bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vocational training: trust, talk and knowledge transfer in small businesses
Authors: Butler Allan , Reed Matt , Le Grice Phil 
Published: June 2007

PurposeVocational training by those involved in small land‐based businesses can lead to innovation as transferred knowledge may be applied to make marginal changes to enterprises or, in some cases, a major reorganisation of resources within a business. The purpose of this paper is to explore how knowledge is disseminated in personal business networks and how this is used in a very traditional industry.Design/methodology/approachA synthesis of three interrelated concepts, those of knowledge, social network structure and trust in relationships, provides the basis for a tripartite model of knowledge transfer. Through conducting in‐depth interviews, data are collected on each aspect of the model to map the structure of personal business networks, to provide qualitative data on the type of relationships that exist within these and to whom knowledge has been transferred.FindingsThe emphasis on innovation through loose ties or the role of the outsider may not be an appropriate model for small land‐based business. With the pre‐dominance of strong ties and low flows of information, these businesses are unlikely to change either quickly or easily. Radical changes to business structure imply a more costly and focused intervention than the current emphasis on project and programme based support for rural businesses.Research limitations/implicationsCreating a snapshot of knowledge transfer occurring in small land‐based businesses provides valuable insights into the flows of information within a business and how training is deployed. However, a longitudinal study would deepen understanding of how cumulative knowledge transfer is practically implemented.Originality/valueApplying social network analysis to small businesses to examine knowledge transfer is in itself innovative, particularly as the research draws upon a peer‐group of businesses enabling some comparisons to be made.
Small business owners: too busy to train?
Authors: Walker Elizabeth , Redmond Janice , Webster Beverley , Le Clus Megan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe reason often cited for the poor relationship between small businesses and their uptake of vocational education and training is that small business owner‐managers claim that they are too busy to engage in training or any type of learning activity and that most training is of little value to them. The aim of the research is to examine the relationship between these factors.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative research methods the study collected data of the knowledge, attitudes and needs of small business owner‐managers, both before and after participation in a training program.FindingsThis study has indicated that small business owners are interested in skills development and training opportunities, provided that they are directly applicable to the current situation in their business, and as long as the delivery process is carefully structured in terms of location, time of day, and length of session.Practical implicationsThe success of a human resource management training program offers both an incentive for other educators to continue to pursue small business participation and useful guidelines for the implementation and the development of new programs for the small business sector.Originality/valueThe approach taken in this research has offered important insights into the value of training and how it is evaluated by small business owner‐managers. This is important as owner managers are the primary decision makers about whether or not training takes place.
Training commitment and performance in manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Macpherson Allan , Wilson Alison 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study sets out to examine management development activities within manufacturing SMEs, and their impact on performance. Unlike previous published studies that concentrate on formal training, this empirical analysis includes both formal and informal training. Performance is measured in terms of turnover, employee growth, and survival. It also includes consideration of the firm's context on both training approach and performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses from 198 manufacturing SMEs in the UK are analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA.FindingsFindings indicate that formal training is likely to be a targeted activity that contributes more significantly to performance than informal training. Also, the approach and influence of training are dependent on contingent factors. A model is proposed for a further detailed study of these contingent factors using a multivariate statistical analysis.Originality/valueFor SME managers, while they may prefer informal training approaches, they would benefit from seeking a formal training intervention that directly addresses their specific needs. For business support policy, support options need to be flexible enough to provide idiosyncratic solutions. Generic training solutions are not welcomed by SMEs, and are unlikely to provide significant performance benefits. A greater understanding is required of the variety of contingent variables that moderates the relationship between choices of training approach, and between training and performance.
