bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging and capturing tacit knowledge: a methodology for a bounded environment
Authors: Mulder Ursula , Whiteley Alma 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to report on an empirical case study, (single case multi‐site) employing both a “hard” and “soft” method. The tangible, visible component of the study was the production of a database whose fields were to be the source of tacit knowledge emergence.Design/methodology/approachThe proposition was that the possibility for the capture of tacit knowledge was subject to four conditions. The first was the need for a teleological motive and purpose. The second was a bounded environment expressed in this case in terms of the published corporate goals and key business drivers. The third was the production of a controlled vocabulary that made sense to both the respondents in the context of the true nature of the business activity. The fourth and most important condition was the interactive and iterative process that allowed those involved to own the tacit knowledge emerging process.FindingsResults supported the idea that under bounded conditions, a shared sense of purpose and an iterative process where ownership was possible, tacit knowledge could be captured. In the bounded environment tacit knowledge was found to be not haphazard, confirming its “end purpose” for being.Practical implicationsThe findings of the research have practical application for organisations wishing to capture the tacit knowledge of their knowledge workers and describes a methodology for emerging and capturing it.Originality/valueIs of value in presenting a method for emerging tacit knowledge in‐play in a bounded environment.
The pecking order hypothesis: does it apply to start‐up firms?
Authors: Paul Stuart , Whittam Geoff , Wyper Janette 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore whether the “pecking order hypothesis” (POH) applies to the capital finance preferences of start‐up businesses.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with 20 Scotland‐based entrepreneurs were conducted in order to reveal the subtleties of the capital finance preferences which applied to a sample of start‐up firms. To ensure reliability and validity, data was analysed using a systematic schema.FindingsConsistent with the POH we found that entrepreneurs in start‐ups turn to internal sources first, that is, their own funds. In contradiction to the POH, however, evidence in this paper finds that where external funds are required, the main source is equity rather than debt. In the majority of cases, in depth interviews show that a bridged pecking order applies in that the businesses move from self‐funding to external equity in preference to, or instead of bank finance. Two reasons for this pattern can be established. First, entrepreneurs consider debt to be a personal liability as it invariably requires to be underwritten by personal guarantees. Entrepreneurs place a self‐imposed limit on the extent to which they are prepared to mortgage their assets. Second, entrepreneurs deliberately seek out equity investment as a means of obtaining added value over and above the finance invested. Rather than the external equity being viewed as expensive, it is viewed as good value as a well‐chosen investor can add business skills and social capital in the form of commercial contacts and access to relevant networks.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs searching for investment should assess the post‐investment role they wish investors to play. Successful consideration of this issue will make it more likely that a start‐up business obtains external finance and that entrepreneurs achieve good “matches” with investors, and vice versa.Originality/valueThe value of this paper rests in its finding that a bridged pecking order may apply to start‐up firms in that entrepreneurs move directly from self‐funding to equity.
Profiling the capabilities of SMEs to compete internationally
Authors: Grimes Anthony , Doole Isobel , Kitchen Philip J. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to detail the rationale for, and development of, the Export Marketing Profiling System; a methodology for profiling and benchmarking the capabilities of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete internationally.Design/methodology/approachIt is the outcome of four years of research, incorporating quantitative, qualitative and longitudinal studies into the international activities of SMEs.FindingsThe findings of this research are utilised in the development of a system that recognises key themes and distils them into the specific characteristics, competencies, capabilities and activities that contribute to successful performance in international markets.Originality/valueThe value of this system lies in the population of a large database of SMEs that have been profiled using in‐depth interviews. This enables users to profile and benchmark a company's export capabilities against other SMEs. It has been piloted successfully in the Yorkshire and The Humber region as part of the Regional International Trade Strategy and has also been disseminated to business support agencies in the UK and Europe, where it is currently used to identify support needs and evaluate the impact of specific interventions over time.
