brands: insights from New Zealand
Authors: Florek Magdalena , Insch Andrea 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the opportunities for and challenges of the trademark protection of country brands.Design/methodology/approachInsights into the challenges and possibilities of country brand trademark protection are identified using New Zealand as a case study. This evaluation is divided into four sections. In the first section, the relations and differences between brands and trademarks are discussed in the context of the country trademark. Then, possible sources of country trademarks are identified. Next, the benefits and challenges of creating and managing country trademarks are discussed based on the case of the New Zealand Fern Mark. The final section addresses the determiners of country trademark implementation and offers recommendations for country brand managers.FindingsThis study makes the case that a nation's heritage is a rich source of country trademarks. The selection of country trademarks must ensure that the chosen symbol conveys meaning and associations that serve a country's often broad range of offerings and resonate with a diversity of stakeholder audiences.Practical implicationsGovernance structures need to be established to manage a country trademark to ensure the country brand's integrity. This includes a licensing system and protocols to prevent successive governments from altering the brand's essence which would destroy its equity built up over time.Originality/valueThis paper extends the concept of trademarks, once the domain of products and service brands, to the emerging field of place brand management.