bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring determinants of company‐university R&D collaboration in Spain
Authors: Concepción López‐Fernández Ma , Serrano‐Bedia Ana Ma , García‐Piqueres Gema 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the factors that influence Spanish manufacturing and service firms to cooperate with universities on R&D.Design/methodology/approachA LOGIT regression model is used to verify the importance of certain variables, selected and constructed according to the literature review, to the decision to cooperate with universities. An empirical study is carried out using data from the Spanish 2000 Community Innovation Survey (CIS). The sample of study is 3,964 innovative manufacturing and service firms.FindingsFirm size, spillovers, R&D intensity and operating costs influence both manufacturing and service firms in the same way in their decision to cooperate with universities on R&D activities. However, the variables relating to strategic and legal protection of innovations, as well as belonging to a foreign group have been shown to affect manufacturing and service companies differently.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of the cooperation decision from the transaction cost economics approach is limited to operational costs and risks because of the type of data supplied by the CIS. A second limitation relates to the inability to use more recent data as, to date, the only CIS microdata published are from the year 2000.Practical implicationsThe empirical results allow one to identify the characteristics of Spanish manufacturing and service firms that cooperate with universities.Originality/valueThe paper has explored the differences between manufacturing and service companies relating to the determinants of establishing R&D cooperation agreements with universities.
Communities of practice as structures for managing knowledge in networked corporations
Authors: Scarso Enrico , Bolisani Ettore 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to discuss the critical issues concerning the design and implementation of communities of practice (CoPs), that are increasingly being developed in global networked corporations to connect dispersed and (semi)autonomous units, departments, and working teams.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores, summarises, and discusses the current literature and the reported experience of internal CoPs as a starting‐point to develop a comprehensive and systematic framework of the functioning of such structures.FindingsAn explanatory framework is proposed, which identifies and integrates the main dimensions shaping the creation and management of CoPs.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed speculation is based on a survey of more than 200 studies specifically focusing on CoPs in business environments. Owing to space constraints, only part of this is reported in the reference list, but further details can be requested from the authors. This study can also provide a consistent model for future empirical validations through case‐study analysis or action research.Practical implicationsThe suggested framework, identifying the critical dimensions and issues, can be of use for the design and management of CoPs intentionally created by firms.Originality/valueThe study attempts to draw a comprehensive and coherent picture of elements that are generally treated disjointedly, both in academic studies and in practice.
Development of practitioner guidelines for partnerships between start‐ups and large firms
Authors: Minshall Tim , Mortara Letizia , Elia Stelios , Probert David 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the development of the final outputs of a research project looking at partnerships between technology‐based start‐ups and large firms (“asymmetric” partnerships). It presents the stage of the research aimed at understanding how best to design outputs to assist firms in managing such partnerships.Design/methodology/approachA combination of company case studies, company workshops, an end‐user survey and pilot dissemination programme were used to identify an appropriate form for the packaging and delivery of the research findings (i.e. what problems can be encountered in such partnerships, and what approaches companies have implemented to overcome these problems).FindingsA range of approaches for overcoming the problems of managing partnerships between firms whose age and size are markedly different were catalogued. The research presented in this paper revealed that companies felt best able to learn from the experiences of others through a combination of direct support, multi‐company workshops, and online access to selected materials.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisability of the findings may be limited by the fact that the majority of the organisations collaborating in this research either were located in the high‐technology business cluster in and around the city of Cambridge, UK or had formed partnerships with companies in this geographic region.Practical implicationsPartnerships between technology‐based start‐ups and technology‐intensive large firms can provide an effective means of accessing and integrating the complementary assets required to bring a novel technology to market. This research will help firms overcome the numerous challenges involved in setting up and managing such partnerships by providing stakeholders with easier access to academic research findings. It will assist researchers who are considering how to disseminate research outputs to industry.Originality/valueThere is a strong body of work on improving the performance of partnerships in general, but less on overcoming the practical challenges of managing partnerships between firms of markedly different age and scale. In addition, the selection of the optimum process for ensuring that the findings of such research are used to support implementation remains a topic of debate. This work helps to address both gaps.