A supplier development programme: the SME experience
Authors: Williams Sharon 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and understand the learning opportunities that exist for smaller organisations within the context of a supplier development and business improvement environment.Design/methodology/approachThrough case study research two pilot activities are presented. These are co‐ordinated by a lead organisation (customer) and involve two micro firm suppliers.FindingsThe research discusses the types of learning identified within two pilot activities and the benefits and issues for both the supplier and customer when undertaking development and improvement programmes. The results conclude that the collaborative nature of the supply chain environment is conducive to shared learning between the lead customer and the suppliers.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study approach taken for this exploratory research limits the generalisibility of the results. Yet, this research has started to understand how the smaller firm can benefit from supplier development activities. The challenge will be to sustain these activities by ensuring that double loop learning is achieved.Originality/valueThe applied nature of this research should appeal to both the academic and the practitioner.
The adoption of e‐business and knowledge management in SMEs
Authors: Maguire S. , Koh S.C.L. , Magrys A. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate how small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are using information and communications technology (ICT) to try and gain a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachA joint methodology of questionnaire survey and semi‐structured interviews was used for both phases of the study. The research method used consisted of mailed questionnaires being sent to over 200 firms with follow‐up telephone interviews. This paper combines a significant literature review with primary data collected from the various SMEs.FindingsThis paper provides sound evidence that SMEs can gain competitive advantage through the use of ICT. More than 70 per cent of the respondents identified ICT as aiding their business in one or more of the accepted competitive areas. However, there is potential for SMEs to gain further advantages by using an integrated and strategic approach in their use of ICT.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has direct implications for UK SMEs. It will be interesting to undertake an international comparison of ICT assimilation in SMEs.Practical implicationsThis research identifies the need for a coherent reference framework for SMEs to assess, manage, and utilise existing and future e‐business tools.Originality/valueSMEs tend to use their ICT independently rather than in an integrated manner. They are not always able to take advantage of methodologies generally developed for large firms. Currently SMEs are not taking advantage of supply chain management and customer relationship management applications. A significant majority of SMEs are not using knowledge management techniques.
Benchmarking the performance of English universities
Authors: Pursglove Jeff , Simpson Mike 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the effectiveness of teaching and widening participation as measures to assess, compare, and benchmark the performance of English universities.Design/methodology/approachUses data from a paired sample English universities to compare the effectiveness of teaching and widening participation in: research‐orientated “Russell Group” universities versus teaching‐orientated “post 1992” universities. All data were in the public domain and provided from reports of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, The Higher Education Statistics Agency and The Times Higher Education Supplement.FindingsThe analysis quantified the greater academic effectiveness and academic efficiencies of post‐1992 universities compared with members of the Russell Group. These results are the complete opposite of the widely accepted position of universities in published league tables and so are likely to be controversial.Research limitations/implicationsThe equations used for the numerical analysis could be modified to give a different weighting to different factors and/or to include the effectiveness of research activity, and could therefore result in a different interpretation of the data.Practical implicationsThe introduction of variable top‐up fees in 2006 will probably lead to the Russell Group universities charging a higher monetary price. If all other factors remain unchanged, this will increase the academic and operational efficiencies of the Russell Group universities compared with the post‐1992 group.Originality/valueThis is highly original analysis of existing data in the public domain and leads to controversial but logically inescapable findings.
Business process patterns and frameworks
Authors: Barros Oscar 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo develop a novel approach for encapsulating high level business knowledge and logic of a given application domain in patterns and frameworks, which can be reused and be applied to improve a process for a given business in the domain and to develop an application to support such process.Design/methodology/approachFormal and explicit business process patterns (BPP) have been developed that synthesize best practices found in hundreds of real projects of process redesign. From these, software business objects (BO) frameworks that encapsulate business logic have been derived.FindingsGood characterization of the processes and associated decisions by means of formal BPP allows including complex generalized business decisions logic in BO frameworks. Such logic is built upon the best current knowledge of analytical methods, such as business intelligence, optimization and heuristics.Practical implicationsThis approach provides a very flexible way, based on reusable components, to develop solutions and software for complex business decisions, which is an alternative to packaged products. The approach is exemplified by using a specific application domain and applied to a real case in the domain.Originality/valueAs it is shown in the literature review in the paper, patterns and frameworks up to now have only marginally included high‐level decision logic.
