bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
People‐managed places
Authors: Gower Robin 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to promote a people‐oriented approach to place management. The author asks: Why do we need place management? What can place management do? How are place managers responding? and What should place management do?Design/methodology/approachThe author reviews theoretical problems and the solutions that are implied. The author analyses policy with respect to these theories to provide practical recommendations for place managers.FindingsThe author finds that people‐managed places: are developed through use not by function; foster cooperation and collaboration; are inclusive and open to newcomers; and have infrastructure for bottom‐up management.Practical implicationsAlthough this paper draws upon evidence and policy from the UK, the recommendations are broadly applicable to any location. Place managers should: start with current place users; consider the needs of potential place users; define place‐based rights and responsibilities; encourage collaboration between those with different uses of place; cross boundaries and work with their neighbours; and internalise externalities through place‐making and leadership.Originality/valueThe paper explains and supports the principle of people‐managed places through demonstration with practical recommendations. The paper draws upon the concepts of market externalities, cooperative game theory, social solidarity, cluster theory and emergence, to explain the importance that civil society plays in place management.
The advanced forecasting information system PYTHIA
Authors: Pagourtzi Elli , Makridakis Spyros , Assimakopoulos Vassilis , Litsa Akrivi 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe main scope of the paper is to demonstrate the capabilities of PYTHIA forecasting platform, to compare time series forecasting techniques, which were used to forecast mortgage loans in UK, and to show how PYTHIA can be useful for a bank.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the methods used to forecast the time series data, which are included in PYTHIA. Theta, the time‐series used to forecast average mortgage loan prices, were grouped in: all buyers – average loan prices in UK; first‐time buyers – average loan prices in UK; and home‐movers – average loan prices in UK. The case of all buyers – average loan prices in UK, was presented in detail.FindingsAfter the comparison of the methods, the best forecasts are produced by WINTERS and this is maybe due to the fact that there is seasonality in the data. The Theta method comes next in the row and generally produces good forecasts with small mean absolute percentage errors. In order to tell with grater certainty which method produces the most accurate forecasts we could compare the rest error statistics provided by PYTHIA too.Originality/valueThe paper presents the PYTHIA forecasting platform and shows how it can be used by the managers of a Bank to forecast mortgage loan values. PYTHIA can provide the forecasts required by practically all business situations demanding accurate predictions. It is designed and developed with the purpose of making the task of managerial forecasting straightforward, user‐friendly and practical. It incorporates a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of forecasting, modeling and monitoring while fully utilizing new capabilities of computers and software.
A different look on risks by property investments
Authors: Keeris Willem G. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on three points of the theory about property investment risks: the management risk is not taken into account; the assumed regularity of the damping of the specific risks with an increase in the number of investments; and the assumption that the market risk is constant.Design/methodology/approachThe analyses performed are based on an investment portfolio in the Dutch office market with 14 properties (fictive).FindingsThere are three risk component within the risk profile instead of the named two, namely: specific risk, depends on special individual factors of the investments; management risk, reflects the span of control problem of the organization of the investor; and systematic risk, depends on distinguishing local levels. The calculations do show the effect of diversification, but not in all cases. It depends on the order in which assets associated with different risks are added. Moreover, management and systematic risk work cumulative and opposed to the difersifying power of the specific risk because both increase with increasing portfolio size.Research limitations/implicationsThe market risk and the management risk can only be specified as subjective estimates, since they cannot be measured by the conventional standard‐deviation method.Practical implicationsThe investor will have to learn to live with the fact that you never can tell.Originality/valueThis analysis shows that the theory derived for the financial market is only partially applicable, and that real estate investments need to be assessed on their own merits.
Teaching negotiation for town planners in France
Authors: Bobot Lionel 
Published: October 2008

PurposeNegotiations are an essential part of all professional activity, and for French town planners there are particular benefits that can be achieved by more effective performance in negotiating. However, teaching the skills to operate in a discretionary system is not common in the initial education of town planners. This paper aims to set out the author’s ideas and illustrate how this approach is grounded in theory and related to planning practice.Design/methodology/approachThe subject of negotiating skills is set within the context of implementation studies and the paper focuses on the concept of integrated bargaining as the appropriate approach. The research consisted of the observation of student negotiating in role‐play exercises.FindingsThe effectiveness of the inclusion of negotiation skills in the curriculum has not been systematically measured, but anecdotal support from former students is strong. In addition, those students frequently offered the training course as practitioners as their careers progress often express a realization of the importance of greater awareness and skills in this area. Finally, it is evident that the professionals' value negotiation training, as this short course is the one most frequently runs in over six years of experience and one of those most frequently.Originality/valueAlternative dispute resolution (ADR) is now rising up the agenda of the legal profession in France and in Europe. The message seems clear to us: whether one's interest is in implementation or simply dispute resolution, planning students and practitioners should be equipped with the knowledge, understanding and skills of negotiation.