Creating products in the absence of markets: a robust design approach
Authors: Silberzahn Philippe , Midler Christophe 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how firms deal with a situation of true uncertainty about their potential markets and technologies. Specifically, it asks how firms can create products when the corresponding market does not exist.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a longitudinal study of a high‐tech firm, combined with analysis of existing theory in product design and entrepreneurship.FindingsMarkets and products are usually a defining choice made early on by firms in their strategic process. Such a choice guides their development by providing a “stable concept” to which decisions can be related. When markets do not exist yet, however, this approach is not effective. Early choice of products and markets limits firms' flexibility by constraining their ability and willingness to adapt, while fundamental new technical and market information is likely to emerge during the project that will prove the initial assumptions wrong. The paper shows an alternative approach where products and markets actually result from a generic process of products and markets exploration driven by the firm. It is suggested that this approach forms a robust design in that it allows the firm to deal with the uncertainty by simultaneously developing its products and exploring markets, while preserving the flexibility to adapt to the changing environment.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this paper is to suggest an alternative approach to deliberate planning in high‐tech ventures. With this approach, rather than markets and products, strategy defines a market and technology exploration process.Originality/valueThe paper is original in three ways. It links the product design and market exploration processes in high‐tech firm development; it is based on an in‐depth longitudinal study; and it results from an academic‐practitioner collaborative work.
The performance appraisal congruency scale: an assessment of person‐environment fit
Authors: Whiting Hal J. , Kline Theresa J.B. , Sulsky Lorne M. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct an instrument to assess employee‐perceived performance appraisal congruency and then to use the scale to predict employee attitudes about their performance appraisal systems.Design/methodology/approachThe scale was developed using 28 subject‐matter experts and researcher knowledge of the extant literature. The scale was then completed by a sample of 135 individuals using internet administration.FindingsRegression analyses showed that performance appraisal congruency predicted overall system satisfaction, perceived usefulness and fairness. Supplementary analyses of the performance appraisal congruency items were conducted so as to refine the original instrument for future research.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include: the interviews conducted to develop the instrument were conducted in a single organization; the study used an internet sample that was made up of university alumni; all measures were self‐report; and single item measures were used as the criterion variables. The findings support the utility of the use of the P‐E fit model in performance management systems. Future research should assess outcomes that would be of interest to organizations, such as the relationships with performance system satisfaction and employee commitment and turnover.Practical implicationsIf employees perceive that the performance appraisal system is congruent with their expectations, then positive outcomes should be expected.Originality/valueWhile congruency has been linked to important outcomes such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intention, and actual turnover, it has not been used within a performance appraisal framework.
Fuzzy logic and performance evaluation: discussion and application
Authors: Beheshti Hooshang M. , Lollar James G. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe the development of the fuzzy logic model approach to decision making and its value for managers by illustrating its application to employee performance appraisals.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review provided the framework for the model development in this research. Performance evaluations represent a critically important decision that often involves subjective information. Models and heuristic techniques that focus on the use of different types of information are available; however, with few exceptions, the models are not robust enough to be applied in a practical, managerially useful manner. Fuzzy logic models provide a reasonable solution to these common decision situations.FindingsFuzzy logic can be a powerful tool for managers to use instead of a traditional mathematical model when evaluating the performance of personnel or teams. The flexibility of the model allows the decision maker to introduce vagueness, uncertainty, and subjectivity into the evaluation system.Research limitations/implicationsThis research calls attention to an alternative method of the performance evaluation system as opposed to the traditional quantitative methods. Future research in this area is needed to develop a method for relating membership values to linguistic variables in performance evaluation, as well as testing the sensitivity of membership values and their impact on the outcome.Originality/valueThis paper provides a simple‐to‐use fuzzy logic model for establishing a more meaningful evaluation system.