Using training and development to affect job satisfaction within franchising
Authors: Choo Stephen , Bowley Christine 
Published: June 2007

PurposeA review of the literature on franchising has revealed a significant lack of academic research on employee training in franchise systems. Further, most research in this area tended to focus on training for franchises as part of the overall package. This study seeks to address the shortfall of research in this area by investigating the influence of training and development on an employee's job satisfaction at one of Australia's fastest growing franchises.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data from 135 frontline staff at one of Australia's largest bakery retail franchises. The data were gathered by means of a structured questionnaire, 16 items of which were devoted to an evaluation of the organisation's training and development programmes and six items were dedicated to job satisfaction.FindingsThere are several key findings for this study. First, the effectiveness and efficacy of a training program are dependent on evaluation of training quality, course design and learning experience. Next, employee satisfaction is found to be influenced by work environment, company values and job responsibilities.Practical implicationsFindings from this study have important managerial implications for retail franchisers and individual franchisees on how to enhance the job satisfaction of employees by the provision of effective training and development programmes.Originality/valueThis empirical study has made a major contribution in adding to the limited body of empirical knowledge on the influence of training and development on job satisfaction in retail franchising. It is hoped that this paper will encourage more academics to investigate the impact of training and development on job satisfaction and retention in franchising.
Could e‐business create a competitive advantage in UK SMEs?
Authors: Pavic S. , Koh S.C.L , Simpson M. , Padmore J. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to improve the understanding of e‐business, competitive advantage and their roles in the UK SMEs. This paper uses case studies to examine what is needed for SMEs to change from an “old” traditional business strategy to a new “e” business strategy.Design/methodology/approachA range of academic and practitioner literature related to IT, e‐business, and different business models is reviewed. Nine case studies were used to collect information from SMEs in the UK.FindingsIt may be possible for some SMEs to integrate the internet technology into an overall strategy and this new technology could lead to a competitive advantage. However, owners' attitudes towards new technology, the knowledge and skills of management and the workforce are recognised as potential problematic issues.Originality/valueThe results of an academic literature review and nine case studies were employed to construct a prototype of an e‐business model named “Competitive Advantage Through E‐business” (CATE‐b). In that respect the CATE‐b prototype model identifies possible e‐business application areas and proposes a plan for e‐business integration.
Networked enterprise: a case study of implementing an information network system for global product development
Authors: Yam Anthony Y.K. , Chan Michael F.S. , Chung Walter W.C. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe challenge of global product design and manufacturing in the networked enterprise is to have an information hub supported by an information infrastructure that is difficult to imitate by competitors. The global company can use this global network to share information among its members and provide fast response to customers. The purpose of this paper is use to the dispersed production network to show where knowledge management can be deployed in operations for gaining competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method was selected as the research method. The case of Hasbro Far East Ltd is presented to depict the components of the information hub and why knowledge management can be effectively deployed in the management of the collaborative product development process.FindingsThe findings of the case study support the argument that the streamlined collaborative process can be institutionalised in the form of information hub to facilitate the use of a new business model for global product design and outsourced manufacturing. The new business model guides an incremental approach in transforming the operations of a global enterprise which serves a show case in business process management for benchmarking.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper offers a business model of knowledge management in networked enterprise for global product design and manufacturing. The success of using the model depends on the sponsor in the creation of the knowledge‐based system and the ability in resolving conflicts through information sharing among members of networked enterprise. Future research should concentrate on developing enterprise performance tools to facilitate the alignment of views from different participants of the network so that they can become sponsors earlier in committing to the development of an information hub for knowledge management and achieve the new dispersed production network business model.Originality/valueFindings may pose interesting implications for global entrepreneurs, policymaker, suppliers and supporting institutions, for the way they work together to gain the most benefits and competitive advantage from the new business model.