An exploratory study of implementation of customer relationship management strategy
Authors: Osarenkhoe Aihie , Bennani Az‐Eddine 
Published: February 2007

PurposeEfforts made in extant literature to link the components of customer relationship management (CRM) strategy to its implementation are insufficient. This paper aims to provide insights on the core components of CRM and the implementation of CRM strategy.Design/methodology/approachA case study of CRM implementation at a large Swedish firm was carried out using open‐ended, face‐to‐face and telephone interview methods to collect data from key informants at both strategic and operative levels. The empirical studies focused on technical and cognitive aspects necessary for successful implementation of a sustainable CRM strategy.FindingsResults show that relationships are not only a tactical weapon, but represent a different, strategic approach to buyer‐seller exchange. Findings also show that implementing sustainable CRM strategy requires the endorsement by and commitment from top management, systematic cross‐functional communication, and mandatory customer loyalty training programmes for all employees.Research limitations/implicationsAttempts made in extant literature to define CRM have been varied. A theoretical model on which future empirical analysis should be based when conceptualizing CRM should consist of a business strategy, a business philosophy and a database application, thereby forming a tripod.Practical implicationsCRM is a strategic business and process issue, not merely a technology solution as most often conceived in practice. The CRM process is a continuous learning process where information about individual customer is transformed into a customer relationship.Originality/valueA process‐oriented integrative framework that facilitate successful implementation of a sustainable CRM strategy. It links components of CRM strategy with the key dimension of its implementation. The depth of the anchorage of this paper in the body of literature is a contribution.
Environmental management systems
Authors: Walker David , Pitt Michael , Jha Thakur Urmila 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo demonstrate the importance of environmental management systems (EMS) in achieving overall sustainability within organisations, by reducing ecological impacts of economic activities and improving corporate environmental care.Design/methodology/approachA range of published works over a decade (1994‐2004) has been explored in setting the trend for EMS within the context of corporate responsibility (CR). The discussion is presented in four sections, which are – introduction; background; requirement of environmental management system and conclusion.FindingsThe literature traces the gradual transformation of the role of environmental management system within organisations, from a legal obligation in the past, to an investment driver for commercial advantage in future. Facilities management is identified as the crucial link, which can assist in developing appropriate knowledge management systems necessary for attaining continued business success.Research limitations/implicationsThe work highlights the importance of EMS in achieving overall sustainability and profitability of organisations. However, due to limitations of experience of EMS within organisations, it will take a while before significant results can be provided in proof of this.Practical implicationsThe paper establishes an approach imperative for success of future organisations in achieving effective environmental management, leading to sustained economic growth, which will eventually prove beneficial to all sections of society across the world.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates how environmental management has evolved within the context of CR and by integrating it with information management, the work sets the direction for continual improvement of environmental and financial performance of future organisations.
Aesthetic medicine: a health regulator's perspective
Authors: Boon Harold Tan Keng 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help understand the extent of regulation of aesthetic medicine in various developed countries and to discuss the current pitfalls and potential strategies in regulating this area of healthcare.Design/methodology/approachA range of published articles and press reports from bound and internet sources on aesthetic medicine in the recent five to six years were obtained to allow a better understanding of existing practices and regulatory climate. Reports from relevant authorities in various countries were also referred to for information on proposed regulatory regimes and future regulatory directions.FindingsThe practice of aesthetic medicine has been marginally regulated, even in more highly developed countries. The main regulatory concern appears to be the practice of minimally invasive aesthetic surgery by general practitioners. Professional voluntary self‐regulation would probably not be effective in view of the peculiar nature of aesthetic medicine vis‐à‐vis conventional medicine.Practical implicationsThere is a need for health regulatory bodies across the world to brace themselves for potentially more widespread health and social risks posed by aesthetic medicine. Statutory governance is needed to maintain safe practice standards and to manage the supply and demand of aesthetic services. In less developed countries, there is a need for better public education and empowerment to enable patients to make better‐informed decisions and assume greater responsibility for the aesthetic services that they seek.Originality/valueThis paper discusses regulatory issues concerning aesthetic medicine which are rarely featured in academic journals. It offers some strategies for better regulation of aesthetic medicine which health authorities in certain countries may find useful.