Personnel participation as a key factor for success in maintenance program implementation
Authors: García Arca Jesús , Carlos Prado Prado J. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to put forward the methodology and most important aspects used at the Spanish group of timber companies Grupo Losán to design and implement a satisfactory preventive maintenance program in the manufacture of melamine and veneers in accordance with continuous improvement and TPM philosophy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on empirical evidence from one case study and develops a framework for improvement in continuous improvement management for company competitiveness.FindingsThe authors judge the difficulty in implementing a continuous improvement culture to be caused by the complexity of obtaining commitment and involvement from the personnel most affected by the project. In this context, a participative approach and a suitable methodology for implementation are key factors that are not always taken into account by companies. This experience also proposes the important role that researchers can play as “agents of change” from a viewpoint of “action research”.Practical implicationsThe management experience provides companies with a useful guideline to implement continuous improvement culture not only in the maintenance area, but also in supply chain management.Originality/valueThe case study covers a gap in the research field on the lack of implementing guidelines which aid adopting continuous improvement in companies.
Enhancing the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard with scenario planning
Authors: Othman Rozhan 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to propose the idea of linking the use of the balanced scorecard with scenario planning. Scenario planning emphasizes the development of a strategic plan that is robust across different scenarios. This ensures that the strategy implemented using the balanced scorecard is linked to external conditions and takes into consideration the expected changes in the environment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the criticisms of the balanced scorecard and proposes the use of scenario planning as a way of overcoming some of these limitations.FindingsIt argues that the use of scenario planning is capable of overcoming the lack of external orientation in the balanced scorecard. Scenario planning also helps make the balanced scorecard more reflective of changes that may appear in the future. This ensures that the scorecard developed is not merely a linear extension from the present.Research limitations/implicationsStudies need to be undertaken to examine whether integrating scenario planning with the balanced scorecard leads to more effective strategy implementation.Practical implicationsAdopters of the balanced scorecard need to recognize that developing a balanced scorecard system needs to be preceded by a strategy formulation process that incorporates an understanding of how future events may evolve. This can be achieved using scenario planning.Originality/valueThis study is probably the first attempt to link the implementation of the balanced scorecard and scenario planning.
Selection of lean manufacturing systems using the PROMETHEE
Authors: Anand G. , Kodali Rambabu 
Published: March 2008

PurposeIn recent years, many manufacturing companies are attempting to implement lean manufacturing systems (LMS) as an effective manufacturing strategy to survive in a highly competitive market. Such a process of selecting a suitable manufacturing system is highly complex and strategic in nature. The paper aims to how companies make a strategic decision of selecting LMS as part of their manufacturing strategy, and on what basis such strategic decisions are made by the managers.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise is presented, in which the managers are contemplating on implementing either computer integrated manufacturing systems (CIMS) or LMS. To supplement the decision‐making process, a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) model, namely, the preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) is used to analyse how it will impact the stakeholders of the organisation, and the benefits gained.FindingsAn extensive analysis of PROMETHEE model revealed that LMS was the best for the given circumstances of the case.Research limitations/implicationsThe same problem can be extended by incorporating the constraints (such as financial, technical, social) of the organisation by utilising an extended version of PROMETHEE called the PROMETHEE V. Since, a single case study approach has been utilised, the findings cannot be generalized for any other industry.Practical limitations/implicationsThe methodology of PROMETHEE and its algorithm has been demonstrated in a detailed way and it is believed that it will be useful for managers to apply such MCDM tools to supplement their decision‐making efforts.Originality/valueAccording to the authors’ knowledge there is no paper in the literature, which discusses the application of PROMETHEE in making a strategic decision of implementing LMS as a part of an organisation's manufacturing strategy.