A study on building of a common gateway for secure exchange and transmission of electronic business message
Authors: Chiu Ruey‐Kei , Yu Shiao‐Ping , Lenny Koh S.C. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo present a research model attempting to build an innovative common gateway complaint with Rosettanet Standards for the secure message exchange between electronic businesses under this age of internet economy. The use of Rosettanet Standards is to achieve the effectiveness and efficiency of message exchange and consequently gain mutual benefits by means of agile response for cross‐organizational co‐operation.Design/methodology/approachThe common service gateway is modeled by taking the advantages of transmission comply with the standard model specified by RosettaNet among business trading partners involved in supply chain system. A prototyping system compliant with the model presented is built and installed as a gateway interface of digital firms and seamlessly integrate to the firm's backend information system to conduct the message exchange with its business trading partners. The prototype is also implemented to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of this proposal of innovative model.FindingsThrough the practical experiment, the service model provided can really assist the firms using this service gateway to conduct its peer trading partners with having same gateway installed may streamline their flow of business data and create a higher value of supply chain between them in terms of communication and operation costs.Research limitations/implicationsMore experiments and trials of the prototyping system need to be conducted in different test cases in order to make a concrete conclusion of this paper.Practical implicationsThe adoption of international standard model is easier to implement a supply chain system and the business value is also can be achieved if the electronic data exchange is carried over the internet.Originality/valueThe system model presented in this paper can be a valuable reference for further similar development to build an electronic business to achieve the low cost, high efficiency, high security message exchange for digital firms at this internet era.
A strategic selection of channel satisfaction model by using neuro‐fuzzy
Authors: Wang Jui‐Lin , Ho Chien‐Ta , Lin Chin‐Shien , Chou Shihyu 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis research, based on the idea of contingency fit, attempts to construct a strategic selection system to select the best fit competency of channel strategic selection by using neuro‐fuzzy technique.Design/methodology/approachNeuro‐fuzzy technique is used.FindingsIn addition to, providing a concrete bilateral solution to select the right and better fit competency of channel strategy and giving an alternative way to explain fit, this strategic selection system can also be used as a competency diagnosis system for channel members in the supply chain organization, providing clues for further channel performance promotion and channel modernization.Originality/valueThrough the literature and construction of strategy channel satisfaction model (SCSM) concepts and ideas, an empirical study of the Asian Commerce Community meet distribution channel relationships will pose an Asian developed channel modernization perspective of SCSM to discuss the critical marketing strategy selection for the traditional orient “commercial channel”.
Manufacturing strategy auditing for garment making companies
Authors: Hurreeram Dinesh Kumar 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo illustrate the development and use of a manufacturing strategy audit tool for both assessing the current manufacturing strategy and for selecting appropriate alternative strategies with a view to implement benchmarks, specifically in garment making companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a supplement to the existing literature on the process of manufacturing strategy. The methodology is mainly based on the generic frameworks proposed by Platts and Gregory and Skinner and involved the development of a manufacturing strategy audit tool through the use of manufacturing system models constructed for the purpose using the IDEF0 technique. An analysis of the manufacturing system models together with company surveys led to the compilation of data regarding poor, average and better practices within garment‐making companies. The developed audit tool is a compilation of extensive data with regards to these practices for comparison purposes and for setting strategic targets.FindingsThe manufacturing strategy audit tool has been used in five case study companies which have been selected on the basis of their turnover, size and products manufactured. Only one case study has been presented here, as an exemplar, to illustrate the appropriateness of the audit tool for identifying poor, average and good practices for each of the functional areas within the company. Moreover, the use of the audit tool as a guide for the formulation of alternative strategies is illustrated.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of the audit approach supported by manufacturing system modelling has been found to be very appropriate for manufacturing strategy formulation and analysis. The present research illustrates its relevance and importance in the garment‐making sector for benchmarking purposes among others. The use of this methodology needs further investigation in other sectors.Practical implicationsUse of the tool has shown promising results in the set of companies considered for the research. It is in fact seen as a vital instrument for garment making companies around the world, willing to achieve enhanced product competitiveness in an era of liberalised apparel trade.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils the needs of companies, which see the process of manufacturing strategy formulation and analysis as a myth. It adds to the literature on the process of manufacturing strategy. The novel methodology using the case study technique sets the foundation for all people involved in the organisation to work in teams for identifying areas of poor performance and while appreciating benchmarks within the sector, set targets for meeting better performance levels.