The impacts of Japanese direct investment in China on the Sino‐Japanese bilateral trade
Authors: Yu Jinping , Zhao Wenjun 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe economic linkages between China and Japan have been strengthened through both trade and Japanese direct investment in China for past decades. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of Japanese direct investment in China on the Sino‐Japanese bilateral trade.Design/methodology/approachAn index, RRCA, was used to illustrate the changes of relative comparative advantage of major products, and AR(p) models used to examine the effects of Japanese FDI on both Chinese exports and Chinese imports.FindingsThis paper shows that Japanese direct investment in China has contributed not only to the increase of Chinese exports to Japan, but also to the increase of Chinese imports from Japan. This suggests that that the relations between Japanese direct investment in China and the bilateral trade are complementary.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size used in the empirical studies in this paper is very small. In addition, the studies focus only on the effects of FDI on trade while the effects of trade on FDI are neglected.Originality/valueThis paper provides evidence that Japanese direct investment in China is an important determinant factor of the rapid growth of the bilateral trade. It also shows that the appreciation of RMB against Japanese Yen is associated with a decrease in Chinese trade surplus in the bilateral trade.
Dynamic changes in comparative advantage: Japan “flying geese” model and its implications for China
Authors: Widodo Tri 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the Japan flying geese (FG) model and its implications for China.Design/methodology/approachData on exports and imports three‐digit the standard international trade clasification (SITC) Revision 2 from UN‐COMTRADE are employed. An analytical tool namely “products mapping” is made by combining two fundamental variables derived from the FG model. Revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA) index and trade balance index are applied.FindingsThe paper provides evidence of the existence of FG pattern. Unskilled labor‐intensive industries and human capital‐intensive industries have clearly shown the FG pattern in East Asia. China has very high comparative advantage in those industries.Research limitations/implicationsThe classification of industries is a crucial issue. This paper applies the broader classification of industries based on factor intensity rather than end use. Further researches on more specific industries might give detailed explanation.Originality/valueThe paper examines the position of East Asian countries in the FG model.
Chinese distribution practitioners' attitudes towards Italian quality foods
Authors: Huliyeti Hasimu , Marchesini Sergio , Canavari Maurizio 
Published: October 2008

PurposeFood products' ultimate destination is intended for the general public, but those who supply the international markets are usually composed of a relatively small group of businessmen including international buyers, purchasing agents and importers. Understanding the motivation behind their purchasing decisions and the perceptions they have of the source countries can be considered a key factor in developing a successful marketing approach. This paper focuses on understanding the position of such a powerful minority towards imported Italian, high‐quality agro‐food products in China, as well as the current communication, marketing, strategic and organizational approaches of Italian producers, especially compared to other European competitors.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory approach based on qualitative interviews is adopted, with the aim of highlighting Chinese perceptions regarding Italian food suppliers' relevant strengths and weaknesses. The primary data were collected through personal interviews with 25 key informants in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.FindingsSurvey results indicated that while Italian products are appreciated, current market shares remain inferior to other countries due to inadequate marketing strategies and low investments in promotion. Price sensitivity of Chinese consumers, less‐established distribution channels and competition with local products hindered further the market penetration.Originality/valueAt the best of our knowledge there is no prior research concerning the gatekeepers attitudes towards quality food in the Chinese market. The paper provides a useful insight into a topic that is relevant togathers of marketing intelligence and planners of marketing strategy for China's market access in the rapidly changing and highly competitive food trade environment.