Evaluation of information leaflets for flexible cystoscopy
Authors: Shah J. , Sill S. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review patient information leaflets for flexible cystoscopies and to determine the quality of information available to patients.Design/methodology/approachInformation leaflets from 20 hospitals in the region that carried out flexible cystoscopies as a day‐case procedure were evaluated against a checklist of items for inclusion in the leaflets.FindingsA total of 13 leaflets were received. There was a large variation in the information supplied between hospitals, and there was a lack of vital information in most of the leaflets. Only four leaflets provided a diagram of the urinary tract for clarity.Originality/valueMany of the leaflets evaluated fell below an adequate standard. This study shows the need for a better, more accurate and up‐to‐date leaflet for what is probably the most commonly performed urological procedure.
Talent management: making it real
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo explore ways in which organizations can take a systemic stance on talent management.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on work done in a variety of organizations plus research in HR functions.FindingsThe need is for a systemic approach to talent management. Just focusing on talent acquisition is misguided and unhelpful.Practical implicationsThe article has real practical implications for leaders/managers and learning and development professionals in setting up a functional strategy for talent management.Originality/valueThe article will be of value to managers and learning specialists who are involved in talent management strategy.
Indigenous resource management and environmental degradation: southern Greece
Authors: Petropoulou Eugenia A. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of indigenous agricultural knowledge for sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon fieldwork on the natural resource management practices of diversified farming systems in a mountainous community in southern Greece, the paper explores the potential of the traditional system for a sustainable food security system.FindingsSmall‐scale mountainous farmers possess a range of ideas and concepts from experience related to land degradation. At another level the findings of the study suggest that farmers place over‐riding emphasis on the physical characteristics of their environment in judging the various stages of degradation. Until in a direct interview situation they were forced to confront the part played by human‐related factors.Practical implicationsA major implication is that mountain farming communities need to be educated on the human aspects of degradation and in fact the interrelatedness of cultural activities and the physical world. Furthermore, sustainability in mountain communities depends on more than ecological factors; it requires sensitivity to socio‐economic parameters such as labour demands and food security policies.Originality/valueThe current paper presents useful information on indigenous resource management practices and environmental degradation in mountain communities in Greece. The approach, fieldwork data and interpretation of data can be of value to social researchers in Greece and southern Europe who study issues of sustainability in mountain farming communities.
Green Tick™: an example of sustainability certification of goods and services
Authors: Harris Susan M. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a sustainability certification system and label based on an independent, full life cycle assessment of conventionally produced goods from “cradle to grave”.Design/methodology/approachThe design approach used comprised five phases: review of presently available third party environmental certification systems regarding their suitability for use as a sustainability certification tool for conventionally produced goods; identification of desirable scientific and consumer design criteria for a sustainability certification system and label; identification of key performance indicators for sustainability; description of an independent sustainability certification system based on the desirable design criteria, in particular an independent full life cycle assessment; and market trials of the sustainability label to test consumer reactions and commercial benefits of independent sustainability certification using two commercial case studies in Australia and New Zealand.FindingsNone of the third party environmental certification systems reviewed was suitable for use as a sustainability certification tool. Desirable design criteria for a sustainability certification system centred on an independent, full life cycle assessment of operations from “cradle to grave”. A total of eight safety and 12 sustainability key performance indicators were proposed to specifically assess sustainability performance. An instantly recognizable logo comprising a “Green Tick” inside a circle, reminiscent of a government “stamp of approval”, was used as a sustainability label. Market trials of certified household products and lamb meat in Australasia confirmed positive consumer reactions to the “Green Tick” label, and considerable commercial benefits for the companies that used it on their products.Practical implicationsThe “Green Tick™” sustainability certification system and label addresses an identified gap in the market by providing an easily recognizable, independent, life cycle based sustainability certification of consumer products. Market trials indicated that there was measurable consumer support for independent sustainability labelling, and significant commercial benefits for companies whose products qualified for sustainability labelling.Originality/valueThe paper describes the world's first‐ever independent sustainability certification system and label. It is based on third party, full life cycle assessment of products, in accordance with the European Commission's view that sustainability labelling should be based on independent, full life cycle assessments of products. Market trials of the label in the Australasian FMCG sector indicated that consumers responded positively to an easily recognizable, independent sustainability label, and that independent sustainability certification and labelling have significant commercial potential for manufacturers of genuinely sustainable products.