A study on the performance evaluation of major international airports in the world
Authors: Tseng K‐J. , Ho Jow‐Fei , Liu Yuan‐Jing 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the performance evaluation of major international airports in the world.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the authors utilized data envelopment analysis in an input‐oriented method to discuss the overall operational performance of 20 major international airports between 2001 and 2005. They used cross efficiency measure to determine the international airports that enjoy the best operational performances and used the bilateral model to compare the performance differences between international airports of different regions.FindingsThe Atlanta Airport (ATL) in the USA and the Beijing Airport (PEK) in China experienced MPSS. The overall performance of international airports in Asia is better than those in Americas, Europe, and Oceania.Research limitations/implicationsService quality can be discuss in the field in the future.Practical implicationsIn sensitivity analysis, four inputs had positive impacts on overall performances.Originality/valueThe ATL in the USA and the PEK in China were the best practices for the other international airports.
A new role for research in achieving prosperity in the Middle East
Authors: Ruscoe James 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assert a mainstream role for focused R&D as a service activity for the economy and for society in a prosperous and harmonious Middle East.Design/methodology/approachComparative review of science policy options in the context of today's Middle Eastern economies and societies, their competitiveness, needs, aspirations.FindingsA clear case for a university‐based R&D policy targeting the needs and potential of each nation so as to stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation and renewal of traditional sectors and small firms.Practical implicationsPriority allocation of resources to targeted R&D together with associated policy changes to achieve an open socio‐economic climate conducive to innovation and birth of new activities.Originality/valueTo remind policymakers of recent international experience and thus help identify a Middle Eastern R&D focus also in the context of Islam's historic appreciation of the value of knowledge and learning.
The International Baccalaureate and its Middle East challenge
Authors: Bunnell Tristan 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2008. The IBO published a strategic plan in 2004 calling for a shift towards directed growth of the three IB programmes, and greater access. The purpose of this paper is to show how the Middle East region offers a microcosm of the huge challenge facing the IBO in meeting its desired aims.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the current situation regarding the IB in the Middle East region as defined by the International Air Transport Association standards organization. This involves a total of 16 countries.FindingsThe Middle East involves a relatively small area of IB activity in relation to the total number of “international schools” in the region. There is currently 48 schools offering 60 programmes, and comprising 2 percent of IB schools worldwide. Dubai in particular has seemingly much potential for future growth. No school offers the continuum of IB programmes.Practical implicationsThis paper offers a regional insight into the challenge facing the IB in meeting its desired goals. It will allow for the success of the IB strategic plan to be assessed more fully in the year 2014.Originality/valueThe nature and development of the IB in the Middle East has received very little attention by the scholarly community in spite of 40 years of involvement. This is the first paper to offer a resource for evaluating the future success of the IB strategic plan.
Performance appraisal‐cultural fit: organizational outcomes within the UAE
Authors: Behery Mohamed H. , Paton Robert A. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore, within the UAE, performance appraisal, culture and associated outcomes. It builds upon a mainly Western literature to develop the case for aligning culture with appraisal to meet stakeholder expectations.Design/methodology/approachA sample of managers was drawn from the Chamber of Commerce listing. Their views were sought on the extent to which they empathised with appraisal approaches. Opinions relating to organizational outcomes associated with the appraisal, combined with an exploration of culture issues, were canvassed.FindingsResults suggest: commitment will be influenced by the extent to which an employee perceives a personal organizational “fit”; an employee's job satisfaction maybe positively linked to the extent to which they consider appraisal and culture to be aligned; and, there was an unexpected neutral effect relating to the impact of national culture.Research limitations/implicationsThis Westernised approach appears to have been favourably received: the paper examines why this maybe the case and suggests further research to validate the results and to establish the true extent and nature of this Westernisation. However, the findings are based on a small sample, drawn from an affluent and outward looking socio‐economic region, and as the research was explorative, qualitative analysis was limited.Originality/valueA contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that appraisal and culture are linked and impact upon performance. More importantly the Middle East has received scant attention from researchers. By questioning the traditional view of Middle Eastern practice the research raises interesting questions concerning the current status of managerial professionalism and efficacy.