Function simulation of FDI, foreign trade and regional GDP in China
Authors: Ying Liu , Riming Cui 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to simulate the function of foreign trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and regional gross domestic product (GDP) in China, explore how these two variables affect regional GDP together and provide evidence to export‐led growth (ELG) and FDI‐led growth.Design/methodology/approachArtificial neural network (ANN) is introduced in the model. This nonlinear and adaptive computation obtains a three‐dimension function that is different from linear models.FindingsNew evidence was found for ELG and FDI‐led growth with data of 28 regions in China in the period of 1994‐2005. The simulation reveals that with foreign trade and FDI scale varying, marginal GDP in different Chinese regions is positive. Because of the nonlinear system, a wave pattern of marginal GDP was found and an optimal scale of foreign trade and FDI for Chinese regions. Results in the simulation also indicate the possibility of economic deconcentration in some Chinese regions.Originality/valueNew evidence is provided for ELG and FDI‐led growth. Different from conventional methods, ANN model as a nonlinear system is introduced in the study in which optimal scale of foreign trade and FDI for Chinese regions is obtained.
Special government/business relationship: the case of Taiwanese Businessmen Association in mainland China
Authors: Lee Chun‐Yi 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper focuses on the relationship between spontaneous business groups, such as the Taiwanese Businessmen Association (TBA), and the Chinese government.Design/methodology/approachIn analysing the relationship between the TBAs and the Chinese government, this paper focuses on three cities, Tianjin, Kunshan and Dongguan. Furthermore it observes Taiwanese investment in mainland China from 1987 to 2004, in three sub‐periods: 1987‐1993, 1994‐1999, 2000‐2004. Statism (e.g. rational choice) appears to be a valid theoretical framework.FindingsIt was found that the Chinese government's changing interaction with Taiwanese businesses always suited their best interests at the time, which proves that the Chinese government applied rational module in interacting with Taiwanese businesses.Research limitations/implicationsRational choice is not a comprehensive approach in political science, but it is the most suitable approach to analyse the interaction between the Chinese government and Taiwanese businesses.Practical implicationsThe first TBA was established in Beijing in 1990; nowadays there are over 100 TBAs in mainland China. It has been argued that TBAs can be seen as the emergence of a sort of civil society in mainland China; to others, they merely reflect the strong will of the Chinese government to attract foreign investment.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that Taiwanese businesses is a security asset for the Chinese government in the cross‐Strait relationship.
Operationalization of corporate entrepreneurship and its performance implications in China
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Zhang Xiao 
Published: October 2008

PurposeIt is intended in this paper to develop a reliable and valid measurement of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and identify the key dimensions based on evidence of the largest transitional and fast growing economy, China, given that no agreement has been reached and much less is know about the generalizability of related research findings in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThe eight‐step procedure for scale development was followed in this study, which is based on questionnaire survey and statistical analysis.FindingsA four‐dimension measurement model for CE was developed and validated. Furthermore, the authors also find that not all dimensions of CE have statistically significant impacts on firm performance in China.Originality/valueNowadays, more and more studies have been conducted on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, intrapreneurship or CE. However, no agreement has been reached about the key dimensions of CE and much less is know about the generalizability of related research findings in emerging economies. This paper is intended to bridge these gaps.
Channel performance in China: a study of distribution centers in Fujian Province
Authors: O'Neill Peter , José Scavarda Annibal , Yang Zhenhua 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis research seeks to undertake a comparative study of Chinese distribution centers (DCs) with UK DCs in order to explore the relationship between the supply chain, logistics and distribution functions, and the gap between the countries. The study has been undertaken in light of Chinese corporate standardization programs in distribution channels. The main goal of the standardization programs has been to create efficient supply chains to be able to control the flow of information, capital, product and other resources. The focus of the study was Fujian Province where the standardization program has meant that functional areas such as marketing and distribution are measured by key performance indicators (KPI), under specific evaluation keys. The study highlights benchmarked KPIs where supply chain entrepreneurship can be brought to bear.Design/methodology/approachThe method used in this research is quantitative via a small scale sample. Questionnaires were sent to Chinese DCs in Fujian Province with additional quantitative information sought through telephone follow‐up.FindingsThe data have been analyzed and compared to UK DCs for inventory level, order lead‐times, customer segmentation, value‐added activities, and floor area utilization. DCs are a long way from internationally competitive best practice across complex product categories. This provides opportunity for entrepreneurial third party inventory storage and management. DCs also exhibits low transportation efficiency due to low vehicle loading factors, also affecting DC order lead‐time efficiency and value‐added activities. There is opportunity here for entrepreneurial activity in offering efficient (lean) and responsive (agile) third party transport services. There is also evidence of poor process management implying opportunity for the application of entrepreneurial consulting capability to resource and reengineer end‐end process chains.Research limitations/implicationsThe research generalisability is limited due its small scale sample in a single Chinese province.Practical implicationsDespite a modernization program the implications of this study are that Chinese DCs are not ready for traditional international competition, but in the short‐term entrepreneurs may be able to design sustainable lean and agile supply chains that are at least as good as those in the UK.Originality/valueThe study's originality is its comparative benchmark of Chinese with UK DCs.