Ten insolvable dilemmas of participation and why foresight has to deal with them
Authors: van der Helm Ruud 
Published: June 2007

PurposeArguably the most distinguishing characteristic of the current rise of foresight for dealing with the long term is the explicit mention and involvement of actors and actor networks, i.e. participation. In general, this participation dimension is considered a valuable contribution to better anticipation and anticipatory behavior. However, participation should not be seen as the solution for the conceptual and practical difficulties of anticipation. This paper seeks to argue that, although participation is a necessary requirement for foresight, it contributes a number of new problems, which one prefers to see as dilemmas (since there is no solution to these “problems”). Understanding these “ten insolvable dilemmas of participation” is the main objective of this contribution.Design/methodology/approachThis article employs theories and practice dealing with participatory approaches.FindingsAlthough an important dimension of foresight, participation is often trivialized. However, using participation means also having to address new challenges for which no default design answer is possible.Practical implicationsFutures practitioners will be aware of the consequences of incorporating a participatory dimension into a foresight exercise.Originality/valueAlthough participation has become a key feature of many contemporary foresight activities, generic design questions are either ignored or dealt with on a case‐to‐case basis. This paper is an attempt to employ the body of theories on participation and participatory approaches in order to frame the participatory dimension in foresight.
Combining ICT and cognitive science: opportunities and risks
Authors: Malanowski N. , Compañó R. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeMany experts consider that the technological convergence of previously separated sciences like nanotechnology, biotechnology, information and communication technologies and cognitive sciences, will – in the long term – impact deeply our society and economy. Key actors in society need to become aware of the challenges linked to converging applications (CA) and take some decision related to processes to develop these. It is hoped that analyzing CA‐related opportunities and risks at a very early stage will contribute to reduce possible adverse effects in the future. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based upon a literature review, complemented with ten expert interviews carried out over the telephone. The interviewees were natural and social scientists familiar with the topic of converging technologies/applications.FindingsSetting priorities for discussion on research and strategy within and between the various fields of CA benefits from the early involvement of key stakeholders from the very beginning. Formulating and structuring relevant open questions on opportunities and possible risks of CA helps to contribute to a balanced discussion on opportunities and risks and further work on this topic.Originality/valueThe opportunity and risk analysis is exemplified for four promising areas at the intersection of cognitive science and ICT, namely human brain interfaces; speech recognition technologies; artificial neural networks; and robotics.
Which future for libraries?
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail 
Published: June 2007

PurposeInnovation in information and communication technologies, combined with change in social and cultural attitudes, is raising questions about the future for libraries and librarians. This article seeks to examine alternative futures that were developed at a workshop organized by Brisbane City Council in June 2006.Design/methodology/approachThrough the discussion of provocative discussion points, four possible futures emerged – “the lean, information machine”, “co‐location for community capacity building”, “knowledge navigator”, and “dinosaurs of the digital knowledge era”.FindingsThe library is undergoing a foundational shift in services, design and purpose. To survive and thrive in the future libraries will have to adapt to these changing conditions.Originality/valueThe article identifies some key strategic questions for libraries, particularly those provided by municipal authorities. These strategic questions remain unanswered but this article contributes to the debate.
Mobile number portability
Authors: Sutherland Ewan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a review of the experiences with the implementation of mobile number portability (MNP).Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a structured review of global experiences from markets where MNP has been introduced.FindingsThe paper finds that results have been disappointing, apparently arising from complex regulatory processes and sub‐optimal implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has a lack of sufficient analysis of the effects on competition.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the need to measure national performance against global best practice and for NRAs to share experiences.Originality/valueThe paper is much broader in scope than previously published work in the area of MNP.
ITU World Telecom 2006 report
Authors: Frieden Rob 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to report on the International Telecommunication Union Telecom World Symposium and Trade Show held in Hong Kong in December 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on some of the ideas presented at the symposium.FindingsThe paper finds that attendees got a first‐hand sense of Chinese ascendancy in information and communications technology (ICT) as well as the promise offered by ICT to bridge the digital divide.Originality/valueThe paper shows the ideas on bridging the digital divide presented at ITU World Telecom 2006.