Acquisition of resources, formal organization and entrepreneurial orientation of new ventures
Authors: Fang Niu , Yuli Zhang , Hongzhi Xue 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the acquisition of resources and formal organization on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of new ventures.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted using an original data set of 199 new ventures in China. The data were analyzed through regressing models.FindingsIt was found that new ventures experiencing difficulty in acquiring resources have higher levels of EO; formal organization is associated with the proactiveness dimension of EO significantly and positively.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the measures of EO were mainly used to study established firms. The measures of EO may need to be modified to take into account new ventures' uniqueness. Second, this study focused on new ventures operating in a specific geographical region, China.Practical implicationsNew ventures should build their formal management systems so that they can integrate as organic organizations to engage in entrepreneurial activities. New ventures lack regulations and their development mainly depends on entrepreneurs. The formal regulations can help new ventures better use and integrate the power of the whole organization systems to identify and explore external opportunities.Originality/valueResearch on EO has focused on established firms while the EO of new ventures is seldom studied. These findings indicate the uniqueness of new ventures and contribute to a better understanding of their behaviors.
Entrepreneurship and strategy in China: why “Porter's five forces” may not be
Authors: Wang Wei , Chang Peter P. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeChallenging the suitability of “Porter's five forces” as a guide to strategy and entrepreneurship in China and in the global age at large, this paper aims to present a new “five forces” model based on Sun Tzu's timeless strategic wisdom, with entrepreneurship and “collaborative innovation” right at its heart.Design/methodology/approachThe arguments and the new model are developed, drawing on results from a survey among entrepreneurs and executives operating in China, the direct experience of top entrepreneurs, authoritative information from publishers like the Financial Times and Business Week, the consensus at the 2008 Annual Conference of the World Economic Forum, and Sun Tzu's timeless strategic insights.FindingsThe survey among entrepreneurs and executives operating in China shows that “Porter's five forces” has had little impact on business practice in China. One author, a serial entrepreneur, has considered ren shi qian or three Ps (people, project and penny) as the strategic forces driving his ventures in China. Going beyond the narrow, extremely competitive focus of Porter's model, the new “five forces” model, consisting of business purpose, business location, business climate, business organisation and business leader, is shown to determine business success. And, as the central strategic force, business leaders have to embrace entrepreneurship and “collaborative innovation” with their hearts to navigate any challenging economic waters.Originality/valueFreeing business practitioners and teachers/students from the dogma of “Porter's five forces” established 30 years ago, this paper will help them identify what really determines business success in the new age.
The Cashmere Collection: launching a new brand
Authors: Lightfoot William S. , Cohen Corine 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provoke further research and analysis into what it takes to successfully start and grow a new global venture, which sources a product in China, and resells it in Europe and the USA.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the early stages of the establishment of a new venture, and a new brand. The venture – Zelective, was founded by two MBA students working on an applied research project that was then turned into a company located in the Principality of Monaco. Importing their cashmere clothing from Inner Mongolia, China, this small firm has enjoyed significant success by designing a line of clothing that is colorful, sexy, and distinctive, while also executing a sales and marketing strategy that has increased their brands awareness, and consequently, their sales to some top tier retailers in Europe.FindingsThe next challenge for the firm is to expand their efforts, while maintaining the provocative edge.Originality/valueThis case provides insight into the challenges of starting up a new venture which sources product from China. Students have a series of questions which are designed at having them research the opportunities for Zelective moving forward, helping them determine the firms growth strategy. This case can be used in a wide range of context, from marketing, sales, and brand management, to strategy and logistics.